S’pore Boss Won’t Let Staff Leave On Time Even After Finishing Work: “She Said It Seems Like I’m Running Off”

If you’ve ever dealt with an difficult boss, perhaps you might have advice for this Redditor in Singapore, who’s baffled by their employer’s expectations. 

In a post titled ‘Not allowed to leave work on the dot?’, the OP shared: “Boss feedback saying it’s not very nice of me to leave work on the dot even if I have completed my work and though I come in to work 30 minutes early. She said it seems like I’m running off or running away.”

“It’s the local culture of staying late after working hours [being] so prominent in Singapore. It’s pointless to stay if you have completed your urgent work and for the sake of staying, just to please your boss’ unrealistic requirements,” they continued. 

The OP shared that they work for an “older boss,” which comes with certain downsides, like no overtime pay. They also noted that some colleagues work through lunch — and while the OP doesn’t want to be a workaholic, “that’s their culture.”

Many netizens were quick to take the OP side, with some advising them to stop arriving early and others suggesting they should just quit.

Others pointed out that a work culture like this makes for an unhealthy environment. While “many local companies are the same,” they said there’s nothing wrong with leaving on time. 

Staying late is understandable during busy periods or tight deadlines, but otherwise, employees should be free to knock off once their tasks are done for the day. 

One netizen wrote: “If people want to work during lunch hour it’s their choice. Maybe they want to clear and not stay back. But saying you shouldn’t leave when time to get off work isn’t right , especially when you came early and did your work.”

Another quipped: “Tell your boss it is not very nice to pay your salary exactly as stated in your employment contract. Should add a bit more so it doesn’t look like the company is losing money.”

Essentially, many agreed that if a job pays for 9–6, there’s no obligation to arrive early or stay late. They see no issue with “running off” once their paid hours are up.

“Sounds like a typical boomer boss mindset — ‘show face to show respect,’” one commented.

Some added that they experienced the same treatment from their bosses “20 years ago,” and it’s frustrating to see that not much has changed since.

What would you do in the OP’s situation — stay late to curry favour, or continue leaving on time?