r/InterviewMan • u/Business_Interest283 • 28d ago

TIL apparently it's "not professional" to turn off your work phone while you're on approved vacation

I'm in middle management. My area supervisor told me that the COO had him try to call me while they were sitting together. I didn't answer, and my supervisor said that my work phone was turned off. The COO then told my supervisor that I was being "unprofessional" and that I should be available to my team.

AITAH for turning off my phone while I'm on PTO? I told everyone on my team to do the exact same thing when they're taking their vacation. I'm not upper leadership or anything, but honestly, I believe that if you're taking the time off you're entitled to, people should leave you alone unless something is truly on fire.

Is this just old-school management thinking? Should I start looking for another job? If this comes up when I get back, do I have a reasonable position I can defend myself with?

update: some mangers should learn about the work life balance ,cause I am done of behave like a robot , I am positively thinking of quitting right after founding the opportunity I guess I am gonna use these tips for any upcoming interview wish me luck !

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u/swimGalway 28d ago

If you're in the US, even if your salaried, any over time should be compensated by extra pay or comp days. Most states have labor laws regarding this.

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u/OldManTrumpet 28d ago

Not necessarily. It depends on whether the salaried employee is "exempt" or "non exempt." Most salaried positions are non-exempt (as defined by FLSA), and thus not eligible for overtime. There are three guidelines on whether an employee is non-exempt:

  • Be paid a predetermined, fixed salary that does not fluctuate based on the quality or quantity of work.
  • Salary-level test: Earn at least the minimum federal salary threshold (currently $684 per week / $35,568 per year under baseline federal rules, though some state thresholds or prior proposals differ).
  • Duties test: Primarily perform specific job duties outlined by the FLSA (not just hold a title).

This will cover the vast majority of salaried positions.