“What kind of work-life balance?” — Netizens question job offer with 12-hour shift on weekdays

SINGAPORE: After a netizen shared a screengrab of a job offer, a handful of others questioned where in the offer could the so-called “work-life balance” be seen, given that the weekday working hours listed ran for 12 hours.

An anonymous netizen took to a Facebook group on Wednesday (June 28) to share a screengrab of a job offer. Though the advertised position was not included in the screengrab, something else caught people’s attention.

Listed under “Job highlights” were a fast-growing environment, a work-life balance, and flexi perks.

However, under the job description’s working hours, the weekday schedule was stipulated as follows: “7.30 am to 7.30 pm / 7.45 am to 7.45 pm.”

As for weekends, the schedule was “1pm to 10pm.”

“What kind of work-life balance?” the caption read.

Many online users made their calculations and asked where the so-called work-life balance was. While some responded with jokes, others took a more serious approach.

“Aiya, you work, you live. That is the meaning of work-life balance,” said one. Another wrote, “Yes… work your life out.”

A third commented, “You work (such) long hours, spend more time at work until you feel work is your second home. So you feel at home, (and) you then feel (like) you (are) working from home.”

Other online users, however, took things more seriously and took the opportunity to discuss the circumstances of people who do not have the leisure of such a balance between their careers and life.

“The majority of essential workers will be prepared not to enjoy this claimed work-life balance,” said one.

“We are just like worker ants,” said another. “Work til death.”

While one stated, “No life,” yet another wrote “, 12 hours per day? Crazy timing.”

Still, a few others questioned whether the long shifts were followed by longer rest periods. “Why did you not post how many days off in a week?” wrote one, pointing out, “Usually 12-hour shifts are 3 working days followed by at least one off-day. Be honest.”