O/R wants to know (overtime to survive)

**Reca** · 01-12-11, 02:14 PM

O/R wants to know: do you feel as though you have to rely on overtime to make ends meet?

**jmur5074** · 01-12-11, 02:36 PM

I don't, no.

Some of my co-workers probably do though.

We get tons of overtime - so much that I typically turn it down because I get enough forced OT that I don't need it. But, I also don't have any kids or big expenses, or debt other than my mortgage.

**Cidp24** · 01-12-11, 02:47 PM

I learned a long time ago not to "rely" on overtime to make ends meet. It sure is was nice though, up until I became salaried.

**Captain America** · 01-12-11, 03:01 PM

I depend on details and overtime to have funds to pay for anything that is not a basic necessity. Like Cidp24 ,I have learned never to rely on or assume anything . My Chief could get the ass one day and ban details. Overtime can be stopped for budget concerns.

**pac201** · 01-12-11, 06:04 PM

I'm salaried, so no. A couple of folks where I used to work had to have it, so much so that one even got a second job when we had to scale back the OT.

**213th** · 01-12-11, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by Cidp24

I learned a long time ago not to "rely" on overtime to make ends meet. It sure is was nice though, up until I became salaried.

I'm the same way. I don't need it, but it does makes things easier when I get it.

**McCrackhd** · 01-12-11, 06:42 PM

YES! And I'm getting sick and tired of having to work all the time to make ends meet. That's why I want to move someplace that actually pays a decent wage. I had no illusions of grandeur when I came on MPD. But, I was told that we would get regular raises (HA!) and a chance for advancement. We haven't had promotions in 5 years.

**Pelicandriver** · 01-12-11, 07:50 PM

I get less than 20 hours a year! So I don't depend on it.

**kjlaw** · 01-12-11, 09:44 PM

I would guess that I do only because when my wife decided to return to school to become an RN and use the rest of her GI Bill before it expired we decided that it made more sence for her to stop working and be a full time student. we can make it (not sure how long) if the OT stopped but the 20-40 hours a week sure make it alot easier.

**KaiGywer** · 01-12-11, 10:04 PM

Yes I do, and I'm sick of it

**lewisipso** · 01-12-11, 10:38 PM

Off duty security gigs mostly but yes.

**Buttercup** · 01-13-11, 09:31 AM

I really hate that some LEOs have to rely on overtime to make ends meet. It's not right.

**Jks9199** · 01-13-11, 03:40 PM

Sadly -- Yes.

Some bills ran up, and had to get a new car earlier than I'd wanted to so money is tight. Shouldn't be... but until I get the bills dealt with, it's going to be.

Probably looking at getting a part time job...

**ChesCopPodz** · 01-14-11, 03:45 PM

I promised myself that I would never have to, and I don't. Im glad I made the move to where I did. I can afford to have my wife stay home full time with the baby, and I live comfortably. No new and fancy cars, modest house on a couple acres, nothing fancy. At my old department ($30,000 less than what I make here), I know guys who are on food stamps, and haven't had a day off in months because they do OT gigs every single day off they get. Guys who had nice houses before putting on the badge having to sell their nice house and downsize. I didn't want that, so I left.

The only time I go out of my way to do OT is when I want a new toy, or to save up extra for a vacation or something. Last year I did about 12 hours of extra duty, I worked 2 OT shifts when we were short, court OT, naturally accrued OT from late calls, and the kicker, 30 minutes OT every 2 week paycheck for uniform care and maintenance. In order to get the maintenance OT, you have to have worked all 80 hours in the pay period. Any sick or vacation time used voids it for that paycheck.

**Darin** · 01-23-11, 11:24 AM

Yes , yes and YES!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm going thru a divorce. It wasn't even my idea however I lost my house, my kids (judge gave me 2 days a week visitation..yes VISITATION over my own kids) and over half of my income. I have to pay $1200 a month to child support and towards mortgage to the house I'm no longer allowed in.

I have to work about 30 hours OT a month just to keep my head above water and keep what little I do have.

**Second Chance** · 01-23-11, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by lewisipso

Off duty security gigs mostly but yes.

Same here, but I don't use that extra bit of cash for bills, it's fun money. I would rather do Off Duty Security then P.D. overtime any day of the week...........;-)

**gopherpuckfan** · 01-24-11, 02:19 AM

I don't, but there are a few in my department that probably do. I made sure when I went house hunting a couple years ago that I could afford to maintain my current lifestyle + mortgage without having to rely on OT.