Would you apply for a job if you had to be reachable at all times except during approved PTO?

You see a job ad.

You are really interested, based on the job title.

Towards the end, under "Other Requirements", the job ad reads: "Must be reachable at all times via phone or email/text, except during approved time off. Ability to work on weekends and holidays as needed."

Do you still want to apply for the job after reading this?
 

Unless you are a first responder/doctor/otherwise saving lives, this should not be an expectation of your employer.

100% agree! Even when I was a social worker we shared on-call duties and in times of need we used a call service. Asking people to be available 100% of the time is a recipe for disaster!

Lilah Poltz best answer. There are ways to share and cover without laying that all on one person.

My job is already like this but just not spoken as a requirement.

I already work this availability anyways as a leader you are expected to be available.

Yes, I already live that life. I’m a Mortgage Loan Officer and a Landlord. Leaky faucets don’t keep a 9-5 schedule and I need to be available when my mortgage clients are available and need me.

Only if it’s a job that I feel is part of “my calling”…truly giving back, truly helping others

As this would, by nature and reg, be a salary position as opposed to hourly, the full offer would be included in the decision to both apply and accept a position as described. The boundaries, integrity and communication of the organization would dictate.

It would depend on what stage of my career I was at and what my personal goals for seeking a new job happened to be at that time. For me, jobs are always about more than money or the time commitment required.

24x7 response comes at a HUGE cost.

Oftentimes, this is what is required of leaders. If you manage a multi million dollar asset, there isn’t management onsite 24/7. However, I believe it is important for those in upper leadership to establish good boundaries and keep after hours questions to emergencies only.

Depending on the title of the role, some form of “availability” out of the typical 8-5 hours is pretty typical if you manage staff. If you expect them to be there for you and respond to you, you need to be available for them and respond. Answering a call, email or text on the weekend I don’t think is a big deal to most managers. For a hourly role, like a Maintenance Tech, leasing agent etc. they should not be “on call” unless they are paid for it is my opinion.

Its a JOB, not a lifestyle. Work-life balance is absolutely crucial

This describes most of my careers as the only tech on staff (commercial service, not multi-family). I often made more in overtime than regular pay. But I was young then. I would not take even the best job now for that kind of requirement.

Simple ~~~~ NO!