How to Handle a Workaholic Senior When You’re Just Starting Out?

I hear you! It's tough dealing with someone who seems obsessed with work. If you’re feeling pressured to perform like your senior, you could try addressing it directly—let them know you appreciate their help but you need to keep your hours in check for your well-being. If a change isn't happening, just keep exploring for a healthier work environment.

It sounds like you're dealing with a pretty toxic work culture. If your senior enjoys working late hours, that's on them, but expecting you to do the same isn't fair at all. Stick to your normal hours—work your 40 and make sure to talk to your manager about any unrealistic expectations. If they want more than you're comfortable with, it might be time to start looking for new opportunities while you’re still at your current job.

Honestly, if the work-life balance is out of whack, you should definitely look for another job. It's unreasonable for anyone to expect you to be available 24/7. Focus on maintaining your boundaries and remember that quality is more important than simply cranking out code all hours of the day. If your senior can't respect that, they need to rethink their priorities.

It's not just about you feeling stressed; it's also about the company culture as a whole. If management is expecting everyone to put in those kinds of hours, that's a major red flag. You shouldn’t have to compromise your personal life for work, and if things don't improve, definitely keep your options open.

You're absolutely right to set boundaries. Working beyond your contracted hours shouldn’t be expected. Document any requests for extra hours and stand firm in your position. If it becomes a bigger issue, you may have the grounds to take it up with HR or look for a different employer. Don't let one person's poor habits dictate your work life.