Asking for strict working hours vs leaving when the work is done jobs? (how to, best)

[leadingedge04]

My job is very weather and client dependent. We base it on a schedule of meetings and lessons and techincally we are open until 8pm in the summer and 5pm in the winter. If its not very busy, we are told to pack up and leave, sometimes hours before we are scheduled to close down. Other times, we may stay later. I might think I can leave at 6pm but end up leaving until 8pm. This is a bit hard on my personal schedule as I can never make plans. Should I ask my boss for a more strict schedule so I can tell friends/family "ok I am leaving at XX" and stick to it? How many jobs are like this vs you go in work XX-YY and leave?

[TKramar]

My job involves putting up freight. Some days are heavier than others. If it's light in the earlier part of the week, we leave early, so that we can stay later when the workload increases. So I work anywhere between 6 to 9 hours on a regular basis. There have been days when it's been ten or more. (maybe 1/2 hour more).

[seeniorita]

Is this a pretty flexible boss/job that you can ask for a strict schedule? I think in today's job market/economy, it's best not to rock the boat. Otherwise, you may find yourself with more time than you want for friends/family.

[bande1102]

This has been happening to me, too. I've been at the same place for 9 years. in the beginning, I had regular hours, didn't vary unless we o/t and then it was voluntary. Now I'm expected to be available for clients pretty much 12 hours per day. Which isn't to say I work 12-hour days, but just that I'm expected to shift my start time anywhere from 6am to 9am and end time anywhere from 2pm to 7pm. Drives me nuts. I'm trying to figure out how to resolve this, too, so hopefully someone will offer advice.

[Huckleberry3911948]

the solution is unions, but americans hate them.