ESL Podcast 240 - Working Overtime
overtime - time worked in addition to the regular 40 hours of work in a week
Accountants usually work overtime in March and April, when they have to do their client's taxes before the April 15 deadline.
to not mind - to not be bothered, annoyed, or frustrated by something; to not be upset or angry about something
I don't mind if you come home late, but please call to let me know, so that I don't worry about you.
long hours - a lot of time; too much time, usually at work
Hideaki spends such long hours studying at the library that his friends almost never see him.
to turn down - to reject something; to say `no' to something; not to accept something
The company gave him a great job offer, but he decided to turn it down because he didn't want to move to another city.
time and a half - 150% of one's regular pay (if someone normally makes $10 per hour, he or she makes $15 per hour when he or she is paid time and a half)
Alberta likes working overtime because she gets paid time and a half, and she and her husband are saving up to buy a house.
to get by - to have enough money to pay for food, housing, and other necessary things to live
Kyle and his wife both work all day, but it's still difficult for them to get by because their apartment in the city is so expensive.
40-hour workweek - the traditional work schedule of 8 hours a day from Monday to Friday, or 40 hours per week
If you are a business owner, it's almost impossible to have a 40-hour workweek because you feel like you need to work all the time.
to work your fingers to the bone - to work very hard and for many hours each day
Rachelle is working her fingers to the bone, spending 60 hours at the office each week and then cooking and cleaning at home for her family.
strapped - needing money; without very much money
Could you lend me $50? I'm strapped and I won't get paid until next week.
morale - the way that a group of people feels; a group's positive feelings of enthusiasm and confidence
Xavier likes his new job because the office morale is really high and everyone gets along with one another.
to gripe - to complain; to say negative things about something
You're always griping about your roommates. If you don't like living with other people, why don't you get your own apartment?
overworked - physically and mentally tired because one has worked too much
We are all overworked! The company needs to hire more workers because there's too much to do in this department.
emotionally drained - emotionally tired and without energy
After her father died, she felt emotionally drained and she wanted to sleep all day.
to work it all out - to talk with someone about a problem and find a way to fix it
Ronald and Bethany had a big fight four days ago, but last night they were able to work it all out.
to tuck the kids in - to kiss one's children while they are in bed, putting blankets around them and helping them fall asleep
When you tuck the kids in tonight, don't forget to read them a story to help them fall asleep.