Interesting perspective. I've found that certain places I've worked, they overload you and do everything they can to keep you over time. Usually the scenario t

Interesting perspective. I've found that certain places I've worked, they overload you and do everything they can to keep you over time. Usually the scenario that other people lay out is that you have to stay late and put in that time your first year or two. Then you can go back to being a 9-5 (though in many orgs this shifts from 11-7 or 10-6 to give the illusion you're working later rather than walking out at 5PM). I disagree with this because then you set a standard that you'll stay late, but on the other hand you can't be let go if you have mouths to feed. I'm more than strong enough to walk out the door, but the thing I think you're missing is that it's usually NOT the manager at fault here. It's the other employees. They encourage this culture, either brainwashed or hoping it will get them ahead. American work culture is completely upside down. Bottom line is that the org and laws shouldn't force you to stand for yourself in this regard. Every 1 minute of overtime should result in severe penalties for anyone who has any employee go over. So much that they're hustling you out the door at 5PM. That's how it is in other places, like France. A place I've both lived and worked.