AITA for Standing Up to My New Manager's "Hustle Culture" Expectations?
In a clash of work cultures, I faced off against my New York-based manager's extreme expectations of round-the-clock availability.
As a Dutch employee in a US tech company, I found myself at odds with my new middle-manager's obsession with "hustle culture."
I work remotely, and things were going well until our recent 1-on-1 meeting where my manager expressed concern about my commitment to the team. He took issue with my work hours, response times, and lack of participation in after-hours calls.
"In this company, we go the extra mile," he said, pushing for increased availability and dedication.
Despite my explanations about Dutch work norms and boundaries, he threatened me with a Performance Improvement Plan.
I stood my ground, highlighting my contractual hours and the importance of work-life balance.
After involving HR, his after-hours demands ceased, but the clash of work cultures left a lasting impact.
🏠 The Aftermath
Following HR intervention, my manager's after-hours communication ceased, respecting my work-life balance.
I retained my work hours and boundaries, with no further attempts to infringe upon them.
The consequences of the clash led to a clearer understanding of cross-cultural work norms and expectations.
Finding a balance between dedication and personal boundaries is crucial in a global work environment.
Navigating differing work cultures requires mutual respect and understanding for effective collaboration.
💭 Emotional Reflection
Balancing work expectations and personal boundaries is essential for a harmonious work environment.
Respecting diverse work cultures fosters inclusivity and mutual understanding among team members.
Acknowledging and adapting to different work norms promotes effective communication and collaboration.
Considering the clash of work cultures, how would you have navigated this situation?
It's important to respect varying work norms and boundaries to foster a positive work environment.
Work-life balance should be a universal priority, regardless of geographical work culture differences.
Understanding and adapting to diverse work cultures is key for effective teamwork and collaboration.
Reactions to the clash highlighted the importance of mutual understanding and respect for diverse work practices.
🌱 Final Thoughts
Respecting boundaries and adapting to diverse work cultures can lead to a more harmonious and productive work environment.
Finding a balance between dedication and personal well-being is crucial for sustainable work relationships.
What do you think?
Would you have left, or stayed and kept trying to make it work? Share your thoughts below 👇
![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.claudzaf.com/2026/01/my-american-manager-tried-to-write-me.html&media=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRSxVBWF5OhRG3PzuGUM_jQcbcrgVJdk3Jkc-db7M1-Rt91Pmpoo-Y7Gb5iAQ_ZydEGFwG2CzCyIOxTISyN6Yc18-UhwSmRUMmXtJBvB4Nw2InxlHjbiKXzKYXr0bi-Np5lfnmI8ghylgNPhzDx0WUUSW4oxbZRjnV676bFt8q7VhMXplNttqAwLeMKlt/s1600/1-2.png&description=My American manager tried to write me up for "lack of commitment" because I leave at 5:00 PM sharp. I work in the Netherlands.){kind=link}
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