Over half of Irish people are struggling to make ends meet despite working overtime.
New research shows that 55.1% of Irish workers struggle each month to make enough money to get by.
This is despite the 64% of professionals that work more hours than they’re contracted for.
The research was released by CV Library which surveyed 1,200 Irish working professionals.
It showed that 40.6% of people work 1-3 extra hours a week which amounts to 240 hours each year.
This means that Irish workers are missing out on nearly €1,500 unpaid overtime.
A quarter of workers work 15 extra hours a week which means they miss out on €11,000 unpaid overtime.
Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, said: “Of course, we all have stressful days which cause us to work longer than we’re contracted to.
“But if you’re continuing to go the extra mile, without your efforts being recognised, then something’s gone wrong.
“It’s unfair for managers to expect you to give up your valuable time without financial recognition. Know your worth and don’t settle for any less!”
Although many employees work overtime to secure a pay rise, 81.3% believe they are underpaid.
Two thirds of Irish professionals go into overdraft at the end of each month, the research also found.
Almost a third of people struggle to pay their credit card each month and over half think their colleagues in similar roles earn more than them.
Lee added: “It’s highly demotivating to feel like you’re putting in extra hours, without reaping the rewards. So, if you think you deserve it, don’t be afraid to ask for a pay review.
“It will do wonders for your motivation and productivity to have your boss acknowledge your hard work.
"Plus, we deserve to enjoy our hard-earned money by socialising and eating out with friends, rather than worrying about how to pay the bills at the end of the month”.
