FWD: Working later than the boss

[TECHWR-L Administrator]

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To all,

With approval from a department manager, my company offers
flex-time. I generally work from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (1/2 hour
for lunch). I get to work promptly at 8:00 am, if not earlier,
every day. She is late 95% of the time. I am rarely able to
leave at 4:30 pm (due to workload, meetings, etc) but when I
can, I happily do. My boss has the same hours but she NEVER stays
after 4:30 pm, no matter what is going on. We both prefer to leave
earlier because we have children the same age who need to be picked
up from child care, etc. We also have about the same commuting time
(approx 45-50 minutes).

She's hinted lately that she'd like to have one of the "senior"
people stay until 5:30 pm, which is technically when the business day
ends here.( Important note: I am her backup when she is out but I
still don't have the senior title yet.) Since I generally stay later
than 4:30 pm it hasn't been much of an issue, but she wants someone to
be here until business hours are over. I don't feel I should be the one
who has to make the change.  More importantly, I don't feel I should
have to. She's the manager, not me. If anyone is going to stay late,
shouldn't it be the her?

I've always believed that a good manager manages by setting a good
example  She comes in late and leaves at the same time and doesn't
seem to fret about it. When I come in a few minutes late, I fret and
stay a little later to make up for it. To me, this is what conscientious
employees with a high work ethic do. Why should any of the department
employees have to hold down the fort for her? On an occasional basis
that's fine, but not everyday. That doesn't seem fair.

Without flaming, what do you all think about this?