I worked at home after hours and didn't ask for overtime. Is this illegal?

Question

I'm just trying to get my work done by the deadlines. I had to write a document at work, so I brought some stuff home to work on and I haven't asked for overtime pay. I'm paid hourly. Is this illegal?

Answer 1

It looks like you decided to work the extra hours on your own. I would assume you were expected to get the work done during your regular work hours. I doubt they would even consider paying you overtime. I think you are asking if its illegal for you to take home work and not get paid for it. Yes it is because it was your decision to do so.

Answer 2

Actually yes it is.  If you are covered by the federal wage and hour law, you have to be paid for all of the hours you work.

Answer 3

In the US, it is illegal for them not to pay you if you ask to be paid for the hours worked, but they can also fire you for excessive hours. Some companies give their employees large workloads and then tell them no overtime and then end up eventually having a lawsuit filed against them (Wal-mart lost a big one last year).

That said, a lot of us do a few things at home just for convenience sake (like I have better software at home than at work and a faster computer). Am I breaking the law? Nope. Should the pay me? In the eyes of the law, yes, but I never ask. It is my choice and no one forces me to do it.