Am I a slacker for not clocking in a few minutes early at work?

[Joe917]

I work at mcdonald's. Yesterday I arrived at work and had to work with the manager i dont like. she's just very short, and abrupt with me. I arrived 3 mins before my scheduled shift. I saw her. I gave her a friendly hello. She was just like "okay go clock in". If I were to clock in even 3 mins before my shift, it would be an unscheduled clock in, and shed have to come scan her face, and approve it. Also, one time I arrived early, and one of the other managers told me to wait exactly until my shift started before I clock in. So I was standing at the clock in station, and the manager I dont like walked by when I had maybe a minute left, and was like "c'mon! Clock in!". I felt like maybe I was being a slacker at the time, but I was just doing what I was told by another manager. She does this sort of stuff all the time, and I dont feel like this torwards any of my other co workers, or managers. She is a very hard worker, and maybe she's just trying to push me to succeed. I don't know.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Each manager has a different way of leading. This manager clearly values whatever labor you provide and wants you to get paid as soon as you’re in the building. If that bothers you, don’t enter until you can clock in.

[ohsheeT]

No your not
next time just ok
come with me so you can approve it
so you don't get in trouble or get them in trouble

[ohsheeT]

Be a leader not a follower be manger teachable capable person figure
And figure out the positive instead of the negative

[DryGermanGuy]

Managers don't want to see people standing around paralyzed. Just grab a broom, etc.

[AI Opinion]

You’re not a slacker at all.

You followed prior instructions: a manager told you not to clock in early, and early punches require extra approval. That’s you respecting both policy and their time.

What’s really happening is a classic management inconsistency problem: different managers, different expectations. That’s on them, not you.

Two practical moves:
1. Politely ask: “Do you prefer I clock in exactly at my shift, or up to a few minutes early?”
2. Follow *her* preference when she’s in charge, and the other manager’s when they are.

You’re doing fine.

[Jeff51]

Don't clock in early. It causes overtime. Businesses don't want OT

[Azaz09223]

That is okay just make sure it is close