A: Hey Adam. Sorry I'm late. I got help up at the office.
B: Don't worry about it, Peter. How are things going?
A: Well, investment banking doesn't have the easiest schedule in the world. Sometimes, I get home at midnight or even later!
B: I had no idea you were working those kind of hours.
Exercises beyond the original
Q: What kind of job does Peter have?
A: He works in investment banking.
A: You know, I complain, but it's not as bad as it sounds. I like the pressure. Most of my clients are in Asia, halfway around the world. So sometimes the schedule is crazy.
B: Right, when it's nighttime over here, the day over there is just starting.
A: Yeah, and if there's an emergency of any kind, it usually happens late at night.
Exercises beyond the original
Listen & Repeat
He doesn't think he has an easy schedule.
B: How was that not bad?
A: Well, the people I'm dealing with are interesting. And even the schedule is flexible. If we don't have anything really urgent to do, my boss will let us leave early.
B: Really? My boss doesn't understand "work-lift balance". Last Friday he gave me an assignment at 5:45, just as I was getting ready to go home. It took me 3 hours to finish!
A: I thought your job was 9 to 5.
B: We often work later than we're supposed to.
A: But then you get a lot of overtime pay, right?
B: Actually no. It's the office culture, especially if you want to get a raise or promotion. In face, all of the teams work longer than their regular hours.
Exercises beyond the original
Q: How long does Adam usually work every day?
A: He works longer than his regular hours.
Q: Why doesn't Adam get overtime pay?
A: It's the office culture.
If they want to get a raise or promotion, theyneed to do it and not complain.
Read the Sentence
Working late without overtime pay is just part of the office culture.
A: Hmm, my last job was a lot like yours. We were expected to be in the office all the time, even if there was nothing to do. So I feel for you, man.
B: Thanks. Hopefully it will get better. Hey! If you feel so bad for me, why don't you get the drinks tonight?
A: Sure! I can do that. Two beers please!
B: Next time it'll be on me.
Exercises beyond the original
Q: What will Adam do next time?
A: Buy the drinks.
Q: Why does Peter feel sorry for his friend?
A: He used to have a similar schedule.
Listen & Repeat
Next time the drinks will be on him.