DEAR MISS MANNERS: I work in an informal environment (academia) where I receive a set salary. It is the kind of job where the amount of work fluctuates and sometimes requires me to work more than eight hours in a day. Because of the nature of my workplace, there is no set 9-5 rule; nevertheless, some colleagues appear to think it’s necessary to follow that schedule. I have never understood this. If I have a meeting at 9 a.m., of course I will do my best to arrive at work before that. If I am running even five minutes late, I will notify the other meeting attendees and apologize. For all other …
