What Would You Do? (Work Related Content)

santucci218 · #1 02-25-2010, 12:06 PM

My job is ok. I work in a music store. Anyways, I feel like I am being taken advantage of for some things. I called off a few days, and they pretty much said no. The one date I called off over 2 months in advance, and most recently, over 1 month in advance. I feel this is ample time to let them know. The owner went to Florida for the whole month of February, and then they fired another part time kid untop of that, so we cant really call off because we dont have anyone to take the spot. The manager tried to work with me, but pretty much didnt help me at all. I asked for a day off, March 27th. It was his saturday off for the month, and mine was March 13th. He said we could switch because he wanted to go out of town to get tattoos on the 13th anyways. Then he later told me he has to ho to a Pittsburgh Penguines hockey game on the 27th, so I can not have off. The other date in question was March 11th. I asked to have off to go to a concert of a band I really like that is breaking up. Its their final tour and i really wanted to catch him. I told him this right after the new year, but since they fired the part time guy, I can no longer go.

What would you do? I have applied at a few other places today and even have an interview scheduled this week, but i honestly dont want to leave the job. Its just like, they treat me like crap just because they wont hire somebody else or something. I don't get it. They really need me too, so maybe i could use that to my advantage?

Relic · #2 02-25-2010, 12:09 PM

If it were me, I'd just resign myself to the fact that I need a new job. You can try to force their hand and whatnot but in teh end, it's just a job. Not a career... aint worth it.

hdracer · #3 02-25-2010, 12:11 PM

As a employer myself, I will always honer a day off set well in advance.
If you are good, and they need you, Use the nuclear option, tell them you need the day off ,have earned it, and you are taking it.

MatticusMania · #4 02-25-2010, 12:13 PM

If they really need you they wont just up and fire you, mostly because they'll need someone to fill in your hours. If I were you I just wouldnt show up on the days you requested off. Sometimes you have to make a stand, like at my job where they like to have me head up all kinds of projects, Im the only one in the whole company who knows how to maintain and run what I do, yet they dont want to give me a raise because of the 'economy' (read: bad spending habits). Well, its too bad for them that the vacation days Im taking off are being used to find another job. And once I have my foot in a door Im leaving this place cold turkey to fend for their own bad decisions.

santucci218 · #5 02-25-2010, 12:22 PM

all of these have made me feel stronger about going in there today and demanding the days off, and a raise. if not, im walking!

Fishheadjoe · #6 02-25-2010, 12:39 PM

You are always deemed more employable by a future employer if you are currently working. The answer to your question can only be asnwered by you.
Do you need a steady income? Can you get by without this income? For how long?
My day job is that of an Executive Recruiter (Headhunter) and I always advise my clients to stick it out and keep on looking. You may be lucky and find a job quickly or you may end up selling your equipment to pay rent. If you can live with selling your equipment, then maybe this job is causing you far too much angst.
You have to be the judge.
Fishheadjoe

santucci218 · #7 02-25-2010, 12:45 PM

Well thank you guy. I can get by right now without employment. I presume my current savings could keep me going for a few months. I haven't any bills that i couldnt have payed off with my savings, and i would not need to sell any of my stuff beings i dont have rent or anything like that to pay.

would you advise i stick it out as in work the days, even though i asked off while i seek other work? or seek other work and still demand those days off.

shadowtippy · #8 02-25-2010, 12:47 PM

Depending on finances, it may be better if you have another job lined up before you quit this one. I don't know what the job market is like in your area, so this may not be an issue. It sounds like you are being taken advantage of and want/need to make a change. Good luck.

Fishheadjoe · #9 02-25-2010, 01:02 PM

My advice, as unpalatable as it may be, would be to stick it out and agressively pursue new employment. Again, you will arrive with a resume and they will ask you why you want to leave your current employer... if you have already quit, you will have a black mark in their mind, on you. I'm not saying that it is right, but based on my experience, that's what will happen. If you are still employed and they ask you the same question, you can say that your currrent employer is lacking in growth opportunites and explain to them, why you feel this opportuntiy has merit.
Also, never forget to build a bridge between what they are wanting you to do and your past accomplishments.
(Accomplishments in this situation being defined as things you did for your current/past employer that helped them save time, process and money. Don't ever assume that they know what you can bring to the table. This alone, will separate you from your competition in what I am assuming is a very competitive job market.
You have to decide though, if attending a concert is more important to you, than an income stream. They may just fire you as they did the other employee. Many employers are constantly bombarded by people wanting to work. Everyone is replacable.
Fishheadjoe

FL Knifemaker · #10 02-25-2010, 01:06 PM

It works much better if you tell the employer you will be off instead of asking if you can take time off.

santucci218 · #11 02-25-2010, 01:06 PM

You know what man, that really put things into perspective. I will be seeking new employment. Thank you much.

santucci218 · #12 02-25-2010, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL Knifemaker

It works much better if you tell the employer you will be off instead of asking if you can take time off.

The only thing i will give them in their defense is they make the schedule 2 months at a time, so for one of the dates, i knew i had to work, but again, i still asked off over a month in advance.

FL Knifemaker · #13 02-25-2010, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santucci218

The only thing i will give them in their defense is they make the schedule 2 months at a time, so for one of the dates, i knew i had to work, but again, i still asked off over a month in advance.

I understand. However, if you MUST HAVE or NEED, or just WANT a day off, tell them you ARE taking the day off, don't ask if it's OK. If you keep that to a minimum and they still can't deal with it, start job hunting

RWP · #14 02-25-2010, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santucci218

You know what man, that really put things into perspective. I will be seeking new employment. Thank you much.

Seems like as the job market tightens employers are taking advantage of their staff. I know people need work but they also need respect. I hope you find another job where you get the respect you deserve and can tell this guy to pound sand.

santucci218 · #15 02-25-2010, 01:14 PM

aha, I would love working full time in a great music store, as i really like the idea of it. this place is just tough.

Yerf Dog · #16 02-25-2010, 01:15 PM

<cough>sickday</cough>

Fishheadjoe · #17 02-25-2010, 01:18 PM

Happy to "pay it back" to a fellow TB'er.... let me know if I can be of any other help!
Fishheadjoe

santucci218 · #18 02-25-2010, 01:20 PM

we dont get sick days. I can go to work and have the boss send me home because i am too sick to work, but its not considered acceptable if i just call in and say im sick. It's not like i get a set # of days a year or anything like a REAL job.

nortonrider · #19 02-25-2010, 01:28 PM

When my jobs end up sucking (they always do).
I usually put thing into perspective by telling myself:
"I work to live , not live to work".

then I quit! Personally, I just can't let a job dictate how I live my life.

I have a friend who complains constantly about being treated like crap at work. whenever anyone says "quit" she always replys "Oh, I can't do that". I guess that it all comes down to prioritys.

If you want to stop being screwed, stop bending over.

santucci218 · #20 02-25-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nortonrider

When my jobs end up sucking (they always do).
I usually put thing into perspective by telling myself:
"I work to live , not live to work".

then I quit! Personally, I just can't let a job dictate how I live my life.

I have a friend who complains constantly about being treated like crap at work. whenever anyone says "quit" she always replys "Oh, I can't do that". I guess that it all comes down to prioritys.

If you want to stop being screwed, stop bending over.

...YEAH! **** Yeah! If you're ever in Pittsburgh i'm buying you a beer.