Saturday, 05 December 2009

  • I Hate My Job — How Much Is Too Much?

    My job is really starting to get to me. Mostly, it's the hours. The hours are terrible. I work 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. almost every day. Sure, I get a day off here and there, but almost never do I get 2 days off in succession.

    The issue with working third shift is that on your one day off, you have to sleep all day to sleep off the night you just worked, and by the time you wake up, it leaves you to sit up, all night, with nothing to do. I never have time to join the land of the living. Another issue is that, with kids, I either have to ignore my children, in favor of sleep (something I am not really willing or able to do), or I have to go without sleep (something that happens way too often).

    Then there is school. I have to go to school, or I will never be able to leave this job (or another one, equally as unfulfilling). I just planned my spring semester schedule, and I am already having anxiety about how to live with this schedule. I'll be taking 5 classes in total. One is totally online, and one is a "hybrid" class, so it's partly online. One meets Thursday nights, 4–7 p.m., and two meet on Monday and Wednesday nights. In theory, if I didn't have kids, I could come home from work, sleep, and then get up and go to class. However, I really only end up catnapping, here and there, for one hour at a time (if I'm lucky). I'm really starting to feel worn down. My kids are suffering, my grades are suffering, and my health is suffering... and all so I can make $12 an hour. Yippee.

    My best friend lives in California, near Palm Springs. Her husband is about to be deployed to Afghanistan. She is going through a lot, and I really want to be there for her. She has invited me, several times, to come out and spend some time with her. She even offered to buy my plane ticket, and my mom offered to keep the girls while I went. The issue, though, is that I couldn't get approved for vacation time (even though I have earned the PTO hours), because supposedly, my boss can't find someone to replace me on nights. She just suggested I cash in the PTO, instead of taking the vacation. If I cash it in, I actually only get 80% of the "face value" of my hours, and I don't get to take vacation at all. Is this bogus, or what?

    Also, I've lately been feeling like my head is on the chopping block. I missed work in October because I had swine flu (yes, MFin' SWINE FLU, people!), and even though I had doctor's notes out the wazoo and couldn't get out of bed for over a week, I was called in to a meeting with my bosses upon my return to discuss what they feel is "excessive absenteeism," and to give me a written warning about my "behavior." I asked them if it meant anything that I had doctors' notes, stating that I was highly contagious and not to come to work, and that I was too sick to walk, and that all of this could be totally verified, and they basically said that it didn't matter, and implied that the company was getting ready to do some "house cleaning," i.e., thinning the herd, and that I better mind my Ps and Qs... etc.

    The next day, I found out that they had fired another girl for being tardy, and she had been there 5 years (and has 3 kids to support). I thought about her, and how the company had used her picture in all kinds of advertising campaigns (she has a cute face for advertising, to be sure, but they obviously kept using her picture because she is black, so of course they are trying to use her likeness to imply how diverse and inclusive they are...), and I felt bad as hell for her, getting the ax for a totally bogus reason, and then having to see your face around town and on TV, telling everyone how awesome this company is. Anyway, she got fired, and 2 other people got "in-work suspensions" (which are totally insane, because, well, if you're going to suspend me, you could at least let me have the week off, right?), and 3 others received written or verbal warnings.

    Then there is the internet usage. Lots of companies are blocking MySpace and Facebook and stuff, but ours is blocking EVERYTHING. Craigslist, even the Target website or basically any retailer, are all blocked. I understand that they want us to be productive and not mess around, when there is work to be done, but we can't access it on meal breaks or anything. The worst part is being on third shift. When there is work to be done, I always do it, but a lot of the time, there is nothing to be done. I can't make calls to patients, because it is 3:00 in the morning. There aren't that many people here. First I do whatever is an urgent need, and then I take care of the filing. Then I empty all the confidential documents, into the shredder. Then I restock supplies. Then I tidy and clean up the cubicles. Then I clean out my boss's mini-fridge. Then, finally, there is just literally NOTHING to do.

    Even though it is not busy on third shift, it still sucks that we don't get an actual break—as in, time away from your desk. We can't leave our areas, in case someone needs to call us, and the cafeteria isn't open. We just have to stay here. The other shifts get 2 half hour breaks, and we get nothing. So really, if I want to check my email during first or second shift, I can do that during my break, but on third shift, since you don't get a break, any time you might want to check your email is technically on company time, which could land you in really hot water.

    I just feel like I am in prison a lot of the time, and I really wish I could find another form of employment. It doesn't look like that is likely to happen, though. I hate to start any sentence with "the economy," but I will do it: The economy sucks, especially in this town. I can't just quit without something else to do. Everyday, though, I feel more and more worn down—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

    What's the worst job you've ever had? Have you ever been miserable enough to quit?

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Comments (28)

  • Mal_P@xanga

    I hear you, loud and clear. It sucks! I recently quit a job, which I was very unhappy with, and now I feel like a sucker, as I can't find another!

    And I know, that anxiety of wondering if you are in the chopping block? I been there too.

  • itscatwithak@xanga

    I thought u legally have to be given a break for every 6 hours you work.  You should look into that and then find out what rights you have against them.  I have a similar issue with getting time off.  I work Saturday night and if I ever ask for one off its a huge issue because no one wants to work it.  At my job though you can't get paid for time, you actually have to take it off, which is pissing me off since its already almost the end of the year.  It sounds like you might need to look for another job!
  • ScorpioInBlack@xanga

    Damn...that's ridiculously unfair for the 3rd shift workers. 


    I have been in a dead-end job for 4 years which I did not have a chance to advance because I didn't kiss my manager's butt.  And I refused to stoop to that level.  Needless to say I was extremely frustrated after watching coworkers with less experience of knowledge get ahead just for brown-nosing.  The manager must've been ashamed of these promotions because she done it secretly on the down-low.  What a way to kill the group's morale... 


    I cried almost every Monday morning in the breakroom because I was THAT miserable.
  • Pcgecko85@xanga

    sucks, time to look for a new job. Oh and you can break through the firewall restrictions by setting up a vpn connection.  
  • Shattered_Reflection13@xanga
    Thank you!

    The worst job I ever had was also my best and only job. I worked at a home daycare, my co-worker was awesome, and I loved working with the kids and finding fun, creative ways to help them learn. My problem was my boss. She personally didn't like me. I did everything she told me to do exactly how she told me to do it only for her to change her mind to make my life more difficult. She threatened to fire me because I wasn't in school (which I couldn't afford on what she paid me even with financial aid), expected me to get the only clothes I own ruined, yelled at me for looking nice, told me to gain weight, then fired me for wearing the only clothes that fit me when I did because they were "completely useless for working with children, I have 3 beautiful daughters and I don't care if you look pretty. I've talked to you about this before and you decided not to listen. I think you need mental help. I can't mentally afford to have you as my employee. Leave my house". < On quote from my former boss. Now, all I ever was to her was respectful, I loved those kids, and the only reason I ever considered quitting was because of how my boss treated me. But me, little miss dedicated, stayed. So now I have to say that I was fired on all my job aplications, and if
    I didn't have to be so concerned with her trying to prevent me from finding another job, the day I was fired may have ended with me saying something like this: "I'm sorry, but these are the only clothes that fit me today because YOU told me to gain weight, YOU DON'T PAY ME ENOUGH TO AFFORD NEW CLOTHES WHILE I'M TRYING TO SAVE UP FOR SCHOOL YOU CRAZY BITCH. I may need therapy, but you need it A HELL OF A LOT MORE THAN I DO, AND YOU ALSO NEED TO GET LAID! And I'm SO SORRY your husband won't touch you anymore, why don't I buy you a nice cactus with my last paycheck so YOU CAN SHOVE THAT UP YOUR VAGINA!!!!!"


    But I didn't say that, and I still don't have a job. I have faith though, in the fact that those kids loved me and made her life hell by screaming and crying about where I went for at least a week after I left. And until she finds a new employee who will deal with her crap like I did, she can deal with the crap in the diapers. Maybe one day she'll slip and end up with her face in one . . .


    *End Rant* (And I think I'll give you a mini for giving me an oppertunity to rant. Thank you!)

  • aznbunny604@xanga

    *salutes*


    You have a lot on your plate! If I were you I wouldn't be able to handle the job, let alone kids and school.

  • UmmBintAnnalisa@xanga

    @Shattered_Reflection13@xanga - Why on earth did she tell you to gain weight? That makes no sense? What does it have to do with working in a daycare?
  • Shattered_Reflection13@xanga

    I skipped lunch during my break to run errands and starting losing weight, she said I looked unhealthy and she didn't want me passing out while working with the kids. Always had to find something. Not to mention that running around with 12 kids a day was more of a workout than I'd ever gotten before in my life.

  • DarcKleer@xanga

    I've had a handful of crappy jobs. The one job I had right out of school. The Job Placement program set me up with it. It was fine at first but then my supervisor started picking on me for some reason. It was my first REAL job and yeah I made mistakes but you gotta make mistakes in order to learn, right? Apparently, this woman was perfect and NEVER made any mistakes. Every time I did she would SCREAM at me. The room we were in was so small and there were 4-5 people including myself in this room. On several ocassions I'd sit at my desk and cry in silence out of embarassment. I was only 21 so I figured I'm young, I can find something better. I just called and quit one day b/c I couldn't stand that woman anymore. If you treat me like shit and make me hate myself, I will screw you over.


    The job I got after that was ok for the first year and a half. I spent a total of 2.5 years there. That last year was hell. The idiot who took over at that time was such a tool. I couldn't stand him. He told my supervisor if I wouldn't help out with collections he would fire me. He wanted me to call former students who weren't paying and tell them they owed us money. I can't do that without having a nervous break down. I'm not a people person at all. I ended up with major anxiety b/c of this place. January 07 was when they made me do this...My supervisor was really nice to me and didn't wanna lose me b/c I was good at so many other things but for some reason the higher ups didn't want me doing those things. My supervisor had someone from another department make the phone calls and I did the paperwork. She said we can only get her help til July b/c by then her department will be busy. I said, fine...I'll be gone by then anyway. No one believed me. I had breakdown after breakdown. My one co-worker came into the bathroom with me one day and told me not to quit without having another job lined up b/c I'd just screw myself. I knew she was right but I just hated that place. June, I found another job and was out of there before I had planned on leaving. I'm so much happier with the job I have now. It's what I went to school for and my bosses are great people.


    Sorry this is so long! I just feel you and hope things get better for you. If they did for me they will for you! good luck!
  • tracezilla@lovelyish

    That really sucks terribly. I'm sorry to hear this. I guess third shift sucks no matter where you work or what kind of job you do.

    I think your place of employment really takes terrible advantage of the employees, though, and I wish that there was something you could all do about it. :(
  • k_Skrap_moua@xanga

    I wouldn't say your job is too bad.  I would slip a book in and read away. 

    The worse Job I had was being a waiter for a COCKY THAI RESTAURANT OWNER.  I swear one day those LOSERS ARE GONNA PAY!  If there is something stereotypically true, it is that rich Thai people are the DOUCHEBAGGOTS of all humanity!
  • sunflowersforlove@xanga

    The worse job I've ever had is the one I have right now. I work Friday from 2pm to 8pm, Saturday from 10am to 730pm, Sunday from 1030am to 630pm, and Monday from 5pm to 830pm. It doesn't sound that bad, but it is. Especially since I am in school all day from Monday through Thursday. I was going to try and get Fridays off, but was told I would be fired if I got any weekends off. I get paid $8.50 an hour. It wouldn't be that bad since I'm only 19 and since I'm supposed to only check clients in and out, keep the register balanced, empty the stylists stations, and clean up. That is not the case though. I do all that plus vacuum and mop every night, lock up on Friday-Monday and open on Sunday. The other girls who do this get paid $11. I have to do all the night paperwork and close up the register. It's only getting worse, but I haven't been able to find a new job.
  • heaventtonight@xanga

    In the eyes of an employer, it's very frustrating to have an employee come up to you and put up a fight about getting fired for the sole reason that you have "three kids to support." If there are more able applicants just waiting to replace you, then any employer in his or her right mind would be willing to say farewell to you. It's just smart for business.

    I also understand that you may seek breaks, but the truth is some employees will just take advantage of the benefits that are provided -- and nothing ever seems to be enough. Foolish employees will become spoiled, and trust me, spoiled kids are one thing but spoiled employees are just, "get another job." I've read job descriptions that are far worse, and at least you're not getting paid minimum. If you are looking for other opportunities, however, try to find a position that allows promotions and such -- so at the very least, there's the hope for better paychecks... assuming that you have the abilities to back that up.

    I realize the majority of the comments are coming from one point of view, and I guess the truth of the matter is that very few employees are willing to see through the eyes of their bosses. It's sad, but true -- and it's also precisely why these complaints will never be resolved.
  • ElusiveSecrets@xanga

    Thanks. That motivated me to study my ass off so my life doesn't suck that much. That sounds really mean, but that's the truth.

    I am sorry that I can't be of any assistance. I do wish you the best of luck. You should study during those late hours so that you can get a better job. Here's what I would do if I were you.

    1)Study my ass off during the nights.
    2)Graduate with good grades.
    3)Apply for another job.
    4)Make some money.
    5)Seek out that girl you seem to like.

    Good luck
  • ElusiveSecrets@xanga

    Whoops you're a girl. Heehee.
  • lesslikemath@xanga

    you were out of work for a week with swine flu?  when i got swine flu, i still made it to class (in the back, with a mask, haha), and was pretty much back on a regular not-as-much-sleep schedule within three or four days.  that's insane.  i'm sorry :(

    your job sounds hellacious.  i feel the same way with school and two part time jobs, like i'm up all night and all day all the time.  it really is taxing.  fortunately i don't have kids and i get spring and winter breaks.  i can't even imagine how you keep going.  i get pretty insane right before the breaks get here.  i would say keep looking for another job or even two part time jobs if you can get the hours to work out to full time and be better for you.  :)
  • dead_poetic009xx@xanga

    posts like this really fucking piss me off. shut the fuck already.....stop bitching and complaining about your JOB!! at least you have a job!! you don't want it? i'll take it in a heartbeat. you don't know how goddamn lucky you are to have a job that gives you A LOT of hours and is over minimum wage.


    maybe you should have used protection when you fucked the dude that got you pregnant and maybe then you could have been out of your "awful situation" earlier. count your blessings and be thankful you have a job to pay rent, bills, and put fod on the fucking table. and for the sake of others who don't have that luxury shut your fucking mouth until you have something REAL to complain about. THANKS
  • lauren_lethal@xanga

    @dead_poetic009xx@xanga - who pissed in your cereal this morning?
  • OrioleTerra@xanga

    Keep stressing out like this. When you inevitably get sick again and miss work, let them fire you.

    Then go file unemployment. 26 weeks of pay during which you can get some well-earned sleep and find another job.
  • my_final_username@xanga

    I did a short term assignment a few years ago via an employment agency


    We could choose morning or afternoon shift (mon to wed 8am to 2pm and thur to fri 7am to 1pm)


    Monday to Wednesday was 2pm to 8pm


    Thursday to Friday was 1pm to 7pm


    It was not to bad these hours,  as we advise to take a five minute break from the screen every hour.


    I really like this job
  • my_final_username@xanga

    I have never had to walk out of a job,  because all my jobs have been temporary so far via employment agency,  I did have a work placement a few years ago in 2006 which I could not really work out of.     The 2nd one I would have been in trouble had I walked out on my job placement.
  • winter_deathangel@xanga

    I worked at Bob Evans as a Hostess/Service Attendant from 17-18 years old (10/2004-5/13/2005).  I hated my job so I quit WITHOUT putting in a 2 week notice.  I really don't care how that looks on my prospects of finding another job either.  You go to work to WORK not stand around chit chatting with your fellow employees or the customers. EVERYTIME someone came into the place they always asked about the stupid smoking ban and why we were still smokers.  I had to explain to these people thousands of times that we were waiting on the two big towns in our area to vote on the ban and then we would do what the two big towns had decided.  My co-workers would just loll around while waiting for their trays to carry to customers and TALK all the time.  My dad happens to think I did the right thing by quitting like I did, he would have done the same.  I'm never working in a restuarant again if I can help it.
  • kidakaen@xanga

    I'm a hotel desk clerk and i totally get the suckiness of not getting a break. After the managers go home I am the only person at the hotel so I have to run the desk, clean the lobby, take care of guest issues.  Everything.  You think that would keep me busy right? wrong.  I'm not even allowed to sit down.  When I leave the desk I have to carry a hand phone that  "gets the calls transferred to it."  Well this phone doesn't actually work......40% of the time and it's a write up if you don't answer the phone. I stand and do NOTHING for 8 hours at a time.  My feet hurt so bad I can't even walk and sometimes I take the phone into the bathroom and sit on the floor because it's the only place I'm not on camera (we're on camera WITH someone watching you 24-7) And yes, we are required to take and answer the phone while in the restroom.  How awkward is that?!
  • kidakaen@xanga

    @itscatwithak@xanga - Sometimes they can make you sign a paper saying you accept that you will receive no breaks or time to eat while on the job.  That's what I had to do.  Now I stand, not allowed to sit, at a desk for 8 hours a day.  I even have to take the phone with me when I use the restroom so I don't miss any calls.  It's the worst thing EVER!!!
  • dead_poetic009xx@xanga

    @lauren_lethal@xanga - lol the people who complain about their jobs pissed in my cereal. need to learn to be thankful for what you have.

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