How do I deal with my BS job?

[Whatthefluff]

Before you tell me to "just quit", I don't have a car so my options are more limited than others.

I work at a pharmacy chain. The work is uncomplicated so I thought it would be good for me while I'm going through my last semester of CC. During the interview I said I want 25-30 hours a week and everything seemed fine. However, my upcoming schedule is showing up to 37 hours per week scheduled. I wouldn't have minded any other time but I'm taking 15 credits and trying to focus more on that.

I requested the past weekend Friday-Saturday off through the work schedule app about 1/2 weeks ahead of time, which met the requested time frame my gm asks for. However, I saw a few days later that this request was denied. I decided, well, I did my due diligence. So when the weekend rolled around the GM called and texted asking where I was. I explained that I had tried to request the time off beforehand and I really couldn't come in.

He talked with me that Monday and basically said he scheduled me because he didn't have really many other people who could work those days and just to let him know next time.

I'd already had issues with coworkers and certain things because there have been several nights where I'm working with 1 or 2 other so-called "shift leads" but they'll be in back in the office on their phones or eating or whatever and I won't so much as see them for hours. Essentially I'm working by myself at these times. It's kind of infuriating but I haven't confronted them about it and have yet to tell the GM.

For these reasons I'm already feeling burnt out a month later. Almost no one here has any work ethic. And I'm too much of a "coward" to directly confront those lazy individuals.

[hahahmm]

It's best to have goals in life & if doing something moves you towards your goals, no matter how 'boring' then you just do it. If it is slowing you down from reaching your goals then you cut it out. It's not that complicated.

Unless you're being paid to be a manager, I would not confront a co-worker for being lazy. I would just focus on doing my job & make sure I'm not picking up slack for the co-worker.. . and when something doesn't get done, I'd say "I was busy working on XYZ".. Let management read between the lines & figure out how co-workers are slacking.

Although if you think your co-workers' actions could cost someone their life (mixing the wrong drugs) or something, that I would report 100%.

I don't think you made the right choice in ignoring management's work schedule because a "request" is only a request, and can't be you dictating to management on short notice what the schedule is. On the other hand if you know you absolutely can't work certain days/times then you should be able to spell that out MONTHS and WEEKS in advance so I don't get why you're waiting till the last minute. When you spell out things earlier you have way more leverage/negotiating power than when you do it at the last minute/few days. And yeah, you may have to leave this job if they can't work with your schedule. As long as you act like you're not SURE or that you're flexible they will play games or think you're possibly okay. When you just don't show up for work you send the message that you're unreliable. This isn't really the message you should be sending. You should be reliable but unavailable at all times & have it understood FAR in advance.

[Whatthefluff]

Fair enough but I did request those days off weeks in advance

[The_Shadow_Dweller]

They are your coworkers, not your friends. And most probably they will never be your friends. Better to make your life easier by complaining about them and/or replacing them. Because in a chain, anywhere, everybody is replacable and we need to work based on that mentality.

If you keep quiet, they will keep on behaving like that.

[The_Shadow_Dweller]

You may need to use the corporate language. Take a look about it on YT or IG.

[XHopelessRomanticX]

Your education needs to come first, and its okay to be firm about your obligations with school. I can't tell you for certain what potential outcomes may come about, but communicate your needs, and be respectful of your manager's decision. Understand that you may need to sacrifice other things like weekends, holidays, or time with friends. Your GM may consider asking you to resign. But when you speak with your boss, be sure to show tact. It seems like you're pretty committed to the job and want to do well, let them know that while also reiterating that you have other commitments outside of work. Maybe ask if they can spare a few minutes to discuss the lack of support from the "shift leads". Good luck to you!

[glennos89]

I would highly advice you to step out of your comfort zone and discuss this mather directly with the GM! He/she needs to know!

The other option you have have if you don't feel comfortable enough to go directly to the GM is to work a lot slower then you are normally doing. Just try to slow yourself down to a point that the GM is going to notice productivity isn't high enough anymore if that is possible

[Whatthefluff]

Thank you, I think this is exactly what I need to do. It pisses me off seeing my coworkers at night sitting in the office like rats.
What do you think I should say to the GM. I'd be telling him the truth but these people are "shift leads" and I have only been here about a month.

[glennos89]

Just tell him you feel like you are carrying all the workload and that it starts to mentally drain you. Just tell him that you feel tired and that you would appreciate it if co-workers can carry some of the load with you because you think they can step up a little bit more sometimes. Just try to avoid putting the blame on others to much because honestly... your not really in a position yet to do that. Just tell him you have the feeling that the workload could be decided more evenly because you ain't gonna last much longer otherwise

[Whatthefluff]

Thank you so much. It would be hard for me to think of a way to put it "less personally" without your help. I'll let you know what happens :)

[glennos89]

Your welcome! And 1 more tip... sometimes a certain company doesn't suit you very well as a person because your simply not fitting in. Happens to all of us at some moment in life. Don't be afraid to quit a job if your not liking it and just search for another job where you do feel nice and fitting in. It's just a job so don't be afraid to do what's nescesarry to feel happy with the job you have

[exitseven]

It looks like they are making you work just short fo having to give you benefits. Speak to your boss and explain that you cannot work so many hours. Do not be afraid to walk away from this place. There are plenty of retail jobs out there.

[Guy13]

Head down, good work, work isn’t supposed to be fulfilling or joyful, and keep going 🤷🏻‍♂️ My job sucks too…like everyone else’s.

[MysteriousDarkness]

@guy13
Not everyone hates or dislikes their job like you do.

[ChefPapiChulo]

15 credits and full time job is way too much. you have to be made out of a certain fabric to be able to do that.

[Sabretooth]

a coward since when?