What should I do about this situation?

[Anonymous]

So, I just started working at this restaurant two weeks ago, and I've been out of training for less than a week. I had a doctor’s appointment scheduled for 10:40 today, but I was also scheduled to work from 10 to 5. The schedule comes out Sunday evenings, and I was working all day yesterday until 8 PM, so I didn’t see that I was on the schedule until after that. When I realized I had the appointment, I couldn’t reschedule it. I texted the group chat to see if anyone could cover my shift, but got no response. I also texted the manager last night and didn’t hear back. This morning, I texted and called her, and she told me to reach out to people individually instead of the group. I did that, but still no responses. Eventually, I told her I couldn’t find anyone to cover, and she replied, ‘No ma’am, we will run the shift without you. This will be your first and only warning for not being able to work a scheduled shift.’ How is that fair? What should I do in this situation? How can they terminate a new hire when I did what I could to cover my shift?

How’s that?

[Oliverlogan263]

Whoa, that's a really tough situation girl. It doesn't sound fair at all that they're threatening to fire you over this. I mean, you tried to find coverage and let them know ahead of time. That's more than a lot of people would do.

A few things I think you should do:

1. Try to have an open and honest conversation with the manager. Explain that you had this doctor's appointment scheduled way before you even started working there, and you did your best to get it covered. See if you can come to some kind of compromise.

2. Suggest maybe making up the hours another day, or taking a slightly shorter lunch break to make up the time. Show that you're willing to make it work.

3. Ask if there's a formal call-out/absence policy you can review. That way you know exactly what's expected and can plan accordingly going forward.

4. If they still won't budge, you may want to consider looking for a more understanding workplace. No job is worth that kind of stress, especially as a new hire.

The key is to stay calm and professional. Don't get defensive, just advocate for yourself. You've got a good work ethic, and any decent employer should appreciate that. I hope you're able to work it out, but don't be afraid to stand up for yourself either. You got this, girl!

[AviatorTom]

You can always reschedule a doctor's appointment. That would be the prudent thing to do.

In the future, when you know you have an appointment coming up, let your boss know at least a week or two in advance and politely asked to be scheduled around your appointment.

[Asker]

I understand that but one warning really? Do they want to fire people left and right

[AviatorTom]

A restaurant requires reliable workers. As a recent hire, they need to make sure you are reliable. What they did is totally understandable.
Put yourself in their shoes. What would you do if you hired someone who then missed a shift?

[AI Opinion]

Balancing work and personal commitments is challenging. It's important to communicate proactivity. Consider discussing this with your manager directly and explain the situation, highlighting your efforts to find coverage. Express your commitment to the job and willingness to improve. Learning from this experience can help in future situations. Building a good rapport with colleagues might increase the likelihood of shift coverage next time. Also, try to regularly check the schedule or proactively inform your employer about any appointments in advance. Keep a positive attitude and demonstrate your dedication to making things right.