For the last year and a half I've had a job in a local hotel to fit around my studies. To begin with the hotel was family run and then it got taken over by a company last summer. The family were always really understanding when it came to essay deadlines and exams but the new managers are not like that at all. I'm now in my final year at uni, will be finished in May and have my thesis to hand in next month and finals in May, both of which I need time off for. The managers are not very understanding towards this at all. Since September:
I asked to get my hours cut back cos I couldn't work every second Sunday from 12-9 as I struggled to fit uni work around it. They did nothing so I asked to move into the bar instead as the hours would suit me a bit better.
They don't pay my taxis home when I'm on late as there's no buses when I finish my shift
They were going to refuse me time off for my exams in January
Have constantly phoned me to work extra shifts and as soon as I say no, I get asked 20 questions as to why I can't or won't work
Its not happened to me but it has to others, someone has phoned in sick and they make them come into work cos they are so short staffed, on one occasion one of the girl's grandfather had died, she phoned in saying she wouldn't come in but the manager forced her to come in
the buses went on strike, they refused to find us any alternative means of transport to get there with one manager saying "Its not my problem the buses are not running, I thought they were having a joke when I read that the other day"
happily give others time off for college work totally forgetting I'm in my final year at uni and when I ask, its refused.
There's probably more I've forgotten, my list of grievances is that long.
Why do I stay there, cos its money and I love the banter I have the customers. Anyway, I was planning on taking a fortnight off work next month for my thesis deadline as I have quite a lot to cover before the hand-in date - got a chapter to write, do my conclusions, fix it tidy it up etc. Anyway,the fortnight I was due to take has been booked off by someone else (someone with a full time job elsewhere, this is just a part time job to keep her ticking over) so its unlikely that I'll get the time off work as well. They're really short-staffed - for instance, I transferred from the restaurant to the bar almost 4 months ago and I've still not been replaced in the restaurant. The thing is tho I really need the time off so I think my only option is to hand in my notice. I know I'm looking at a First Class Honours/2.1 just now and I really don't want anything going wrong. But that's worrying me even more because that's leaving me with no money and the way things are, its not like I'll get a job very quickly. I am in the process of applying to temp agencies just now for money over the summer but sometimes that can take ages to get off the ground.... any advice?
Surely you'd be able to get a bit off evening/weekend bar/waitressing work somewhere else fairly easily? is there any way you could afford to not work for the next few months until you've finished uni?
I wouldn't quit any job at the moment. I quit a job about 6 months ago, wasn't the best decision I've ever made as it is now becoming the source of some friction in my private life. I am extremely good at what I do and even I am finding it a huge effort to find something else. I have been for loads of interviews, two of which I know that a year ago I would have walked into, but the standard of candidates at the moment is so high.
The problem with companies sometimes is that they become very un-personal. You have to show them that you are an asset to their company and they cannot afford to lose you, then you have "leverage" to bargain with, for time off, more socialable hours or whatever you need.
On the one hand, it's work, which is hard to come by. But on the other hand, do you really want to break your neck working for a company that treats you so badly?
Then there's the studies. If you're up for a first, how much will you regret it if you get a lower grade because you were too busy working to study enough?
And another question? What will a future employer prefer? A first class honours student, who quit their job to get the best possible grade, or a second class honours graduate, who managed to get a degree whilst holding down a demanding job?!?! (dont ask your tutors this question!!!)
I think that sometimes a simple approach works best. How about making a list of pros and cons about the job you have? The answer might be screamingly obvious at the end.
It's different for everyone, and once you know what's the most important choice for you and your circumstance, you should be able to decide whether or not to keep the job, and have no regrets about the decision.
Thanks guys ... I was on the heatworld forum and what a bunch of knobs they are!! Asked the same question and they went tits up.
Anyway ... the update is I finally got my holiday form tonight and wrote in the time I need off in April and told them I'd be looking for more time off in May for exams. Can only but try and see what they say. They've already put me down for 3 shifts next week when I can only really do 2. Already considering phoning in sick this week.
I so get where you're coming from about the company thing, I've got to point where I'm totally fed up of bending over backwards for them - the regulars that come in the bar appreciate me more than they do. I always thought bar staff were paid well to have good banter with their customers, but its seeming as if I'm not allowed to stand and speak to them on shift where there is no one wanting served etc. I'm only really an asset to them cos they're so shortstaffed. I actually met my old boss this afternoon in the shop before I started work and it did make me realise how much I miss the old days and how unappreciated I am at work now. All he said was that I have to do what's important for me. I wandered out the shop and thought if the hotel hadn't been sold on I doubt I'd be having the problems I'm having just now. Felt kinda sorry for him as well cos the company have made a total shambles of the place. Anyway, I'm waiting to see if my holidays will come through and if not, i'm outta there. I'm actually sure I'd pick something up like bar/waitressing or cafe work - cafe work appeals actually, sociable hours and not likely to be stuck working on a saturday night!! =]
Thanks for your help guys xxx
I've had a shit day - see my post on white van men, grrrrr! xxx
