A little over seven months ago I got a second job at a grocery store. This position was a 3-part goal for me. My short-term goal was to pay off a recent loan I acquired. I gave myself 4 months to get that done and I am happy to say that I completed it. The second goal was to meet people and work on my conversation skills. For my regular job, I work from home and have been since the pandemic, and so there isn't any human interaction because I type on the computer all day. Plus, I enjoy putting a smile on people’s faces, even if they can't see my face through my mask, they can see the smile in my eyes. I noticed as I was working at the grocery store, I would also get the same customers. It didn't matter how long my line was, they would wait just to have a conversation with me. My third goal was to pay off my car and lessen that burden on myself. Unfortunately, I had to leave this second job before I was able to accomplish my third goal.
Although I enjoyed working for this store and interacting with the customers, the managers and people in charge were something else. The store was constantly advertising for help, but when they got the help, they treated "the help" like robots and not people. So many times, I had to remind my supervisor of the hours I am available to work, even though I filled out a form letting them know at least three times. Every time I was put on the schedule it wasn't conducive to my availability. I would constantly bring my concerns to human resources, and they would speak to my supervisors but nothing would change.
The straw that broke the camel’s back was when I was scheduled to work a Sunday from 8-5pm. I walked into work and tried to have a conversation with my supervisor. I reminded her that I do not work more than 5 hours and I am only available on Sundays from 7 to 3pm. She was very defensive and not listening to me. She was loud and obnoxious, and I had to calm my nerves before I went off on her. Without getting into the back and forth, she basically called me a liar, without calling me a liar. That right there pissed me off. One thing I will not do is be called a liar or incompetent at something I know I do very well. I have only been working there for 7 months and receive many compliments verbally and in writing from customers who have encountered me.
The problem with this place is that the management sucks. They have been allowed to be this way for a long time and do not want to change their bad behavior. When the human resources person heard me talking about leaving in the break room, he wanted to speak to me before I left. We had a conversation, but he could not convince me to stay. At the end of the day, I have to do what’s best for me. Could I use the extra money? Absolutely! But I refuse to be stressed out and treated like trash because the management team doesn't value its employees.
I say all that I have to say on this. You have to do what’s best for you. Never sacrifice your mental and emotional health for an extra dollar. I value my peace way more than any amount of money. Allowing stress to go unchecked will lead to your death. For me, this management team was a source of stress. Let your day be the best it can be "on purpose!"
Sending you love, light, and positive vibes,
Cassie K.
"Always remember to LIFE life to the fullest, to LAUGH at everything and to LOVE unconditionally!"