First of all, I am a college student taking 20 credit hours, and my grades are very important to me (2 year, with a 3.85 gpa). I recently took a job at a retail drug store as a pharmacy tech. 3 other techs were hired at the same time. Now, one has been fired and another is out due to a family emergency. I have been more than gracious with my schedule (this week I worked 39 hours), even though I took the job with the understanding I would only work about 10-15 hours a week. The second week in December, I have finals, and I’m taking some difficult classes. I asked for the week, and that previous weekend off. My boss basically went through the roof. I was told I could have time off when things got “back to normal”. After threatening to turn in my two week notice (I hated to do that), she consented to let me have the time off, but she is being very rude toward me and is it is obvious she isn’t happy with me. I made it very clear to her my school comes first when I took the job, but am I asking for too much here?
She’ll get over it. I admire you for sticking to your priorities, and sometimes you have to risk whatever, in your case, your job, to do it. I’m sure she’s panicked because she’s short on help, but at some point you have to say, “not my problem…” You were very clear from the beginning, and it looks like you’ve already gone the extra mile.
I personally think you’re taking good steps toward not letting your employer walk all over you, something it took me longer to figure out.
On first pass, with only what you’ve provided in the OP, I’d say no, you’re not. But the job might not last a long time.
That doesn’t matter if it comes down to it. Keep the school effort going and find another job if need be.
Good luck!
Screw her. You know where your priorities are and you know what to do.
Managers during your college years sometimes fall into surreal spaces. My first summer (I was 19) I bussed tables for a local steakhouse.
I impressed the manager (all 27 years of him) that he continued all summer long to convince me that I should quit school and join him in managing the restaurant.
How stupid was that?
You’re in the right here. You’ve helped when you can, and drawn the line when you can’t.
I respect you for having your priorities straight.
Indeed- you did the right thing.
Jeeze, I hate shit like this. Just because she is having problems keeping staff and filling her schedule, she takes it out on you. You absolutely did the right thing - if you can afford it, and she keeps up the pissy attitude, quit. Nobody needs this kind of crap at work.
(I’d like to tell you that it will be better when you’re finished school and working at a profession, but I’m dealing with a fairly similar situation myself - some employers are always looking to take advantage.)
Thanks for your opinions guys…I just need a little reassurance that I was doing the right thing…
I told her today that I had to work less hours when classes start next semester, as I’m talking more classes. She didn’t like it, said it wasn’t possible. Sooo, I’m probably about to quit.
Thanks again guys!
An important thing to keep in mind whenever someone tells you that you need to get your priorities straight is that the priorities they have in mind are their own, not yours. No matter what your boss’s problems with staffing are, doing well in school is more important than a temporary, part-time job. Congratulations for standing your ground!
Yep, give an inch and they’ll take a mile. It’s the downside to being a good, hardworking, and reliable employee. Just remind them that you can find a decent part-time job anywhere that would be willing to schedule you less than 20 hours a week. The real question is can they find someone as good as you who is willing to do more than that?