Like most people my age, I work. I don’t work much, and I don’t work hard. I’m lazy and uninspired, and I’m the first one to admit it. I suppose one day I will find my focus, but until then, I am perfectly contented to sort through organic products for 6 hours a day, before retreating home to play with my computer. Okay, in all fairness, I learn a lot on my computer. Things that will come in handy when I am in school, provided I stick with my current goal involving media. And, in between, I get to yell things like ITMAN (I DON’T!)!!! And be immature with random amigas. It’s a nice existence.
However, just because I am a little bit careless these days, does not mean I don’t know how to behave, or that I shirk my responsibility. I’ve been raised to face the consequences of my actions. I started working when I was 16. I’m sure I drove my supervisors crazy with my silliness (I’m friends with some of them on Facebook! I should ask them! And apologize once they confirm my suspicions!). But one thing that can be said was that I was not irresponsible. Okay, I spent my money frivolously, but that has little to do with my job. As far as work is concerned, I’ve only been significantly late once. By 10 minutes. Because I had to walk at the last minute. I’ve never missed a day without calling in. My breaks are always carefully timed. I’ve always been careful to complete the tasks assigned to me.
That is why I am completely flabbergasted by the attitude of my newest work colleague. I won’t mention her name, partially because I’m not sure what it is, I’ve never set my eyes on the girl! Apparently, she takes uber long breaks, and then lies about it, even after someone has seen her, and called her out on it. And doesn’t complete very simple assignments. (And I mean, really simple. This is retail, it’s not rocket science!)
I have had two run-ins with her (kind of. One wasn’t really with her.). Yesterday, I was working from 8am until noon, and she was scheduled from 11 until… whenever. Four? Who cares? The point was, she was supposed to come, and take over for me. I know how to run the department quite well, having worked there since the beginning, so I had completed the majority of the day’s work without problems. But, I’d left a few easy things, like facing and tidying up the department, for the new girl. She was due at 11. By 11.30, I realized she probably wasn’t going to show– at least not by the time I finished. So, I ran around like a wild woman completing the task I was already attending to, as well as tidying up as best I could. Finally, my dad came up to me, and told me he’d be around, and I should find him. I agreed, and finished my mad dash.
Shortly after noon, I swiped out, and followed my dad around, shopping. Around 12.15, I hear a page for my department. And, I figure it’s her, so I run back, and she tells me she won’t be in. Fine, fine, I say sweetly. But really, I’m kind of angry. I mean, company policy is to phone in 2 hours before your shift if you are not going to make it. It was an hour and 15 minutes after her shift was due to start! What? Where’s the responsibility in that? Anyway, she told me she would be in for her shift today, at 2, and I suppose I believed her.
I shouldn’t have. Around 11.30, I get a call, not from her, but from her sister. She says that the girl (the one I work with) won’t be in today, because she is severely behind in schoolwork. But, she will come in the next day.
Right. Like I’m going to believe that. Ha. Cue laughter.
In any case, I suppose things have changed since I was 16 and started working. Permission to work was granted by my parents and based on the condition that my grades stay satisfactory. And I would never have dared to call in two days in a row, for no apparent good reason!
I don’t get it. I suppose she doesn’t get it either.
Ah, to be 16 again!
Wow, that really sucks. I’m not 16 yet but I don’t think I’m nearly as irresponsible as her! She doesn’t know how to work in a group environment and doesn’t know the meaning of responsibility!
If I were in your position, I would have probably yelled my head off at her.
Whoa, that’s really messed up. Maybe she wants to get fired? o_O
I’m hoping to get a summer job, and now I know some of the things not to do.
FIRE HER. What kind of lame excuse is that?! Everyone has school work, just plan ahead.
Aisling you, on the other hand, seems totally hardworking and conscientious. Wanna do my homework for me? =P
What’s that weird bit under your navigation? o_O
Point in case… she doesn’t take the job seriously enough. Her ass so needs to get called so that she will wise up. I mean shit… if I had pulled those same stunts myself when I was younger, I would have been shown the door very quickly. Sounds like she thinks that she can get away with anything and yalls management seriously needs to show her that’s not accepted in the real job world.
Can’t she be fired? Being late on schoolwork isn’t a proper excuse, despite her age, and she should have known the responsibilities.
I worked for my parents’ restaurant when I was 16. If I came up with an excuse like that I’d get hit
YYTYANDNI!! Decipher that one.
Sigh @ the children. It makes me wonder if I was ever like that when I was 16. I don’t remember it…? Thank god, really.
Irresponsibility seems to be spreading a lot more freely these days. I think something let loose in the high schools, some weird lazy virus.
You feeling better? *hugs* You better not disappear…unless it’s to TYAN!
That is quite annoying. I’m like you- I have never missed work in my life without calling in and letting someone know far in advance (when possible). My husband works at a college library and the student workers will quite often just not show up and not call and tell anyone why. I don’t get it either. What makes people think they can act that way? It’s not just restricted to 16 year olds either. It’s people of all ages. People are becoming more stupid and irresponsible I think. It drives me nuts!!