Job Ordeal

[agasfas]

OKay here is my ordeal. Currently I am employed at BestBuy and want to look for another job. The reason i want to leave is because this company doesn't care about it's employes. I orginally worked as a cashier for the first 3 months but because i couldn't sell magazine and i didn't want to mislead(lie) to the customers they moved me to inventory without telling me. I unload the trucks and etc... But for the past two months they have cut my hours (and many other employes hours) to 4-8 hrs a week. And then they make us stay until 2-3am until we finish and i have school the next morning at 8am. But now christmas is around the corner and they are going to do overnight stocking everyday and i can't because of school. They said "if you can't do it , we'll just find others who can." So basically i'm feed up. I don't make enough money here to pay my college or my gas to get to school so i want to quit. I'm thinking of perhaps being a waiter. It's money everyday and it has money flow. Anyone have any experiences to whether they would recommend this kind of job or not? Or do y'all have any other job ideas?
Thanks.

i worked in a grocery store for 2 1/2 years before i left to bestbuy. I worked my way from baggier to head grocery guy in the frozen foods dept. Why did i leave.....?

[Ashley]

Well if you're looking to get into the restaraunt business, I can help you out there. I've been a waitress for two years now. And everything depends on the policies of the restaraunt. It can be both a very physically demanding job and a very rewarding one.

Sure, there are plus sides: the money can be very, very good; the hours are sometimes quite flexible; the job in and of itself is not very hard. However there is a lot that could change all of that. I would suggest if you want to look into waiting, definately make a list of things to find out about potential restaraunts before you go into work there. For example:

- Wages?
- Do you keep your own tips or will you split them? (this is a huge one)
- Will your schedule change every week?
- How much time off are you allowed? This is a big plus in a lot of restaraunts because the schedule is so fluid you can get off almost any time you need it with only a week's notice.
- What other duties will you have? For example, my restaraunt is relatively small, so the waitresses set everything up at the beginning of the shift, seat tables, wait, and clean up after them as well as cleaning the restaraunt up after the shift is over.
- How long will you be expected to stay? A friend of mine works at Hooters and they actually release half of the waitresses in the middle of the shift; the other half stays very late to clean.
- Find out right away how your taxes will be handled--some places hire you as a independent contractor and that means you have to file on your own. Be very careful.
- Will they serve alcohol? I know you live in Texas, so you need to be aware you will have to acquire a TABC license to serve; some companies pay you for this, others do not.

Like I said, there's way too much that goes into the field to categorize it as "good" or "bad". It depends very much on you, the location, and the policies of the restaraunt itself. Also, if you do decide to go into waiting, I have a few suggestions for you I wish someone would have told me:

1. If you break something, it's ok. Chances are you will *not* be fired for it (I hold the record at work and it scared me to death every time it happened)
2. No matter how a table makes you feel, always be polite back to them. Always. Don't be afraid to say "I don't write the policies here, sir" when they get upset with you. Sometimes they have to be reminded you are just a messenger, not a manager
3. Don't let a bad table get to you personally--chances are you will probably never see them again anyway, especially if they didn't like it
4. Don't let yourself worry about one bad night--again the chances are that the next night could be a lot better, so (this is huge with me) try not to sweat the small stuff.

I know this is awfully long but I tried to think of everything I could to shed some light on this subject. If you still have questions I'd love to answer them.

[Jasdero]

Ugh, I'm sorry about that. I've been begging my parents to let me work during the summer, and they've said that I can work next summer. The first place on my mind was Best Buy.... so, I'm not much help ";;;

i worked in a grocery store for 2 1/2 years before i left to bestbuy. I worked my way from baggier to head grocery guy in the frozen foods dept. Why did i leave.....?

And you don't want to go back, right?

Ashley's tips are good. ^^

[Azier the Swordsman]

[quote="Ashley"]Well if you're looking to get into the restaraunt business, I can help you out there. I've been a waitress for two years now. And everything depends on the policies of the restaraunt. It can be both a very physically demanding job and a very rewarding one.

Sure, there are plus sides: the money can be very, very good]

You're making me want to become a waiter now.

[agasfas]

wow, thanks for the advice Ashley. I think i'll go out tomorrow and apply at a couple of places. I think i'll be good at that; i mean i've been able to handle every difficult customer i've been faced w/ so far. So why not? It's always nice to run into someone who has a positive outlook on things. You got a lot of tips, i think i'll keep the list in mind when/if i get some interviews. And i'll take you up on your offer, if i have any other questions i'll be sure to ask you. Again i really appreciate your advice. Thanks.

And to answer Sunako, i don't want to go back because they have been laying off a lot of people lately. So i think it's best not to re-apply. Good think i have a really good work record.

1. If you break something, it's ok. Chances are you will *not* be fired for it (I hold the record at work and it scared me to death every time it happened)

If i become a waiter, I think I may break your record in that. I can be fairly clumsy. I think i runs in the family

[Jasdero]

And to answer Sunako, i don't want to go back because they have been laying off a lot of people lately. So i think it's best not to re-apply. Good think i have a really good work record.

I see. Yeah, I agree, it wouldn't be best. ~~ Yay for the good word record!! ~~

[termyt]

I'm afraid you'll find most places you work for don't seem to care about their employees. You need to overcome that on your own by finding your own motivation to work - the need to make money, because you like your co-workers, you feel a sense of duty/loyalty to your employers, etc. This is going to come from you, not your employers. Many people are unhappy in their work for their entire lives because they are waiting for someone else to make them feel good about their job situation and that just doesn't happen for most of us.

On the other hand, cutting back your hours, forcing you to work shifts that are not compatible with your school schedule (which should come first if you are a full time student), and more or less demoting you because you refuse to do something you find morally offensive are all very good and valid reasons to seek employment elsewhere. I wish you the best in your search for a new job.

[Ashley]

Good point Termyt about not being very respected; especially in a job that doesn't require a degree of some sort. However I'm totally with Agasfas and I'd do the same thing in his shoes. If you can make the same/slightly less/more money in a place that treats you better, why not?

I hope you'll keep in touch with me Agasfas; please let me know how things turn out for you. I'm very glad I could help you out a bit. ^^ Heh, also, one last tip...it's ok to cry after a weekend night. Your first one will most likely be brutal. Oh and swinging doors are your friends--you don't have to rip them out of the wall the first time you drop a tray because of them.

As for the record, this is it: 6 objects in less than 5 months. I believe it's something like 2 cocktail glasses, a gumbo bowl, and 3 plates. I've also made the coffee pot boil over and get coffee all over the kitchen, spilt more cocktail sauce per pound than all the other waitresses combined, spilled ice tea on an old lady (I felt horrible) as well as spilling gumbo on myself and giving my fingers a nasty burn. Ah, I could go on and on about all the "fun" experiences I've had.

[Mithrandir]

Now I'm all confused, Ash. Are you trying to steer him toward or away from that field?

But, yeah, best buy. They really do suck. Another memeber here (Spiritus Vult - I think on this board) did about a half year there before they threw him away. Seriously, it's bad. They use you up, and when you start to question if they can give you better hours, or whatever, they throw you away. You seem to know how it goes. Bad hours, etc. They want you to leave, thats why they are giving you the schedule you have.

If you are thinking of working there, I'd give it a long hard work. There are horror storries out there about that company. But I'll stop now. Good luck on your next endever!

[true_noir_chloe]

I'm afraid you'll find most places you work for don't seem to care about their employees. You need to overcome that on your own by finding your own motivation to work - the need to make money, because you like your co-workers, you feel a sense of duty/loyalty to your employers, etc. This is going to come from you, not your employers. Many people are unhappy in their work for their entire lives because they are waiting for someone else to make them feel good about their job situation and that just doesn't happen for most of us.

What a great atttitude. ^__^ I just had to say that after reading this.

Anyways, you got some great advice from Ashley and I hope you the best on your job search.

[agasfas]

But, yeah, best buy. They really do suck. Another memeber here (Spiritus Vult - I think on this board) did about a half year there before they threw him away. Seriously, it's bad. They use you up, and when you start to question if they can give you better hours, or whatever, they throw you away. You seem to know how it goes. Bad hours, etc. They want you to leave, thats why they are giving you the schedule you have.

Yeah it's true. Another side note, every month they have a morning meeting. To me and many other it seems like they are trying to brain wash their employes. extreme? You never know. But i'm going out to apply now, the only problem is i have no experience. I hope they don't take that into consideration b/c i know many places do. And i dont want to leave b/c they treat me like dirt(which they do) but mainly because of the hours. I would advice anyone thinking about working there in the future, if your not a good sells man, don't apply. Because they make you sell netflix, mags, internet providers, Replacement plans, service plans. They are trying to make everyone give thier phone numbers on every transaction and the cashier puts in whether your male of female into the computer.
But i know being a waiter has it downsides but i can easily deal w/ that, though i believe i'll be a fun experience. And Ashley, that actually does sound like a lot of accidents. And about that crying thing, i haven't cried since i was in elementary school, so i think i shall pass on that. But thanks for the assurance that it's okay to cry

[termyt]

What a great atttitude. ^__^ I just had to say that after reading this.

Yeah, I know, sorry. I didn't really mean it like that. I was trying to show that most people aren't treated like they'd like to be treated by their employers. Sometimes it's because the employers genuinely don't care about their employees (which looks like the case here) and sometimes it's because the employers have more to worry about then how each one of their employees is feeling on a given day. Work relationships are built around being efficient and profitable where as personal relationships are built around mutual interest and a desire to be around one another.

I feel like I'm going off topic and just digging myself into another hole, so I'll be quite now. Let us know how everything works out agasfas.

[agasfas]

no it's okay termyt, i knew what you meant . Anyways i keep y'all updated.

Day 1) I applied at 3 places:
-Chilis, Applebees, and Texas Land and Cattle.
The people at Chilis told me to come back on Monday 2-4pm because that is when they do all their applications and interviews. Applebees, the same result. They put me on a list and i'll go in next saturday the 16th, to fill out an application and get an interview. Texas Land and Cattle I had no shot at, they asked "do you have any previous waitering experience?" And of course that was a no. So i said "I have no shoot at this do I?" and he replied "sorry." Darn.
But hope is not lost, i will try again tomorrow. Perhaps i should try I-Hop or Jims; though i don't know what kind of atmosphere they have. I-hop may be my best bet with no experience. I'll keep y'all updated (if y'all really want to know ). Thanks for all of your support.

[Jasdero]

GOOD LUCK AGASFAS!!!! ^^ May you find the right job for you.

[Ashley]

Beware: I knew people that worked at Chilli's and they stayed awfully late. They were also nazis about getting time off---that may be that one branch though. I hate to discourage you, I'm only trying to let you know.

Here's something I forgot to mention: smoking sections. Be mindful of them and I would ask if you are called about a job if you would have to work in one. It's definately something to think about if you aren't a smoker. I forgot to mention this earlier because my restaraunt is smoke-free.

Laughs...it's a shame you and I don't live closer. You could probably take my spot at work, since I'm very highly considering leaving it shortly.

[agasfas]

you live in houston correct? That is only about a 1 1/2 hr drive from austin. Not too bad. And yeah, i'm not a smoker i hate the smell. Although both my parents are smokers . But Chilis i may agree with you. The atmosphere was weird and the girl hosts were kinda rude to me. ::::waves his fists::::: To bad chilis, the macoronni grill, logans, Rock-something Fish are all owned by the same company.
Leaving your job, why? Opps, you dont' have to tell me if you dont want. So goes life.....

[Ashley]

Well, I'm just ready for a change if I can get it; I come home physically exhausted most nights (especially because of some medical conditions, but we don't need to go there) and while there are a LOT of perks to my job, the costs are starting to outweigh them. My boss and managers are pushing us harder and harder and demanding more out of us. Plus, I'd like to start trying to get internships and stuff like that in the field I'm going into (art/graphic communications) so I'd like to try to break into studio-type work if I can. Monday my English Proff/Art History teacher is going to get me a list of local studios so I can see if anyone would like an assistant.

All in all, if I left my job the money would have to be at least slightly comperable and there would have to be some flexibility involved...so it hasn't gotten to the point I can't stand my job, but I would indeed like to do something different if I can. My life is so crazy right now that some stability would be nice.

However, I hope if you get into waiting we can share some good stories...there are some things only other waiters/waitresses can really understand.

Oh that's right, you live in Austin...if you get a chance, try to come to Oni-Con! I get to speak at a panel so it'd be a lot of fun to meet up with some CAA members. It's October 22-24.

[agasfas]

art/graphic communications thats really cool. I hope you can some kind of internship or assistant position, that would be really cool. That will give you some good experience. I guess that is why some people goto college, to get a job they want to do and will have fun doing. Though some people want only the money, but money isn't everything if they're not happy. So good luck with that, that would be a really cool and fun experience.

Oni-Con? This is the first i've heard of it. I need to start doing my research. That would be really cool. I haven't been to a convention since last year; actually that was my first time ever. It was a lot of fun. I may take you up on that offer. I'll be kinda cool to meet other CAA members. That is also in Houston correct? Keep me updated about that, perhaps i shall PM you for more info in the next coming weeks. I should also check out the CON site. But if i dont' have enough money... that may be a different story.
-What do you mean by speak at a panel?

[spiritusvult]

I don't know if you're still reading this thread, or even how old it is. It came to me by way of a friend who thought I might have something to say. Anyway, if you're listening:

I worked in the Merch department of Best Buy in Orange County in a store that was rated for 20 million and did well over 70. During the Christmas season I worked the night shift, from 12:00am to 8:30am. As to the company taking care of its employees, that really depends on your boss. My immediate boss was a (insert derogatory word of preference here). However, the department head was really cool. So, when I had a real problem I went to him.
I guess those are my credentials. Now, to your question, is the company a good one. In the beginning, as you well know, it's less than satisfactory, but as you get higher and higher up the chain of command, it gets a great deal better. If money is your motivation, I think the store manegers make something in the range of 100k, plus stocks and bonuses which end up being 200k to 250k. But that doesn't really concern you. The work was physical, I don't know if you're into that kind of thing. We put away 6k items per shipment, which came four times a week. The people that work that shift are quite a bit more... ah ... relaxed than the people everybody gets to look at when the store is open.
Okay, well that's about it. Oh, by the way, if given the opportunity to do it again, I wouldn't take it. But if I had to do it over again, I would, which is to say that it was a good job, but not the carreer I'd pick. Hope that helps.