Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to not be able to cope with constant work rota changes (getting ridiculous now)

58 replies

alltoomuchrightnow · 12/12/2017 23:18

Now at the point where they are changing rota on the actual day I'm due in (for that actual day, I mean, but not contacting me about it )

I started as a Christmas temp for a well known large retailer. Before my interview I filled a form to list my hours/days I could do. They knew I had another job (ad hoc and can mainly work from home, but that's not the point) and they seemed fine with that as that's common for a temp to have other work. For the first week or so they basically stuck to what I'd listed.
I'm nearly two months in and now the rota changes most days. I have taken to photographing it most days but to no avail as this means nothing to them even though when I started I was advised to do this. When I can I try to accommodate them but it's not always possible, I'm not local and have other commitments, not just other job, but I have certainly gone the extra mile for them. I will often come in an hour or two early, or stay late (I'm no stranger to busy retail as had three decades in it, though am not used to a big store like this)
Today I arrived to start my 5pm shift, only to be reprimanded, why wasn't I here at midday. This has happened two days running now..as if I'd deliberately turn up that late for two days! I checked the rota that is pinned to wall...I am definitely down for 5pm start. I'm told that the rota constantly changes and that I should have been told the change (I never have in my whole time here). My point is, if I can't go by the rota pinned to the wall, and I'm not verbally told any changes, what am I meant to do?! Get the crystal ball out? I was talked to like dirt, as if I was a naughty schoolgirl playing hookey. You know when someone is listening to you and nodding but you know they think you are lying? (very fake body language) . I kept telling them I had photographed the rota daily (at end of day.. late at night!) and nothing had ever been said to me re changes. (occasionally I notice myself and question it but not this week as it's the same print out as it was weeks ago) I was then told to go and talk it through with the manager and the person who does the rota (to explain myself) . I did but I shouldn't have to keep justifying myself and it also made me late to start my shift. They were vague and passed the buck. (It is telling that the manager has recently passed doing the rota to a team leader as he found it too stressful). I was told that 'it's Christmas' (Oh really!) and 'everyone MUST work extra hours'. But I am, I've done loads of extra shifts inc coming in on days off, also work extra late every night, unpaid (not just me I should add).
I have been as flexible as can be and frequently changed plans and appointments but it's doing me in. And when I can't accommodate I'm made to feel that I'm a 'special snowflake' (hate those words but best way to describe it) as everyone else does it. Made to feel guilty. But I'm late 40s , the rest of staff are mainly school leavers, far more flexible and live local (I don't). I was only meant to be doing 16 hours a week , I said I could only do part time and I'm already doing 35- 40 for them so I'm hardly saying no to extra work!
So am I BU to not be able to cope with constant rota changes? But most of all, when I'm never informed.
I'm actually feeling almost victimised as they seem to be covering for each other, saying they told me about rota changes (even though they have not always physically printed out a new amended rota, or spoke to me) It's their word against mine and of course I'm the newbie.
I have awful anxiety and depression (although hide this well at work.. you wouldn't know if saw me with customers) and it's really getting to me... not sleeping, getting mouth ulcers (rare for me) and run down.

OP posts:
MissDuke · 13/12/2017 13:23

Wow what a crap place to work! I definitely wouldn't stay on after Jan. I am so glad I don't shop there!

alltoomuchrightnow · 13/12/2017 23:46

Surprise surprise, have to work Boxing Day after all , will be at other end of the country, going to leave around 6am to get in for afternoon shift, they won't honour that I booked it off. It's really my fault as I did sign up to be an xmas temp after all . But Christmas is buggered now. Either I stay home alone or DP and me travel back early Boxing Day morning, hardly restful when only been gone for one day

OP posts:
Butterymuffin · 13/12/2017 23:57

I had a feeling they would do that. Do you really want to stay working at this place? I would be inclined to refuse Boxing Day working and tell them to go ahead and fire me if they wanted. Plus, who's to say they won't change the rota again and when you arrive in the afternoon they'll say 'you were supposed to be here at 9'? Hmm

MimsyFluff · 14/12/2017 00:16

When DH managed all the temp would quit by Christmas Eve Xmas Wink

dahliaaa · 14/12/2017 00:25

I'm sorry they are treating you so badly. Until you can leave just keep repeating over and over again (and don't get into a debate about it) ...

I didn't come in on x date because it wasn't listed on my rota.

I didn't see the late change you made to the rota because I wasn't in that day and you didn't contact me a/ to let me know and b/ to check if I was available

eddiesedg · 14/12/2017 00:57

just say you can't work boxing day!

Seriously, the same thing happened to me for a shop rhyming with sliver pie-land, and I just said no - theyre so desperate for staff, and with so many people walking out, they wont say anything.

dont ruin your xmas for these wankers

eddiesedg · 14/12/2017 00:57

say you're 500 miles away if needs be !!

OptimisticHamster · 14/12/2017 01:04

Don't do it! Say you physically can't/won't be there

New posts on this thread. Refresh page