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Original poster

Sick of being taken advantage of, shall I hand in my notice?

84 replies

Foodlover12 · 18/10/2021 20:54

I have posted before, so I apologise about reposting.

I work for an hourly rate of £9.25, have been there for almost 3 months.

They are short-staffed and will ring you virtually every day to ask if you can do overtime. I’m the sort of person who feels bad saying no, especially as the job is caring for vulnerable people.

I work virtually 7 days a week. The job was advertised as working alternate weekends, but I have only ever had one full weekend off. Even if it’s meant to be my weekend off I am called up saying ‘can you just do a few hours for us’.

However all of my colleagues in my area get the hours they want, bar a couple of gripes. Another lady has just asked if she can only do 2 days a week, and they granted it.
I feel they are taking advantage of me. I am down at the moment to work 2 weeks straight without a day off. I asked the manager if he could factor in a day off, he said he would have a look but hasn’t so far.
I come out with a good salary, but I work over 50 hours per week.

The 2nd issue is that in the double up calls I have to do, one of the carers is rude to me, I have posted about this before. I discreetly asked 2 other colleagues how she was with them, and they said she was fine. It’s upsetting that it just seems to be me.

I have asked the office to pair me with someone else, they said they cannot as they are short staffed, but that they will have a word with her.

I am fed up and down. I just want to quit tomorrow. Constant calls to do overtime, only 9 hours rest break in between shifts sometimes.

However I’ve only been there for 3 months. My previous role I only stayed 2 months as it was night shifts which I struggled with.

So I feel like I should wait at least 6 months before changing again. Sorry for the rant, just feel like a fool.

OP posts:
Gliblet · 18/10/2021 20:59

Well, you're not being unreasonable, but if you quit you'll need another job, and if you take a similar job what's to stop you ending up in exactly the same situation? You're being taken advantage of because you keep saying yes!

Say no.

When they call to ask if you can 'just do a few hours', say no.

When they ask you to do a shift that's within hours of the previous one, say no.

If you keep saying yes, you'll take the problem with you to your new job.

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 18/10/2021 21:01

No, you're not being unreasonable, but you do need to learn how to say NO.

If you keep saying yes, they'll keep walking all over you.

It's up to you to sort this out. And yes, it will look dodgy on your CV if you chop and change jobs every 2/3 months.

Welshiefluff · 18/10/2021 21:02

If you struggle saying no then stop answering the phone.

AgentProvocateur · 18/10/2021 21:02

Learn to say no. They’re taking advantage of you because you’re letting them.

Mantlemoose · 18/10/2021 21:03

Stop answering the phone then!

bluebeck · 18/10/2021 21:03

Agree with PP, you have to learn to say NO and mean it.

Original poster
Foodlover12 · 18/10/2021 21:08

They try and guilt you by saying ‘ah please, we’re really struggling’ or ‘you’re the only person available’

I agree though it will be the same in another job.

But the day off issue, I have asked them twice now and they still haven’t given me a day off

OP posts:
Original poster
Foodlover12 · 18/10/2021 21:09

The problem is you don’t always know why they’re calling. Sometimes they might be calling to ask a question about a client or an issue with medication etc so it’s tricky to always ignore

OP posts:
BrilloPaddy · 18/10/2021 21:09

That's working in care. I lasted 3 years before having had enough. You have to have a really strong personality to survive it, IMO, and I hadn't got it at the time.

They will ALWAYS be short staffed. You've made the rookie error of saying Yes so now you're at the top of the list for calling. Next time, take a breath, remember that they're making a lot of money and it's on them to provide the care, not you personally. You really have to distance yourself from the people you're caring for, otherwise it really will break you. And when you're off shift, turn your phone off. I had one in the end specifically for work and turned it on an hour before my shift started, and straight off at the end. It saved my sanity.

And honestly, some of the other "carers" and I use the word loosely were frankly the worst of humanity. They were often bullies to other carers and clients...... and you really need to stand up for yourself. Go to the office, tell them you're not working with her again as she's unprofessional and rude in front of clients, and they need to sort it.

Cuntness · 18/10/2021 21:10

How many times are you going to ask for advice before you actually do something about it?

Original poster
Foodlover12 · 18/10/2021 21:11

It’s upsetting that the other carers are given days off. I will have to start being firmer, and maybe another phone is a good idea.

OP posts:
Original poster
Foodlover12 · 18/10/2021 21:12

I told them twice I didn’t want to work with her but they said they don’t have enough staff at the moment, it’s frustrating

OP posts:
Theunamedcat · 18/10/2021 21:15

Tell them your not going to work with her if she is rude to you again

By law don't you have to have a day off at some point?

Original poster
Foodlover12 · 18/10/2021 21:16

I will have worked from the 13th until the 29th without a day off

OP posts:
FairFuming · 18/10/2021 21:17

I work in a similar role to you I think. You need to say no over and over or they will walk all over you, if they no you will likely say yes then they will call you first every time and often lie to say they have tried everyone else. If you struggle saying no then just tell them you can't as you have plans but don't elaborate.

As for days off. Are you on a 0 hour contract? Tell them one day a week that you are not available to work maybe? And tell them you want your weekends off. They can not schedule you for more hours then you are contracted for unless you agree to them. Stop asking and just tell them you won't work 2 weeks without days off.

Its worth joining a union too. I'm with unison and they are great.

DGFB · 18/10/2021 21:19

You need to say no when they ask you to do overtime. Day you have plans or go away in your days off.
Just say no.
And try to stay six months otherwise your CV will look patchy

Original poster
Foodlover12 · 18/10/2021 21:19

I do say no half of the time, if I said yes every single time I’d literally be there 24/7, I do have a zero hours contract yes and I think part of me worries that if I keep saying no then they will reduce my hours.

I do need to change the language I use yes, and be more affirmative

OP posts:
LIZS · 18/10/2021 21:20

Have you posted previously? They know you are a soft touch. Insist on boundaries and working to your rota, turn off the phone. You are entitled to time off and statutory gaps between shifts but the more you let this slide, the more they will expect.

Lynne1Cat · 18/10/2021 21:25

I worked in the care sector for 20-odd years, and have been, many times, in your situation. Those agencies take the piss, wanting you to work so many hours. I was, at one time, doing 60 hours a week, so I know exactly what you mean. (I'm too old for all that now, thankfully)

It depends on how much you need the money, but I warn you, those care companies all seem to be the same. I eventually got a job as a Day Centre Manager, which was lovely for 2 years until it had to close. Then I was Scheme Manager at a sheltered housing place, which I also enjoyed. Less money, but the hours were the same - mornings, no evenings or weekends. You might like that better,

Original poster
Foodlover12 · 18/10/2021 21:26

It’s difficult as sometimes they phone for important reasons about clients etc.
They do know I’m a soft touch and it’s embarrassing, I’m always very polite with them whereas other carers virtually shout at them regarding hours sometimes.

If it were a different role maybe I’d be more comfortable saying no, but I don’t want the clients to be left without a carer

OP posts:
slashlover · 18/10/2021 21:30

@LIZS

Have you posted previously? They know you are a soft touch. Insist on boundaries and working to your rota, turn off the phone. You are entitled to time off and statutory gaps between shifts but the more you let this slide, the more they will expect.
Very first line of the OP I have posted before, so I apologise about reposting.

OP, what advice do you expect to get here that you didn't get before? Unless you act the same as the other workers, then you will always be the one called.

Original poster
Foodlover12 · 18/10/2021 21:31

I agree, it’s just difficult as it’s not in my nature. Never in my life had a job where they thought I could work 7 days a week, I will just have to try being firmer

OP posts:
Twofurrycats · 18/10/2021 21:35

If they phone you with an important reason rather than to do more hours do they leave a voicemail if you don't answer? I'd be screening calls.

Original poster
Foodlover12 · 18/10/2021 21:36

No they generally just call until you answer sadly

OP posts:
Regularsizedrudy · 18/10/2021 21:36

Have you opted out of the working time directive? Otherwise it is illegal to only have 9 hours between shifts. I think you need to get firm with them, stop being pushed about and don’t answer your phone.

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