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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you quit?

20 replies

Whatalife88 · 02/01/2023 19:46

Hi all,

I've been in a voluntary role working in shop for 2 years. There are also paid members of staff. It's an independent shop. I enjoy the role and don't mind being voluntary, I started with another volunteer, lets call her Debbie. Debbie was eventually offered a paid job at the shop and I was happy for her and wasn't bothered that I hadn't been offered as I have another job that is paid and Debbie doesn't. Debbie has worked hard both as a volunteer and a paid worker. She's been a paid worker for 3 months. Every month the owner has made excuses as to why she hasn't paid Debbie the money, after the 3rd month of missing payments, Debbie started to get annoyed(as you would), the boss told Debbie she couldn't pay her and that she should never have took the job in the first place, she then sacked Debbie, Debbie was about to go down the legal route but a senior member of staff managed to get the boss to pay up. I'm now questioning my role in this place. I enjoy the work but morally can I really work for someone for free that would do that to another human? Debbie was the best worker and if she can throw her under the bus then I feel she could throw any of us under the bus at any moment. I also really like Debbie and feel like I should leave. What would you do?

OP posts:
MoreThanJustANumber · 02/01/2023 19:51

How does it benefit you to work there? Why is anything other than a charity using volunteers? Maybe I could understand it if it were a friend needing a bit of help to get the business off the ground but you've been there two years. No way would I work for someone who treats people like that. Don't go back. Doesn't sound like you owe the owner anything.

Newwardrobe · 02/01/2023 19:54

I'd quit and volunteer for a more worthy cause.

WomanhoodIsABirthright · 02/01/2023 20:03

Why are you working for her for free?

I'd leave too.

Original poster
Whatalife88 · 02/01/2023 20:08

The shop specialises in something I'm interested in and so when they advertised for volunteers I applied. I don't mind going in for free and enjoy the work but I am not sure I can morally volunteer there, even though I enjoy it, knowing that I'm helping someone willing to treat people like that, especially someone who has done nothing but work hard and help her.

OP posts:
MoreThanJustANumber · 02/01/2023 20:11

I think you're right. Make sure they know why you're leaving! They might think twice in future.

Original poster
Whatalife88 · 02/01/2023 20:13

It's like my whole experience there has been tainted and the people I've worked alongside for 2 years are not who I thought they were. I've been shocked and disappointed to be honest.

OP posts:
Newwardrobe · 02/01/2023 20:16

They sound awful and morally corrupt tbh. I wonder what other scams they are up to apart from using people for free to make money for themselves.

Yoyooo · 02/01/2023 20:50

Is it even a charity?

justcallmeJane · 02/01/2023 21:04

Is it a charity op?

Zanatdy · 02/01/2023 21:06

Yes I’d leave, that’s terrible treatment

Headabovetheparakeet · 02/01/2023 21:06

So you're working without pay for a commercial retail business?

fajitaaaa · 02/01/2023 21:08

an independent shop

So not a charity shop?

This is very important- what sort of shop is this? Is it a charity?

RunnerBum · 02/01/2023 21:10

Run.

What’s the industry? There can be so much pressure to work for free to crack into certain areas (like law or veterinary work or medicine) but it’s not as necessary as people think and definitely not for a place like this. If you tell us the industry then we can help with thoughts on alternative provision for experience for you.

But, yes, quit. Immediately. They can’t be trusted and you’re quite vulnerable. What if this manager stole and blamed it on you for example? You can’t trust them, they have a position of power over you. That isn’t good.

Neveranynamesleft · 02/01/2023 21:21

So some people get paid and some don't?

Odd set up. You're no mug, go somewhere you get paid.

Sapphire387 · 02/01/2023 21:27

They are exploiting you anyway. That's a reason to leave, let alone Debbie.

keri17 · 02/01/2023 21:30

I used to work for a BS charity retail shop. There’s some paid staff, some volunteers. Honestly knowing how much that charity made and what shit they spent it on…. Never should have been a volunteer opportunity

picklemewalnuts · 02/01/2023 21:35

Might be a community interest company or similar.
Or perhaps a hobby shop looking for people to build a community side- knitting classes for example.

SirGawain · 02/01/2023 21:48

Why would you work in a commercial business for nothing. I do a great deal of charity work for organisations which I support and causes I care about, but these people see to be CFs of the first order. I would leave and not look back.

Dillydollydingdong · 02/01/2023 22:04

So the woman already had Debbie working as a volunteer and then for some strange reason gave her what she said would be paid employment? Then she realized she couldn't afford it. I don't see that there's anything Debbie could do about it (except maybe sue for the 3m pay. And she's been paid anyway! ) Any employer can sack an employee after 3 months (subject to a few exceptions).

Original poster
Whatalife88 · 02/01/2023 23:12

Thanks everyone. I'm definitely swaying more towards going now.

OP posts:
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