Need some advice on managers...

[Lilyrose13]

Hello,
I'm after some advice. It may not seem like big issues but it gets me down.
I work in a small pharmacy inside a supermarket where I work 24 hours a week (sun mon tues wed) I recently got a new job to bump my hours up, and I work thurs and fri in a local hospital.

Iv been in the pharmacy from around 2 years, I wasn't new to the business as I was already trained but never felt I fit in. I'm the youngest there and everyone else had been there since it opened.

I always agree I extra hours (and did any they need prior to this new job) as I need the money, although my managers started to take the mickey a little and put me in for everything. But I never said no as it made things awkward as I don't have kids so to them I don't have an 'excuse' to say no.

Since my new job, they've got funny about me working Thurs and friday elsewhere and im not available for cover..Although they have just put me in for a Saturday shift (not contracted) which makes my working week 13 days long. I tried to say no and I couldn't get a word in, with my manager just pretty much saying she needs me in.
My other colleagues (all but one) don't do any extra hours, and point blank refuse to work on their days off.
They are 'closer' to the manager than me, and I feel I get treated so differently there. Almost as if I don't work or am a typical 'young' person and don't give a shit, which really isn't true as I really care for each customer I serve.

This week has been the tip of the iceberg and I am now looking for other jobs as I'm so fed up and upset.

Reading this back, it doesn't seem like alot. I'm sure there's more but unless its happening there and then you forget to put it in a post. But I'm just looking for a little advice on how to deal with situations like this or managers.

Thank you :-) xxx

Can you check what it says in your contract? In mine, it expressly states that I am not allowed to seek paid employment elsewhere without the agreement of my company. That would be a good place to start.

I think it's a bit shit that your colleagues won't pull their weight regarding extra hours, and I'm sorry that your willingness/good nature appears to have been taken advantage of. It sounds like a cliquey environment, which would get me down too. Do you think that there's the likelihood of change? What would happen if you refused to do the extra hours - if you're already doing your fair share, do you think your manager would compel one of the rest of the team to take some on? Or would the hours remain unfilled unless you took them on?

I don't know whether showing some tenacity (in a firm but professional way and with adequate justification, which it sounds as if you have) would better or worsen the situation for you. It might show your colleagues that you're not a pushover, which can be a really good thing. But if they are horrible and cliquey it might not have much effect.

Good luck, and please check your contract!