I need some advice about work...

[WillParkinson]

I took my last vacation in October/November and right after I returned from work the guy who they hired to do my off days quit (actually he was arrested and never came back). Because of the shows that we do (flea markets) I had Friday/Saturday/Sunday off.

I told my boss that I would work the weekends until the outdoor shows started again.

Now it's 6 months later. The outdoor shows have started again. There have been 2 shows and I had one of them off. Last week I was told that I had to work the weekend even though 1 guy had 3 days off and another had 4 days off (requested time). I was also told that I could not take my vacation because it was to hard to cover my off days (I work 3rd shift) and that it would be nearly impossible to cover 9 days off.

Now...I have to make a trip to the shelter this Saturday. I was supposed to make the trip last week but I had to work. We're shorthanded again. Should I feel bad saying "No" if I'm asked to work this weekend?

[cheezus]

1. are you catholic or something?

why would you feel bad?

[WillParkinson]

2. Because I have some stupid work ethic...

And I don't know why I feel bad but still do.

[RoyGBiv]

4. Work Ethic is good...

But it has limits.

I'm not one to talk much. I've worked 60 hour weeks and missed things with my daughter because of work. I just felt like I was supposed to.

But there's a line. No, you shouldn't feel bad. IMO.

Of course, how POed is your boss going to get?

[WillParkinson]

6. Well, after the whole 'no-go vacation' thing...

I'm finding myself not really caring how upset he gets, to tell the truth.

I only find myself thinking that it's MY responsibility and I should follow through on it.

[RoyGBiv]

10. Employers have responsibilities too.

And one of those is living up to promises.

If they break them, the professional relationship is altered. A work ethic is rightfully based on a mutually agreeable relationship.

And if you've not said "no" in 17 1/2 years, well, you've earned more than a little consideration.

I would never suggest anyone do anything that gets them in trouble, fired, etc. But I've been through this kind of thing multiple times. What ever you decide, don't feel bad about it. This isn't breaking a work ethic.

[TX-RAT]

3. I'll say this about that

The most valuable employees I've had were always there when i needed them. They were the ones i went out of my way to protect and show my gratitude.

[WillParkinson]

5. Well, I've ALWAYS been there...

In the 17 1/2 years I worked at the hotel I never said "No" to coming in. Once I had just taken a sleep-aid and got a call to come in. I asked them to hold out till midnight (it was 8:00) and I would be in to relieve them then. I made it in at 10:00 and worked the full shift.

I just get the feeling that I'm not appreciated. I'm the one that goes to the store to pick up stuff for VIP guests (Doc Severinsen loves steel cut oatmeal) on my own time and get little consideration. If you add up the number of years I've been there it's a safe bet that I've been there longer than at least 4 other employees combined.

[RoyGBiv]

8. Then you're a good boss...

Not everyone is. In fact, a lot aren't, especially when dealing with shift workers.

One has to judge his or her own circumstances and figure out the balance. But, there are things more important than work. I've given a lot of myself to my jobs, never called in sick, never refused to go in when asked to work extra, make up for others who were falling down, etc. and I regret some of that now. At the end of the day, my paycheck was the same as it would have been otherwise, and the thanks I received lasted only until someone wanted something else from me.

And when it really mattered, my superiors had instant amnesia.

[Love Bug]

7. Employee Rule #1

1. Never do favors -- what was once done as a favor becomes expected.

With all apologies to our DUers who are good employers, my experience has been if you do something as a favor, it then becomes a permanent part of "other duties as assigned."

Will, has your employer made any effort to replace the guy who quit last Fall? It is not fair of your employer to refuse you earned vacation just because they have not replaced the guy who used to cover you. In this employement climate, it shouldn't be too hard for them to hire someone!

[WillParkinson]

9. We've had one guy since then...

He lasted 8 hours.

It's hard to find someone who is willing to work 3rd shift. I know he's tried but I'm not sure if he's tried hard enough.

[Love Bug]

11. What's the unemployment rate in Milwaukee?

Most job postings nowadays attract scads of resumes. Perhaps your boss isn't really trying as long as he knows you're willing/able to do it. Are you willing to train the "new guy"? Perhaps if you offered...

[WillParkinson]

12. I always train the new guy...

The job is 3rd shift Room Service. Not a great sounding job but I pulled 30k last year with only a minimum of effort.