This is absolutely one of the most Rage provoking things on my list of piss-me-offs. Co-workers last minute shift covering pleads. It happens all the time in the restaurant business, and it becomes annoying after the second time it happens to you.Ok, let's get one thing straight first of all. If the schedule for the week goes up, and you ask me to cover (or trade, or whatever the hell it is that you need) Friday's shift, but you ask me on Monday... this is totally acceptable. But this is never the way it happens is it?
Sure enough, it'll be Thursday at 3:00 pm and a server will have a 4:00pm shift that day, and make the call. What in the hell, on God's green earth, makes you think I want to forfeit my day off to cover your shift in 60 minutes? (Did you notice how I used God and Hell in one sentence? That's some biblical talent right there!) Seriously, that short of notice.
I work with this one guy in particular. He always starts wheeling and dealing shifts as soon as the new schedule is posted, and good for him! More power to him. Here's what always ends up happening though. He'll work it so he has four days off, but in order to do this, he has to work like four or five double shifts throughout the week. Then when we get to those days he's on his double, he starts asking if he can be the first off when we phase. "Yeah, it's like my third double in a row... I'm just really tired."
Even worse?! Usually it's some last minute bullshit trip they want to take with a buddy, or some no-name concert they forgot to request time off for. The reason that pisses me off the most though? The HANGOVER! Look, I get it. I'm in an industry of drug abusers and alcoholics... I am. And they're not the evil type of people that are portrayed in film. They are lovable, they are fun, and they are your friends. I'm telling you though, if you drink that 7th cocktail at 2:15am, knowing you have morning shift tomorrow... I am the wrong guy to be calling you degenerate bastard!
What do you guys think? I know you've been there. Share some stories!
This happens so frequently at my place. I am all for covering shifts, but I require there be 24 hours between the call asking me and the actual shift. Saturdays are the worst. I am always asked to work Saturday nights, but I already work during the day. Sorry, but asking someone to work a double should be the last resort, not the first.
ReplyDeleteI dont work in the restaurant business now but many moons ago i did part time and sometimes we'd swap shifts, it was good to know we could ask if we needed to but you're right sometimes ppl just take the piss! its all about respect. some people have it and some don't. im glad i don't work shifts now :)
ReplyDeleteI have zero sympathy for anybody who wants time off because of drinking, whether to do it or recover from it. I try to help my coworkers out when I can, and have been known to pick up last-minute shifts, but some people just abuse it.
ReplyDeleteI have worked double shifts with migraines so bad that I cannot see out of my left eye and I have to run to the bathroom to throw up every half hour, so I have no patience with people who call me an hour before their shift starts wanting coverage because they're hungover.
ReplyDeleteShuckydarn, waiting tables when you're hungover is a lot easier than it is when you're down to one working eye!