To start off this was years ago and I am now in another job I hate but it at least pays well.
I used to work in a Hotel as a General Assistant, this was my first proper job I had whilst I was in University but mostly it was to make extra cash.
This place ran like a backstreet dealer, managers were all about micro management and gave you split shifts most of the time. Which included 6 hours over the breakfast shift and 6 hours to cover the dinner/closing shift. Everyday.
They gave me no training and as a socially awkward adolescent at the time it was a struggle for me to get to grips with to the extent I resented work.
Throughout my time there it was the most toxic work culture I have ever experienced, the kitchen was always arguing with and blaming the waiters (my role was pretty much everything apart from cleaning rooms and cooking). Most of the time because they made a shite scran and the customer complained or gave the completely wrong order too and in some instances the customer was allergic to.
Which then caused constant backlash from both the customer to me and managers, whilst also receiving the blame for the “wrong order” by the chefs. It was torture.
So one day I decided I had enough and decided after a wedding event that was booked for the next day I was going to quit. When I came in for the shift I handed my notice that said I am done after this shift pretty much. They looked at me in dread as I handed it to them at the front desk, so I exclaimed I was staying for the rest of this shift but after this I was gone – morally didn’t want to leave them hanging when it could affect a big event like that drastically.
The night went well but one of my managers (usually the nicer one that would let me leave early if I went to the shop for her and got her smokes) came up to me to say I should have given 2 weeks notice. I swiftly corrected her to say I am on a zero hour contract (getting paid like £6 which then went to £7ish once I was of age to go up in minimum wage) and that I didn’t even need to be here. She never really said anything back and walked away.
Despite all the negative experiences I had in that place, the night went great and after dinner was served all the staff just got shit faced with the wedding party. Which I was thankful for but short lived as they kept trying to make us do everything so they could keep drinking.
I later found out the owners had been stealing our tips and a claim was made against them. Which was pretty shitty as we had to share all our tips with back office staff and the cleaners at the time. After this workplace I learnt how valuable my time is and that it should be spent on a career that at least offers me a better opportunity in return.
Recently, my old manager came up to me and asked me if I wanted to come back. Which is what reminded me of this experience of a 0 hour contract and for sure I shot that offer down so fast.
Moral of the story don’t waste your precious time/experience on a company that offers you nothing in return or adds unnecessary stress to your life. You guys deserve better.