Hi everyone, I hope this belongs on this sub because I really need to vent. I work for the mouse, in a big kitchen. My schedule, for the most part, is consistent; I work the same 5 days a week, for the same 8 hour period, unless business requires otherwise. I have no problem working overtime, and will normally stay late when they give me a heads up since I appreciate the extra pay and I do enjoy my job.
Recently, however, I have been struggling with my mental health. It has been very difficult for me to drag myself out of bed and go to work. After taking some time off, I forced myself in to work yesterday hoping to do my 8 hours and go home. At the very beginning of the shift, we were told “we have a lot to do today, expect to stay late.” When I was given my to-do list, I really didn't expect it to take any longer than my usual 8 hours to complete, and my coworkers lists were also not terrible. I figured if I just focus and work efficiently, I could bang everything out and still get out on time. The idea of busting my ass and getting out on time was the only thing getting me through the day.
Around 45 minutes before my scheduled shift end time, my list was completed and I was wrapping up and getting ready to do my end-of-shift cleaning (my coworkers were also either done with their lists and helping others, or almost finished). I was burnt out, exhausted from faking a smile all day, and ready to clean up and go home. This is when the shift supervisor approached me, told me there was a “miscommunication” within leadership, and there was a project that HAD to be completed today.
(Note: these “miscommunications” are becoming more and more common as well, and instead of the supervisors and managers dealing with them, they expect me and my coworkers, who get paid SIGNIFICANTLY LESS, to clean up their messes.)
They explained the project, it was clear it was a 4+ hour commitment, and now it was expected that I get it done before leaving, since I was the first one done, I guess? I let them know that I could not stay late and that I had finished my tasks for the day; unless this project would take me less than an hour I couldn't do it. They went to talk with our manager, who said if I left, it would be considered a “release of shift,” which goes onto my permanent attendance record and could potentially be used against me in the future. I asked how that even makes sense, since I'm literally clocking out on time, and they spewed some bullshit about “the job isn't done” or whatever.
I felt so dehumanized. I have gone above and beyond in the past, working 12+ hour shifts when I'm only scheduled 8, working 60 hour weeks, etc. It was like a slap in the face. I broke down to the shift supervisor, who I actually have a good relationship with, and she at least understood what I was going through. I just couldn't believe my manager, who goes on about “building relationships,” and “improving morale,” would essentially tell me they don't care about me or my life, if I leave on time, it goes against company policy and can lead to disciplinary action.
So far I've really enjoyed this job and working for this company. Yesterday, I left feeling like a number, who supplies X hours of labor per week, and nothing more.