Obligatory “this happened like 6-7 years ago”
So I’m a bicycle mechanic and about 6-7 years ago I got a job at a non profit bike shop. I was somewhere between “experienced” and “still have a lot to learn” and had been working at a big box store for a few years and thoroughly jaded. I thought working at a non profit bike shop would be awesome and fulfilling and add extra purpose to my life. I was wrong.
The “organization” (it was very looked down upon to call it a company) had/has very high turn over. It’s pretty much fueled by idealistic young bike mechanics who want to make a difference in the world, they get slapped into the machine like a cog, wear out in a few years, and then they jump ship to realize working in a more normal “for profit” bike shop is actually less demanding and easier on one’s soul and mental health. Which is really saying something!
So anyways I was one year into my three year run with them and sat down in the “interrogation room” (a small room used for meetings that very much earned its nickname). My supervisor was, by the way, someone who had absolutely no mechanic knowledge/ability and was in charge of the mechanics who built up bikes to sell. He wouldn’t last much longer because he was quite useless.
I don’t remember much else from the review other than their common trend of putting much more emphasis on tearing you down than building you up. Somehow I found an opening to voice the fact that I really rely on verbal affirmations if I’m doing a good job because I have a lot of self esteem issues and typically assume I’m always doing a terrible job. I remember thinking it was pretty bold of me but I figured I was in a “non profit” now so I can be more candid and honest!
I might not ever forget the blank stare I received. He stammered for some words and I honestly don’t remember what he said but it wasn’t anything even remotely assuring or positive. It certainly never happened. Not once.
I’m the kind to sit and dwell on things for a long time and I felt really stupid about making that small, simple request for a long time. Only now do I realize how incredibly simple, easy, and cheap(!) it is. Just a “good job”. “You’re doing great!” “Hey this could use some work but the rest looks awesome!”
The review wrapped up and I panicked because there was no talk of a raise of any kind. So I did something my young self had never done before and brought it up. I will definitely NEVER forget the slightly condescending tone he used when he said “Good for you! You should be asking for a raise…”. Like, HELLO!?! If I should have it, you’re not going to just do it for me? I got my measly $1 raise but I will just never forget his fake smile and “Good for you”…..
I thought of this today because I got a performance review today at the shop I’ve been working at for about 4 years now. It went very well (as they always have here) and I got a $2 raise along with a new health savings account (not really insurance but I’ll take it). If you’re a bike mechanic or know of any then you know we are underpaid and rarely insured from our place of work, so this was a big win. And on top of that, arguably more importantly, I work for a very good manager who is not stingy on compliments or affirmations. My mood still swings around because, well, I’m moody, but to get a “The bike looks good” after a second check over can really turn a gloomy day around.
I guess I just wanted to share because it can always be better. I HATED that old job, I hate it more as time passes, and I was hating myself because of it. I still have issues sometimes but overall I like my job now.