I work at a small coffee shop in a smallish town.
I work full-time as a barista, making only $10/hr. I’m there 6 days a week, 6am-2pm. My supervisors are aware of my health issues, both mental & physical, and accommodate me when absolutely needed.
I have only called out one other time after working there for 7 months, due to a family emergency.
This morning, I woke up feeling nauseous, and had to relieve myself. Long story short, when I looked in the mirror, I saw things crawling all over me. It felt like a switch went off in my brain, and I started hearing things. This has never happened to me before, so naturally, I’m freaking out, and text my manager to tell her I’m not going to be able to come in (admittedly, the only thing I mentioned was that I did not feel well and was going to the doctors. Didn’t want to elaborate more on the severity as it isn’t their business.).
A long morning of doctors, blood tests, scheduling an MRI, and setting up a psychiatric evaluation, I finally make it home and try to relax and enjoy what’s left of my day off.
I then get a text from my coworker. “You, John, AND Maria all called out sick today. On a Saturday. Everyone is pissed.” (*names changed)
I don’t even know what to do. I’m trying not to let it affect me, but after the morning I’ve had, all I can do is cry. All I ever do is work at that cafe. All I ever do is work. I do things at that job that should be left for management to handle, but I do it because I wanted to help and I liked my job.
Until now. I’m done breaking my back for a business that doesn’t give a shit about me. I know it sounds shitty to say, but I genuinely think without my efforts and help, that business would crumble within a few months.
I’m not doing anything outside of my job description now, just as I never should have. I’m not staying after 2, and I’m not skipping my breaks anymore (oh yeah, did I mention I can’t remember the last time I took my LEGALLY REQUIRED 30-minute break? I’m also not allowed to go overtime.).
Not for $10/hr and borderline harassment from even my COWORKERS. The people who should be standing with me, with us, fighting for better treatment and wages. They’re so blinded thinking they are being treated well, and I was too.
Too bad it only took a literal psychotic break to realize that I, too, am a victim.