I used to believe in the whole “it’s a privilege to work at a company and I should pay it forward to my bosses”
Nope, not anymore
After working almost 2 years in a kitchen for 50-60 hours a week with not a single weekend off , moved up from dishwasher to learning every single position, food ordering, inventory, you name it. I was El Chingon, I was their weekend warrior, I was the “if you have any questions ask ventedlemur44” guy
And I was only making $11/hr, $11 an hour to cook tomahawk steaks and gourmet ceviche because I was too afraid to ask for a raise or better hours, and when I finally did they said they’ll think about. Nothing changed for months until I put in my two weeks, except they said it’s be a few months until they could afford to give me a raise. I walked out and started job hopping
Now during interviews im blunt and honestly a little mean. I let them know my available hours, and the pay I want.
If they hesitate or say some bs about “work with us first and we’ll figure out a schedule that’s works for the both of us” I leave. I tell them I’ve had enough of employers telling me what I want to hear only to switch it up when I start, and that it’s a waste of my time for them to humor me for a week or 2 just to pull the rug out from under me.
This new kitchen I’m in the owners called me personally to set up an interview, and I was very upfront about what I need. Morning shifts, at least 35 hours a week, 2 days off together don’t care what days. Non negotiable. She said she respects that I set boundaries and they actually are reopening with the exact hours and shifts I want with the exception of one closing shift a week.
After negotiating pay I agreed to the shifts, but told her if I start closing more than once a week I’ll stop showing up and that I have jobs lined up out the door “who has more to lose? Me or you” kinda thing
Be mean, be greedy. Because if you won’t, they will