I’ve been at this job for 2 years now, and it’s been hell.
The duties themselves are really easy and I enjoy the job itself, no doubt. I’ve got a whole organizational system for what I need to do and when, down to the last detail of phone numbers and itty bitty “nobody notices” things. I’ve done more than exceptional (and it’s been really hard for me to say that due to low self-esteem) and I deserve more than what I’ve gotten.
Context pieces:
• We got a new receptionist alongside me who used to be a CNA in another department, but got injured and is now on permanent light duty, so she came here.
• We are the only unit where the receptionists work 8 hour shifts instead of 12 hour shifts. Every other unit with receptionists is 12 hours just like nurses and CNAs (and honestly most other staff here too)
• Me and the new receptionist have been trying to get 12 hour shifts here since a few weeks before my surgery. I wanted less days because my mental health has taken a toll and I need to spend more time with my mother. Also, it would really help out my fellow receptionist who is used to the 12 hours, as the 5 days are really rough on her.
• I had to ask management TWICE to follow up on it. The second time was over a week ago now, and today I asked for an update on it because I was told they would get back to me with a decision and a schedule.
Turns out: They want us to cover 14 hours! 7a-9p! And no less and no more than 40 hours in a week!
How the hell does this make sense? I feel so insulted. My time has been wasted, I’ve been disrespected, and thrown under the bus. I’ve worked here for 2 years, and quite frankly have gone above and fucking beyond for these people. It’s hard for me to see my achievements due to insecurities but even I have to admit I’ve done more for them than I probably should have. And they repay me with telling us to work 14 hour shifts. For multiple reasons beyond just the ones I’ve stated, this is absolute bullshit and unhealthy.
I was honest with my managers. I told them why I needed 3 days instead of 5. My mother’s health is declining heavily and has a lot of future procedures coming up and she needs my support and presence, not me gone for 260 days of the year, or fucking dead to the world for 3 straight days. I’ve been nice and polite and patient. And now I’m done. Instead of keeping me full time despite being underpaid, they don’t get me at all.
I’m putting in my 2 weeks notice tomorrow. I’ll figure out the health insurance later- I’ve already applied to Medicaid to see if I’m eligible or not, and I might do the same for SNAP benefits. In the meantime, I’m applying for part time positions so that I can make money and still have time at home. I’d really appreciate any resources for health insurance assistance and food security in Virginia.
I’ve just been burned so bad too many times by them. The lack of respect for my time and effort is appalling and they really showed their true colors, on top of all the already demeaning things they’ve had us do and told to us. (One being that nobody can call out more than 3 times in a year. 3 times! When I work 260 days a year! What kind of psychopath thinks we have nothing else going on in our lives to the point we’d only call out 3 times in 12 months?)
sigh….Just wanted to get this all off my chest. It’s been a really trying time this past month or so. Hopefully I’ll be happier wherever I land a job.