The following is something I posted to a subreddit for the job I have.
“I'm a PT produce clerk that closed last night and has another close tonight. I've always made it clear that my priority is school and that work comes second. I've also always made an effort to make sure there is no scheduling conflict and that I can get everything done on time. Have never missed a shift because I needed to catch up or meet a deadline.
However, while I was working, I dropped my phone and ended up completely destroying the touchscreen. This is a problem since 1.) I need to access the touchscreen for two-factor authentication to log in to my university and 2.) I have an assignment due tonight that requires camera use for my phone, as well as at least a few hours of work.
There was no way I could have foreseen this happening and I simply need enough time to buy a new phone when the day starts, transfer my data over if I can, log in, and do the assignment. That's just not enough time since there's only a 3 hour window between the phone repair shop opening and my shift starting. So I called out. Stayed up until 4 a.m. and called my manager. He was pissed off, asked if there was anything I could do, claimed he'd have to do opening to close now, and then hung up while I was talking.
It's not like I've ever called out for this kind of thing before, nor do I call out often. This was a completely unforeseen turn of events and I need proper time to do my project. I don't feel like there's anything else I could have done.”
Half of the comments were other workers saying it's not on me or that I should have lied about why I couldn't come in. The other half was management saying I should plan better and that my manager has a right to be pissed.
HOW could I have planned ahead better!? This is something that I have no control over! I've worked here two years and only ever called out because I was sick! Now, the one time that I have a schedule conflict because of something I CAN'T CONTROL, I get flack!? I'm a part-timer, but it's on ME that my manager was angry despite doing everything in my power to give them the proper heads up and go through the proper channels?
I just don't get it. Life happens, and it's inconvenient, but it's my fault if it happens to be inconvenient for someone else?