I got a busboy job in the pandemic that I was overqualified for at a Crazy Rockn Sushi.
My boss took a chance on me because he liked my “humble attitude” in the interview, seeing as I had previous bartending and serving experience. I said I wouldn't mind the work, I was mainly filling in gaps because video-related work had dried up, and if my boss was concerned I was overqualified, maybe I could work my way to serving there if I seemed like a fit!
For a month I worked hard and connected with the kitchen staff, my coworkers, and my managers. I was grateful for what seemed like an appreciative and great work environment!
Around this time they needed another server to fill hours and they told me I was the prime candidate since I had “done so well” and already memorized the menu.
I completed my training and my boss sat me down. He explained he wanted to promote me, but he caught wind from the other manager that I had told one of my anonymous coworkers that I was going to quit this job soon because I could collect more from unemployment. I was shocked, it was a lie. I said I was extremely sorry he had to hear that, that I didn't know what to say, but that I implore him to consider the possibility that this coworker was lying to protect her server hours. It didn't make sense, I've worked over a month and he's complimented how hard I worked. He said it was unlikely she was lying, and he'll consider what I had to say and talk to the other manager, and in the meantime I should think about how I come across when I'm speaking to the other servers and maybe not disclose a lot of personal information….
The very next shift I told him unfortunately it seems like somebody didn't want me there whether it be staff or management, and I was disappointed he didn't take my side which means I didn't make a good fit so I would finish off the remainder of the schedule and would pick up my last check when it was ready. My boss seemed alarmed and on my break tells me that it wouldn't be necessary, because what he told me was to test my professionalism and he wanted me to stay to make me a server!!!!! I could not believe it. After a second I said that doesn't make any sense, and I felt betrayed so I didn't feel right staying anyway. He didn't say anything back.
When I was picking up my check he told me “it really puts me out that you're leaving. Are you absolutely sure? We really could have used you to stick around, I don't know what I'm going to do.” I said “that's really too bad. Maybe my coworkers could use more hours.” And he nodded and I left.
Still baffles me, I sometimes wonder if I handled it right but this is the story as I went through it.