I worked at a job that, at best, was decent. I was paid fairly well, but with everything going on, it was stressful. I was in a manager position and had to deal with typical manager stuff. I like to consider myself a good leader, as I am understanding. You had to call out? Sure, that's fine. Your life is important. You had to leave early? Sure, take care of yourself. I was getting massive pressure from higher-ups for being too “empathetic.” After 5 years of this and a pandemic, I thought it's time to find something else.
There was a lady who joined my company during the pandemic in an upper management role. She was not the best at her job and frankly annoying. But I am nice and pleasant to everyone because you never know who will be your boss one day. She left the company after 6 months and went somewhere else as the head of retail. I reached out to her and asked if she needed help. Because of what I was able to achieve at my current job, she was excited to give me an opportunity. They offered me more than what I was getting paid currently (salary) and all the other health benefits. After 5 long years, my career with my current company came to an end.
The day I was supposed to go in and fill out my paperwork, she calls. She informs me that I am still to go in and fill out paperwork, but she has been given an offer elsewhere, and we will not be working together. 1st red flag.
On my first day, I am told to hang out before going to the 2 stores I am supposed to be managing. Come to find out they are firing the current store managers the day I am supposed to start. 2nd red flag.
After getting into these stores, turnover starts to happen. Everyone knows that if you like your manager, you're going to side with them and quit also. Both of the store I am supposed to manage immediately have their staffing cut in half. Corporate will not allow over time, and the process of getting new employees has been rough. The employees are treated like shit and worked to death.
I am now in my second week and have worked 70 hours this week and 60 the previous. I am tired and refused to go in today to work 10 more hours. I have had 1 day off over the last 2 weeks, and I have doctor appointments to go to. A house that hasn't been cleaned in 2 weeks. Because I am working 15-hour days I cannot do laundry, go to the store, go to the bank, live life. I was lied to about everything and quit my job, where I at least didn't have to work 80 hours a week.
The worst part of all of this is that no matter where you go, jobs treat you this way. And without having the pay that I am getting, my lifestyle will fall apart, and I will be home less.
We as humans need help.