I see a lot of these posts where employers are creating stupid rules or being generally insufferable and I wanted to share this.
My first legal job was a checkout chick (not sure what its called outside of Australia? the person who scans your groceries). Almost everyday I worked, I busted my arse and my boss would reprimand me for something new. Everything from chastising me in front of coworkers and customers to giving me formal warnings. And they ranged from being too slow, to accidentally giving too much change to a customer (who complained for some strange reason). During these episodes he would often call me dumb and criticise my appearance. Every day I went home with less self worth than when I started, and I did it all for minimum wage.
Then there was other strange stuff. The store manager would often call for one of us to bring him water or make him tea. After a coworker left that role fell to me. It was weird and to this day I think it was a power trip.
Anyway eventually I had enough and I quit. I tried to do it professionally in his office, but he wouldn't accept it. He followed me through the shop floor begging me (in front of everyone) not to leave. He was offering me more money. Offering to take me off the tea duty. Offering me more flexible rosters (I once got reprimanded for refusing a schedule that conflicted with my studies). Just pleading with absolutely no dignity, like the pig he was. Later he tried to call my parents to convince them to force me to work there (I wasn't even living with them, they were just my next of kin).
I was very replaceable. I obviously wasn't a valued employee. BUT, as soon as I stood up for myself, I had real power. Now I am older and I have been in leadership roles, I can see a common theme where people don't advocate for themselves. Knowing what I know now, I would have talked to my coworkers. I'm sure 2/3rds would be as upset as I was. If the boss was scared for one person quitting, can you imagine how freaked out he would be with 2/3rds of the store? Unionize!
Anyway, thanks for hearing me out 🙂