I'm new at my part-time job, but they're giving me too many shifts! What to do? 10 pts to who can help me

Question

I started working at a women's clothing store 5 days ago as a sales associate.

I've worked every one of those 5 days, working today, and tomorrow.

I get a 2 day break, then 6 days in a row.

A lot of the shifts are 7 hours, which only allows for one 15 minute break. Others range from 4-8 hours,

I really can't stand it. Isn't part time...like....PART time? I've had to halt my entire social/family/volunteer life for this job.

I know I'm not the only employee that has been getting these hours. I'm only 16 though, new to the workforce life, and don't *need* the money to live off of. Others there are older, and actually have to support themselves.

Please help!!! How do I tell my boss I can't work so much? Its tiring me out so much. My schedule is already up for the next 3 weeks, and it looks like h**l.

Is there any way I can get *immediate* less shifts per week without offending my manager?

Answer 1

That's disgusting actually, they can't treat you like that.

You should check your contract and see what it says. Then point out that you're only part-time, which does indeed mean only *part* time. Also, if you speak to someone who is full-time, then you can compare how may hours you both work.

Do you mind if I ask how much you're paid by the way?

If they're treating you like that, then you deserve to be paid at least vaguely well.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, this is common in retail.  Your boss must appreciate your performance and dependability which is good but at the same time he/she is taking advantage of your time.  The bad part about retail is that schedules are sporadic and can change weekly.  As a result, it is important that you communicate with your boss.  If you allow it, your employers will use you up and revolve your schedule around what is convenient for them.  

Be sure to tell you boss how appreciative you are for the opportunity and how much you enjoy your position but are wondering if it would be possible to have a set schedule with set hours.  More than likely, if you are a hard worker and an asset to the company they will work with you.  

I think that many times some people assume that just because you are a teenager you are available all the time and anytime.  However, the opposite is true as you have family, friends, school, homework, extracurricular activities and volunteer work.  

Be upfront with your boss about wanting fewer hours but be assertive.  Don't make demands but rather ask politely if he/she would be willing to work with you.  As I mentioned before make sure they do not get the impression that you do not want to work but rather you are seeking hours that are more compatible with a part-time schedule.  Since your boss hired you as a part-time employee hopefully he/she will honor this.

Answer 3

Don't tell about your physical problems or distaste to your boss. Instead give a nice personal or family situation demanding your presence and clearly specify the schedule you are comfortable with. They will either accept it or consider it later to make you feel commited. Most cases, people don't communicate based on fear or seeing others doing it. You need to be clear what you want. Maybe they like your work and want you to accept permanent  immediate. In that case ask for the pay and settle down.