Unfair employee treatment?

Question

I work for a small business since last February (not mentioning the name) there are only 3 of us- the owner, his wife and myself. I work from 9am to 6pm five days a week (twice the amount of hours they work) and i have only called in sick once for one day about 4 months ago.

This summer i did not go on holiday, instead i went to a music festival and needed to take a day and a half off work. When i came back i had a cold but went into work regardless trying to be a good employee. A day later the cold worsened and i knew that i needed to see a doctor so i rang my boss and asked him could i come in late the next morning. He agreed. Later that night i got a phone call from his wife giving out to me on the phone. She had seen me in work ill that day but told me it was my own fault for going to a music festival and shouted at me saying she was disgusted at me. I was shocked. She wasn't even in work at all the next day.

Recently i needed a Saturday morning off to attend a funeral. I asked my boss on the Wednesday if this was ok. He said yes but retorted that i had ruined his plans for the weekend.

Is this behavior wrong? This is my first proper job so i'm not sure what exactly i should be expecting.

Answer 1

It sounds like they're taking you for granted.

I'd start looking for another job.

Answer 2

Yes it is wrong. Employers should always let employees go to a funeral, even if it changes the schedule at work. And employers should realize that employees have a life and deserve to take the occasional vacation. In other countries, they make employees take vacations; unfortunately we don't have the same mindset in America.

You should look for a job where they will treat you with respect.

Answer 3

Your employment situation is unusual, because you are the only real employee. You are always going to be a second class citizen in this job. And sometimes, you are also going to be the paper in their scissors. Think about it. Look for another position. Good luck.

Answer 4

They sound very demaning but (and I don't mean this in a mean way)  you have conditioned them to expect more than they should from you.  It is very admireable in a way (it shows a good work ethic) but they have come to be expectant on you in a very demanding way.

I would start looking for another job and leave.  They will promise the moon and do everything they can to keep you because face it - it is easier for them to keep you than it is to find, hire and train another person that does everything you do for them.  Don't fall for it - once you have told them you are leaving - follow through and leave.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 5

Quit and tell them both to get screwed.  It's their business not yours.  They are unreasonable and are acting like jackasses.