This past summer, my commitment to working retail was seriously questioned. I have worked at a few retail locations throughout my college career. They give awesome discounts and I can demand to be scheduled no more than 10 hours a week.My boss at Joes Jeans, whom I'll call "Kerrie" because that's her name, called my allegiance into serious question.
I asked for the the week of the 4th of July off a month prior to my scheduled trip to Lake Powell. Then I found my name on the schedule.... I went to chat with Kerrie.
Me:I don't understand why I am on the schedule.
K: Well next week is the 4th of July so it's going to be busy and we're getting a huge shipment so you have to stay and help.
Me: Right........ So like I said, I'm going to be in Lake Powell next week..............
K: Mark asked for time off too and he didnt get it off either.
Me: Well Mark is the assistant manager, he is more invested in the store than I am. I barely work ten hours a week and get paid next to nothing. One of the only reasons I work here is because of the flexibility (and amazing discounts, but I didn't say that).
K: Obviously your commitment to Joes Jeans isn't up to the level I thought it was.
Me: Wait.... when exactly did you get the idea that commitment existed between me and my part-time retail job?
K: You can't just not show up for work.
Me: That's why I asked for it off a month ago.
K: Well, you're not allowed to take any time off next week.
Me: You're not my mom.
(I blink and look around the backroom)
Me: I'll let you know how awesome Lake Powell is when I get back.
But she showed me. When I came back my job, along with any devotion or commitment that may have existed, was gone. Now whenever I want a discount I have to bake the other coworkers cookies so they will purchase jeans for me. amen.
