Problem at work Options

[jojobombiest]

Hello, I haven't posted here in quite some time but I couldn't think of anywhere else to ask for help for such a weird question, and everyone on these forums is usually very helpful, so here goes I was scheduled as a substitute at work today (if someone called in sick I replace them). Nobody did, so they asked me, do you want to work? I wasn't sure how to answer it, I didn't really give them a straight answer so they asked me again. I gave another stupid response so he said "OK just go clock out." I was kind of shocked but went ahead and did it anyway not really thinking, as I walked out I gave them a cheerful "goodnight" and looked back to see my boss lipping "shady" to the other supervisor. I'm not sure whether to apologize or what to do because I really like my job and would like things to keep going smoothly.

[forkee]

lol, so did you want to work or not? they sound like a bunch of bastards but at the same time it is frustrating when you ask someone something and they don't give you an answer. You don't need to apologize to them. i would just forget about it.

[Galcobar]

Being asked a question by your boss is an opportunity to impress him/her with your ability to process information and formulate a clear response.

Do you want to work? Yes, I'm a hard worker and want to contribute. Yes I need the money. No, I'm lazy and want to avoid work. No, I have something I need to do. Your choice, I put myself as available but am willing to clock out if you can't use me productively.

Any of those are clear responses of use to a boss. I'll assume you can determine which ones are better for your long-term employment.

If you're concerned, go back to your boss and apologise for not being clear, explain your general position on work (I want it/I'll take it reluctantly) and go from there.

[CAMAricer]

Huh? I think I'm missing something here...

So....you went to work on a day you were scheduled to work in case somebody who was scheduled to work didn't want to work but nobody was at work so your boss asked you if you wanted to work but you weren't sure if you wanted to work so you told you boss you didn't want to work and then he told you to clock out and go home because you indicated to him that you had no desire to work when you really did want to work?


In my line of work, I get calls from my boss all the time asking if I want to work. My answer is always either a "Yes, I can" or a "No, I can't". From experience, bosses aren't looking for some elaborate explanation of why you can or cannot work, just get to the point kind-of-thing. And when they ask you seemingly simple questions like, "Do you want to work?" they aren't trying to be philosophical with you and looking to judge you. Don't try to analyze it as a test of character. The fact that you stonewalled them about that simple question is probably why they thought you were "shady". I would think that too if I simply asked someone if they wanted to work and they told me the lifestory, past relationships, the results of their last physical, how they once saw Mr. T at the mall, and why the sky was blue.

This post has been edited by CAMAricer: Aug 29, 2009 - 12:19 PM

[xs94st]

I understand.

You are usually a sub that goes in when somebody calls out.

Nobody called out, but they still asked if you wanted to work.

I'm guessing that you didn't quite know what was going on, since nobody had called out.

I think that maybe they wanted you to work extra to see how you handled it, or they had extra hours and they perhaps preferred you receive them. I don't know what was happening on their side, but I sorta understand why you asked questions n stuff like that.

Stop me if I got this wrong though, lol.

[soulshadow]

I don't want to sound mean, but What is it that you do?
If they call you the sub it just puts you into that "Dog" category.
If you need the money, work. If not just say no "I can't got plans and leave when your shift is over"

Like I said, you would just fall into the "Dog" scene where they will treat you like one and make you do stuff like one if you give into your bosses demands.
There is a difference in being an ass kisser who rises in ranks and a "Dog" who barks and wags his tail when given a treat or compliments.

Do you want to be a "Dog"?
Dude, just stand up for yourself, no need to apologize for something you didn't do wrong and even if you did something wrong never apologize it makes you look weak.

Do you ever see a BOSS apologize even if they punched a customer?

[Hanyo]

what did you say?

Did you answer their question with another question?

Such as : Do you want to work today? Well it depends on what i will be doing and the hours?


Or did you give a "epic fail" try to be funny answer?


such as : Do you want to work today? The only kind of work I do is with your mom.

[CAMAricer]

Do you ever see a BOSS apologize even if they punched a customer?

"Yeah, I'm sorry your face hit my fist. By the way, try not to let your arse hit my foot on your way out."

My bosses would never say anything like that, our company policy is that the customer is always right. Grrrr....

[Bitter]

don't be surprised if you slowly get less and less hours each week.