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I already know the answer, but...

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Anonymous

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I already know the answer, but...

I work at a boutique that is owned by a husband and wife. I have worked for them on and off in some capacity, either full-time or part-time for over four years. I have to admit, they are a little peculiar and paranoid. They have cameras and microphones all over the store. The ceiling is black and I'm not even aware of where all of the surveillance is located. I know it is there because they will sometimes comment on a private conversation that I've had with a customer. I'm also presently the only employee. They will watch and listen when I am working alone or working with one of them.

I know they are looking for seasonal employees because we discuss the need and I'm also on Indeed. Recently I saw a blind posting on Indeed that had our address. I mentioned it to them and they denied that they had posted it. They also have an ad with the store name. I looked a little closer, and the two ads on Indeed read exactly the same! Verbatum! The anonymous one is for a full-time position, which is my role. The store business does not warrant two full-time employees.

In the last two weeks, I have gone from being the perfect employee to one who seems to do everything wrong. And I mean EVERYTHING! The other day at closing, I "Swiffered" the floor. After I finished and was heading to the backroom, the wife grabbed the handle and said, "Let me do that"! And off she went to re-do the floor! Seriously! She didn't get much, because I had already done an excellent job. I should also add that I am 60, and have a solid history of cleaning my own home and many retail stores.

I am constantly criticized for everything, I'm told not to engage with customers I have known for years, even when there are no other customers in the store. I once heard the husband tell another merchant that he only hires mature women and he pays me to talk! Not anymore. There are so many other things going on, but I'm sure that they're just trying to make my life miserable so I will quit. I just feel that I am being beaten down mentally. My self-esteem is in the toilet. I am sending resumes out.

My retail friends agree with what's happening. I'm just having a difficult time facing each day.

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  1. maria rose

    While they are looking for a replacement for your, go find another job in a similar skill set. With your job skills ( in retail sales, Inam assuming) you could have a new job ASAP. It sounds like they are trying to lower payroll costs because of not enough money being generated by their business ( a sign of the times), and instead of being honest about needing to lower labor costs, they are trying to push you out the door instead. It will be their loss when you leave.

  2. Anonymous

    No, they are advertising for a full-time person, with a starting rate over what I'm making. The store also needs an additional two associates. We are located in a resort area with the high season just beginning. I have just started applying for other positions and have secured one for Monday. Thank you for your input.

  3. Anonymous

    I hate that you are dealing with this- some people have ZERO class.
    Know that you deserve better and soon will have it.

    Hugs from Tennessee!!

  4. Anonymous

    You are so sweet! Thank you for your kind words.

  5. Anonymous

    Certainly. Some people are simply incompassionate, paranoid jerks.

  6. Anonymous

    Yes, you have summed this couple up correctly!

  7. YourMom

    Screw these paranoid jerk wads! Oh that makes me so upset to hear how they are treating ,you. I wouldn't stand for anyone treating my 60yr old mother that way either. You don't owe these two the courtesy of so much as a two week notice. But I suppose it's best for you to be the bigger person. I hope this experience ends of being the biggest blessing in disguise! I hope it brings you to a better job, with better pay, where you are praised for your talents and ability to chat with customers so easily. Sending you virtual internet hugs! Please update us once the dust has settled <3

  8. Anonymous

    It's good to get things of your chest.

  9. Anonymous

    Yes, it is. Thank you. And I only touched the tip of the iceberg.

  10. Anonymous

    Thank you so much for your kind words. I will definitely let you know how things go.

  11. Anonymous

    I would have been sending out resumes long before given the surveillance piece.

  12. Donna Richardson

    Get out as fast as you can. They are toxic!! You deserve so much better.

  13. Kimberley Ferretti Hammett

    You made me laugh at "I have a solid history of cleaning my own home"! Love the cheeky-ness.

    I'm so sorry you are going through this, you definitely don't deserve to deal with this type of behavior. And more so, you 10000% don't deserve for it to impact your self-esteem. Their actions and perceptions likely have nothing to do with you and just remember they don't even really know you. The judgements of people who don't really know you are a shitty thing to listen to. (not that it isn't natural, Lord knows I've fallen into that trap) You clearly know your capabilities and your repeat customers know your value. You will find someplace that is more enjoyable to work and do great work like you've done time and time again and they will do this same thing to the next person that works for them not realizing that they are actually creating the pattern.

  14. Anonymous

    Kimberley! YOU made me laugh! Thanks! I know I'm a good person and they have been very lucky to have me. I have been in retail sales and management for my entire career, but this is a tough one right now. Thanks again for your support!

  15. Anonymous

    Find a place where you can garner basic respect. Then quit.

  16. April Line

    Sounds toxic and like getting out is the right choice.

  17. Anonymous

    UPDATE:

    I found another job, with a small company. They actually have an employee handbook! I gave the toxic bosses my two-week notice, and even gave them an additional 6 days.

    I still had 8 days to go when the husband became irate and started to scream at me at the top of his lungs. I had been on the phone with my pharmacy, they had called about an important prescription. I was steaming some dresses and never stopped for a second while on my brief call. He kept yelling at the top of his lungs, telling me to get off the phone NOW! I said I couldn't hang up that second and he went crazy! I hung up in less than 30 seconds, never skipping a beat on the steaming. He said if I didn't want to work there, I could just go home then. We were in the back room and I asked him if he wanted me to leave, he continued yelling, that he did not care. I kept steaming the dresses I was working on and he just continued his rant. His wife was on the sales floor and I don't know if any customers walked in or not. It was almost like he snapped. He was insane. I had never abused using my phone and they never had a problem with me receiving any calls on my cell. So, after he stopped yelling, he stuck pretty close to me. I continued to steam, but when I needed more water, I took all of my water bottles out of the refrigerator and put them in my tote bag. And later, when I used the restroom, I took my toothbrush/toothpaste and put them in my bag. I was still steaming, and a bit later, I went to my work area on the sales floor and grabbed my asthma inhaler. When I finished everything I had to do, I went to the sales floor and did some small tasks until the customers left. I went up to the husband in the doorway and told him that I was leaving and I was never coming back. I clocked out and said goodbye to the wife. She wanted to know if I had cashed out my drawer. I told her, no I had not had any transactions, and that I wasn't on the clock anymore and I walked out. My call from the pharmacy came in at 12:05 and I called my best friend from my car at 1:51. A couple of my friends wondered if I walked out during his rant or if I broke down and cried. Nope. I stayed, finished my work, collected my belongings, and let him squirm. I don't think he knew what I was going to do. All it did was confirm how crazy and toxic they are.

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