Help on hours n health question

Question

I have just started working thru an agency. They got me a seasonal job In retail. Problem is I am 66 and they have me working all nites not comfortable with this. I have health issues and when I took the job I needed days off which was approved but feel like I am being penalized for it. Reached out to agency in regards to the hours they stated I needed to reach out to store Mgr and asked them to but I know I am going to be questioned about this by the Mgr today n I don’t know how to handle? Need help quick I don’t know how to handle do I tell him not comfortable and the days off are to deal with health issues not for fun. Thank you everyone, I am a nervous wreck over this

Shandon Hayes · Answer

Michelle, big hugs to you!  It's tough to be in that sort of situation where you were up front with the agency and sounds like they may not have been up front with the manager about your desired hours.  It may be hard but you don't need to feel badly about taking time for your HEALTH!  If you're not healthy you're not going to be able to help anyone!

This sounds like an instance where you might want to look for a better working situation.  Working evening and night shifts should always be disclosed to candidates because these are not normal hours.  And if it's not something you're comfortable with for any reason you should ask for help.

I used to work late evening shifts at a mall and walking to my car that was far away at 10 and 11 at night isn't the safest for a woman by herself.  My co-workers and I would always park in the same area and walk to one car, then drive the other person to their car and we'd follow each other out of the parking lot to make sure we got out ok.  So I FEEL YOU on the night shifts!!

Hope that helps and sending you the best of love and energies.  You can do this!

Crystal Rhineberger · Answer

Do you have an availability schedule tab?
This came in very handy in my retail field. I can say sometimes it took up to 3weeks for it to be effective, but the company I had worked for was a strong team all very open w what was up.
I applaud you for jumping back into the retail world tho! It can be a very rewarding time.

Coach Nancie Kay Shuman · Answer

I worked in retail management for years.  The easiest thing to do, along with a written request for specific days off, is see if there is someone who you can switch with, it the company allows for that.  My experience is that there are always people who are willing to change hours with you, as long as you aren't completely rewriting your schedule.

Also, on those night when you DO have to walk to your car late, request that the Mall Security officer walk with you, or that the group walk together. That was the policy in place when I ran retail.

Help on hours n health question

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