Hi Everyone,

Anonymous

January 29,2023 at 6:25PM UTC

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Hi Everyone,

My supervisor called me into her office this past Friday afternoon (when it was almost time to leave) to tell me that she's going to have to change my work schedule and cut my hours because she's "running out of money." She did this after she whispered to my coworker of course which means that she probably told my coworker about how I was only going to be working in the office two and a half days a week which is pretty awkward for her to know before me. Its bothersome to me that the supervisor hired two new interns to help & one intern who was originally just working Monday-Wednesday will now be working Monday-Friday 9am-1pm. Its like there'a no need for me to be there. My supervisor hid at home while teleworking and in her office in meetings for at least 3-4 weeks before she even told me this information. She told me she "just found this information out" but I'm not buying it because my coworker mentioned how she was trying to get her leave request for next month approved & our supervisor said "we'll see if Rachel's still here" and this was in December. I knew something wasn't right about her.Its not righ that I wasn't given any notice to prepare me for this. I live with my boyfriend and I help with rent & I haven't said much since I've been home. I prayed this evening for myself and my situation & with a Deacon from church but I can't face telling my boyfriend right now because I know he's going to be super bothered. I'm angry &disappointed that this has happened to me because I work SOO HARD & come to work everyday & somehow I just end up getting screwed over & keep having so many doors shut in my face. I helped people out when they struggled before but yet no one helps me when Im seeking employment. I don't want to move back home but I can't keep going through the same thing everyday with this employment drama. I don't know how much more I can take. I dont understand how i can work for a temp agency but they never check in with me or respond to my concerns ESPECIALLY after my hours got cut drastically. The Talent Acquisition Specialist at the agency ignored my concerns when i expressed ot him how i was worried aabout my supervisor hired TWO PART TIME INTERNS to work in the office & didnt tell me about it. However, I overheard my coworker tell one of ththe Interns last week that the high school intern would be coming in the office to work 5 days a week from 9am-1pm starting next week rather than 3 days a week. But she didnt tell me anything. I dont trust her sneaky self and don't trust the supervisor’s sneaky self. Ive applied for jobs of course but i get nonstop rejection emails apart from a few interviews and one job offer last month that had many red flags. I feel so stuck and helpless!!! Has anyone experienced something like this before?? IIf so, what did you do? I could use some mentoring, encouragement, and advice right now.

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AnonymousJanuary 29,2023 at 7:09PM UTC
Honestly at this point, for a flexible job I recommend substitute teaching. This way you can look for work and earn some money at the same time. The job you are currently in is not sustainable. Also is there a chance you can switch to another temp agency? Because the one you are currently with is not very supportive.
AnonymousJanuary 29,2023 at 7:26PM UTC
If you are a temp working through an agency, you don't have a lot of recourse. You need to look at what you can control - you can register with other agencies - never just use one, you can keep looking for FT/PT employment outside of this company, you can pick up a side hustle to keep the peace at home - baby or kid sitting, dog walking, elder care (like buying groceries, laundry etc). What I would ask myself is "what do I want to do longer term? What am I good at? What can I do right now to bring in money?" and then see where that leads you. Good luck.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 29,2023 at 10:43PM UTC
YOU SAID:
"I can't face telling my boyfriend right now because I know he's going to be super bothered"
Not for nothing but if he's a good boyfriend, he should be supportive - not super bothered.
AnonymousJanuary 30,2023 at 5:18PM UTC
You post comes off as pretty immature & disjointed. Interns usually work for free, so it's irrelevant to the finances of the company. Do you work with the interns? I'm not sure why you would be owed any information about them.
Saying your supervisor "hid" from you is a very odd thing to say. Also the assumption that when she whispered to your co-worker that it was about you. Calling your boss & co-worker sneaky.
My advice is to grow up a bit. Talk to the staffing agency & let them know you need a position with more hours.
AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 2:19PM UTC
The interns at my job $30 and up an hour.
AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 6:01PM UTC
I can tell you that I've never worked anywhere that interns made that much. I am sure it varies from company to company, larger companies paying more but 43% of interns at for-profit companies are unpaid.
Julie EFebruary 1,2023 at 8:26PM UTC
I have never heard of an intern making that much. My friend who is looking for a regular part time job isn’t being offered near that amount. You must be in an expensive city like New York or San Francisco
AnonymousFebruary 1,2023 at 11:02PM UTC
I'm from New York
AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 2:27PM UTC
It is illegal to have interns work for free. See the case where former interns sued Vogue magazine.
AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 5:59PM UTC
The are not illegal. There are plenty of unpaid internships out there. A quick Google search will show you that they re not illegal. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15161-are-unpaid-internships-legal.html
AnonymousFebruary 1,2023 at 1:18PM UTC
Teaching still has only unpaid internships, so no need to Google, that's just one profession, there are few more. And that is not even also referring to terms like "externship" which are also unpaid but in a similar vein.
Jessica Hill-KnudsonJanuary 31,2023 at 2:25PM UTC
Interns either don't work for money or they receive very low wages so increasing their hours while reducing your hours is probably helping your boss cut costs.
I think it's actually pretty gracious of your boss to mention the reason behind cutting your hours, it gives you the opportunity to see the situation for what it is. If they are having trouble paying you, that seems like a good indicator that your position either is going to be eliminated or the company is a sinking ship. There is definitely nothing wrong with getting your resume ready and applying for new jobs.
And know that it can take a LONG time to find the right position. When I was applying before my current job, I had sent out my resume to over 100 positions I was very applicable for and got very little response back. Applying for jobs can be like a second job, but it can be worth it. If you can enlist your friends to honestly review your resume and help make it better, it can be worthwhile.
AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 2:54PM UTC
I don't think it's gracious at all. "Running out of money" is a little too casual for a hard conversation like this.
P.S. the days of not paying interns, or paying them low wages, is long gone.
AnonymousFebruary 1,2023 at 1:15PM UTC
I wish that were true. One of the reasons I have Basic Education "Studies" bachelors and not the standard is that there is 4-6 month unpaid internship mandatory. This is across the board in the USA in the K-12 Public Education system. There are no paid internships yet and they do not plan on changing on that. ETA: They barely want to paid qualified teachers, so they are not about to start paying the unqualified ones anything unless they want to make their career as a substitute.
Susan Sims-PrittsFebruary 1,2023 at 7:02PM UTC
Yep, to both of your comments.....
AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 2:51PM UTC
I'm a little surprised at some of the previous comments.... especially after OP said they needed some mentoring, encouragement, and advice.
To OP - one of the things I would be realistic about is that you technically work for a temp agency, and you're not employed full-time by the company. This means that the company can choose to cut your hours, or even let you go completely. Even if you were employed full-time by the company, they can still let you go without notice. Even if it's "not right" to not give you any notice, unfortunately, it's well within their right. Take a look at all the layoffs in the tech space...
I do agree with you that some of the conversations that were had behind your back is a little shady and unprofessional. If anything, this should already kind of give you a glimpse of the practices of this company, and you probably don't want to spend any more time there. It's a perfect time for you to freshen up your resume, and mass apply to opportunities. If you're having trouble landing interviews or moving through the interview process, perhaps try getting resume writing help or interview practice.
I understand that you have financial restraints, but everyone goes through hardships. No one ever sees what you went through, but they will definitely see how you reacted. There's still time to act with grace here - schedule a meeting with your supervisor and have a conversation with her about your future there. You can ask all the outstanding questions you have, and also propose an action plan. The key here is to do it calmly, and with a clear mind (not anger or resentment). There's a chance that you could be let go immediately, but there's also a chance that you could get a set last day.
Opportunity is all around, you are not stuck here - change your mindset, and you can achieve anything!
Jerri WalkerJanuary 31,2023 at 2:51PM UTC
The fact is, life is hard sometimes. I've been laid off 3 times over my career. The reasons don't matter - what REALLY MATTERS is how you respond. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and go get something going. Look for the positives, learn from the mistakes and come out of this better than you went in. Does it such, HECK YES! But it's also a chance to learn, grow, take risks, expand your network and show your resilience - not only to those around you - but to yourself. Your belief in yourself is the most important thing you need to work on. Keep going, chin up!
AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 3:01PM UTC
If your hours got cut your agency is losing money also, cause their pay is being cut. That said, it sounds like the fact is your employer is short on money so best you found out now. Now is the time to start the drive and hustle and start looking for either additional part time jobs to supplement your income or else look for a more stable full time job. Also, if your boyfriend is going to be "super bothered" at you that your employer cut your hours, then your boyfriend doesn't sound like the right person to be in a relationship with.
Susan Sims-PrittsFebruary 1,2023 at 7:00PM UTC
The employer wouldn't appear to be losing money if they've brought in two other employees, and haven't let her go. Some things didn't add up, to me.... though.
AnonymousFebruary 4,2023 at 2:29PM UTC
I'm just simply stating the facts of the current situation I'm in.
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachJanuary 31,2023 at 10:25PM UTC
Sounds like you are doing the right thing to move on. Keep applying, and stay resilient.
AnonymousFebruary 1,2023 at 2:06PM UTC
You employer cut your hours, you may be able to get partial unemployment. It is sad that some people are awful employers and many temp agencies are the same. Be honest with your boyfriend and tell him how you feel. You sound like you need to talk the situation through with someone. Then look for something else; there are other opportunities for you out there. Don't dwell on bad people, move on.
GirlBossanova934974February 1,2023 at 2:20PM UTC
I would say your supervisor is a lousy liar! You the supervisor bring in a bunch of cheap interns so you can save a few bucks and then cut the hours of the person pulling down 40 hours per week. Frankly, I wouldn't have the guts to pull off a stunt like this and claim the money was running out. More like your integrity ran out the door a long time ago and with it, your common sense. I would save all the drama and just start applying for other jobs etc.. Your staffing agency doesn't seem to give a darn so wasting time with them is just that. The fees they were getting for your employment at the company are not enough for them to go to bat for you. There are plenty of other staffing agencies out there and many other jobs. I would find a new company with more integrity and more common sense.
AnonymousFebruary 1,2023 at 2:34PM UTC
Does anyone else feel like work is a gigantic joke now? People can’t gone work, can’t keep work, keep having issues with their managers, crazy stories I read here and have personally been through.
AnonymousFebruary 1,2023 at 2:42PM UTC
What are your skills and what do you want to do? You might want to consider your value to an organization. If you are in an entry level position, you might want to think about how to gain skills. If you are afraid to tell your boyfriend, that is not the relationship for you. Right now, moving home and thinking about what you want to do with you life seems like the best option.
Angie DentonFebruary 1,2023 at 3:31PM UTC
I think you should look into other employment. It sounds as if they are trying to get you to leave. If your temp agency will not work with you then find another.
Most importantly have a discussion with your boyfriend. If he is not supportive then you need to know now so that you can move on from that relationship. I know this is a lot to handle all at once so take a deep breath and solve things one step at a time. You can do this!
AnonymousFebruary 4,2023 at 2:31PM UTC
Yeah it does seem like they are trying to get me to leave, doesn't it? That's unfortunate because I come to work everyday except for 3 days when I got sick and had a doctor's note smh.
Valerie RiegerFebruary 1,2023 at 3:32PM UTC
I want to be sure that I understand your situation. Are you a temporary employee working at an employer site? Is the employer cutting your hours through the temp agency and hiring two interns?
If that is the case, the money part makes sense. The employer is paying the temp agency a premium price for your services, sometimes with as much as a 50% markup - and you're not likely being paid any of that extra money. That will burn through dollars pretty quickly. The two interns together may be less that what the employer is paying the temp agency.
If you aren't working for a temp agency at an employer site, I'm so sorry that your hours are being cut and that your manager didn't handle it well.
AnonymousFebruary 1,2023 at 4:55PM UTC
Really, need to be much kinder and stronger with yourself. Step up, woman! Take out of your vocabulary about companies doing "right"!! Half (or more) of the world does NOT do right. When that happens, YOU take control. For goodness sakes, start looking for another job, even if it's part-time. It may not be the one of first choice, but, get a check coming in!! Instead of church and prayer (nothing wrong with that in context) use that time to look for work!! If the Talent person is working out for you, get a couple of others - don't limit working with just one. Go to employment agencies and the state job listing agency! Stop the worry! Do something! And, if you are worried about telling a 'boyfriend' about something of concern to you - that is not the right person to be with. That person should be supportive and tell you that you both will get through it and come out better! He should be saying, "We got this, babe"! Working part time gives you time to look for another job! Take a deep breathe! You may find somethig better. Read a book on positive thinking - seriously!!
Susan Sims-PrittsFebruary 1,2023 at 6:55PM UTC
As a former employee in several different roles and business types, and as a business owner and staff supervisor, I see several red flags. First, you seem to have some awareness of what's going on around you, yet don't have the initiative to ask questions. The second flag is that your co-worker was given info and you were left out of the loop. Perhaps you haven't developed the skill of establishing relationships with coworkers and colleagues. Three, you seem to rely on external sources ie church leader and boyfriend, rather than your own friends and colleagues for support and feedback. Four, It sounds as though you've either chosen not to participate in the life of the office staff, or haven't learned how to develop and maintain professional relationships. Clearly, you have the ability to perceive what's going on, but don't seem to know that building good relationships at work offer some buffer during times like these. All of that said.... I'm not sure what's going on, but we're missing something in your situation. It sounds as though you're passive, and afraid. I hope not! No one will know who you are or what you can do, unless you stand up and show them. Or better yet, tell them. I love that old adage.... 'Tell 'em what you're gonna tell em, Then tell 'em, then tell 'em what you told 'em" to paraphrase it, but you get the idea. It's also important to network in your office, chat up your boss and colleagues. Take in a treat every so often. Offer to buy a round of coffee or whatever they like to have at break. Now, you may have done all of these things, but it sounded to me as though you've hidden in your office. Perhaps being a temp, you didn't feel 'invited' into the group, but there are ways to participate and support 'office culture'. Every situation, no matter how painful, is an opportunity for growth. I agree that your manager doesn't sound very competent or professional, but you can't change her and it doesn't matter now. So, I was speaking to ways to enhance your self esteem and employability, as well as personal sense of value. I'm sorry this happened, and I'm sure it's painful as well as discouraging.... AND you can pick yourself up, and move on. Please, please, please do NOT go home, sit around and mope, or whine to your boyfriend and mom. Get up every morning. Rewrite your resume' with professional language and focus on your skills and strengths. Take some classes while your unemployed. Volunteer somewhere to gain new experiences and skills. Think creatively, and do your best to let this go. My experience has been that many times, we'll never understand what really happened, and it doesn't matter. What matters, is how you respond. I'm betting that you're going to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, polish up your resume and your work wardrobe, work on your self awareness and self confidence. Pray all you want, but do the hard work as well. You know that old saying.... 'God helps those who help themselves'. We were created to be our best selves, so give it your all out effort and get going, Girl!
Gem0124February 1,2023 at 8:22PM UTC
I understand how you feel because I've been there but the truth of matter is that you were a temporary employee and you should know that your position can end for any reason. If you feel that the talent professional at the agency was not listening to you, work with another agency. There's nothing wrong with deciding that an agency no longer works for you. Keep applying and have someone review your resume to make sure that it's in good shape. I concur with the person who stated that you should look into substitute teaching as an option. Try to stay positive and don't be so hard on yourself. Also, if you need to increase your skillset, look into things like Udemy and Coursera where its low cost. Good luck to you.
Julie EFebruary 1,2023 at 8:33PM UTC
First off, temp agencies are not your friend. They will only help you find another job when the one you’re working at lets you go and even then only if they have a current opening that fits your qualifications. Their focus is in the company they supply employees for, not the employees. I would keep looking for a direct hire position (working directly for the company not through an agency). It may take time but don’t get discouraged. It’s a numbers game. The more you apply to the more likely you’ll find another job.
I agree with others on the boyfriend too. If you’re that afraid to tell him your hours were cut he’s not the guy for you. He should be supportive. Good luck with everything. Breathe and know it will get better.
AnonymousFebruary 1,2023 at 10:04PM UTC
I went through times where I kept submitting resumes for jobs I knew I was qualified for but I couldn't get interviews. I believe my resume needed a lot of simplifying. I spent years tweaking it and running it past vocational professionals. Although, I got different opinions from people there were a few things that held true with all. The takeaway was that the resume is more important that we may think as job seekers. It has to be easy to read, have no errors and especially important, highlight accomplishments, not just tasks. That part is not easy. A local job center can help you with this. I was told that I don't need to put too much detail because it serves as a sales pitch. It should draw people to want to know more and thus, give you an interview.
In reference to the temp agency, I've had some agencies that never even assigned me anywhere. You could register with a few agencies. When one agency doesn't have anything, another might.
I hear your struggles. This work stuff will never end, no matter where you work, it's always something or someone. Also, if job security is a top priority for you as it is for me, I suggest you look into applying for Civil Service positions - any level of government. City, State, County and Federal. These jobs are more protected in some ways. The positions are part of City Ordinance, State Statutes or whatever applies at that level of government. These laws outline steps that must be followed in postings, discipline, rates of pay, advancement... Some also have unions who represent workers in negotiating fair wages, benefits, working conditions, due process and so on. Being a temporary employee can have it's perks As you see, you are extra vulnerable. I wish you all the best.
AnonymousFebruary 2,2023 at 1:32AM UTC
I experience what you go through all the time. Especially when employed through temp agencies. I don't know who came up with the idea for employment agencies but I strongly believe there is a special circle in hell for that individual. They allow large companies and bad bosses to treat employees like the human form of facial tissues to be used and disposed of at will without having to justify the reason for dismissal or explain it. Temp agencies don't care about their resources (us) because we're a never ending source of income because there is always someone waiting to take our place when we don't "work out" with their client. They will always side with the client because they are the ones paying the agencies and keeping them afloat. They always say the job is temporary with the "possibility" of going permanent knowing full well it never goes permanent. They play off the reason for this saying the "possibility" depends on us and our job performance. Again, this is another lie because it all comes down to who you know not what you know when it comes to obtaining that golden status of permanent employee. Unfortunately, this is the case no matter where you go. Best way to handle this is to become a ghost. Observe those around you in silence to map your way without making waves. Try to stay in the middle lane and not bring attention to yourself by giving 110% or getting fed up and just phoning it in (this last part is tempting to do). Follow the rules given and ignore those who don't but seem to get away with it. TRUST NO ONE when it comes to confiding, complaining, or expressing opinions about ANYTHING. You never know who you're talking to (could be someone close to management in some way or someone trying to get some dirt to go to management with. Workplace snakes are just one step above chameleons). Avoid workplace social gatherings if possible. Those are usually teeming with people looking for gossip and see new people as fresh fodder. Be wary of joining in group gripe sessions. There is always someone there who will take what you say and use it against you later. Avoid expressing opinions on ANYTHING but especially religion, sports, politics, diets, gender discussions, race, and sex or sexual orientation, Those last subjects have a potential to become hot buttons and can trigger unwarranted negativity aimed your way. Take criticisms and judgements without reaction. This will be hard. you're going to want to defend yourself because they probably will be inaccurate but disputing them will only make you look like you're making excuses and in denial of your own shortcomings and it still won't change what is being said. Best just to say ok and nod then move on with your day. Discuss as little with co-workers as possible regardless if it is about your work life (past and present) or your personal life. The less people know you, the better. Again, TRUST NO ONE AT WORK. Understandably, you'll need an outlet. Either find someone completely unrelated to your job that is willing to listen to you vent or create a social media outlet with a fake persona and blow off steam there. Just make sure to keep the steam info as bland and anonymous as possible so anyone who sees it won't be able to trace it back to you or your workplace. The temptation will be there to "out" the company as a toxic work place to protect other people from being abused too but resist the urge. No good deed goes unpunished and agencies talk to each other. Which leads to difficulty getting placed in the future. Capisce? I've been doing this dance for over 30 years and have occasionally been converted from contractor to permanent employee but those were few and far between and the companies ended up moving out of state or selling to a new owner which would result in massive lay offs either way. Basically, what I'm saying is become a ghost employee. Come in to work, resist the urge to announce your presence by saying hello or good morning, just go to your spot, log in and start working. Work your shift without socializing then clock out and go home the same way. Just leave without announcing it or saying goodbye. You'll get used to it and realize how much less stressful and easy it is when people don't try to talk to you or suck you into the office games/politics/cliques/etc. I wish you luck and hope you give this some thought and try it out.
AnonymousFebruary 2,2023 at 9:49PM UTC
This ? thoughtful reply is absolutely gold!!!!!
NOT OP but Thank you for replying