About this time last year I was struggling financially. I had a full time job with Asda, but with all the cut backs to stay in work I took demotions that left me at minimum wage. I needed to take home about £1200 a month to break even with bills, mortgage and car. I was taking home about £1000 a month. I was slowly sliding into debt and could not see a way out, without getting lucky with another job.
I got 'lucky' with another job at Morrisons as Night Manager. On another thread I was sharing with you guys what happens there. I have a 40 hour week contract. The pay is good and clear my needs. However, the job is impossible in 40 hours. Myself and the other 2 night managers work 60 hours a week. We are salaried. We do not earn much above minimum wage when we break down our hours.
The other side of this is that we feel bullied/manipulated into doing the shifts.
I am exhausted mentally, emotionally and physically. We have raised grievances, they get swept under the carpet.
If we state that we will only work our hours, then we get threatened with performance management for not completing the job.
Then last week it happened because we are too vocal.
I have been put on performance management because of standards.I am awaiting a review and technically they could give me 4 weeks notice at the review in two weeks time.
Another manager has been put on investigation for alleged bullying. He isn't a bully.
The third manager has received a warning for working too many hours.
It is all a device to keep us in line and in mycase I suspect to get rid of me.
On Thursday night I snapped. I told the senior line manager that I do not enjoy working with a gun to my head. I stated that they are trying to 'manage' out those whose faces do not fit. (Two team managers walked last week after pressure applied on them). They already know I am on medication for stress related illness. I also added that I would never expect them to admit it. I said they would be delighted if I gave my notice because that is what they are working towards. He chuckled and denied it.
Needless to say on Friday morning I got hauled over the coals on 2 issues the Store Manager found. 2 issues across a massive shop is FA. No mention was made of all the good work done around the rest of the store. That is quite normal.
So I have the same dilemma as last year. I can not afford to be out of work. I need to earn enough to pay my bills or lose my house. The job I am in is destroying me. I can not put in words just what is happening at work. It might sound like I am just moaning. I have worked hard all my life and not afraid of hard work. This is slave labour and mental torture.
My belief is that I have less than 6 weeks left and then I really do not know what to do.
I have already applied for loads of jobs and joined agencies. Not getting anything back.
Family are suggesting I put a sick note in. This has never been my ethic and I think it would work against me longer term.
Right now this morning, I feel sick and dread going back into work.
Sorry to hear this situation mate. I also wouldn’t advise putting in a sick note, this will only exacerbate the issue and may accelerate your departure, it will certainly make it inevitable. It may not be pleasant, but I would continue to go in and tow the line. Do exactly as you’re told. Work the 60 hours over 40 if you’re able to.
You’re simply buying time, keeping them sweet until you can make your departure. It sounds like it isn’t a very nice place to work and you can choose to fight them on that and argue your case (it may change but it’s unlikely - they’ll just get someone else to do it!) or you can simply say “I’m better than this” and make your exit.
Having worked in recruitment for almost 10 years now, I can tell you it’s better to focus on quality of application, not quantity. One tailored application to a job that doesn’t exist will often fare you better than chucking the same CV at 10 vacancies on Indeed, for example (although that route might lead you to a couple of interviews).
I also know that most businesses, particularly in retail, almost always have opportunities that aren’t advertised. You say you’ve worked at ASDA and now Morrisons, so you inevitably have excellent transferrable skills that would fit in well with other retailers.
So how about this for some homework (if it doesn’t get you at least one interview, i’ll be flabbergasted). Make a list of all other similar retailers within what you deem to be a commutable distance of your home.
Tesco’s (Extra’s, Metro’s) / Jack’s, Aldi’s, Lidl’s, Waitrose, Sainsbury, Co-Ops. Maybe even look at other branches of Morrisons or ASDA. You could also extend this to other places of this nature that require Night Managers (Warehouses, Service Stations etc).
Once you’ve got that, call each store / place of work and ask the name of the store manager / general manager. Say you’d like to write them a letter (you don’t have to specify it’s for an application as the receptionist may then fob you off with “visit our website” etc) .
Then print off several copies of your CV. Try to adapt your CV, make it a one-pager if you can and place your most recent role 1st, then work backwards. Be sure to include prominently (toward the top) a list of any eye catching achievements you can think of in your current and previous roles (e.g reduced wastage by X% / created new system which proved to increase shift productivity).
If you have nothing of that ilk, maybe within your cover letter discuss your current situation and why you’re looking to leave (being careful not to talk negatively about your current employer). Maybe say something like “I’ve heard great things from other employees at your store about the working environment and I’m really eager to join a team where my work-ethic and willingness to go above and beyond to ‘get the job done’ will truly be appreciated”
A typed up letter, with accompanying CV, addressed directly to the store manager / general manager / warehouse manager, physically handed in to the store or posted to the warehouse will receive attention. Sounds obvious but make sure you have your home address on there, email address, home number and mobile number - you’d be amazed at the amount of people that don’t include them. Also check your CV for spelling mistakes.
It’s a bit more work than applying to vacancies online, but given your situation, if you do this correctly i’m confident you’ll start to get other opportunities and can be more positive about your situation.
Think how great it will feel to be able to go in, chuck your notice at your boss and tell them your leaving for something better. Good luck with it mate.
