I Will Reschedule You In For Never

(I’ve recently graduated from college and am in desperate need of a job so I can start paying my student loans. I go in for an interview at a local boutique and am hired on the spot for a part-time position. The owner says she’ll call me within 48 hours to let me know when to start. Four days later, I haven’t heard anything, so I call the store…)

Me: “Hi, this is [My Name], and I was wondering if you had a start date for me?”

Owner: “Of course! I’m sorry I didn’t call you sooner; it just slipped my mind. You’ll be starting this Saturday.”

Me: “Great! What is the dress code?”

Owner: “Whatever you are comfortable in! You can wear a dress and heels; you can wear jeans and flip-flops. We’re pretty relaxed around here.”

Me: “That sounds awesome. I’ll see y’all Saturday, then.”

(I take the owner literally and decide to wear my favorite jeans, a cute top, and some fun flip-flops on my first day. I show up and am surprised to see that both the owner and the other employee are wearing nice sundresses and high heels.)

Me: *jokingly* “I feel a little underdressed today!”

Owner: “Oh, no, you look just fine! Now, let me show you what you’ll be doing today…”

(I spend most of the day in the stock room, pricing new items and steaming clothes. Despite my extensive retail and cash handling experience, I am not allowed to use the register. At the end of my shift, I notice that I’m not on the schedule for the next week.)

Me: “Hey, [Owner], I was wondering when I’ll be working next? I am not on the schedule.”

Owner: “Oh, I made that up two weeks ago. Let me see. I am sure we’ll need you next weekend.” *pulls up the schedule* “Oh, no… not next week. We have more than enough staff working… Not the week after either… Hmm, let me pull up July’s schedule.”

Me: “Uh…July?!”

Owner: “Oh darn, I’m not seeing any needs then either!! How about this: I’ll tinker with my schedules this week and I’ll give you a call to let you know when you’ll be working again?”

Me: “Sure.”

Owner: “Great! Well, you were a great help today, and I’ll see you soon, I’m sure!”

(I give it a week. When I don’t hear anything, I decide to start applying for other jobs. I am hired almost immediately for a part-time position that is actually related to my degree. A couple months pass and I don’t hear anything from the boutique, but am doing so well at my other job that I am promoted to a full-time position. I get home the day after and see an email from the boutique owner. Please note: it is now September.)

Owner: “Hey, [My Name], I just wanted to let you know that we haven’t forgotten about you! I know it’s been a while since you’ve worked here, but I’m sure I will need you very soon!”

Me: “Actually, I just got offered a full time position at another company. Please consider this my resignation, even though I only worked 1 shift back in June.”

(I never heard anything back. I’m not sure if the owner just forgot she hired me or if not scheduling me was their way of firing me…)