Getting a job nowadays is very hard and around this time it’s usually only seasonal positions. We have a new person working with us and she’s a part of the night crew. The first week she was good as advertised. She listened, quick learner, and she was very, very fast at stocking. Then we find out that our boss will be out until January 2010 because of a death in the family. That is when our new co-worker decides to start showing up to work late and her skills…regressing. Sloppy facing the store, leaving early, and worst of all, talking about other co-workers. We find out that she was “let go” from another grocery store after 10+ years of service because she wasn’t getting along with her co-workers. Last night she called in sick…
Me: It’s your neighborhood grocery store. This is Paul, how may I help you?
The New One: Hey, it’s me…
Me: Umm… OK… who’s this?
The New One: Terri.
Me: Oh, hey! What’s up?
The New One: I’m sick. I won’t make it to work tonight.
It’s very hard to find coverage for night crew and since I’m closing manager, I can’t leave the store until another person shows up because there has to be at least 2 people in the store at all times.
Me: OK, well if you’re sick you’re sick.
The New One: Don’t worry, Xavier can handle it. The grocery load is going to be small.
Damn, I have to stay an extra 2 hours, but hey, it’s a small load.
Xavier walks in and I tell him Terri called in sick…
Me: Yo! You’re solo tonight. Terri called in.
Xavier: What! No way!
Me: She said she wasn’t feeling good and the load is small.
Xavier: Small my ass! We have more than 400 pieces to do!
400 pieces! I said to myself…
Looks like I better eat something because its gonna be a long night.
