SydLexia.com - The Forums :: View topic - Conflicting thoughts, help greatly appreciated.

Posted: Apr 18 2009 12:26 am

Okay, here's the deal:

I'm normally a pretty decisive guy. I usually don't ask for help unless I really need it. And right now, I need it.

You see my father called me at work today and asked me if I wanted to go fishing with him tomorrow. We would get up bright and early and we'd get to see the sunrise at the mountains, and catch a few fish. Since I don't see my dad very often since he drives a truck for long periods at a time I thought this was a great idea. Their is a problem though. I work as a produce associate at *shudder* Wal-mart. I'm not proud of this, however I have bills to pay and college fees to take care of. Anyway, the problem is that tomorrow the only person in my department will be a sixty-year old lady with a bad back and arthritis. They stack all of the heavy produce on a top rack in the cooler and you have to scale a large ladder to reach said produce. I am 6'2 and even I find it difficult. This old lady is a royal bitch, she's stabbed me in the back multiple times however she's still an old lady. If I decide to play hooky and simply call in sick she'll have one hell of a day trying to take care of our department. On the other hand I haven't actually hung out with my dad in years, and it's been weeks since he was home when I wasn't at work or asleep. If I pass this offer up I'll miss out on a chance to bond with my father, a chance I may not get again for a year or two. If I call in sick, that old lady will have to fend for herself. I am not one to desert those in need, even those that I hate. However I have never really gotten many chances to go with my father anywhere thanks to his job as a Truck driver. I feel that this problem inhabits a moral grey-area. I pride myself on being decisive, but for once in my life I really can't decide. I respect the opinions on this board and any input by the board members would be greatly appreciated.

Posted: Apr 18 2009 12:44 am

Sure, you might feel bad for a few days for making the lady work alone, but you said you probably won't get this opportunity for another year or two? That's a lot longer than a few days. I say go with your dad; you haven't bonded with him in such a long time, you deserve a day with him.

Posted: Apr 18 2009 12:46 am

Go fishing. If that old lady can't lift boxes and what not she needs to find a new department.

Posted: Apr 18 2009 12:47 am

I'm worried that she might get hurt though. It's dangerous doing that stuff alone, they never send help when someone calls for it. What if she get's seriously hurt...?

Thanks though, I'm glad that I'm not the only one who would consider playing hooky.

Joined: Oct 12 2007 Posts: 821

The first thing I would do is ask any of the other produce associates if they would cover for you while you are fishing. You will have to probably pay them back one day, but it removes any moral problems.

If you can't get anyone to cover, I would probably go fishing, but I can be kind of a cold person when it comes to these things.

Posted: Apr 18 2009 12:51 am

We're not that tightly knit. I'm the only young person in my department. We used to use a plate-system, putting boxes on pads on the floor so they'd be easy to access. It was only recently that they started implementing the new system where we had to stack them on the high-risers. Thanks for the input everyone. I suppose I shall have to decide soon. I only have about five hours before things get set in motion...

Posted: Apr 18 2009 01:14 am

Neutral-bob wrote:

I'm worried that she might get hurt though. It's dangerous doing that stuff alone, they never send help when someone calls for it. What if she get's seriously hurt...?

That's Wal-Mart's responsibility, not yours. They shouldn't make doing something like that as dangerous as you say. You'd think they'd account for people being sick and having one person do the produce by themselves. Besides that if it is that dangerous they shouldn't be putting her in that position anyway. The responsibility lies with Wal-Mart.

Posted: Apr 18 2009 01:21 am

You'd think that, wouldn't you? Wal-mart isn't that responsible. Not in the least. The managers here, including the higher-ups that visit only act responsible when it's convenient. They actually fired an old man because his cancer wouldn't allow him to get on his hands and knees and scrub the floor with a brush. He had worked there for years and they let him go, just like that. They usually just make us find the solutions to their problems. When a truck comes in and it's torn to hell, they expect it to be done and they even time it, punishing those who can't finish on time even though each truck is different. Whenever they don't schedule properly and they leave a department unattended they expect people from other departments to not only pick up the slack, but do their jobs as well. I've been yelled at for leaving my department in a state of chaos because I was sent to other departments the whole day. By the time I finished it was mandatory for me to clock out so I wouldn't exceed the forty-hour work week limit. They got really mad and blamed me for their poor planning. Long story short, they are horrible people. I think I might go though, just to spite them.

Posted: Apr 18 2009 01:31 am

Neutral-bob wrote:

You'd think that, wouldn't you? Wal-mart isn't that responsible. Not in the least. The managers here, including the higher-ups that visit only act responsible when it's convenient. They actually fired an old man because his cancer wouldn't allow him to get on his hands and knees and scrub the floor with a brush. He had worked there for years and they let him go, just like that. They usually just make us find the solutions to their problems. When a truck comes in and it's torn to hell, they expect it to be done and they even time it, punishing those who can't finish on time even though each truck is different. Whenever they don't schedule properly and they leave a department unattended they expect people from other departments to not only pick up the slack, but do their jobs as well. I've been yelled at for leaving my department in a state of chaos because I was sent to other departments the whole day. By the time I finished it was mandatory for me to clock out so I wouldn't exceed the forty-hour work week limit. They got really mad and blamed me for their poor planning. Long story short, they are horrible people. I think I might go though, just to spite them.

Sounds like the hellhole... anyways, if you co-workers aren't tight knit then why should you be concerned. Produce is produce. Besides, didn't they have the proper way to stack things in the CBLs? If I could do have the stuff I was hired to with my body, then she can do it too... Just be thankful you weren't one of us remodellers.

Posted: Apr 18 2009 01:48 am

Actually, they changed it. They keep implementing and changing procedures. One day we have to stock a certain way, the next day we have to stock it an entirely different way. Some thing goes for unloading trucks and setting up pallets.

I agree though, I know the hell remodellers go through and I want none of it.

I am rather tired of the hypocrisy in this place. But still...I was raised to respect my elders, even if they are royal bitches. The way we were taught in the CBL's and the way they actually make us work are two totally different things. All the things that they teach in the CBL's is ignored by the managers unless a higher-up is there. Then they go around the store the whole day and criticize everyone for not doing things properly, when it was the managers fault that the workers were doing it wrong in the first place. Oh well....

I really appreciate everything guys. I'm happy to know that I can get intelligent, honest opinons when I really need them.

Posted: Apr 18 2009 08:39 am

Neutral-bob wrote:

They actually fired an old man because his cancer wouldn't allow him to get on his hands and knees and scrub the floor with a brush. He had worked there for years and they let him go, just like that.

I really hope that man sued them. Firing somebody because of a handicap is bullshit and definitely not legal.

As for your original question try to live your life with no regrets. Spend time with your dad and screw your job for the day. If you don't the day will come when you look back and regret it. I guarantee it. Family should always take priority over everthing else.

Posted: Apr 18 2009 09:50 am

i agree w/Ice, it should be walmart's responsibility to have a backup plan. but then again, walmart was never known to do anything ethical or responsible. take the day off, it wont be your fault or the old lady's fault if they cant stock everything they need. if you will only be gone half a day, just go in late, but otherwise, dont let this 'moral dilemma' ruin your time w/your dad

Posted: Apr 18 2009 01:11 pm

Thanks guys.

I didn't go though. I've been left in the lurch before and I didn't like it. It would be wrong for me to do the same to her.

Posted: Apr 18 2009 01:13 pm

Being left in the lurch before is exactly why you SHOULD have done it.

People fuck you over sometimes, ergo sometimes you have to fuck people over sometimes. The universe needs to balance itself out. Plus you were probably fucked over for worse reasons, like hangovers or something.

Posted: Apr 18 2009 01:16 pm

Yeah, but if I adopt that attitude I will just become like them. Even if I get screwed over, I just don't think I have it in me. It's too late now anyway...

Posted: Apr 18 2009 01:41 pm

I tend to agree that you shouldn't fuck people over but in this case since you might not get to do something with your dad again for a while then you should have went. I've been fucked over at my job for really dumb reasons. People being hungover, "forgetting" to come in and all that. We've all had to make due being a person or two down at work. But it shouldn't be on you to always be the one being screwed over. Work is a team thing in my opinion. It shouldn't be on one person to clean up everyone else's mess.

Posted: Apr 18 2009 04:08 pm

Question: Are you one of those kinds of people that when stocking, you put the old items out in front or do you put the new ones in front?
Only reason why I'm asking is because a friend of mine was fired getting rid of the canned goods that had expired (It was Saurer Kraut) and then putting the new ones behind the ones that were close to being expired.
And on that note, if the old hag gives you lip, have her moved to be a greeter or even better, Stand in the Garden Center till her shift is over. Always fun times there. NOTE: It's not healthy to start calling plants names and talking to them right?

Posted: Apr 18 2009 07:46 pm

I work at a local grocery store as a butcher. When I started I was a stocker and was always told to put the new stuff behind the older stuff on the shelves. If something is about to expire we run a special on those items to help sell the older stuff. We then pull the expired stuff if it is past its date. I do that as well in the meat department with pre-packaged meats, older stuff in front of newer stuff.

Posted: Apr 19 2009 02:07 am

Same here. Since I work produce they stress that I put the oldest items out first. Actually, if I didn't do that it would mean more work for me.

Posted: Apr 19 2009 03:21 am

Listen, I don't want to be a downer, but I hold to my earlier thoughts. My mother is dying and has about a year to live. I missed out on a lot of time with her because I took her for granted. Your family will not be around forever so you honestly need to put your priorities with them. If you can spend a day with your father than do it next time. When you look back on your life you are going to remember things like that. I admire your work ethic, but seriously, there comes a time when you need to put your priorities in order. I speak from experience. Don't live in regret. If you make decisions like you are right now it will haunt you one day.

Posted: Apr 19 2009 03:26 am

It's okay. I appreciate the advice and I will take it to heart. I just hope that another oppurtunity will present itself soon.

Posted: Apr 19 2009 03:38 am

I know it is easy to picture your parents being around until you are old and gray, and I honestly took my mother for granted for years thinking I wouldn't have to deal with losing her until I was much older. My mom is in her fifties though, and the disease has pretty much made her into a child at this point. You never know what life is going to deal you. I really hope you do take this to heart. Unless you have a life and death sort of job work is not that important in the grand scheme of things.

Posted: Apr 19 2009 03:46 am

My mom is almost fifty...

Wow, you're right. I shouldn have just went. I won't put so much precedence over work from here-on-out...