Help! My "Real Job" sucks!!!

[no.absolutes]

Ok, so I work at Blockbuster and it sucks. Duh! Anyways, I requested this Saturday off a month in advance because I had scheduled a shoot. Thinking I would get it off (have never had a problem w/ requests before), I scheduled 2 more shoots.

A little backstory, BB knows that I run a photography business on the side. I was told that most BB employees hold 2 jobs and they always accommodate (so far, I'm the only one I know that has a "second job"). I realize I do not have the most conventional job, though it is people paying me fore a service. That's a job, right?

Ok, so the schedule came out this week and I have to work Saturday night. Someone else has Saturday night off, but they are going out of town. There is no way they requested off before me because I am SUPER anal about it, so I asked the store manager what the deal was. He said that when we make requests, we need to request the week before because the computer does not keep track of our requests. He sees it the day we make the request, can accept or decline it, and that's it. It is not actually recorded anywhere.

So, my thoughts are that the store manager should keep up with this. I did my part and put in my request, and specifically said it was for a photoshoot. I told him he should have to call my clients and reschedule. Also, we're just hiring a few more people, but they still need training, so that does me no good. Plus, why would I work 5 hours at BB for $40 when I could do my 3 shoots and and earn close to $200 ?!

This is a second job for me! Does he not realize that if I don't call out at BB, I will be calling out on my other job? Should I call out at BB? That's my plan. What if I get fired?! Can someone give me some insight?

I am all torn up over this. I know one client can't reschedule due to custody issues, and they are wonderful clients and I don't want to lose them!

[MrBeta]

Well you're in a bit of a pickle. If you call out, your managers will know that you're not sick especially if you've been asking them for that day off. They'll also call you irresponsible for scheduling shoots without confirming that you actually got the day off.
BUT, you do have three clients waiting for your services and if you don't call out often, you might be able to let BB slide and do your photog thing.
You'll have to feel the situation out. Is there nobody that you can call to swap with? Throw them an extra ten bucks to cover your shift or something?
There's got to be something you can do.

[StillFocus]

Well, for me anyway, word of mouth is mainly what gets me my business, and reliability is apretty huge part of that. I'd say that if the manager approved it when you made your request, then it's his responsibility to either find someone to cover the shift or cover it himself, but then again that's probably why I don't work for places like that anymore...

On a side note, it's rather surprising to hear that BB actually still has stores. They used to be everywhere where I live and now I can't even think of one within driving distance of me.

[no.absolutes]

Originally Posted by MrBeta

Well you're in a bit of a pickle. If you call out, your managers will know that you're not sick especially if you've been asking them for that day off. They'll also call you irresponsible for scheduling shoots without confirming that you actually got the day off.
BUT, you do have three clients waiting for your services and if you don't call out often, you might be able to let BB slide and do your photog thing.
You'll have to feel the situation out. Is there nobody that you can call to swap with? Throw them an extra ten bucks to cover your shift or something?
There's got to be something you can do.

We fired 1 employee and lost 1 employee two weeks ago, so we're short on employees. The only person I could swap with is out of town (Why does he get off and I don't?!) It's just ridiculous - the schedule wasn't put out until Friday (3 days ago) so how can I confirm that in advance, other than my request? Plus there are already going to be 2 employees plus a manager there on Saturday. Why is it that imperative that I be there? I realize that normally I am a shift leader/manager, but that's really not my position that night or I would just cancel my shoots. I just don't understand why my clients have to suffer when BB is the one circling the drain

[no.absolutes]

Originally Posted by StillFocus

Well, for me anyway, word of mouth is mainly what gets me my business, and reliability is apretty huge part of that. I'd say that if the manager approved it when you made your request, then it's his responsibility to either find someone to cover the shift or cover it himself, but then again that's probably why I don't work for places like that anymore...

On a side note, it's rather surprising to hear that BB actually still has stores. They used to be everywhere where I live and now I can't even think of one within driving distance of me.

I don't think he approved it simply because it was "too early".... how am I being punished for giving advanced notice? Just like yesterday I put in a request for something next month, and he told me I'll have to do it again. I'm about sick of it. I can work minimum wage somewhere else so losing my job isn't that big of an issue to me. I just don't think it SHOULD be an issue at all.

[zona5101]

Between $1 Redbox, Netflix and streaming, there will be no BB soon. Maybe this is the imputus to push your comfort zone and make you aggressively seek out photography gigs.

What if the next conflict is up against a big paying event like a wedding?

After you quit, go rent "Clerks". you'll feel better that you're out of there...

[no.absolutes]

Originally Posted by zona5101

Between $1 Redbox, Netflix and streaming, there will be no BB soon. Maybe this is the imputus to push your comfort zone and make you aggressively seek out photography gigs.

What if the next conflict is up against a big paying event like a wedding?

After you quit, go rent "Clerks". you'll feel better that you're out of there...

Clerks is one of my favorite movies, and I love Clerks 2!!! And I agree, if I do get fired over this, it will be a swift kick in the rear to get another job or book more gigs. I already have 3 or 4 booked in April and I bet BB will just get in the way of those, too. Haha, now I have to watch Clerks/Clerks 2 and feel better about life

[ressalg]

*cough, cough*

Hello? Mr. Blockbuster Manager? Yeah, I'm really not *cough, cough* feeling too well today. So, I won't *cough, cough* be in today.

*cough, cough, cough, cough*

*hack, hack, sniffle, sniffle*

See you on Monday.

[bhursey]

How much do you make at BB... Photography is not steady money soooo if you say have to pay rent I would say its a bad idea to quit.

[ErikTaubman]

If you ever want to make anything of your side business, then your clients come first.

Let the manager know that you had requested the day off, put it in writing, and copy your DM.

Then go give your clients the attention they deserve. I would not even think about trying to reschedule them.

After looking at your site, you have the talent to make much more than $8/hour.

I think you are underselling yourself. 2 hours, 5 post production prints, and a CD of all shots taken...for $75?!?! Look at your pricing, read a couple of the posts on how to price, and you will easily and quickly be able to replace your BB income.