I've been working at my store for a little over 3 weeks. I was hired for a 5 a.m. freight position, and during the interviewing process (I had two separate interviews, one of which, was done by a person who doesn't even work at my store) I made it clear that my school scheduling would not be able to work with the current position. I was then told that by the assistant manager of the food department (who did my second interview), that they would be able to schedule around my schooling.
I have never worked a retail job before, and for the most part, its pretty straightforward stuff. After a few short hours of training on the job, I was pretty much thrown into the wind to do everything myself. It feels a little overwhelming, not because the job itself is hard, but because Ive been trained in so many inconsistent ways. At first, I was told allowed to use carts to put the empty boxes so we can work faster, then I got told I wasnt supposed to do that because the carts are for the customers so just leave the empty boxes on the ground. Then, I was told I cant leave the boxes on the ground because they make a mess, so each time I empty a box I have to flatten the box, and put it on the pallet with the back stock or other trash. Stuff like that. And almost always, all of the items Im supposed to stock have different items in place of where they are supposed to go, which takes more time to do because it makes the item gaps harder to find (shelf organization is terrible. Some of the items are in completely random places) and I have to reorganize the misplaced items. The other day I was complimented by the assistant food manager, he said I was doing a good job. Then, the next day, I was told by the nutrition manager, that I was taking too long on the freight and that I needed to pick up the pace. Im not upset by criticism, if something is my fault, however, she made it seem as if I was slacking off, and I wouldnt be going on the internet to write an essay and complain on a forum if I didnt think that I was working hard and at a fast pace, and I certainly would never intentionally slack off, I usually dont go on break so I can get stuff done. But the freight got finished, and I was working back stock when the nutrition manager said that I was taking an hour to do one boat (I had really just filled up the same boat twice).
That same day, I was asked by the nutrition manager about my school schedule, and she told me that they had just hired two people (one of which just straight up left a shift on their first day and called in sick a week later) for evening shifts and they werent sure whether or not they would have enough hours. So they talked to the food manager (the one that makes the schedules) and the food manager (Whom I have never even met) told the nutrition manager to tell me that theyll have to let me go in two weeks unless Im able to still work this shift. They made it seem like it was my decision. My last day would be in the beginning of August, and I dont start school until the end of September. I was told this is because theyll have to go through hiring a new person. The nutrition manager is usually pretty cool and told me I could always come back for seasonal, but idk. Apparently this department has a really high turnover rate. Are they really letting me go because of my school schedule or is it because they think Im not fit for this position?
I am sorry for your experience. Ask the store manager if they have another position that will be flexible with your school schedule. Some store managers are good about hiring students. Others don't give a crap and will throw them under the Lcart.
If you leave, finish your hours and leave on good terms. Maybe apply at another store. Try to rehire next season unless you need a steady job during school.
Your priority should be school and getting self prepared for a much better paying career. There will be other jobs for you to work at part time while going to school. Do not let losing this job get you down. You are not missing much by being let go. Apply at other grocers and retail stores. Reason for being let go, "Not enough work", "not enough hours" on your application.
They could be letting you go for a little of both. You are on probation for 90 days and are given time to get up to speed. For me, I would want you to show improvement everyday. Eventually, you will find your peak hopefully within 6 months. But, I am just a grunt like you so it doesn't matter what I think. Your availability does not fill the needs of the schedule.
As for product being in the wrong place. Everyone that stocks sees that and has to deal with it. Most just ignore it. A lot of products are starting to look the same with very small changes on the labels. The kids on days are throwing stock in the wrong spots consistently. If they can't find it, they throw it on backstock for me to deal with later.
Wrong product covering holes is a trick my grocery manager plays to get better scores on the Key retailing scores. I swear he goes thru store and tosses random products in holes so the holes do not get scanned during daily store review. One has to be familiar with the sets to find all the misplaced items.
As for directions on how to do your job: I am a grunt. My managers never complain how I do my job. Rule of thumb: If I tell you how to do something, do it like that. If my manager tells you differently, do it that way instead. If the store manager tells you how to do something, do it that way instead until the manager and store manager can get on the same page. Everyone works differently. I think my way is always better!
I am constantly telling a new guy(3 months!) how to correctly condition the aisles. He acts like a spoiled 12 year old and likes to play games. I am certain he knows exactly what he should be doing but is lazy and does everything half assed on purpose. Either that or he is untrainable and will never hold down any job ever. He has been told atleast 5 times by me and 5 times by my manager and atleast one time by a comanager. He still does everything wrong. When I try to correct him, the first words out of his mouth, "I didn't do that." Everytime like clockwork. I tell him that he is the only person that runs that section of the aisle for the last month. He wants to argue about everything.
Just the other day he tried argueing with me about conditioning. "well everyone told me differently when I started." I ask, "Who is everyone?" Because I am the only person that would be showing him how to condition besides our manager. His reply, "you." I tell him I would never instruct him to condition the way he does, a third grader could do a better job. The arguement goes on and on. The newest girl(1 week) was telling me that she noticed he always argues and just has to get the last word in. Her and the other worker(3 years) tried telling him to agree with my comments and stop argueing. But, no, he likes to whine and argue like a 12 year old being asked to clean their room.
I am done dealing with him. My store manager does not want me dealing with him. Next time he tries to argue. I will stop him and tell himthat he can argue with me in front of the store manager and a grocery manager in the office. We will not be having this conversation here or now.
Sorry, guess I got carried away with the drama I am dealing with right now. I still enjoy working at Kroger. I am sorry for your experience.
Sorry, guess I got carried away with the drama I am dealing with right now. I still enjoy working at Kroger. I am sorry for your experience.
Ps, My main concern now is that he is either going to punch me in the face while I am in charge or he is going to key my truck. Will deal with it if it happens.
