Alright this here is a post I actually put up on facebook back when it happened in July. I have been putting off sharing it on here simply because I didn't want to even see anything that said Kroger. That is how much I despise the place. But the more I think about it, the more I feel I should share it. Just so perhaps anyone thinking of working there will rethink it. I would just type out what happened but I got sick of doing that over and over. So now I just share my initial facebook post since it has all the info on there.
So here is what happened. All day I have been feeling out of it and feeling like I am going to pass out. I still do my work. I was bagging for Missy. We were talking while I was waiting for her to scan and send the groceries down. Aaron suddenly yelled at me saying "Stop talking to the cashier when your bagging. That's why your not getting promoted" Shortly after he comes over and gets on to me some more saying they don't pay me to talk and other bull****. He has me do plastics. So i take care of the plastic bags in the bins. I come back and start bagging again. Customer has a big thing of bottled water. I put it in another cart like always and have most of her groceries in there. I left room for her pop that was in her cart. 4 12 packs. She tells me to put all the stuff i just put in the one cart over in hers. I try to explain but give in. As I am moving it over you can tell i am mad. She is then like "ill do it" i walk off. She goes and complains to management. They took me to the back office in the cashier box area. Aaron gets on my case about it. even after i explained about it. I even explain how out of it i have been. He ask me "whats so hard about your job" i keep explaining he keeps getting on to me finally i say "**** this ****. I quit" i then walked out. as i am walking i call doug and tell him to meet me at speedway. I then texted a very close friend that I quit and then kept walking to speedway. On my way over that little creek there I threw my name tag in there.
In case your wondering about what I ment by out of it. I was suffering from a minor concussion at the time. Aaron was one of the assistant managers and he knew about it. The funny thing is I didn't have any major problems until the other assistant manager Jeff had left. Also I am quite sure he was just looking for a reason to do something to me because another one of my friends that worked there had just quit and he was pissed about that. Hell they had already lost 6 other people that week. I was a bagger and we were down 2 people as it was at that point. 1 quit because of another bagger was promoted to Cashier. It was no loss since he was so lazy we never noticed it if he wasn't there. The other bagger we were down is the one that was promoted but hell she was our 2nd laziest bagger. But she was friends with some of the people who ran the front so it was no shock her being promoted. The main issue I had with our store was how poorly run the place actually was. Especially the whole front end. Though from what I have read on this forum there were stores worse then ours. The really funny thing is I used to work for Walmart at one time. I was an unloader there. When I was working at Walmart I didn't like it there. But working at Kroger actually made me miss Wal-mart. It made me wish I had still been working there. As bad as Wal-mart is, Kroger is a lot worse. Yes I was a member of the Union. But the Union doesn't do any good anyways. Granted I could have waited for a Union Rep on the day all that stuff happened. But hell I was having issue keeping conscious and had a hard time thinking straight as it was. I was already frustrated at myself for that. I wasn't in the mood for any bullcrap either. When I walked in there that assistant manager actually was sitting on the File Cabinet with his legs hanging down but sorta crossed trying to look intimidating. After all the crap I went through as a Kroger Employee his behavior and his lack of caring was the final straw for me. I got to where in my mind I had 3 options. Cry, quit and walk out or beat the living crap out of him. I went with option 2. Though part of me wishes I had grabbed him by his legs, pulled his off that cabinet and then after he hit the floor stomped his face in. lol. But I didn't. It just pisses me off that despite my all my hard work I had done in my 6 months there, they didn't really give two ****s about me. I went through a lot of bullcrap there. Not everyone realizes everything a bagger does and unlike many baggers at our store I actually did my best to make sure everything got done and that it got done well. I would get mad at myself when it wasn't.
If someone were to ask me what a bagger was before I worked there I would have said "Someone who bags groceries." When I was hired on I was told my duties would be mostly bagging groceries. I was told I might occasionally have to change the trash or go get carts. After I realize the bagger ain't nothing more then the store bitch. Baggers have to bag, perform carry outs, put stuff back on shelves, get carts, sweep floors, clean windows, clean bathrooms (I got a compliment when I first started that the women's restroom had never looked cleaner. Though they didn't like how long it took me to do a deep clean. I was sent to do it without any instructions at all. Which includes which cleaning supplies to use), sweep sidewalks, sweep parking lot, change trash, collect alcohol caps, shovel snow (definitely wasn't in the job description) and anything else management could think of to have you do. An average day for me was, carts, bagging, changing trash, and of course bathroom checks. I did often get put on floor sweeps because I was good at it and was rather quick about it. These of course were days when I worked evenings. For the trash changing I usually actually spoke up to do it just because some of our other baggers were so lazy that not all of it would get done. That includes once upstairs in the managers office. Oh when that happened I was the first to notice and brought it right up with our Front End Manager and requested to be allowed to do the trash that night since it didn't get done right. She said yes. I may have been paid minimum wage but I did usually do my best every day I was there. Though I was starting to get to a point where I just didn't care much. My own pride in my work is what kept me from slacking much. If I had known what i was getting into when I applied for Kroger I would have never applied in the first place. Being 30 years old though I really needed the job and I still need a job. I quit in July and am having a hard time finding work. Nothing new for me on that. I have always had a hard time finding work. Lazy Slackers seem to get interviews and jobs rather easy. I try to get on at a place, even Mcdonalds and can't even get the job. Most of the time can't even get an interview. I have had this problem a lot over the years which is why I haven't worked as many jobs as many people by my age. Hardly anyone wants to give me a chance. So I thought I was lucky when I got on at Kroger. Some ladies at a church even said they pray I would get that job. After working there though I think perhaps the devil answered that prayer and not god. lol. That place was far from heaven.
-- Edited by JamJulLison on Thursday 4th of December 2014 07:41:25 AM
Not necessarily at Kroger, but I worked with higher-ups who really shouldn't be working with people at all because of their attitudes. This guy sounds like one of em.
I've never heard of anyone getting bit off talking to a cashier though. Unless you were doing that instead of bagging the customer's items, what's the issue there? That makes no sense.
As for the customer moaning about the way their stuff is loaded: let go, let it flow. I get customers who are so picky about the way I cut their meat (one even wants a slice of meat between paper--kills productivity so much). You will get that one that can't be satisfied (let alone highly satisfied).
Yeah this guy was one that never should have been in management. Our other assistant manager could be tough but was fair and he always let you know where he stood. There were times I didn't like him but he was honest about how he was and did for the most part do a good job. He worked his way up from bagger. The meat department at the store was really good because he used to also run the meat department at one time so he paid extra attention to them. Also if you were out of it from say a minor concussion he wouldn't get on to you as much. I was doing more standing around then usual that day. When he had come past, I could tell he was going to say something but I said hi, asked him how he was, after he replied and asked how it was going for me, i told him what was going on. I had already turned in dr's statements earlier that day so he probably knew anyways. But he didn't hound me. Usually for standing around he would. Unlike this other guy who pretended to be nice but wasn't. I was telling the cashier quickly why I had a concussion. Just how it happened. I was finishing up as she was scanning the first item. Not a big deal. It was a usual thing. She had worked there long she could easily do both and we had worked together so much that i was quick and on the ball anyways. Hell i was one of the few baggers who could keep up with her and some of the better cashiers. Then again I worked well with a lot of the cashiers. It was easy to get a flow going usually. The one I mentioned that was promoted, she talked to the cashiers all the time. So i know talking wasn't the reason. It also was aggravating he bitched at me right there in front of all those customers. Something which isn't suppose to happen anyways. As for the customer. Most days it wouldn't have gotten to me as much. It was always a little aggravating. This particular day wasn't so good just because I was mad at myself for not being able to work at my best. I was frustrated with myself, I was frustrated with that manager and I was having issue keeping conscious. Add in the fact that I really needed a cigarette, it just isn't a good thing. It was getting close to time for my break. The final straw was that manager acting the way he did. Everyone has a limit to how much bullcrap they can take. Day after day I took it. At that point I had just had enough. Especially considering the manager clearly didn't have any plans of actually listening to a word I said when he called me in there. I'm not someone who is going to take being intimidated and being treated like a pile of crap. As much as I needed the job and still need a job, it wasn't worth that bull****. I worked my ass off for that place. Then on the one day where I am not all there because something is actually wrong, I get treated like that. I can expect it from customers. But not from management or my co-workers. A friend of mine who was picking up her last check that day was just outside there when I came walking out. She said after I walked out some of the ladies in the front in office actually laughed about it. When I found out I was thinking "Yeah laugh it up. Your going to be ****ed without me". Which my gf at the time who worked there, told me about how bad it got after i left. I actually went in about a week later at night when my gf got off. I was meeting her there. The lot did not get cleared. Gobacks were piled up. Clearly not much had really gotten done. A short time after that I was in another night and was chatting with the overnight cashier that night. Me and my gf had went in to pick up a few things. This cashier was one that honestly did not like most people. To her most of the baggers were lazy and many of them were. I was one of the few baggers she liked. She sat there and told me that night that the store had lost one of it's best baggers. That is no small compliment from her. I have no idea how it is in there now though. I don't go in. My mom does though and she often complains how horrible of a job the baggers do with her stuff. After looking at some of her bags when she comes back from there I can immediately agree with her. From what I hear they got a bunch of young teens in there now. I wouldn't be surprised if most of the baggers I knew there quit. lol
To be very honest with you... You should have just called off. It would have saved you so much hassle in the long run. I understand that with people that have high work ethic that calling off is a hard choice to make, but when you have something as serious as a CONCUSSION you need to stay home and just say "Screw working today. I can't do 100% and that's what my employer deserves out of me."
It's a better choice than saying "I Quit." I've, personally, thought about saying those words but then I remind myself that I can call off anytime I need and not much can be done to me. If you need time off take it... it's hard to get fired once you're in the union. After you've been there for a few years you're top of the totem pole. Restrict your schedule, get another job (that pays more) and just work at Kroger on the weekends.
I know it's not much help now but if you were working with me I'd have enjoyed being with you. You seem like a pretty nice guy, tbh. Only needed a way to relieve your stress.
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Would you like fries with th... I mean, your milk in a bag?
Yeah this guy was one that never should have been in management. Our other assistant manager could be tough but was fair and he always let you know where he stood. There were times I didn't like him but he was honest about how he was and did for the most part do a good job. He worked his way up from bagger. The meat department at the store was really good because he used to also run the meat department at one time so he paid extra attention to them. Also if you were out of it from say a minor concussion he wouldn't get on to you as much. I was doing more standing around then usual that day. When he had come past, I could tell he was going to say something but I said hi, asked him how he was, after he replied and asked how it was going for me, i told him what was going on. I had already turned in dr's statements earlier that day so he probably knew anyways. But he didn't hound me. Usually for standing around he would. Unlike this other guy who pretended to be nice but wasn't. I was telling the cashier quickly why I had a concussion. Just how it happened. I was finishing up as she was scanning the first item. Not a big deal. It was a usual thing. She had worked there long she could easily do both and we had worked together so much that i was quick and on the ball anyways. Hell i was one of the few baggers who could keep up with her and some of the better cashiers. Then again I worked well with a lot of the cashiers. It was easy to get a flow going usually. The one I mentioned that was promoted, she talked to the cashiers all the time. So i know talking wasn't the reason. It also was aggravating he bitched at me right there in front of all those customers. Something which isn't suppose to happen anyways. As for the customer. Most days it wouldn't have gotten to me as much. It was always a little aggravating. This particular day wasn't so good just because I was mad at myself for not being able to work at my best. I was frustrated with myself, I was frustrated with that manager and I was having issue keeping conscious. Add in the fact that I really needed a cigarette, it just isn't a good thing. It was getting close to time for my break. The final straw was that manager acting the way he did. Everyone has a limit to how much bullcrap they can take. Day after day I took it. At that point I had just had enough. Especially considering the manager clearly didn't have any plans of actually listening to a word I said when he called me in there. I'm not someone who is going to take being intimidated and being treated like a pile of crap. As much as I needed the job and still need a job, it wasn't worth that bull****. I worked my ass off for that place. Then on the one day where I am not all there because something is actually wrong, I get treated like that. I can expect it from customers. But not from management or my co-workers. A friend of mine who was picking up her last check that day was just outside there when I came walking out. She said after I walked out some of the ladies in the front in office actually laughed about it. When I found out I was thinking "Yeah laugh it up. Your going to be ****ed without me". Which my gf at the time who worked there, told me about how bad it got after i left. I actually went in about a week later at night when my gf got off. I was meeting her there. The lot did not get cleared. Gobacks were piled up. Clearly not much had really gotten done. A short time after that I was in another night and was chatting with the overnight cashier that night. Me and my gf had went in to pick up a few things. This cashier was one that honestly did not like most people. To her most of the baggers were lazy and many of them were. I was one of the few baggers she liked. She sat there and told me that night that the store had lost one of it's best baggers. That is no small compliment from her. I have no idea how it is in there now though. I don't go in. My mom does though and she often complains how horrible of a job the baggers do with her stuff. After looking at some of her bags when she comes back from there I can immediately agree with her. From what I hear they got a bunch of young teens in there now. I wouldn't be surprised if most of the baggers I knew there quit. lol
I never went to college. I also have had a rough time finding work over the years. So I couldn't be too picky about what job I got. So yes I bagged groceries. As any person who has worked as a bagger knows, baggers do a hell of a lot more then bag.
To NutritionWhore. I gotta say. lol. I tend to type out very post. Especially when i get carried away.
BagBoy, I am not sure calling in would have been a good idea. I was at Holiday World on Sat when I had a raft flip. That is how I got the concussion. But I didn't start to feel the effect until the next day but didn't think much of it until that Monday when I was supposed to work. I did call in that day and explained what happened. I also told them I was going to the ER and getting checked out which I did. I was off that tuesday and then had to work Weds. My dr never gave me an excuse for more then that day I missed. So like it or not I had to work. Yeah things might have been better had I called in then too. But honestly I needed all the extra hours I could get anyways. Plus I didn't want to get in trouble. For some crazy reason I thought that management might actually be understanding of my condition or notice that I was close to the point of passing out the entire day. No such luck. Further proof I wasn't quite in my right mind. lol. Oh well I am glad to be done with the place. I just wish I could find me a job so. So far no luck.
I never went to college. I also have had a rough time finding work over the years. So I couldn't be too picky about what job I got. So yes I bagged groceries. As any person who has worked as a bagger knows, baggers do a hell of a lot more then bag.
To NutritionWhore. I gotta say. lol. I tend to type out very post. Especially when i get carried away.
Haha, no worries there. At least it all made sense and is coherent.
I dunno where you live, but there are places that are designed to help you find a job with your skill set. It ain't gonna be easy because of your age and experience (I've had this issue myself--it took me 6 years to get a job, any job), but seek out any avenue you can to avoid driving yourself insane looking for a job.
Being a bagger is not luxurious by any means for a 30-year-old, but when you need a job RIGHT NOW, you'll take anything.
I never went to college. I also have had a rough time finding work over the years. So I couldn't be too picky about what job I got. So yes I bagged groceries. As any person who has worked as a bagger knows, baggers do a hell of a lot more then bag.
To NutritionWhore. I gotta say. lol. I tend to type out very post. Especially when i get carried away.
BagBoy, I am not sure calling in would have been a good idea. I was at Holiday World on Sat when I had a raft flip. That is how I got the concussion. But I didn't start to feel the effect until the next day but didn't think much of it until that Monday when I was supposed to work. I did call in that day and explained what happened. I also told them I was going to the ER and getting checked out which I did. I was off that tuesday and then had to work Weds. My dr never gave me an excuse for more then that day I missed. So like it or not I had to work. Yeah things might have been better had I called in then too. But honestly I needed all the extra hours I could get anyways. Plus I didn't want to get in trouble. For some crazy reason I thought that management might actually be understanding of my condition or notice that I was close to the point of passing out the entire day. No such luck. Further proof I wasn't quite in my right mind. lol. Oh well I am glad to be done with the place. I just wish I could find me a job so. So far no luck.
Because you wanted extra hours you lost the job you had. Now you get zero hours. Just sayin'.
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Would you like fries with th... I mean, your milk in a bag?
I never went to college. I also have had a rough time finding work over the years. So I couldn't be too picky about what job I got. So yes I bagged groceries. As any person who has worked as a bagger knows, baggers do a hell of a lot more then bag.
To NutritionWhore. I gotta say. lol. I tend to type out very post. Especially when i get carried away.
BagBoy, I am not sure calling in would have been a good idea. I was at Holiday World on Sat when I had a raft flip. That is how I got the concussion. But I didn't start to feel the effect until the next day but didn't think much of it until that Monday when I was supposed to work. I did call in that day and explained what happened. I also told them I was going to the ER and getting checked out which I did. I was off that tuesday and then had to work Weds. My dr never gave me an excuse for more then that day I missed. So like it or not I had to work. Yeah things might have been better had I called in then too. But honestly I needed all the extra hours I could get anyways. Plus I didn't want to get in trouble. For some crazy reason I thought that management might actually be understanding of my condition or notice that I was close to the point of passing out the entire day. No such luck. Further proof I wasn't quite in my right mind. lol. Oh well I am glad to be done with the place. I just wish I could find me a job so. So far no luck.
Because you wanted extra hours you lost the job you had. Now you get zero hours. Just sayin'.
In hindsight, he probably should've. But when you're 30, and barely getting hours as it is (and thus, getting very little money), I can see why he didn't. I was still in my probationary period when I got extremely sick. Went to urgent care and the doctor cleared me to work the next day I was scheduled, which happened to have been the next day. I missed work that day, so I took my chances not feeling 100% (albeit better than the day before) and worked the next day. Some people just don't have the means to call out.
So I understand his reasoning. But like I said, search every avenue that you can to find yourself a job.
Hey dude! Maybe you should like, go back to college? Or trade school? No guarantee you'll find something better but maybe you will. Especially if you're unemployed. You have all your time for school.
