+47 votes
by (2.5k points)
Thanks to this group I start my a new career job next Monday! I was feeling hopeless in a restaurant job (line cook) and seeing everyone's goal reaching I realized I would never get ahead in a job that I have to fight for a year over to get a . 50 raise. Im walking into my new job with a completely new mindset. They offer health insurance, 401k, vacation time, and starting me out higher than I have ever made in my life. This is where I would like to retire. Im starting as a cook in the kitchen, however it is a hospital job. I never thought I would get this! I was able to tell my boss, who literally made me cry for hours last sunday evening, I found something better and I was leaving. I am so thrilled that I found a job that actually pays its employees on time everytime and not on audis for himself. Anyway, as a result my upcoming last weeks schedule is now completely ridiculous. Im assuming its revenge. The whole time I have worked here they knew the days and hours I could work because im a single mama with a zero support system. They have me closing every single night. Its impossible for me to achieve. I feel they are doing this so that they fire me and not give me my last paycheck on friday. What would you do? I didnt want to burn a bridge and I can hire someone expensively to watch my kids for me but then that means not paying my rent on time today. I need adult advice!  
Thanks to this group I start my a new career job next Monday!

35 Answers

+32 votes
by (3.5k points)
Do you have it in writing what you are available to work? I would discuss with boss then go higher up the management change if they do not resolve the issue
by (2.5k points)
@delgado its a shitty restaurant job, they dont even do payroll legally. Unfortunately nothing is in writing but i do have 2 years of the same schedule on my belt. My boss is the owner.  
by (3.5k points)
@pothook  Ok if you wanna play dirty then I would let the owner know that you will be reporting everything about payroll issues to the labor board and any other issues to restaurant inspection division in your state.  
by (3.5k points)
Also keep everything going forward in writing i. e. texts so that you will have them if you need them later. Inquire about your schedule and specify that you have had the other schedule for two years. Ask why it changed and push forward. You got this honey
+6 votes
by (11.1k points)
I have no advice but I did want to say even if they fire you, they still have to pay you for any time you worked during this payroll. Firing =/= getting out of paying employees
by (2.5k points)
@robertaroberto right, they dont really play by laws or the rules. I dont want to bash them too much because they were what i needed to survive off of the last 2 years, but the very reason im leaving is because of the illegal practices that goes on.  
by (3.6k points)
@pothook Are you in the US? It may take some time, but there are government agencies you can reach out to to investigate and help you claim unpaid wages.  
by (2.5k points)
@putnam I am! Ohio!  
by (17.9k points)
@pothook report them to the Ohio dept of labor
by (3.6k points)
Also, I would encourage you to let go of that idea that you can’t criticize their unfair labor practices because they helped you survive the last two years. If your employer does illegal things around wages and labor, they hired you BECAUSE you needed them to survive - not to help you survive. They don’t want to hire people who don’t need them, because that’s how they will get caught. They are taking advantage of vulnerable worker populations so that they can cut corners and take advantage of them. You put on your time and found a better position. You’re in a perfect position now to help anyone else who is or might fall victim to them by shining a light on their practices.  
0 votes
by (4.3k points)
Congratulations on the new job! Do you have any friends or family would could help out this week with the kids. Take a few deep breaths and know that something better is just a week away!  
+28 votes
by (690 points)
Do you, finish strong. Don’t be to proud to ask for help
+13 votes
by (1.1k points)
If that happened to me, I’m the person that says FTS and enjoys a week off before starting a new job. That’s just me personally.  
by (1.1k points)
@piacular I don’t always burn bridges, but if I do it’s going to explode!  
+12 votes
by (3.6k points)
Congratulations on the new gig! Of course they wanted to hire you - look at you working toward your goals! I would encourage you to do some googling on wage and labor laws in your area. If you are in the US, they are most likely required to pay you for any time you do work. Even if you don’t work out your final days.  
+32 votes
by (12.1k points)
Finish each shift with your chin up and your head held high. Dont give them the satisfaction of breaking your spirit. your new job is a new life. Stay focused.  
+1 vote
by (940 points)
Do NOT let this guy win. Seriously. I’d finish the week strong and with a smile on your face. You hold the power because you are leaving and choosing to not put up with his crap anymore. Had he treated you like a human, well then maybe he wouldn’t be losing an amazing employee. Do you have someone you can trust that can help you with your kids? Offer a trade - if you watch mine, I’ll help you with yours. Good luck! You’ve got this!  
+21 votes
by (3.6k points)
I remember your last post. So glad you got the new job! I hope you can still hold out and finish strong!  
+4 votes
by (6.4k points)
Fuck them. They have to give you your paycheck
+34 votes
by (2.6k points)
Can you switch shifts with someone? Maybe with the person who usually closes. Keep your head up high though. It’s your last week that you have to deal with this.  
+5 votes
by (2.9k points)
What an awful thing! I’m so sorry! If you truly don’t have childcare there is nothing you can do. If you can find it I would try but he’s just being a jerk and will not give you a good reference regardless of if you finish (that’s the only reason to need to nice and give 2 weeks notice is for leaving on good terms). If you can’t accommodate childcare for the schedule there isn’t much you can do. Sorry!  
+28 votes
by (5k points)
Do you go to church at all? If so, maybe someone at church could help babysit as a charitable gesture?  
+27 votes
by (6.1k points)
Bring the kids with you! It’s low and spiteful of them to do that and wow am I excited for your new job!  
by (19.7k points)
@craze9 i don't think having kids in the kitchen as a line cook is safe. or legal
+8 votes
by (490 points)
Finish this job up and end on a good note. Don’t be like the owner. Chin up girl. Things are looking up.  
+4 votes
by (1.7k points)
Who’s to say he will not withhold your cheque even if you complete your final week? If he’s antagonizing you this way, who’s to say he won’t be petty come payday? I’m usually one to finish the things you start, but just a thought before you bend yourself over backwards given his history of late paydays and illegal practices.  
+35 votes
by (510 points)
@pothook as petty as this dude is acting, keep your head up, smile, and let him know he can’t break you. I’m also in Ohio.  
+14 votes
by (16k points)
Pay that rent. And CONGRATULATIONS!  
0 votes
by (610 points)
I am so happy that you took the initiative to know that you deserve more! I think Miko’s mission is not only to share her financial wisdom but to empower us to want more in all aspects of our life. This group is amazing. Keep moving forward! If you have to, talk to your landlord.  
+9 votes
by (830 points)
Bye Felicia! Pay your rent today and walk now. He has to still pay you for the hours you did work and if he doesnt then you call the labor board. ENJOY a week off with your little. You may be a little short next month because of missing the week but it sounds like you'll he able to make it up pretty easily with the higher income
by (630 points)
This is EXACTLY what I’d do!  
+5 votes
by (12k points)
We don’t all have the luxury of having family nearby but we have friends. Call upon your friends to help out this last week or two at work. That’s what friends are for! You definitely want to leave on a good note.  
+28 votes
by (13.8k points)
This brings out my mean streak! I'd be like "Look I can't work closing you know that. You can either switch me back to the shift I was or not but either way I'm not working closing". If they fire you then just go see if you can do a temp job. Or enjoy the week with your little one.  
+17 votes
by (7.8k points)
I’m so sorry this happened to you! Hoping a friend can help you out, or maybe a forced few days off to enjoy your littles! Best of luck and congrats on your new job!  
+34 votes
by (1.2k points)
If you don’t get paid or they short your pay, contact wage and hour for your state. In Alaska, there is a wage claim form that can be filled out and submitted online or printed and mailed in. Businesses do not want wage and hour knocking on their door. Your local job center/employment office can get you that info if you can’t find it.  
by (2.1k points)
@behring yay us Alaskans !  
+35 votes
by (4.2k points)
For my sanity I would walk out. They are doing wrong by you and the law and they know it. Even if it sets you back I would stay home and enjoy a few days with my kids.  
+17 votes
by (5.1k points)
I left my resteraunt job several months ago. I gave them almost 4 weeks notice (I was a general manager and knew they needed time to replace me) and offered to train my replacement. A week into my notice they tried to stick me on a 16 hour shift and I walked out. I have no regrets. They didn't respect me and I made it clear I wasn't going to put up with their shit ‍♀️ That being said, I was financially stable enough to go that time without a paycheck before starting my next position.  
+20 votes
by (2k points)
Maybe some of your co workers will trade with you. With kids the health insurance and benefits are huge. Good luck. If you decide to not show up then he was just asking for it.  
+2 votes
by (3.5k points)
It is against the law to withhold paychecks for hours worked. If you're salaried, they can adjust for time not worked. But the federal government is pretty clear that you can't mess with people's pay. Resign effective immediately, in a letter, state clearly that due to the hours that have been previously set and the sudden change once notice was given, you're unable to finish your notice. Also indicate in the letter that you have returned any company property (if any) and that you will be in on Friday to pick up your final check at xx:xx time (or if direct deposit) acknowledge that you will anticipate your final check for the remaining hours to be deposited as normal. Note: if you worked this week, these hours may not get paid until next pay period so be specific. On your check(s) time frame.  
+32 votes
by (2.5k points)
Legally he can’t withhold your check. If you work, you get paid. I’d see if a trusted friend could watch your kiddo a few times.  
+37 votes
by (880 points)
Bite the bullet and do whatever you have to to work what they have scheduled. Then walk out, when you are done, with your head held high.  
+44 votes
by (4.4k points)
If I could I would watch your kids for you so you could work. You do what you have to do to make you happy.  
+19 votes
by (10.9k points)
Congratulations! Attempt to finish it out with class and show up and work hard just like you've always done. If you can't and they won't give you normal hours you could work then just be done and enjoy your new job!  
+11 votes
by (1.8k points)
Restaurants for ten years here. I’m gonna echo what I’ve seen above. Tell them either you work your availability, or you leave them short handed. And you absolutely must get paid.  
+47 votes
by (4.2k points)
And CONGRATULATIONS on finding a new job. It may take some adjustment with new schedule and team, but there’s always work in food and medicine!  
+39 votes
by (16k points)
Congratulations, lady! Well deserved. If I were you, I’d tell your supervisor that you’re only able to work X days at X times. If they cannot accommodate you, I’d suggest resigning, effective immediately. Retaliation for resigning and finding a better job is not cool.  
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