My job was evidently lenient for coming to work later than usual, until I was fired.?

Question

I worked at a bookstore from 07/04 to 12/06. Our hours are from Monday-Saturday, 9:30AM to 9PM, and Sunday from 11AM to 5PM. I've told my boss about how slow it was between 9:30AM and around 10:30-11:00AM, and for that reason, I've decided to come in at 10AM rather than the regular time. Keep in mind that this is located in an outlet mall, so there are also other stores with separate hours. My boss was generally lenient about this, and him and the owner had told me that it was fine as long as I wrote down the time for coming in later, whether it be 10AM or even 10:30AM. My co-worker also tends to come in later too. Same goes for leaving work at the closing time of 9PM. If it's dead, we could leave a 1/2 hr early. My boss also leaves if it's dead, the earliest he left was 6PM. So, on 12/30/06, I was fired for coming in at 10:20AM, 50 minutes later than the opening time. I was told that I could come in later after the holidays, but I guess not. Was it right for them to fire me for this?

Diana, that's what made the job so much different from others, but whenever my boss wanted me to come earlier, such as for the holidays, I did. I agree with your statement that they were probably just getting tired of it. If so, they could've just told me, but instead, all I was told was if you're late, write it down on the schedule sheet... no questions asked.

Actually, Scott, I've been there for nearly 3 years. The co-worker whom I mentioned was on the job for not even a month, not to mention that she's going to be promoted to the manager position in the weeks to come. Frankly, I feel that was the writing on the wall, because whenever I referred to the schedule sheet for the first week of 2007, my name wasn't listed at all. I think they had planned to fire me at some point, but they didn't make it official until now. I feel that it being the end of the year, it was in their best interest to sack me.

Yes, Jamie, someone at another store just quit her job there and is now on the verge of working at my former work place. I also suspect someone in the outlet sneaking up on me because there are workers from other stores who tend to have wide open mouths.

And relating to your question Jamie, there were also bad days with me and my boss, which I forgived him, but I don't feel that this was the main reason for firing me. As for the hours, it was something that I suggested and him and the owner agreed to work with me on that. Like the previous commenter said, I think he was just getting tired of it and just didn't want to deal with it anymore. I feel that he was having a bad day for having to fire me, but it isn't the end of the world. I still have to call my co-worker tomorrow to ask her story, because I'm sure she was told what had happened regarding my termination.

Scott, re-reading your comment... with much respect, what is there to be motivated about when all we do is sit on our asses all day in front of a computer? That's basically all we do, if we have nothing else to do, which happens to occur 80% of the time. I know this is going to sound ridiculous but this bookstore doesn't even have an inventory of what we keep track of, even though we have a computer, so guess what, it's there for us to IM, e-mail, watch videos, and I'll admit I've seen my fair share of videos on that computer, as well as watch movies, burn CD's and play games. We all did that, including my boss, and it was great.

Also, I know practically all companies are at-will, so let's just keep it at that. Hell, I created the applications when the new owners took over in November of 2004, and whatever is on it is what generally applies, since my previous manager went over it and said that it was good. So if I happened to leave something out, then I guess it won't matter.

Answer 1

Most states are "at will" so you won't have any grounds to fight to get your job back.

However, you were terminated. And you did have a verbal agreement to come in later--so drawing unemployment compensation should be a breeze.

M

Answer 2

Maybe even though the boss intiially agreed, it wouldnt be that your very pushy about it. Maybe someone else is lined up for your job. Find out who the replacement is, is it family? Maybe the day you were late was a bad day, and the boss had to cop the flack and then resented you because you werent there. Reliability is what bosses really appreciate, knowing that an employee is going to be there the same time, every time. and finally is the change of hours suggested al about what you wanted or was it best for the boss/owner.

Answer 3

In the 30 yrs that I have been employed, you are the first person that I know that can come and go as you please without being an owner of a business, How can anyone run a business that is so lenient with their employee's, you can't do that. Maybe they should have explained the new polices to you for being on time, and if you couldn't follow them, maybe get fired then, I don't know.
Maybe they just got tired of you, sorry to say, Best of luck in the real world......

Answer 4

Seems like two sales people who want flexible working hours. Mng. probably wants at least one person at all times. You being the newest recruit(?) was the one to get the axe. As far as being fired, you can be dismissed for no reason, as the terms of employment is non-contractual. Is it right? Sorry to say this, but yes. They tend to see you as not motivated toward the job.

Answer 5

Maybe they thought you were getting carried away? Maybe it included other factors? Maybe not. Did you give them your all while you were there? They should have been up front with you regardless. Honesty being the best policy.

By the way - there are many jobs/careers with flexible schedules.

Good luck finding one that is perfect for you (and vice versa).