Would you quit if you were me?

Question

So I got this job doing customer service at a small business, where theres only 3 employess including myself, (5 persons total if you include my two bosses). Anyway..... Its been my second week and already, one of my bosses told me that I will be responsive for cleaning the bathroom. (I said to my self, theres no way I will scrub anybody's bathroom). I told her that, I was hire for doing customer service and not cleaning, she said that me and "mary" will take turns cleaning the bathroom BUT.. I know this will not happend like this since "mary" always leaves earlier, so I know she will not clean anything. IN the end, I just pretended to clean the bathroom, the only thing that I clean was the floors, but hell no, i will not scrub no toilet

I just hate the idea, of cleaning the bathroom. What would you do if you were in my situation? Is the boss way out of place by asking this?

Answer 1

I think at a small company like that it's pretty normal there are some cleaning duties to be done, even if that's not the main part of the job. Most places I've worked at have been small and didn't have a janitor, and we all had to clean the restroom, the kitchen/break area and take out the trash, I've never really given it a second thought myself. However we did take turns, at least the employees, sometimes even the boss did. There's no reason 'Mary' can't clean the restroom when she's leaving early, this doesn't have to be done at the very end of the day, as long as it gets a good cleaning once a day it really can be done at 4 instead of 5 pm! My advise: make sure she takes her turn (tell her and if that doesn't work go to your boss), and unless the third person has a much higher position he or she can take turns too, and then clean it properly on your days.

Answer 2

I've almost been in this position. I would ask for a copy of your job description and read it over, if it doesn't mention maintenance, point that out. Be careful though, if it says "Should follow orders given by manager." or something of that nature, you may have no escape.

You could always just tell them the thought of it makes you sick in the stomach. I know where I work, we take cleaning bathrooms a bit too seriously, it's a biohazard and you have to be specially trained and wear special equipment. Just tell them you feel it's a biohazard and you're not properly trained and without the proper equipment. A business that small won't give you PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for a job like that (or at least I don't think they would spend the money on that) and therefore it may be an easy way out.

Last resort: I work with a retired manager and I asked her, "If they make me do something I don't want to, what do I say?" she told me to say "I'd rather not." and just keep to it. It's helped me stay out of cart pushing. :-)

Answer 3

Believe it or not, this isn't the first time I've heard of this. I'm assuming that this didn't come up during the interview. In my mind, it was irresponsible of them not to mention this before you took the position. However, since they run the business, if they tell you that's part of your responsibilities, you're stuck unless you come up with an agreeable alternative.

You know your situation better than anyone. If you absolutely don't want to clean the toilet, and you have other job options, get out now!

Good luck!

Answer 4

If you work at a small place like that, cleaning may be a part of your duties. It is not like they are asking you to come in on Saturday and clean the bathrooms. Maybe you could get some latex gloves so that you won't have to touch the toilets!!

I used to work for a cleaning service, and I always made sure to have gloves. Cleaning toilets is no big deal. Maybe your boss is testing you to see who has work ethic, and who thinks they are too good for common work.

Answer 5

There is a saying ... "Just because your job sucks, doesn't mean you should suck at your job!"
Don't stay and just neglect what they've asked of you. I agree it's disgusting and I wouldn't want to do it either but It's not immoral and doesn't break any laws.
I'd recommend going to a staffing agency and work with them find you a job. Identify one that charges the hiring company NOT the Applicant (you). Is there an Adecco in the town you live in? You should also post your resume on line and get started looking for a new job that suits your skills better.
... be good while you're there but get the Heck out of there! Good luck!

Answer 6

So jobs are not always easy to come by. There are worse things you can be doing besides cleaning the bathroom. Every job description has "Other Duties as Required" included. If that is the least tolerable thing you have to do and everything else is good; then I think you have it pretty good.

Answer 7

If the boss says to clean the bathrooms on a rotating schedule with other employees, I would do it. It is not worth my quitting.

This is a small business. I think I would be a snob and not a good worker if I refused to do my fair share.

Answer 8

Were you told this would be your job when you were hired? If not, refuse to do it. If she fires you, appeal against it and make sure she knows you will; no sane person is going to risk a lot of bad publicity for the sake of a bathroom.

If they want someone to clean, they should have hired a cleaner. They hired you to be in customer services.

Answer 9

I would quit because you were hired for customer service, not a cleaning person. Cleaning and scrubbing toilets are definitely not part of customer service job duties.
There are plenty customer service jobs out there. Go find one where toilet cleaning is not part of the "miscellaneous" part of your duties.

Answer 10

Since when does a customer service position include cleaning the toilet? Yes I would quit. He should've told you that up front in the interview..."Oh, and by the way, you'll be required to clean the toilet too." The reason he didn't is because he knew it would turn off prospective employees.