Jan 16, 2010

How many chances should one person get?

I work with a girl who shall remain nameless. She has alot of personal problems. Bad relationship, drug abuse etc. The whole lovely package. She keeps calling out. Last night we were finally busy. The owner had to pick up tables.. She called out 15 minutes before her scheduled time. I was supposed to get off at 6pm, wound up staying til 9pm. More money for me, which is great, after the last two crappy weeks. The point however, is she has been re-hired 3 times. I think it is time for her to go. Her personal life is at the point where I don't think she is able to hold down a job. How would you like to know that while you are waiting for your meal to arrive that your server will be right with you because she is currently in the employee restroom smoking crack or shooting up? I will not let her in my cash drawer. I like her as a person. As a co-worker I do not. They are getting ready to clean house and I am wondering if she will be part of the clean-up. My boss/owner is a very fair man. He told me that he never fires people, they fire themselves. Plus, many of us are in recovery there, and it is many of us don't want to work with people who are still using. It's blatant. I would hate to see anyone lose their job in this economy. I have pulled her aside privately and spoke to her. As a friend who has been there and done that. I have hugged her and watched her cry. I am tired. The extra money was nice, but I made a bet with my boss..A $5 bet. He gave out w-2's Thursday night. I bet him that many people would call out in the next 5 days. He said no way, not on his shift at least. We shook hands and than the phone rang.. L$#$% called out. He owes me $5!!.. Have a great day...

5 comments:

Lou said...

How many chances..? I have wrestled with that over the years. When someone is in active addiction, they usually answer the question for you.

the walking man said...

The users will realize that there are 10 people ready to take the position they have. It's the next step for them that i detest, the thieving, the prostitution, the death by a thousand cuts. For a pipe load of vein rocket?

Lori said...

Lou- My boss is doing punishment with the pen, hours are getting cut. The management is taking a zero tolerance stance. I agree with you last sentence..

WM-That next step is what scares me so much for her. You are right also, we have 10 people a day walking in asking for a job. I always try to prevent someone from taking it to the next level in society. It is very hard to climb back up, some never do...

Brother Frankie said...

lori, its sad to watch folks living what we have lived...

its like a movies of us..

does that sound right?

You are loved dear lori..
Brother Frankie
(praying for my wife in haiti)

Lori said...

Frankie- Yes, it is sad. I know how her story is going to end. FYI..she got her tax refund on Tuesday and was a no call/no show..I do believe she is now fired. It is downhill from here. I just gave her a cell phone on Sunday, one of my old ones that was pay as you go so she could have a phone. Her movie is getting ready to turn into a tradgedy.
I didn't know you had a wife in Haiti? Wow, I will keep her in my prayers. I hope she is safe..