Q: Should I quit my job? I hate the place I work, and I hate my boss. Recently my pay has gone down and I don’t get to keep my tips either; I just receive an estimate of what I get tipped by customers but that estimate has gone down too. I decided to start counting every tip I got and I made around $500 one week, only to receive 35 dollars as my tip for TWO weeks of work since my boss is the one to count and distribute tips. I’m so mad. But I don’t know if quitting is the right move. What should I do?
A: Hi love. I totally understand how you feel. I worked at a local fast-food chain for about a year and a half where I wasn't getting treated well either, but I stayed until something so bad happened that I was forced to quit. But you know what? The whole time I worked there I was miserable, and I wanted to quit far before I actually did so. I would never recommend that anyone stay in a toxic work environment. Especially if they're taking the tips that you earned away. Like, is that even legal? I'm so sorry that you have to deal with that. I remember being in a position similar to yours, and I remember being so scared to quit, even though I wanted to so badly. I thought that all work environments would be that way and that I was just overreacting, but that wasn't the case at all.
If there is more about the job that you hate, besides just the tipping issues, I have to say that if I were in your position, the best thing you can do is start looking for a new job. I have a new job now as well, and it's 10x better. I know that our situations might not be identical, but you deserve to be in a work environment where you are valued and appreciated, and to me, it sounds like you're getting robbed of that experience. I'm not necessarily saying you should go in and quit right away. First I would try (even though it's so scary) to talk to your boss about the issues that you're having and see what they say. Best-case scenario, they'll be understanding and try and come up with solutions to the problems. However, it's a possibility that that won't be the case. So, if you feel like you still aren't being heard, I would put in your two weeks' notice and find somewhere else to apply.
But let's talk about that convo with your boss for a second. It can be intimidating, sure, but it's also a chance to advocate for yourself. Prepare what you want to say beforehand. Focus on certain examples of how you've been mistreated, like the tip situation, and how it's affecting you. I had to have a conversation with my old boss, and I walked into her office terrified. While I was talking to her, I was scared that anything I said that she might not like was going to get me in trouble, so I didn't stick up for myself, and it didn't end well for me. So, remember to stay professional and calm, but make yourself heard.
Now let's talk about finding a new job. I know it can seem scary, especially if this is your first job, or if you're worried you won't be able to find anything else. But trust me, there are plenty of employers out there who will value your hard work. I'm sure you are a great worker. Some people just suck, especially some employers who take advantage of teens because they're new to the work environment and don't know any better.
Lastly, I just want to remind you to take care of yourself during this time. I know this situation sucks, and it's probably very stressful for you. So, get plenty of rest and try to do things that make you happy. I believe in you. You've got this!