Workplace dilemma.... what do I do?

RedRosesForMe · #1 22nd October 2011, 09:55 AM

My schedule sucks (work 5 days, then class on my two days 'off') and I need to make more money (trying to pay tuition completely out of pocket until I can reapply for funding).

I got a call back from a new restaurant that I'd interviewed at a while ago, they got their permits and had finished the renovations, so they were starting training. I told them I had a job already but I'd gladly pick up a couple of shifts there if we could work out the schedule. They said sure, so I'm thinking I can work out a schedule where I work a couple of double shifts (lunch at one, dinner at the other) and then a couple of regular shifts. That way I'd actually be working an extra shift but I'd get a day off.

I approached my boss at the first restaurant to talk about it, and he seemed rather offended/upset that I had taken a second job. We sat down in the office after my shift, and he said that I'm a key employee and that he'd be willing to work with me on the schedule, including putting me on doubles (which an assistant manager had told me they generally don't schedule) and giving me more shifts or different shifts if I'm not making enough money.

Now I'm torn. The new restaurant is an awesome concept and the owner is really passionate, so I'd enjoy working there. I know new restaurants are a crap shoot, but that's why I'd keep my shifts at the first one and just a couple at the new one, so anything I made there would be a bonus. If it wasn't working out I could cut my losses in a couple of months. On the other hand, I don't want to ruin the relationship I've already established at my first job, since they really seem to like me.

So what the hell do I do?

AuntiePam · #2 22nd October 2011, 12:31 PM

I'd stay put. You've built something at your current job. Why jeopardize it?

The guy at the new place might be "passionate", but so is that restaurant guy on TV who's always yelling at everyone.

Colonel Plink · #3 22nd October 2011, 02:20 PM

I like that your current boss is willing to give you the opportunity to make more money.

Since you asked, I'd dance with the one what brung ya.

threnody · #4 22nd October 2011, 02:28 PM

Stay, honestly. The first guy is being as flexible as he can be. Don't jeopardise that, because it sounds like he's looking to help you out in the long run.

*Veb* · #5 22nd October 2011, 02:38 PM

Stay put.

Your current boss demonstrated that he values you and is willing to toss more hours your way to help you out. He's working with you and that right there deserves a nod of reciprocal loyalty.

But most of all, it's about the money. You have a good, responsive boss already. Why toss that aside? You might enjoy working at the start-up restaurant but the exciting buzz of the concept doesn't translate into the actuality of working there. You might like this guy's passion now but it could be a real nightmare--for you--in the actuality of working there, especially in the restaurant's throes to get established.

Unless you really want the thrill of the gamble, pass on it.

Salambo · #6 22nd October 2011, 03:07 PM

Another "stay put" vote. Good boss. Other posters stated the reasons better than I could.

Khampelf · #7 22nd October 2011, 03:19 PM

Another reluctant slug on the 'stay put' side of the scale. I worked for a start-up once and got very little but free food out of the deal. Don't jeopardize what you have for something uncertain.

Dragonlady · #8 22nd October 2011, 03:33 PM

Call the new guy. Tell him your current boss likes you so much that he is offering all the shifts you need, so thank but no.
1. You don't burn any bridges.
2. New guy gets the idea that you are valuable, in case you need him in the future.
3. Profit!

SmartAleq · #9 22nd October 2011, 03:41 PM

^^^ +1

Glazer · #10 22nd October 2011, 04:38 PM

What Drags said. Plus you have a boss that is willing to work with you. That could come in handy at Mid Terms and such. And he values you so maybe you can pick up extra shifts during school breaks.

Zombies! · #11 22nd October 2011, 07:06 PM

I agree with everyone else who's posted here.

If first boss had've been an arse about working with you, I think you'd be justified going to the 2nd job. But he's showing you he wants to keep you happy as a member of his staff. A loyal boss is good to have.

KidVermicious · #12 22nd October 2011, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zombies!

I agree with everyone else who's posted here.

If first boss had've been an arse about working with you, I think you'd be justified going to the 2nd job. But he's showing you he wants to keep you happy as a member of his staff. A loyal boss is good to have.

And a loyal boss who knows you're loyal is even better.

Uthrecht · #13 23rd October 2011, 05:02 AM

I'm of the opinion also that you should keep the current setup, take the extra hours/opportunities that your current boss is offering, and thank the other owner for giving you the offer but explain that you've been given extra opportunities that you want to follow up.

That's largely what I'd do if I got a job offer that would replace my current job, but my current employers gave me a counteroffer that make it attractive enough. You be polite with the other folks but stick with the current. In your case, I'd lean towards one job over two when possible.

Nice job on getting the extras from your boss. You might want to make sure any offense/upset is smoothed over, so that you don't get blindsided if this is sitting as a bad mark against you. Not that I'd make a big deal about it or anything.

RedRosesForMe · #14 23rd October 2011, 05:34 AM

Yeah, I guess that's what I'm going to do. As much as I would love to work somewhere where the staff has passion, since my boss told me to give him my ideal schedule and he'd see if he could make it work, I oughta stay there.

I was all excited about the craft beer and the comfort food, plus the speakeasy in the basement (!). But I gave him my ideal schedule last night, which would be a double Monday and Saturday, and Friday night, and Sunday night if I needed more money. He said he could definitely give me Thursday off, but Sunday might be more difficult.

Still, that would give me a whole day off, save me close to $20 a month in train fares, and hopefully be more lucrative. And when it comes down to the wire later this semester, I could probably find someone willing to pick up a shift.

Hunter Hawk · #15 23rd October 2011, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedRosesForMe

I was all excited about the craft beer and the comfort food, plus the speakeasy in the basement (!)

From here, this makes it look like the new place is late jumping on a trend; however, I have no idea whether this translates to "played out" vs. "reaching mainstream acceptance".

If your current boss is being reasonable and traffic in the current place is okay, I'd add my vote to the "stay put" category.

Lungfish · #16 23rd October 2011, 10:31 AM

Should I stay or should I go is one of the decisions we all have to make from time to time. It's brave to open a restaurant at the best of times and very brave to do so consisting the economy right now. It would also be brave to you to leave your job where your boss values you enough to let you decide your schedule, (within reason), to start a new job at a new restaurant.

It's a decision that only you can make.