Thursday, February 25, 2010

A rough week...

So I've had two major problems this week... my dad and my boss. I know I should just let both roll off my shoulders, and truth be told, I'm pretty much over the first, but the second is driving me insane.

I realize that I will always be a child in my dad's eyes, but I really wish he wouldn't treat me as one. I'm almost 23 years old, and I'm pretty sure that gives me a right to have an opinion of my own. If I don't like Memphis, then I shouldn't have to stay here. As most of you know, I've been applying to law schools, well last week I got accepted to Louisiana State University, University of Memphis, Mississippi College, and Faulkner University. Now those last two were "just in case" schools... Ones I applied to in case I didn't get into any others. Honestly, Memphis was as well, when I first applied. However, I received the LSU and Memphis acceptance letters on the same day. So I immediately started doing more in depth research. Mom and I started talking about going to visit LSU over her spring break, but when it came time to make sure it was ok with dad if we went, he told me there was no point in going to visit LSU because there was no point in going there. In fact, apparently, I was going to go to Memphis and live at home (yeah right). Now law school is three years of school, and generally wherever you go to school is where you get hired. And before I move from there, I have tog et some experience and pay back some of my school loans. So we're talking a minimum of 7 to 8 years before I would be able Memphis. I am not the biggest fan of Memphis, so that would be like torture. Unfortunately my dad only sees the practical side of things. We got into an argument about it, and finally I just walked away.

I don't disagree with the things my dad was saying about Memphis (except the living at home part), Memphis is much cheaper, and actually because of the fact I was considering Memphis as a real option, and if I had had to choose that day whether to go to LSU or Memphis, I'm not really sure which I would have chosen. Of course after the argument Memphis dropped way down on my list. Now I know I shouldn't not choose Memphis because of my dad, but him treating me like a child when he told all of this just made it that much harder not to be petty about it.

The other rough thing this week is my boss. Now everyone has bosses that they dislike for various reasons, but this guy, Jason Gibson, is the absolute worst. He is condescending, he calls you out in front of everyone if you do something wrong, he tends to be rude to the guests, many of regulars have chosen not to come back because of him, he causes chaos in the kitchen, he won't listen to any criticism, not even from his assistant managers, in fact he does stuff behind their backs like changing schedules and hiring new people when we don't need anymore. I have a shirt that says "I love my job" on the back, and I used to wear it with pride, because I did love my job, I loved the environment, I loved the people, but I try and avoid wearing it now because it's just not true anymore. It's gotten to the point where if you're not kissing Gibson's butt, then he's a butt to you. I've already seen 3 or 4 people fired for the stupidest reasons. Everyone is afraid for their job, and most of us feel like the only reason we're there is to train our replacements. We've decided that we need to do something, we just can't see the answer yet.

It has been proposed that we meet with his boss... I'm curious if anyone thinks this would accomplish anything, because there are mixed feelings about this. I mean this guy must have been hired for some reason, but if three or four of us sit down with his manager with a list of real items, not just "he hurt my feelings" do you think there's a shot he'll listen? There's many people who want to just get him fired, but I'm willing to give him a chance to change, if he can. What do y'all think?

2 comments:

SWTrigal said...

K-as a mom of over 30 year olds, we never stop seeing our kids as "kids" It is a plain fact-I am guilty-ask any of my kids. The only difference is they do not live with me! And also sometimes they act like "kids" because that is familiar..Hard to break that cycle no matter how old you are! I feel bad for you because I know you are at a crossroads and living at home (nigel and your mom may hate me for this) may not be the best option..(because of that whole kid/parent thing)..As for your boss-get a job where you are treated better!! You deserve it..
Just my 2 cents,
Aunt Debi :)

Tony Falasca said...

Wow Jason The Horrible!! Listen you have the best idea on that You must get everyone together that means anything to that restaurant! Talking about top people not people who are afraid of Jason!
I have been managing restaurants for more years then I remember and I too was on top of that hill and thought I did not need anyone until they stood outside the place and refused to work for me!...

That was an eye opener!! Listen do not run away or have contact with who ever is in charge over Jason and let them understand that you would like to sit down with Jason with others and have your list of issues! Yes please do not bring in any personal stuff ok make this about business! You see when you have one Texas Roadhouse in the Memphis area You do not want to scare the customers away! So you are studying law! Think about this as a case that just hit your desk and you are the third party! What would you do?? Research Jason find out what makes him tic! Do some digging! Then bring everything to him in a sit down with your co-harts and see where this may lead to a better atmosphere at work. DO NOT GIVE UP!!! Believe in yourself and make it work Have fun.. <:O)