What should I do about my work situation?

Question

I work at a small restaurant that’s horrendously managed. Lots of furniture and appliances are broken, we’re constantly out of stock of items, my coworkers are bad about cleaning so things look filthy, and corners are constantly cut overall. I try to make things better but most of these issues aren’t things I can fix. If my manager didn’t order ingredients, I simply can’t sell them. Some days, I open and find so much mess, indicating the restaurant was dirty when I was off. Every single day, I find myself apologizing to customers again and again for things that should not be happening.

Lately we’ve been getting really bad reviews and I find it so embarrassing and disheartening that I work at such a dump. At the same time, I can’t quit because I really need the money and I can’t find places as willing to let me work whenever I come back from college so smoothly.

Worst of all, I can feel myself caring less about my job and I don’t want to be one of the reasons for the reviews. I just don’t know what to do. I’m powerless to make this business run professionally.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Look even harder for another job, you can't do anything alone.

If the manager and owner don't care this attitude rubs off onto the junior members of staff and  no amount of 'firefighting' you do and apologies you make are going to change a thing.

Paul · Answer

Why haven't you gotten a job at a better restaurant?

See how much more complicated it is when you're responsible for your situation? I'm not trying to be a jerk. That's just the best advice I have. You can change things. You're the one you need to ask these questions.;

Don't badmouth your current employer in your job search. That's a universal no-no.

Jay · Answer

You find another restaurant...proibably that restaurants' competitor...and you apply for a job there.

Your reason is "The place I am working (NAME) is horribly managed and no one cares about the customers."

Anonymous · Answer

If the owners don't care, you can't make them.  Look for another job. If one restaurant made a deal with you regarding work and school, another one will.  You ARE literally powerless to change this.

? · Answer

Put yourself in the managers shoes. I doubt you could do better.

Anonymous · Answer

Complain to the owners of the place

What should I do about my work situation?

6 Answers