Let me start by saying I’m a “floor guy” at a small town hardware store. I am in training to be a manager but not one yet. I do a bunch of stuff around the store. Which leaves me busy a lot of the time.
We have a paint department that LOVES calling me and the other floor guys to do dumb things that is their job. Now, I don’t mind helping here or there. However when I get called away from doing something to come pick up your empty boxes to bring them to the box crusher when you’re supposed to, or to bring a box up to the register for a customer that weighs 10lbs.
I just get furious since they’ve been told not to do this. However they don’t stop. I recently told them I’m not moving a box for them since they weren’t busy. They were just playing on their phone while waiting on me.
They complained and the manager told them it’s their job. Now I have multiple people mad at me because I tell them NO. When it’s not my job unless they are too busy.
Am I the asshole?
No, you’re right to set boundaries.
People will always want you to do stuff that’s outside of your classification. The key is to be “too busy” when it doesn’t advance your career, and willing to learn when it does. Ideally, you don’t have to directly say no. When you hit the balance right, they stop asking.
I like your advice, and it makes me think I’m on the right track. They used to call a lot more. Even for me specifically, but I got tired of it, and it made them mad, and now they call on occasion for small things like the other day.
Just it’s not my job to do. Even if I’m just walking around looking for things to do either for myself or my crew. I am still working and they just don’t wanna do their jobs. I’m only supposed to do it if they are busy or it’s like a 5 gallon bucket of paint that needs to be brought to the front. The heavy lifting and hard work.
If I didn’t love my job I’d probably find a new one. Just with 75% of the store liking me and 25% not… I think I’m good. 🤔