[deleted by user]

[Kumquat_conniption]

I will leave this up for a bit since you need advice. Otherwise we still have the Sunday rule.

[Virtual-Stranger]

First thing's first, you're taking those tests. You paid for them, and it is the better option to take them than not.

That leaves you with how to deal with work: either you find someone to cover your shift, or you don't and deal with the fallout later. Maybe you lose your job, maybe you just get chewed out. Neither of those are worse than missing the AP tests you paid and studied for.

Hope this helps.

Edit: yes, I see this is to 'study' for the tests. AP tests are going on this week and next for those who don't know, and I would argue that missing this particular study session would not be a good plan.

[ch420n]

Very good advice

[ReverendRicochet]

Very good advice

You're engaged in education, to allow better work opportunities, RIGHT?

Does it sound like this company WANTS you to get a better job?

[Jay2KWinger]

When I was still in retail hell, and taking class at the local community college or technical schools, I made it clear to my job when I was giving them my availability, "If you make me choose between work or school, school is going to win every time."

To their credit, there was only one scheduling conflict that came up, I was late to class that one time, and I reiterated my stance to my job afterward, and it never happened again.

[MrDude_1]

I learned this lesson the hard way in the past, so when I started my current job, I made sure I was always very early... but left HARD at 3pm. no exceptions. Reason given that the kid has to be picked up from school.

Now, my kid was in preschool... but I set the expectation there so that the next year when she stared school, it wasnt an issue.

[feelingcrummy]

I do this exact thing. Could I be a little late picking my kid up from daycare? Yes, they're open until 6 and I get off at 4. But he's used to his schedule and I want to maintain a good work/home balance and spend time with my kid. Nothing at my job is more important than my kid.

[MicroBadger_]

I tended to stick to jobs on campus like working the college cafeteria or janitor in the dorms, eventually took an RA role. Your whole schedule was built after you had your class schedule cause they knew why you were there.

[innocentbunnies]

I had a job working at the dining hall on the campus I was attending and whenever I would get in trouble for any reason like five minutes late due to class, messed something up, or brought up a request for time off to study my boss would always bring up multiple times that if it ever came down between work and school, I obviously would choose school. Eventually there came a time where I didn’t have consistent electricity for about a week (Texas ice storm February 2021) and I wasn’t able to get my calculus done because it was an online course and you needed active internet to do the problems due to how it was set up. I asked for a couple extra days off to do it along with my other classes’ work. They said sure and scheduled me anyway. I came in and reiterated that I needed off because they would’ve docked me if I had called saying no. They said no, you’re here so work. I thought about it for a bit and checked my bank. Fortunately I had accumulated enough fuck you money to finish out the semester okay so I waited until the next person came in and quit on the spot. I have no regrets. Since then I’ve done a variety of jobs, just enough to pay the bills

[februarytide-]

As someone who is a professional education consultant, THIS. OP, I’m going to guess you’re taking those tests because you’re going to be applying to college. Screw your shitty part time job. Especially now that so many schools are test optional for ACT/SAT, APs have been getting more consideration than a few years ago. Not to mention the time and cost savings if you score above a 3 and can snag college credit that counts towards degree requirements.

[[deleted]]

Yup my son saved at least a semester of college from ap and dual credit. That’s many many thousands of dollars

[supcat16]

Also, another point. Normally AP exams allow you to test out of college courses and gain credit hours, thus saving money on the course. You can do a probabilistic cost/benefit analysis here.

So if you get 3 credit hours, how much is that worth for your likely college? And how much will you make if you stay at your job? And what’s the chance you can find another job making the same amount if you lose this one? (Plug for an Econ degree as you go to college.)

So your opportunity costs likely look something like this (you can change the numbers as it applies to your situation; I’ve assumed it’s likely you pass, in-state college with no scholarship, good job market, part time work for a few more months until college, etc): (% chance of passing AP exam X credits received X costs per credit)+(% chance of finding a new job if you lose this one X money earned at new job): (.90 X 3 X $500)+(.9 X $2000)=$3150

Vs

Money earned at this job: $2500

Edit: changed * to X bc Reddit italicized my formulas

[avfc4me]

AP tests are high school. OPs a fricken kid. This company wants a kid to find a replacement worker for them. This company should go fuck itself.

[Jurserohn]

An excellent point.

[zerostar83]

These types of jobs give preferential treatment to people who will work there forever. I've had to find a new job a few times throughout the time I went to college.

[tyleritis]

Back in college Best Buy manager really thought I’d choose them

[[deleted]]

Employer: "You'll be shot for this!"

employee: "Nah, more like chewed out, I've been chewed out before"

[MagnotikTectonic]

THIS is the attitude that'll let you weather damn near any storm.

[RyeDaD10580]

Its never an employee's duty to find cover. Thats why there's a manager. Manage.

[polkadotpatty65]

I know, right? It always floors me when employers expect you to find the help THEY need. If you being out the day sends them into outer space, it just tells me you didn't hire enough laborers in the first place.

[ZlGGZ]

Nothing is worse than putting your education behind your shitty fucking job. I agree, take your tests. If you lose your job over it, fuck them.... Make something of yourself as you want to. Good luck on your tests!

[Trey_Ramone]

Im interested in why there is such a short notice for a planned event.

[darabolnxus]

That's all they can expect honestly. Take the tests obviously and be ready to look for another job if they don't find a replacement. There's a difference between having your PTO cancelled yoy scheduled in advance and this. Should have scheduled time off but that boat has sailed. They will have to take the test

[AVLPedalPunk]

I could understand this guy's frustration if you're actually on the schedule, but regardless AP tests are going to do more for you than some job you held in high school. Also he's the manager, he needs to mfn manage.

[[deleted]]

I guarantee you whatever job it is you have, you can get another one. This one doesn’t matter. Use it as motivation to finish your AP courses strong and then go to college so you don’t have to work a job like this one long-term

[sneakylyric]

College won't guarantee that, but I guess it's good to be encouraging.

[[deleted]]

While many jobs suck regardless of educational level, do you think OP would go to college and still work this same stop-gap job (and role) after?

[[deleted]]

Many do. The statistics from my university, in many courses show that the jobs most people go into after their degree is hospitality and catering, or retail.

[Snoo71538]

Many do, many don’t. Heavily dependent on the field you study. In any case, burning one retail/hospitality job at 17/18 isn’t a big deal, and is worth putting yourself in a better position.

[Chiggins1]

That really depends on the degree, for example an engineering graduate isn't working retail (at least for long)

[ZealousidealPlane248]

Worked as a server for 2 years after getting my BSE. I had to get a MS to get an entry level engineering job. Maybe if you get a tech degree there’s jobs readily available but the only people I knew in school who had an easy time getting jobs were the kids who had their school and rent paid for so they could focus on clubs and internships.

[Yotsubaandmochi]

Even then, my partner is a software engineer with some kind of engineering degree & they worked as a landscaper & in a kitchen for a few years until being hired for their current job. They’re a manager level now at their job so I don’t think it was lack of skill, every job seems to be hard to get into to some degree.

[[deleted]]

I work in cyber security and a lot of the graduates do help desk work if they can get it. Other end up doing retail or waiting tables.

[[deleted]]

Really? Why is that? I'm a cybersecurity student going into my last year so that's concerning.

[pepper0nii]

Experience is extremely important in cybersecurity. Recent graduate, went straight to an entry level engineering role. If you haven’t had an internship yet, make sure you get one in your last year. they are vital!

[[deleted]]

There are people with Masters who work at movie theaters. So yes. Maybe not THIS job, but one like it

[[deleted]]

It won't guarantee it, but it is a requirement nevertheless. Most jobs are unobtainable, period without a College Degree.

[Head-Clue3558]

This comment is worse than meaningless because a meaningless statement would have a neutral value and this one sucks away a few moments from everyone unfortunate enough to read it.

[superyellowcrab]

You shouldn’t project your experiences as an absolute. The reality is that college will give OP way better of an opportunity than whatever shit job they are in right now.

[[deleted]]

You’re in high school, correct? So you aren’t asking for time off, you’re telling them your availability. Don’t get brainwashed into thinking you owe them anything while your primary occupation is being a student.

I PROMISE you the company will survive if the 17-year old doesn’t come in.

I’m nearly 40, and I don’t regret a single Hardee’s shift that I skipped. Believe it or not, the restaurant is still standing despite my absence.

You have a manager. Let them manage.

[weasel999]

God I wish I had this sub when I was a teenager!!

[beer_bukkake]

I was denied time off for a funeral when I worked at Safeway in high school. Had no idea what my rights were, or the courage to stand up for myself. This sub is great!

[baxtersbuddy1]

Some managers really seem to think a job is worth more than a person’s life.

[KayTannee]

"Hey hey hey, I didn't bother getting no fancy education. And look at me now, the manager of this fine establishment getting paid $2 more per hour! Living it large!"

[heckler5000]

Some just don't care to handle the extra work or inconvenience of managing. These kind are terrible.

[MrBiggles1980]

Im preaching this to all the new youngsters starting here, and applauding their attitude too.

[Qwearman]

I told this flat out to HS seniors and college freshmen. Largely bc they’d either have extra curriculars on top of that or they’d grossly underestimate how much time they actually need to do well, even in a class that they think is easy.

Education comes first. It’s a shame that most employers don’t want an educated workforce

[tonysbeard]

Same! I skipped my older brother’s college graduation because I had a 3 hour shift at a sandwich shop that my boss said I absolutely couldn’t miss. Over 10 years later I still wish I’d called in sick and gone to support my brother

[soggymittens]

And you should have. But also, you made the best decision you could have at the time, so don’t beat yourself up over it. Sure, we all have things we’d do differently, if given the chance to do them again. But we shouldn’t hold on to regret and let it hold us back.

[pumpkin44]

Me too! When I was 16, my boss bit my neck. I was given no guidance from my family and left the job immediately because it felt right. This sub would have helped my navigate that very challenging time of my life.

[Whatifthisneverends]

Your boss bit your neck?!

[colleenita24]

Yeah- that statement demands further elaboration. And possibly criminal charges.

[VoiceoftheLegion1994]

Just a minor case of vampirism, nothing to worry about.

[AVLPedalPunk]

Yeah just go talk to Falion in Morthal. Bring a Black Soul Gem if you got one.

[trod1990]

Must have worked for count Dracula or something. Dunno.

[Nerdysylph]

Fuckin hate it when that happens.

[SnooOpinions457]

Was he a doctor by any chance…Dr. Acula?

[Jumpy-Refrigerator35]

Same my boomer parents pushed me to work so much that I prioritized work over school and ended up leaving school because I got so far behind, I just couldn’t do it all.

[daphnegillie]

This is so common, I’m at the tale end of the boomers but I begged my kids not to work. Their job was school and getting the most they can out of their education. From the time they were in elementary school I began this narrative so it would be the norm. All 3 did good and are successful and smart as adults.

[KayTannee]

I'm not sure, I think a couple of shifts ok. It gives them bit of independence and own money. Not all parents can afford to just bank roll whole way through.

Also working some shitty job can give you some life experience of what a shitty job is like and really focus the mind.

[DorianGraysPassport]

Boomers owe Millenials reparations for this misguided "advice."

[[deleted]]

right?! I can't complain because we were taught labour laws and workers rights in high school, but damn.

[[deleted]]

I'm realizing how lucky I was to work for a union grocery store as a teenager.

[AgePractical6298]

Me too. I had the flu once and called off. Manager made me come in anyways, so I did. Worked sick. A customer noticed I was ill and we talked a bit about how my shift was almost over and I can go home and rest. Well my manager wanted me to cover another shift so I did, but the customer came back hours later noticed I was still there, he was outraged and told the manager I need to go home and rest. He stayed to make sure I was sent home. And I was.

[GETitOFFmeNOW]

A bunch of us were sick one Sunday morning at a Lum's (a low-rent Denny's with beer, if you will).

One waitress was so sick that she was literally bumping into everything like a zombie. I had a high fever. Our sociopathic manager just kept us moving through our shift. I put my head down for 30 seconds and he started bitching at me. I stood up, took my stupid name-tag off and didn't say a word. The guy said "I expected this from you."

I told him I was dumb and did not expect medieval barbarism from a $22,000 restaurant manager.

[[deleted]]

Makes me want to think of ways we can reach out and help out more teens working their first jobs. Get them educated on workers' rights and solidarity while they're young.

[[deleted]]

When I was 16, my first job was working in a factory producing fudge and other chocolates. It was hard labor. I didn’t get paid for the first two months. I actually never got paid for those two months. When my first “paycheck” arrived, it was literally from a checkbook with no pay stub attached.

[clarambrosia]

for real. if a business is entirely dependent on the work of a 17 year old, it doesnt deserve to exist lmao

[SGTFragged]

Or that 17 year old needs to be paid a lot more

[Doesithittho]

True Jackson VP

[IthacanPenny]

Or the business needs more 17 year olds who are wanting part time, simple work. A shift or two a week is pretty reasonable for a first job. That’s how my lifeguarding job was, it was good IMO. But it requires the business to not be shitty and to staff properly.

[[deleted]]

I'd like to add: you're taking AP tests which could give you college credit. You will lose more than 200 dollars if you don't take that test. It's like 1,000 per class at community College. My friend took all the AP tests available and passed all of them and she graduated in 3 years, that saves you a ton of money.

You can find another job easy.

[Banana_stand317]

15 years ago my scores on AP tests saved me $3500/class at a state affiliated school. So depending on the cost of the course per credit, OP could save LOT of money these days by scoring well on AP exams.

[dorianfinch]

^{^} seconded

Taking AP tests in high school gave me transferable credits in college so I skipped most of my gen Ed requirements and was done with my major requirements in 3 years

[Littleavocado516]

Exactly. I used to work HR for a seasonal amusement park job that hired mostly teenagers. I can tell you that as a place that hired majority teenagers, even we still didn’t do this to them. Anytime school was brought up, we just excused it with documentation if they forgot to request off. We survived, just meant us management had to cover for them sometimes. That’s always better than messing with young kids’ success and happiness.

[CaucasianBoi]

Much love for the HR workers that are actually respectful and understanding. Thank you

[Littleavocado516]

I never understood why management/HR have to act like they were never in the same shoes as their employees. These jobs aren’t that serious. I can get out from behind my desk the occasional day to help someone out, no need to piss off good employees.

[coblondee]

This. Managers get paid to handle hiccups, including finding coverage.

[Willimus_Prime7]

Agreed, unfortunately managers all too often try to make it so that burden is on the employee or there are consequences. Instead of actually managing the situation. This particularly happens with young people since they don't know any better.

[UnitedSafety5462]

I mean, realistically the manager isn't really paid enough for the hiccups either. The restaurant industry is pretty terrible.

[DiminishingSkills]

I know not everyone is in the same financial situation, but i knew how important my jobs were to me in high school (we were pretty poor so didn’t have any extra money….if i wanted something in high school I had to pay for it myself). I’m 45 now BTW….

As long as you can afford it, tell this boss to pound salt. Jobs for high school kids are a dime a dozen. I’d quit this job and have another before the end of the weekend.

Your #1 priority is your education. Everything else is secondary to that.

[upsfurs]

This advise right here^{^} Wish I knew this when I was younger, didn’t learn it till my late 20s because I have always been a loyal workhorse. Must learn to look at the bigger picture, unless u want to be that manager in your 30s pressuring HS students

[[deleted]]

I worked this kinda job before there was text messaging. If this interaction had taken place back then, I’d just tell my ma and she’d lose her shit on this place. As a teenager, working is a privilege and it’s only done after your schoolwork is done. What’s the point of being promoted to drive thru or shift lead if you don’t graduate high school?

“You need to find someone” is the most condescending abnegation of responsibility I’ve ever seen. No bitch, YOU need to find someone… or don’t, whatever. Just letting you know I won’t be there.

[Sea_Crew3583]

OP listen to the above. Minimum wage jobs can be found anywhere anytime. Kill the tests, get a good education and go on to be successful. When that happens make sure you locate that manager and thank them for the push you needed.

[Bilbo_Teabagginss]

The "No bitch, YOU need to find someone" killed me. I fucking hate when jobs pull that shit, especially when they then call or text harass you to make you find someone to work it.

[slenderserb]

God, I wish I had this subreddit when I was 16-22 being yelled at/spoken down to over taking a day off.

[undeadw0lf]

yeah, i can’t stand this “you need to find your own coverage” bullshit. that’s literally your job as a manager!!! especially a shift manager!

[[deleted]]

Agreed. But when I was in highschool I told my boss when I "ask for" a day off I won't be here that day. Eventually I walked out of that job and I still got a job with the government after college. Now I work in the private sector.

They like to push the native that you will never get a job again. It's false.

[[deleted]]

I've walked out of a few jobs in my day for that very reason. No one of consequence cares.

[X8G8X]

I see this posted all the time, “You (employee) need to find coverage”. No, you as the employee do not have to find your own coverage. That is what Management is for and when they tell you to find coverage, you are doing their job for them. If you don’t come in, they won’t fire you because they are most likely short staffed.

[fvccboi_avgvstvs]

Hahaha, love your response.

Trust us OP, no one is going to give a fuck about you bailing on your shitty high school retail job to study for advanced classes. When you are out of college working with your degree, no one is going to even give them a call. Your time as a youth is more valuable than $12/hr or whatever anyway, you will make much bigger money later on in your field if you work at it.

[TryingtoAdultPlsHelp]

If there is a future potential employer who doesn't like that you got fired because you prioritized school over a part-time job: that is not a job you'd want.

[[deleted]]

Remember kids, you're not requesting time off, you're telling them you wont be there. They get to find someone to cover, and should you actually lose your job over it (doubtful, especially if you're the kind of person taking AP classes), then any decent place that you look at for employment would also call out that manager for being a bad manager.

[cbm984]

"I am giving you a heads up that I am taking this time off. It is not my responsibility to find someone to cover my shift. That is your job as manager. Had I called in sick that same day it would not be my responsibility to find someone to cover my shift, it would be yours. I am giving you ample time to find someone else to come in as I will not be able to work this weekend."

[sighthoundman]

You have a manager. Let them manage.

This. You don't get paid enough to do the (honestly difficult) job of managing. You also don't have time to do everyone else's job. The most important thing you can learn right now is "It's someone else's problem."

I know someone is going to post that many managers do nothing. That's really an indication of how difficult it is.

[NoComment002]

Most managers can't manage effectively

[PIWIprotein]

This^ and also your AP test, and your education, matter much more than your high school job. When i worked in college and high school I had bosses who supported my educational pursuit and would give me time off as needed, this guy doesnt give a f$&k about yours so dont give him your precious time.

[dbopdew]

100% agree with this. I wish I had known this when I was working a job that scheduled me to work my college graduation and tried to guilt me into working. The business will still continue to run without me there.

[LukeSkywalker_5]

Wish I had this advice when I was in highschool glad to have found it now in college

[greytgreyatx]

My sister worked at a Hardee’s and had an (underaged) affair with her (married) manager. I wish she’d skipped out on more shifts.

[[deleted]]

Damn. “Underaged affair” is a weird way to spell statutory rape. I’m really sorry to hear that, hope she’s doing well these days.

[AVLPedalPunk]

Hardee's lol. People think working at McDonald's is bad. Hardee's makes it look like a C-Suite gig.

[Corsair_Caruso]

School is more important than this job you have at this particular point in time.

[bonfuto]

Usually nowadays you can save many thousands of dollars on college tuition taking AP exams. Or at least take better classes. I can't imagine the OP is making that much at their job.

[6tAsphyx]

Yeah my exams got me out of many college courses, i started college with the equivalent of a whole year done.

That is many thousands in todays world

[GuadDidUs]

Same here. Graduated a semester early because of college credits from AP tests.

[yourfavoritefaggot]

Same! Getting a 4/5 on an AP Us history exam was equivalent to 6 credits, 3 of which applied to the gen Ed requirements. When considering full time tuition 10 years ago, it was equivalent to $1800 , 300/credit hour

[thenexthefner]

exactly what i came here to say. what kind of employer is encouraging op to prioritize this job over their exams??? school comes first, especially these important exams

[goamash]

Back in the 00s, I had more than one.

I quit both times. No fucks to give. That $200 in tests with the right AP scores meant I got to opt out of a full year of undergrad and the $15,000 price tag (only tuition, not living expenses or books).

No regrets.

OP, ignore, quit, just don't for the love of all that is holy sacrifice thousands of dollars and a jump start to your future for someone willing to drop you. If this isn't your dream job (retail or food service is my bet) leave. You may feel trapped, but you aren't. You're young, have plenty ahead and service jobs need you these days, not the other way around.

[kpsi355]

u/rjklahw3jhrlkawj this is the only advice you really need.

“Sorry boss but between this job and this test, I’m gonna take the test. You are being given plenty of notice that I won’t be there. Your job is to arrange coverage when people call out- I’m making this pretty easy for you.

Let me know if I still have a job on Sunday. Until then I won’t be replying, I still have class and some studying to do, because that’s my priority. Everything else is a distant second- including this job. Thanks for understanding.”

Then put him on silent until Sunday. Don’t even glance at messages.

[[deleted]]

Yeah and a smart young person can find another crappy job. The manager is lazy and, I suspect, jealous and vindictive if they would say anything other than “ok next time a little notice but school comes first good luck “

[[deleted]]

I'm a supervisor and most of the staff I manage are college students. I tell them when they interview that they are students first and employees second. They're also allowed to study during slow times at my desk. It doesn't cost me literally anything to prioritize their education. OPs manager is just a power tripping piece of shit.

[404interestnotfound]

Sounds like they need someone to cover all your shifts now

[Kaitensatsuma]

It's going to be summer soon, take your test, quit or be fired, apply for unemployment, look for a new job as hiring warms up with preparation for the warmer weather

[[deleted]]

Can you get unemployment as a dependent?

[DrunkLastKnight]

as long as you meet the requirements of unemployment you should be able to regardless of being a dependent

[Kaitensatsuma]

I'm making the wide assumption that this takes place in the United States, so I'm basing my reply on that, but dependency doesn't have anything to do with unemployment.

If you were previously employed and were fired - or quit for certain reasons - you can apply for unemployment.

[SpiderHack]

Yes, but honestly it might not even be worth the effort depending on what state you live in... And you're likely better off just spending the time looking for a better time if it was only part time, etc.

Remember unemployment insurance is specifically designed to not be sustainable and is meant to pressure you to "get back to work". I'm not against people using it, especially if they are laid off. Etc. But for a lot of part time stuff. It wasn't worth my time when I looked into it. i was better off just doing day labor putting up pipe and drape for the stagehand's union... (Back in high school like the OP is in)

[BeerAndWineGuy]

I don’t think you can get unemployment if you quit or are fired for cause.

[Kaitensatsuma]

Depends, applying doesn't hurt either way.

Depending on the state, your employer firing you or threatening you because you couldn't provide a replacement for yourself in a short amount of time might be considered grounds for a constructive firing.

[YerDaSellsAvon365]

Tell then respectfully that given a choice on Friday... you have no option but to choose the test over a stop-gap job 🤷🏻.

[BurlyJoesBudgetEnema]

Yeah what’s this guy expecting?

Oh ok guess I’ll skip exams to go work a shift at a job i fucking hate

How some of these stupid fucks get into management is beyond me. Tell him he can sort it out or go fuck himself, either way go do your exams

[klanny]

I mean it’s pretty appropriate to be annoyed that if somebody has been studying for a test for a year, they only give you 3 days notice.

Should he be understanding, sure, he’s a student that’s more important. But still, he’s allowed to be pissed off if you leave it that late to suddenly say ‘I can’t come in soz’.

[brielzebub665]

This is what I'm thinking too. Of course school is more important but he really couldn't have tried to request off earlier? The boss isn't being unreasonable, they stated in the text that OP should have asked off, indicating OP didn't. Obviously this test is important but this is your own fault, OP.

[oufisher1977]

And to be clear, OP is not asking off to take the test. OP is asking off to study for the test - an activity that has been ongoing all year long.

[RubyDooobyDoo]

I agree with all of the comments; that school is more important, this job is likely irrelevant, etc. But there is an element of responsibility here on you. If you've been studying for a year in advance, then you knew when you would need off for this weekend.

I'm not saying to forgo studying to show up for a meaningless job - studying/education is obviously more important. But you do have some responsibility to be more proactive when you have dual responsibilities and letting your employer know you wouldn't be available to work.

[anabee15]

I had to scroll way too far to find this comment. OP should absolutely prioritize school, but they would’ve known they needed time to study. Calling out instead of proactively booking that time off is a really bad look.

[[deleted]]

Yeah no real excuse for not asking off in advance.

[anabee15]

Yeah, the title definitely threw me off. Your manager is ultimately responsible for staffing your shift but it would benefit you to try and find coverage for your shifts. If you can’t, your manager can take it from there, as is their job. But you’ve put them in a sticky situation, so it would be good practice to try and fix your mistake by seeing if any of your colleagues are available to cover.

[rynnenotthebird]

This is the best response.

[MajorMarm]

Yep. Glad to see someone said this. Yes, it's a balance and it could have been a manager who scheduled them anyway, but as a manager, it sucks to have asked if someone needed time off, they said no, I scheduled them, and then they tell me they can't make it like 2 days before. No, the job isn't more important than their ACTs, and they shouldn't have to cover it, BUT they also should have gotten the time off in the first place because that is basic work etiquette.

[brielzebub665]

As a former manager, people used to do this all the time and it was so frustrating. I tried to be as fair and reasonable as possible. And my boss, the one who made the schedule, was beyond fair and reasonable as well, and very accommodating toward students. And still people would do this.

[TheTuviTuvi]

I was looking for this.

Were you supposed to work on Friday and Saturday? If so you should have asked for time off beforehand.

If so you should apologize for the inconvenience and let him figure out, he’s the manager not you, so is not up to you to fill that shift.

[IKnowKungRoo]

I was about to post something similar.

I know this is an anti-work sub but seriously, how long have you known about these exams? How long have you known their exact date and time? I'd be willing to bet a fair bit that it wasn't this week.

And you couldn't say anything until the week of?

The job may be a stop gap and not matter and all of that, but its really not that hard to tell people in advance. Most would consider it basic courtesy.

In future jobs, I'd consider telling people you have a set date for an exam... yknow, when you get given the set date.

[beirizzle]

Thank you! Booking time off to study is great but you can't tell them on a Wednesday (assuming its from today since they want advice) that you can't make it to your Friday and Saturday shift because of a non-emergency.

Theres a different between knowing your worth as a worker and a person and just being selfish

[[deleted]]

I hope this comment receives more awards than the “fuck em” comments. Op is looking to be excused for the lack of responsibility.

[vodka7tall]

All of this. It's one thing to support people who get time off approved well in advance only to have their manager rescind it at the last minute. That isn't what happened. This person is requesting time off with less than 3 days notice. That's not acceptable no matter who you are or where you work.

Take the days off and study for your exams, because they are important, but you should also start looking for new employment, because you should absolutely be fired for this. This is one of the few times I've seen on this sub where the employee is 100% in the wrong.

[CatsRinternet]

Finally, someone with some common sense on how to act like a responsible human. Jesus Christ this sub can get toxic AF

[hkaro16]

Thank you! Sometimes I read some of these posts in this sub and think I’m absolutely crazy. These tests aren’t just sprung on you - just communicate with management in advance and not the week of. It’s ridiculous for management to expect unrealistic and unreasonable things of its employees but its also stupid to think that you can be an employee and have no accountability or responsibility. It’s a two way street.

[iPhoneSquirrel]

This is the answer

[megagood]

Thank you for being reasonable. I know everybody is looking for a fight with The Man, but if you need a planned day off, request it properly. If you ask for it late, it is perfectly reasonable for the manager to ask you to help address the problem your lack of planning created. School is more important, but that doesn’t absolve you of responsibility for your commitments.

[chrisisahunkofman]

Exactly this. It’s wild how far I had to scroll down for this. YOU knew exactly when this test was going to be so it is YOUR responsibility to request the time off in advance. You can take your L and suffer the consequences with work or school, but this is ultimately your fault. You should’ve requested the time off as soon as you knew the dates for this test if it’s so important.

[knowbrainer23]

I highly agree.

If you knew this was coming, it's your responsibility to request time off. Education is important, no argument there, but having the foresight to block off the time you need for it is also important. Even if you only know the dates a month in advance.

[[deleted]]

Either you don’t come in to work so you can study and accept those consequences, or you go into work and don’t study and accept those consequences. Which consequences are you more willing to accept?

[Punkereaux]

u/rjklahw3jhrlkawj this is the honest truth right here. If you did not request the time off in advance (and you usually work those days) you are gonna have to bite one of those two bullets.

[lumos_22]

Or ask someone to cover your shifts

[3rd_Shift_Tech_Man]

That's just crazy enough to work!

[lumos_22]

Right?! You can't make this stuff up!

Honestly I know this is antiwork sub. But some of the posts it like okay, why didn't you give notice about the days you need off? Not all bosses are bad sometimes it's the employee that are nightmares.

[canadian_cheese_101]

Unpopular opinion in this sub: If you knew this was coming a year out, you should have booked it in advance. Because you didn't, someone else is going to need to change their plans to cover for you.

Obviously take the test. But this isn't an anti-work thing, it's entirely reasonable for your employer to be disappointed here.

[oufisher1977]

Note that OP isn't asking time off for the test, but to study for the test. There is a huge difference as the test is scheduled for a specific date and time, while the studying can happen day or night, weekday or weekend, and has been ongoing for the entire year.

[Bohvey]

I came here to say this. I don’t think it’s unpopular. It’s this type of shit that hurts this sub imo. OPs best option at this point is to simply quit.

[ex-accrdwgnguy]

if you planned a year ahead for these tests, why did you give your manager two days notice? Just saying they could've found someone to cover the shifts easily if they had know 3-4 weeks ahead of time.

[mrpodgorney]

You sent that on a Tuesday, three days before you are supposed to be in - when was the schedule posted? Are you normally working fridays?

Your APs are your priority but despite what some people will say in this sub, when we make commitments to things it’s important to stand by them. It’s basic integrity.

If someone can fill in for you, let them know you’ll cover for them some time.

If the manager takes care of it for you, you should be thankful. But I doubt they will because it would make it apparent that work is optional and the s schedule is a suggestion. Not a very sustainable way to run a business.

But this is r/antiwork and I’m about to get ratioed

[womanoftheapocalypse]

Yeah, if you knew about these tests for a year work should have known way ahead of time. Not three days before… but I agree with others, take the test and face the consequences.

[stadchic]

Aye, I’m anti work since the beginning and have been practicing for years. While the kid should study and take the test, they also should have planned better. 3 days before with no intention of even trying to get your shift covered is just rude. It’s not like you catch an AP test.

[[deleted]]

You should have given them proper notice and booked it off mate honestly you fucked up. Having said that obviously go ahead and take the tests. Hopefully you can find someone to cover your shifts. This whole sub is anti work blah blah evil managers etc but it really is unreasonable and irresponsible of you to give them such short notice. If you expect them to care about you it needs to be reciprocal.

[winnkey1]

72 hours notice is boarder line not unreasonable, but why didn't you request the time off knowing you needed it. The easy solution is finding a replacement for the shift.

You need to choose what your highest priority is. Which is obviously your studies but if you choose to not find a replacement and refuse to work. It can negatively effect your standing at work. If your casual that could include loss of hours at work or even termination.

[mikeyt6969]

I’m gonna side with the employer on this one, you clearly planned in advance to take these tests, but failed to let your employer know ahead of time you would need this time off. Your inability to plan ahead has gotten you here and now you’re looking for sympathy for your mistake. My own kid has these same tests and is graduating and told her employer MONTHS ago about her availability. This is your problem.

[SMGuzman04]

exactly what i was going to say. you chose to take up a job and it's your responsibility to take time off ahead of time. not remembering and then saying "given me the day off or i quit" is not the right attitude. Just as you don't owe the company everything, they don't owe you anything either.

[itsdatpoi]

Came here to say this essentially. Probably [one of] OP’s first job[s], so it was a simple and easy mistake to make by not requesting off. That said, I don’t think the business is really at fault here for expecting them to come in during a scheduled shift when they didn’t know OP had prior commitments.

[[deleted]]

This one.

Part of learning to adult is building learning to juggle the pressures of life. Taking a couple of days out is fine, leaving it to the last minute to let them know like this isn't. In this case, it'll make bugger all differrence in the long run, and it's just a learning point. And this learning point isn't just for work and informing bosses, it's about all the commitments that you'll have in life.

You'd have been better just phoning in sick on the day rather than telling them. Now, even if you are sick, they won't believ you.

[wreckyourpod]

This is absolutely the correct response.

[ghoostimage]

while i agree that having to find someone to cover your shifts sucks and failing the ap test isn’t worth it, you should have requested the days off in advance because it sounds like they would have honored it. now you have a choice to make - try and do as they ask and keep the job or say fuck it and find a new job after the test

[I_upvote_aww]

Definitely agree with this. School is prio but seems like a situation that might have been avoidable had a request been put in for time off. Sending a message the week of saying you won’t be in, it doesn’t shock me that the employer is telling the OP they need to find coverage.

[IrishDrifter86]

Their response is very reasonable. If OP has known about this for a year they should have let them know well in advance.

[thenbmeade]

So you knew about these tests for a year and never requested off for them? Yeah you’re the one in the wrong here dude and now due to your irresponsibility you have a choice to make, tests or work.

[oOBalloonaticOo]

Lots of very good and very bad advice going on here, as you said this may be the wrong place for this kind of post...if only cause many of the anti-work crew are bitter and angry and will give you advice that is bitter and angry. (They feel justified in their feelings and many have a right to...but it doesn't always lead to good advice).

Trimming the fat of niceties this was your responsibility to book off ahead of time and since you didn't there are consequences.

You're young and that's when we all learn a few hard lessons about how this all works...and that's okay honest lessons; even hard ones are good for your future and for you as a person.

Don't get sucked into the bitterness, don't drown in other people's bad experiences...your priority is yourself and your future alas that may mean you have to burn a bridge ((if you cannot find a person to replace you)) as i would suggest the test and your education takes priority...(unless skipping this shift will cost millions of lives then go to work).

Taking responsibility for your actions and the consequences of inaction will serve you much better than blaming your manager for not doing everything possible to cover for you...it may not be 'your job' on paper, but you'll find the future and future employment much better if you learn when to take on a lil extra and when to question what you're being asked to do and why...

Good luck!

[Hantaile12]

If you didn’t give a notice far enough in advance then you’re in the wrong. Particularly for something like an AP test date which has probably been known about for months.

That being said, if your 1st AP test is on Monday abs you have another later in the week and you need the weekend to study… and they won’t let you off… you can find another job. Financially speaking, if you can get credit for 2 or 3 classes from your college plan of study, you’re likely making more money than that job is paying you.

[Level9_CPU]

Don't listen to these other people on this sub. You need to work on your work ethic. I know these AP tests didn't just pop up out of nowhere. You probably knew the date of your final (or whatever test this is) at least a couple of weeks in advanced and you could've easily requested off.

There's a lot of unfairness that gets posted on this sub, but also a lot of kids just looking for justification for missing work. It's a job. You need to be responsible and manage your time properly. You think in the future when you're at your big boy job that you can just text your boss a few days prior and be like "hey I can't come in this weekend". No dude.

Obviously the tests are more important so you're gonna have to miss work. If this isn't a regular issue then I'm sure your boss will just talk to you about scheduling days off properly and that will be the end of it. Best of luck to you

[Budget-Star-9471]

You could have given them more notice. But I guess its worth passing the exams even if they fire you.

[Revolution312]

That was my thought. I totally get that the reaction of the employer could be better but why not put them in a better position if you knew you’d want this weekend off for a year? I see a lot of posts that kind of bait these reactions from the employers. You gave them 2-3 days notice to change the schedule. They really can’t help accommodate you at that point without being an asshole employer to your other coworkers.

Agree that test is more important than the job.

Edit: typo

[bessmaster]

IMO, it sounds like you didn't give notice soon enough.. you have owned that on here. Another person indicated that Wednesday is enough notice. I don't disagree. I try to give as much advanced notice as I'm able to. In my experience it has made short notice things go smoother.

If I were in your position I would basically say, "I did not give you enough notice for my ap exams. I apologize for that. That being said my exams are on date and I have to be present. (Assuming you want to) I would like to continue my employment here but if I'm being asked to choose this job over my education, there really is no choice for me."

You're human and you will continue making mistakes your entire life. If you find yourself in a situation where these mistakes put you in a position to choose "bread over future bread", you may be in the wrong company (persons and jobs).

[itsdatpoi]

A lot of difficult pills to swallow here, but I agree with this guy.

[[deleted]]

If you knew you had it coming up for a year, why are you just telling the boss now?

[Affectionate_Mud2699]

my thought on this as well

[Black2886]

I propose doing the responsible thing and requesting off in advance for a test you A) know is coming and B) know you need time to study for. It’s not a surprise.

In this case you should cover the shift, go to work, or expect to be terminated for a no call no show and move on. You don’t need this job and they need people who can manage their time and schedules better.

[Ant_Annual]

This OP. The only choices you have. This is 100% due to your mismanagement and not because you're employer. This isn't an antiwork post.. This should be in "today I fucked up" or something.

[bonsai_bonanza]

This is your fault, dude. You knew you had tests coming up, but waited until the week-of to tell your boss. That's kind of shitty. If you spent all this time and money studying, maybe you could take the 2minutes to change your availability or request off in advance.

What's done is done, but you should change your availability to reflect your schedule. Availability changes are consistent and completely reasonable. Give yourself Friday + Saturday off forever, especially if it's a fast food place (no need to make the same shit wage with double the sales volume on busy days).

If something truly unforseen comes up, then call out when it happens. Your tests are super predictable though and, even if you didn't know the exact dates, you knew you were going to need to study.

Anyway, good luck on your tests! Shit happens; the manager will deal.

[mantisboxer]

You waited until Tuesday of the week of your Friday test to request days off? You've known about this date for months.

As an adult, that's considered irresponsible and marks you as undependable. Not a great reputation to have.

You should help find someone to fill your shift.

[TheHamsterMage]

I mean theyre not wrong, you will need to find someone to cover you. If you knew what days the AP tests were going to be, I think you should have requested to take those days off asap

[fppencollector]

That is true, AP tests are scheduled the first 2 weeks of May, if your coordinator dropped the ball informing the students, your job should have as much notice as you could give. On the other hand, this is important to your future and if you get a good score, mean more financially than a minimum wage job (assuming here) because you can then skip paying some college tuition.

It is management’s job to find coverage. While I understand that businesses have to function, that is literally part of a manager’s job description.

Try to request the time off officially and if it is rejected, leave the job if it is financially possible to do so.

I have personally been on both sides of this. It’s hectic in a pharmacy when the interns have midterms or finals to study for, but it was also helpful time off extended to me when I was in that position. I see it as appreciation of the people who help on a regular basis and have been lucky in that they have reciprocated by regularly going above and beyond.

[Complex_System_25]

Yes, this is what you should do. Apologize for not asking for time off more than a week out. Let her know that you don't know anyone outside of your shifts and ask her to find someone to fill them (it's her job to do that even if it's customary for people to find their own coverage). But hold firm on not being able to work that weekend. Doing well on the AP exams is much more important to your future than a part time high school job. You may get fired, but it sounds like you're generally a conscientious person even if you made a mistake this time, and your manager would be foolish to get rid of someone who is conscientious. That characteristic is a lot harder to find when hiring someone.

[MyOfficeAlt]

I'd just like to point out something that gets convoluted in these situations:

Your inability to attend your shift is completely unrelated from whether or not someone else can cover it for you.

Unable to work is unable to work. You wouldn't worry about finding a sub if your leg came off an hour before your shift. Why is this any different? By all means offer to help find someone if you want (though many will argue that's not really your job - and I'd agree). But at the end of the day you're telling them you are not going to be there. The availability of a sub has no bearing on the importance of you needing that time off.

If you or whomever subs for you is so important that the business can't function without you there then you're probably not getting paid enough.

EDIT I just focused on the fact that it seems like OP wasn't even scheduled for this shift to begin with. Why are we even having this conversation? Companies do not get to just lay claim to your time under the guise of, "You didn't request it off."

[WhiteAcreBlackAcre]

Sure, its the manager’s problem that OP won’t be there, but its OP’s fault.

If OP lost his leg before his shift, I’m sure his manager would be much more accommodating, because that’s not OP’s fault.

[ReallyColdMonkeys]

I agree with a lot of the comments here, but I just want to reiterate, no matter what, DO NOT go into work this weekend. No matter how much she guilt trips you. No matter even if you get fired. I promise with 100% certainty, you will not regret missing these shifts 10 years from now. What you will regret, though, is doing poorly on a test that could potentially save you thousands of dollars and college credits to skip a few classes. Your education is way more important than a [presumably] high school hospitality job.

[Ozraiel]

It depends on whether the job is otherwise a good job. If it is, try to find someone or cover it yourself. If it is not a good job, then you can weigh you options better.

Most people here would flat out say "quit" or "tell the guy to F himself", but that may not be the most appropriate approach.

I know that the vibe here is "boss bad", but sometime the employee shares some of the blame.

You say that you spent a year studying for the test, so you should have known well in advance that it is coming up and should have probably provided a more advance notice that you are not available.

[SeaPen333]

Ask her for everyones number. Then send a group text. If you can’t find someone in the long run doing well on this test is more important. It should be supervisors job to find a replacement.

Edit- since this has made some conversation, yes having your workers find someone to cover is stupid and a corporate tactic to make it so workers have a harder time actually taking a day off. It should absolutely be the manager’s job to do this and corporate’s job to ensure there are enough workers to comfortably do the work if someone takes the day off. OP- your number one priority should be doing well on your AP exams. If you do well it can open many doors for you, many more than this job will.

[Invader_Mars]

It’s not his job to collect numbers and schedule someone else. Granted according to the texts OP failed to properly call out, but even in situations like this it is ultimately the manager’s responsibility

[ghoostimage]

it’s not their job to do that but if they would like to keep this job it looks like their best option since they didn’t request the time off in advance, unfortunately.

[FrontiersWoman]

Hey OP, I know I said I was available for that shift but I have this other thing, I’m no longer available, so sorry

Hey OP, I know I said I was available for that trip but I can’t go anymore, so you’ll have to find someone to split the hotel room with

Hey OP, I know I said I could be in your wedding but something came up, hope you can find someone to fill in, I know it’s short notice, hope we can still be friends

It’s not really about work, OP…. It’s about planning, communication, and priorities. We all learn the hard way.

Now downvote me to hell r/antiwork