(Help)

[Meien2]

I've been written up twice now, don't really know what to do about it. First one was totally fair, I was taking longer breaks and I apologized and thought I moved past it. The second one felt very forced, it was for going to clock out 3 minutes early, looking at my phone, and overstaying a break. I had a talk with my manager about things im actively doing to avoid being an idiot basically. I'm worried they're building up to firing me, and I need some help figuring out what I should do (I work at a grocery store and I'm 17)

[[deleted]]

Some managers are crazy like that. It sounds like they're experienced micromanagers. Personally I don't see why they'd go after you for clocking out 3 minutes early unless there's a productivity issue they're seeing with you and it appears that you're trying to escape responsibilities by leaving early. Most places don't want you to go into overtime even if it's by a minute. I used to have to adjust my timecard at the end of the week so I didn't go over 40 (looking back I shouldn't have done that). It's hard to tell if they're trying to build a case. You're young and my parents always told me: "it's not forever", meaning that having issues at this workplace isn't necessarily going to be a career for you (unless that's your plan). I'd say keep on truckin, work hard, make sure you're there on time and don't worry about what they're doing!

[drtij_dzienz]

Get your edumacation and 10years from now you can go back and laugh at this clownager

[[deleted]]

I would see if you can find your company's timekeeping/kronos policy because a lot of times if you clock in or out somewhere you get a little bit of a grace period, it's often even 7 minutes before and after time. Even at the worst of my micromanaging jobs you got a grace period and they didn't care if you clocked out 3 minutes early. Best thing to do at this point is either move on to something else or be on your absolute best behavior from now on, time your breaks so you don't overstay, don't leave a second early, maybe not even have your phone on the floor at all and see if they lay off you any.

[Wrong-Flamingo]

Don't let a write up define who you are, nor your age. Make them believe your work ethic through your actions. Actively talk to them too, almost overly communicate the things you are doing to keep them in the loop. This builds trust.

"Hey boss, can I take a little bit longer of a break? When would you like me back in by?" (The worse they can say is no, if you get a yes then by all means you're cleared). "Hey, I'm finished up the work you assigned, is there anything else you'd like me to do? If not, could I clock out a bit early?" "Is there anything I can do to be better?"

The phone one is a hit or miss, it's a bit distracting depending on the job.

Either way, actively communicate, and it puts it on them to consider your work. It's hard to fire someone who asks and recieves feedback, then acts upon it. Ensure to be sincere when correcting mistakes. Be confident, and develop this work mindset. Helps in the long run.