I think I need a new job..

[Oh Randi]

I work as a detailer at a local shop. They hired me as an "intern" because I didn't have experience detailing professionally. Fine. But they don't use any techniques I don't already do. I didn't have to learn anything. I do the same amount of work as everyone else. I even do a better job. The only difference is, they schedule everyone else for 4-6 hour shifts 3 or 4 days a week. I'm scheduled 10 hours a day every day. Because they don't pay me. I love detailing. It's something I really enjoy doing and it's something I'm good at. But they're using me. Also, this place is shady. It seems fine out front, but in the back its different. Of the 30 something employees they have, there's only 3 girls including me. The other 2 work up front as "greeters" and they hate each other. No big deal, right? Well, one of my supervisors honestly believes I don't belong there and I'll never be a successful detailer because I'm a girl. I'm the only one that EVER shows up on time. Yesterday I was the only detailer that showed up out of 5 scheduled to work!

In addition, they do terrible work. They half everything! They don't clean up after themselves when the make a mess, they take 2 hour lunch breaks on the clock, they steal from the shop, and they have no respect for other people's property. They drive customers' cars recklessly and have been known to hit things and fix it with zip ties and duct tape. When it's in the shop, they leave peoples' cars running while cleaning it, they blast the AC and their radios. I think it's very disrespectful. There is no moral at this place, but no one else will hire me because I don't have years of experience.

What should I do? The only guy I work with that is decent says I'm too good for this place and they only keep me because they don't have to pay me. I'm thinking I should just give up and go back to being a waitress.

[CrazyJames]

I think that you should go in there and ask to be paid what you are worth.

And if thats not going to happen walk away and spread the word about just how shady their hiring/scheduling practices are and along with their lack of respect for customers vehicles.

From what you've written it definatly sounds like you are being taken advantage of.

[kate_the_valkyrie]

I dont know how much of a fight you're willing to put up, but you could also get in touch with the owner or higher up then you are complaining to, and explain how you feel with a valid point here and there, without bashing the business. There's always a way to be professional. You could report them to your local news company or Better Business Bureau if things get really bad and you do end up leaving. Try to keep record or get facts and documentation of what's going on. Are their video cameras? Are there specifics? Record times and dates of specifically bad incidents. There are tons of ways to go about it...

But then again, if you dont want to put up the good fight, simply walk away. There will always be employers out there that stink, and people taking advantage of the actual hard workers. I would know, I'm getting used and abused at my job, but I like the actual work and couldn't really find better in my small town...

Its all in perspective

[digitalputty]

You are being taken advantage of! Get a new job ...
I know you love what you do ... but, get paid for it. 10 hour days and not seeing a single cent! Geeeez. That sucks!

[GINA]

Originally Posted by Oh Randi

I work as a detailer at a local shop. They hired me as an "intern" because I didn't have experience detailing professionally. Fine. But they don't use any techniques I don't already do. I didn't have to learn anything. I do the same amount of work as everyone else. I even do a better job. The only difference is, they schedule everyone else for 4-6 hour shifts 3 or 4 days a week. I'm scheduled 10 hours a day every day. Because they don't pay me. I love detailing. It's something I really enjoy doing and it's something I'm good at. But they're using me. Also, this place is shady. It seems fine out front, but in the back its different. Of the 30 something employees they have, there's only 3 girls including me. The other 2 work up front as "greeters" and they hate each other. No big deal, right? Well, one of my supervisors honestly believes I don't belong there and I'll never be a successful detailer because I'm a girl. I'm the only one that EVER shows up on time. Yesterday I was the only detailer that showed up out of 5 scheduled to work!

In addition, they do terrible work. They half everything! They don't clean up after themselves when the make a mess, they take 2 hour lunch breaks on the clock, they steal from the shop, and they have no respect for other people's property. They drive customers' cars recklessly and have been known to hit things and fix it with zip ties and duct tape. When it's in the shop, they leave peoples' cars running while cleaning it, they blast the AC and their radios. I think it's very disrespectful. There is no moral at this place, but no one else will hire me because I don't have years of experience.

What should I do? The only guy I work with that is decent says I'm too good for this place and they only keep me because they don't have to pay me. I'm thinking I should just give up and go back to being a waitress.

So...why haven't you left this place yet?

[dnyed]

Originally Posted by GINA

So...why haven't you left this place yet?

Why hasn't this place been investigated???

[MichelleRoze]

So sorry to hear that they treat you like that. If you like the place, fight for it. If not, then leave. Try to find another detailing place, tell them how you've worked at this place. Get that employee that is nice to you to vouch for you, that you worked there and you did a good job! Maybe they'll hire you once they know the shop, and have someone claim that yes indeed you worked there. Or, I don't know if shops do this, but vets do what's called a "working interview". You spend a few hours or so, ONE day, doing the work. To make sure you like it, to make sure they like you etc. Maybe you can ask for that to prove that you CAN do the job even if you don't have years of experience.

Otherwise, just keep shopping around. Nothing is worse than working your butt off for no money. Plus to see all those people being disrespectful to other peoples property...oooh not good. If one of the customers knew that their car was damaged, and the shop "fixed" it, they'd be in huge trouble!

Good luck. I hope you can keep a detailing job, but just somewhere better or at least get paid for it.

[noR]

Ask the decent guy to write you a recommendation.

After you get that, ask the boss for a recommendation. I wouldn't tell him you're leaving for another place in the same city. Just lie to him and tell'em you're moving, and you'd like to be able to use them as a reference for the new shop.

Get it in writing, and you won't run into the "phone call from the competitor about recommendation".

I know it's not typical; but you're not typical. You're damn good at what you do, and you're a professional. Even if this crew ain't.

Treat'em with respect, and get the heck out. Spare them the backlash, and just tighten up your game.

[Yello_jellybean]

I think you SHOULD get a new job. You deserve better than that.

[squeebug]

Get outta that place! But deffinately try and get some recommendations first

[cep]

Life is too long to put up with that kind of BS.

[Oh Randi]

I'll probably go back to being a waitress for the time being because I need money NOW.. at this point I don't have quite enough to get to Roswell.And I'll make it to Roswell if I have to sleep in my car!

[thorgipsy]

You now have experience as an intern, and with a few recommendations under your belt you could try contract work to build up your resume'.
6 months here, 6 months there, it will soon add up to where you could get the job you want down the road.

[gforce1108]

Get business cards made up and leave them in all of the cars you detail. Take their business away from them!

Since they are not paying you anyway, what are they going to do about it?

[mrchaotica]

Edit: Gforce, you suck! You beat me to it!

Have some business cards made (for you personally, not the shop), and give them out to the owners of the cars you detail. If you can, have a chat with them and let them know the difference between your work and that of the rest of the shop's employees. Then quit, and take your customers with you!

[Normally this would be considered unethical (unfair to your employer), but since you're not getting paid you don't owe them anything!. ]

[digitalputty]

Or when you are done detailing the car and you are 100% sure you will be the last one in it before the owner gets it ... leave your business card in the cup holder, or dash board.

[topless kitty]

i see no reason at all to stay there. i understand you like doing it, but SOMEONE out there will pay you for it! even if it's minimum wage, please get paid something! besides that you enjoy the work, it doesn't sound like a fun place to be, so there isn't much that should be keeping you there.

you have experience now, even if it's not much. go out there and ask around. detail shops, dealerships, body shops? it's silly to stay there for no pay when someone out there will give you money, you'll still be doing what you enjoy and will most likely be in a much better environment.

or start up your own business, i know people who detail cars at home, or go out to people's jobs and do it there or something. very flexible and all the money is yours, aside from restocking some supplies.