Can Walmart make my son work Christmas Eve?

[rgf207]

Such is life. You son should have requested off ahead of time. I'm sure everything will work out and it's not the end of the world.

Wal-Mart, or any other retailer can schedule you whenever they want.

 

[PaulaSB12]

Where I work my shift is night shift 12/23 finishing at 7 am on christmas eve. I used some holidays to get this off but to do that I had to book it November 2009! Have booked it off for next year as well but it has to be booked in November because its now fully booked.

 

[gometros]

I once took a stand about getting off for Christmas Eve. My point was, if all the Jewish folks can get special permission to leave work early to get home before sundown (VERY common in NYC) they need to extend the same courtesy to me for my holiday, which also runs from sundown to sundown, hence Saturday evening services count for Sunday. They tried to pull the whole volume issue with me and I just stood my ground claiming it's not my problem that other people of my Faith don't observe their holiday or insist on it, I do and that's all that matters. If they are ok with letting others off for their holiday they need to do the same for me, the managers didn't dare push it any further than that.

Those Jewish folks who leave early on Fridays to get home before sundown, do not work any less hours than the rest of their co-workers. They are expected (and do) make up the time during the rest of the week, many on Sunday. I work for an Orthodox owned company and we close at 1:00/2:00 on Fridays (depending on time of year), but we work nine hour days the rest of the week to get to 40 hours. Comparing the religious restrictions to working on the Jewish Sabbath to getting off early for Christmas Eve, when Christmas day is the true religious holiday is an incorrect comparison.

 

[Hannathy]

If he he has a close friend or someone that lives in his area maybe, but to assume that this is a responsibility of a child is wrong. Yes he is 17, but still. He doesn't have a car apparently, he is working, legally he is still a minor. And as such, it is his parent responsibility, and they seem to know this.

You have to be kidding right? A 17 yr old isn't responsible and shouldn't be responsible for finding his own ride!!!!!

I don't know a single 17 yr old who has his parents arrange a ride anywhere for them. They would be the laughingstock of the high school if word got out that their Mom arranged their rides.

I"m sorry but if a 17 yr old young adult doesn't have the skills necessary to arrange how they are getting to and from somewhere are they mature enough to have a job? and I worry for them in a few months when they go of to school.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I am truly very glad to hear that your older son's job at the school is working out. I recall your prior thread.

I am also happy to hear that your son will work his shift and live up to the responsibility he took on. I know it will feel odd not having him there, but this is what happens when kids grow up I think it is good practice for the years ahead when he may not even be in the same town for the holiday--you get to let go a little at a time.

As far as getting home goes--I think there have been a variety of great options posted that will allow you and your husband to stay at services. Personally, if my kid drove and there were a car available that would choice #1 and choice #2 would be to have him hang out in the break room at Walmart (or a nearby fast food place or donut shop is one is in walking distance and open) until I could get there.

As your son's schedule changes you may think about changes some of your schedule to be able to incorporate him more. I understand that you cannot dictate when church services are, but you mention him missing Thanksgiving dinner. In our family we would have moved our eating time earlier or later to have him there. Similarly, my sister in law now works for Fed Ex. It is tradition in DH's family to eat and open gifts right after church on Christmas Eve. This year we are planning on having appetizers to hold everyone over for about 3 hours after church and then having a very late dinner and opening gifts around midnight so that we can all wait until she gets there for the meal and gifts (and yes we are keeping kids up that late).

 

[NHdisneylover]

You have to be kidding right? A 17 yr old isn't responsible and shouldn't be responsible for finding his own ride!!!!!

I don't know a single 17 yr old who has his parents arrange a ride anywhere for them. They would be the laughingstock of the high school if word got out that their Mom arranged their rides.

I"m sorry but if a 17 yr old young adult doesn't have the skills necessary to arrange how they are getting to and from somewhere are they mature enough to have a job? and I worry for them in a few months when they go of to school.

Yeah, my 13 year old is laughing at the idea of needing your mom to arrange your rides even at her age.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

You have to be kidding right? A 17 yr old isn't responsible and shouldn't be responsible for finding his own ride!!!!!

I don't know a single 17 yr old who has his parents arrange a ride anywhere for them. They would be the laughingstock of the high school if word got out that their Mom arranged their rides.

I"m sorry but if a 17 yr old young adult doesn't have the skills necessary to arrange how they are getting to and from somewhere are they mature enough to have a job? and I worry for them in a few months when they go of to school.

I could be wrong..and OP PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I AM...

but someone posted recalling that the son of the OP needed help finding a job and the child is somewhat of a special need. A functioning special need, but one none the less. I just cannot recall what it was.

So it is quite feasible that the child doesn't have the capacity to be able to find his own ride.

And if I am remembering correctly, it is sad that folks have something negative to say about it.


Again--OP correct me if I am wrong, but one of the posts mentioned a job counselor and it sparked a memory in me about a young man that was written a few weeks to months ago.

ETA: I guess I was thinking of her other son...http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2566382
But still!

 

[RadioNate]

I could be wrong..and OP PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I AM...

but someone posted recalling that the son of the OP needed help finding a job and the child is somewhat of a special need. A functioning special need, but one none the less. I just cannot recall what it was.

So it is quite feasible that the child doesn't have the capacity to be able to find his own ride.

And if I am remembering correctly, it is sad that folks have something negative to say about it.


Again--OP correct me if I am wrong, but one of the posts mentioned a job counselor and it sparked a memory in me about a young man that was written a few weeks to months ago.

The op has already clarified that this is not that son.

This is her other son, the 17 year old who does not need the services that the 21 year old does.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

The op has already clarified that this is not that son.

This is her other son, the 17 year old who does not need the services that the 21 year old does.

Just figured it out.

I'm not sure that makes it better though. Sad that folks must laugh at others.

I struggled "finding" rides as a kid--so my parents drove me or I walked if I was not able to actually drive myself. 3 high schools and constantly being the new kid will do that sometimes.

 

[Hannathy]

Just figured it out.

I'm not sure that makes it better though. Sad that folks must laugh at others.

I struggled "finding" rides as a kid--so my parents drove me or I walked if I was not able to actually drive myself. 3 high schools and constantly being the new kid will do that sometimes.

No one is laughing at the teen! people are commenting on a poster who thinks a 17 yr old is too young to be responsible for figuring out how he is getting somewhere or to get a ride from someone.

And you actually made our point, thank you. You arranged your own rides, whether parents, friends, transportation, or walking as a teen.

 

[TheZue]

I worked in retail for many years and never once worked Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day. It's not impossible. It doesn't always mean you can't take the job. If the priorities are there, you can often make it work.

One of the big things you can do is avoid working at Walmart or some of the other big box stores...they have the worst hours for their workers. I work in retail as well and we are closing at 5 on Christmas Eve so the last one out will be out at 5:30. Instead of keeping us late Christmas Eve she schedules us early on Boxing Day (december 26th).

Pretty much all retail jobs ask about your availability BEFORE you take the job (and I can't imagine Wal-mart wouldn't cover that before hiring) and if he had told them 2 months ago, when he was hired, this wouldn't be an issue now.

They do ask your availability but pretty much everyone is going to want days off over Christmas. What I have always done in December is pick a couple days that I REALLY want off and say I'd be more than happy to work the rest. Generally it's "If at all possible could I get a morning shift on the 24th and you can put me where ever you want on boxing day, New Years, and everywhere else". Even at Thanksgiving I've asked if I could get the Saturday off instead of the Sunday or Monday (I'm Canadian it's generally done on Sunday here) and moved it up a day with my family. It works well.

BTW a lot of people are slamming retail jobs. They aren't all bad. I freaking LOVE my job. I actually look forward to going to work every day and helping women find clothes that truly make them look great, it's really rewarding to get somebody who's feeling really down about their body, or just had a baby, or hasn't gone shopping in years some really great clothes that make them feel better about themselves. I know there are a lot of people that don't love their "good" jobs so much, it isn't all about pay and getting weekends off. Granted Walmart isn't exactly the best retail job, but we all start somewhere.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

No one is laughing at the teen! people are commenting on a poster who thinks a 17 yr old is too young to be responsible for figuring out how he is getting somewhere or to get a ride from someone.

And you actually made our point, thank you. You arranged your own rides, whether parents, friends, transportation, or walking as a teen.

No--I didn't make your point. I relied on my parents for help. When they said, no can do, you must walk..that is what I did.

OP's son needs a ride--and parents are trying to figure out how to accomodate. (I otherwise disagree with the premise that he is entitled to the day off.)

Yeah, my 13 year old is laughing at the idea of needing your mom to arrange your rides even at her age.

At least 1 person is laughing.

 

[RunDanceSkate]

You have to be kidding right? A 17 yr old isn't responsible and shouldn't be responsible for finding his own ride!!!!!

I don't know a single 17 yr old who has his parents arrange a ride anywhere for them. They would be the laughingstock of the high school if word got out that their Mom arranged their rides.

I"m sorry but if a 17 yr old young adult doesn't have the skills necessary to arrange how they are getting to and from somewhere are they mature enough to have a job? and I worry for them in a few months when they go of to school.

My kids (14/16) arrange all their own rides, their dad and I are just some of their options. They also have the options of friends/bus/biking or walking. DS 16 forgot to buy bus tickets, or bring money last Sunday (an activity ended 2 hrs early), he ended up walking the 8 miles home in freezing rain. Next chance he got he stocked up on bus tickets. He also wishes he had walked to my work (3miles, different direction) and waited out the 2 hours. It is all about learning life skills.

We do have a system of rides in place for all regularily scheduled activites and if I can not fullfill my agreed to rides due to work I give the kids as much notice as possible, but they are still responsible for finding another ride. DH travels for work and is rarely available.

I am raising my kids to be independant and leave home, and am thankfully that they will be able to do so one day. My disabled sister never had that opportunity.

Cindy

 

[AmazingGrace]

My ds and I both work up at the church doing child care. We both are scheduled for Christmas eve and my dh is working that day as well. We've gotten into the habit over the past several years of celebrating when we can and being flexible.

 

[Hannathy]

At least 1 person is laughing.

but again, please reread what you are quoting, this person was laughing at the person who posted that the teen couldn't do it NOT the TEEN.

 

[RadioNate]

but again, please reread what you are quoting, this person was laughing at the person who posted that the teen couldn't do it NOT the TEEN.

And I'm not certain that the teen in question can't. I'm starting to agree with the premise that this is more about the mom's sadness that the holiday traditions are changing rather than the son's.

 

[mhsjax]

Why? What's he going to do when he's in his 20's and his car breaks down? Is he just going to call in sick to work because he doesn't have a ride? No, he's going to make arrangements to get to and from work. Not too sure why you are so appalled at this notion.

If the kid wants to work a part-time job then it is his responsibility to figure out the logistics, not the parents. They are not the one making the kid work.

I was always carting my kids back and forth to work but if there was a situation when I was unavailable to give them a ride then it was up to them to figure out a solution.

Sorry, but I'm not raising snowflakes. I'm raising kids to function in the real world.

OMG, do any of you know anything else other than "I am not raising a snowflake" come on. You need to think of something original. I mean really.

I am not appalled at the whole situation. But, it is Christmas eve, yes he is scheduled, yes he should work, never said he shouldn't. But why do you think that someone else wants to take time out of their Christmas eve to take him home. His car isn't broken down, his parents are at church. So as far as "snowflake" goes I just don't see it. The kid is functioning, the way I see it, if this were your child and you told him to find a way home because you were at church, well then YOU weren't functioning as a parent, well not a good one anyway.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

but again, please reread what you are quoting, this person was laughing at the person who posted that the teen couldn't do it NOT the TEEN.

I did. I never made claim that they laughed AT the teen.

As it stands--I find it weird that folks would feel that on Christmas Eve that the teen would reliably be able to find a ride that would depend on someone's shift ending at the same time and having the means to take them home themselves.

But I guess others find the world more accommodating than I do. I never understood independence to mean dependence on others whom you are not related to.

I'm not saying arrangements could not be made--but I certainly wouldn't leave my 17yo to fend for themselves if I was the one that accepted responsibility to transport them places. Someone would be put out by that if it weren't me and I wouldn't expect others to pick that up if I am unavailable on a day like Christmas Eve.

FWIW--I did disagree with the original poster earlier in the thread and do feel that she needs to make alternative plans so that can meet her transportation obligations for her son. I wouldn't ask that he interrupt someone else's plans so that I could keep my own.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday.

 

[phorsenuf]

I did. I never made claim that they laughed AT the teen.

As it stands--I find it weird that folks would feel that on Christmas Eve that the teen would reliably be able to find a ride that would depend on someone's shift ending at the same time and having the means to take them home themselves.

But I guess others find the world more accommodating than I do. I never understood independence to mean dependence on others whom you are not related to.

I'm not saying arrangements could not be made--but I certainly wouldn't leave my 17yo to fend for themselves if I was the one that accepted responsibility to transport them places. Someone would be put out by that if it weren't me and I wouldn't expect others to pick that up if I am unavailable on a day like Christmas Eve.

FWIW--I did disagree with the original poster earlier in the thread and do feel that she needs to make alternative plans so that can meet her transportation obligations for her son. I wouldn't ask that he interrupt someone else's plans so that I could keep my own.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday.

Well, I wouldn't leave my kid high and dry. He has a week and a half to ask around if someone could give him a ride. At least try to see if arrangements could be made. If someone lives in the same area then why not?

 

[AKL_Megs]

OMG, do any of you know anything else other than "I am not raising a snowflake" come on. You need to think of something original. I mean really.

I am not appalled at the whole situation. But, it is Christmas eve, yes he is scheduled, yes he should work, never said he shouldn't. But why do you think that someone else wants to take time out of their Christmas eve to take him home. His car isn't broken down, his parents are at church. So as far as "snowflake" goes I just don't see it. The kid is functioning, the way I see it, if this were your child and you told him to find a way home because you were at church, well then YOU weren't functioning as a parent, well not a good one anyway.

Are you SERIOUS?

Parents have a life, too. Christmas Eve service is obviously an important event to his parents. They are allowed that. It doesn't make them a bad parent.

But, making him feel bad for working and guilting him into calling in DOES.

If he doesn't have a car, or one that works, and his parents don't have another car, or another car they are willing to let him drive, I see ABSOLUTELY NO issue with him waiting there for them to finish. It doesn't make them bad parents, and he won't DIE waiting.

I also see nothing wrong with asking someone who passes his street/neighborhood/house for a ride home... especially at the holidays. I'd NEVER have an issue dropping off a co-worker if I passed his or her house on my way home. It has nothing to do with responsibility, it has to do with being kind. Of course, the chances of this happening is slim to none.