Changing my role?

[vickalamode]

So I work housekeeping and I HATE IT so much and my first day of work was just today...I have heard of other people switching roles, how do I do that? Just talk to my manager?

I know I am going to be completely miserable at this job...yeah the pay and hours are better than most of the other CP roles but its just awful. I got to my resort this morning and had NO idea what to do or even where to go, because nobody told me, and there were hundreds of other housekeepers there, but I couldn't ask them what to do because nobody spoke English! After like 10 minutes I eventually found someone who looked like they could help me and I basically just wanted to cry and go home. And then all day long I know it is just going to be complete solitude, I don't interact with any guests (let alone my co-workers!) and I am miserable already after one day.

What do I do? Talk to my manager? Call CP recruiting? I am going to go home if I can't switch to something else.

 

[glendalais]

Generally, Disney College Program participants, with the exception of those in WDWCP Flex H/H ("Hopper") positions, are not permited to transfer positions unless they extend into another program.

However, if you are having difficulties in your current position, you should speak with a Guest Show Manager in your area. They may be able to provide advice or recommend alternative operations to self-termination.

 

[Salukfan]

I wish I could give you more details/explain the process she went through to do it, but one of my roommates on CP transferred out of Housekeeping (for issues similar to the ones you are describing) and ended up in Full Service Food and Beverage.

I switched locations in the middle of my last CP (my situation could be different, though, since I switched locations after I had been extended to that location, but before I trained there). I talked to the woman in charge of the CP/placement (I believe only for the parks) and, though the chances were low, I managed to find an opening in another park.

So, if nothing else, it doesn't hurt to ask. I'd check with your manager and see if he/she can point you in the right direction. I have friends (full timers) who work housekeeping, so I've heard the horror stories. I wish you the best of luck!

 

[glendalais]

Also, after reading your blog post regarding this issue, might I also recommend that you make any discussions with Management strictly about the work and labor-related issues.

It is the long-standing policy of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts US, Inc. to promote diversity in the workplace, including welcoming and hiring Cast Members who are of different nationalities and ethnicities.

As such, saying you want out of Housekeeping because no one speaks English and you feel like you're in a "third world country" would probably not go over very well. Indeed, it would probably cause more problems than it solves.

 

[moviekid21]

Just like glendalais said, watch what you post on blogs. Disney is getting strict lately about Cast Members and how they talk about the company on the internet. That includes personal blogs, Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. Many get termed for this with a no-rehire status.

"Cast Members are expected to uphold The Walt Disney Company’s value of respect for every individual and avoid making false or derogatory statements about The Walt Disney Company, as a company, its guests, Cast Members, clients, partners, affiliates and others, including competitors."

Also, 'A Cast Member could be held personally liable for any comments deemed to be defamatory, obscene (including choice of language), or proprietary/confidential, whether pertaining to WDW, individuals or a third party. Cast Members should refrain from exaggeration, speculation and rumor, guesswork, obscenity, copyrighted materials, legal conclusions and derogatory remarks or characterizations about employees, clients, partners, officers, directors, affiliates and others, including competitors.

Cast Members can therefore be held personally responsible for any/all online network posting comments and should “blog at own risk.” '
-From The Hub's Social Media Guidelines Policy.

Back to your issue. It seems that you don't enjoy it because of coworkers being 'different'. If that is the case, they may have to re-evaluate your status as a CM. If it's simply because you don't like working alone, and cleaning, then that's something that should have been realized when you accepted the role. WDW doesn't want you to self terminate, and most likely won't move you for the reasons you stated as why you want to transfer. They'll work with you in improving your work environment so it's a enjoyable one.
If you seem to not 'get' the job as it is too hard to do, then there are better chances that you could get transfered.

 

[vickalamode]

Thanks everyone for the advice...I deleted the blog post about it.

Just to clarify things, everyone being different isn't the main reason I hate it, it is just really uncomfortable when you are at work and everyone is yelling to each other and you can't understand what they are saying, and you enter a room with hundreds of people in it and don't know where you are supposed to be but you can't find anyone who can help you.

I have mentioned to my manager that I don't think the job is the right fit for me, and he told me to give it a chance. I'm going to give it a couple more days but I just don't see myself being happy in housekeeping.

The normal feeling of "man I don't want to go to work today" is generally just because I'd rather be doing something else or just hanging out at home...the feelings I'm having of "I do NOT want to go to work today" are because I hate going there, and I especially hate being alone all day and not being to talk to anyone (even my co-workers). I don't know anyone else who is completely miserable at their work location...I don't want to leave the program but I really am not happy at this job and I'd really like an alternative to moving back to Massachusetts already

 

[heathierose21]

I know how you are feeling...I just contacted recruiting about transferring my role from photopass after contacting 2 other ppl about it who couldnt help me. It is really hard for me to stand there and hold 10 lbs of equipment around my neck for 6-11 hrs a day due to back problems. I go home every night in pain and wake up still in pain knowing I am gonna strain it even more. I really hope I can transfer my role and get into something that doesnt make me miserable every day I have work. I wish you the best of luck - its hard being somewhere strange knowing you have to do something but not knowing what that something is and no one there to help you.

 

[BabyPiglet]

Good luck with transferring.

The thing is though, when you accepted that role you knew you'd have to be carrying around pounds and pounds of heavy and bulky equiptment, therefore confirming that you had the ability to do it.

You should've considered you back problem before that, especially since you took a spot in such a selective role that others would kill to have.

 

[fall08CP]

You did mark the role off on your checklist so it can't have been a big surprise. Housekeeping is marked as a "limited guest interaction" role, so that's to be expected. You said that you only started on the 1st- it's only been a week, give it time!! You should have learned what you should be doing from your trainer. If they weren't thorough enough, explain that to your leader and get additional training. Housekeeping is tough work, I know, but you have the chance to make extra money (cleaning extra rooms) and sometimes get tips (I know that's a gray area but at my resort the CPs could take tips).

There's no guarantee that you will like any other role better. I have done a few programs and I always hated my job at the beginning but grew to love them. It really truly does take time a effort on your part. Best of luck.

 

[moviekid21]

Good luck with transferring.

The thing is though, when you accepted that role you knew you'd have to be carrying around pounds and pounds of heavy and bulky equiptment, therefore confirming that you had the ability to do it.

You should've considered you back problem before that, especially since you took a spot in such a selective role that others would kill to have.

I agree. Transferring isn't allowed during your CP. It's in extreme cases that it will happen. Just like babypiglet said, when you accept, you should know all about that role. It does take time to really get into a role. You're in a new place in every way, you're learning how to perform your job, meeting new people, living on your own. It can be stressful, and hard.
Are there any other CP's working with you in housekeeping? I would try to make friends with them.

When it comes to the issue about the person with back pains working PhotoPass, GO TO HEALTH SERVICES!!! They will put you on restrictions if you do have real issues with your back, and the job will put stress on it. Though the light duty jobs won't be the best either. You'll be perm greeting at attractions, parking strollers, folding towels at hotels, passing out paychecks on paydays, stocking at merch stores, working exit at the parks, and sometimes working the Pin Windows at different places.

 

[glendalais]

Just to clarify things, everyone being different isn't the main reason I hate it, it is just really uncomfortable when you are at work and everyone is yelling to each other and you can't understand what they are saying, and you enter a room with hundreds of people in it and don't know where you are supposed to be but you can't find anyone who can help you.

Just a note about this.

For many of our Cast Members of Caribbean descent and origins, TALKING IN A LOUD AND BOISTEROUS MANNER IS THE NORMAL STYLE OF CONVERSATION IN THEIR CULTURES. THEY'RE NOT YELLING AT ONE ANOTHER OR AT YOU, THAT'S JUST HOW THEY NORMALLY SPEAK.

It can take a little getting use to, but please do know that they're not trying to be rude or mean.