Job advice?

[oliverthecat]

My name is Steven I work at a publix i posted before. The hours I get are very inconsistent 2 weeks ago I worked 16 this week I worked 20 and next week I only work 10 hours that's it!!! I can't keep up with my charge card bills I have and it's NOT because of what happened in the past with the yogurt!! Any advice??

 

[team bradfield]

Stand strong Steven, it took me years to recover from the Niagara Falls potato incident of 2022

 

[SirDuff]

Have you asked why you are getting these hours? Are others getting more consistent/longer hours?

 

[Dan Murphy]

My name is Steven I work at a publix i posted before. The hours I get are very inconsistent 2 weeks ago I worked 16 this week I worked 20 and next week I only work 10 hours that's it!!! I can't keep up with my charge card bills I have and it's NOT because of what happened in the past with the yogurt!! Any advice??

Any thoughts here from your thread in January?

O

Thread 'What to do about my job?'

Jan 2, 2025

A little background i work at a publix been there for a little over a year . About 2 months ago I asked to be trained for cashier took all the computer tests and training got put on register every so often but lately I been going in and I'm listed as cashier but scheduled cart / bagger I have not had a cashier shift in over a month. They really cut my hours next week I'm only scheduled 8 hours! That's it! I use to work for a stop & shop in new jersey for 6 years before I moved to Florida so I have the experience

• oliverthecat
• Replies: 39
• Forum: Community Board

• 

 

[disneychrista]

Get a new job

 

[leebee]

I'd talk to a manager about this. Most companies like grocery stores and such these days only hire part-time, so they don't have to pay benefits like health insurance, paid time off, etc. This usually only guarantees you 10-25 hours per week, scheduled on an as-needed basis. Have you put limits on the hours you are available, or are you willing to work evenings, weekends, and over-night (stocking) shifts? Sometimes a willingness to work odd/less-desirable hours will get you on the schedule for more time.
If you need more income, either look for a different, full-time job, or find a job with set hours (like tues/thurs) and then tell Publix you can't work on those days so you can work two jobs.

 

[sam_gordon]

Any thoughts here from your thread in January?

O

Thread 'What to do about my job?'

Jan 2, 2025

A little background i work at a publix been there for a little over a year . About 2 months ago I asked to be trained for cashier took all the computer tests and training got put on register every so often but lately I been going in and I'm listed as cashier but scheduled cart / bagger I have not had a cashier shift in over a month. They really cut my hours next week I'm only scheduled 8 hours! That's it! I use to work for a stop & shop in new jersey for 6 years before I moved to Florida so I have the experience

• oliverthecat
• Replies: 39
• Forum: Community Board

• 

This. As many mentioned in that thread, you need to talk to your manager. Have you done that yet?

Other than that, your only other option is looking for another job with more hours.

 

[Nayan]

I see people post their schedules over on the Publix subreddit and you're not alone is getting hardly any hours. If you need more then either talk to your manager, transfer to a different store or go elsewhere.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Summer is here, maybe co-workers are looking for someone to pick up their hours when they want to have time off or vacation so if you can let people know maybe that would help.

Could you pick up another job that does mostly evenings like at a movie theater or restaurant since grocery store is probably mostly daytime?

Have you considered moving into a customer service roll at another store maybe even a place like Lowes? Would this suit your personality? I mention it because I know of people who went from grocery store worker to customer service and then into corporate customer service in businesses like hotel hospitality, car rental places and insurance where there is full time hours and benefits. If you could be someone that makes a customer feel better about an upsetting situation so that they are happy maybe this would be a good change.

 

[White Cat]

Get a new job

Agree. It’s time.

 

[Travel60]

I know some people will flame this response but I stand by it.

Do you have long or stringy hair? Tattoos? Multiple piercings? Dress in non-standard style? Shower daily? Do you smile and acknowledge people, say"yes ma'am"and "no, sir"?

Your looks shouldn't matter as long as you are clean and presentable but they do. Especially any place where the primary clientele (and your boss) may be a little older. If the store has enough employees to give short shifts, they can pick and choose.

 

[SirDuff]

OP, you’re clearly reading the comments (and liking some). Do you actually plan to interact with those trying to help you? Or just another thread that you’ll walk away from and then start another? Helpful to know how much time to invest in trying to be helpful.

 

[AnnaS]

I have some other thoughts...do you go outside often or to the restroom/on the phone a lot? Outside to smoke? Do you finish or come close to finishing what is expected of you. We used to have some that worked like turtles and did not finish or did as much of the worked expected from them. Some really slack off/do not follow instructions.

We had one person who would take naps in the restroom. One person who talked and talked during their whole shift. Eventually it catches up with them and they are either fired or forced to quit - changing their whole schedule.

We are union here and they must give you a minimum number of hours each week - when hired, one must be available on weekends. Of course when one is there for years, has accumulated time, is a good, loyal worker, your manager will work with you.

I would look for another job/you have some experience or get another part-time job.

 

[oliverthecat]

I use to work for stop & shop in new jersey for 6 years before I had to move to Florida
At stop & shop i was in a union which was great because there were rules on hours. Publix has no union so they could do whatever they want which should not be

 

[Anthony1971]

Grocery stores all over have varying schedules. My son has working at one for almost 3 years. He started in HS and his hours were limited. Once he turned 18 that gave him more hours but still varied. Started college also got promoted his hours are fairly consistent and 30+ most weeks. Grocery stores the rule is get along with the manager who makes the hours, do not call out unless you really are sick, do what is asked by the rules… some of this sounds odd but things like check under carts as a cashier… being there on time and being there period are very important…..
My son’s friends also have inconsistent hours from his girlfriend a waitress at Millers ale house to working in go kart places and like to working for a furniture restoration store.
If you want consistent hours and are not in college look for a full time.

 

[Darcy03231]

Time for a new job.

 

[SC Minnie]

Most stores will have varying schedules depending on the hours allotted from corporate. If no one has requested off in a week then everyone or at least someone gets shorted hours. Maybe next week is your turn.

 

[cabanafrau]

It might be time to look for a new job, possibly branching out from grocery stores. It sounds like Publix operates this way to keep labor costs lower so there's probably not much better to be expected if you stay. Looking around might lead you to find somewhere you can get enough hours. Good luck.

 

[anrew]

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is just find another job—your peace of mind is worth it. I’ve come to realize that if I start feeling like my work environment is toxic or unhealthy, I can’t just ignore it. In those cases, filing a hostile workplace complaint is definitely the right way to go. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at work, and speaking up is the first step toward creating that kind of space—whether it’s for yourself or others who might be going through the same thing. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary.

 

[lanejudy]

I agree with others that you need to ask your manager for more hours.

Have you made any contact with your local VocRehab office? They may be able to help you find a job with more hours, or help with training to up your job skills.

https://www.rehabworks.org/adult-programs/adult-programs.html

And this link has phone numbers to call based on which location is closest to you:
https://www.rehabworks.org/customers/contact.html

Good luck!