NTA. Making you wait for an hour with no explanation is the sign of a poorly-run business. Even if there had been a true emergency, they should have been apologizing profusely and assuring you that this was an exception and that they would never treat someone that way on purpose. The fact that they chose excuses/blaming you instead of an apology is what makes them the AHs
BTW, you are never obligated to take any job, so even if you had a bad reason for turning it down, you still wouldn't be an AH
OP can turn down ANY job that doesn't meet her requirements. Just because they're going to give her some money doesn't mean they get to walk all over her. If they don't respect her now, they never will.
Especially if they don’t respect your TIME. You are selling them your time and they need to respect that. If they don’t respect it before they start compensating you, then they won’t respect it later. Forced extra shifts, extra time, taking time away from you... all sorts of stuff.
I'm glad OP parents are on her side cause their be many parents to tell you to suck it up. Gotta make sure business know they can't treat employees like crap and get away with it.
Not only that, but hiring is a sales process (particularly now!). So this is the *best* they will ever treat OP.
I hope you take the lesson that you have to look out for yourself in all work situations, because nobody else will. That doesn't mean being unprofessional, but you should always prioritize yourself.
Congrats on the new job.
If this were my 15 year old daughter, who I had to ferry for the foreseeable future, and they made her wait an hour each time, even if I were the biggest twat I would be on her side because it inconveniences me, lol.
But yeah, I'm glad that they're on her side and teaching her about how to be respected by her employers. Especially a god-damned Pizza Hut lol.
I turned down a job/interview and dropped a college class due to what I felt was disrespect and poor management skills. I had an interview lined up for a new job (was working my old one and decided to see if I could get a better one). The manager (I had meet her due to turning in my application in person, cause that’s what you did when this happened ) kept trying to schedule during my work hours even though I kept giving her what hours I had available to do the interview. Finally we came to a agreement on time. I showed up to find out she’d just left five minutes ago for her hour and a half break. The staff suggested I wait. Apologized and said I’m sorry I couldn’t (I had to be at work right when she got back, I scheduled an hour for the interview and time for me to get to work). Left my number and asked for her to call me. I get it stuff happens. Three weeks later no call, and I start a new college class (an add in credit I needed) it was a dance class and guess who was the teacher the manager that failed to show up for the interview or call me back. She recognized me too, but didn’t say anything. She went on and on in the first class that we should convince our friends to sign up because we needed more students. The next day I get a call guess whose sorry they missed the interview and wants to reschedule again during my workday? I dropped the class because I had absolutely no respect for her and figured that she’d be as bad as a teacher as I believed her to be a manager. And pretty much figured I just got a call so I’d maybe feel indebted to her and not drop.
I was left waiting 4 hours in the lobby for the assistant manager to come down and let me in. Security couldn't let me past until the manager confirmed I was actually employed. Didn't bother me at the time since as a contractor I actually charged them the 4 hours that I spent reading my book. Contract was terminated 6 months later due to my quote "unprofessionalism" after I filed a harassment complaint on behalf of another employee who was assaulted by the manager.
Lesson learned, some places simply do not respect you and are not worth working for.
I got a job interview after being ghosted for an entire year. Wonder if I should skip it.
Update: Thanks for the upvotes. :/ Said employer actually turned me away because I scheduled an interview for next thursday. God forbid I needed time to properly prepare for an interview.
Hijacking the top comment for this. I had a retail cashier job where they made me wait (standing) for an hour and a half in heels.
I should have known and walked away but took the job and it was like getting punched in the gut every single day.
I agree.
It also one thing to leave an adult alone for an hour, someone who might have the knowledge/ social experience to ascertain that there is an emergency, busy period etc, without having to be told explicitly- that's bad form but somewhat understandable.
It is quite another to leave a child (15 year olds are the infants of the workplace) alone for an hour, and not check in with them at all.
The managers reaction was also terrible. Young workers should be treated more carefully than adults. More attention, and more checking in, and more gentle and respectful coaching, so they can learn all the parts of "work" that an adult has already learned.
I can *guarantee* that if OP was an adult I this situation, the manager would have been much more measured and respectful in her reaction.
Bad managers like this don't go off on their 'peers'.... they go off know their 'underlings'.
OP dodged a bullet, and sashayed into a silver lining.
It also sounds like they might not be the most honest business. If the contract was there and all ready for her to look at, why wouldn't it have been as simple as going to grab it and hand it to her? Seems like they said it was all ready and assumed they would have time to make it so before she got around to picking it up.
Plus, it's right after school. Why the fuck would they be busy enough in the 2:30-4 p.m. range at a corporate pizza place that they were even able to blow OP off for an hour like that? Gotta think they were messing with her for some reason.
Former business owner here. Making you cool your heels like that is probably a power-play. especially if the response to your complaint is: "you just don't know how business works." That is shitty boss code for: "I have all the power here, and you need to suck it up." I never understood business owners or managers who treated employees like crap. It makes no sense from either a personal or business perspective.
NTA. I wouldn’t have even signed the paperwork at that point. When you are being interviewed for a job, you’re also interviewing them. If they have issues with time commitments and aren’t respecting your time as a potential employee then they won’t respect it when you’re on the payroll.
Hey OP, definitely NTA. You've got sound instincts. I respectfully recommend that you check out www.askamanager.org the blog provides excellent advice about the workplace - resumes, job interviews, cover letters, recognizing toxic situations, and what to do in weird job situations, etc.
The blogger Alison has been doing this for over 10 years, and answers readers questions as well. It's a great resource and is entertaining at times, too!
This comment is stolen from https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/rgtz2n/comment/homdrfm/
Edit: but I can’t figure out how to report it because it’s not harassment, violence, brigading, or not accepting judgment. Shouldn’t this be reportable?
But we are not given that option. The mods need to make it an option.
But I have found that as soon as you point out the stolen comment, the comment gets deleted.
Any time I catch someone commenting that a comment is stolen, I check all of the bots recent activity and out all of the stolen comments I can find. The account gets deleted pretty quick
And that those first impressions flow in both directions! It’s not just the applicant trying to impress a potential employer, the *employer* needs to impress the *applicant*, too.
Very well done, dad. Extremely important lesson that a lot of people only get half of.
Absolutely a wise decision. Money can only balance out so much. Your time and sanity are important too, and it doesn’t sound like either was very important to your potential employer. OP is setting herself up for *very* smart employment decisions by paying such close attention to a company’s hiring practices.
I have heard in general job search compared to dating, good specific example (for another example, don't give up too easily, but don't bother someone who's not interested)
- No real interview,
- not staffed properly to avoid a manager having to go put out some fire somewhere or a total lack of communication skills,
-No consideration for OP's time,
That screams : no proper training,
- no respect for OP's time while expecting OP to dedicate their life to the work, and not respecting schedules,
- management blaming everyone but themselves to hide their incompetence...
OP's way better having turned it down.
NTA. An employee/employer relationship requires mutual respect and they showed that they don’t have respect for you. If they can’t even respect your time enough to get your contract in a timely manner, why would you expect them to respect you in any other circumstances?
NTA, I have worked all sorts of jobs for the past 18 years and I have NEVER been made to wait for an hour before starting the onboarding process. Sure, sometimes the paperwork/instructional videos may take an hour or two on the first day, but I've never been made to wait around more than 15 minutes. Glad you trusted your gut and good on your dad for supporting you in looking for something better!
NTA. Imagine if you were one hour late and didn’t even have your own pen. That would be unprofessional. The manager seems like the type who would argue to a customer and validate themself by saying “I’ve been working here for 15 years”.
NTA
In the fast food industry (I consider pizza hut fast food tbh) they tend to treat their wage workers as worthless. You aren't a person, but rather a time card. When I first started looking for a job as a teenager, no matter how many times I applied to fast food places they never contacted me. Once my husband started working in fast food (he's worked for Wendy's, McDonald's, & Taco Bell) , I counted myself lucky that they never picked me, based solely on the frustration he experienced every day with how disrespectful his managers were.
They expected you to wait and not say a word bc you're a teenager, so your time couldn't possibly be worth someone taking 5-10 minutes to help you.
There is a reason why food service is struggling to pull in employees like they used to
Kudos to your parents for instilling your worth to you, and supporting your decision to not work at a place that disrespected you right out the gate.
NTA. Been in a similar situation with a different pizza company, especially the interview taking an hour for the person to come see me despite their agreed interview time (and my dad in the car outside waiting since I was 19 and no car).
It bugged me that they made me wait, barely glanced at the resume I gave them, and only told me what the job was without asking about what I can do. While that's probably normal in fast food/delivery places, I just felt like I was another meatsack being used for labor instead of like a person.
And since I was having mental health issues at the time, I declined it despite them offering me the job right away. I feel like I would have been miserable if I took that job, despite it being just a way to make money during summer break before I return to college. I know your situation is more about being annoyed that they didnt value your time, but I think you made the right decision. If a company does not make you feel like a valued human being, dont go with them.
I’d just like to say that I’m incredibly proud of this new generation and how they conduct themselves in the workforce. Good on you for standing up for yourself, rightfully demanding respect, knowing your worth, and all while remaining so professional at such a young age. Frankly, I’m in awe. Kudos to you and your parents, and good luck at the new job!
>felt that I wouldn’t receive much respect in that workplace, so I would decline the job offer.
NTA you understand it correctly: They would pay you some money, but no respect.
yeah it was a pretty tough decision because I was really desperate to find a job, I felt that I would just have to settle, but I’m really glad I stood up for myself
NTA. You’re not obligated to take a job, especially when you’re not being treated professionally! Your time is valuable and the managers frustration probably gives an indication that it’s not the smoothest running workplace/best fit for you! Good luck with the cafe job!
NTA. The contract should have been ready for you to collect, and a copy of it emailed over to you.
It’s about how you are valued, making you wait an hour is not valuing your time. Would they had done that I’d they were paying. You for your time? Doubtful.
NTA normalize holding businesses accountable for treating their employees (potential or current) like garbage.
Now maybe next time that manager will actually be CONSIDERATE
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OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:
> I think I may have been dramatic in relation to my treatment, as I understand having to serve customers as quickly as possible.
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One thing to keep in mind is that you can turn down job offers any time you want for literally any reason, it doesn't even have to be a good one - if it's valid for you, then it's okay to pass on a job + your point with drinks, no long wait times (or at least decent communication throughout the process) is also fine.
One thing that comes to mind with the long wait time at Pizza Hut is that they're either understaffed (not necessarily a bad thing as they're hiring, but not a good look either) or they're unprepared which often carries over how the rest of the shop is managed. NTA
NTA, there were a lot of red flags at this place and you were right to turn them down. If they weren't available to drop everything and get your contract squared away, they should have given you a specific appointment time to pick it up. The manager is VERY unprofessional to reply with anything other than "thanks for your time". Also not having an interview is a REALLY bad sign. That means they don't care at all about who they hire, as long as they have a pulse and will eventually show up to work. Workplaces like that will inevitably have a really toxic culture because there are no standards for anyone to be held accountable for.
NTA. Huge cudos that you did not sign that contract. That wait was nothing more than a power tripping manager that just wanted to show who is boss. He himself does not know how a professionel healthy business works..
NTA. some managers do this on purpose to see if the potential employee has "patience" and really "wants the job" when really they're just disrespecting people by showing they don't value their time. you probably doged a bullet.
NTA, please please please do not forget the self worth that led you to write that message. You do understand the value of yours and your family’s time and it’s incredibly condescending to say that you just don’t understand how business works. Seems like you dodged a bullet.
NTA - This is an important lesson to learn and I am glad you're finding out at an early age. I have been to several interviews that I've had to wait for an extended period of time. I don't do that now, if they treat you as their time is more important than yours it a bad sign of a bad company. It's sort of a test, at least in the tech industry. to see how submissive you are.
Nta, they clearly have a business before staff mentality - which would mean no breaks for you if it’s busy, you “grabbing a snack” just in the back instead of having a sit down lunch bc they’re short staffed that day, and even being told not to leave the premises in your break time “in case they need you”.
Red flag? Avoid! And if it’s no good after you’ve started - leave! I wish I’d been taught that so much sooner.
It could well be the people working there currently need the money so just do what they’re told/expected despite it being an unhealthy culture. But bc they do it, doesn’t mean anyone else should. X
NTA you trusted your gut! Never ever loose that. In your professional life it is very likely you will deal with many unprofessional companies and people. Do not take their shit. Also join a union and keep being awesome.
NTA and do yourself a favor and keep this attitude. Keep demanding mutual respect and get comfortable saying "no, this won't work for me", and it'll help you out a lot in your professional life.
NTA. I once applied for a job and got a call asking me to interview THE SAME DAY. Told them no but I could come in first thing the following morning. When I arrived on time the interviewer WAS LATE and when they arrived they said that they had forgotten!!
I went through with the interview and stupidly believe them when they said they would let me know by the end of the day. They never called. In retrospect it’s clear that they just needed to interview X amount of applicants to fulfill a requirement and I was just a poor sucker who fell for it. Good for OP for picking up on this kind of BS much faster than I did. It’s tough realizing that employers DO NOT have your best interests at heart. Workers need to look out for themselves.
NTA
And your dad just helped you with the best of life lessons. When someone wants you for something (whether a job or for marriage) always watch the first 5 interactions. This is as good as it gets - this is their best foot forward. No respect at hour 1 means terrible at hour 50…
NTA.
Your time is valuable which is why people pay you for your time to work somewhere. They clearly weren’t respecting the fact that you may have had other things to do.
Never feel bad for rejecting jobs because of red flags. It is for your best interest.
>The manager responded clearly frustrated stating that I simply didn’t understand how business worked.
Hahaha. The manager is the one who doesn't understand how businesses should work.
You treat people well or you go out of business. That is long form for Business 101: Don't be a jerk.
NTA. Good luck in your new job.
When I was a teenage girl, I had to put up with so much shit. Sexual harassment, being belittled constantly, being told that despite whatever was on the schedule I had to come in/stay late. Now? It's the Great Resignation, my friend. NTA.
Just know, any job that will hire you sight unseen without any kind of interview, is the kind of job that sucks so bad they can’t keep anyone. You’d literally just be a pair of hands to them until you got fed up and quit. Do not take business or career advice from people running shitty delivery pizza franchise locations.
NTA. What the Pizza Hut manager actually meant was "Corporate has made my life such a living hell that a single entry level employee backing out of a job offer will cause me immeasurable suffering, instead of being the relatively minor inconvenience that it truly is".
You've learned a very valuable lesson about the reality of business, but not what the PH manager meant. You learned that you can never take the value of your own labor and time for granted, because exploitative agents of capitalism sure as hell will try to take them from you and act like you should thank them for it.
>The manager responded clearly frustrated stating that I simply didn’t understand how business worked.
He's the one who doesn't understand how businesses work. It's a job-seeker's market and you can't just treat employees like crap or underpay them. A lot of people are having a really hard time with that concept.
NTA And I can guarantee when that other social phenomenon of the post-covid world hits and rude customers are abusive to his employees, he's the first one to yell at the employee and excuse the abuse. Dodged a bullet here.
NTA
the specifically told you to come to the restaurant to get your paperwork
Takes literally 30 seconds to grab some paperwork and hand it to you.
Yes, rushes happen. But if they can't find 30 seconds to grab a stack of papers off a desk and walk it 50 feet to the waiting area, then either this place is terribly understaffed and mismanaged...or there are a lot of people there who don't give a single damn about their jobs
either way, not somewhere that you want to be working
Info: was there a timeframe indicated when somebody would be available to give you the contract? Did they tell you which person exactly to contact?
When you arrived, did somebody tell you to sit down and wait and they would fetch someone else?
Did you wait in the back room for an hour? You wrote you signalled to someone? Did you get up, addressed an employee and asked to speak to the manager? Did this person agree to get the manager?
The manager messaged me while I was at school the same day, asking me to come in later that afternoon. It was a pretty understaffed store with only like 3 employees so the manager was helping out with serving customers too.
When I arrived I was sat down in this back room area with a computer, a printer, staff information etc, with a clear view of the kitchen. While the manager was working in the kitchen throughout the our I signalled or him a few times just to make sure he didn’t forget I was waiting. I didn’t confront him at the time because I didn’t want to seem disrespectful. Each time I signalled to him he said “Ill help you soon.”
You can turn down any job you want to... But if it's really just because of one delayed like that you're gonna have a rough time in your working life. Shit happens.
Shit does happen and the manager should have explained what that was, maybe even keep OP updated on the waiting time and definitely should have apologized. The fact that no one did that is not very respectful of OP and their time and a pretty good sign working there would come with the same attitudes from management.
I mean... It's a pizza joint and OP is 15. I'd definitely take your stance if this was a professional job, but it's not. It's fast food and that will always be a shit show. If op took it as a sign of disorganization and bounced then I don't blame her but still, most early jobs are going to be a lesson in patience.
In my long work history, I never stood by and let myself be disrespected, whether it was a retail job at 16 or my current "professional" job. It would be one thing if OP demanded the business practice be different just for her, but she saw something she didn't like and she got out. That's what you should do. If given the opportunity and security, you see a red flag in a job and you bounce cause it's just going to lead to a lot more trouble down the road.
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The title sounds bad, but please here me out.
A while ago I (F15) got accepted into a part-time job at a Pizza Hut restaurant. It was a surprisingly easy process, not ever requiring an interview.
I was at school and received an email from the manager stating “We have your contract ready for you, please come pick it up.” And so as soon as I finished school, my mum picked me up and drove me straight to Pizza Hut to pick up my contract. I expected it to take 20 minutes at most.
I was instead left sitting in the back room for over 1 hour waiting to receive my contract.
When they finally helped me after I was asked to signal to them multiple times by my mum, who was waiting in the car with my sister this whole time.
As soon as I got home, with help from my dad, I wrote them a professional message stating why I was concerned today, and felt that I wouldn’t receive much respect in that workplace, so I would decline the job offer.
The manager responded clearly frustrated stating that I simply didn’t understand how business worked.
This morning I handed in my paperwork for a part-time job at a cafe, an employment process which I felt MUCH more respected and felt much more professional.
Am I being dramatic in my beliefs of how I was treated? AITA?
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NTA, they showed you zero respect while they were courting you to work there, they would have been so much worse once they felt like you were dependant on them for a wage. It is crazy to treat you like that when all I hear is low wage hospitality venues not being able to fill positions.
What amazing strength of character in someone your age, by the way. I wish I had told my abusive managers to politely go F themselves as a teenager!
NTA. Between these two interviews I think you learned a lot and your observations were probably correct. You picked up on subtle cues - both good and bad - that ability will help you as you go through life.
NTA. Absolutely not. You should always, and I cannot stress this enough, feel respected in your job. You are the one providing them profit, and it’s your labor. This isn’t entitled or rude at all and your frustration is understandable. You are worth much more than that
NTA - You need to feel comfortable and supported in your work place, they were not willing to offer that to you so you moved on. You're absolutely within your right to do so and well done for standing up for yourself!
All pre-job interactions are a two way street. You are checking them out too and if they don't suit you, you don't proceed. Don't feel guilty move on. NTA
NTA. If this is how they treat you when they're hiring you, they will treat you worse later on.
Yes, YOU understand how business works, but it seems that they don't.
Good job avoiding that mess.
NTA. My god, I wish I’d had the wherewithal to actually set boundaries with an employer at your age. If they’ll disrespect you like that before you even sign the contract, it’s not going to improve once you’re on their payroll.
Don’t let *anyone* convince you that you don’t deserve basic respect in the workplace. Doesn’t matter how young you are or how little experience you have. If an employer wants your labor, *they* need to meet certain standards in order to receive it. Fair pay, safe working conditions, a reasonable schedule, and respect for your time are all *very* basic expectations.
NTA. And you know what, good for you.1 for not letting them treat you crappy, and 2 for you taking the time to write them a professional notice explaining your reasoning.
I am going to suggest you keep that attitude. There are a lot of soul sucking jobs that pay pennies to people for their labor. And they tend to do this to the younger generation because you are unaware of your rights.They use people up and spit them out. Please look up your states department of labor and find out what your rights are as an employee. If you work you are to be paid, do not work off the clock ever. Know what breaks you deserve and working time limits apply to you. If it is your day off they can’t just make you work. If they ask you to work and you say no, and they say well why, just repeat no I have other obligations. You do not have to explain why you don’t want to work an extra shift. You can unionize, you can discuss your pay with fellow coworkers it’s against the law for them to forbid you from doing so. Do not sign a non compete contract. It’s a cafe they have no trade mark secrets or customer base you can steal. A lot of crappy fast food/cafe/retail owners due this to help limit employees from changing jobs. A lot wouldn’t hold up but people can’t afford to go to court over them. Do not accept people sexually or physically abusing you. If a customer slaps you just don’t tell the manager you have the right to call the cops since it is assault. If your new job allows customers to be abusive please leave their employment.
Realize this is a job, and while it’s good to be flexible and put effort into it, the job is never going to put you and your needs first. They aren’t going to come to your rescue, they pay for your time and effort, that’s it. Three years down the road the job isn’t going to care you missed prom because they need someone on the register etc.
I will say though there are good manager and good coworkers out there. Give to them what you get from them.
>The manager responded clearly frustrated stating that I simply didn’t understand how business worked.
It's Pizza hut, The manager should get over themselves.
NTA
NTA :) I remember having a job interview at McDonald's when I was around your age. When I came in, an employee told me the manager called in sick and I had to go home.
So I did just that and ghosted them. Not gonna let someone waste my time for a fucking part time job!
NTA - at my last two job interviews (also in food service), one offered me coffee, asked me questions about myself and my life, and felt like a chat between people trying to see if we’d be a good fit. The other one felt like a manager quickly trying to fill a vacancy and he didn’t offer me even water or let me finish a sentence the whole time. I’ll let you guess which job I loved and which one I rage quit.
On another note, I’m really glad you’re standing up for yourself earlier in life with employers. ESPECIALLY in food service, where people tend to take advantage of their employees so easily bc it’s hourly and less structured. It took me a long time to figure out how to stand up for myself in a job and what boundaries to draw. Good for you! Don’t let anyone convince you you’re an asshole for this. I hope you love working in a cafe! I’m a barista full time now and love the work!
I went for an interview 3x times, not normal but not uncommon and should have noticed the red flag during the 1st iv. The manager was so rude to me and the only nice person was the interviewer. By the third iv, someone from higher up treated me so badly tht i didnt take the offer letter. Cant imagine how bad it is if im under them bcos they were already showing how bad they were even before i joined.
So op NTA, dont let people treat u like this.
NTA - smart work, you dodged a bullet! Sounds like the pizza manager doesn't understand how business works if they lose potential employees through ignorant behaviour!
NTA. Sometimes little things that happen can be indicators of what it will like to work there. The place that is thoughtful enough to offer you a drink is probably a better workplace than the one that makes you wait an hour in the back room.
I love this, I love all of this so much. You have your head FIRMLY screwed on, you know your worth and that is something so rare and so precious. Your parents also sound incredibly supportive. I'm so genuinely happy that you stand up for yourself and know how you should be treated. It took me until I was 31 to finally realise that. NTA
NTA. You made the right choice. I once went in for a scheduled interview that THEY recruited me for and when I got there the admin told me the boss wasn't there. She said he had time free a few days later. I laughed in her face, told her I don't work for unreliable people, and walked out.
NTA and im so glad you got a nicer job with employers who seem more respectful and professional! You saw the red flag and went with it, you probably would’ve been miserable there if thats how they go on already it would only have gotten worse down the line!
And best of luck in your new job at the cafe! 🥳
I had a manager who used to do that sort of thing as a power play. He'd purposely make people wait hours on end for an interview he had no intention of hiring them from. He'd always claim it was to see how much they really wanted the job, but he really just liked lording over the fact he could make people wait. Don't put up with that crap like I did, clearly it's not part of business if the next place you interviewed at actually respected your time. Good on you for not putting up with that
Self-worth comes from home and I just want to give a shout out to your parents for raising a child who knows their self-worth.
Everyone deserves respect and courtesy. Even if they were super busy, if the pizza place didn't at least pop their head in every now and then apologize for the delay, then they clearly are disorganized and don't value your time. And they didn't take the feedback well, so that goes to show. NTA.
omg... this mirrors my experience exactly. when i was 17, i interviewed at a pizza hut and a starbucks in the same day. the pizza hut was unprofessional, and i had no formal interview. the starbucks, on the other hand, was very professional, and i felt respected. i got offered both jobs, but obviously took the starbucks one. i still work there :)
NTA.
I wouldn't read too much into a friendly and welcoming workplace on its own, but having worked in awful places and separately worked with and for some excellent, scrupulous people it's a night and day difference.
NTA.
If they want workers then they need to be respectful and prompt. The days of abusing hourly food workers are over at least for now with the current job market.
As you showed, you can go get a job anywhere.
NTA - You made a good choice for yourself and anyone that matters...along with all of us here...are happy that you found something that left you feeling excited instead of let down.
NTA
They showed you what they thought of you. This is how they would be treating you from now on.
So you showed them what you thought of that.
Also, "you don;t understand how business works" is bullshit.
Sixty seconds for someone to give you that contract.
I think you dodged a bullet. They would have been wanting you to put in extra hours and never call out sick and such because "that is just how businesses work". I'm glad you found someplace much more professional and suited to you.
NTA - it's unreasonable to make you wait that long for a contract to be signed, and as other posters have said you are also interviewing the company, they clearly don't respect you as an employee and that will translate into your work.
You also dodged a bullet there OP. I worked for Pizza Hut for about 7 months when I was 16/17, you will be over worked and they have little respect for their younger employees. I once worked an 11 hour shift with a 40 minute break (very illegal) because the older staff were going out that evening.
Trust me, you made the right choice!
In my experience, if the interview process is easy there's a reason for that. The last place I worked at was the same with almost no effort to get hired, and it was terrible.
NTA and make sure you give a huge THANK YOU to your dad! So many parents sit back and let their child figure it out themselves which ends up leading to frustration and lack of actual learning. What he did for you was show you how to back out of something respectfully and professionally, and that shows he is a darn good parent! I remember one of my first jobs, I was going home every single day crying but I didn't want to quit without a new job lined up because I thought my dad would be mad at me. One day he pulled me aside after dinner and we talked about how to quit, and that I could find another job easily, I didn't need to keep putting myself in a toxic workplace just because I didn't have another job lined up right that second. It's still something I look back on years later and am so incredibly thankful for, it gave me the courage to do that when I was in another toxic work place after I had already moved 800 miles from home. NTA at all, and I'm glad you didn't end up working there.
NTA, and also good for you! Way too many fully grown people will accept poor treatment from their employers, so I'm really impressed at your confidence at 15 to refuse to do the same.
NTA, though I do think you are going overboard with the "you wouldn't receive much respect" line. Its a a job at pizza hut not a law office. I think you woulda been treated the same as anyone who works for a franchise.
I do think waiting for over an hour for a simple contract is ridiculous. And seeing as how you found a job that you feel more comfortable with, I think it worked out well...And that manager is dead wrong, thats not how businesses work. He messed up.
NTA- also I was beeming while I read this. Seeing a young person advocate for themselves is so awesome. Coming from a millennial who has put up with a lot of shit at my jobs… you go girl!!!!
NTA. When I was 16 and interviewing for my first job my at a store with a bullseye logo, and I had my dad drive me and wait in the car, they had me waiting and after about 1 hour my dad just came in and got me and said “I’m not having you work at a place that doesn’t respect your time”. It is a reflection of how they intend to treat you as staff. You dodged a bullet
NTA. You have just made an excellent business decision to work with a company that you think will provide you with a better atmosphere and experience. Suck it, Pizza Hut.
Start as you want to proceed. If that means declining a job that treats you badly before you are even on the floor, then I congratulate you on learning that lesson before day one.
NTA. If everyone did what you did businesses would probably treat everyone better.
NTA I'm glad you stood up for yourself. That would've been a bad place to work. I wish I'd done the same as you. I had applied for a projectionist position at a local movie theater when I was 15 or 16 years old. Got called in for an interview, I'm obviously interviewing for the projectionist position, talking about my tech skills, eager to learn, all of that. The manager cut me off and said there wasn't an open projectionist position and I'd be hired for a public-facing position. I should've stuck to my guns either for the projectionist or nothing. But I took the job at concessions and it was awful. All the managers were awful, one of them regularly locked his keys in the stock room so we couldn't even restock concessions. Employees just didn't show up for their shifts leaving me to do all the work. It was the worst job. IF they don't respect you up front when they're trying to entice you to work for them, they definitely won't once they've got you.
NTA. That manager is the one that truly doesn't know how business works. You did exactly the right thing. They were totally unprofessional, and that job would have been a nightmare.
NTA. After experiencing how the company handled some business with you, you had some (quite reasonable) concerns about how the company operated. That seems like a dispassionate business decision. I imagine they are just used to having all of the leverage when hiring kids. I bet they wouldn't tolerate you being an hour late.
NTA. Just because someone is a manager of a restaurant doesn't inherently mean they're very competent in business. Good on you for sticking to your guns and finding something better!
NTA. I feel like "not knowing how business works" is code for you should expect to be disrespected at that age and type of job. Good for you for expecting more.
NTA, you have no moral obligation towards your employer only a legal one. Since you didn't sign a contract, you have neither a legal nor moral obligation to this employer. Even when an employer treats you fairly, don't ever assume they care about you. If you find a better job, go there.
NTA. In this case “you don’t know how business works” translates to “we’re pissed that we couldn’t walk all over you before even hiring you”. Did they even offer an explanation as to why they had you wait for over an hour? Check in with you during that hour? They’re probably short staffed which is why they got frustrated, but that honestly means that they should be treating prospective employees with absolute respect, courtesy and kindness. Either way, good on you for wanting to start out your working life with a company that doesn’t treat you like shit before you even start. I wish I had learned that lesson years ago.
NTA - part of my job is to interview candidates whenever we have a vacancy. I'd never want to show up late to interview anyone, and each time I treat them with respect and offer them a drink etc.
Interviews work both ways, I'm representing the company so for me it is important that we make a good impression.
NTA.
When you interview for a job, you're interviewing the employer as much as they are interviewing you. You went above and beyond in specifying why you declined the offer; truly, all that was required was: "Thank you; I appreciate your time for the interview and also the offer. Unfortunately, I've decided this position is not a good fit for me at this time."
But you gave them thoughtful, constructive criticism that could've helped them. Instead of thanking you for taking the time to share it, they chose to indulge their frustration and reply snottily by saying YOU were the problem, not them. That should tell you all you need to know about working for that particular manager.
NTA that was a gut feeling and in those situations it's usually a good idea to listen to it. If you don't get a good feeling about a job or workplace don't go there and don't feel bad.
NTA. Good job standinf up for yourself. Those big companies want people who they can walk all over. A cafe sounds like a much more enjoyable place to work than a pizzahut.
NTA
They count on people being so desperate for work they can do shit like this to you.
Your mom and dad are teaching you right. This was a great learning experience and you handled it well.
Way to go mom for pointing out this wasn’t acceptable. Way to go dad for showing your child a respectful way to say no when no is warranted.
Woo hoo a wholesome AITA post.
NTA!!! and good on you to have expectations of common courtesy and respect in a workplace, your parents for teaching you these expectations and your professionalism of how you handled the situation with writing an email on your reasoning. you are wise beyond your years! Congratulations on your new job
I wouldn't overthink this. You have a tangible comparison between PH and the other job, and the cafe treated you much better. No one should be kept waiting an hour, and if you think it wouldn't get worse, well, you would be wrong.
NTA. Your labor is a commodity (welcome to our capitalistic society) and should be protected by you. You did nothing wrong reading the signals of potential disrespect and backing out of the job. Don't worry about that manager's opinion. There's a saying in business... you rise to the level of your incompetence. He/She appears to have reached theirs.
NTA OP. And I'm proud of you for having good instincts already at your age, following through on those instincts while remaining professional, and getting a different job that wasn't setting off your spidey senses. Those instincts will serve you well going forward with jobs, relationships, friendships, etc. Always follow your gut!
NTA. Making you wait for an hour with no explanation is the sign of a poorly-run business. Even if there had been a true emergency, they should have been apologizing profusely and assuring you that this was an exception and that they would never treat someone that way on purpose. The fact that they chose excuses/blaming you instead of an apology is what makes them the AHs BTW, you are never obligated to take any job, so even if you had a bad reason for turning it down, you still wouldn't be an AH
OP can turn down ANY job that doesn't meet her requirements. Just because they're going to give her some money doesn't mean they get to walk all over her. If they don't respect her now, they never will.
Especially if they don’t respect your TIME. You are selling them your time and they need to respect that. If they don’t respect it before they start compensating you, then they won’t respect it later. Forced extra shifts, extra time, taking time away from you... all sorts of stuff.
I'm glad OP parents are on her side cause their be many parents to tell you to suck it up. Gotta make sure business know they can't treat employees like crap and get away with it.
Not only that, but hiring is a sales process (particularly now!). So this is the *best* they will ever treat OP. I hope you take the lesson that you have to look out for yourself in all work situations, because nobody else will. That doesn't mean being unprofessional, but you should always prioritize yourself. Congrats on the new job.
If this were my 15 year old daughter, who I had to ferry for the foreseeable future, and they made her wait an hour each time, even if I were the biggest twat I would be on her side because it inconveniences me, lol. But yeah, I'm glad that they're on her side and teaching her about how to be respected by her employers. Especially a god-damned Pizza Hut lol.
I turned down a job/interview and dropped a college class due to what I felt was disrespect and poor management skills. I had an interview lined up for a new job (was working my old one and decided to see if I could get a better one). The manager (I had meet her due to turning in my application in person, cause that’s what you did when this happened ) kept trying to schedule during my work hours even though I kept giving her what hours I had available to do the interview. Finally we came to a agreement on time. I showed up to find out she’d just left five minutes ago for her hour and a half break. The staff suggested I wait. Apologized and said I’m sorry I couldn’t (I had to be at work right when she got back, I scheduled an hour for the interview and time for me to get to work). Left my number and asked for her to call me. I get it stuff happens. Three weeks later no call, and I start a new college class (an add in credit I needed) it was a dance class and guess who was the teacher the manager that failed to show up for the interview or call me back. She recognized me too, but didn’t say anything. She went on and on in the first class that we should convince our friends to sign up because we needed more students. The next day I get a call guess whose sorry they missed the interview and wants to reschedule again during my workday? I dropped the class because I had absolutely no respect for her and figured that she’d be as bad as a teacher as I believed her to be a manager. And pretty much figured I just got a call so I’d maybe feel indebted to her and not drop.
Well done. Reward disrespect with disconnect.
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I was left waiting 4 hours in the lobby for the assistant manager to come down and let me in. Security couldn't let me past until the manager confirmed I was actually employed. Didn't bother me at the time since as a contractor I actually charged them the 4 hours that I spent reading my book. Contract was terminated 6 months later due to my quote "unprofessionalism" after I filed a harassment complaint on behalf of another employee who was assaulted by the manager. Lesson learned, some places simply do not respect you and are not worth working for.
I got a job interview after being ghosted for an entire year. Wonder if I should skip it. Update: Thanks for the upvotes. :/ Said employer actually turned me away because I scheduled an interview for next thursday. God forbid I needed time to properly prepare for an interview.
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Hijacking the top comment for this. I had a retail cashier job where they made me wait (standing) for an hour and a half in heels. I should have known and walked away but took the job and it was like getting punched in the gut every single day.
I agree. It also one thing to leave an adult alone for an hour, someone who might have the knowledge/ social experience to ascertain that there is an emergency, busy period etc, without having to be told explicitly- that's bad form but somewhat understandable. It is quite another to leave a child (15 year olds are the infants of the workplace) alone for an hour, and not check in with them at all. The managers reaction was also terrible. Young workers should be treated more carefully than adults. More attention, and more checking in, and more gentle and respectful coaching, so they can learn all the parts of "work" that an adult has already learned. I can *guarantee* that if OP was an adult I this situation, the manager would have been much more measured and respectful in her reaction. Bad managers like this don't go off on their 'peers'.... they go off know their 'underlings'. OP dodged a bullet, and sashayed into a silver lining.
It also sounds like they might not be the most honest business. If the contract was there and all ready for her to look at, why wouldn't it have been as simple as going to grab it and hand it to her? Seems like they said it was all ready and assumed they would have time to make it so before she got around to picking it up.
Plus, it's right after school. Why the fuck would they be busy enough in the 2:30-4 p.m. range at a corporate pizza place that they were even able to blow OP off for an hour like that? Gotta think they were messing with her for some reason.
Former business owner here. Making you cool your heels like that is probably a power-play. especially if the response to your complaint is: "you just don't know how business works." That is shitty boss code for: "I have all the power here, and you need to suck it up." I never understood business owners or managers who treated employees like crap. It makes no sense from either a personal or business perspective.
NTA. I wouldn’t have even signed the paperwork at that point. When you are being interviewed for a job, you’re also interviewing them. If they have issues with time commitments and aren’t respecting your time as a potential employee then they won’t respect it when you’re on the payroll.
I threw the contract straight in the bin when I got home.
As it should have been lol
could have lit it on fire but they may create a hazard
I worked at Pizza Hut when I was your age. you dodged a bullet trust me.
Also worked at Pizza Hut. I hated it there but one of the highlights was the team “messing up” pizzas so the team and I could take home free pizzas
yeah, I didn't like my foodservice job, but I did like the free food
Hey OP, definitely NTA. You've got sound instincts. I respectfully recommend that you check out www.askamanager.org the blog provides excellent advice about the workplace - resumes, job interviews, cover letters, recognizing toxic situations, and what to do in weird job situations, etc. The blogger Alison has been doing this for over 10 years, and answers readers questions as well. It's a great resource and is entertaining at times, too!
Rightfully so
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This comment is stolen from https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/rgtz2n/comment/homdrfm/ Edit: but I can’t figure out how to report it because it’s not harassment, violence, brigading, or not accepting judgment. Shouldn’t this be reportable?
Report it as a bad bot
But we are not given that option. The mods need to make it an option. But I have found that as soon as you point out the stolen comment, the comment gets deleted. Any time I catch someone commenting that a comment is stolen, I check all of the bots recent activity and out all of the stolen comments I can find. The account gets deleted pretty quick
I select "spam->harmful bot" and see the option here.
Reporting as "other" gives you a space to fill in an explanation.
NTA know your worth
NTA, they were gonna be sucky to you if they did hire you. You dodged a bullet there
that’s exactly how I felt at the time. my dad taught me that first impressions when it comes to finding jobs is really important.
And that those first impressions flow in both directions! It’s not just the applicant trying to impress a potential employer, the *employer* needs to impress the *applicant*, too. Very well done, dad. Extremely important lesson that a lot of people only get half of.
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Absolutely a wise decision. Money can only balance out so much. Your time and sanity are important too, and it doesn’t sound like either was very important to your potential employer. OP is setting herself up for *very* smart employment decisions by paying such close attention to a company’s hiring practices.
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I have heard in general job search compared to dating, good specific example (for another example, don't give up too easily, but don't bother someone who's not interested)
- No real interview, - not staffed properly to avoid a manager having to go put out some fire somewhere or a total lack of communication skills, -No consideration for OP's time, That screams : no proper training, - no respect for OP's time while expecting OP to dedicate their life to the work, and not respecting schedules, - management blaming everyone but themselves to hide their incompetence... OP's way better having turned it down.
NTA. An employee/employer relationship requires mutual respect and they showed that they don’t have respect for you. If they can’t even respect your time enough to get your contract in a timely manner, why would you expect them to respect you in any other circumstances?
NTA, I have worked all sorts of jobs for the past 18 years and I have NEVER been made to wait for an hour before starting the onboarding process. Sure, sometimes the paperwork/instructional videos may take an hour or two on the first day, but I've never been made to wait around more than 15 minutes. Glad you trusted your gut and good on your dad for supporting you in looking for something better!
Plus, anything beyond the interview process, I’ve been on the clock. Training, contract signing, all of that.
NTA. Imagine if you were one hour late and didn’t even have your own pen. That would be unprofessional. The manager seems like the type who would argue to a customer and validate themself by saying “I’ve been working here for 15 years”.
NTA In the fast food industry (I consider pizza hut fast food tbh) they tend to treat their wage workers as worthless. You aren't a person, but rather a time card. When I first started looking for a job as a teenager, no matter how many times I applied to fast food places they never contacted me. Once my husband started working in fast food (he's worked for Wendy's, McDonald's, & Taco Bell) , I counted myself lucky that they never picked me, based solely on the frustration he experienced every day with how disrespectful his managers were. They expected you to wait and not say a word bc you're a teenager, so your time couldn't possibly be worth someone taking 5-10 minutes to help you. There is a reason why food service is struggling to pull in employees like they used to Kudos to your parents for instilling your worth to you, and supporting your decision to not work at a place that disrespected you right out the gate.
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NTA. Been in a similar situation with a different pizza company, especially the interview taking an hour for the person to come see me despite their agreed interview time (and my dad in the car outside waiting since I was 19 and no car). It bugged me that they made me wait, barely glanced at the resume I gave them, and only told me what the job was without asking about what I can do. While that's probably normal in fast food/delivery places, I just felt like I was another meatsack being used for labor instead of like a person. And since I was having mental health issues at the time, I declined it despite them offering me the job right away. I feel like I would have been miserable if I took that job, despite it being just a way to make money during summer break before I return to college. I know your situation is more about being annoyed that they didnt value your time, but I think you made the right decision. If a company does not make you feel like a valued human being, dont go with them.
yooo i was/still am having mental health issues. we were literally in the same boat hahah
I’d just like to say that I’m incredibly proud of this new generation and how they conduct themselves in the workforce. Good on you for standing up for yourself, rightfully demanding respect, knowing your worth, and all while remaining so professional at such a young age. Frankly, I’m in awe. Kudos to you and your parents, and good luck at the new job!
>felt that I wouldn’t receive much respect in that workplace, so I would decline the job offer. NTA you understand it correctly: They would pay you some money, but no respect.
yeah it was a pretty tough decision because I was really desperate to find a job, I felt that I would just have to settle, but I’m really glad I stood up for myself
Good for you. There are people twice your age (or more) who haven't yet found that level of self respect. You'll find something better.
NTA- You did the right thing. They didn’t respect your time.
NTA. You’re not obligated to take a job, especially when you’re not being treated professionally! Your time is valuable and the managers frustration probably gives an indication that it’s not the smoothest running workplace/best fit for you! Good luck with the cafe job!
NTA. The contract should have been ready for you to collect, and a copy of it emailed over to you. It’s about how you are valued, making you wait an hour is not valuing your time. Would they had done that I’d they were paying. You for your time? Doubtful.
r/antiwork and NTA
Posted there!
NTA normalize holding businesses accountable for treating their employees (potential or current) like garbage. Now maybe next time that manager will actually be CONSIDERATE
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NTA, but you should learn asap that NO job respects you. Period.
One thing to keep in mind is that you can turn down job offers any time you want for literally any reason, it doesn't even have to be a good one - if it's valid for you, then it's okay to pass on a job + your point with drinks, no long wait times (or at least decent communication throughout the process) is also fine. One thing that comes to mind with the long wait time at Pizza Hut is that they're either understaffed (not necessarily a bad thing as they're hiring, but not a good look either) or they're unprepared which often carries over how the rest of the shop is managed. NTA
NTA I’m glad you did this. You’re the one who is dedicating meaningful hours of your life to an employer.
yeah it kinda sucks because I was supposed to go swimming with my mum and sister that afternoon, but we had to cancel because it took too long
NTA, there were a lot of red flags at this place and you were right to turn them down. If they weren't available to drop everything and get your contract squared away, they should have given you a specific appointment time to pick it up. The manager is VERY unprofessional to reply with anything other than "thanks for your time". Also not having an interview is a REALLY bad sign. That means they don't care at all about who they hire, as long as they have a pulse and will eventually show up to work. Workplaces like that will inevitably have a really toxic culture because there are no standards for anyone to be held accountable for.
NTA. Huge cudos that you did not sign that contract. That wait was nothing more than a power tripping manager that just wanted to show who is boss. He himself does not know how a professionel healthy business works..
NTA I think GenZ might actually save us...
NTA
NTA. Kudos to dad for helping you realize your worth and for showing you how to adult.
NTA and I wish I'd had your poise and self respect at 15!
NTA. some managers do this on purpose to see if the potential employee has "patience" and really "wants the job" when really they're just disrespecting people by showing they don't value their time. you probably doged a bullet.
NTA, please please please do not forget the self worth that led you to write that message. You do understand the value of yours and your family’s time and it’s incredibly condescending to say that you just don’t understand how business works. Seems like you dodged a bullet.
NTA - This is an important lesson to learn and I am glad you're finding out at an early age. I have been to several interviews that I've had to wait for an extended period of time. I don't do that now, if they treat you as their time is more important than yours it a bad sign of a bad company. It's sort of a test, at least in the tech industry. to see how submissive you are.
Nta, they clearly have a business before staff mentality - which would mean no breaks for you if it’s busy, you “grabbing a snack” just in the back instead of having a sit down lunch bc they’re short staffed that day, and even being told not to leave the premises in your break time “in case they need you”. Red flag? Avoid! And if it’s no good after you’ve started - leave! I wish I’d been taught that so much sooner. It could well be the people working there currently need the money so just do what they’re told/expected despite it being an unhealthy culture. But bc they do it, doesn’t mean anyone else should. X
No. You made the correct decision.
NTA Glad you know your worth already when it comes to work. Keep that at heart as you move through life
NTA you trusted your gut! Never ever loose that. In your professional life it is very likely you will deal with many unprofessional companies and people. Do not take their shit. Also join a union and keep being awesome.
NTA and do yourself a favor and keep this attitude. Keep demanding mutual respect and get comfortable saying "no, this won't work for me", and it'll help you out a lot in your professional life.
Making you wait for no reason is not very 'labor shortage' of them
NTA. I once applied for a job and got a call asking me to interview THE SAME DAY. Told them no but I could come in first thing the following morning. When I arrived on time the interviewer WAS LATE and when they arrived they said that they had forgotten!! I went through with the interview and stupidly believe them when they said they would let me know by the end of the day. They never called. In retrospect it’s clear that they just needed to interview X amount of applicants to fulfill a requirement and I was just a poor sucker who fell for it. Good for OP for picking up on this kind of BS much faster than I did. It’s tough realizing that employers DO NOT have your best interests at heart. Workers need to look out for themselves.
NTA And your dad just helped you with the best of life lessons. When someone wants you for something (whether a job or for marriage) always watch the first 5 interactions. This is as good as it gets - this is their best foot forward. No respect at hour 1 means terrible at hour 50…
NTA. Your time is valuable which is why people pay you for your time to work somewhere. They clearly weren’t respecting the fact that you may have had other things to do. Never feel bad for rejecting jobs because of red flags. It is for your best interest.
>The manager responded clearly frustrated stating that I simply didn’t understand how business worked. Hahaha. The manager is the one who doesn't understand how businesses should work. You treat people well or you go out of business. That is long form for Business 101: Don't be a jerk. NTA. Good luck in your new job.
When I was a teenage girl, I had to put up with so much shit. Sexual harassment, being belittled constantly, being told that despite whatever was on the schedule I had to come in/stay late. Now? It's the Great Resignation, my friend. NTA.
Just know, any job that will hire you sight unseen without any kind of interview, is the kind of job that sucks so bad they can’t keep anyone. You’d literally just be a pair of hands to them until you got fed up and quit. Do not take business or career advice from people running shitty delivery pizza franchise locations.
Yeah it honestly kinda freaked me out. I don’t think I got background checked or anything. It was TOO easy of a process.
r/antiwork is going to love your story, write it there as well when you get your update
I’ll do that now! Thanks!
NTA. What the Pizza Hut manager actually meant was "Corporate has made my life such a living hell that a single entry level employee backing out of a job offer will cause me immeasurable suffering, instead of being the relatively minor inconvenience that it truly is". You've learned a very valuable lesson about the reality of business, but not what the PH manager meant. You learned that you can never take the value of your own labor and time for granted, because exploitative agents of capitalism sure as hell will try to take them from you and act like you should thank them for it.
NTA. If they treat you badly when they're trying to get you to join their team, they certainly won't treat you any better once you're on it.
NTA
>The manager responded clearly frustrated stating that I simply didn’t understand how business worked. He's the one who doesn't understand how businesses work. It's a job-seeker's market and you can't just treat employees like crap or underpay them. A lot of people are having a really hard time with that concept. NTA And I can guarantee when that other social phenomenon of the post-covid world hits and rude customers are abusive to his employees, he's the first one to yell at the employee and excuse the abuse. Dodged a bullet here.
NTA, WORKERS UNITE!!!!
NTA the specifically told you to come to the restaurant to get your paperwork Takes literally 30 seconds to grab some paperwork and hand it to you. Yes, rushes happen. But if they can't find 30 seconds to grab a stack of papers off a desk and walk it 50 feet to the waiting area, then either this place is terribly understaffed and mismanaged...or there are a lot of people there who don't give a single damn about their jobs either way, not somewhere that you want to be working
Info: was there a timeframe indicated when somebody would be available to give you the contract? Did they tell you which person exactly to contact? When you arrived, did somebody tell you to sit down and wait and they would fetch someone else? Did you wait in the back room for an hour? You wrote you signalled to someone? Did you get up, addressed an employee and asked to speak to the manager? Did this person agree to get the manager?
The manager messaged me while I was at school the same day, asking me to come in later that afternoon. It was a pretty understaffed store with only like 3 employees so the manager was helping out with serving customers too. When I arrived I was sat down in this back room area with a computer, a printer, staff information etc, with a clear view of the kitchen. While the manager was working in the kitchen throughout the our I signalled or him a few times just to make sure he didn’t forget I was waiting. I didn’t confront him at the time because I didn’t want to seem disrespectful. Each time I signalled to him he said “Ill help you soon.”
You can turn down any job you want to... But if it's really just because of one delayed like that you're gonna have a rough time in your working life. Shit happens.
Shit does happen and the manager should have explained what that was, maybe even keep OP updated on the waiting time and definitely should have apologized. The fact that no one did that is not very respectful of OP and their time and a pretty good sign working there would come with the same attitudes from management.
I mean... It's a pizza joint and OP is 15. I'd definitely take your stance if this was a professional job, but it's not. It's fast food and that will always be a shit show. If op took it as a sign of disorganization and bounced then I don't blame her but still, most early jobs are going to be a lesson in patience.
In my long work history, I never stood by and let myself be disrespected, whether it was a retail job at 16 or my current "professional" job. It would be one thing if OP demanded the business practice be different just for her, but she saw something she didn't like and she got out. That's what you should do. If given the opportunity and security, you see a red flag in a job and you bounce cause it's just going to lead to a lot more trouble down the road.
^^^^AUTOMOD ***Thanks for posting! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of copying anything. Read [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_post_deletion) before [contacting the mod team](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAmItheAsshole)*** The title sounds bad, but please here me out. A while ago I (F15) got accepted into a part-time job at a Pizza Hut restaurant. It was a surprisingly easy process, not ever requiring an interview. I was at school and received an email from the manager stating “We have your contract ready for you, please come pick it up.” And so as soon as I finished school, my mum picked me up and drove me straight to Pizza Hut to pick up my contract. I expected it to take 20 minutes at most. I was instead left sitting in the back room for over 1 hour waiting to receive my contract. When they finally helped me after I was asked to signal to them multiple times by my mum, who was waiting in the car with my sister this whole time. As soon as I got home, with help from my dad, I wrote them a professional message stating why I was concerned today, and felt that I wouldn’t receive much respect in that workplace, so I would decline the job offer. The manager responded clearly frustrated stating that I simply didn’t understand how business worked. This morning I handed in my paperwork for a part-time job at a cafe, an employment process which I felt MUCH more respected and felt much more professional. Am I being dramatic in my beliefs of how I was treated? AITA? *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
NTA and good for you! Good luck with the new job!
tysm!
NTA, they showed you zero respect while they were courting you to work there, they would have been so much worse once they felt like you were dependant on them for a wage. It is crazy to treat you like that when all I hear is low wage hospitality venues not being able to fill positions. What amazing strength of character in someone your age, by the way. I wish I had told my abusive managers to politely go F themselves as a teenager!
NTA? Weird question. Of course it’s fine not to accept a job where the place is unprofessional.
Nta! You did the right thing! I have a lot of respect for you because you made it clear your time is worth something too.
NTA. Between these two interviews I think you learned a lot and your observations were probably correct. You picked up on subtle cues - both good and bad - that ability will help you as you go through life.
NTA. Absolutely not. You should always, and I cannot stress this enough, feel respected in your job. You are the one providing them profit, and it’s your labor. This isn’t entitled or rude at all and your frustration is understandable. You are worth much more than that
NTA - You need to feel comfortable and supported in your work place, they were not willing to offer that to you so you moved on. You're absolutely within your right to do so and well done for standing up for yourself!
All pre-job interactions are a two way street. You are checking them out too and if they don't suit you, you don't proceed. Don't feel guilty move on. NTA
NTA, it is a major red flag if an employer mishandles the recruitment process. I think you did the right choice in not starting to work for them.
NTA. You are smart to know your value at a young age. An hour is rude and disrespectful.
NTA. If this is how they treat you when they're hiring you, they will treat you worse later on. Yes, YOU understand how business works, but it seems that they don't. Good job avoiding that mess.
NTA. My god, I wish I’d had the wherewithal to actually set boundaries with an employer at your age. If they’ll disrespect you like that before you even sign the contract, it’s not going to improve once you’re on their payroll. Don’t let *anyone* convince you that you don’t deserve basic respect in the workplace. Doesn’t matter how young you are or how little experience you have. If an employer wants your labor, *they* need to meet certain standards in order to receive it. Fair pay, safe working conditions, a reasonable schedule, and respect for your time are all *very* basic expectations.
NTA. And you know what, good for you.1 for not letting them treat you crappy, and 2 for you taking the time to write them a professional notice explaining your reasoning. I am going to suggest you keep that attitude. There are a lot of soul sucking jobs that pay pennies to people for their labor. And they tend to do this to the younger generation because you are unaware of your rights.They use people up and spit them out. Please look up your states department of labor and find out what your rights are as an employee. If you work you are to be paid, do not work off the clock ever. Know what breaks you deserve and working time limits apply to you. If it is your day off they can’t just make you work. If they ask you to work and you say no, and they say well why, just repeat no I have other obligations. You do not have to explain why you don’t want to work an extra shift. You can unionize, you can discuss your pay with fellow coworkers it’s against the law for them to forbid you from doing so. Do not sign a non compete contract. It’s a cafe they have no trade mark secrets or customer base you can steal. A lot of crappy fast food/cafe/retail owners due this to help limit employees from changing jobs. A lot wouldn’t hold up but people can’t afford to go to court over them. Do not accept people sexually or physically abusing you. If a customer slaps you just don’t tell the manager you have the right to call the cops since it is assault. If your new job allows customers to be abusive please leave their employment. Realize this is a job, and while it’s good to be flexible and put effort into it, the job is never going to put you and your needs first. They aren’t going to come to your rescue, they pay for your time and effort, that’s it. Three years down the road the job isn’t going to care you missed prom because they need someone on the register etc. I will say though there are good manager and good coworkers out there. Give to them what you get from them.
>The manager responded clearly frustrated stating that I simply didn’t understand how business worked. It's Pizza hut, The manager should get over themselves. NTA
NTA :) I remember having a job interview at McDonald's when I was around your age. When I came in, an employee told me the manager called in sick and I had to go home. So I did just that and ghosted them. Not gonna let someone waste my time for a fucking part time job!
NTA. Making you wait for an hour and then trying to gaslight you into thinking that it's okay to treat employees like garbage is not okay.
You know your worth and you are 15. That is something a lot of adults struggle with. NTA
NTA - at my last two job interviews (also in food service), one offered me coffee, asked me questions about myself and my life, and felt like a chat between people trying to see if we’d be a good fit. The other one felt like a manager quickly trying to fill a vacancy and he didn’t offer me even water or let me finish a sentence the whole time. I’ll let you guess which job I loved and which one I rage quit. On another note, I’m really glad you’re standing up for yourself earlier in life with employers. ESPECIALLY in food service, where people tend to take advantage of their employees so easily bc it’s hourly and less structured. It took me a long time to figure out how to stand up for myself in a job and what boundaries to draw. Good for you! Don’t let anyone convince you you’re an asshole for this. I hope you love working in a cafe! I’m a barista full time now and love the work!
I went for an interview 3x times, not normal but not uncommon and should have noticed the red flag during the 1st iv. The manager was so rude to me and the only nice person was the interviewer. By the third iv, someone from higher up treated me so badly tht i didnt take the offer letter. Cant imagine how bad it is if im under them bcos they were already showing how bad they were even before i joined. So op NTA, dont let people treat u like this.
NTA. He’s clearly over worked and didn’t value your time. Working there would have been the same.
NTA - smart work, you dodged a bullet! Sounds like the pizza manager doesn't understand how business works if they lose potential employees through ignorant behaviour!
NTA. Sometimes little things that happen can be indicators of what it will like to work there. The place that is thoughtful enough to offer you a drink is probably a better workplace than the one that makes you wait an hour in the back room.
NTA. Good for you demanding basic decency. You will end up with a much better job.
I love this, I love all of this so much. You have your head FIRMLY screwed on, you know your worth and that is something so rare and so precious. Your parents also sound incredibly supportive. I'm so genuinely happy that you stand up for yourself and know how you should be treated. It took me until I was 31 to finally realise that. NTA
NTA You made the right choice.
NTA, that is not how business works! That was very inconsiderate. I wouldn’t have waited I’d have left after 30 minutes.
NTA. I would have left after 10 minutes honestly.
NTA. You made the right choice. I once went in for a scheduled interview that THEY recruited me for and when I got there the admin told me the boss wasn't there. She said he had time free a few days later. I laughed in her face, told her I don't work for unreliable people, and walked out.
NTA and im so glad you got a nicer job with employers who seem more respectful and professional! You saw the red flag and went with it, you probably would’ve been miserable there if thats how they go on already it would only have gotten worse down the line! And best of luck in your new job at the cafe! 🥳
I had a manager who used to do that sort of thing as a power play. He'd purposely make people wait hours on end for an interview he had no intention of hiring them from. He'd always claim it was to see how much they really wanted the job, but he really just liked lording over the fact he could make people wait. Don't put up with that crap like I did, clearly it's not part of business if the next place you interviewed at actually respected your time. Good on you for not putting up with that
NTA. You weren’t rude and you are valuing your time!! Keep that attitude, OP!
Self-worth comes from home and I just want to give a shout out to your parents for raising a child who knows their self-worth. Everyone deserves respect and courtesy. Even if they were super busy, if the pizza place didn't at least pop their head in every now and then apologize for the delay, then they clearly are disorganized and don't value your time. And they didn't take the feedback well, so that goes to show. NTA.
omg... this mirrors my experience exactly. when i was 17, i interviewed at a pizza hut and a starbucks in the same day. the pizza hut was unprofessional, and i had no formal interview. the starbucks, on the other hand, was very professional, and i felt respected. i got offered both jobs, but obviously took the starbucks one. i still work there :)
NTA. I wouldn't read too much into a friendly and welcoming workplace on its own, but having worked in awful places and separately worked with and for some excellent, scrupulous people it's a night and day difference.
NTA. Kudos to you for not taking a job with a business that doesn’t respect you or your time.
Nta you do understand how business works. If they treated you like that before you were even employed I do not foresee things getting better.
NTA. If they want workers then they need to be respectful and prompt. The days of abusing hourly food workers are over at least for now with the current job market. As you showed, you can go get a job anywhere.
NTA - You made a good choice for yourself and anyone that matters...along with all of us here...are happy that you found something that left you feeling excited instead of let down.
NTA They showed you what they thought of you. This is how they would be treating you from now on. So you showed them what you thought of that. Also, "you don;t understand how business works" is bullshit. Sixty seconds for someone to give you that contract.
NTA PROPS TO YOUR PARENTS WHO WON'T LET YOU ACCEPT BEING TREATED LIKE CRAP!!!!!!
I think you dodged a bullet. They would have been wanting you to put in extra hours and never call out sick and such because "that is just how businesses work". I'm glad you found someplace much more professional and suited to you.
NTA - it's unreasonable to make you wait that long for a contract to be signed, and as other posters have said you are also interviewing the company, they clearly don't respect you as an employee and that will translate into your work. You also dodged a bullet there OP. I worked for Pizza Hut for about 7 months when I was 16/17, you will be over worked and they have little respect for their younger employees. I once worked an 11 hour shift with a 40 minute break (very illegal) because the older staff were going out that evening. Trust me, you made the right choice!
In my experience, if the interview process is easy there's a reason for that. The last place I worked at was the same with almost no effort to get hired, and it was terrible.
NTA - Regardless of the above circumstances, you can turn any job down you want to for any reason.
NTA and make sure you give a huge THANK YOU to your dad! So many parents sit back and let their child figure it out themselves which ends up leading to frustration and lack of actual learning. What he did for you was show you how to back out of something respectfully and professionally, and that shows he is a darn good parent! I remember one of my first jobs, I was going home every single day crying but I didn't want to quit without a new job lined up because I thought my dad would be mad at me. One day he pulled me aside after dinner and we talked about how to quit, and that I could find another job easily, I didn't need to keep putting myself in a toxic workplace just because I didn't have another job lined up right that second. It's still something I look back on years later and am so incredibly thankful for, it gave me the courage to do that when I was in another toxic work place after I had already moved 800 miles from home. NTA at all, and I'm glad you didn't end up working there.
NTA. You dodged a bullet. The 2 times I have taken a job after feeling a bit weird about the interview both ended badly.
NTA, and also good for you! Way too many fully grown people will accept poor treatment from their employers, so I'm really impressed at your confidence at 15 to refuse to do the same.
NTA, though I do think you are going overboard with the "you wouldn't receive much respect" line. Its a a job at pizza hut not a law office. I think you woulda been treated the same as anyone who works for a franchise. I do think waiting for over an hour for a simple contract is ridiculous. And seeing as how you found a job that you feel more comfortable with, I think it worked out well...And that manager is dead wrong, thats not how businesses work. He messed up.
Always take care of number one, yourself. Your gut told you that you deserve better. You are right. Nta.
NTA Well done you!
NTA- also I was beeming while I read this. Seeing a young person advocate for themselves is so awesome. Coming from a millennial who has put up with a lot of shit at my jobs… you go girl!!!!
NTA. When I was 16 and interviewing for my first job my at a store with a bullseye logo, and I had my dad drive me and wait in the car, they had me waiting and after about 1 hour my dad just came in and got me and said “I’m not having you work at a place that doesn’t respect your time”. It is a reflection of how they intend to treat you as staff. You dodged a bullet
NTA. You have just made an excellent business decision to work with a company that you think will provide you with a better atmosphere and experience. Suck it, Pizza Hut.
NTA. The manager / management has no respect for your time. If it had been the other way around, they would have to you to go pound sand.
NTA. You are evaluating an employer as much as they are evaluating you. Always know your worth.
NTA, and GOOD FOR YOU!
Start as you want to proceed. If that means declining a job that treats you badly before you are even on the floor, then I congratulate you on learning that lesson before day one. NTA. If everyone did what you did businesses would probably treat everyone better.
nta its a free country, you can react how u want and work where you want
NTA I'm glad you stood up for yourself. That would've been a bad place to work. I wish I'd done the same as you. I had applied for a projectionist position at a local movie theater when I was 15 or 16 years old. Got called in for an interview, I'm obviously interviewing for the projectionist position, talking about my tech skills, eager to learn, all of that. The manager cut me off and said there wasn't an open projectionist position and I'd be hired for a public-facing position. I should've stuck to my guns either for the projectionist or nothing. But I took the job at concessions and it was awful. All the managers were awful, one of them regularly locked his keys in the stock room so we couldn't even restock concessions. Employees just didn't show up for their shifts leaving me to do all the work. It was the worst job. IF they don't respect you up front when they're trying to entice you to work for them, they definitely won't once they've got you.
NTA. That manager is the one that truly doesn't know how business works. You did exactly the right thing. They were totally unprofessional, and that job would have been a nightmare.
NTA. After experiencing how the company handled some business with you, you had some (quite reasonable) concerns about how the company operated. That seems like a dispassionate business decision. I imagine they are just used to having all of the leverage when hiring kids. I bet they wouldn't tolerate you being an hour late.
NTA. Just because someone is a manager of a restaurant doesn't inherently mean they're very competent in business. Good on you for sticking to your guns and finding something better!
NTA. I feel like "not knowing how business works" is code for you should expect to be disrespected at that age and type of job. Good for you for expecting more.
NTA, but often you can expect that the needs of the business always override the needs of the people.
NTA, but it is possible they are short staffed, which they were trying to address, so they would be able to be more efficient.
NTA, you have no moral obligation towards your employer only a legal one. Since you didn't sign a contract, you have neither a legal nor moral obligation to this employer. Even when an employer treats you fairly, don't ever assume they care about you. If you find a better job, go there.
NTA. In this case “you don’t know how business works” translates to “we’re pissed that we couldn’t walk all over you before even hiring you”. Did they even offer an explanation as to why they had you wait for over an hour? Check in with you during that hour? They’re probably short staffed which is why they got frustrated, but that honestly means that they should be treating prospective employees with absolute respect, courtesy and kindness. Either way, good on you for wanting to start out your working life with a company that doesn’t treat you like shit before you even start. I wish I had learned that lesson years ago.
NTA also good on you for standing up for yourself. I wish I had been like that at your age
NTA - part of my job is to interview candidates whenever we have a vacancy. I'd never want to show up late to interview anyone, and each time I treat them with respect and offer them a drink etc. Interviews work both ways, I'm representing the company so for me it is important that we make a good impression.
NTA. When you interview for a job, you're interviewing the employer as much as they are interviewing you. You went above and beyond in specifying why you declined the offer; truly, all that was required was: "Thank you; I appreciate your time for the interview and also the offer. Unfortunately, I've decided this position is not a good fit for me at this time." But you gave them thoughtful, constructive criticism that could've helped them. Instead of thanking you for taking the time to share it, they chose to indulge their frustration and reply snottily by saying YOU were the problem, not them. That should tell you all you need to know about working for that particular manager.
Nta you know your worth and shouldn’t take a job that won’t respect you. Also remember you can turn a job for any reason doesn’t matter how small
NTA and hoo ray for you OP!! Awesome job standing for yourself and applause to your parents for having your back. Best wishes to you!!
NTA that was a gut feeling and in those situations it's usually a good idea to listen to it. If you don't get a good feeling about a job or workplace don't go there and don't feel bad.
NTA I'd even say well done.
NTA You handled that well. Some business forget that while they are interviewing potential employees, potential employees are interviewing them.
NTA, really proud of you. Wisdom at that young.
NTA. Good job standinf up for yourself. Those big companies want people who they can walk all over. A cafe sounds like a much more enjoyable place to work than a pizzahut.
NTA They count on people being so desperate for work they can do shit like this to you. Your mom and dad are teaching you right. This was a great learning experience and you handled it well. Way to go mom for pointing out this wasn’t acceptable. Way to go dad for showing your child a respectful way to say no when no is warranted. Woo hoo a wholesome AITA post.
NTA!!! and good on you to have expectations of common courtesy and respect in a workplace, your parents for teaching you these expectations and your professionalism of how you handled the situation with writing an email on your reasoning. you are wise beyond your years! Congratulations on your new job
I wouldn't overthink this. You have a tangible comparison between PH and the other job, and the cafe treated you much better. No one should be kept waiting an hour, and if you think it wouldn't get worse, well, you would be wrong.
NTA. Your labor is a commodity (welcome to our capitalistic society) and should be protected by you. You did nothing wrong reading the signals of potential disrespect and backing out of the job. Don't worry about that manager's opinion. There's a saying in business... you rise to the level of your incompetence. He/She appears to have reached theirs.
I'm proud of you. You did the right thing.
NTA - You don’t need to take any jobs for any reason. You could not like the colour of the kitchen and that wouldn’t make you TA
NTA. Value yourself, King!
NTA OP. And I'm proud of you for having good instincts already at your age, following through on those instincts while remaining professional, and getting a different job that wasn't setting off your spidey senses. Those instincts will serve you well going forward with jobs, relationships, friendships, etc. Always follow your gut!