Manager got mad at me for calling out for cramps(self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by angerytangerine
When I get my period my cramps make me puke and lay in my bed crying. I called out 3 hours before my shift and she just said really cramps even after I told her it makes me puke which is just a health code violation. She rudely hung up the phone on me. I feel so guilty even tho realistically I know I shouldn’t be. I should have lied and said I had food poisoning but I thought she’d be more understanding….
Magnhild94211 points1y ago
Next time, you don't get into specifics. You say "I woke up sick today and will not be able to make my shift." or "I'm so sorry but I can't make my shift today because I just threw up (and that's only because vomiting is a food safety issue otherwise stick to the first example)." The only information you need to provide is that you are sick and won't be in. By giving more details you offer your SM space to make a judgement which they don't need to do. Don't make calling out sick a habit and don't give details when you do and you'll be good to go.
I hope you feel better soon!
esaeklsg54 points1y ago
Agreeing with the “don’t go into specifics.” Even aside from how people can grossly underestimate period pain, if you phrased it to your manager/ss at all similarly to how you did here, it can easily imply a) you knew this was coming in advance and b) took no precautions / aren’t on meds or anything and c) will be a regular thing (and these could be true or not, but in-the-moment this can sound like this)
If this is a once-off thing just play it off as you were “unwell.” If it’s a chronic issue you can later discuss with your manager (in person is usually better) about what needs to be done for scheduling and/or fill them in with what steps you’re taking with your doctor, if you’re comfortable with that. People will usually be soothed by knowing you’re at least trying to fix the problem, for a short while anyway.
But yeah. Don’t feel guilty if this is the first time or if you’re taking steps. Just make sure you take responsibility for doing what you can if this is reoccuring and regular, either talking to a doctor, or seeing if you can pre-empt and request off or get shifts covered.
angerytangerine [OP]10 points1y ago
Yeah I was just gonna say I wasn’t feel well but she asked what was wrong, probably to make sure I was “ill enough” even tho it’s none of her business. Thanks for the advice
OneRoseDark16 points1y ago
"Hey I'm not going to be able to come in today as I am sick"
"what's wrong?"
"I'm sick"
"well what are your symptoms?"
"I'm sick"
"i know, I'm asking what your symptoms are"
"i don't feel comfortable sharing my private medical information. I'm sick."
they aren't entitled to this information. don't make them feel like they are!
an alternative convo option...
"hey I'm not going to be able to make it in today as I'm vomiting"
"well what's wrong? are you sick or something?"
"it would be violating health code for me to work today so I'll be staying home"
"but how long has it been? I'm sure you're fine"
"i won't be coming in today. see you tomorrow!"
angerytangerine [OP]9 points1y ago
Ur def right my manager just scared the frick out of me
kortette6 points1y ago
Lol I just say “I’m not gonna be able to come in today,” love how my shifts don’t give a fuck
Kyde_Drakes56 points1y ago
You called out with 3 hours notice. That’s enough time for a capable shift to find someone, or let the next shift know they will be short staffed. If you threw up at work they would have had to send you home anyway, and if they didn’t then that’s a violation. You did the right thing.
angerytangerine [OP]22 points1y ago
Thank you I appreciate this reply :) was feeling rly weird about the situation
IcePhoenix968 points1y ago
Don't, sounds like they were just annoyed that they had to find coverage. Which is the shift's/Sm's problem... not yours! Hope you feel better, and get some rest.
lenagracep28 points1y ago
I’m a shift supervisor and I usually have to call out my first day of my shark week. I hate it and usually try to push through, but sometimes I can’t make it. I’ve got endometriosis and I just remind myself that my health is more important! Don’t feel bad.
DreyaNova9 points1y ago
“Shark week” I’m never calling it anything else again.
kris10vs15 points1y ago
Honestly, I feel menstruating women should get the first few days of their period off!! It’s hard to be civil when in pain!! Additionally all supplies should be free, 1/2 the population deals with this hell, why do we need to spend so much money on it!??! Sorry your SM wasn’t accommodating but you called out, you did the right thing, I agree next time, just say you’re ill…. No need to go in to details… some women have no cramps or pain when on their period so sadly some do not understand!!
willowthywillow9 points1y ago
calling off for cramps is legit. you are sick. you are in pain. you are unable to work. and you gave 3 hours notice. you're alright. your manager is not. i hope you feel better soon <3
krystilena8 points1y ago
Sorry for your pain. If one of my employees calls out my first thought is always "good for you" because we don't take care of ourselves enough. It doesn't matter why you won't be present just that you call. Feel better soon!! Have some hugz
[deleted]8 points1y ago
Tbh none of their damn bizznezz why you called out sick. Your not feeling well. Get a doctor's note if you have to. That won't tell them why your out either. It's HIPPA.
HIPPAbot9 points1y ago
It's HIPAA!
GinaMohundro6 points1y ago
I’m really glad that not every woman has issues with their cycles and unfortunately that can make some oblivious to the issues we have. I know this isn’t r/periods so I’ll try to be as vague as possible but my mom told me I would have them for 3-5 days a month with a sharp-but-quickly-over pain in the abdomen and it would stop in water/the shower and mostly stop overnight. I can’t begin to tell you how opposite that was from my experience but I’ll try lol. First days of my cycle in high school were spent in the fetal position in bed due to horrific cramps, usually 7-9 days for the cycle, countless ruined articles of clothing & bedding, PMS, would throw up breakfast on those first days, etc. Fortunately my mom was pretty understanding even though she didn’t know exactly what it was like. Your manager didn’t experience bad cycles evidently and can’t put herself in that place.
I do not think you should feel bad for missing your shift.
cabbagescraps5 points1y ago
when i first started three years ago, i’d have to call out for my cramps too, which sucked like no other. extreme pain, vomiting, and such. every time i called out i’d get berated by my SSV or SM, depending on who picked up. i always had to specify what’s going on bc they wouldn’t let me go if i didn’t, and it was just overall an awful experience. now that i’m an SSV, i never ask what’s going on, i take the word of whoever’s calling out and roll with it. it’s not my business, and the store will survive in the end.
don’t feel bad about this. you’re not alone, and your upper management in your store def needs to take a chill pill. i’m sorry you also had to experience this.
depressedbarista4202 points1y ago
I’m so sorry your manager was so rude! Period pain is REAL and should be taken much more seriously than it is. It frustrates me when people dismiss the very real pain that menstruators go through. Way too often the dismissal comes down to misogyny and bias, and it sounds to me like your manager has some negative biases. Maybe I’m over sensitive but can this sort of thing be reported? I feel like it’s majorly disrespectful for her to question you at all, let alone hanging up on you! She needs to get her shit together and demonstrate more respect for her damn employees.
farblondjet1 points1y ago
This is another reason I text when I have to use a sick day. Cite the health code violation relevant to you (vomit, fever, etc) and say you're taking the day. The end. Less likely to get inappropriate sass back if it's all in writing.
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