A look into the American retail system as a worker
As I was trying to get ready for work this morning my cat (as usual) was running back and forth into the kitchen where she knows full well she isn't allowed access to (she sheds a ton, and y'know hygienic purposes and what not). As I try and grab her I accidentally jab my right hand into my fan as she ran past it.
I look at my hand while in excruciating pain, see blood and my fingernail (with an acrylic tip attached) hanging halfway off my finger.
Being terrified of any mutilation of fingernails, I freak out. The pain is shocking, and my nerves were a wreck.
I decided to cover my coworker's shift today from 10-6 (aka, I was NOT scheduled to come into work but volunteered to cover for someone who called out).
Now I call the store because, I'm in horrible pain, bleeding and holding ice while trying to maintain my composure (because this is a literal fear I have). I call them to let them know I'm not coming in because I'm going to see a DOCTOR.
And the conversation goes exactly like this:
Me to manager: "I ripped my finger nail off, I'm bleeding and in excruciating pain. It happened while I was getting ready to come in and I'm standing here literally in my uniform. I'm going to see my doctor because I'm not sure why but the pain is immense."
Manager: "Well call me back because we're short staffed and need people today. We need you to come in."
She said this not in a calm manner, but clearly in an annoyed tone.
I wasn't told to feel better, I wasn't asked if I would be alright.
I'm not calling out because I'm lazy and wanna stay home. I need the money (college student broke life am I right?), I needed this shift. I'm calling because I HAVE A FINGERNAIL HANGING OFF.
Being in retail requires the use of your hands. In my particular job it is necessary for us to carry *heavy* and *EXPENSIVE* merchandise and in our training it is emphasized to use both hands for our safety and of course for the care of the product.
This is why retail jobs are disliked by so many. Companies see bodies, not people.
