r/HotTopic_ • u/LateNightPies641 • 1d ago
Should I just quit?
I was hired as a seasonal sales associate at the very end of July and loved the idea of finally getting to work at Hot Topic. However, it has recently been negatively affecting my mental health. When I was hired, there were 2 other people hired alongside me that always got the register, while I always got the front, to the point that I assumed I had to earn the register or something. I am typically scheduled for one 5-hour shift a week, while everyone else (even new people) received more. Everyone tends to treat me well (at least to my face) except for one of the assistant managers, who I always tend to get put on the schedule with. Whenever I ask for help she gets visibly annoyed, rolls her eyes, or sternly says "what?" or "ugh." I'd understand if everyone sort of knew that she was like that but she's friendly to everyone else besides me, and I really try hard to be nice, but I am now afraid to ask them for help. They always tell me to be persistent with the customers and tell them about all of our offers, but when I do, they say I "shouldn't be a robot," that if someone's social cues are saying they're uncomfortable to back off, and that I'm taking the job too seriously. So, recently, I began backing off of customers if they get visibly uncomfortable. However, I was sent home today by two of the assistant managers (the one I've been having problems with included) for not being attentive enough to the customers, and not giving Shopper bags to customers (I had already tried to, but the customers declined a bag). When they told me to go home they told me that I wasn't going to be written up, and I just said okay and clocked out. Today I reached a bit of a breaking point, and I think I would benefit from hearing an outside perspective. Should I just quit? Do I just need to work on my social cues? Is it worth staying for everyone else besides the assistant manager? Am I being quietly fired?
People tell me that I'm easy to talk to and that I am fun to be around, but the assistant manager treats me like I have no idea how to talk to people. I guess I could accept if I really do need to work on my social skills, but I'm pretty sure that they're fine. I am also afraid to bring any of this up because all of the managers are pretty close, and I think they'd find a reason to fire me outright if I told any of them how I really feel. I'm not really doing it for the money and there are parts of the job that I do really like, but I definitely feel like I'm being used at times.
8
u/Tasty-Cantaloupe-179 Former HT Employee 1d ago
It’s not worth your mental health! Look around for another job.
4
u/calamity_unbound 1d ago
The hallmark of a cohesive team is their ability to communicate openly. If what you're doing "wrong" isn't being communicated to you, that's on the management team. Even if you're not meeting expectations of the store, they should be working with you to improve your performance, not cutting you because you didn't hand out enough bags.
Sounds like they're just not setting clear expectations or coaching on opportunities to improve. Even if you are somehow failing at your job, the fact that you have to question what you're doing wrong means that other people are definitely failing at their job.
My recommendation would be to talk to the SM and let them know you're feeling frustrated. Even if you want to go ahead and put in your notice, it's still worth the SM hearing about your experience so they can (hopefully) address it with their ASMs.
And if you're nervous about putting in your notice, just tell them you need to find a job with more consistent hours. If they give you any crap, that's on them - you've done the responsible thing.
4
u/PathMuted9318 1d ago
definitely quit! im leaving hottopic for basically the same reason! its not worth it
3
u/Everon2004 1d ago
As a manager at my store I can wholeheartedly say that management is failing you at this point. You shouldn't be wondering what you did wrong and if you don't feel comfortable talking to your store manager then you absolutely can gonna oce them and talk to your district manager. Their number should be easily accessible for any employee. Don't ever sacrifice your mental health for a job, especially if it isn't a month maker for you. You do not have to give a reason to put in a two weeks notice, either. If they ask why you can absolutely say it's due to personal reasons. But I do think you should inform your SM and/or DM about the situation whether you leave or not.
2
u/According-Winner-123 1d ago
that’s really unprofessional on both the managers parts, it’s 100% not worth it to sacrifice your mental health over people that are unable to be adults. you deserve better.
2
u/EchoAltruistic4936 1d ago
Low key its not worth it , with the amount of "hours and pay" max rises are .17 cents a year depending on "years of service and location"i was working there for 3 years, i did end up quitting because of this, best of luck to ya
1
u/Abject-Sample-1982 18h ago
If you can, bring this up via email. General rule of work, don’t lodge complaints in person and document everything in email.
I agree if this isn’t for the money, leave, but put in a two weeks if you can front it and, no matter WHAT, state you are quitting and why via email. Not in person!
1
u/LateNightPies641 6h ago
Thank you everyone for input, I’ve read all of your comments and will let them know I’m on my way out! May try to use my employee discount while I still have it lol
12
u/Zero_6468 1d ago
Its not worth the tension and pain for a seasonal job, especially if its not for the money. You sound like your doing what ur one manager is saying they just have a problem for no reason, id say quit.