You can see that I'm on break

[ArenaBoy]

I'm sure at one point that we have dealt with people who can see that we are on break but still ask us questions. I had a guy ask me if there was any parking left (No, it's playoffs and you're here at halftime?) I pointed him out and went to my car to swear loudly about SCs who a) Should come early to get a good parking spot. b) When they can clearly see that I'm leaving and that I have food it means I'm off the clock.

[Lace Neil Singer]

When I was at the garden centre, I had to take my breaks at my till and lunch time at the coffee shop, cuz there was no staff room. At my till, it wasn't too bad as I could have my coffee and chocolate bar on the go in any case; however, if I was on lunch, my rule was that short of actual death, I was NOT to be disturbed under any circumstances. If a customer had a query, then I'd deal with it over the walkie talkie, but I wasn't going to budge til my lunch break was over. I only once had a customer bug me in the coffee shop; I told them politely but firmly that I wasn't being paid right now and I was off the clock til 1pm and that I'd come and help them then. They were moaning and groaning a bit, but I stuck to my guns and they had no choice but to leave.

[blas]

We didn't get breaks at the gas station. I thought for a while customers only did this to me because, well, customers seemed to be especially sucky to me (well no wonder, I was always sucky right back to them and never gave in to their entitled demands and didn't pamper them like spoiled babies the way my manager did).

Back on the subject now....we didn't get breaks, so we had to make our own breaks. Any time there were no customers were the times to smoke, eat, drink, or go potty. You had to plan out your time perfectly, because you also had to get your work done as well (before we had people to clean the store for us).

It never failed that an SC would riproar into the parking lot, and bark like a seal to whoever was working "Hahaha, ruined your smoke break!" or "No cigarette for YOU!" or "Haha, you gotta go back inside!".

They did it when I ate as well. "Haha, no break for you!" "You gotta put that down!".........

I always wanted to reply, "No, it's time for YOU to go to Holiday and let me finish my damn sandwhich. I haven't eaten in 4 hours because we were the only gas station to not raise gas prices today, I was slammed all damn night with paranoid customers, and now, when I finally get a chance to eat, you show up and start laughing at the fact that I have to put my food down and serve you, like it's funny. How would you like me to bust into your work and laugh at you when I disturb your lunch? Oh wait, that's right, you DON'T work! Now either get something or get out."

Yes, towards the end, I was a very sucky employee and I did not give two craps less about it. I had planned on saying that above spiel on my very last day, but didn't get the chance because I was training, and therefore could eat my whole sandwhich.

[CreepyCarrie]

People who bug me on my break really piss me off. One time a customer actually FOLLOWED ME INTO THE BREAK ROOM :rant: and was asking me all of their inane questions when there were several employees who were actually on the clock in the immediate area more than willing to help out. But noooo, you people just have to bug the off the clock employees don't you? It's how you get your kicks, isn't it?

Stupid customers :mad:

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

When I was unloading trucks, we used to take our breaks outside during the summer. We sat in front of the store for a while before the managers made us go out to the back of the store.

One time we were sitting out in front of the store when a customer came up to us and asked us where the grass seed was.

Me: In the seasonal department, next to toys and sporting goods.
SC: Aren't you supposed to walk me to them.
Me: I would, but I'm on break. They're in the seasonal department.
SC: If I still can't find it, it's your fault!

[toolbert]

Sometimes when I have lunch I have to have it at the store because some of the eateries (mostly subway) don't have a place where I can sit down and eat. So I bring it here and sit at one of our tables and eat. People just don't get the hint that I'm eating or they'll ask me a question then after I tell them the answer they always reply with "Oh, sorry are you on break?". No, genius, I just like to eat as far away from the counter as possible and avoid customers like the plague.

That's still not the worst for me though. I take a subway like system back and forth to work and I have to wear my uniform to and from work. So, when people see that big orange Palm logo on my shirt, they have to start asking me questions about their unit. I get everything from people bitching about something to tech support to telling me how they bought stock in the company. I usually look at them in some demonic fashion that lets them know "Hey, I'm going home the same as you...how would you like it if I started talking about your job while you're on your way home. Now, shut it before I eat your soul"

[Rapscallion]

SC: If I still can't find it, it's your fault!

"Your words shall replace the screams in my nightmares for years to come, sir."

Rapscallion

[NightAngel]

Ah, yes. Being as we usually only have one manager on at any given time if/when I take breaks I do so at the front counter. Because if a serious customer issue was to arise they'd need me one way or the other.
I sit in what we call the Manager's Pit, a semi- walled desk. Inevitably someone will come peer over the wall and say, "Is there any *movie title* in that drop box?"

Now, if I've got nothing it doesn't bother me too much but if I'm sitting there with a burger in my hands then don't bug me- really. I know this is rotten of me but I make a point to take a bite and talk with my mouth full. Sure, I check the box for them... they may not understand what I'm saying to them over the mouth full of food though. :devil:

[Think Blue]

I usually shut my office door when on break, because customers used to come in see food in my hand and ask me question after question and got mad when I told them to get out.

[Bella_Vixen]

Blas, I feel your pain. The only time I can manage to eat with minimal interruption is if my boss is there and can jump on the drawer (not often, though, because we are so busy that two people ARE needed for the entire shift).

If I can manage to sneak a bag of chips, I have been known to give the death glare to people who think it's hilarious to interrupt my oh so nutritious lunch. I can't even eat one freaking chip without interruption.

What is fun <sarcastic> is when I am taking a minute to go to the bathroom and I hear someone SCREAMING "HELLO?!?!" like the world will end if they can't get their damn cigarettes 2 seconds ago and then when I walk out of the bathroom, they sometimes have the decency to look sheepish and apologize.

You know what gets me? When I come out from the bathroom or the cooler and people say "I was afraid you were tied up in the back and being robbed because you weren't out here. I was just about to call the police." OK, seeing as how you JUST walked through the door and I got to the register 5 seconds after you.

<end rant>

"Your words shall replace the screams in my nightmares for years to come, sir."

Rapscallion

I think I'm going to borrow that, if you don't mind, Oh Fearless Leader.

[Kiwi]

we had a fairly good breakroom at the craftshop, it was even locked with a code so staff were the only ones who COULD get into the room

it didnt stop customers knocking on the door asking for help.... no one answered it... if you dont know the code.. no soup for you!!

[Rapscallion]

I think I'm going to borrow that, if you don't mind, Oh Fearless Leader.

Be my guest. I filched it from someone else, though I'm not going to explain what I said to him at the time.

Rapscallion

[KayEm]

Yesterday after I got off work, I stayed to do a little shopping. As I was ringing up my stuff on the U-scans, an idiot at the next machine bleats at me "Do you have any scissors, so I can cut this plastic thing off ?"

I pretended I didn't hear him.

He bleats at me again.

Since it should have been OBVIOUS to him that I was OFF the clock, but it wasn't, I told him I was off the clock but the U-scan cashier could help him.

So the idiot says to her "She's off the clock, do you have a pair of scissors ?" in this tone like he was annoyed at me for being off the clock and not willing to help him.

What is it with these people ? Would they appreciate it if we went to their offices and demanded THEY work for free ?

I wish we could all be issued buttons that say "Off the clock" when we are on breaks, or shopping after work.

But then again, since most customers don't read signs, I doubt they'd notice the buttons. And of course, management would think they were "offensive" to customers.

[csdrone]

Our break room is hidden as are the bathrooms. SC's do not like our standard answer "No we do not have a public restroom". :angel:

[Food Lady]

I'm so glad our breakroom is upstairs. I don't even have to see or hear customers when I'm on break. But at the gas station it was a whole different story. I can't tell you how many times I had to start ringing people in the middle of my lunch. It got to the point where I'd just down coffee all shift and eat later.

[customersruinmylife]

We dont have a break room and its so annoying. I put my coat on and sit down in the emptiest area of the bar, but customers still come up to me.

I'm sat there eating a meal, and a customer sits down next to me to make a complaint. I just kept saying "Managers on the bar. Managers on the bar" but he wouldnt go away! In the end I said "I'm off the clock, and I consider this HARASSMENT!" and he ran away.

[Jack T. Chance]

I long ago noticed that customers seem to have this evil sixth sense, a "sucky customer sense", if you will! It's set to go off whenever you have your hot meal, ready to eat, and starving because you haven't eaten in hours, or whenever your co-worker has just gone on break, leaving you in the store alone. In the latter case, that's why the 2 of you can be in the store, twiddling your thumbs for 2 hours because no one's coming in. But the minute your co-worker walks out on break, all of a sudden, customers come out of the woodwork, like Mongol hordes or something! Then they have the NERVE to be shocked that you're the only one there, and they get pissed that they have to wait for you to help them! :mad:

As for the former, it's been a real problem for me, because from '99-'04, I worked in a bunkbed store where I worked by myself 99% of the time. And it never failed... I wouldn't see a soul for 2-3 hours, but as soon as I nuked my lunch and had it good and hot, they'd all come out of the woodwork to interrupt me! So, I eventually set-up a desk and chair in the back room, and when I really didn't feel like putting up with any interruptions, I'd close the store and sit in the back room to eat! :devil:

Of course, this problem wouldn't exist if humans acted like dogs when eating. Any of you that have ever owned dogs will know that you NEVER interrupt a dog while it's eating, because you WILL get bitten! And that's why I wish I could be a Lycan (werewolf) like in the Underworld movies! The Lycans had evolved over time so that they could transform at will, changing into their wolf form anytime they wanted or needed to. And that would be too cool!

I can see it now... I'd be sitting at my desk, eating my lunch, when a customer would walk in and start asking questions. Glaring at them with a murderous look in my eye, I'd "wolf out", leap out of my chair and rip their throat out with my teeth! Then I'd change back and go back to enjoying my lunch! When the next customer walked in a minute or 2 later, saw the previous victim laying there bleeding out, and asked "what happened to him?", I'd answer "He interrupted my lunch... just like you!" while "wolfing out" at the same time! I imagine they'd piss their pants and flee like a bat out of Hell!! It'd be awesome! :devil:

And if we could all do that, maybe customers would finally learn not to interrupt us when we're on break! ;)

[Bloodsoul]

No they wouldn't.. XD

[Jack T. Chance]

No they wouldn't.. XDWell, they'd either learn, or they'd die at our hands... or at the very least, get painfully bitten or clawed! So, it'd be a win/win situation! ;) :devil:

[bean]

It never failed that an SC would riproar into the parking lot, and bark like a seal to whoever was working "Hahaha, ruined your smoke break!" or "No cigarette for YOU!" or "Haha, you gotta go back inside!".


I always try to do the opposite if I'm pulling into a convenience store and the only clerk is outside smoking. I see them start to put down the cig, and my first line is along the lines of "Hey, finish your cig, I'm not in a hurry and I'll wait out here until you're done".

They always give me a confused look when I do that.

Also, this thread makes me very happy that we don't have uniforms at work. I put on a white chef's coat and a black hat when I'm serving customers, otherwise I'm in t-shirt and shorts. Hasn't stopped a couple of them from walking up to me while I'm eating lunch (and proceeding to be ignored).

[AFpheonix]

Of course, this problem wouldn't exist if humans acted like dogs when eating. Any of you that have ever owned dogs will know that you NEVER interrupt a dog while it's eating, because you WILL get bitten!

Sure, if you teach them to be food aggressive....

[Jack T. Chance]

Sure, if you teach them to be food aggressive....Can a human even control that, though? :confused:

Every dog I've ever known has snapped at anyone dumb enough to interrupt them while they're eating. It's a behavior passed down from the days when their ancestors lived in the wild and food was scarce, so they had to fight to keep their meal. As far as I know, they learn that behavior from their mother and/or siblings when they're pups. Although my sister would know more about that than I do. She's the one that keeps dogs as pets. I've always been a cat person. :)

[AFpheonix]

You can teach them to respect you as the pack leader, and it's a safety issue.
If you drop something on the floor that they're not supposed to eat, it's reasonable that you should be able to retrieve it and not lose your hand.

These are domesticated animals. They've given up a lot of other wild instincts to live with us, and other behaviors such as food aggression can be trained around, too.

[Andara Bledin]

You can totally train them to not be food agressive.

None of my family's dogs have ever been food aggressive.

Even the less domesticated can be trained out of it. They're a pack animal, and you (as the owner) should be the alpha, and thus you are the one that can get away with being food aggressive, not them.

^-.-^

[Shironu-Akaineko]

Very true!
My dog is definetively not food agressive, and I can even lift her back legs by the tail and she'll have a look on her face that says "Now where did I put my keys..."

Before you throw tomatoes at me, know that It's very, very rare I lift her bum by the tail. It's the only way to calm her down when I try to brush her bushy butt.

Repeat that 10 times real fast.

As for OT, it seems I'm the only one stupid enough to help some customers when I'm on break, as nobody else will help me if I need a grocery boy or something. But if a Grocery boy needs me for a customer, ooooh I gotta go out right awaaaaay...:rolleyes:

S.O.B.s.

[HALFHUMANHALFZOMBIE]

When I was unloading trucks, we used to take our breaks outside during the summer. We sat in front of the store for a while before the managers made us go out to the back of the store.

One time we were sitting out in front of the store when a customer came up to us and asked us where the grass seed was.

Me: In the seasonal department, next to toys and sporting goods.
SC: Aren't you supposed to walk me to them.
Me: I would, but I'm on break. They're in the seasonal department.
SC: If I still can't find it, it's your fault!

Where I live working when you are off the clock is illegal and you can charge them for harassment. If I had someone say that to me I'd tell them that I'm off the clock and you shouldn't harass me.

[myswtghst]

On the subject of food aggressive dogs, yes, you can train it out of them, but like all rules, this too has exceptions, and I've seen them.

Granted, our dog is the exact opposite of food aggressive--she likes you to sit right with her while she eats her dog food. :p She is a social animal, I suppose, but I still thinks she's just silly.

As of late, to get back on topic, I've had to leave my desk during lunch just to get away from queue lights, as I can't seem to stop myself from getting back on the phones, even if I'm on break.

[MrSunshineState]

When I worked at the Movie Theatre (we were connected to a mall) people would actually approach me at my table at the FOOD COURT to ask "What is playing" and "What time does blah blah start"? When I explained that we were an 11 screen multiplex and I cannot possibly memorize the showtimes for everything they would pass it off as me "not knowing my job" and "this is why I work at a place like this" etc.

The nerve of somebody to approach me at the opposite end of the mall to ask what is PLAYING!! The only questions I did not mind when I was on my break in the mall were from people that would politely say "excuse me" and then ask where the theatre was located. I had no problem directing people to our theatre. But to interrupt my dinner to ask what is playing then get mad when I can't remember everything we have....those people can go to hell.

I even started changing when I was on my break but the 'regulars' would still recognize me and ask me questions! :(

[powerboy]

Friday, I was the only one in the shop. So at my lunch, I closed up went and grab something from BK. Came back into the shop, locked up, and just ate the food, since our break-room was locked, damn owner.

[Delphae]

In my company, the manager cannot leave the store (exept to go to the bank) or log off for a break unless there is another manager on duty. However, we can take "working breaks" where we eat in the office and only come down if we are needed. I make sure I get the whole thing by setting my stopwatch and pausing it if I need to get up. I rather like them, because then I get paid for my break. :devil:

One time I had a customer stop me while I was on break. I didn't have my smock on, but I was carrying my dinner. Smart enough to realize the lady carring cooked food works there, but not smart enough to think, she's on her break.

[MMATM]

Working breaks are nice. On the other hand, you have to time them well, because if you time your break for right in the middle of a rush you might not get much of a break at all.

Bagel Hell forbade eating behind the counter, but we could drink coffee. Every day I would fill a coffee cup with soup (as long as it was something like tomato or chicken noodle, so that there was some broth) and drink it while I worked. The boss/ownerman never asked about it, as long as I wasn't favoring my own "coffee" over customers'.

[Imogene]

It got to the point where I'd just down coffee all shift and eat later.
End of shift routine then must be: *look at manager/coworker/SC, do the dance (you know the one, the Humpty Dance)* "Oh, my, gods! I gotta PEE!" *dance dance dance, look around nervously*

[Arcade Man D]

I have actually told customers to, though in somewhat more polite terms, "fuck off" when they bug me after I clock out/before I clock in. Mainly because they're always bugging me in the middle of playing some DDR. One time, I was doing that, and it was at the DDR Extreme machine after we just got SuperNova in, so it was directly across from the redemption counter, where my co-worker was sitting.

It wouldn't matter what I wear, either. I could wear a shirt that say "fuck off, I'm not working", and I'd still get bugged. It must be that aura of my soul having been crushed by working in customer service. ^_^;;