What to do?

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

Corporate has created a new position at my store--truck unload supervisor. This is pretty self-explanatory--the job is to oversee the work of the unload crew and make sure everything gets done that needs to get done.

Nobody has applied for this position yet. I haven't because I absolutely, positively DO NOT want the job. Here's why:

• It is a part-time position. I am full time. To maintain full-time status I'd have to pick up hours in other jobs, and about the only place in the store I could do that is on the stock crew. Which means unloading trucks until 9 pm one night and coming in at 5 the next morning for stock crew at least twice a week, and kissing good-bye any chance of a reasonable sleep schedule
• The unload crew at my store is pretty sucky. I complain about them all the time. It seems they can get a truck done fast, or done right, but they cannot do both and some nights they can do neither. So every time they leave freight on the trailer, or sort cartons to the wrong pallets, or stack the pallets so crappily the boxes fall off when you try to move them, I will be personally responsible. I try to lead by example and point out mistakes they make, but they never seem to listen and I don't have time to fix everything
• There does not appear to be a pay raise with the job.

Everybody in the back room has been trying to encourage me to apply for the position. Management has been asking me to consider it. I have a feeling if nobody applies for the position, they will try to force me into it. There is another guy back there who I think would be perfect for the job, but he's moving to LP.

So, what do I do if I get offered the job? Or am I whining about nothing?

[CancelMyService]

Gee, crappy hours, no raise in pay, and the opportunity to be in charge of a sucky crew. I can see why you'd be eager to take that position!

I say if they try to force you into it, you'd have a pretty good case to say no. If they try to pull any shenanigans I'd just mention they let Numbuts remain employed despite apparently not doing shit, so they don't seem to have any leverage to force you to take any position you don't want.

[Jester]

So, what do I do if I get offered the job? Or am I whining about nothing?

From all that you said, it sounds as if this job has exactly zero upside for you. So if they do in fact offer it to you, what you do is pretty simple. You politely, but VERY FIRMLY, refuse.

"I appreciate the offer, but for several reasons I do not feel that that position would be right for me."

"I am flattered that you thought of me for this, but for a number of reasons I do not think that it would be a good match."

"Thank you for the consideration, but I just do not believe it would be in my best interests to accept that position at this time."

Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

If you honestly believe that this would be a major suckhole for you--and it sounds that you do--do not under any circumstances let them talk you into it. Stand firm, be polite, but absolutely do not let them crumble your resolve.

And keep us posted.

Sounds like they should be offering it to someone who needs some more part time hours, honestly. If they like your thoughts on the unloading so much, they might think of having you TRAIN the new guy (and that would only screw with your sleep schedule for a few days), and that might be a good way out of you taking the position yourself, but whatever you do, don't be the one to actually SUGGEST that. And if they suggest it, let them talk you into it only (A) if there is bonus pay involved, (B) if you really want to have your input on unloading become part of the new guy's philosophy, AND (C) after they have pleaded with you for some time. I wouldn't do it without all three, personally.

Then again, I wouldn't do anything that would require me to be somewhere for work at 5 freakin' am! But that's me.

[cinema guy]

. I try to lead by example and point out mistakes they make,

This is why they want you to do the job - you know what needs doing.

It sounds like managment know there is a problem, but don't have the time or inclination to supervise unloading themselves.