Just wondering what you think

G

grannyjo

Member
I have volunteered at an op shop for about 10 years now. It's a big op shop, with a lot of clothes, furniture, both new and old, bric a brac and a very large book section. It has the largest book section, and the cheapest in town.

I have become the "librarian" at the shop. It has been my department. We have a lending library, which I have cared for over the years.

I have also assisted with sales of the furniture and bric a brac, but not the clothes.

About twelve months ago, the church that runs the op shop decided to get in a new manager. (I am not a member of their church) He seemed to be OK at the time.

Recently, he has become a bit obnoxious.

My hours are from 9 to 12, three times per week.

A couple of weeks ago, I arrived at the door at 2 minutes to 9. The manager was behind the counter, so I knocked on the door. He simply pointed to his watch, indicating that I was too early, and left me standing out in the cold and the wind. (This is Australian winter time.) He had done that a couple of times earlier in the year when it was just that bit warmer.

I felt that was a bit over the top, so I turned on my heel and walked away and I haven't been back since.

I have not received a phone call from anyone from the church nor from the op shop and I am feeling that all those years I have given have been for nothing.

My fellow volunteers have been in contact, and they too have experienced difficulties with the manager.

I have enjoyed the work I have done there. I have my regulars who come in for a chat, or just to check if I have the particular book they have been looking for.

The manager is the sticking problem. I feel I no longer want to work there because of him.

I don't want to give up, but is there any hope?
 

You have seniority even as a volunteer. You also probably have chronological age and experience over this guy. I would talk privately to the folks who oversee him. Maybe some other folks could join you in addressing your feelings about him.
 
Wait... You mean you volunteer (unpaid) and this guy is acting as if you're on the payroll? You could send a letter to the church letting them know how much you enjoyed the work but that you thought they should know your reason for leaving. The fact you were a few minutes early or even if you were 15min late, he should have been glad that you made it! He probably won't be around long if others complain too.
 

I don't really feel that I have any redress via the church.

I have had to rebuff the offers to join the church group.

To me they are rather a fringe group religion.

One woman turns up each week, twice a week, asking that I join their group for morning tea or lunch - all expenses paid.

It wasn't like that originally.

They had a food programme to help those who weren't able to feed themselves. They gave furniture to those who had nothing. That aspect I felt was worthy of supporting.

It has changed so much.

Yes, some of the volunteers have decided, much like me that we no longer want to work/volunteer there.

I have spoken with other volunteer services, those who maybe could make a difference.

Perhaps it is time for a change.

I do have chronological age, but it seems that doesn't seem to matter.
 
grannyjo said:
I don't really feel that I have any redress via the church.

I have had to rebuff the offers to join the church group.

To me they are rather a fringe group religion.

One woman turns up each week, twice a week, asking that I join their group for morning tea or lunch - all expenses paid.

It wasn't like that originally.

They had a food programme to help those who weren't able to feed themselves. They gave furniture to those who had nothing. That aspect I felt was worthy of supporting.

It has changed so much.

Yes, some of the volunteers have decided, much like me that we no longer want to work/volunteer there.

I have spoken with other volunteer services, those who maybe could make a difference.

Perhaps it is time for a change.

I do have chronological age, but it seems that doesn't seem to matter.
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I think arriving within 15 minutes of the start time of any job whether paid or voluntary is completely normal and to be expected. That's when you put away your jacket and bag and use the facilities if needed before you get going.

I don't know if he resents you for not joining in the church activities, but since he's a problem with others that's likely not the case. I think you should be appreciated and thanked for all you do, I admire you for doing something like that. I'd hate to see you leave on account of one person, especially if you enjoy what you're doing.

I guess I would try at first to have a one on one talk with him, just a calm friendly chat to ask if there's something that he's upset about. Tell him how you felt when he wouldn't allow you to enter the building and see what he says. It might work out and things will be better for you, but if it doesn't you can't say you didn't try.

Good luck, I hope it goes well if you decide to do this, he's just a person, maybe he has a lot on his mind or a troubled personal life. Who knows, maybe he won't be there for long himself. He sounds unhappy, but he shouldn't make you that way. Hugs.
 
Perhaps the manager's treatment is due to the fact you are not a part of this church. I am inclined to think a change might be beneficial for you. I would hate being pressured to join any church. We have come to Jesus's evangelicals down the hall from

me in the condominiums where I live. Even though we all own our units in this building, they left religious tracts outside my door for years. Sigh. At least they limited it to that.
 
Grannyjo -- first off, what's an op shop?

Secondly, I think that guy's a complete jerk and shouldn't be managing anything. The fact that you are donating your time should get you a heck of a lot better treatment than that, and leaving you out in the cold and wind certainly doesn't exactly reflect Christian charity, to say the least.

I think I'd make the church office or whoever actually runs the shop or benefits from sales there (church council or whatever) aware of what happened and why I was leaving, and then I would go elsewhere. I worked long enough for jerks back when I needed a paycheck, and certainly wouldn't do it now that I'm retired.
 
I think this manager should be relieved and sent down the road kick'in cans. You don't treat people, especially volunteers, that way. I wonder how he is to the customers?

I was in a thrift store here in town and bought a large office chair. I talked to the manager and said I'd be back in 1/2 hour with my truck to pick it up. He said, "No, you have to take it with you now." So I went next door to the hardware store, bought some bungee cords and crammed the chair into the trunk of our car. I never went back to that store after that and it just closed down a few months ago.. Hmmm.

Maybe this manager ended up in your store?
 
I'm sorry to hear that you were treated this way. You deserve to have all of your 10 years of generous volunteer service recognized and appreciated.
 
Ok, I am going to ask the obvious here. Please forgive me if I missed something reading this thread.

What was the managers response to you when you told him you expected admittance upon arrival? You did speak to him didn't you?

If you did attempt a conversation with him,and was ignored or condescended too, you must address the governing entity either in person and definitely in writing stating your concerns.
 
Sorry, I've been away from this thread for a couple of days. Been going through a couple of health problems. Dentist, X-Rays, scans and so on.

Not getting any younger.

Butterfly - an op shop is maybe what I think you would call a thrift, or maybe a goodwill shop. Where the goods are donated and then on-sold to contribute to those who are down on their luck. Any other profits should also be used to achieve that aim.

Robusta - I tried calling, but he was "unable" to take my call.

Phoenix, I think you have hit it right on the head.

He is "THE" manager. He decides what will happen, and when.
 
With his behavior, they won't have customers much longer because he will run them off! I know I wouldn't shop in a store where I had to put up with someone like that.
 

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