A Momentary Interruption

Well, I've been away for a few weeks.

First, I became a corporate restaurant slave.
Then, blogger got hacked and I couldn't complain about it in blogworld since the website was in nonsense language.
And finally, I went to the shore.  The Jersey one.

So.  In that order.

Remember when I said I liked waiting tables?
Well, that didn't exactly change.  Just everything else that went with it.
The late nights.  The poor eating habits.  The lack of sleep.  The inability to pursue my real job.
The long hours and low pay.  The scheduling bullshit.  Being told I don't smile enough.

Seriously.  That actually happened.   My boss told me I don't smile enough.

Me.  Happy Harry.

And, in the final twist of the new adventure, after debating with my friends whether to quit in time for the reunion, I got fired.
Well, at least in my eyes I did.  And frankly, I think it would hold up in a court of law.  I won't be signing any statement to the otherwise when I return my clothes.

Pre-firing situation:
I couldn't find anyone willing to cover my Wednesday lunch shift.  I was going to be out of town on actor business and needed someone, but at the last minute it didn't work out.  I had worked 5 extra shifts for the "house" in the previous 10 days, including the previous 6 days straight, so I figured I would just have to call out of work this fateful Wednesday.

Conversation went pretty much like this, approximately 1.5 hours before opening:
"Hi, Boss, this is T.  I wanted to call and let you know I can't make it to work today."
"Um, well why exactly is that?  Are you sick or something?"
"Honestly, I'm utterly exhausted after working 6 days straight and can't make it in today."
"Well this is just unacceptable.  I'm exhausted and I work all the time.  This is a place of business.  You have an hour and twenty minutes, you can make it in."

Some highlights from further on:
Boss: "Honestly, I thought you had better character than this."

Boss: "So you're saying you're not coming?  Well, it's no show, no job. You're willing to give up your job over not working today?"
Me: "I won't be bullied into coming into work today, sir."

Later:
Boss: "I run a place of business.  This is unprofessional, and I expected more out of you.  You have three choices, get a doctor's note, come to work, or no show, no job."
Me: "I feel like we're making a mountain out of a molehill here."
Boss: "What?"

Boss: "Do we have your correct address on file?
Me: "I'm sorry?"
Boss: "You're not coming in then?"
Me: "No, I won't be coming in.  Shall I come in and finish out the week?"
Boss:  "We'll send you your last check.  Please come in and drop off your uniform."

Post-firing conversation:
I received a text message from a colleague saying that the managers were saying I chose to leave, and I told him that I did not quit, I was let go because I would not come to work that day.

Maybe I'm wrong here, but threatening me with "If you don't show up to work today or get a doctor's note, you lose your job" when I have never been late or missed work before seems like he was looking for an excuse to let me go.  I was a) physically and mentally exhausted (as evidenced by my poor performance that Monday night) and otherwise committed, not feverish or symptomatic warranting a doctor's visit and b) not insured with health insurance that would pay for said doctor's visit.  I followed professional protocol to say I wouldn't be in to work, and they chose to let me go for that reason.  I don't believe I "chose to quit" simply because he said "no show, no job".  That statement says "I will fire you if you don't show up".  I politely notified I wouldn't be showing up to work that day, and he semi-politely notified me I no longer had a job.

Whatever the final resolution may be, I am thrilled to be a starving actor again who is inspired to pursue his real calling.  While this month-long detour was interesting, and one for the memoirs, I personally think I am more qualified and talented than serving burgers and fries to the bridge and tunnel.

Now somebody hire me for my real skills!