It's been a busy couple of days. I've worked two full 10 till 6 shifts at the CS shop, because the manager was short on staff and also needed to spend a day at a management meeting.
The first day, I wasn't aware that I needed to stay late until one of the other volunteers came in and told me that she had to go early, so it wasn't an ideal situation, as when I get home at 7.15pm I still have to walk the dog. Luckily, OH volunteered to do a second dog walk that day, as I was pretty tired and just needed to sit down for a while.
The second day, I was kind of in charge of the shop all day, whilst the manager was at a meeting. I had a couple of volunteers working with me at all times, so it was okay and we got done what the manager had left for us to do, plus dealt with any incoming donations. No big dramas or anything really, although the till wasn't working properly. We were still able to use it though, thankfully.
I was a bit more organised for the second shift, as I'd walked the dog before setting off and posted a parcel I had to send before I went to the shop, which left me free to concentrate on what needed doing once I got there.
Several volunteers and interns are leaving this week, so it's back to skeleton staffing. I can see me doing a few extra hours here and there in the coming weeks to help out. I don't mind so much when LB is back at school, but for the last two days of this week and of her summer holidays, I'm spending all of my time with her, doing some last minute school shopping, getting her a haircut, picking up her new glasses, etc. etc.
On a different note, things have started to get moving again with my eBay selling, so it's bringing in a small amount of income, which is always welcome. I'm going to find the preparation of stock a bit more difficult this year, having to fit it in around my volunteering, but I'll just have to do what I can.
Good news on the allotment front too. I think I passed the inspection, as I got an email saying that it was looking good. I'm hopefully keeping it on until a smaller one becomes available, although I've got no guarantee of one yet.
All in all, and despite being super busy, it hasn't been a bad couple of days, but I won't count my chickens as things can change on a sixpence!! I hope you're having a good week.
I'm surprised they leave the shop with just volunteers. Shouldn't there be a paid member of staff there? You've put in a very long day, you must be whacked.
ReplyDeletexx
I agree with you Mum. Last year head office suggested that all afternoon staff should learn how to cash up and close up the shop in case a manager wasn't there.
DeleteI was not unclear in my answer to that!
I do get a bit tired by mid afternoon, but I think my stamina is building up, which can only be a good thing, as if I took on a paid job anywhere, I would probably be required to do full days.
DeleteIn this sense, I look on it as good experience to help me get back into workforce and maybe eventually get a paid job somewhere.
Unfortunately the manager is the only paid member of staff in the shop and realistically can't be expected to be there every open hour of every day of the week.
You have had two busy days!! Like Mum though I am surprised that a paid member of staff is not on duty at all times.
ReplyDeleteHope you have an enjoyable two days with LB before she heads back to school.
God bless.
What a relief about the allotment, hopefully you can get the desired swap now.
ReplyDeletePlease be careful to not take too much on with the shop - it can creep and end up being a lot. Don't take on too much then regret it, it's not your responsibility to keep things running - as they say "when the fun stops, stop".
I hear what you are saying and I try to be careful and not take too much on.
DeleteI think it was just a one off due to a meeting that the manager needed to attend. She's the only paid member of staff in the shop and can't be there every hour, 7 days per week.
From what I hear of some shops, we're pretty lucky, as some shops have very few volunteers.