I went to Family Dollar a few weeks ago and saw they were hiring, so I asked an employee how to apply. She told me they were extremely short-staffed and explained how to apply online, so I did.
Fast forward to the 23rd—I was at my mom’s house when I got a call. The woman on the phone sounded very enthusiastic and happy. She said she was eager to work with me and that my application looked good. At that point, I thought I was in the clear. I figured I might have the job.
We talked for about 10 minutes, going over my skills and past work experience. She said she was going to offer me the position, but before the call ended, she asked one more question.
Before I get to that, you should know I applied to a Family Dollar in Beloit, Wisconsin. It’s about a two-minute walk from my house. I have open availability—I can work any day, any shift, part-time, full-time, or holidays if needed.
Then she asked: “We are extremely short-staffed and desperately need a cashier in Austin, Illinois. Can you make that trip or potentially move closer to that location?”
I told her I couldn’t. I don’t have a car, and I can’t commute that far, especially toward Chicago. I also explained that I could easily get to the Beloit location—the one I originally applied to. She said that was okay and that she would follow up with me later.
Then, at 4 a.m. yesterday, I got an email saying they regret to inform me that I didn’t get the job.
So now I’m just confused. I’m not mad—just confused. Based on the phone call, she seemed really eager. And based on what the employee in the store told me earlier, they were desperate for workers. I figured maybe they had filled the position in the time since I first applied.
Later, when the store opened, I walked over there to see for myself. I know that’s a little weird, but I just wanted to understand if there was something wrong with me or if they were fully staffed.
I grabbed a Monster and some snacks, then went to the register. It was the same employee I had talked to weeks earlier. She asked if I had applied online yet. I told her I had, but it didn’t work out, and that the woman on the phone asked if I could commute to another location.
She responded, “F***ing Sammy.” Apparently, according to her, Sammy owns or manages the other location in Austin and has been redirecting strong applicants from this store to that one instead. Meanwhile, this employee has been stuck working most shifts—sometimes even doubles. She mentioned that while she appreciates the overtime, she’s also exhausted.
I just nodded and left with my stuff.
I don’t understand why they would assume I could make that kind of commute when I didn’t even apply to that state—let alone that city—only to deny me afterward.
Anyway, it’s kind of a rant, but yeah.