It feels so good...

to stick it to The Man. Yes, it does. And today I did that. I have mentioned before about the conflicts that I have had with my work schedule. Yesterday I my manager decided to change our schedules, and scheduled me to work today, from 2-7 pm. (When I first applied for this job, I specifically asked to get off Saturday evenings and Sundays) Of course I should have said something about it yesterday during work, but at the time I found out this information, I was in the middle of my "camera time" (which means I was working one of the cameras) and I really didn't want to deal with that conflict at the moment. I decided to suck it up and deal with the shift, even though I promised myself I would not work another shift that I requested to have off. So today after church, Joel and I left church. On our way home, I started getting angrier and angrier. I was frustrated because Joel and I haven't been able to spend a day together in a while...and this work situation would lengthen the time that we wouldn't be able to spend together, because I was scheduled to work...on the only day that we have set aside to spend together. But you know what? When I got home, I realized that I didn't care anymore. I really like my job, but I have gotten what I wanted out of this job. I've learned what I wanted, and was able to use my paycheck to purchase more camera equipment. I REALLY wanted to NOT work on the day I was told that I would originally have off. I discussed the situation with Joel for about 15 minutes, and decided to give my manager a call and let her know that I would not be able to come in today. Here's about what the conversation went like:

Me: "Hey Apryl. I would REALLY like to keep my job, because I really like it, BUT I absolutely cannot come in today. I have some family business that I need to take care of."
Manager: "And you knew about your schedule yesterday, right?"
Me: "I did. I should have said something, but I didn't. I dropped the ball."
Manager: "You said that you could work after 1 if you needed to."
Me: "I did say that. But I don't know what to tell you. I CAN NOT come in today."
Manager: "So are you going to do this every time I schedule you on Sunday?"
Me: "Perhaps." (LOL. sometimes the answers I come up with totally amuse me!!!)
Manager: "Ok, well I will talk to you tomorrow."

Soooo....I didn't work today. I'm glad I didn't. I have no regrets...well...except that I should have spoken up about it yesterday, BUT I didn't know the full details about Joel and his business trip either...I'm sure that I will get chewed out tomorrow at work. But, I don't really care. I'm not exactly looking forward to it. (Who enjoys getting a lecture?) I'm sure she will pull out the "You-should-have-spoken-up-on-Saturday" Card. I expect it. But I have a card too. It's the "You-guaranteed-that-I-would-not-have-to-work-on-Sunday" Card. She did the exact same thing that I did. I don't see how she has winning cards in this confrontation that we will be having tomorrow. Because you know what? I don't NEED to work. I've had better paying jobs, that I can easily pick up again...if I wanted to. I still think I have a job there, judging by the way she phrased things. But I'll probably have to deal with disciplinary action. I don't care.

I'm so glad I did this. It feels so good to stand up for myself. It's a great feeling. Yes it is.