Had to choose between staying late to help a coworker or clocking out right at my time

Last Friday I was 5 minutes away from clocking out after a brutal 9 hour shift at the deli counter when this new kid, Marcus, got slammed with a rush of 8 customers all wanting custom sandwich orders. I knew if I left, he'd be stuck there alone for maybe 45 more minutes with no backup and the manager was in the back doing paperwork. But I was also exhausted, my feet were screaming, and I had plans to meet my buddy at 7. I went back and helped him knock out the line in 15 minutes, and he looked so relieved he almost teared up. It cost me a little time but honestly I'd do it again because I remember being that new guy drowning and nobody helping. Has anyone else had to make that call at their job and regretted or not regretted it?

2 comments

2 Comments

jakegarcia17d ago

Wow, you guys act like he asked you to donate a kidney or something.

lisa_bennett17d ago

Man, I've been there so many times. It's hard because you gotta look out for yourself too, but one time I was the new guy and nobody stayed, and I just about lost it. If you can spare 15 minutes, do it, but set a hard limit in your head like "I'll help for 15 and then I'm out." The trick is to be upfront with the coworker, say "I got you for a few minutes, then I really gotta go." That way you're not feeling guilty and they know to hustle. You did a solid thing, and that kid will remember it.