Working at Kohl’s FT but now I need to ask the Manager for PT hours….
I was hired at Kohl’s as a FT Customer Service Associate but after two months working I’ve been suffering from intolerable knee and back pain everyday. I often find myself sneaking into the fitting rooms just to sit for a few minutes to relieve the pain. Unfortunately, the problem is that I’m obese and my body can’t take 8 hours on my feet. I started a diet plan with my Dr but it’s going to take some time before I’m at a good weight to be on my feet all day. I’ve been feeling depressed often because I can’t afford to be out of work again but I don’t know how to approach the store manager about this problem. It’s so embarrassing. I don’t know what to do.
You can also ask if they will make accommodations and let you sit but I doubt it. I spent 1 1/2years on my feet in a retail job trying to bring in an income (the job paid horribly) and I was in constant agony (feet/knees/back) and I was admonished if I asked to take a break to get some relief. I thought I could do it and was shamed into taking the job because after being out of work and frantically looking for employment this was the only thing that came along (I have 2 college degrees and 18 years experience in medical imaging..no jobs) people were saying I had to take this job if I was serious about keeping my home. It was h*ll from day one. I understand your pain and I would just be honest with the manager and then use the time you are off to look for a job where you are not on your feet (call center customer service). I could not do that again.
Ibuprofen and tylenol. Buy yourself some comfortable shoes.
Otherwise, explain the situation and ask if you could be given fewer hours. I would think they'd be happy to do that given they wouldn't have to offer you benefits
Hi Lucy, I worked for Kohls as well and have a lot of back problems. I know from personal experience that it is very hard to get a full time job and you want to try your best to not lose that. Talk to you E3 about maybe moving to POS and using a stool. Make sure you get a doctors note. At least this way you can move back to your old position when you feel able to. I have seen a lot of people, lots of different disabilities, that have been allowed to go to POS and able to use a stool. Worth a shot to save your knees and your job. Best of luck!
Hi Lucy I have the same situation and I have been @ a different I believe standing on your feet for eight hrs is too much
Lucy: You know not to quit. Listen to some of these good people. Talk to your manager. I'm sure He or She will understand. If not you may have to get a doctors note. Good Luck on your job.
Before you speak with your manager there is a vitamin with 2 ingredients, glucosamine + chondroitin that you can take. There are various brands and there is also a non-carbonated juice called Elations that comes in two flavors. I do this when my knees start to bother me and it works. Do this for about one week and see if there is a change before you say anything.
Hello Lucy hope all is well. My suggestion is just to be honest with him and just tell the truth bcuz u never know they may have something else u can do that don't require u to stand for long periods of time. Being honest is always the best way to be and if they don't have anything for u do when your health gets better they will probably hire u back bcuz u were honest. You never know u might need to go back to Kohl's eventually and u will b n good standing with them. Just some advice bcuz im a big girl myself but I been going to the gym and working out at my own pace and I been losing and I'm feeling real good and I've gotten addicted to it lol. GOD BLESS U AND I WISH U THE BEST.
Please talk to the manager openly and see if there's a way to work around dropping to part time. I worked for Kohls for 8 years and the full time slots are hard to come by and once you step down, benefits suffer and you most likely won't be able to get full time again. See if they would allow a stool behind customer service. But please take care of yourself! Minimum hours for full time is 32 so see if you could drop to that if that would help.
Hello Lucy, Talk to your manager about work options if it's becoming a bigger heath concern for you now.
You can also ask if they will make accommodations and let you sit but I doubt it. I spent 1 1/2years on my feet in a retail job trying to bring in an income (the job paid horribly) and I was in constant agony (feet/knees/back) and I was admonished if I asked to take a break to get some relief. I thought I could do it and was shamed into taking the job because after being out of work and frantically looking for employment this was the only thing that came along (I have 2 college degrees and 18 years experience in medical imaging..no jobs) people were saying I had to take this job if I was serious about keeping my home. It was h*ll from day one. I understand your pain and I would just be honest with the manager and then use the time you are off to look for a job where you are not on your feet (call center customer service). I could not do that again.