Not as a kid, but as a young adult entering the workforce:
Never trade shifts with anyone.
When I heard this advice, I thought that this would be a dick move, because you are supposed to help out each other, since everyone appears to be in the same position (or metaphorically in the same boat). But some time later I witnessed what was meant: I had two coworkers that engaged in a shift-trade. One of the coworkers had an appointment and so he asked another coworker if they can switch shifts. The other one agreed to cover the shift, but he never got the favor back, as if that agreement never took place.
It turns out, that at work, everyone ist fighting for himself, and you should, too, catering to your own interests.
I know this is anecdotal, but I’ve seen the inverse of this numerous times personally - In fact I’ve had colleagues offer to take difficult shifts for me without me asking as they knew I was having difficulties in the family.
Not as a kid, but as a young adult entering the workforce:
Never trade shifts with anyone.
When I heard this advice, I thought that this would be a dick move, because you are supposed to help out each other, since everyone appears to be in the same position (or metaphorically in the same boat). But some time later I witnessed what was meant: I had two coworkers that engaged in a shift-trade. One of the coworkers had an appointment and so he asked another coworker if they can switch shifts. The other one agreed to cover the shift, but he never got the favor back, as if that agreement never took place.
It turns out, that at work, everyone ist fighting for himself, and you should, too, catering to your own interests.
I used to work in bars and restaurants for years. We’ve traded shifts quite often. I had many favours returned.
Later I worked in housing safety. We had to do lots of inspections, frequently far from home. We switched assignments all the time. No issues there.
It’s possible that there are times in which nobody can cover for you but don’t always account it to malice.
Life is long. Make sure you build up credit.
I know this is anecdotal, but I’ve seen the inverse of this numerous times personally - In fact I’ve had colleagues offer to take difficult shifts for me without me asking as they knew I was having difficulties in the family.
Not everyone is out for themselves.