I work for an excellent chain Italian restaurant as a server and I am great at my job. I am the most requested server and love my job — except for my boss, who is verbally abusive. I’d rather not leave or sue, but do I have any recourse?
I’m sorry, with a last name of “Giangrande” and growing up with meatballs for breakfast on Sunday mornings, it was difficult for me to concentrate after reading the first line — that dubious claim of “excellent CHAIN Italian restaurant”! My grandmother, may she rest in peace, would have slapped you upside the head with a braciole! That aside, it’s impossible to know whether “verbally abusive” is just a little normal kitchen heat or a real-life Hell’s Kitchen. Every workplace must be free of actions that create a hostile work environment, but that threshold is high and too nuanced to know if it’s been reached based on your letter. Consult with someone else in management and/or other workers, and perhaps get a free consultation with an outside counsel to help you determine if your boss’ actions rise to the level of unlawful behavior — or if he is just being what us Italians call a “stunad.”
I’m an avid reader of your column. I tried to start my own business that helps companies outsource their administrative functions rather than keeping their own staff. I think I had a good idea but I don’t have the resources to market and advertise — so I’ve decided I need to once again try for a full-time job. How best to use my startup attempt to show I’m entrepreneurial and work hard?
Since you’re an avid reader, you know a little snark is coming your way, right? I mean, your business idea is a great one — which is why it’s been done by thousands of companies for decades — it’s called “temporary employment.” My friend, I applaud the spirit, and perhaps there is some niche to fill, and your ambition can still be fulfilled. One way is to actually become a temp or apply for a job working for a temp firm. Once you learn the ins and outs of the business and develop some professional contacts, you may be better prepared to branch out on your own — or just help grow the business for which you are working.