raisedbyignorance wrote:
. . . or they will make me work way beyond my hours. I had to endure this understaffing nightmare at Disney World when I did the College Program so I know how stressful it can be. . .
Now, the upside is that this won't happen and you'll get one or several supervisors who are actually reasonable individuals, and you'll learn a little about business, as well as have some fun and make some money. That's the upside.
But, yes, some places do try and push employees on hours or even pressure you while you're on the clock to stay later. And that's not so cool. The pressuring aspect. Asking is one thing, pressuring is another. As a backup, what would you think of having a lie of deflection, such as "family responsibilities"? You don't give more information. You keep it vague, which hopefully acts as a face saver for both you and the other person. But you hold your ground. No, you cannot stay late because of "family responsibilities." And if someone really pressures you, which is majorly uncool, asking what family responsibilities (wow, that is really beyond the line). "I have a family event and family situation that I need to help with." And you give no more information than that. Zero. If necessary, just repeat it. "I have a family event and family situation that I need to help with. I need to leave at 6." And if 6 is the end of your shift anyway, it is so uncool for them to pressure you. Asking in a polite manner is one thing, as is making a request in a polite manner, but pressuring is quite another. So, you have the first deflection.
"I'm sorry. I can't. I have family responsibilities." And then you have the second deflection as listed above. This is the second fallback position. You might also pick up how they treat co-workers. You have the right to set your personal limits.