Why? Oh why?
It’s a strange feeling arriving on site and finding out that the new hire didn’t show up. It blows up the plan for the day and depresses the one helper that did show up, despite having a fat thumb from some weird infection.
Why the ghosting? I know that most young people practically live on their cell phones. So, why not call or text the boss and tell him you’ve changed your mind. Maybe you picked up a new, better paying job or you got scared. It happens. But what’s the excuse for ghosting a new employer? It happens a lot now and I have no idea what the cause or excuse might be.
I think it’s rude and totally inappropriate.
A good gig
I think the no-show dudes are making a mistake. Sure, we had an unprecedented June heat dome which made it very difficult to work outside; and, yes, there will be rain and cold in winter. But, landscape horticulture stood up well during the pandemic. Knock on wood, I didn’t miss a single day and I had plenty of side jobs.
Starting wages vary from company to company but overall, they beat the service industry easily. You get regular Monday to Friday hours, regular breaks, benefits are available and you can move up. Company policies are very clear on any kind of harassment or bullying. Any weekend work is optional. And having the pleasure of my company is priceless.
Workers who perform well can get sponsored for apprenticeships in landscape horticulture. This involves six weeks of schooling in winter and working alongside people like me for the rest of the season.
Once you finish level four, you can sit the Red Seal exam. If you get the required 70% pass mark or better, you become Red Seal Journeyman Horticulturist. Unless your body says no, you’ll never be unemployed again.
Stop ghosting
Here’s the point of my rant: if you tell a new employer that you’re coming to work on Monday, show up. If you change your mind on Sunday night, call, e-mail or text the boss. It happens. Better jobs come along or you get a bit scared about trying a new trade.
But chances are, the whole day is based on you showing up for training and orientation. So let somebody know if you’ve changed your mind. Easy.
