I think my boss thinks im stealing from him

[hervens]

Hello
So here's my issue... :
Ive been working at a pizza shop for about 3 years now, and im one of the most experienced cooks, after the owner.
Around 2 months ago, the owner handed me the key to the store, and I was balancing the cash, and closing the store 5 days/week. He seemed to really trust and like me since I was an honest worker.

However, 2 weeks ago, he went on vacation and his wife was coming in to check how the store was doing from time to time, and somehow, she walked in one day, didn't even say hi, asked me to hand over the keys, and told me I didn't need to balance the cash anymore.
Also, during the same time, there was renovation going on, so the security cameras were not working (I think)

Now that my boss is back from vacation, he treats me completely differently, and im 95% sure he thinks I was stealing money from him, (never did), and I think he feels that he's forced to keep me, because we're already low on staff, and training a new pizzamen/manager would be too expensive. I also have no idea how he came to this conclusion.

He never told me why he's pissed at me, or why im not closing the store/balancing the cash anymore (he's the serious/silent type )
Now, I feel really hurt because its hard getting accused of something that you would never think of doing.

So, what do you guys think I should do? Do you guys think I should quit and find something else, or just stick around?

[Flying Shadow]

Just go and talk to him about the change in his behavior. Tell him how honest you've been. If it doesn't work, quit.

[Johnny Metal]

This is no business thread, this should be moved to emotional mastery/social and relationships.

Originally Posted by hervens

So, what do you guys think I should do? Do you guys think I should quit and find something else, or just stick around?

When presented with two no-win alternatives, you should seek another third option. In this case, the third alternative would be giving back to the boss the money that you stole.

Anyway... I would approach him early in the morning with "Boss, I feel like you're treating me differently since you returned from your vacation, and I want to know your reason for it."

[Clint Cora]

Originally Posted by Johnny Metal

Anyway... I would approach him early in the morning with "Boss, I feel like you're treating me differently since you returned from your vacation, and I want to know your reason for it."

A less threatening alternative would be to go to him and ask him "How am I doing in my job? Is there anything that I can do better?" If he asks why you ask or doesn't give you a adequate response right away, you can then pry a bit more. You can then say 'I noticed that my responsibilities were changed again and wondering if it's because of my performance, etc.'

This is a less threatening way to get the same answers you want. You never want to go in with an accusing stance straight on as it just doesn't improve a working relationship.

[hervens]

Originally Posted by Johnny Metal

When presented with two no-win alternatives, you should seek another third option. In this case, the third alternative would be giving back to the boss the money that you stole.

I didnt! Like I said, I never stole a penny from him.

And this is looking real bad also, because I was planning to ask him for a raise when he came back from vacation, since I think im already underpaid for the amount of work that im doing, and the length of time i've been working there.

I think ill just go up straight to him, and ask him: "Btw, do you think I did something wrong?". And if I dont like the answer ill just look for something else.

[hervens]

Alright guys, I thought I'd bump this thread, because im feeling a little depressed right now, and this issue finally came to a conclusion.

The owner walked in today, and first thing, he started pointing out all the negatives, such as the store should always be sparkly clean, I should send employees home as soon as the rush finishes, etc. Then he came closer, and with a disapointed/sad look he told me: "Do you know what my wife told me? She told me why do I even keep you in the first place?" I responded: "So, i'm not working good enough?" He responded "no". When my shift was over, I got changed and came up to him and told him that He should find someone else to replace me, and ill give him a 3 week notice if he wants it.

And woow... you guys should've seen it. He litterally went crazy: He looked at me and just screamed: "Get the fk out of my store right now! Get out! get out right now!!".

Now I'm all pissed and stuff, because I think I was working fine, and Im very surprised to see how he reacted after I told him I was quitting. He also told me not to put his name as a reference on my cv, because he's going to say I was a bad worker.

So, now i'm unemployed, and im going back to college in 2 weeks. I don't really need the money since I still live with my parents, but i setted myself a goal this january to get 10k by the end of this year, and I really want to accomplish that, since I think it'll help me raise my self esteem, and credit "Intention Manifestation".... I don't know If I should look for another job, or work on designing and selling some blackberry/iphone apps, since I already released one and received mixed results.

Anyways, any advice, or words of wisdop =p you guys may have will be very appreciated. Like I said, Im feeling very depressed right now.

[AshNZ]

Sucks but I think you should be happy that you will finally stop working for a maniac. He frankly doesn't deserve you.

[Brutha]

I don't know If I should look for another job, or work on designing and selling some blackberry/iphone apps, since I already released one and received mixed results.

If you don't need the money I would rather spent the time on blackberry/iphone apps.
They have the potential for a nice passive income. At the same time you probably learn more than by working at pizza shops.

[Clint Cora]

Yes, it's never good to be in a bad working environment.