Hello everyone. My previous diary made the rec list after I was away from a computer. I only have access while at work and I wanted to follow up with those of you who posted questions and comments, but in a way that was not disruptive to the narrative of the original diary.
I feel okay now, largely due to the help of this community. So many of you shared your own experiences from the service industry and it's good to remember we're not alone. As many service industry workers as there are, abuse and harassment are very isolating experiences.
I actually have two jobs. The first is 40 hr/week night shift position for a business class hotel. The second is a 20 hr/week gig with a library. I am saving to return to school, so I cannot afford to quit either right now. Switching shifts would mean dropping the library and I refuse to do that. I am actively seeking other employment, but there are only so many jobs available which are a) better than this one and b) I am qualified for.
I did my undergrad in a small Oregon tourst town where the options for employment were restaurants, hotels, or seasonal work with a call center (fun story: I got a concussion and a service award on the same day at the call center, but that's for another time). I figured working graveyard would never conflict with my class schedule, so here I am.
Abuse and harassment don't belong to one gender (although I've asked my male counterpart if he is ever harassed at night and he said no) and they don't vanish with more hotel stars. The only thing that changes with more expensive rooms is the patrons know to conceal their illegal behaviors. I always know when there's an escort on property or when someone picks up a date, although this is less a concern at my current hotel because of the location. I am not bothered by whatever it is people want to do in their own rooms as long as it doesn't endanger myself or someone else. Drunk people who get into their cars always gets a warning and a call to the police. Domestic disputes always get police called. I call missions and helplines for people who need those services, because night shift anywhere attracts these sorts of situations. I've evacuated hotels alone and saved huge corporate accounts. I don't have a problem asserting authority as long as it is not my situation. In fact, I am paid to do so. Dealing with guests interacting with me is another story.
I am very lucky that my managers here are supportive of the decisions I make with regard to guests. At previous jobs, I would be fired for saying what I did to the man last night. He complained I was "no fucking fun" and I said that it wasn't an issue of "fucking fun." I did not want strangers to touch me and I would call the police if he continued. His two less drunk friends took him to his room. This sort of thing happens more often here because of the orientation of the desk. Physically it's a simple matter to lean or reach over my workspace and many people need to be gently corrected not to because hospitality and service industry models have gradually oriented themselves away from safety in order to make a profit. "Friendly" people get more reservations and tips. Friendly people keep their jobs.
I actually got a death threat over the phone at a previous property. After I evicted him, management reinstated his reservation the following day and lied to me about it. Rent is so pesky and won't pay itself so I stayed for over a year after.
I do like the suggestion of mentioning cameras (this morning my partner suggested a baseball bat; this seems less subtle). I have three pointed at me although I am not sure they function. The appearance of security is there, so I will point them out in the future.
It isn't all bad. Last week I got to play Santa for children who were away from home, and I've taken a little girl's favorite teddy bear, wet from a rainstorm on a Great Adventure to dry off. I've made microwave breakfasts beautiful. I've helped people pass through the dark, get to wherever they're going.
Many of you mentioned the power of my voice. This is as true writing here now as it was last night. We all have the power to speak up when we see anyone being harassed and abused, from women who are cat-called on the street, to service staff everywhere.
Thank you for the space to use my voice here. When I leave the hotel forever, we'll have a big party. We'll cheer the passage of night. Until then, I'm the caretaker.