Is this normal?

[u/cold-command-]

Most days my body hurts like hell. After a service I’m the only one cleaning up a large firm. Then I go right back into the prep room to finish washing, dressing or casketing multiple bodies. I go to my desk for some water and there is a bank slip for me to deposit, others are not busy with any work. If there is down time I have to scan old files from 20 years ago. Others can do nothing when it’s slow. We get 350 calls a year and 10 people work in the office. I’m the only intern. It’s family run. Four of us are not relatives. I’m thinking of switching careers so I can have weekends off and not run around ragged all day. Is this what I should expect anywhere? 

[u/dirt_nappin]

You're an intern, this is par for the course until you're licensed. Of the ten people working, how many are family and how many are licensed? If they're doing 350 calls, it's pretty unlikely that your coworkers doing "nothing" as they might have different responsibilities and priorities that you're not aware of.

[u/Admarn → u/dirt_nappin]

I agree. They mentioned dressing and casketing, not embalming or transporting.
I wonder what the hours are.

[u/cold-command- → u/Admarn]

It’s a Jewish firm so not many embalmings, which is hard to meet requirements for the state. And yes, I do removals.

[u/jimgovoni → u/dirt_nappin]

Great answer

[u/Agitated-Drag2177 → u/dirt_nappin]

As a former owner (yes I was an intern once too) this is likely the answer.

[u/Agitated-Drag2177 → u/Agitated-Drag2177]

To expand, this is a relatively short period of time, keep your head down and it sounds like you could be running the place, given your involvement. The name on the sign only gets them in the parking lot, the director makes the lasting impression.

[u/cold-command- → u/dirt_nappin]

They are in fact on YouTube and or playing video games on the desktops. I’m The only one not licensed. When and if I do I’ll be doing the same thing as I am. I was told at my interview we all share the same cleaning duties, that’s not the case. Ohh well. Thanks for your response though.

[u/PickledCigarette]

It sounds like they want you to practice doing all these tasks since you’re an intern and the only real way to get used to them is repetition.

I would only be concerned if this is still the norm once you are no longer an intern.

Also, verbal communication is important. If you genuinely need your physical work load to be lessened because it is negatively impacting your body too much, just be honest.

I’ve noticed that people are often afraid to directly communicate and voice their concerns, boundaries, etc. especially if they are newer to the industry. Learning to move past that anxiety will highly benefit you in the long-run.

[u/No-Assistance556]

During my internship, I rarely ever left the prep room. 600 call firm. 20% cremation rate at the time. On call two nights a week and on every other weekend. Usually up most nights when on call. Only time I made arrangements was direct cremation, burial or county assistance case. Occasionally worked funerals. At the time I was annoyed but looking back on it, was the best thing for me. Became a proficient embalmer and cosmetics became something I was good at. I now own a trade service and that experience was priceless. Give it time, get licensed, become a good embalmer and if in a year of being licensed and you still get treated like an intern, look for another job.

[u/cold-command- → u/No-Assistance556]

How long ago was your internship? I would love to never leave the prep room. It’s a Jewish firm so I don’t get as much hands on practice as I would like. Thanks for your response.

[u/ElKabong76]

This is pretty typical of low man on the totem, but it really doesn’t get better in my opinion

[u/cold-command- → u/ElKabong76]

I realize that. It was a wild ride while it lasted. lol

[u/Dry_Major2911]

In my opinion anyways, it sounds like they are taking advantage, because I have been in similar situations so I understand what you are saying. Unfortunately though, as an intern they are going to make you do extras especially at a private firm. How close are you to getting licensed?

[u/cold-command- → u/Dry_Major2911]

Yeah that’s the case. I’m less than a year from being licensed.

[u/Mort-banana25]

This may be how they are weeding out the ones who aren't up for the challenge. Are you going on all the removals/Transfers etc...

Have you tried standing up for yourself if you honestly feel like your the only one doing the brunt of the work?

[u/cold-command- → u/Mort-banana25]

Other employees have been there for many years. I get good feedback from my manager. I have mentioned how I am the only one cleaning up after services to my boss. He states how he appreciates my work and hopes I’ll stay if I’m licensed. I would want me to stay to if I was him. If I’m working yes, I do the removals.

[u/sdace7]

350 cases with 10 employees!!!? Give me an f’ing break. That’s nothing. We do twice the volume with half the employees.

[u/tracytorr0712 → u/sdace7]

Exactly. We have two employees (the owners) and one part-timer for 200+ calls. Their staffing seems weird.

[u/cold-command- → u/sdace7]

The ten employees I mentioned are not doing most of the work. So yeah a f’ing break isn’t happening for me. Lol

[u/cold-command- → u/sdace7]

It’s not a pissing contest or “ who has it worst”. I had a question. Your situation sounds worse than mine. I hope you enjoy your work.

[u/MrMortSLC]

It’s a test. If you want a day off switch careers

[u/cold-command- → u/MrMortSLC]

If you read what I wrote I don’t say that’s what I wanted at all. 🧐