Well - update.

Dad went to work today and got fired. Apparently, while "out sick" for his interview yesterday, the boss was served papers from the state, and isn't in the least bit happy about it.

Dad's got a call into his attorney, and is filing for unemployment today. With the state behind him verifying his story, the boss has little ground to stand on to attempt to deny payment.

The Worker's Comp investigator told my dad to journal EVERY detail of the bossie's financial situation so that nothing will be forgotten.

Whew!

Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

Oh, goodness! I'm so excited to have the opportunity to SAH with my kids that I've been bit by the lazy bug! On more than one occasion (this particular internet session included) I have found myself thinking, "What's she gonna do? Fire me?" and I know I have to stop that!

Motivating tips would be appreciated! I want to have my desk all organized and my work as caught up as possible before leaving.... and can't see that happening if I get lazy.


Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

Not too recently updated by dad, but he did say that bossie went to a PEO and signed up for insurance, but that only settled the "No-Work" order.... there is still a fine to contend with for the failure to carry it for the past 9 years. Because of statutes, the max fine is $1.1 million, but I'm sure they will settle for less (but that's a rant - our schools could sure use a million bucks!).

He's got an interview for another job, so hopefully he'll get it and get the heck out of there!

Thanks for asking about him!!!

Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

After a couple of long months (maybe years!) of complaining, I finally hit the last straw. My husband and I talked about it last night, and I'm quitting my job to stay home with my baby.

Things will be tight - no doubt - but we can make it. We have enough "windfalls" coming between now and March to pay everything off.... and DH is up for a raise and has been hitting his sales numbers and earning bonus.

I'm giving notice on Monday. I would have done it today, but felt I'd rather have the weekend to be sure we didn't make a hasty decision. What do I tell her, since it's on the heels of a particulary heated discussion about my work? Do I just tell her I'm burned out and want to stay home with my kids? Do I tell her I'm just not able to drive 50 miles a day for my meeger salary? Or do I not tell her anything beyond the notice itself, and let her assume what she wants?

I'm so excited about being able to stay home. It's really - really made my outlook on life so much better!

Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

Well, the investigator showed up, talked to the boss. Boss got mad, investigator demanded to see his checking account register showing payment for WC dating back to the last known policy on file with the state, dated 1995! Boss got even madder - refused - and the investigator left stating he'd be back on the 5th day with a stop work order (shuts down the business until coverage is proven).

Dad talked with the investigator later in the evening - after work - and the guy told my dad that this boss will be fined $1000 PER DAY for every day he has not had WC Insurance. The statute limits the fine to 3 years - so his fine will be a cool $1.1 million bucks. The fine, BTW (hehehe!) is shielded from bankruptcy.

Further, in the event the company has to sell off it's assets and close down in order to pay the fine.... boss MUST pay unemployment to ALL of his staff (not just the ones who have been there 6 or more months).

Dad talked to his attorney - who told him that if he's fired or denied work for any reason because of this, they can sue for back pay and damages.

He thought he was escaping the system to make more money - and hydra-bossie got burned, BAD!

BTW - we are in Florida, USA Thanks for all the replies.

Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

My dad is in a bad spot - he's working for a guy that breaks all the rules.... from fudging his quarterly IRS reports to mistreating his employees (asked my dad once if he made a mistake by hiring a geezer, and etc) and not carrying Worker's Comp Insurance. Keep in mind that my dad's position is office - accounting based.

Two weeks ago, dad was asked to stop at a chemical supply and pick up 80lb bags of something (don't know why or what) on his way to the office. While unloading, my dad threw out his back. He wanted to go to the doctor, but his boss wouldn't let him. He then said he wanted paperwork for WC claim, boss told him, essentially, to take a jump off a bridge. My dad made a complaint with the state.

Today, an investigater called - boss was out of the office so my dad answered. The guy is on his way as we speak. He will tell the boss that he received a complaint, and wants proof of current WC insurance - and his failure to do so will result in the shutting down of his business and 3rd degree felony charges. My dad then checked his messages at home, and received a call from the investigator as well. He called back, and talked about his fear of being revealed as the complainant. The investigator promised to mislead the boss as to who the reporter was - and would say it was a construction worker.

My dad is convinced he's going to get fired. Does anyone know what rights he has as a Whistleblower?

Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

Sorry, guys.... didn't explain as well as I would have liked - was on lunch, trying to hurry and didn't proof read.

#1 - 60ish woman, long time employee - last year's employee of the year.  Suffers from arthritis, and fibromyalagia (meaning she is actively frail and always in pain).

#2 - 70ish woman, long time employee, nominee for this year's employee of the year.

#3 - trouble maker referred to in the post. She's 40ish, only been here 8 months or so.

The reason why her plus size was relevant when I typed it out was because I was trying to paint the proper picture - 2 elderly, long term employees with health problems being threatened physically (with a drawn back fist) by a size 22ish woman.

I'm very disgrunteld about this. I don't know how this lady got off with nothing but a "stern talking to." I want to go to HR and ask her if she heard of the incident.... our HR director is really up to speed on current issues, and I can't imagine she gave her blessing to a hand slap as opposed to a termination.

Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

Let's say there are 3 switchboard operators..... 2 older ladies (aged 60+) who have been with the organization a LONG time. Both have outstanding employment records. The third one has been here just about a year - is a little rough around the edges, in her late 40s, and a plus-sized woman (you'll read in a minute why that's relevant).

On Friday, the 40ish woman completely blew her top - without reason to - swearing up and down at receptionist #1, and when she raised her hand and threatened to strike her, #2 got up in the middle to break it up. #3 told #2 to go sit her ::::profanity:::::: down or else she'd get her ::::profanity:::: beat too.

Now, in my book, I think #3 should have been IMMEDIATELY dismissed. But she wasn't.... she claimed she'd just been taken off her anti-depressant medication, and that she was sorry. To me, I don't care what provoked you - if you are capable of striking a coworker (or even threaten to do so), you aren't welcome here. Period.

Thoughts?

Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

Dharma,

Yep, you are entitled to your opinion... granted. But anyone here who knows me can probably tell you how long it's been since I posted here.

You obviously don't know me - probably because even though I am a moderator, and supposed to be here daily I'm NOT. I think my most recent post before this dates back into early September (maybe), but that's it.

The fact of it is, I have to get the frustration off my chest. I can't vent at work (after all, wouldn't that be inappropriate?) and no one I know personally has a clue about what I do (except my husband) so in essence - I have no one to vent to that would even remotely comprehend what is going on here.

I guess all I want to say to your comment, Dharma, is "Whatever" because without knowing me, you wouldn't understand it.





Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

According to the last Post Office thing I looked at (and it's what I use as well) it's:

Suite = Ste

Hope that helps

Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

Ok - I've tried posting this a couple times now, and each time I have to close my Internet connection cuz bossie comes in. SO - let me try this yet again!

For the past 8 months or so, my boss has changed. She's distant, and unapproachable. She started running queries on the computer to check my work, and complains when I am behind (which, can't be helped unless they add a data entry clerk to our department), and has - in a roundabout way - accused me of lying on more than one occasion. She rifles through my desk when I am out, and leaves notes like "We need to talk" on my chair to see when I come back.

Now keep in mind that it's my game plan to just stay home with my kids, and work my direct sales business on the side to cover my share of the bills. I'm almost to a point I'm ready to do that - but want to wait and see how business is AFTER Christmas (because right now it's amazingly successful!)

Anyhow, rewind to last Wednesday. Just before leaving for the night, I took the contents from my inbasket, and set it at a different place on my desk so that I can go through it and re-prioritize it. I hadn't finished, so I left it there. That night, my daughter (who  turns 2 today) woke up gasping for air, and unable to breathe. It was a scary night, and I called in on Thursday.  When I come back Friday, my desk was totally reorganized (it wasn't a mess to begin with!) and a sticky note on my chair stating "We need to talk."

I was accosted for "hiding" my in-box from her, so that she couldn't check up on me. And again reprimanded about being behind. And this time (a first) she gave me a "deadline" to be back up to date (as in deposit for 10/9 done on 10/9) as of tomorrow, and if I don't she will formally write me up. I sat, and absorbed what she said, but the ultimatum drew the line. I can only put up with so much - and that exceeded my tolerance. I almost (almost, but didn't) tendered my resignation right then and there.

So - tomorrow is my "Ultimatum Day." And big surprise - I received 4 days worth of deposits from the business office today. Not one per day - 4 days worth at once. I was caught up enough to make my "deadline" - at least, until now.

I told bossie about it - so who knows what will happen. But as anal as she's been lately with my work, I'm only guessing it won't be friendly.

On a better note, I had applied for another job back in March... interviewed but not hired. Apparently, another position opened up, and instead of advertising the position, they opted to call the "top 5 applicants" from the other position first. I have an interview on Friday the 17th. THEN - a coworker's daughter has contacted me about coming to work for her. This job is #1 on my list - so I'm praying it works out.

Gals, I'm pooped. I'm tired of putting up with bossie's crap. I'm tired of driving 55 miles a day and putting up with bossie's crap. I'm tired of getting paid $10k less than I'm worth, driving 55 miles a day and putting up with bossie's crap.

At least I have my DH's blessing to resign if she writes me up tomorrow. It'll be tight, but we can make it.

Thanks for listening.

Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

I have a coworker friend to whom I am particulary close. She has a daughter my age, and we've met on many occasions and get along very well. Her daughter does the same thing that my boss does - Non-profit fund development.

The daughter just took a new job, and she will be needing to bring on a coordinator (my job) and she happened to think of me immediately. So my coworker pulled me aside in the break room this morning to ask me if I would be interested.

This job is working for a child development center, doing the job I do now (only less donation acknowledgement and more along the lines of what I am trained to do). It's 15 minutes from home (instead of 45 minutes currently)  and, (here's the best part) it's based on the school calendar. This means that the day ends at 3:30,  and would have off on Christmas, Spring Break and Summer (plus all the other school holidays).  So, in essence - this job could very seriously work for me, because my work wouldn't interfere with my ability to "be there" for my middle schooler.

I told my coworker that I would LOVE to talk to her daughter about it - so hopefully I'll know more this weekend!

So - I'm going to put my flextime request on temporary hold. I'm praying for good things to come... I have a great feeling about this!

Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

Well, the good news is that I had "put the bug in her ear" during my evaluation back in July. At the time, she seemed ok with it on HER level, but was going to check with HR and Administration to make sure it's ok. (Only, it's never been addresses since, so I don't know if it was declined or not).

No, my boss doesn't have kids, she's not married and she never will be (she's got a same sex significant other). So, she'll never truly "get it" with kids, although I've never really had a problem with her understanding things I need to do as a parent.

No one in the organization that is full time has an officially flexed schedule, although generally there are some who come in early and leave early without notice or issue.

However, one concern is that other staff members might somehow be offended that the organization tends to bend over backwards to accomodate me (case in point: I was permitted to bring my newborn baby to the office with me every day for 3 months after she was born. No one before, and no one ever again will have that priviledge, and some employees with babies the same age as mine got a little miffed that they were not permitted the same opportunity).

My boss is gone today and tomorrow, so I'll talk to her on Monday and see what she thinks can be worked out. Thanks!

Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

My oldest daughter started middle school 4 weeks ago, and to say the least is having some major problems coping. My husband and I have discussed it, and we have agreed that I can either get a new job with reduced hours, or just stay at home all together and work on my side business (Home Party Sales).

I'm not quite ready to take a flying leap into Stay-at-home motherhood, and would like to work something just part time.

My husband is off work on Mon and Tues, so my only deal is that I'd like to flex my hours during the week so that I am only working until 3pm Wed - Fri. I don't even have issues coming in early to maintain 40 hours.... but I *need* to be home for my DD, help her with her homework and get her life organized to cope with all this "stuff" relating to her graduation to middle school.

So, I'd like to tell my boss that I need to flex my schedule. But, if she says no I am fully prepared to quit. But, I don't know exactly how to say that without coming across as a dictator. Keep in mind my boss and I have a fairly good relationship, although it's never fully recovered from that time she accused me of lying to her.

Any thoughts?

Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

Well, see that's where I get so frustrated.... when it comes to what I do, she is the only one who cares to know where I am. And, her boss (our Executive Director) has no issue with my work so long as she gets asknowledgements to sign on a regular basis. So, no one is breathing down her neck about my work.

And then.... we are only a 3 person department. The 3rd person is a special events coordinator, and has nothing to do with my job.

It seems to go back to that day she accused me of lying to her. Like, she's trying to "catch me again" or something. The only reason she has to run this query is personal satisfaction/curiosity. And if she knows, then why is she quizzing me? It just doesn't make sense.

My husband said last night that if I get *that* frustrated with it, to just quit and be done with it.... but I'll have to take into consideration the health insurance and stuff before I just up and quit. I'm definately on my way outta here.

Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator