Black Friday

[jadegrniiz]

At 4:45 yesterday afternoon, the office manager informed me that I would not be taken on as a permanent employee. She further advised me that the company does not give notice, and that as of that exact moment I was unemployed.



She sited that I was such a wonderful person with great skills, but that she's had several conversations with my boss, and that I just wasn't a "perfect match" according to him.



I am TOTALLY blindsided! Never once was I given any negative feedback in regard to my performance. In fact, everything I heard was thumbs up. How is it that my boss ran to the office manager about something I apparently wasn't doing right, and never ONE SINGLE time did I even know? How can they expect me to fix something when I  didn't know it I was doing it wrong? And why should that have cost me my job?  When I got that job, I got 2 days training with the office manager who kept running off to her own duties. Period. I can't possibly learn everything there is to know about construction, bidding, engineering and estimating in a 2 day crash course!



What has me just as upset was the reference that this was known about for a week or so. But could the office manager at least been courteous enough to call the agency and let them know I'd be out of work come Friday? NO! She called them at 4:30 on a Friday afternoon. No one can find work at that late hour.



So, now here I sit... totally unemployed. And this time, I'm ineligible for unemployment. SO now what am I supposed to do? I've dusted off that resume yet again, but my hope is dwindleing because it took me 5 months to get this past job. I vowed that should nothing come through on Monday from the agencys I've called, that I'd go and apply for a retail job at the mall on Tuesday. Something, anything, will have to do this time.



Sorry this was so long guys... just really bummed out about the whole deal. I almost feel violated in a sense.  Thanks for listening, as usual.



Lori

[goldenearring]

Hi, Lori:

So sad to hear about your bummer experience.  I think you have been temp-to-perm scammed.  You've been there awhile, haven't you?  I of course know nothing about this except what I've read on other postings by people that this has happened to, but it sounds more like they want to avoid paying a pretty hefty fee to bring you on board full time.  Maybe they've found a replacement who can start Monday.  It can be brutal out there, but I'm sorry it happened to you.  I know it took you a long time to find a decent job.



BUT, this is a NEEEEEEWWWWWWWWW DAY!  Believe me, the job that you want is out there - - somewhere.  And, believe it or not, you can be glad that if the company is like that, that you didn't get hired full-time.  I've had to do this pump-myself-up stuff when I got fired from a job I liked.  They told me the day before that they hoped I would be there forever, and what a great part of the team I was and how they appreciated the contribution I'd made in the short time I'd been there, and then the next a.m. - - ka-BLAM.  I know whereof I speak when I tell you to put a time limit on the pity party.  When the time expires, send the guests home.  Get out the yellow pages and want ads, and make a "hit" list for Monday.  Monday, call and set up appointments at all the agencies you can.  Book yourself silly.  Your resume is probably up-to-speed, but just look it over today and tomorrow.  Once you get your Monday stuff done, then hit the online stuff, if you haven't already.  



It sounds like the job market where you are in Florida isn't exactly booming, but if you write down exactly what you want, you're far more likely to recognize it when it pops up.  Define what you want salary-wise, benefits, hours, type of boss/workstyle, environment, location/length of commute, etc.  This really helps a lot for some reason.



Oooooh, chicky poo, I wish I could hand you a little piece of Dove chocolate, but then I want you to fit into your interview suits, so scrap that idea!  Hit the gym this afternoon!     I think your idea to get a semi-permanent job at the retail mall while you job hunt is a great idea.  I don't know if this is a viable option for you, but I think I might consider it if I had gone through as much as you have for the little while we have "known each other" (snicker!) online, looking into a 2nd shift production or assembly job.  They're always looking for people, and most of the companies, at leaste in Minnesota offer benefits, too.  I think you're good at going way out of the box on how to get what you want, and all I can say is I'm pulling for you way up here, and I know you'll come through.  Just keep chanting the mantra, "No effort goes forth unrewarded.  No effort goes forth unrewarded.  No (*#@@&%@!!!!**@#) effort goes for un(@#$@#)rewarded!)  

Hugs and COURAGE - GE  P.S.  Did you ask for advice?!  Forgive me if you need to!  

[goldenearring]

Jade!

Before I get whacked on the cyberhead by somebody for suggesting you find a 2nd shift production job of some sort, here is the reasoning which I note I forgot to include.  Benefits, higher-than-retail pay--in many cases--assuming you can find one where they don't require specialized experience, and hours (2-11) that will let you see your hubby/have a semi-normal life with cash income, PLUS give you mornings to interview.  So, I hope when I push this ADD REPLY button that nobody has already pounced on me! Since it's Saturday, maybe I'll get lucky.



Also, think of the fuel all this energy will add to your creative avengement process for Hydra.  Don't just tie him to the car rack, Heck!, SUPER GLUE him there.  Hang a fruit basket from his mouth/ditch the apple idea.  See, there are other things to think of that can cheer you up.  (Will 2 hydras fit on a car rack? . . . )

[jadegrniiz]

GE, you crack me up!  You seem like the type of co-worker I've always wanted to have within earshot of my desk. What a fun (and don't forget professional) person you must be like "in reality".



As for the 2nd shift job, I've thought about that very option. My problem (and its not a problem really, just a term) is my 8 yr old. If I were to do a 2-11 shift, the only time I'd see her is when she wakes up before school. And not to mention Jeff's schedule flexes between 9AM and 8PM. Someone has to be around for her... we can't both be working. Shoot, if that were the case, Jeff would find me a job in his company. I'm just not meant for 2nd or 3rd shift work.



A retail job however, would allow me to work anytime between 10AM and 6PM..  with qite a bit of flexibility for interviews. To be honest, I even thought about just going to Wal-Mart (heaven knows I could use that discount!). The ones here are open 24hrs, so the sky is the limit really.



My other problem is that since I told the hydra which cheek to kiss (hehe) about that car rack, my reference is BOUND to be terrible. What a great way to start the job search, eh?



I have already updated my resume, and even faxed it to 3 different offices with ads in today's paper. I can relax on Monday, because of the holiday and my desire not to pay for daycare if it is not necessary. But, should an interview come up Monday, I've already got a sitter in the wings.



My outlook has gotten better and better, but I'm getting madder at the situation I just came out of. Its a girls night out tonight... so I'm gonna put it away and have a great time.



By Monday, it'll be a new life.  

[lfctpa]

Lori,

So sorry to hear your bad news.  I know that you know all the pep talk and could probably recite it verbatim, but it's a new day and a new year, so.... "just thinking about tomorrow..."



I'll keep my ears open and if anything in the neighborhood comes up, you'll be the first one I'll tell.



Your neighbor - Laura



Cyber hugs comming at you

[goldenearring]

Hey, Lor - Here's to Walmart!  Up up and away!  Yeah, the kid-lettes can put a wrench (albeit a cute little wrench) in the best-laid plans.  And, yeah, you deserve to be angry at those boneheads.    Get out the hammer, a 2x4, and some nails and start taking out some frustration.  It'd be fun to work with you.  Seriously, though, just HOW much work do you think we'd really get done?!  (snicker)  We'd be too busy thinking up exquisite tortures for those who ruffled our feathers.  Hydra on a flagpole, anyone?!

[jewels6567]

The company I work for has a few offices in Florida...could be perhaps you are near one of them.  If you want you can e-mail me and I will send your resume down to their recruiting department.  My e-mail address is julie.l.jarrait@us.arthurandersen.com.  I won't be working here after the 25th but if you send it before then I will make sure it gets to the right person.  



Also you might want to look around and see what companies are near you (some don't advertise in papers, but I notice names on buildings) and then get on their website and most have links regarding employment.  I know AOL has several affiliates all over the company and have a lot of job openings.



Good luck!



Julie

[lioness70]

This is so familiar with these temp-to-perm jobs.  I went through it 4 times, and 3 times, at the last minute, I was told they didn't need someone permanent.  One time I was absolutely furious because I did a ton of dirty work for a boss (the worst was standing at a copier for 6 hours (!!!) copying some big brochure for a meeting), and the same thing happened.  A couple of days before my assignment was up, the boss called me into his office and said that there was no room for me in the department.



What I found out much later was that company had recently moved, and the agency sent over a bunch of people to help them set up and reorganize after the move.  All of them were promised temp-to-perm by the agency and not one of them was hired.  I started my assignment at the tail end of the move, after all these other people were let go, so I had no idea what was going on.  I don't think I would have taken the job if I knew the real story.



A lot of companies don't want to pay agency fees and benefits, so they manufacture some kind of excuse towards the tail end of the assignment.  It's not right and defintely not fair to temps who keep putting their hopes on a particular job.



I hope you find something better, because these people didn't treat you right.  Hang in there.  

[cocookie]

Can't add any advise - all that above is great.  I'm just adding my "I'm sorry this happened to you," along with good thoughts and prayers for your job search.



cocookie

[ozbound]

All I have to add is a hug for you, followed by a pat on the back and a big "Go get 'em!" You know you've got what it takes.



oh, and a virtual Dove bar--no calories in that, eh!



Best wishes

[ohiosec]

Lori,  it is really a blessing that you didn't get hired there!  Your angels are looking out for you!  Too bad the company didn't give you enough time to find another assignment, though.  It's because of companies like this one that it's a good idea to work as a temporary first and get to know what you might be getting into.  Good luck in finding something soon!

[daisylee]

Lori/Jade,



You just gotta wonder why it is some people just always seem to be standing near the oscillation wind blower when the doody hits it!



I had a year and a half period like that eight years ago...took me nine months to find a job, and seven months later, I was unemployed again!  What a blow to the ego!  Makes you feel pretty low, so I definitely understand where you're coming from (you too, GE!)  But there was the "light at the end of the tunnel".  I'm in my eighth year here now, and it's been really good most of the time!  It's taught me, most importantly, that I have to look out for me, and nobody else will ever do it as well.  And if something does snag up, well, this too shall pass!



You have a wonderful outlook, and that's what you can rely on time after time.  I'm sure sorry this had to happen to you, but the next opportunity that comes along will be even better!



Good luck with the search, and let us know what happens next!



Daisylee

[jadegrniiz]

Thanks guys for all the support. To be honest, I put up a good front, and I'm really flipping out inside wondering what I'm gonna do.



I spoke with the agency this morning, and she was full of apologies. Seems she wasn't told anything more than I was,(a week ago I got A+ reviews from the Manager to the agency) and she is totally clueless about it. But we put together a very important detail that might sum it all up.



The Executive Secretary is BEST friends with the Office Manager and my (now ex)boss. They do just as many things together out of the office as they do in the office. Seems the ES is unhappy in her position and the agency rep thinks she wanted my job. It makes total sense now and really makes me feel angry that that office clique cost me a job.



I've got a couple solid leads from the agency... they are feeling really terrible about how this all came about, and are frantically trying to find a place for me.



Thanks again guys... and I'll keep you posted.



Lori

[goldenearring]

Maybe you hate to hear how I can relate, once again, but . . . I can relate (kind of) to how you are feeling.  Once upon a time, many years ago, I commuted a long, long, loooooooong way to work.  I was newly married and kept hoping to find a job closer to home so I could spend more time with hubby.  I got a break one day at a school system in a little podunk town, that would be a secretarial gig reporting to the superintendent.  Drove 90 minutes to get to the interview, interviewed flawlessly, was led to beglieve that I had a great chance, only to find out that "the girls in the office" were going to take a vote tomorrow to see whether they wanted me or their friend across the street from the courthouse who wasn't happy with her job to come and work with them.  Well, I had the vocabulary back then to say what I wanted to say (read that:  longshoreman), but I didn't have the internal strength to spit it out at the a**, um, let's just leave it at "chump, major."  You'll have to process your slow-burn, just to get it out of your system.  But, really, girlfriend, stand up, shake those snakes off of you, wipe the dust off your sandals, and get thee to a "new town," so to speak.  Man, I feel like driving up there tomorrow just to tell them all how I felt, because (sadly enough), I'm sure that most of them are probably in the same job.  I guess that's revenge enough, I just like to huff and puff once in awhile.  OK. Nuff said.  Ciao.

[jadegrniiz]

Now if someone would PUL-EEEEEEZE get this black cloud out from above my head?



My sister drug me out Monday to get out of my slump. We went rollerblading at the park (Fort DeSoto for you neighbors out there). While joking about not having money, insurance or a job to pay for breaking my neck, I actually DID trip on a pebble and broke my ankle. I'll probably need to have surgery to repair it, and can expect total recovery in like 12 weeks or so.



I couldn't help but laugh at the irony... but, dag-gone this STINKS!