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| Sat, 10-28-2006 - 6:21pm |
I just posted this on the job seekers board, is it OK to copy and paste? Like I've said before you guys understand where I'm coming from more than other boards sometimes...
I have 2 part time jobs. And need them both. One at the library, and one doing computer work for a marketing company. Together they have made up about a full time job.
A few weeks ago the other new hire at my new job quit with no notice. They asked me to go full time as they were in a really bad spot. But I didn't want to quit the library and also becuase of my eye problems, (health issues) I don't think I can do this new job full time as it's nonstop computer work and my eyes have been hurting a lot.
So I suggested, why don't I cut back my hours at the library and work 25 hours/week at the new job, to try and compromise? I asked my library boss if I could do this, and told her why. I explained that I really didn't want to cut back my hours but I need the money, DH is unemployed, etc. She said Ok and seemed to agree that I could keep at least one shift a week.
So, yesterday I decided to admit to my new boss that I have eye problems and probably will always need to be part time. I sent him an email.
Today, I went to work at the library and found a letter in my mail box. I thought it was a supportive and/or thank you letter or maybe even a gift certificate or bonus check for all my hard work, since they know I"m having a really hard time with money. But it was a letter from the director telling me that if I need to cut my hours, they don't want me to stay at all, they've already hired 2 part time people to take over my hours, and my last day will be 2 weeks from now. I was so shocked and upset and felt like crying. It was so hard to get through the work day.
I am upset becuase:
1. Why didn't they give me the option- if I knew it was all or nothing I would have kept the same schedule as before!
2. They know I need money, how could they be so cold? My boss knows my husband is unemployed! How could she do this to me? They should understand that I need 2 jobs if they won't let be full time at theirs, and I can't do both schedules without cutting back some hours!
3. I feel stabbed in the back and betrayed.
4. I didn't get any appreciation or severence pay or great bonus package like Grimmy is looking forward to, after 10 months of working my but off in the hopes of working my way up, I get NOTHING!
5. In a few months they are moving to a bigger location and all this time, I've been hoping that they could give me a full time job by then. Now, they hired 2 new part time people to take over my old hours and told me that the NEW people will be getting the extra hours in the new location! That is such a slap in the face! What about all the work I did for 10 months- didn't I earn a raise and/or more hours? I just can't believe this.
6. I've been telling them all along I need more hours and they said no...they left me no choice but to get a second job.
7. Up until I got my second job, I said yes to every extra shift that was offered.
8. I've never been late, out sick, or taken a single day off.
9. I've stayed late without pay almost every night shift to help close up.
10. I've been the only one who has to stay on desk for more than 2 hours at a time, while watching my co-workers get to sit down and do more interesting jobs for every other 2 hour block.
With all that, didn't I earn more than a "Dear Blue" letter! Yes, I know I started it by asking to cut my hours. But I was desperate! Don't they GET THAT! I had no choice! Now, I only have one job and that is shaky becuase I just admitted to my boss that I have health issues that interfere with the job. If I knew it was my only job now, I would have kept my mouth shut!
I need a shoulder to cry on and have no one here now. All my friends are long distance. I feel like I've screwed everything up.
I wanted so badly to make it one year at the library! And I was so close! I feel like crying but crying alone is the worst thing, so I won't.
I can't believe this! Just a few days ago Dh and I were talking about the library Christmas party and I was getting excited about it. I had brought my RSVP to work this morning and was going to give it to my boss in person. It's in my purse now, crushed like my heart.
Oh GET THIS- the letter also says they will keep me on call so if they need anyone last mintue they'll call me to come in and work. !!!!!!!!!! (I'm in total shock at their audacity.)
Edited 10/28/2006 6:46 pm ET by bluerains

Oh Blue.... I'm so sorry, hon!! I also cannot believe they did such a thing to you!! Please don't blame yourself!! And yes, you have every right/reason to cry!
Lori,
Your words were so eloquent. I have been thinking and wondering if I should do something like that. I am afraid it may backfire though. See, I do need a good reference from them in the future. Also knowing me I'd become emotional and start crying...
I do intend to work the last hours. And if you were thinking that was for my benefit, to give me notice, no it's not. It's becuase they are still training the new people and the evening shift would be too hard for them at this point. That was not stated but I know it's true- when I started I didn't work evenings during training either.
I feel used. Sure they paid me but it was only $9/hour. The main reason I worked for so little money was to build up seniority so I could work my way up in the future. My paychecks were barely nothing after taxes! And I worked so hard..... it was such a high stress job.
I also feel really bad becuase I've been looking forward to getting into the new building becuase it will be a lot nicer and plus I'm almost postive we would have voice mail, which would make my (old) job a LOT easier! It's so unfair that I stuck it out for so long without voicemail, phone ringing off the hook on top of a billion other things to do and a long line, and now the new people are going to walk right in and get voice mail within a few months and I never had it. (I was receptionist plus working the front desk- so voice mail would be a lifesaver. Without it, you have to answer every single call when three lines are ringing at once and you have a line out the door, no exceptions.) See, I know I got stressed out at times but who wouldn't under those working conditions?
The only thing that kept me going was the hope of working my way up- I thought this was just paying my dues and they would reward it in the end. Now, it was all for nothing.
Bluerains,
Don't know if you'll remember me but I was here about two months ago and posted a few replys on your posts. I've been handling things much better lately and havent been coming here for support but have thought about coming back to check on those who were supportive of me when I needed it. Would you believe YOU are the reason I came back to post here? Yep, even though I don't really know you I've been thinking about you and wondering how you were doing and how your job situation was working out.
I'm sorry to hear that your having a bad time at library. I'd like to make a few suggestions. I agree with the other poster that you should ask to speak to whoever makes the hiring decisions and discuss this with them. The only point I disagree with is saying the letter in your box was unprofessional, even though it was. You don't want to criticize until you're absolutely sure they can do nothing more for you. It certainly won't inspire them to give a glowing reference.
I would calmly talk with them (do whatever puts you in a good calm mood before you go in). Tell them you've really enjoyed working there and had hoped to continue working there for a long time. Explain why you had asked to cut your hours and that it had nothing to do with how you felt about the job but you were trying to work out your scheduling conflicts. Explain that you were surprised to be let go and that you would really like to keep the job and ask what you would need to do to continue working there.
Tell them what you have to offer (hard working, conscientious, etc...) but don't say anything negative about the others and don't compare yourself or your work to the others. Simply state your qualities. Comparing your work to the others might backfire on you.
Keep everything positive. There are no negative statements you can make that will make them want to re-hire you. You need to keep the conversation focused on your work there, how much you want to work there, what you would need to do etc.. How much you need the job or what problems not having it will cause for you shouldn't be in the conversation.
These are all things I've learned from reading articles about how to ask for or negotiate a raise. You might check around on the internet for advice and tips on how to handle the conversation. MSN careers would be a good place to start.
Blue, I know this is devastating news to you and you feel like how could they do this to you when they know your situation. I think taking it so personally is adding to your misery. Please do your best to try and separate their decision from personal feelings (I know its easier said than done). These aren't your friends they are your employers and they are making a business decision. In all but the rarest situations bosses aren't going to do anything because its in your best interest, their job is to look out for theirs. It sucks because you do all you can to do a good job for them and they treat you as disposable but that is the unfortunate nature of the work world and not a reflection on you or your worth.
I hope you will find a solution to your work situation that you can be happy with. It's not easy. I don't know what area of the country you work in but you know, in a lot of places the job market is getting a little better and you may be able to find something else a little easier than you had it when looking for that one.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Marsha
mommy to Rylee Elizabeth 4/12/2005
How nice of you to check back with us, rabbitmarie! I'm glad you are doing better!! It's always nice to "see" a familar face pop back in with an update!
Marie,
Of course I remember you, thank you so much for saying you came back for me. That makes me feel special. I'm too upset to write much but thank you for making me feel special when I needed it a lot.