A Fresh Start

[raevyncait]

Those of you with whom I'm connected on Facebook may have already seen my posts of late, most especially today. 
I had decided back in the fall that once Spring arrived, I would start looking for better work opportunities, since my supervisor is a micromanaging jerk, who spends more time trying to get everyone else to do her work, taking long lunches, and 30 minute+ bathroom breaks than actually getting anything accomplished during business hours. In the past couple of weeks, however, I came to the conclusion that I needed to push that timeline up, because she'd become MORE demanding, and complaining that for example, a significant number of vendors did not have Tax ID numbers in the accounting system, so she would be unable to get 1099s produced in time. Now, I have no idea how she managed to produce 1099s for those same vendors in January 2011 & 2012, but she decided that it was MY FAULT that they weren't done (mind you, at those times I did NOT have access to the accounting system), and that I HAD to get them done ASAP.
Last week I updated my resume and began making submissions (when I was NOT at work, such as in the evenings).  She insisted that I work (without additional pay) an 8-10 hour day on Saturday, rather than the partial day to which I'd agreed in December (when, incidentally, she gave me a raise).  When I told her that my health would not bear another full day of work, when I'd been working 9 hour days all week already, she got snippy, but told me she expected me to be there. On Friday night, at 6pm, I received a text from her stating that she'd reconsidered her decision and for me to take the weekend off, we could take care of what was supposed to get done on Saturday this week. I thanked her, but frankly, was hugely suspicious of her motives.
This morning, when I arrived, I was fired stating "XYZ has elected to exercise its right as an 'at will' employer to terminate your employment."  When I asked for specific reasoning, I was told "We are re-structuring".  When I pointed out that I have excellent attendance and worked more than 40 hours without additional compensation, despite the fact that I was, under Federal guidelines, a NON-Exempt salaried employee, she said "I have no response to that".  I was allowed to gather my things, and escorted from the building.  They did put in writing that they would not contest my unemployment benefits, and I've already filed.

At any rate, I'm not sad, nor am I angry, because in all honesty, I was miserable there, I hated going to work every day, and it was a huge chore to drag myself out of bed every morning. Now I have the time and energy to focus on a more productive job search for a better opportunity.

[Merlin the Elder]

If you were non-exempt, you can report the additional hours you were required to work, and they SHOULD provide the impetus to your former employer to pay you the overtime. That's the way it works here in Arkansas.

[raevyncait]

Merlin,
I don't have specific records/dates, because it really was not a big deal until she started demanding that I add a whole extra day, on top of what I was already doing, so I don't know if it would do me any good. Many of them were days when I ate lunch at my desk and she refused to answer the phone, so I HAD to answer it.

[Mairte]

What a *****.(Sorry) They say everything happens for a reason, so here is to a job you actually can enjoy!!:)

[DonaCatalina]

Here's hoping for the best. I hope something wonderful comes up.

[Merlin the Elder]

Do you have to keep any kind of timesheets? That would get you what you need.  But, even if not, things can happen for the best, whether we're ready or not.  I was 48 before I found where I needed to be. I have some crappy days, sometimes, but I have them with people who I really enjoy working with.  Keep that lovely smile, and march on, Luv!

[raevyncait]

Nope, salaried office personnel weren't required to keep timesheets. I do like the construction business, and I'd like to be able to stay in it, but if something better in another industry comes up, I won't turn it down just because it's not construction.

[LadyStitch]

As much as it was a kick in the "family jewels" when both the PP and I got laid off last April it really was the best thing for us.  The PP wasn't happy where he was at, and now is working with an amazing group where he is appreciated.  I had been hoping to spend time with my infant daughter.  I got to spend 7 months with her until I got my new job where I do am really enjoying it and have a great environment.
When we were laid off we called it "Blowing up the enterprise".  We would have held on to jobs we didn't like for far too long until for the greater good, it was blown up.  We landed in a better place, and so can you. 

[Bob of the Lake]

Best of luck in your search, Raevyncait. What happened to you stinks, but now you can concentrate on your search without distractions. I'm sure you will find something soon, and when you do, it will be way better than your former job!

[raevyncait]

And this afternoon I have my first interview, with a company that is just over an hour's drive away, however the best part is that the guy doing the interview is driving down to about 20 minutes from my house to meet with me! The position it sounds like will be over in south Dallas (I live almost due west of Scarby, off 35W), which would still be nearly an hour's commute, but it should be less traffic because it's won't involve downtown ANYWHERE. Anyway, positive energies about 2pm would be fabulous!

[Merlin the Elder]

Keep an eye out for cows...

[GryffinSong]

Best of luck to you!!! I look at long commutes as thinking time. I hope it works out for you.

[Mairte]

If you enjoy the job a long commute is worth it. Good luck!!

[raevyncait]

It went FANTASTICALLY well! He wants me to come in on Monday a 11:30 to meet the rest of the team and go to lunch! We talked a bit of money, and he said my range is workable for them, and mentioned incentives as well.  We'll know something sometime Monday, I'm guessing.

[GryffinSong]

Huzzah!!! That sounds VERY promising!!!