I was laid off last fall. We got a new VP in the department, and she is notorious for “housecleaning” and bringing in her picked people. This coincided with the increased presence of Tata, an Indian company who came in with “consultants”. Tata personnel started doing things people in our department were doing, and half of us were made redundant.
After five months of unemployment, I got a new job.
It pays less than half of my previous salary.
In exchange for 45% of my previous pay, I’m working twice as hard.
I have to wait three months before I’m eligible for medical and dental insurance (which started at my previous job upon employment).
We do not get paid holidays. (Except under certain circumstances. The job board has a note for Memorial Day: “Not a paid holiday, unless you are dead.” Veterans Day is a paid holiday for employees who have been fired upon during military action. Presidents Day is a paid holiday if you are now, or ever have been President of the United States.)
In effect, what those signs seem to be saying is “We know our policy is crap, and whats more we’re going to make fun of our staff who have to put up with it”
Unless of course the company is currently employing any corpses or ex Presidents
Oh, it’s not a bad place. But it’s small; eight full-time employees, plus two girls who come in a couple of afternoons a week and a computer tech who comes in when we need him. It’s just that for most of my working life, I’ve worked for larger companies that could afford to be more generous.
My résumé is still on Monster. I got a call from Atlanta about a job in Seattle, but they’re looking for someone with more sales experience. (I’m great with data, but light on sales.) My former manager sent me info on a job in Federal Way, and I’ll send them a résumé. (Unfortunately, Seattle is 100 miles away and Federal Way is farther.)
And my job is okay. I’m making a lot of CAD drawings, which is good experience and also fun. I’m learning how to be a salesman. It sure cuts into the kayaking time, though; and I wish the pay and benefits were better. (Oh, FWIW I don’t start accruing vacation time until three monthe are up.)
I’ve been looking for work for over a year. A job at half my old pay would be great, but nothing has come up. I wouldnt give a rats ass about holidays right now.
This is the problem I’m having, except they’re offering me the jobs because I have sales experience. I’m going back to school and I want a salaried job damnit. A good salesman needs to work 24/7.