topic Re: Just because you've followed the saga... in Community Chat

Just because you've followed the saga...

Laura14 — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 12:44:01 GMT

The sale of my current employer is now mid April. I'll believe it when I see it.

In the meantime, everyone has been laid off for 60 days with full pay thanks to your tax dollars except a skeleton crew including me as we struggle to keep a non-essential business open.

Business is actually booming with people off work and management just did an across the board 10% price increase before any of this started. They get that money open or closed and whether customers use us as recreation or not.

For our trouble, those of us now working both our jobs and our furloughed coworkers' jobs will have our pay reduced by 5%. Management pay is unaffected because salaried people are by law exempt. Nice, right?

So we who actually work and make the least will be the only ones taking a financial hit. Of course, that makes our health insurance more expensive and our 401k contributions less as we struggle to recover from that too.

And no one says this is temporary either. Just the lucky few who will be punished because we came to work in the midst of a pandemic instead of being chosen for a 60 day fully paid temporary vacation at home.

They will be undoing two modest cost of living raises from a previous owner from six and seven years ago because this company "doesn't do" raises. And in five years of ownership they never have and never will.

As many employers stand up and do right by their employees and their country, there are still those that are using it as an opportunity to line their pockets further. I'm sure they will also be first in line for any eligible government aid from you or tax credits too.

The irony of it all is you can't even quit because it makes you ineligible for unemployment so it's a true take it or leave off into the worst job market ever without any financial help at all. For some employers, there just really are no words.

I am now hoping this sale really does happen just so I am eligible for any type of unemployment at all. I am so demoralized and aghast at the greed of my fellow human beings I don't even know what to think.

TP hoarding is one thing. Using a crisis to lower your payroll just to make an extra buck where you can off of people who are literally getting you through said crisis at their own risk is just unconscionable.

And I can't even cry because you can't find tissues anymore and I don't want to waste what I have. This world really sucks.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

qualitygal — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 12:59:03 GMT

Use this to your opportunity. Future comments to potential new employers and on any resumes, that you stayed to work, while others were off. Use this to "shine" in their eyes. Use it to your advantage.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

Travone — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 13:15:28 GMT

@Laura14What type of business are you in? I don't know if I'm getting you confused with someone else, but I thought you were a pharmacy tech? But you are saying it is a non-essential business and people are using you for recreation, so I'm confused. Sorry.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

BeautyLver — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 17:18:58 GMT

OP, this posted "drama"...sorry but we are living in, and will be for the foreseeable future...unprecedented everything. Why don't you start with something simple. Count your blessings. My concerns are with all those, globally, who have zero monies coming in, mouths to feed...those scared to death the may lose their homes, businesses. Not to mention fear of this virus. It goes on and on. Maybe utilizing energies toward others much lwould be a positive.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

lovescats — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 17:19:21 GMT

are the other people being laid off thru the warn act

I'm sorry you have to go thru this and were one of the ones picked to stay.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

Mary Bailey — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 18:51:41 GMT

@Laura14 I'm sorry you are going through this.

DS told us a new management company is coming in. He "may" get to keep his job at 50% (yes 50) pay cut. He says his industry will not recover for 6 years. He is an executive hotel chef.He's 32 and has a family of 4.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

Snoopp — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 17:35:53 GMT

@Mary Baileysorry about that pay reduction. Truth be told, they have been out there forever....long before Covid19. I've seen it before. Typically, the older you are, the more at risk you are to see a reduction, especially if you are highly paid. Sigh.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

Mary Bailey — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 17:51:22 GMT

@Snoopp he's only 32

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

Laura14 — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 17:45:16 GMT

@BeautyLver Who do you think I am when the sale happens in a few weeks? Those people your heart bleeds for with zero income and an uncertain future live closer than you think. And my unemployment check will be a lot smaller than everyone else's and not last as long because it's not due to the pandemic.

Bad things happen to good people because greedy people are allowed to get away with unethical business practices. At least the virus is being a virus. What do the people kicking their fellow human beings while they're down use as their excuse?

I'm allowed to vent about ugly people in my life who are using their power for evil rather than the greater good. I'm allowed to point that out and say it's not okay. And I will everytime because they'll do it to the next person maybe even someone you're currently praying for too.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

Laura14 — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 17:47:21 GMT

@Mary Bailey I am so sorry. Companies lowering their payroll expenses and taking advantage of us working folks right now are absolutely cruel. This will come out eventually and I hope they are shamed into increasing pay as soon as all of this dies down a bit.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

BeautyLver — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 17:48:07 GMT

@Mary Bailey wrote:
@Laura14 I'm sorry you are going through this.

DS told us a new management company is coming in. He "may" get to keep his job at 50% (yes 50) pay cut. He says his industry will not recover for 6 years. He is an executive hotel chef.

Wow, what a bitter pill to have to have to swallow. And learning of such at this time, can’t even imagine. Truly hope there is a rainbow at the end of this storm for your family.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

BeautyLver — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 18:04:34 GMT

@Laura14 wrote:
@BeautyLver Who do you think I am when the sale happens in a few weeks? Those people your heart bleeds for with zero income and an uncertain future live closer than you think. And my unemployment check will be a lot smaller than everyone else's and not last as long because it's not due to the pandemic.

Bad things happen to good people because greedy people are allowed to get away with unethical business practices. At least the virus is being a virus. What do the people kicking their fellow human beings while they're down use as their excuse?

I'm allowed to vent about ugly people in my life who are using their power for evil rather than the greater good. I'm allowed to point that out and say it's not okay. And I will everytime because they'll do it to the next person maybe even someone you're currently praying for too.

You seem very immature. FYI... Most of us who have had long-standing careers, have been in the workforce a long time...have had to deal with, been subjected to a slew of unfair scenarios, heartache...had to face and deal with much we never would have imagined. Life is sometimes very unfair, fact. If you do not like what is happening in your circumstances, change something. You can’t control anything, anyone excep you.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

esmeesmerelda — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 18:15:38 GMT

You've posted a lot about living in your Mom's house for years and saving money you'd otherwise spent on rent or mortgage & utilities etc, so even with the job problems you're in a better position than some people @Laura14. Also so many posts about hating your job or at least the people you worked for, hating the Atlanta living area etc. I think @BeautyLver's point well taken & counting blessings would benefit you. At least you do have a place to live, you said before you had money saved & a job offer for pharmacy work & your good prospects for writing as well.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

SeaMaiden — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 18:23:26 GMT

@Laura14 I thought you were offered a Phamacy job so you could quit this pain in the A** job you have now that you hate?

I am so confused by your posts about this issue?

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

KarenQVC — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 18:27:12 GMT

Oh, lordy. I am so sorry for all those who are shaky right now.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

Silver Lining — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 19:59:48 GMT

Too bad you have a job, shrug. Unfortunately, your employers don't monitor the office computers. They would see the hundreds of social media personal texts you "produce" on their computers while they're paying you. Not even counting how much you hate the management and your co-workers, that's another issue.

But, there is a silver lining, lol. They would fire you. Then, quoting you, a "60 day fully paid temporary vacation at home" would be yours for the " taking" as you seem to think. The rest of the tirade is too histrionic to read. However, the horror of working with "evil" people would end, you'd get the money, tax cuts, blah, blah, blah.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

grandma2pkmh — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 21:09:57 GMT

@Laura14 You do You!! Don't pay attention to the haters here. You have the right to vent!! What is going on the world today has nothing to do with what you are going through. You would be getting entirely different responses if it were not for this evil virus.

I care..don't go away.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

deepwaterdotter — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 21:12:54 GMT

@grandma2pkmh wrote:
@Laura14 You do You!! Don't pay attention to the haters here. You have the right to vent!! What is going on the world today has nothing to do with what you are going through. You would be getting entirely different responses if it were not for this evil virus.
I care..don't go away.

When did she say she was going away?

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

Laura14 — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 22:26:38 GMT

Thank you @grandma2pkmh . Speaking out has its reward. I started a mini uproar with us peons last night and it spread today. The pay cut has now been limited late this afternoon to salaried personnel only. Chalk up a victory for us.

To others here, someone has to stick up and say something since bad behavior like this is so often excused away as evidenced all over this thread. Truth brought to light hurts and I'm glad I shamed those who would take advantage. No employee should have to do that and have less peace in their lives especially now. Hopefully, others will stand up for themselves against bad employers too. Sometimes you do win one.

As to the pharmacy, because I work for a bad employer, I was certified as a pharmacy tech almost two years ago and am actively looking to switch careers. The one place that interviewed me only offered part time and I am still in a holding pattern as to my availability for that job. So still at old place looking to transition to new.

And I hate to break @Silver Lining's image of me wasting company resources but I'm working mainly offsite with minimal office time and have typed every post from own computer at home. You know what they say about assumptions...

And finally, just because I have been judicious with the little bit that I do have doesn't mean I don't matter or have long term stability. Most of that savings was in a 401k (guess what's happened to that) and I do pay rent and household bills. Never ever would I have a free ride nor would an Italian mother give me one. She wanted to generate income for her retirement. Enter me with a landlord I can trust and a tenant she can rely on.

Normally I would not explain myself but I want those who do lurk and find themselves in similar situations, no matter where on the financial scale you fall, you matter. You always matter.

And others may not understand financial realities because they haven't put a roof over their head in decades or been in the working world which has transformed tremendously with technology and Millenials. Or have ever been on their own without a financial partner or looking for work later in life.

I know others here get it. And it's harder to get ahead now than ever before and most of what we've built has been lost once again. Someone kicking you while you're down to boost themselves financially without just cause is criminal.

Speak up when you can. It's the only way people someday are going to get it. There but for the grace of God go I is a mantra everyone should meditate on here. You all have your own challenges. So do I. And I share them for better or worse sometimes but never believe you have the full picture. None of us can on this medium.

Bottom line, don't be dismissive or judgemental without walking the walk. If someone's venting pain, there are a couple posts here that are great ideas of what to do and I thank them profusely for it.

Re: Just because you've followed the saga...

deepwaterdotter — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 22:25:50 GMT

Now that "the pay cut has been limited", do you plan to stay on at this job?