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Post by WindSister on May 4, 2018 15:54:56 GMT -5
I swear, I am not trying to copy Kat (copycat...ha), but I just got the best call today and it renewed my SOUL. I got offered a new job and I took it! This current one I am in burns me out so bad. I supervise 21 staff One Group home with four clients living in it And 27 "hourly clients" (who live on their own but receive services). It has been HELL. ON. EARTH. Love the clients. But staffing issues upon staffing issues and all the other stuff that goes with it - omg. 3 am phone calls, calls on Christmas eve, any holiday, all holidays. NO PAY RAISES for THREE years despite outstanding evaluations and an increasing work load. It's a "for profit" business. That always bugged me. They justify it by saying, "Well, we pay taxes, so it's all good." But, whether that's a valid point or not, I have always preferred the feel of most non-profits in this particular field (human services). My new gig is a bit of pay cut but I did NEGOTIATE a higher wage than they originally offered (go, me!!!). And I negotiated my start date so I can enjoy one last vacation while I wait for my "six months" to use PTO again. (go, me!!) I asked for more than they gave me on both counts, stood up for myself and they still wanted me. (YAY) I will also hopefully experience raises again (if earned of course) but they have also given COLA raises every year to everyone. Imagine that. The interview was intense with five people, all who I will be working closely with. They are a close group so they wanted the "right" fit. I walked in to the five, not expecting it, and my nerves went through the roof. But, they were welcoming, genuine and real. They asked GREAT questions like "who do you admire?" I wasn't expecting that but it was easy for me to say. It's a non-profit that fights poverty a variety of different ways, super involved with the community. There are many "niches" within the organization, this is just a great "foot in the door" for me. They said people rarely leave once they start working there, they just move around within the organization. The woman who held my position was in the interview, too. She got promoted, but I will be working with her closely in her new role. They wanted her to have a say, too. Yes, it's a great day. Bittersweet a little bit, though. I am dreading talking with my current supervisor on Monday. I feel like I am betraying her. Letting her, my staff and clients down. But it's a necessary move for me, I can't see myself in this role for 20 years and this company is not one I can actually believe in. I appreciate HER and SHE is good, but the company? Nope. Any advise on how to break it to her would be great, but I kinda know what to say. It will just suck, suck, suck! I would like to give a full month, but I need that week off inbetween, so I am giving 2 weeks. I will work like crazy to make sure everything is zipped up (files, especially). I wonder if they will pay out my PTO/Sick time. They are notorious for finding reasons not to. We shall see! Anyway, have to share. I know my new gig will have headaches, but it feels like a place I can land and enjoy for a nice, long time with room to grow and maybe even make friends. I felt a kinship to all at that table. I never really felt that with this current company. We will see!! Time will tell. All I know, is I feel hope again and that feels good. Like ending a shitty SM, ending a shitty job is a good thing!  Edited to add this: I interviewed and was rejected TWENTY TIMES before this job. Never give up. |
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Post by baza on May 4, 2018 18:54:46 GMT -5
It would seem that taking this job is highly likely to be in your longer term best interests Sister WindSister , although short term it is going to be disruptive and difficult. Short term pain, long term gain. It is also apparent that you have made your boundaries known to the new Company and negotiated your entry level conditions well. It also appears that you did your due diligence concerning the Company, its' philosophy and raison d'être. It reads like being highly likely that you and the Company and people within it are a pretty compatible match. And whereas there cannot be any guarantee, the signs are that this could be a highly rewarding and mutually beneficial arrangement. That you have dropped a few bucks initially is neither here nor there. If you derive satisfaction out of your new duties and work environment, I'd suggest the initial loss of a few bucks doesn't matter a fuck as there is every chance you can make that up (and more) as you demonstrate your obvious competencies. And if you "like" your job, that is going to spill over into your demeanour generally, much to the benefit of yourself and other aspects of your life. Further, if it turns out to be a fuck up, then there is "the next" choice for you to undertake. And you are getting real good at this "choice" caper. Real good. Addendum. I would just about bet that your prior employer will try to dud you on your severance entitlements. That Company appears to run on a short term gain basis from what you have said. Save a few bucks now, never mind that longer term their reputation as an employer suffers (would you recommend them to anyone else considering working for them ?) I'd imagine that their short term gain philosophy probably appears evident in their customer service and most aspects of their operation. That, is a pretty good recipe for future pain as chickens come home to roost. |
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Post by DryCreek on May 4, 2018 19:41:03 GMT -5
Cool deal, WindSister! On the PTO, that money spends just like the rest, so stick to your guns and have your records handy. If you accrue PTO hours in a bucket, those hours are owed to you just like hours worked. Maybe see if you can get a statement from them on hours accrued before you give notice. If it's reported routinely on your pay stub, even better. If, however, they have "unlimited sick days" informal PTO policy, then there's no accrual to cash out. On telling your supervisor, I'm a fan of cutting to the chase. "Susan, I've had a long run at XYZ, but it's time to give you my notice and move on. It's been great working with you, and I'm excited for my new opportunity. Happy Monday!" You might also put her on friendly notice that "By the way, I know the company likes to avoid paying out accrued PTO. I'm not going to let that slide." (I'm sure there's a state labor board that would be interested if they yank your chain. Screwing with payroll is like playing with fire.) Another technique is to say "My official last day is in 4 weeks, but I have 2 weeks of PTO accrued and I'll be taking it before then. So, the last day you'll see me is 2 weeks from now." A plus for this approach is that you are consuming the days, not waiting for a payout argument. And any benefits you have will continue through your PTO to your official end date. Technically, they could refuse to approve your PTO, but that'd be tough for them to justify. (You could always get the request approval in-hand before giving your notice if you expect this kind of game.) Or... you can throw your badge on the desk, flip 'em a double bird as you walk out the front door, and lay down some rubber in the parking lot as you leave without notice. Your choice. ;-) |
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Post by WindSister on May 5, 2018 7:57:25 GMT -5
Thank you, baza and DryCreek. I won't be giving anyone the bird....well, maybe, in my mind, as I smile. One particular person has made this job a nightmare (not a client). I won't miss dealing with her mean and crazy texts, calls, demands that are actually illegal. The company I am leaving is truly awful. New staff get paid the same wage as someone there 20 years. No raises. Not even COLA increases. Oh, but they give cheesy swag to show their appreciation. That's actually like a slap in the face and embarrassing to give out. I always just said, "if it was up to me, you'd get a raise, but here's your bag of chips and Mountain Dew." (You're all that and a bag of chips. Thanks for all you "dew".... mega eyeroll). Embarrassing. yup, once again, I am stepping off one path onto another, and that first step is a step down. BUT, the New path has potential for more fulfillment. Of course, no guarantee, but I have a good feeling. Even with JUST COLA increases I will surpass my old income in two years. I turned down two other jobs (wasn't always rejected). I need a company that has lightness to it. Life. Enthusiasm. Joy. This one has a good vibe. Not like The tired old company I'm leaving. That one never did feel right, but I was desperate to stop commuting to The Cities Every Week. Why Is My Phone Making Every Word Capitalized All The Sudden?  ?? Grrrrr!!! Anyway, Lots Of Parallels Here To A SM . Annoyed With CapitalizAtion Issue Lol |
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Post by WindSister on May 5, 2018 8:10:38 GMT -5
Oh, and my husband has been great running all the numbers with me, helping me see how worth it this move is.
It's worth a couple bucks an hour not to have the weight of the world on my shoulders. I just want to do my job, do it well and go home!! lol I even said in my interview, I like to earn my time off by working hard and feeling productive so Friday rolls around I can feel happy and enjoy the weekend. I guess that spoke to them.
I operate like that even at home on the weekend. Gotta earn that beer on the deck, sauna , etc. It's a curse but it means I get stuff done!
But the job I'm leaving was never done, and always on my shoulders. It will be so refreshing not to deal with sick staff, no show staff, medical emergencies, licensing, legal guardians, staff getting beat up by aggressive clients, staff fighting staff, staff doing STUPID SHIT, VA reports, incident reports, sadness for clients because most staff are inept but we were desperate for staff, and on and on.... definitely worth a couple bucks an hour to give up, even with the initial slight guilt I feel
Now I get to learn about weatherization... making homes energy efficient. I'm giddy from the thought!!! Woosh..... weight of world released, I'm almost flying.
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New Job
May 5, 2018 8:14:44 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by WindSister on May 5, 2018 8:14:44 GMT -5
Oh. And they have stand up desks. Yeah, that clinched it for me!!! I've been begging for one at the job I'm leaving. My supervisor got one to try out after I asked for one and never got anyone else one. I thought that was rude.
Thanks for letting me share my joy.
And, Drycreek, your practical advise about pto is noted.
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New Job
May 5, 2018 10:46:30 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by WindSister on May 5, 2018 10:46:30 GMT -5
Ok, feeling silly responding to my own thread so much but after I vented and got it all out, I want to say I recognize in doing that I sound like I've been a dreadful supervisor. :/ Truth is I've just been extremely burnt out since September because I haven't had a house supervisor, so I've been doing that job, direct cares, plus my job but getting no compensation for that. No overtime as I'm salary. Then I finally hire a supervisor and she goes on leave two months in, right when I was getting ready to do the termination process because she was inept. She's been on leave since, her position protected by ADA. I told my supervisor I was burnt out, angry at staff all the time because I couldn't handle more, more, more issues that pop up every day. I wanted to hire a temp supervisor. I advocated, justified... denied.
So, just like in a SM, I tried. I warned. I asked for changes. Changes didn't happen, so SEE Ya!!
I went into the position excited to make a difference and I am a compassionate person, but when you burn out, you gotta protect yourself. It's been three years and I'm not getting any younger.
Make those tough changes.
Don't stay in toxic environments.
Woman up.
Man up.
Do the hard things, because you don't get any prizes for being a martyr/doormat.
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Post by DryCreek on May 5, 2018 12:09:49 GMT -5
Yep, WindSister, some companies survive only on the backs of their employees, and have no interest in doing The Right Thing. Unfortunately, when market dynamics only value the cost of a service, it drives competition to that low point. Sometimes all you can do is move on. Your new job sounds like a real change of scenery and a lot new to learn. Good luck! |
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Post by choosinghappy on May 6, 2018 7:34:49 GMT -5
So happy for you @windsister! This sounds like such an awesome opportunity and much deserved.
Easier said than done I know, but try not to feel like you are letting people down. This is what happens- people move on. You certainly are not betraying your supervisor. And if she asks why you are leaving, be honest! Let them know the issues and that you are overworked and underpaid.
So happy for you and your new change!
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Post by bballgirl on May 6, 2018 12:11:26 GMT -5
Congrats!! It's always exciting to start something new.
I wish you much success and I know you'll do great!
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Post by WindSister on May 7, 2018 7:23:37 GMT -5
Preparation always takes away nerves. I have my resignation letter and I have my Action Plan of what I will do to ensure a smooth-as-possible departure. I set my terms in place, last day, use of vacation time and/or pay and that's all I can do. I will be talking with her soon. I am not nearly as nervous as before. I got this! It's a GOOD THING. |
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Post by WindSister on May 8, 2018 7:36:50 GMT -5
Preparation always takes away nerves. I have my resignation letter and I have my Action Plan of what I will do to ensure a smooth-as-possible departure. I set my terms in place, last day, use of vacation time and/or pay and that's all I can do. I will be talking with her soon. I am not nearly as nervous as before. I got this! It's a GOOD THING. Sounds like a solid exit strategy. Have you consulted with an employment law attorney to see how a resignation would shake out for you?? :-) Yup and it was the Drycreek and Baza Firm. ha.. Seriously, though, the day went really well yesterday and I feel like I have the weight of the world off my shoulders. My supervisor was not surprised as she was expecting a resignation yesterday, although, not from me. So that says something right there; another one could be down the pike. She mentioned changing my case load and I was tempted for a hot minute, but naw... I want to leave on to something different. I am getting all my PTO paid out. That makes me happy. She mentioned the clients losing a strong and passionate advocate, so my guilt meter is ticking upward, but..... ugh. I just can't do this for the next 20 years. I am not so strong and passionate when I am burnt out and bitter. (that's sounding like a SM with kids, btw, for those who can connect) I am still with a company "doing good" -- just in a different way. We live in a state that is cold 9 months out of the year (nearly) so heat is important and a spendy resource - I will be part of a team helping low-income families stay warm. I can always volunteer with my crew I am leaving; I am already approved to take a few on a hike this summer. So there we have it. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and the days ahead look brighter!!! OH. AND, my battery for the bike is in ---- wind therapy soon!! |
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Post by WindSister on May 15, 2018 8:09:48 GMT -5
My soon-to-be-ex boss has been trying hard to keep me. Last week I was pretty confused/tempted. It really does remind me of a SM (or just a bad marriage, in general, I suppose, but the sexless variety is what we know here, right?). She tried to sweet-talk me; filled me with compliments. She isn't a horrible supervisor, so I have heard appreciation from her before, but she really laid it on thick last week. I was genuinely flattered. She listed all my strengths and why she is sad to see me go. That made me feel guilty and like a failure -- WHY can't I make this work if I am so good at it?? She advocated with the higher-ups to get a supervisor for the hourly case load of 27 clients. Not going to lie, that would be a huge help for my position. So, again I was tempted. But then I started realizing nothing really changes if I stay. It's impossible to find staff in this field, and for this company especially, so the new hourly supervisor would be doing direct care (which, yes, is a load off) but that still leaves ALL the files/paperwork on my shoulder). And then what if she goes on Leave of Absence? (I swear, everyone goes on LOA in this field). That leaves me screwed again. I am always one phone call away from complete, utter chaos in this job. The clincher for me was when I finally got home at 7pm on Friday night after putting in 65 hours last week (I am going to complete everything on that list prior to my departure) and I get a call from the weekend overnight staff "Sorry, I can't work all weekend, we have a family emergency." I was like, "FUCK MY LIFE!!!" So I spent another hour making calls, fearful I would have to go in to work direct care if I couldn't round up staff. I even had my bag packed as it came down to the wire. So, I got the staff, but everyone is burnt out and tired and I feel guilty asking them to put in more overtime (at least they get paid for overtime; I, on the other hand, do not). Writing "Thank you everyone for working your scheduled shifts" on the staff schedule doesn't help. People call in sick ALL. THE. TIME. So, I finally got the calls done, weekend covered and I was like "oh hell no." I am not doing this for life. For no raises, to boot. Sure, they shell out money for a "supervisor" (that would never work the way they think it will) but no offer of a raise for me. Then Saturday night I got a mean text from a crazy legal guardian I am dealing with. Another "seal the deal" moment. Nope. I am moving on and feel very confident about it now. Don't accept "resets" - they are lies. On the plus, because I really am leaving things nice here, my STBXB is letting me use sick time for the two days off I had planned from a long time ago for next week, instead of PTO, so that my PTO pay out is bigger. I was genuinely floored by that and told her I was not expecting that, but if she is offering it, I will accept. I will finish out Wednesday, Thursday, Friday next week and be done. I am grateful to her and she's a good person, it's just this is not the job for me. No guilt. Move on. I am leaving things VERY ORGANIZED for them. Any upcoming meetings for the next two months are prepped and ready to go. It's my way of making this easier on me, though, too. I want to feel good about our "split." On to new things. Just had to share. |
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Post by elynne on May 23, 2018 3:12:22 GMT -5
My soon-to-be-ex boss has been trying hard to keep me. Last week I was pretty confused/tempted. It really does remind me of a SM (or just a bad marriage, in general, I suppose, but the sexless variety is what we know here, right?). She tried to sweet-talk me; filled me with compliments. She isn't a horrible supervisor, so I have heard appreciation from her before, but she really laid it on thick last week. I was genuinely flattered. She listed all my strengths and why she is sad to see me go. That made me feel guilty and like a failure -- WHY can't I make this work if I am so good at it?? She advocated with the higher-ups to get a supervisor for the hourly case load of 27 clients. Not going to lie, that would be a huge help for my position. So, again I was tempted. But then I started realizing nothing really changes if I stay. It's impossible to find staff in this field, and for this company especially, so the new hourly supervisor would be doing direct care (which, yes, is a load off) but that still leaves ALL the files/paperwork on my shoulder). And then what if she goes on Leave of Absence? (I swear, everyone goes on LOA in this field). That leaves me screwed again. I am always one phone call away from complete, utter chaos in this job. The clincher for me was when I finally got home at 7pm on Friday night after putting in 65 hours last week (I am going to complete everything on that list prior to my departure) and I get a call from the weekend overnight staff "Sorry, I can't work all weekend, we have a family emergency." I was like, "FUCK MY LIFE!!!" So I spent another hour making calls, fearful I would have to go in to work direct care if I couldn't round up staff. I even had my bag packed as it came down to the wire. So, I got the staff, but everyone is burnt out and tired and I feel guilty asking them to put in more overtime (at least they get paid for overtime; I, on the other hand, do not). Writing "Thank you everyone for working your scheduled shifts" on the staff schedule doesn't help. People call in sick ALL. THE. TIME. So, I finally got the calls done, weekend covered and I was like "oh hell no." I am not doing this for life. For no raises, to boot. Sure, they shell out money for a "supervisor" (that would never work the way they think it will) but no offer of a raise for me. Then Saturday night I got a mean text from a crazy legal guardian I am dealing with. Another "seal the deal" moment. Nope. I am moving on and feel very confident about it now. Don't accept "resets" - they are lies. On the plus, because I really am leaving things nice here, my STBXB is letting me use sick time for the two days off I had planned from a long time ago for next week, instead of PTO, so that my PTO pay out is bigger. I was genuinely floored by that and told her I was not expecting that, but if she is offering it, I will accept. I will finish out Wednesday, Thursday, Friday next week and be done. I am grateful to her and she's a good person, it's just this is not the job for me. No guilt. Move on. I am leaving things VERY ORGANIZED for them. Any upcoming meetings for the next two months are prepped and ready to go. It's my way of making this easier on me, though, too. I want to feel good about our "split." On to new things. Just had to share. They were lucky to have had you! And good for you for moving on. |
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Post by elynne on May 23, 2018 3:12:26 GMT -5
My soon-to-be-ex boss has been trying hard to keep me. Last week I was pretty confused/tempted. It really does remind me of a SM (or just a bad marriage, in general, I suppose, but the sexless variety is what we know here, right?). She tried to sweet-talk me; filled me with compliments. She isn't a horrible supervisor, so I have heard appreciation from her before, but she really laid it on thick last week. I was genuinely flattered. She listed all my strengths and why she is sad to see me go. That made me feel guilty and like a failure -- WHY can't I make this work if I am so good at it?? She advocated with the higher-ups to get a supervisor for the hourly case load of 27 clients. Not going to lie, that would be a huge help for my position. So, again I was tempted. But then I started realizing nothing really changes if I stay. It's impossible to find staff in this field, and for this company especially, so the new hourly supervisor would be doing direct care (which, yes, is a load off) but that still leaves ALL the files/paperwork on my shoulder). And then what if she goes on Leave of Absence? (I swear, everyone goes on LOA in this field). That leaves me screwed again. I am always one phone call away from complete, utter chaos in this job. The clincher for me was when I finally got home at 7pm on Friday night after putting in 65 hours last week (I am going to complete everything on that list prior to my departure) and I get a call from the weekend overnight staff "Sorry, I can't work all weekend, we have a family emergency." I was like, "FUCK MY LIFE!!!" So I spent another hour making calls, fearful I would have to go in to work direct care if I couldn't round up staff. I even had my bag packed as it came down to the wire. So, I got the staff, but everyone is burnt out and tired and I feel guilty asking them to put in more overtime (at least they get paid for overtime; I, on the other hand, do not). Writing "Thank you everyone for working your scheduled shifts" on the staff schedule doesn't help. People call in sick ALL. THE. TIME. So, I finally got the calls done, weekend covered and I was like "oh hell no." I am not doing this for life. For no raises, to boot. Sure, they shell out money for a "supervisor" (that would never work the way they think it will) but no offer of a raise for me. Then Saturday night I got a mean text from a crazy legal guardian I am dealing with. Another "seal the deal" moment. Nope. I am moving on and feel very confident about it now. Don't accept "resets" - they are lies. On the plus, because I really am leaving things nice here, my STBXB is letting me use sick time for the two days off I had planned from a long time ago for next week, instead of PTO, so that my PTO pay out is bigger. I was genuinely floored by that and told her I was not expecting that, but if she is offering it, I will accept. I will finish out Wednesday, Thursday, Friday next week and be done. I am grateful to her and she's a good person, it's just this is not the job for me. No guilt. Move on. I am leaving things VERY ORGANIZED for them. Any upcoming meetings for the next two months are prepped and ready to go. It's my way of making this easier on me, though, too. I want to feel good about our "split." On to new things. Just had to share. They were lucky to have had you! And good for you for moving on. |
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?? Grrrrr!!!
