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  #1  
Old October 28th 06, 02:21 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.anecdotes
CatNipped
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 995
Default [OT] Need Opinions / Help

I promised myself I wouldn't come back to the group until I could stop
whining about my problems. OK, I'm not going to whine, I want to *DO*
something to change things.

The problem... I think I've become a perpetual "victim". This is the
second boss in a row who is being really abusive to me. It's like "fool me
once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me". I need to figure out how to
get back my self respect as well as get respect from the people around me (I
had it once, so I know it's possible).

Just because I couldn't pass the MCAD/MCSD certification exams (even though
I do all the work assigned to me 3 times faster than any other employee), my
boss kept pressuring me, hinting around that my job was in jeopardy if I
didn't take the tests and pass them. I finally had enough and told the
operations manager than I wasn't going to waste my own money on taking 5,
$250 tests, that I knew I would fail (you only get reimbursed if you pass
all five of the tests and get the certification). The operations manager
told my boss and my boss told me he'd "let" me "stay with the company" but
my duties would have to change (or rather be added to). Along with doing
all my current work (web development) I now have to do all the
administrative assistant tasks (he never did hire another admin person after
his last one walked out on him in the middle of a work day two months ago).
I will also have to act as backup to the operations manager. And since he
wants the phones answered from 8 to 6 I'll have to work from 8AM to 6PM 5
days a week (and if I need quiet time to do complex coding I'll have to come
in at 6Am but still leave at 6PM).

I know, I know, find another job - and I have been *DESPERATELY* looking for
one for three months now with no luck (as a lot of you here can sympathize
with - does our economy suck or what!!??). I think I'm running into the UFO
phenomenon though (ugly, fat, and old) because no matter how perfect I am
for a job, no matter how good the "fit" I'm not getting even one call back.

So anyway, no more whining about that - this is that last I'll even talk
about it, I just would appreciate some advice on how I might change it.

OB...

All the kitties are doing well although I had to take Samazon to the vet two
weeks ago to have her anal glands expressed (eeeewwwwww!). She was
amazingly good, and the vet and tech were amazingly brave to take her on
without a tranquilizer gun.

Bandit is still feeling chipper and getting around really well despite her
blindness. She has a great appetite, no litter box problems, and is as mean
as ever, so if it is a tumor causing her blindness, then that's all it's
causing - I just pray that if it is a tumor it's a very slow growing one
that will allow her years and years of time before it takes her.

Jessie is feeling really frisky with the cooler weather - her zoomies have
increased to 4 or 5 times a day and I expect to see the carpet smoking as
she blazes around the house, up and down stairs and across whole rooms
without touching the floor.

Demi is still our little valley girl... vain, kind of dumb, but exquisitely
beautiful even if she is never seen!

--

Hugs,

CatNipped

See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/



  #2  
Old October 28th 06, 03:02 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.anecdotes
CatNipped
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 995
Default [OT] Need Opinions / Help

dev null wrote in message ...
On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 08:21:54 -0500, "CatNipped"
wrote:

I promised myself I wouldn't come back to the group until I could stop
whining about my problems. OK, I'm not going to whine, I want to *DO*
something to change things.

The problem... I think I've become a perpetual "victim". This is the
second boss in a row who is being really abusive to me. It's like "fool
me
once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me". I need to figure out how
to
get back my self respect as well as get respect from the people around me
(I
had it once, so I know it's possible).


You still have it, It's inside of you. Just toss out the thoughts that
tell you otherwise and it will come flowing out.

Just because I couldn't pass the MCAD/MCSD certification exams (even
though
I do all the work assigned to me 3 times faster than any other employee),
my
boss kept pressuring me, hinting around that my job was in jeopardy if I
didn't take the tests and pass them. I finally had enough and told the
operations manager than I wasn't going to waste my own money on taking 5,
$250 tests, that I knew I would fail (you only get reimbursed if you pass
all five of the tests and get the certification). The operations manager
told my boss and my boss told me he'd "let" me "stay with the company" but
my duties would have to change (or rather be added to). Along with doing
all my current work (web development) I now have to do all the
administrative assistant tasks (he never did hire another admin person
after
his last one walked out on him in the middle of a work day two months
ago).
I will also have to act as backup to the operations manager. And since he
wants the phones answered from 8 to 6 I'll have to work from 8AM to 6PM 5
days a week (and if I need quiet time to do complex coding I'll have to
come
in at 6Am but still leave at 6PM).


So are you happy with the arrangements? If so, stand tall and carry
on, if not, move on, you deserve better.

I know, I know, find another job - and I have been *DESPERATELY* looking
for
one for three months now with no luck (as a lot of you here can sympathize
with - does our economy suck or what!!??). I think I'm running into the
UFO
phenomenon though (ugly, fat, and old) because no matter how perfect I am
for a job, no matter how good the "fit" I'm not getting even one call
back.


Focus on the new job, see it, it's out there, stop focusing on why you
can't get one, focus on how good you'll be when you get it. It's all
about positive.

So anyway, no more whining about that - this is that last I'll even talk
about it, I just would appreciate some advice on how I might change it.

OB...

All the kitties are doing well although I had to take Samazon to the vet
two
weeks ago to have her anal glands expressed (eeeewwwwww!). She was
amazingly good, and the vet and tech were amazingly brave to take her on
without a tranquilizer gun.


This morning I thought my puter was haXored, It kept doing funny stuff
as I tried to reboot it, I looked over at kitten, sleeping by the
keyboard, her little butt was on the enter/delete buttons. Problem
solved.


LOL!!! Yesterday, as part of my new job duties, I was testing out the phone
system at work for different features. I kept trying to call my home phone
and kept getting a busy signal (which shouldn't happen because we have call
waiting). When I got home I saw that Jessie had stepped on the speaker
phone button on the phone in Ben's office. I guess she had trouble holding
the handset as she chatted with friends in China! ;


--

Hugs,

CatNipped

See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/



  #3  
Old October 28th 06, 03:20 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.anecdotes
[email protected]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 806
Default Need Opinions / Help


CatNipped wrote:
I promised myself I wouldn't come back to the group until I could stop
whining about my problems. OK, I'm not going to whine, I want to *DO*
something to change things.

The problem... I think I've become a perpetual "victim". This is the
second boss in a row who is being really abusive to me. It's like "fool me
once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me". I need to figure out how to
get back my self respect as well as get respect from the people around me (I
had it once, so I know it's possible).

Just because I couldn't pass the MCAD/MCSD certification exams (even though
I do all the work assigned to me 3 times faster than any other employee), my
boss kept pressuring me, hinting around that my job was in jeopardy if I
didn't take the tests and pass them. I finally had enough and told the
operations manager than I wasn't going to waste my own money on taking 5,
$250 tests, that I knew I would fail (you only get reimbursed if you pass
all five of the tests and get the certification). The operations manager
told my boss and my boss told me he'd "let" me "stay with the company" but
my duties would have to change (or rather be added to). Along with doing
all my current work (web development) I now have to do all the
administrative assistant tasks (he never did hire another admin person after
his last one walked out on him in the middle of a work day two months ago).
I will also have to act as backup to the operations manager. And since he
wants the phones answered from 8 to 6 I'll have to work from 8AM to 6PM 5
days a week (and if I need quiet time to do complex coding I'll have to come
in at 6Am but still leave at 6PM).

I know, I know, find another job - and I have been *DESPERATELY* looking for
one for three months now with no luck (as a lot of you here can sympathize
with - does our economy suck or what!!??). I think I'm running into the UFO
phenomenon though (ugly, fat, and old) because no matter how perfect I am
for a job, no matter how good the "fit" I'm not getting even one call back.

So anyway, no more whining about that - this is that last I'll even talk
about it, I just would appreciate some advice on how I might change it.

OB...

All the kitties are doing well although I had to take Samazon to the vet two
weeks ago to have her anal glands expressed (eeeewwwwww!). She was
amazingly good, and the vet and tech were amazingly brave to take her on
without a tranquilizer gun.

Bandit is still feeling chipper and getting around really well despite her
blindness. She has a great appetite, no litter box problems, and is as mean
as ever, so if it is a tumor causing her blindness, then that's all it's
causing - I just pray that if it is a tumor it's a very slow growing one
that will allow her years and years of time before it takes her.

Jessie is feeling really frisky with the cooler weather - her zoomies have
increased to 4 or 5 times a day and I expect to see the carpet smoking as
she blazes around the house, up and down stairs and across whole rooms
without touching the floor.

Demi is still our little valley girl... vain, kind of dumb, but exquisitely
beautiful even if she is never seen!

--

Hugs,

CatNipped


boggle That sounds like an *awful* lot of responsibility for someone
theyre "letting stay on with the company." When you're feeling really
bad, try to imagine the day that you dump that clod of a boss and see
him struggling to fill your shoes the day after you leave.
It's like you said, you've still got within you all the attributes
you've always had. And you're *certainly*not either U, F, or O.
I don't even pretend to know anything about the field that you're in,
but after reading postings here from different folks, I imagine that it
would be very hard to work in. Technology changes so fast and there's
so much competition. It sounds tough.
Glad the kitties are good, especially Bandit, I was thinking about her
the other day.

Sherry

  #4  
Old October 28th 06, 05:20 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.anecdotes
Jo Firey
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,579
Default [OT] Need Opinions / Help


"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
LOL!!! Yesterday, as part of my new job duties, I was testing out the
phone system at work for different features. I kept trying to call my
home phone and kept getting a busy signal (which shouldn't happen because
we have call waiting). When I got home I saw that Jessie had stepped on
the speaker phone button on the phone in Ben's office. I guess she had
trouble holding the handset as she chatted with friends in China! ;


That is one of my far too many pet peeves. We had call waiting as well as a
lot of other telephone features because the kids spent so much time here.
They know how to use the features, we really don't. Call waiting was
supposed to be so we could reach them or each other when they had the phone
tied up. Only they would either ignore or disable it when it suited them.
As when we needed it to be working.

I finally had to get rid of long distance because of kid problems and I
dumped all their cool features while I was at it. Except for caller ID. I
need that because they never remember a message.

Jo


  #5  
Old October 28th 06, 06:27 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.anecdotes
Mark Edwards
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 951
Default [OT] Need Opinions / Help

No cluons were harmed when "CatNipped" wrote:
Just because I couldn't pass the MCAD/MCSD certification
exams (even though I do all the work assigned to me 3
times faster than any other employee), my boss
kept pressuring me, hinting around that my job was in jeopardy
if I didn't take the tests and pass them. I finally had enough
and told the operations manager than I wasn't going to waste
my own money on taking 5, $250 tests, that I knew I would
fail (you only get reimbursed if you pass all five of the tests and
get the certification). The
operations manager told my boss and my boss told me he'd
"let" me "stay with the company" but my duties would have to change
(or rather be added to).


Sounds like he has someone younger and/or from a foreign country, who
will do the same work for half the salary, and he is trying to drive
you away without actually firing you.

Some thoughts:

1. You may be in a position to claim age harassment, although any
harassment claims need to be solidly documented.

2. If you have business cards, and the title is specific, you can
point out that the additional duties fo not fall under that title.

3. You can point out that the additional duties do not fall under the
job description as discussed when you were hired.

4. You can point out that certification was not a requirement, and
that you results speak out for your comptency.

At any rate, you are being scammed by a manager on a budget, who is
trying to use fear as a motivator and who may be getting a percentage
of every dollar saved, as a bonus. It is also possible that this
manager has the "if you aren't degreed/certified, then you don't
really know this stuff" mindset - which is a load of anally expressed
goo (evil grin).

It is in your best interests to get out of these additional duties,
or you will end up as the technical equivalent of a Walmart greeter.

If you can get out from under this manager, that might help...


Hugs and Purrs,
Mark
--
Proof of Sanity Forged Upon Request

  #6  
Old October 28th 06, 07:45 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.anecdotes
Christina Websell
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 8,983
Default [OT] Need Opinions / Help


"Mark Edwards" wrote in message
...
No cluons were harmed when "CatNipped" wrote:
Just because I couldn't pass the MCAD/MCSD certification
exams (even though I do all the work assigned to me 3
times faster than any other employee), my boss
kept pressuring me, hinting around that my job was in jeopardy
if I didn't take the tests and pass them. I finally had enough
and told the operations manager than I wasn't going to waste
my own money on taking 5, $250 tests, that I knew I would
fail (you only get reimbursed if you pass all five of the tests and
get the certification). The
operations manager told my boss and my boss told me he'd
"let" me "stay with the company" but my duties would have to change
(or rather be added to).


Sounds like he has someone younger and/or from a foreign country, who
will do the same work for half the salary, and he is trying to drive
you away without actually firing you.

Some thoughts:

1. You may be in a position to claim age harassment, although any
harassment claims need to be solidly documented.

2. If you have business cards, and the title is specific, you can
point out that the additional duties fo not fall under that title.

3. You can point out that the additional duties do not fall under the
job description as discussed when you were hired.

4. You can point out that certification was not a requirement, and
that you results speak out for your comptency.

At any rate, you are being scammed by a manager on a budget, who is
trying to use fear as a motivator and who may be getting a percentage
of every dollar saved, as a bonus. It is also possible that this
manager has the "if you aren't degreed/certified, then you don't
really know this stuff" mindset - which is a load of anally expressed
goo (evil grin).

It is in your best interests to get out of these additional duties,
or you will end up as the technical equivalent of a Walmart greeter.

If you can get out from under this manager, that might help...



It's so dreadful if your manager decides to use you in this way, probably
because his bosses want his *own* performance to improve.

I was once in this situation myself. I was able to sort it out because my
employer is government based and bullying is not allowed, even so, it wasn't
easy.
Lori, I know what it's like and I feel your pain. I don't know what to
advise you to do though, if you aren't in a union or work for the govt.

It's a well known method of bullying to give someone an unachievable
workload.
This was done to myself as at the time my manager hated me, our political
views didn't connect.
I was able to access the Welfare Service of my employer for advice and saw
the Occupational Health doctor as I'd become unable to work because of it.
Oh, wow, how this helped! After an interview with the OH doc, she sent a
strong letter that they must stop this workplace bullying immediately and I
was moved to another team with a different manager which I love, and am very
happy in.

I hope you find a better job soon. Private sector jobs suck, they think
they can do what they like with you.
Tweed



  #7  
Old October 28th 06, 10:18 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.anecdotes
Annie Wxill
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 495
Default [OT] Need Opinions / Help


"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
....
The problem... I think I've become a perpetual "victim". This is the
second boss in a row who is being really abusive to me. ... Hugs,
CatNipped


Hi Catnipped,

Before you do anything, go to Google and search the words "workplace
bullies." You'll find that this is a real problem and there are ways to
combat it. I speak from experience that being the target of a workplace
bully can cause serious damage to your self esteem. Stress also can affect
your ability to function on and off the job.

Also, look for information on combating test taking fears. If you can do
the job, it seems that you should be able to pass the test. It's not clear
if you took a test and didn't pass, or you are just assuming that you
wouldn't pass if you took it. Perhaps you can get a study course to help
you prep for the test or take a pretest of some kind you could gain some
self confidence.

I understand that you are apprehensive about the cost. That is pretty
steep. But, if you can find some way to invest in the preparation and
manage to pass, not only will you keep this job, you will be more employable
for a job someplace else.

If the certification is a job requirement, you should have been told this
when you were hired. Sometimes people will be hired for a position and
given a period of time to complete the requirement. If the certification
is a job requirement, your boss probably is being generous by "letting" you
stay on since your stated position is that you can't pass the test. He may
need to revise your duties to conform with company policy.

However, just piling more work onto your job duties isn't fair. Watch out
for the word "administration" in the title. If you are forced to work more
than 40 hours a week, you will be entitled to overtime if you are on an
hourly wage. It does not apply to some "administrative" positions, which
are exempt from this protection. I believe these must be supervisory
positions, but don't take my word on it.

If the certification is not a requirement and your co-workers are doing web
development without it, it seems to me that you are being singled out and
mistreated by being pressured to spend your own money to take the tests as
well as having your job duties changed.

Unfortunately, Texas is a state where you can be fired "at will," as long as
it is not because of some form of illegal discrimination. Of course,
proving that it is illegal discrimination can be about impossible. Also, as
I understand it, harassment itself is not specifically prohibited by law,
unless it is sexual or against protected groups.

Because you are having such a hard time finding a different job, you might
ask yourself what skills you have that could be used in a different line of
work. Maybe you need a change.

Also, check with the temporary employment agencies. See what they can offer
you for work and an evaluation of why you are having problems getting hired.
It may be the workplace. Or, you may be unaware of something you are doing
to sabotage your efforts.

If you are good at what you do, with a temporary agency, you could end up
working full time while making connections that will net you a permanent
job. Some of the temporary agencies also offer benefits and training to
develop new job skills or those you already have.

Good luck with your search. Skritches for your kitties.

Annie

..


  #8  
Old October 28th 06, 10:44 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.anecdotes
Enfilade
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 851
Default Need Opinions / Help


...
The problem... I think I've become a perpetual "victim". This is the
second boss in a row who is being really abusive to me. ... Hugs,
CatNipped



Document the crap out of everything. I don' t know the law in your
state and it may be worth investigating, but I would think it would be
illegal for a boss to:

1. force you to do a pile of duties not under your job description
when you were hired IN ADDITION TO the job you were hired for
2. forcing you to work overtime without appropriate financial
compensation for the overtime
3. treating you in a way different from your coworkers (ie, giving you
far more work than they have, or expecting you to do things much faster
than they do)
4. give you a job without mentioning tests, then tell you you need to
pay for a bunch of tests out of your own pocket in order to keep it,
and firing you if you don't
5. refusing you time for necessary medical treatment

Write down everything. What happened, what day, what time, where, who
saw it, who said what...if you need to go to court, a written record
day-by-day on your side is much more valuable than your word alone.

In the meantime:

You have skills. You have abilities. You know you're doing good work.
You can offer that to other companies, why? Because YOU want a job.
YOU want it, so you're going out to get it. It is in their best
interests to hire you. Let them know why.

You need to stop focusing on your need for that job and start focusing
on why they would be lucky to hire you...and making sure that it gets
communicated.

Purrs.

--Fil

  #9  
Old October 28th 06, 11:00 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.anecdotes
CatNipped
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 995
Default [OT] Need Opinions / Help

"Christina Websell" wrote in message
...

"Mark Edwards" wrote in message
...
No cluons were harmed when "CatNipped" wrote:
Just because I couldn't pass the MCAD/MCSD certification
exams (even though I do all the work assigned to me 3
times faster than any other employee), my boss
kept pressuring me, hinting around that my job was in jeopardy
if I didn't take the tests and pass them. I finally had enough
and told the operations manager than I wasn't going to waste
my own money on taking 5, $250 tests, that I knew I would
fail (you only get reimbursed if you pass all five of the tests and
get the certification). The
operations manager told my boss and my boss told me he'd
"let" me "stay with the company" but my duties would have to change
(or rather be added to).


Sounds like he has someone younger and/or from a foreign country, who
will do the same work for half the salary, and he is trying to drive
you away without actually firing you.

Some thoughts:

1. You may be in a position to claim age harassment, although any
harassment claims need to be solidly documented.

2. If you have business cards, and the title is specific, you can
point out that the additional duties fo not fall under that title.

3. You can point out that the additional duties do not fall under the
job description as discussed when you were hired.

4. You can point out that certification was not a requirement, and
that you results speak out for your comptency.

At any rate, you are being scammed by a manager on a budget, who is
trying to use fear as a motivator and who may be getting a percentage
of every dollar saved, as a bonus. It is also possible that this
manager has the "if you aren't degreed/certified, then you don't
really know this stuff" mindset - which is a load of anally expressed
goo (evil grin).

It is in your best interests to get out of these additional duties,
or you will end up as the technical equivalent of a Walmart greeter.

If you can get out from under this manager, that might help...



It's so dreadful if your manager decides to use you in this way, probably
because his bosses want his *own* performance to improve.

I was once in this situation myself. I was able to sort it out because my
employer is government based and bullying is not allowed, even so, it
wasn't easy.
Lori, I know what it's like and I feel your pain. I don't know what to
advise you to do though, if you aren't in a union or work for the govt.

It's a well known method of bullying to give someone an unachievable
workload.
This was done to myself as at the time my manager hated me, our political
views didn't connect.
I was able to access the Welfare Service of my employer for advice and saw
the Occupational Health doctor as I'd become unable to work because of it.
Oh, wow, how this helped! After an interview with the OH doc, she sent a
strong letter that they must stop this workplace bullying immediately and
I was moved to another team with a different manager which I love, and am
very happy in.

I hope you find a better job soon. Private sector jobs suck, they think
they can do what they like with you.
Tweed


Yeah, since this business has only 8 employees it doesn't even have to abide
by most federal employee laws in this country. Sucks - but I'm diligently
looking for another job, so maybe I'll be out of this situation soon.


--

Hugs,

CatNipped

See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/



  #10  
Old October 28th 06, 11:51 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.anecdotes
Sam
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,226
Default [OT] Need Opinions / Help

Wish I could offer some "never fails" advice but I really don't have
any, other than UFO does *NOT* apply - I've seen your pix. Megapurrs
that something *wonderful* comes you way quickly.

Skritches to the furrkids from here.

--
Sam, closely supervised by Mistletoe
 




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