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Feb. 2nd, 2011 07:32 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sunshine_queenSo, I just got a phone call from work. Apparently, even though I've been there three days and doing everything asked of me and doing it well, I am not enthusiastic enough, and because I don't want to stay twelve hours, I'm "not right" for their size company, and I was fired.
And the thing is, the thing I'm most upset about, after this snap judgment of only three days there, I'm most angry that I just paid $100 for a metro pass. And the money I spent on clothes. It wasn't what I liked to do, but I was doing everything that I had been given the tools to do and I was doing it quickly and efficiently, and that wasn't good enough. I was just told today that I needed to be louder and more forceful- two things I've never been told in my life- and that I should be brash and assertive and not care that I'm stepping on people's toes. and I was thinking how I could never be that way, but I could stick it out a few months. I am never going to be comfortable constantly harassing people over the phone, I'm never going to want to stay there for twelve hours in a row. I don't want to fight for this job.
And so ends Madi's foray into the working world, not with a bang but with a phone call.
And the thing is, the thing I'm most upset about, after this snap judgment of only three days there, I'm most angry that I just paid $100 for a metro pass. And the money I spent on clothes. It wasn't what I liked to do, but I was doing everything that I had been given the tools to do and I was doing it quickly and efficiently, and that wasn't good enough. I was just told today that I needed to be louder and more forceful- two things I've never been told in my life- and that I should be brash and assertive and not care that I'm stepping on people's toes. and I was thinking how I could never be that way, but I could stick it out a few months. I am never going to be comfortable constantly harassing people over the phone, I'm never going to want to stay there for twelve hours in a row. I don't want to fight for this job.
And so ends Madi's foray into the working world, not with a bang but with a phone call.
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Date: 2011-02-03 12:44 am (UTC)Three days! My goodness. That seems horribly unfair, they didn't even give you a chance to learn their ways!
Bah. Well, I do think perhaps you're well rid of them. It didn't seem like you were thrilled with it anyway, so maybe this will lead to other, more fitting opportunities!
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Date: 2011-02-03 02:33 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 12:50 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 02:33 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 12:51 am (UTC)Oh, honey, I'm sorry. They suck.
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Date: 2011-02-03 02:34 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 12:57 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 02:36 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 01:09 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 02:37 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 01:10 am (UTC)ALL THE HUGS FOR YOU, DARLING. ALL THE HUGS AND ALL THE CAPRICAS.
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Date: 2011-02-03 02:38 am (UTC)ALL THE CAPRICAS?! Awww, you know the way to my heart.
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Date: 2011-02-03 01:11 am (UTC)But like Tara said, I am sure you will find something that is a better fit for you where they realize how great you are and aren't workaholic Devil-Wears-Prada careerist jackasses catering to the rich and spoiled.
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Date: 2011-02-03 02:51 am (UTC)If anything, I think this cemented what I don't like to do: be worked to death. I'm not a workaholic by any stretch of the imagination.
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Date: 2011-02-03 01:27 am (UTC)Oh, that is not okay. I'm so, so sorry, hon. That is just ridiculous. *hugs you tight*
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Date: 2011-02-03 02:53 am (UTC)*hugs*
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Date: 2011-02-03 01:57 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 02:59 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 01:58 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 03:00 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 03:27 am (UTC)*hugs*
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Date: 2011-02-03 05:41 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 04:18 am (UTC)That's absurd. Screw them; if they they treat their employees that badly, you're better off rid of them. Seems like a lot of promises that came to nothing. If I were a customer of theirs, it would not inspire confidence in their business practices.
Given that it's such a short amount of time, and they have no idea of your skills and abilities (even if they think they do), I suspect it's probably some deeper problem that is not about you personally. Could be financial difficulties, or existing office politics, or god knows what.
Keep your chin up. You are better than them, and there is a great job out there for you somewhere. *hugs*
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Date: 2011-02-03 05:46 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 04:45 am (UTC)My job is also not something I am passionate about; in fact, it bores me to tears and I semi-frequently want to kill various people in my office. I'm underworked rather than overworked, and I resent having to spend so much time physically there, doing nothing. Work is a surprisingly isolating experience, especially as I don't have anything in common with anyone I work with. There are many forced conversations. It's boring much of the time. I know none of that is exactly comforting, but remember that 1) you're not a failure for not liking the job, or not fitting the company (which, again, is clearly insane and it's totally not your fault), and 2) jobs can suck in many different ways. I'm thinking of the Tolstoy quote, "all happy families are alike, but each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."
Unfortunately, with the labour market so tight right now (and Miami more than most places, I understand; correct me if I'm wrong), companies are interpreting this as an excuse to screw over their employees and potential employees. The HR work I'm doing disgusts me, because my company is firing a lot of their long-time, highly-paid and union ( = great benefits) employees, and replacing them with cheapo, desperate young people. I know for a fact that I'm being paid a below-market salary, but unfortunately I didn't have much room for negotiation because of visa issues. The lack of loyalty companies have to their workers means, IMO, that the employee has every right to look for a better deal wherever they can find one, so even if you're settled in a position, you should keep an eye open for other options. You owe your employer nothing besides work for a specified time period (not until midnight!) in exchange for decent pay. You're the only person who truly has your own best interests at heart, so make sure you protect them. Think of it as looking after your own bottom line, as it were -- no profitable company is going to make stupid decisions and risk itself, so why should a person?
Being emotional is fine and normal and good. I suggest going for a run (but somehow I think you will hate me for that one ;) ), and failing that, a hysterical crying session usually evens out that frazzled, antsy, nervous feeling that can take over my life. Just let it go. Hit something. Watch a sad movie, or a funny one. Fuck them.
This turned out more depressing than intended, but hopefully the ranting is somewhat therapeutic. *hugs*
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Date: 2011-02-03 05:53 am (UTC)Actually, from what I've read Miami isn't bad, but I certainly haven't had much luck. But yeah, everything else you said is totally right. I'm so glad you found a job that will help you with your visa, though! I remember you telling me how difficult finding an employer to do it would be.
I somehow doubt a run would help, but I appreciate the thought. *hugs* I really am doing okay- at least right now. I've been having weird emotions all over.
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Date: 2011-02-03 04:52 am (UTC)Well.
At least you were already not happy there, so it's not as though this was a job you would kill to keep. Just chalk it up to experience.
Best of luck on finding a new job.
Make sure they pay you for those three days.
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Date: 2011-02-03 05:44 am (UTC)I have no idea how to go about making sure I get paid! I certainly don't want to call them up. I'm hoping they just mail it to me.
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Date: 2011-02-03 09:43 am (UTC)OK, FYI, no normal company will fire someone after three days, unless they are, like, smoking joints at their desk. Any rational company will give their employees time to adjust.
Clearly, the boss is insane. Theres not a doubt in my mind. So, honestly, he's probably right that you wouldn't fit in there-- the people working there must be unusual in some way. maybe they have no lives, maybe they're all part of a Mexican drug cartel, idk, but whatever it is, it's weird.
No matter what, DO NOT blame yourself. I doubt there is anything in the world you could or should have done differently. And you will find another job, hopefully one that you'll actually enjoy!!
And just know that we all adore you and are cheering you on. I know that's dorky! But its true. :-)
PS? There is absolutely nothing wrong with calling and asking about your pay. It is totally professional. Give them a week to contact you first, and if they don't, give them a polite, casual call to ask what the process is.
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Date: 2011-02-03 04:14 pm (UTC)I'm actually pretty okay with it all- if I was fired for not wanting to be chained to a desk, and not wanting to be demanding and unpleasant, I can handle that.
Also, thanks for the advice on my pay, I think I'll do that.
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Date: 2011-02-03 11:26 am (UTC)You're definitely better off not working there. They apparently expect you to spend ALL your time there or something.
And just... I don't even know. I'm shocked they'd fire you that fast. Their loss.
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Date: 2011-02-03 04:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 11:26 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 04:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 04:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 04:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-03 07:30 pm (UTC)I'm so sorry, Madi. It sucks. *hugs*
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Date: 2011-02-04 04:31 pm (UTC)*hugs*