Mid November things got slow, then almost dead. Boss says he can’t keep me on full time at the rate I receive, tell me he can at a lower rate and throws me a couple of bones. Just didn’t seem like much was happening and not a lot of info being put out to me.
At this point I was knawing a few of my own and actively seeking new opportunity. I let the boss know this in very certain terms.
One co. was ready to hire me on the spot, but I slowed down things a bit and suggested we try something on, a single project to see how we fit together. This was late December now.
First week of Jan, the boss put me back on full time former rate of pay with a truck and gas. Still doesn’t offer much in the way of what’s ahead.
I sit down with him today to tell him that I need to leave for several weeks in mid to late feb and explain why.
He’s a bit agitated, perhaps understandibly, but makes a point about not giving him more notice while at the same time telling me that HE is going away about the same time for a week and was planning on having me pilot the ship!
I gave the other guy my word and will NOT back out of my commitment to him. At the same time I feel a little bad, but my boss is typically non-communicative as he was in this instance. I mean, I just learned today what I am doing friday amd “probably” what I am doing next week.
NOW he tells me that he has booked 800k in work since the beginning of the year.
Why the hell should I feel guilty or bad?
Should I be expecting more information in the wat of what is or isn’t on the horizon? He doesn’t give out a lot of imformation like this, it is almost a secret it seems at times. It is not unusual to go home friday and not know where you are going on monday morning.
Eric
Replies
Wait. Are you saying you asked for a few weeks off so you could have a trial run with another contractor?
TIPI,TIPI,TIPI!
Yes exactly. As you can read in my post, he knew from me back in Dec (when there was no or little work) that I was earnestly seeking an upward move.
I have been off and on with this guy for some time, not exactly full time. Never a commitment from either of us. When he had something coming he'd call and schedule, in between I would find other work.
I told him today that I do wish to come back and stay on, but I need to fulfill my commitment to this other person. It was intended to be a trial run, but after visiting the job, the clients and meeting with the production manager, I can see that it is most likely not a good fit for me. Shame on me that I was not able to feel this out better and earlier.
Eric[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
Eric,
If it were me, I wouldn't bite the hand that is currently feeding me if I already had realized that the new firm wasn't a good fit. It sounds like you've decided to stay put, at least for now. So keep that guy happy. You still have time, so call and explain the situation to the new guy. Tell him you appreciate his time and his offer, but that you've decided to stay put. Enough said. IMO, your commitment is to you and your family first.... that means remaining gainfully employed.
I don't think I'd feel a hint of guilt at all about bowing out of my trial run with a new outfit unless it was done last minute. But I can see why you're feeling guilty about leaving your current boss a bit high and dry.
Just my two cents. Don't think you owe either guy a whole heck of a lot. So why not keep the guy that is currently paying you happy? View Image
I agree with you Diesel.
Eric, you have an independent contractor relationship with your former gm already established. He's got 800k worth of work and you guys obviously have a decent fit.
The other guys aren't a good fit and you've already recognized that. I think you'd be crazy to step into a bad situation.
Now, for some HTWF&IP suggestions.
You've got your word to back up and that poses a very minor problem. Your solution is: call the new guys and let them know that you don't think it will be a good fit. Find some positives to talk about then find a way to tell them why it won't work (your financial problem/situation dictates that their offer won't allow you to meet your expenses) . Then offer to let them "dump" you. They win and save face.
In any event, don't take on a job that isn't a good fit. That's the worst way to start a year and you'll regret it for the next 10 months.
blue
He's got 800k worth of work and you guys obviously have a decent fit.
It's just that he didn't in Dec. and I had no idea if I was going to have work fo Jan or on. I had allready been reduced in pay and hours at that point. Fit is ok at best, that's the other reason I was looking. I still am.
The other guys aren't a good fit and you've already recognized that. I think you'd be crazy to step into a bad situation.
I didn't learn that until after I made the commitment. The commitment was for a short term project. It was my bad to not go further int o details.
I do stupid ship sometimes. Thanks Blue.
Arghgghgh.
Eric[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
I dont wanna take away from Blue and Mike .
Ive got a problem with you boss if thats what he is ,..
Tim
So why not keep the guy that is currently paying you happy?
I made a commitment to the other guy, when times were dry with the current. I intend to fulfill my obligation. I gave him my word.
My current gave me NO indication of what was coming, and at that time, there wasn't anything. And like I've said, I've been off and on with this guy which was fine by both of us. It's not like I've been full time for five years. he has been my employer off and on during my transition away from being self employed.
I guess it's just a little messy, and it's bothering me. I wish it weren't this way. I can't go back on my word especially cause I have personal connections to the new guy.
Had my current asked me to hang on through December cause there's big thing starting in Jan and for the next X months, I likely would not have made the other commitment. I did it for my family, I have bills to pay like everyone.
I value your opinion Brian and I was hoping to hear from you.
Not an easy one for me. I try to hard to please everyone.
Eric
[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
Any way you can make a compromise? By, say, working about 80 hours a week for two weeks? Might be worth some temporary misery to keep both guys happy.Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
Nothing like a little humor to brighten the day!
Thanks[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
Uhm, I wasn't kidding? It's not that bad, really. I've done that for months at a stretch. OK, it sucked, but it was worth it in the end.Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
I agree .
It helps if dw is on board with it .
I used to be scheduled for 90 hours per week when I owned a convience store.
Of course that wasnt carpenter work either . My old butt drags after 40 now.
Tim
im glad eric has worked his misadventure out
it looks like he has a win -win situation.yes ive
worked many long hours what I thought was
for the good of my family and to keep what I
had precieved was my good reputation, only
to be told I was a greedy slop hog, but never
did any body tell me{ which i probley would't
have listened to anyway} that i couldn't see
. the forest for the trees
Oh well ive gotten a second chance in my life
to spend time with my little ones. I dont have
no money. but i have a wife who loves me,
my adult kids still call me every day,
and a lord who has forgiven me. life is good! D,W.
Uhm, I wasn't kidding? It's not that bad, really.
Ur nuts. I did that in my twenties. I'm not twenties anymore.
Better to try to teach the pig to sing!
E[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
The story unfolds...
When you accepted the job during the dry time, you did right for your family.
When you took the keys to the truck and reaccepted the current job, you failed to mention your upcoming committments.
Therein lies your dilemma.
If you had informed your current boss before you re-started, he wouldn't have a beef. Now he does. All you can do is apologize.
blue
When you took the keys to the truck and reaccepted the current job, you failed to mention your upcoming committments.
Therein lies your dilemma.
If you had informed your current boss before you re-started, he wouldn't have a beef. Now he does. All you can do is apologize.
Jees Blue, you been sitting in my back pocket? You're almost 100% right on this except that even at the start of take the truck and go here, I saw four weeks of work and not more, and was not told there is more until today. And I did apologize.
So perhaps this post is a two part question the first being the original, the second pertaining to how much info do you share with your employees about what is coming or not. And if you are on the other end of things, what does the boss share with you?
As I said before, it is NOT uncommon to not know where we are going on Monday on Friday afternoon. Or to be handed a set of plans and told where to go with no prior heads up or meetings.
Thanks Blue.
Eric[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
I saw four weeks of work and not more, and was not told there is more until today
That's your out with this particular "employer".
This guy is not willing to make a committment, but expects one in return. It usually doesn't work out that way. In light of recent and continuing layoffs, I would have been searching for alternative work too. That's why I said you made the right move by securing work.
Your boss has to understand that either he has to make a firm committment to hire you full time as an employee, or he risks not having you when he needs you. He'll have to wait till you reappear, just like you have to wait till he has work that appears. It's a tough racket for both of you.
It's interesting that he has other full time guys, that you sometimes supervise. That tidbit of info gives me a little more insight to what this guy is doing. He's basically dumping the higher salaried guys and keeping the lower wage laborers. He's being greedy for about $100 per week. He spends dollars to save pennies.
I wouldn't worry about leaving him for a couple of weeks when he needs you the most. He'll learn something from that and I'd be inclined to demand a substantial pay INCREASE when I called him back. I'd use the leverage created by this other new job. I would think that i'd be able to tap a few bucks an hour out of that 800k job....
Playing the money game with guys like this is part of the deal. You have to leverage every penny out of him because when things slow up, he gets it back. In the end, you'll be even.
blue
Yup. that covers my problem with the "some kind of boss".
Now its all been said .
Leaving for two weeks is exactly what was on my mind and keeping paying avenues open.
He gets over there at the other job and they might like him enough to UP the annie . Thats business .
Id like for him to gain some leverage and if he stays that wont happen. When hes gone for a while the old boss will have some time to do some thinking. I think it should be the boss who tried to solve this or not solve it .
Looking at it from a subs standpoint leaving is a win win. He might gain two companies he can draw support for his family.
From a poker stand point he should be ok with both men at this point . Hes done nothing to hurt his odds. Right now hes the one whose calling suit and leading off . Thats not a bad place to be.
Tim
Looking at it from a subs standpoint leaving is a win win. He might gain two companies he can draw support for his family
Thanks Tim. Based on my past with the current, this is what I was aiming for. Two or three companies that I could jump around to a bit and find a little flexibility for some personal time in there as well.
We'll get over it. I'm in the mood to move up. I'm showing it too. I've taken what comes my way for way too many years. People see you're hungry and you back it up with the right moves it gets noyiced and gets them thinking about you.
No more lateral moves. Up!
Thanks for your comments.
Eric[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
What's the problem?
I mean I have read every post in this thread. This is construction. You have no garuntee nor any right to expect to not be out of a job at 12:00 noon tomorrow.
You promised one guy you would be there at a certain time to do a certain project. Do it. Keep your word. You should expect and plan to be laid off the minute that project is complete. It is usual, sometimes, in some areas, with some companies, that your next job starts immediately for the same boss. Until the next project is done.
I got RIFfed once and rehired the next day for the same position. Got RIFfed two weeks later and rehired again in a different trade for the same company. Got RIFfed for good two months later. With a prefered rehire certificate. Used it, too, a year later.
If you hire on without a given deadline, you should always plan on looking for work tomorrow after noon. The only notice you should expect is what you get from keeping your eyes open to the progress of the project.
Your boss has every right to terminate your employment without notice. He does not have the right to ever demand more from you. Common curtesy says you should give as much notice as you have, but. . . .
SamT
I have been in the same situation. Each time it got stressful wondering if next week things would level out or I would be out of a job.
With bills to pay, having to find work NOW isnt funny. Each time I finally decided enough was enough and left. The relief was huge.
If your boss is talking paycuts etc one minute, then 800k jobs the next, then at what point will he say "Not enough work" and fire you?
Who knows......could be tomorrow. Nobody can live like that. If it was me I would be looking for a better long term job and when I found it, go and dont look back. This loyal employee thing goes both ways.
The way I read it, he not holding up his end.
Whatever it was.................I didnt do it.
Thanks AJ.[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
Thanks Sam, good thoughts.
E[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
It's interesting that he has other full time guys, that you sometimes supervise. That tidbit of info gives me a little more insight to what this guy is doing. He's basically dumping the higher salaried guys and keeping the lower wage laborers. He's being greedy for about $100 per week. He spends dollars to save pennies.
Not sure what you're getting at, but the rest of the post makes perfect sense. He's paying me more than one guy who has been with him for some year. Difference is, I "own" my project, my work, my (our) client.
I go and I conquer. I take care of what needs to be done, what surprises show up, I call for and pass inspections. His other guys just don't have it in them. What I have and deliver comes from being on the other side of the fence for many years.
I apologized for the inconvenience. I'm trying to get a little more time on delay from the other contractor so I can cover for a few days while my current boss is out of town.
He'll hang, he allready says he will. He want's me back. He said no hard feelings; whether he means it or not remains to be seen. Not gonna push the money thing right now, I'm doing pretty good for now.
Thanks Blue.[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
eric ... i hate christmas... and my wife loves it so much, she starts planning in July
one of the reasons i hate it is because it is so easy to get caught out during this seson.. i often make jokes about the Christmas Bonus..
" Merry Christmas, you're laid off "
.. you made a mistake.. and now you're between a rock and a hard place....
you have no history with the new guy.. and the old guy disappointed you.. what was the purpose of trying to put you on short wages ?
was he trying to skin you ? or was he earnestly trying to find a way to keep you on without taking money from his own family ?
are you really an employee ? or an independent contractor ?
i would make my decision based on a couple things... where do you want to be a year from now? what was your boss's intention ?
what is your future with your current company ? your word is one thing , and business and your job are another ... if you're catholic... you know all about guilt.. but don't forget.. confession is good for the soul..
you can go to the new guy and tell him you screwed up.. it won't be the last time he's heard those words..
and 'nudder ting.. the new guy.. he don't have any employees does he ?
so..just another dude trying to circumvent the labor laws of your state...hmmmmmmMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
was he trying to skin you ? or was he earnestly trying to find a way to keep you on without taking money from his own family ?
I think more skin, although there just wasn't any work for me. The other two carps actually have senority over me time wise although I often supervise them and I know I am compensated significantly more. He's not hurting for $ by any means, but I can't blame him for giving me a bit of a shove if there is nothing to do.
I am an employee, even when I don't work ten weeks in a row, what ever weeks I do, I am on the books.
In a year from now, I would either like to be with the same company but seeing some progression in the way the company is run, or with a good company that is forward thinking and can honestly appreciate the talent and skills that I bring to the table.
The new guy is actually a bigger company and has many more employees than where I am now. Doesn't mean that they are the one for me though.
I screwed up I guess. I wanted to bide my time before telling him I had to leave for a bit. Based on the way things were going back in December, I thought I was doing the right thing and it's the only barometer I had to develop some kind of plan. I wasn't hearing boo from him regarding employment gaurantees or what was coming up in Jan and on, There wasn't anything at the time.
Thanks Mike,
Eric[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
In a year from now, I would either like to be with the same company but seeing some progression in the way the company is run, or with a good company that is forward thinking and can honestly appreciate the talent and skills that I bring to the table.
A real mixed bag here, Eric. I have a similar situation...getting 70-80% of my work from one guy. He's also a bad communicator, and poor planner, sometimes inept, but pays decent and on time. Was keeping me busy, then slowed to a crawl.
When I grouse about what I see as his shortcomings to my DW, She rightly reminds me that despite what I say or do, he'll probably not change his practice much. She's right, of course. So I'm weaning myself away and pursuing more on my own.
I should see it as a stepping stone to better things, and not get complacent...a characteristic I am all to familiar with.
Perhaps even consider the new guy a stepping stone. I know what you mean about your word and not breaking it, but how could anyone fault you for being upfront and honest? I've found that if I wear all the blame, it's pretty disarming to others.
Ramble over now.
PJ
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
Good thoughts, thanks Pete. I know I'm not alone and you are right about the boss not changing.
I wonder if they are actually reading the same publications every one else is?
You know the ones, with articles about the lead carpenter system, budgeting in call backs to the job, customer service, keeping employees informed.....................[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
Eric,
I know this is too late for you,
however
the most valuable thing you have to sell----- is your ability to keep your word.
your first( current) guy appears to want you to drop whatever you are doing and to come running when HE wants you------- but feels free to cut you loose when your employement becomes problematic( no work)----- and the hints at cutting pay etc. stink.---- Plus----- his longstanding record of communication problems---------- Well he doesn't look like a good fit
2nd guy( new guy)----- may not be a good fit ( or he might be---who knows)
You told the second guy you would do something---so you do it----irregaurdless of how inconvenient it might be to the first guy( the guy who wants to cut your pay---and expects you to drop everything and come running at HIS convenience)
Personally---- I think you should keep looking for option No. 3-------- a situation where your ability to manage projects and give and keep your word----is maore important than next weeks paycheck.
I don't see ANYTHING you have done to feel quilty about
,but I am intrigued---that the first guy seems to be able to jerk you around, treat you---marginally------and then make you feel guuilty about your poor treatment!]
Very best wishes, Stephen
Thanks for the clarification. This second explanation of your relationship reads way different to me than the first did.
Still, sounds to me like you got into bed with one woman while still casually dating the first. Risky, especially if you like to please everyone, like you said to Diesel. TIPI,TIPI,TIPI!
Still, sounds to me like you got into bed with one woman while still casually dating the first.
AND WENT AND TOLD THE FIRST ONE!
Interesting take on it.
Thanks[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
you need to leave your "other" commitment high and dry. you are hitching your cart to the wrong mule. you have better long term stability with your current boss...not some test drive contractor you gave a verbal to a month or more ago. bad move dude...bad move
Eric this is my second time posting. I have been in the same predicament you are in no you have done the right thing being honest with your boss, but it seems he has some personal issues to work out about communacation to his employees. I am a stonemason now, it is allways something i had wanted to do. I use to be an industrial millwright /electrical repairman I was at the top of my game,but was bored s--tless working on the same equp. day in and day out- same people ,yada-yada-yada.so anyway I left the plant" had been there 24 years". went to work for an outfit that did industrial prodjects ,rebuilds ,the whole smorgesboard, traveled up and down the east coast working on cement plant equip. and terminals. From that went on to own a small jobshop machine shop with 3 employees.between that and traveling for the repair co. i think ive seen pertnear everykind of weird siuation a man can get into.one finally caught me that is the reason I am a stone mason now.heheh well anyway i feel for ya bud. being that he is the employer he probley reaps the most good from the his company, i would suppose,just dont burn any bridges if you are a good employee he will see that .
dedub... that was a good post .. but it sure is painful reading all that text jumbled together...
try hitting your damn enter key once in while....
oh, and..... welcome to the siteMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
sorry about that mr. smith wont happen again.wasnt thinking snotsuckers were
hungrey ,one in the tub , wife is at work heheh what an adverture.the other one the
cell phone from charleston s.c. telling about his new job. hey they are the ones with
the edumycation I just lift heavy things for a livin.
heh.... gotta come to NE and study some of these walls here..
stone mason heavenMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Thanks D,
I'm glad you saw into the communication thing, or the lack thereof.[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
Eric,
From what I understand about the situation, the only mistake you made was not telling your boss during the first week of January what your commitment was. When you started back up, unless it's specifically another short term jaunt again, he had the right to know. Of course, based on your past relationship I can see how you would make an honest mistake.
You have alluded several times to the poor communication between you and your current boss. I think this is a huge problem that, unless it's remedied, will cause even bigger fireworks down the road. Working towards fixing that is your #1 priority.
I would sit down with your boss and lay it all out on the table. Explain the commitment you made to the other guy and the reasons why you made that decision. Do you best to really have some straight talk with him but don't make any decisions regarding the other guy.
With that conversation in mind, talk with the other contractor and once again be honest. Explain that you do not wish to foster a long term relationship with them but you will still honor your word as best as you are able. Maybe since there is still several weeks between now & then something can be worked out. Maybe not.
Hopefully this exercise will break something loose and you'll have a great solution. Maybe nothing good will come of it. If that's the case, then you have a decision to make. Which promise/commitment do you honor? I'm hoping for your sake that you never have to go there.
Jon Blakemore
RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
Thanks Jon,
Thoughtful and insightful reply.
It'll work out, it's not forever. He's dissapointed that I won't be there to do work he planned on having me do.
He just forgot to tell me that he expected me to be around.
It's all about communication.
Eric[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
It really sounds like the two of your are holding cards that you don't want the other to see......just so you can control the situation. We all want as many things in our favor as possible in business. But sometimes you have to give to get or you get surprised. And it seems both of you didn't give and got surprised, at the same time.
If you want the relationship to prosper then you need to force the communication because it is obvious he isn't going to. If it doesn't matter then don't. But if you choose to not make communication happen then you can plan on this type of thing occuring again. DanT
And it seems both of you didn't give and got surprised, at the same time.
Great call Dan. That pretty much sums it up. I didn't want to show my hand any earlier than I needed to and here we are.
Thanks.[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
Sure you can feel guilty/ bad if you want to, but I wouldnt spend to much time on it. What is your status with your boss??? Are you an employee or a sub/ hired gun?? What was the agreement as far as notice for time off leave, quitting, etc?? Was there one?
I think the one thing that you could have done better would have been to give your current boss more notice ( lets say a month). I think its good to stick to your word, but there is a point, and only you can decide what that point is for you. I agree with the others, I dont think its worth putting any energy into this new job if it is something that is not going to happne.
If you really are sure that this new company is something that isn't going to work for you, I would go and talk with them. Tell them that our situariong has changed, and a long term relationship wont work for you. Tell them you will honor your word, and you are willing to work for them on this one project as agreed, but would prefer not to.
A pet peeve of mine is lack of communication and/or waiting until the last moment to tell people something. I could be better at it too. Dont call us up in the middle of the morning, telling us we have to pack up all our tools and rush over to the other site cause we quick have to start another job. How long have you known about it???? Quick pack everything up, rush over to other job. What?? We need a transit?? Anybody got a transit??? NO I dont have a transit in my truck!!!! If you would have told me yesterday, I could have brought one. No I dont have any sticks for doing layout. No I dont have shovels or post hole diggers to dig footers. We where doing trim at the other job. So we all go running around getting everything. What an efficient use of time.
O.k., Im crawling off my little soapbox. Back to your regular programing.....
m2akita
Everybody's pretty well laid out the pluses and minuses here. One thing I will say is that it's nice to see somebody worry about giving their word and not going back on it. There are so many construction people out there that would turn 180 degrees in half a heartbeat. I am sick of it. (I don't wear a halo, but I'm trying.)
As far as the old boss never telling you what was going on, I think that's a legit gripe on your part. maybe he will learn his lesson too.
Good luck to you.
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
Thanks Don.
I'm big on keeping promises. Some take to long to fulfill but I am always there.
I don't get how some people sleep, I really don't.
Eric[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
Thanks m.[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
So Eric,
How did it all work out?
Jon Blakemore
RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
The guy I "left" seemed annoyed, probably was, but let me know forthright that he was expecting and hoping me to return. I told hom ot was most likely.
The guy I am trying on, almost done with the kitchen project has worked out almost ok. I "know" him, and as such, have taken the responsibility of buying materials as needed at my expense to be reimbursed. The money as well as my pay has been a little behind which was at least annoying. I don't go to the "shop" so that may be one reason, and I don't think they deal with many subs.
They are oversold and a bit behind the eight ball, but they do ok by the client. i have had to travel a bit over the tried and true morning commute that everyone up here takes and it sucks. I left that behind me for the most part with the guy I "left" and I don't miss it a bit.
I intend to make the few years I have left as productive as possible and that does not include driving for 2 hours and not getting paid for it. I don't know how people can do that for 30 years.
The guy I "left", to who I will be returning shortly, has promised me a truck, and gas, and most of his work is quite a bit more local. There are some drawbacks, and somethings I will be working on to change or I will continue to look.
I believe the new guy will be asking shortly to put me on full time and he had benefits that I can buy into. So nothing is definite for the long haul.
I am glad to have gotten oout of working for myself though for the most part.
I hope this covers it for you. Thanks for asking.
Eric[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
I "know" him, and as such, have taken the responsibility of buying materials as needed at my expense to be reimbursed.
Eric,
I know you don't need my advice but my personal stand (after being annoyed several times) is that I will never buy materials with my own money for another mans job, unless I'm being compensated in some way for it.
I used to do it, especially when in college as I would only be employed for about 4 months at a time during summers, but after spending hours trying to straighten up a mess that my employer created I made my stand. He was not trying to screw me, but when I would submit a receipt for $35.17 he would pay $32 (poor organization), and after things went on like this for a while we had to come to terms with who owed who.
I can get a business credit card with the employee's name in less than 7 working days. I will never ask an employee to buy materials with their own money, that's just bush league.
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
"I can get a business credit card with the employee's name in less than 7 working days. I will never ask an employee to buy materials with their own money, that's just bush league."
I agree 100%. If one of my guys buys something out of his own pocket for whatever reason (where he went was a local store that didn't take his card or we didn't have an account) I reach in my wallet or head to the ATM and settle up on the spot. It's my business, not his. No reason he should finance it. DanT
I know you don't need my advice but my personal stand (after being annoyed several times) is that I will never buy materials with my own money for another mans job, unless I'm being compensated in some way for it.
Oh, agreed.
He is a "friend",. My wife's best friend, husbands bil!. I can see they have organizational issues, this should have been a known and preparations made for in advance. There is no way I would do it for some azz clown I didn't have some history with.
I did it to keep things moving.
Eric[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
Did you at least mark those materials up?Tipi, Tipi, Tipi!
http://www.asmallwoodworkingcompany.com
No, but I was on the clock to pick them up. Yard is on the way in.[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
In the end, this is your life, your family. Unless you maliciously are going out of your way to make life hard on your employers (which you're not) you have no reason to feel guilty no matter which path you take.
Not to knock good bosses...because they ARE out there, but, for the most part, you are simply a commodity and expendable. Employees have to look out for themselves first and foremost.
The best advice I ever got from a mentor was 'ALWAYS be job hunting'. His point was that there are ALWAYS other opportunities out there and the only way to get ahead is to grab them when the appear without worrying about where you're leaving.
Of course, you don't want to burn bridges, but I've found that a few burnt bridges is nothing compared to loosing out on a few career advancement opportunities.
That pretty much sums up what I am thinking.
I've been told lots of BS about loyalty this and loyalty that, but in the end, it's my azz I need to look out for.
Move over maybe but up is better.[email protected]
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been