SNATCH + RUN
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2
For whatever reason, I have been gifted with anything but a boring life. On Tuesday, I had lifesaving emergency surgery. I know, dramatic. But maybe not, when the doctor says before the surgery, “There is a 1 in a 100 chance you will not survive.” I think DRAMATIC needs to be in ALL CAPS.
I spoke with a friend, he suggested I should have asked the doctor, “How many has it been since the last “1” in of a "100" occurred? If the good doc said 98—then the drama would increase to RUN.”
Anyway, I survived, I’m okay, the surgery was excruciating; two medical professionals restrained me by holding my arms down. I cried profusely. But, I survived, and not making light of addiction, I kicked the fentanyl out of my system after a floaty night. I repeat I am good, fully recovered, and something that had been tormenting me for years—has been removed!
Thanks for all the well wishes.
Anyway (I think I might overuse, anyway), yesterday, Friday.
I was out for a few socially distanced pops with friends. (Seriously, a closed bubble, well-spaced, in an establishment, doing an outstanding job of spacing).
My friend with 2 G’s in his name, his backpack was resting on a covered pool table. A sketchy young guy entered the establishment, grabbed the bag, and started running. 2G and I followed in hot-60-year-old pursuit. We caught him a half-block away. I like to think I flew through the air like a Superhero; in reality, I sort of hovered upright, slightly tilted forward, in the real reality, he tripped. I kept the Perp from lunging at 2G, somehow socially distancing from him, with my booming voice.
That was fun to type.
We got the backpack back, and the Perp started chanting, “I’m in trouble. I need help.”
Empathy kicked in. “What’s wrong? How can we help?”
“Money. Give me Money. Give me $20.”
“No. You are stealing things from people, and now you want Money, no. Can we call someone?”
“$19. $18. $17.”
“No.”
“I just got out of the hospital. I’m bipolar. I have issues.”
He was dripping sweat. He looked broken. I felt bad for his situation.
“$16. $15.”
“We are not going to give you Money. Beat it.”
He sprung to his feet with the utterance of "beat it" and assumed a boxer-like-pose, like those in silent movies. I tried not to chuckle.
“Look, I’m not going to fight you. Stay away from me.”
He shuffled from side-to-side on his toes, fists clenched, 10-feet away from me.
“Just beat it.”
He threatened to smash me.
I lowered my voice and boomed, I can’t remember what I roared, but it was embarrassingly loud and powerful.
Did you hear it?
About 6:40 PM yesterday. I’m sure it echoed throughout the Lower Mainland.
I wanted to get him help, but he decided he should beat it, not before counting down.
“$14. $13… $2. $1.”
“No.”
“You’re a faggot.”
I chuckled. Then I pondered: WOW it took him to $1 to yell faggot. You’d think he’d have pulled that out at $17 or $16, but no, $1, I am sarcastically offended.
The MORAL OF THE STORY
I think COVID has increased the number of desperate people roaming the streets—so—keep your belongings close at hand.
Have a great Saturday. Maybe I’ll stay away from people today.
I want my Superhero name to be BOOMER.
What do you think?
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2
For whatever reason, I have been gifted with anything but a boring life. On Tuesday, I had lifesaving emergency surgery. I know, dramatic. But maybe not, when the doctor says before the surgery, “There is a 1 in a 100 chance you will not survive.” I think DRAMATIC needs to be in ALL CAPS.
I spoke with a friend, he suggested I should have asked the doctor, “How many has it been since the last “1” in of a "100" occurred? If the good doc said 98—then the drama would increase to RUN.”
Anyway, I survived, I’m okay, the surgery was excruciating; two medical professionals restrained me by holding my arms down. I cried profusely. But, I survived, and not making light of addiction, I kicked the fentanyl out of my system after a floaty night. I repeat I am good, fully recovered, and something that had been tormenting me for years—has been removed!
Thanks for all the well wishes.
Anyway (I think I might overuse, anyway), yesterday, Friday.
I was out for a few socially distanced pops with friends. (Seriously, a closed bubble, well-spaced, in an establishment, doing an outstanding job of spacing).
My friend with 2 G’s in his name, his backpack was resting on a covered pool table. A sketchy young guy entered the establishment, grabbed the bag, and started running. 2G and I followed in hot-60-year-old pursuit. We caught him a half-block away. I like to think I flew through the air like a Superhero; in reality, I sort of hovered upright, slightly tilted forward, in the real reality, he tripped. I kept the Perp from lunging at 2G, somehow socially distancing from him, with my booming voice.
That was fun to type.
We got the backpack back, and the Perp started chanting, “I’m in trouble. I need help.”
Empathy kicked in. “What’s wrong? How can we help?”
“Money. Give me Money. Give me $20.”
“No. You are stealing things from people, and now you want Money, no. Can we call someone?”
“$19. $18. $17.”
“No.”
“I just got out of the hospital. I’m bipolar. I have issues.”
He was dripping sweat. He looked broken. I felt bad for his situation.
“$16. $15.”
“We are not going to give you Money. Beat it.”
He sprung to his feet with the utterance of "beat it" and assumed a boxer-like-pose, like those in silent movies. I tried not to chuckle.
“Look, I’m not going to fight you. Stay away from me.”
He shuffled from side-to-side on his toes, fists clenched, 10-feet away from me.
“Just beat it.”
He threatened to smash me.
I lowered my voice and boomed, I can’t remember what I roared, but it was embarrassingly loud and powerful.
Did you hear it?
About 6:40 PM yesterday. I’m sure it echoed throughout the Lower Mainland.
I wanted to get him help, but he decided he should beat it, not before counting down.
“$14. $13… $2. $1.”
“No.”
“You’re a faggot.”
I chuckled. Then I pondered: WOW it took him to $1 to yell faggot. You’d think he’d have pulled that out at $17 or $16, but no, $1, I am sarcastically offended.
The MORAL OF THE STORY
I think COVID has increased the number of desperate people roaming the streets—so—keep your belongings close at hand.
Have a great Saturday. Maybe I’ll stay away from people today.
I want my Superhero name to be BOOMER.
What do you think?
PUNTED TO THE CURB
Back in March, I made the mistake of saying to the company I worked for, "COVID-19 was freaking me out."
My 14-year career was ripped from me the next day, without discussion, notice, or severance.
Prior to me being freaked out by the virus, the company had started to ask me about my future with the company?
"The owner is trying to figure out how to bring a huge wage back. Don't worry, your position is safe."
COVID presented an opportunity: Fired without severance, under the guise of laid off.
I was immediately replaced. Hence, being laid off, rings of two letters, the first being B, and the second being S.
The company has gone as far to suggest, that by saying, "COVID-19 was..." was me asking for medical leave.
They also pretended they were doing this for my own good. Taking away my income without discussing my future, hmm?
There was zero mention of wanting time off, or anything of the sort, in my message. I ended the message saying, I hope this passes quickly (COVID). Nothing more.
The government put in some guidelines for when employees had to be called back from layoffs or be they'd have to be paid severance. 14+ years of being a model employee... the severance would certainly be $$$.
The company missed the date, but tried to "pretend" to recall me, giving me an ultimatum (bullying), saying, if I don't return by a certain date, I will effectively have resigned. My closest "friend" with the company, is complicit. That hurts.
I questioned the owner. He claimed they have done nothing wrong. I was a model employee for a decade-and-a-half. I turned 60 in July. He claimed the silence was nothing more than a "big misunderstanding" and “if you care about your financial future” – you will do as I say?
Imagine for a moment: "big misunderstanding" followed by 6-months of silence, the gall of it all. I never asked to be laid off, but now, the owner claims "big misunderstanding." Confusing?
Anyway, almost 15-years of my life tossed out the window by greed, with no show of empathy, or concern for my well-being.
At the start of the pandemic, they pretended they were doing this (terminating me) for my protection, but now, when it could cost them $$$, they were "willing" to bring me back, in the middle of the same pandemic?
What happened to "caring for my well-being?"
It is glaringly obvious, what they were trying to do, fire me a second time, this time to escape the responsiblity of paying severance.
I turned 60 in July. I gave the company more than 14-stellar-years of service, making everyone a ton of $$$. What in the heck, am I going to do now?
Punted to the proverbial curb by a company: What would you call a company that does things like this to loyal, long-serving employees?
USE A PANDEMIC TO CAN A LONG SERVING EMPLOYEE. THAT IS WHAT THEY HAVE DONE, AND NOW THEY ARE TRYING TO SELL 6-MONTHS OF SILENCE AS A "BIG MISUNDERSTANDING" - COME BACK SUCKER, WE WANT TO FIND A NEW WAY TO GET RID OF YOU.
I was, arguably, the best employee they ever had. Actually, strike the arguably part. I was the best employee they ever had. Those of you, left at the company, feel free debate amongst yourself.
My job title included Supervisor + Dispatching Workers + Planning work routes for new hires + training new hires + writin a safety manual + changing how we treated workers +++. I dispatched and managed more than 100 workers daily.
But the company claims I never managed anyone.
My 14-year career was ripped from me the next day, without discussion, notice, or severance.
Prior to me being freaked out by the virus, the company had started to ask me about my future with the company?
"The owner is trying to figure out how to bring a huge wage back. Don't worry, your position is safe."
COVID presented an opportunity: Fired without severance, under the guise of laid off.
I was immediately replaced. Hence, being laid off, rings of two letters, the first being B, and the second being S.
The company has gone as far to suggest, that by saying, "COVID-19 was..." was me asking for medical leave.
They also pretended they were doing this for my own good. Taking away my income without discussing my future, hmm?
There was zero mention of wanting time off, or anything of the sort, in my message. I ended the message saying, I hope this passes quickly (COVID). Nothing more.
The government put in some guidelines for when employees had to be called back from layoffs or be they'd have to be paid severance. 14+ years of being a model employee... the severance would certainly be $$$.
The company missed the date, but tried to "pretend" to recall me, giving me an ultimatum (bullying), saying, if I don't return by a certain date, I will effectively have resigned. My closest "friend" with the company, is complicit. That hurts.
I questioned the owner. He claimed they have done nothing wrong. I was a model employee for a decade-and-a-half. I turned 60 in July. He claimed the silence was nothing more than a "big misunderstanding" and “if you care about your financial future” – you will do as I say?
Imagine for a moment: "big misunderstanding" followed by 6-months of silence, the gall of it all. I never asked to be laid off, but now, the owner claims "big misunderstanding." Confusing?
Anyway, almost 15-years of my life tossed out the window by greed, with no show of empathy, or concern for my well-being.
At the start of the pandemic, they pretended they were doing this (terminating me) for my protection, but now, when it could cost them $$$, they were "willing" to bring me back, in the middle of the same pandemic?
What happened to "caring for my well-being?"
It is glaringly obvious, what they were trying to do, fire me a second time, this time to escape the responsiblity of paying severance.
I turned 60 in July. I gave the company more than 14-stellar-years of service, making everyone a ton of $$$. What in the heck, am I going to do now?
Punted to the proverbial curb by a company: What would you call a company that does things like this to loyal, long-serving employees?
USE A PANDEMIC TO CAN A LONG SERVING EMPLOYEE. THAT IS WHAT THEY HAVE DONE, AND NOW THEY ARE TRYING TO SELL 6-MONTHS OF SILENCE AS A "BIG MISUNDERSTANDING" - COME BACK SUCKER, WE WANT TO FIND A NEW WAY TO GET RID OF YOU.
I was, arguably, the best employee they ever had. Actually, strike the arguably part. I was the best employee they ever had. Those of you, left at the company, feel free debate amongst yourself.
My job title included Supervisor + Dispatching Workers + Planning work routes for new hires + training new hires + writin a safety manual + changing how we treated workers +++. I dispatched and managed more than 100 workers daily.
But the company claims I never managed anyone.
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su·per·vis·or
/ˈso͞opərˌvīzər/ noun
A supervisor is responsible for the productivity and actions of a small group of employees. The supervisor has several manager-like roles, responsibilities, and powers. ... As a member of management, a supervisor's main job is more concerned with orchestrating and controlling work rather than performing it directly. |
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dis·patch·er
/dəˈspaCHər/ noun
|
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syc·o·phant
/ˈsikəˌfant,ˈsikəfənt/ noun
|
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ob·se·qui·ous
/əbˈsēkwēəs/ adjective
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Have any of you been ____ _ed by a company you gave a long period of your life?
Sadness knocks on my door daily, tagging along with it esteem, self-worth + lurking close behind depression—I must fight them—I must remain strong.
Fifteen-years of my life, generating millions in profits, providing the owner with creature comforts, and, not even a thank you.
A BIG MISUNDERSTANDING
Sadness knocks on my door daily, tagging along with it esteem, self-worth + lurking close behind depression—I must fight them—I must remain strong.
Fifteen-years of my life, generating millions in profits, providing the owner with creature comforts, and, not even a thank you.
A BIG MISUNDERSTANDING
I must smile: Each time I share my thoughts. I think the company's legal team charges them $600 per hour.
|
1
MARCH
My 14-Year + Career
I mentioned COVID-19 was freaking me out to the company I worked for.
Immediately (the same day - without hesitation or discussion), I was relieved of my duties (terminated and replaced).
This falls in the TAKEN AWAY category because I never asked to be relieved of my duties. My termination had been in the works for a while. I was put in the horrendous position of training my replacement (a friend of the VP) for several months.
I had been asked on several occasions, “What do you see your future with the company being?"
"Why?"
“Because the owner is trying to free up money to bring someone back.”
And then, in horrendous fashion, the VP subjected me to a discussion about my future with ‘my replacement’ being at the meeting.
Anyway, “I’m freaked out” opened an opportunity for the company to terminate me to avoid paying severance for a lengthy and impeccable career.
Get this, the company has chosen to lie about my termination, suggesting: they were canning me for my well-being. A thought later to be debunked when they pretended (once again to avoid severance) to recall me. Six-months, after taking away my Career.
"Let me get this straight. They terminated you. Left you hanging without an income or communication for 6 months. They shut down your email + took away the vehicle. I even heard the COO said to you on the phone, "We are going to pay the one week of holiday pay we owe you on your last (next) cheque, to help you out. LAST CHEQUE. HELP YOU OUT. And when time came where they'd have to do the right thing and pay you out, they pretended to call you back? Sounds like, can I have a B...and a S."
Oh yeah, why debunked?
Because they supposedly laid me off to protect me from COVID-19 (no income really helps |sarcasm|), however; they then pretended to call me back while COVID-19 was still raging.
“I’m confused: do they care about me, or is it all BS?”
“Can I answer?”
“Sure.”
“All BS.”
Just imagine: “We took away your livelihood for the last 6 or 7 months, and we know the pandemic is still raging, but I tell you what, we’d like to bring you back so you can make us more bleeping money (snicker, we're going to get rid of you a second time). Oh yeah, about the initial lay off, the one we didn't discuss with you, or make a plan about your future, that was a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING.”
So, they lied about why they laid me off, and they can’t even get their story straight.
The company said it was for medical reasons (NOT TRUE. I never asked to be laid off, and I had no medical issues except for them using “freaked out” as an excuse), and now they say BIG MISUNDERSTANDING.
Could the company be any less transparent?
“Can I answer again.”
“Sure.”
“They’re lying.”
“I’m not sure who you are, but I think you might be right, screw that: you, wise person, are right.”
My 14-Year + Career
I mentioned COVID-19 was freaking me out to the company I worked for.
Immediately (the same day - without hesitation or discussion), I was relieved of my duties (terminated and replaced).
This falls in the TAKEN AWAY category because I never asked to be relieved of my duties. My termination had been in the works for a while. I was put in the horrendous position of training my replacement (a friend of the VP) for several months.
I had been asked on several occasions, “What do you see your future with the company being?"
"Why?"
“Because the owner is trying to free up money to bring someone back.”
And then, in horrendous fashion, the VP subjected me to a discussion about my future with ‘my replacement’ being at the meeting.
Anyway, “I’m freaked out” opened an opportunity for the company to terminate me to avoid paying severance for a lengthy and impeccable career.
Get this, the company has chosen to lie about my termination, suggesting: they were canning me for my well-being. A thought later to be debunked when they pretended (once again to avoid severance) to recall me. Six-months, after taking away my Career.
"Let me get this straight. They terminated you. Left you hanging without an income or communication for 6 months. They shut down your email + took away the vehicle. I even heard the COO said to you on the phone, "We are going to pay the one week of holiday pay we owe you on your last (next) cheque, to help you out. LAST CHEQUE. HELP YOU OUT. And when time came where they'd have to do the right thing and pay you out, they pretended to call you back? Sounds like, can I have a B...and a S."
Oh yeah, why debunked?
Because they supposedly laid me off to protect me from COVID-19 (no income really helps |sarcasm|), however; they then pretended to call me back while COVID-19 was still raging.
“I’m confused: do they care about me, or is it all BS?”
“Can I answer?”
“Sure.”
“All BS.”
Just imagine: “We took away your livelihood for the last 6 or 7 months, and we know the pandemic is still raging, but I tell you what, we’d like to bring you back so you can make us more bleeping money (snicker, we're going to get rid of you a second time). Oh yeah, about the initial lay off, the one we didn't discuss with you, or make a plan about your future, that was a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING.”
So, they lied about why they laid me off, and they can’t even get their story straight.
The company said it was for medical reasons (NOT TRUE. I never asked to be laid off, and I had no medical issues except for them using “freaked out” as an excuse), and now they say BIG MISUNDERSTANDING.
Could the company be any less transparent?
“Can I answer again.”
“Sure.”
“They’re lying.”
“I’m not sure who you are, but I think you might be right, screw that: you, wise person, are right.”
2
My Transportation.
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I had a company vehicle. But when the company pretended to be laying me off, they took it away. At the same time, they shut down my company email (because once again, I was terminated and replaced, not laid off).
I know the vehicle wasn’t mine. I did appreciate it, and without it, being 60 without a job or car, or income—can you feel the opportunities shrinking?
“Yes.”
I know the vehicle wasn’t mine. I did appreciate it, and without it, being 60 without a job or car, or income—can you feel the opportunities shrinking?
“Yes.”
3
August
My Lines of Communication
My Lines of Communication
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I had a company cell phone. They allowed me to keep it because they knew clients would call me (they used me and got free work out of me even after my termination). Anyway, they shut down my phone. I think: Since I started an action to protect me, since they terminated me, without taking care of my future.
I know the phone wasn’t mine. I did appreciate it, and without it, being 60 without a job or phone, or income—can you feel the opportunities shrinking?
“Yes.”
I know the phone wasn’t mine. I did appreciate it, and without it, being 60 without a job or phone, or income—can you feel the opportunities shrinking?
“Yes.”
4
September
Almost My Life
Almost My Life
I had emergency surgery because of a likely work-related illness I had caught—removing a benign tumour. The surgery was lifesaving, but the recovery was rapid—only two days.
My Health Care
|
My company Healthcare Plan was cancelled. My prescriptions have gone from around $25.00 to $200.00.
They don’t give a damn.
Some of the prescriptions help to keep me alive for things that happened to me during my employment.
They don’t give a damn.
In fact, they probably wish I would have died.
Why?
Because I wouldn’t be forced to do what I need to do to protect myself.
I did send them an email thanking them for the Healthcare Plan. Get this: they are attempting to use my thank you against me.
How?
I know, baffling.
They don’t give a damn.
Some of the prescriptions help to keep me alive for things that happened to me during my employment.
They don’t give a damn.
In fact, they probably wish I would have died.
Why?
Because I wouldn’t be forced to do what I need to do to protect myself.
I did send them an email thanking them for the Healthcare Plan. Get this: they are attempting to use my thank you against me.
How?
I know, baffling.
5
Friendships
|
This one hurts.
My real friends say it shouldn’t.
After almost 15-years of working for the same company, one would think friendships would have started, great friendships.
I thought that.
I was wrong.
As soon as they had used me up, they spat me out. Replacing me with a friend (of the VP), at a much lower pay rate. Those supposed friendships started turning adversarial, weeks, if not months, before the company saw an opportunity to terminate a long-standing employee, who’d turned 60, by the way, without paying severance.
“Let’s discuss your future in front of your replacement you’ve been training.”
“Why do you seem frustrated?”
“You got to get your replacement trained up fast. Just in case you go down with COVID.”
“I’m not sure if it is funny joking about me, possibly dying.”
“This isn’t about you.”
What this is all about, is doing everything the company can do, to avoid paying severance.
Why?
Because a long-term employee who had done everything asked of him, an employee in a managerial position, who also generated millions upon millions of dollars in profits. An employee who had just turned 60. Anyway, companies cannot get rid of long-term employees without compensation—but that is precisely what the company is trying to do.
I DID EVERYTHING EVER ASKED OF ME. Performing my long list of duties with the utmost professionalism. My performance allowed the owner to be absent without worrying about his company. But now, they are trying to diminish my career.
I warrant to be paid out, a fair amount for years of outstanding service.
But from the company’s point of view, although I performed a long list of duties, they are desperately trying to diminish my career by suggesting my long list was really only sales. This is laughable.
FOR ALL YOU SALESPEOPLE OUT THERE
I hope the company you work for appreciates your efforts. And doesn’t try to sell a story where your 14-years plus of service was nothing more than a means to make the company, and more importantly, the absentee owner, the VP, and the other “far more important” managerial people, heaps of cash. I hope your company doesn’t have a propensity for falsehoods where they diminish the work you’ve done—all to avoid paying you fair compensation if they use a lie about the pandemic to terminate and replace you.
That’s what I hope for all the “just salespeople” out there.
I did everything asked of me. And everything I did, generated revenue. And because of everything I did, we had clients to sell to.
Without everything I did before the sales, there would be no sales.
The gist of this: The company I worked for cares about one thing—$$$.
I can hear it now.
“He wasn’t good at his job.”
“But he was there for almost 15-years. And he basically had been the face of the company.”
My real friends say it shouldn’t.
After almost 15-years of working for the same company, one would think friendships would have started, great friendships.
I thought that.
I was wrong.
As soon as they had used me up, they spat me out. Replacing me with a friend (of the VP), at a much lower pay rate. Those supposed friendships started turning adversarial, weeks, if not months, before the company saw an opportunity to terminate a long-standing employee, who’d turned 60, by the way, without paying severance.
“Let’s discuss your future in front of your replacement you’ve been training.”
“Why do you seem frustrated?”
“You got to get your replacement trained up fast. Just in case you go down with COVID.”
“I’m not sure if it is funny joking about me, possibly dying.”
“This isn’t about you.”
What this is all about, is doing everything the company can do, to avoid paying severance.
Why?
Because a long-term employee who had done everything asked of him, an employee in a managerial position, who also generated millions upon millions of dollars in profits. An employee who had just turned 60. Anyway, companies cannot get rid of long-term employees without compensation—but that is precisely what the company is trying to do.
I DID EVERYTHING EVER ASKED OF ME. Performing my long list of duties with the utmost professionalism. My performance allowed the owner to be absent without worrying about his company. But now, they are trying to diminish my career.
I warrant to be paid out, a fair amount for years of outstanding service.
But from the company’s point of view, although I performed a long list of duties, they are desperately trying to diminish my career by suggesting my long list was really only sales. This is laughable.
FOR ALL YOU SALESPEOPLE OUT THERE
I hope the company you work for appreciates your efforts. And doesn’t try to sell a story where your 14-years plus of service was nothing more than a means to make the company, and more importantly, the absentee owner, the VP, and the other “far more important” managerial people, heaps of cash. I hope your company doesn’t have a propensity for falsehoods where they diminish the work you’ve done—all to avoid paying you fair compensation if they use a lie about the pandemic to terminate and replace you.
That’s what I hope for all the “just salespeople” out there.
I did everything asked of me. And everything I did, generated revenue. And because of everything I did, we had clients to sell to.
Without everything I did before the sales, there would be no sales.
The gist of this: The company I worked for cares about one thing—$$$.
I can hear it now.
“He wasn’t good at his job.”
“But he was there for almost 15-years. And he basically had been the face of the company.”
6
35 Pounds
Without the vehicle, I have walked more than 2,000 miles.
7
My Dear Friend Scotty (click)
This is the most important of all the things I lost this year. Infinitely.
At the age of 51, one of my best friends died.
I let my friends at the company know this. They never responded. I had also let them know of my life-saving surgery. They never responded.
Why?
I’m sure it is because of the legal issues and them trying to paint my career as only “a salesperson.”
But are we not all humans?—and I know, if any of the critical “managerial people” in the company had a life event, I, with 100% certainty, would have the bleeping decency to show I care.
“Why?”
“Because at the end of the day, we are all human.”
This is the most important of all the things I lost this year. Infinitely.
At the age of 51, one of my best friends died.
I let my friends at the company know this. They never responded. I had also let them know of my life-saving surgery. They never responded.
Why?
I’m sure it is because of the legal issues and them trying to paint my career as only “a salesperson.”
But are we not all humans?—and I know, if any of the critical “managerial people” in the company had a life event, I, with 100% certainty, would have the bleeping decency to show I care.
“Why?”
“Because at the end of the day, we are all human.”
8
My Home
A by-product of being canned (not laid off) during a pandemic, at 60-years of age—and 7-months and counting of no income. Life savings disappear.
EVICTION IS ON THE HORIZON
However, it wouldn’t be, except the director of a company on the stock market got me to be able to invest in a hot stock tip, although I didn’t meet the investor criteria. Anyway, the director of the company made a killing; I lost $60K.
I knew there was a risk—I might have got played—the director made a $$$ killing.
It feels like the director (I may also know him in a different role), reached into my pockets and pulled out $60K and put them directly into is own. Feels like.
"Do you still have shares in that loser company?"
I didn't meet investor critera because I wasn't in the income bracket where I could afford to lose or take the risk.
It will suck being homeless at 60 (at any age), during winter (or anytime).
Hey Mr. VP (Grew up in North Vancouver)
You were a friend of mine for 10-years (?) was that all BS as well?
When I lose my home and become homeless (at 60) will that make you feel happy? Will you feel like you won? Will you feel you've done the right thing?
Hey Mr. COO (Grew up in North Vancouver)
A by-product of being canned (not laid off) during a pandemic, at 60-years of age—and 7-months and counting of no income. Life savings disappear.
EVICTION IS ON THE HORIZON
However, it wouldn’t be, except the director of a company on the stock market got me to be able to invest in a hot stock tip, although I didn’t meet the investor criteria. Anyway, the director of the company made a killing; I lost $60K.
I knew there was a risk—I might have got played—the director made a $$$ killing.
It feels like the director (I may also know him in a different role), reached into my pockets and pulled out $60K and put them directly into is own. Feels like.
"Do you still have shares in that loser company?"
I didn't meet investor critera because I wasn't in the income bracket where I could afford to lose or take the risk.
It will suck being homeless at 60 (at any age), during winter (or anytime).
Hey Mr. VP (Grew up in North Vancouver)
You were a friend of mine for 10-years (?) was that all BS as well?
When I lose my home and become homeless (at 60) will that make you feel happy? Will you feel like you won? Will you feel you've done the right thing?
Hey Mr. COO (Grew up in North Vancouver)
|
March 12 Text
I am a calm person who has endured much in life. But, like everyone, I am freaked out, due to lung conditions, if I get this virus, I die. That is my reality. It is making it difficult to deal with our less than healthy, vulnerable workers, many of which, live in shelters or are homeless. Let’s hope this passes quickly. |
Can you please explain where in the above (verbatim text) I ask for medical leave?
I don't.
So, why are you lying?
You don't have to answer.
The above text was sent at the begining of the Pandemic (little was known about it), the VP had stated to me a few days before, "We have to get your replacement trained fast in case you go down."
It is glaringly obvious your intention was to terminate my employment, my "freaked out" gave you an opportunity. But, to finish the deal, you had to follow government guidelines or pay me out. Pay me out is the last thing you wanted to do, so, what did you do?
You pretended to call me back (with an ultimatum), regardless of whether the Pandemic was over or not. Would it not be a reasonable assumption my health was never of concern for you, because if was; why would you pretend to call me back while the Pandemic is still raging?
It feels like you like the "I die" part of my original text. Feels like.
And if my health was of concern for you: Wouldn't you have asked how I was coping after i suffered a stroke, where I never missed a single day of work?
That is my bad, funny to type my bad, I suffered a stroke and never asked for medical leave, that's on me. When I sent the text my health was outstanding, seems odd that you turned "freaked out" into me asking for medical leave, don't you think?
I never asked for medical leave after a stroke. I most certainly never asked for medical leave in my text.
I did say emphatically "NO" to a transfer to the Surrey Office (2017/18) at least 25 times because I had just suffered a stroke and the added stress of waking up two hours earlier (daily) + the commute, would be detrimental to my health and put me at a risk of having a second life-taking stroke. So, what did the company do?
They transfered me to Surrey.
"Hmm... they seem to care about the health of their employees, in your case, key employee."
"Do I sense a hint of sarcasm? And to top things off, they are going to try to say I was only a salesperson, even though I wrote a fricken safety manual + perfomed countless other tasks, as if salespeople are second class and do not warrant fair compensation. Shockingly |not| my closest friend (?) at the company is going to go along with everything they say and try to do."
"Bitter."
"No. Just calling it as I see it."
When I lose my home and become homeless (at 60) will that make you feel happy? Will you feel like you won? Will you feel you've done the right thing?
Hey Mr. Owner (Grew up in North Vancouver)
Since your COO lied and claimed I asked for medical leave (did he lie to you about that as well?), since, I never asked for medical leave, and instead, shared my concerns. Wouldn't the prudent thing have been to inform all employees what safety measures were being put in place to keep us safe, instead of firing me for my concerns?
And, the second part of this question: since you stated this was nothing more than a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING, which is like telling the world I never asked for medical leave, anyway, why did it take you 6-months to reach out to me?
Oh yeah, it's because you fired me, and your goal switched to attempting to avoid doing the right thing.
When I lose my home and become homeless (at 60) will that make you feel happy? Will you feel like you won? Will you feel you've done the right thing?
Hey My Replacement (Grew up in North Vancouver + long-time friend of the VP)
Good Luck.
I don't.
So, why are you lying?
You don't have to answer.
The above text was sent at the begining of the Pandemic (little was known about it), the VP had stated to me a few days before, "We have to get your replacement trained fast in case you go down."
It is glaringly obvious your intention was to terminate my employment, my "freaked out" gave you an opportunity. But, to finish the deal, you had to follow government guidelines or pay me out. Pay me out is the last thing you wanted to do, so, what did you do?
You pretended to call me back (with an ultimatum), regardless of whether the Pandemic was over or not. Would it not be a reasonable assumption my health was never of concern for you, because if was; why would you pretend to call me back while the Pandemic is still raging?
It feels like you like the "I die" part of my original text. Feels like.
And if my health was of concern for you: Wouldn't you have asked how I was coping after i suffered a stroke, where I never missed a single day of work?
That is my bad, funny to type my bad, I suffered a stroke and never asked for medical leave, that's on me. When I sent the text my health was outstanding, seems odd that you turned "freaked out" into me asking for medical leave, don't you think?
I never asked for medical leave after a stroke. I most certainly never asked for medical leave in my text.
I did say emphatically "NO" to a transfer to the Surrey Office (2017/18) at least 25 times because I had just suffered a stroke and the added stress of waking up two hours earlier (daily) + the commute, would be detrimental to my health and put me at a risk of having a second life-taking stroke. So, what did the company do?
They transfered me to Surrey.
"Hmm... they seem to care about the health of their employees, in your case, key employee."
"Do I sense a hint of sarcasm? And to top things off, they are going to try to say I was only a salesperson, even though I wrote a fricken safety manual + perfomed countless other tasks, as if salespeople are second class and do not warrant fair compensation. Shockingly |not| my closest friend (?) at the company is going to go along with everything they say and try to do."
"Bitter."
"No. Just calling it as I see it."
When I lose my home and become homeless (at 60) will that make you feel happy? Will you feel like you won? Will you feel you've done the right thing?
Hey Mr. Owner (Grew up in North Vancouver)
Since your COO lied and claimed I asked for medical leave (did he lie to you about that as well?), since, I never asked for medical leave, and instead, shared my concerns. Wouldn't the prudent thing have been to inform all employees what safety measures were being put in place to keep us safe, instead of firing me for my concerns?
And, the second part of this question: since you stated this was nothing more than a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING, which is like telling the world I never asked for medical leave, anyway, why did it take you 6-months to reach out to me?
Oh yeah, it's because you fired me, and your goal switched to attempting to avoid doing the right thing.
When I lose my home and become homeless (at 60) will that make you feel happy? Will you feel like you won? Will you feel you've done the right thing?
Hey My Replacement (Grew up in North Vancouver + long-time friend of the VP)
Good Luck.
Another $600 + for..!
Next Week: I will likely write another (similar) version of this story.
Who am I kidding: I will. I have loyal readers hanging on my every word.
And, I think it may be time to revisit my days of writing for...
Next Week: I will likely write another (similar) version of this story.
Who am I kidding: I will. I have loyal readers hanging on my every word.
And, I think it may be time to revisit my days of writing for...
DEAR (COMPANY) LEGAL COUNSEL
Would you like to increase the number of your $600 per hour billable hours?
If you answered yes, I'd like to do you a favour: My website is my creative website (an outlet that helps free my mind from the pain of being screwed after an impeccable career), it is filled with hundreds of pages of fiction + non-fiction. Sprinkled throughout the hundreds of pages are stories, that may or may not, have something to do with the company I used to work for, until they fired me, and then they lied about it (see the original text message above).
Anyway, if you take the time to scour (likely several hours times...several), you will, maybe or maybe not, find something you can use. Probably not. But if you take the time to scour, you will definitely be able to greatly increase your billable hours?
I'll ask you the same question I asked several times above:
When I lose my home and become homeless (at 60) will that make you feel happy? Will you feel like you won? Will you feel you've done the right thing?
Could you imagine what it is like to have given a company fifteen-years of your life, and because you express you are "freaked out" like the rest of the world because of a Pandemic, and you turned 60, and you are fired for expressing your concern, what it is like to be thrown out into a workworld that no longer exists for you?
Interviewer
"You worked for fifteen-years for your last employee, why did you leave?"
ME
"I was fired becaue I expressed my concern over the Pandemic. Have you heard about the Pandemic? I thought expressing my concerns would be met with a discussion about safety measures. I did not want to be replaced or laid off. Nor did I ask for medical leave. The company chose to replace me and terminate me."
Interviewer
"Thanks for your time. Have a nice day. I wish you luck."
ME
"Aren't you going to ask me where I see myself in five years?"
How many lawyers start new careers at 60?
Oh yeah, like the rest of the world, the Pandemic has a propensity to freak people out, losing my home at 60, will also freak me out—it is potentially a death sentence. Today's temperature at 7 AM: minus 4 celsius.
If you answered yes, I'd like to do you a favour: My website is my creative website (an outlet that helps free my mind from the pain of being screwed after an impeccable career), it is filled with hundreds of pages of fiction + non-fiction. Sprinkled throughout the hundreds of pages are stories, that may or may not, have something to do with the company I used to work for, until they fired me, and then they lied about it (see the original text message above).
Anyway, if you take the time to scour (likely several hours times...several), you will, maybe or maybe not, find something you can use. Probably not. But if you take the time to scour, you will definitely be able to greatly increase your billable hours?
I'll ask you the same question I asked several times above:
When I lose my home and become homeless (at 60) will that make you feel happy? Will you feel like you won? Will you feel you've done the right thing?
Could you imagine what it is like to have given a company fifteen-years of your life, and because you express you are "freaked out" like the rest of the world because of a Pandemic, and you turned 60, and you are fired for expressing your concern, what it is like to be thrown out into a workworld that no longer exists for you?
Interviewer
"You worked for fifteen-years for your last employee, why did you leave?"
ME
"I was fired becaue I expressed my concern over the Pandemic. Have you heard about the Pandemic? I thought expressing my concerns would be met with a discussion about safety measures. I did not want to be replaced or laid off. Nor did I ask for medical leave. The company chose to replace me and terminate me."
Interviewer
"Thanks for your time. Have a nice day. I wish you luck."
ME
"Aren't you going to ask me where I see myself in five years?"
How many lawyers start new careers at 60?
Oh yeah, like the rest of the world, the Pandemic has a propensity to freak people out, losing my home at 60, will also freak me out—it is potentially a death sentence. Today's temperature at 7 AM: minus 4 celsius.
Dear Readers,
I gave a decade-and-a-half of service to a company. Building countless friendships + professional relationships with a long-long-long-list of clients. I am highly respected.
So, I have a question for you; I have yet to thank this long-long-long-list for our years of working together, or let this long-long-long-list know about my career change (termination), many of them are in my age range: Do you think it is time to send them |all| a note of thanks + to let them know of my availablity?
What would these clients, many in my age range, think about someone in their age range, getting canned without severance for expressing concern over a hopefully, once-in-a-lifetime, pandemic? What would they think of a company that...? Do you think the company is lying to my ex-clients and telling them I asked for medical leave?
The italicised text above symbolizes me pondering.
Warm Regards,
Thanks for reading!
One more question: If you worked for a company as long as I have and they terminated you without severance; what would you do (especially at my age)?
You may send your suggestions to lindsaywin @ outlook.com. Place "SUGGESTIONS" in the subject line.
I gave a decade-and-a-half of service to a company. Building countless friendships + professional relationships with a long-long-long-list of clients. I am highly respected.
So, I have a question for you; I have yet to thank this long-long-long-list for our years of working together, or let this long-long-long-list know about my career change (termination), many of them are in my age range: Do you think it is time to send them |all| a note of thanks + to let them know of my availablity?
What would these clients, many in my age range, think about someone in their age range, getting canned without severance for expressing concern over a hopefully, once-in-a-lifetime, pandemic? What would they think of a company that...? Do you think the company is lying to my ex-clients and telling them I asked for medical leave?
The italicised text above symbolizes me pondering.
Warm Regards,
Thanks for reading!
One more question: If you worked for a company as long as I have and they terminated you without severance; what would you do (especially at my age)?
You may send your suggestions to lindsaywin @ outlook.com. Place "SUGGESTIONS" in the subject line.
I'M TERRIFIED ABOUT THE MY FUTURE
DO YOU CARE?
"A STRANGE FORMAT"
SEPTEMBER 2017-MAY 2018
Asked at least 25 times.
Said in serious jest numerous times.
- "Would you ever consider "running" the Surrey Office?"
Asked at least 25 times.
- "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO." "NO."
- "Why?"
- "Because the stress of waking earlier + the extra commute would be detrimental to my health. After the stroke the chances of having a second stroke are signigicant. I would hate for Joseph to come into the office at 10 AM one morning to find me dead."
Said in serious jest numerous times.
JUNE 2018
I kid you not.
- WELCOME TO SURREY
- "I don't understand: you don't seem excited about the move to Surrey. I tell you what, if you want to get more sleep in the morning you can drive faster + sleep in your work clothes, so that when you get up in the morning you are ready to go."
I kid you not.
- "I was told you were excited about the move to Surrey."
- "Whoever told you that, lied."
- "Okay, the move will be temporary, about one month."
JULY 2018
A fail.
- "We hired someone who may be able to run the Surrey Office. The only problem is he doesn't have a car (making a 5 AM start time impossible) + he has zero industry experience."
A fail.
COULD THEY POSSIBLY BE TRYING TO GET ME TO QUIT?
OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2018
A fail.
- "The owner has found someone to take over the Surrey Office. We will have to take him around on site visits with us. He is extremely excited about the opportunity. Once he takes over, we can move you back to Vancouver."
A fail.
JANUARY- MARCH 12, 2019
This is the childhood friends third stint with the company. The first two, didn't take.
Asked several times in January + February + the owner will be calling you (said several times as well).
February 28
|SARCASM ALERT| This most certainly will not increase stress levels.
March 2 - MONDAY MEETING
STRESS LEVEL: Much like Spinal Tap = 11.
March 9 - MONDAY MEETING
COVID-19 has taken its first life in the Lower Mainland. At the meeting a TV (at our table) keeps reporting and reporting and reporting the seriousness of the pandemic. Its all we talk about, until the meeting takes a dark turn.
Again. I kid you not. Stress Level = 17.
March 12 - TEXT MESSAGE
BINGO
ONE HOUR LATER
A sick feeling enters my gut.
STRESS LEVEL = 25.
I wonder how long without an income my one week of holiday pay will last?
- "We are sending my childhood friend out to Surrey to help with the office. You will need to plan his days, "manage" everything he does. If things work out he will be your replacement. "
This is the childhood friends third stint with the company. The first two, didn't take.
- "What do you see your future with the company being?"
Asked several times in January + February + the owner will be calling you (said several times as well).
February 28
- "The owner wants to know what you see your future with the company being? He needs to free up $$$ because he's bringing someone back who quit a year ago? Think about it over the weekend. The owner will be giving you a call."
- "Does the owner want to get rid of me?"
- "No. Your position is safe."
|SARCASM ALERT| This most certainly will not increase stress levels.
March 2 - MONDAY MEETING
- "Did you give any consideration to what you want to do with the company? No. Why? Why do you seem upset that we are having this conversation in front of the person who'll likely be replacing you? You had a stroke. Your mother died. Your niece died. Your sister died. (I know, I will pull from the 'what to tell day labourers playbook' when they are talking about their life events). A lot of people have problems, you are not the only one. (I'm not a day labourer. And besides, what kind of way is that to treat your bread + butter, the labourer?)"
- "Why are we having this conversation in front of him?"
- "You know when my father died..."
- "Stop talking, I don't want to hear it."
STRESS LEVEL: Much like Spinal Tap = 11.
March 9 - MONDAY MEETING
COVID-19 has taken its first life in the Lower Mainland. At the meeting a TV (at our table) keeps reporting and reporting and reporting the seriousness of the pandemic. Its all we talk about, until the meeting takes a dark turn.
- "You must get your replacement trained to run the Surrey office quickly, in case you go down."
- "I'm not sure if joking about me dying, is funny."
Again. I kid you not. Stress Level = 17.
March 12 - TEXT MESSAGE
- I've endured much in life. The virus is freaking me out |SARCASM ALERT| (I'm the only one). I hope it passes soon.
BINGO
ONE HOUR LATER
- SEE YOU LATER - YOU'RE DONE
- "To help you out, we are going to pay you, the one week of holiday pay we owe you, on your next (last) cheque."
- "Hey, we are going to come get your company vehicle and give it to your replacement. We are going to shut down your company email (|sarcasm alert|because you were laid off - not terminated). But we are going to let you hold onto the company cell phone - you must answer it if clients call."
A sick feeling enters my gut.
- "I don't want this to be the end of my career."
- "Neither do I. (Snicker). Good luck. The owner will be calling you to show his appreciation for your years of service."
STRESS LEVEL = 25.
I wonder how long without an income my one week of holiday pay will last?
THE REST OF MARCH
SILENCE - EXCEPT FOR ME RELAYING CLIENT CALLS TO THE OFFICE.
INCOME = $0
APRIL
SILENCE - EXCEPT FOR ME RELAYING CLIENT CALLS TO THE OFFICE.
INCOME = $0
MAY
SILENCE - EXCEPT FOR ME RELAYING CLIENT CALLS TO THE OFFICE.
INCOME = $0
JUNE
SILENCE - EXCEPT FOR ME RELAYING CLIENT CALLS TO THE OFFICE
+ A TEXT MESSAGE ASKING ME HOW FAST I COULD RUN A MILE.
INCOME = $0
OH YEAH + ANOTHER TEXT ASKING ME IF I BOUGHT A STOCK.
JULY
SILENCE - EXCEPT FOR ME RELAYING CLIENT CALLS TO THE OFFICE
+ 2 TEXT MESSAGES WISHING ME A HAPPY BIRTHDAY + ASKING ME IF I WAS ENJOYING MY SUMMER.
TONE DEAF?
INCOME = $0
STRESS LEVEL = 50
SILENCE - EXCEPT FOR ME RELAYING CLIENT CALLS TO THE OFFICE.
INCOME = $0
APRIL
SILENCE - EXCEPT FOR ME RELAYING CLIENT CALLS TO THE OFFICE.
INCOME = $0
MAY
SILENCE - EXCEPT FOR ME RELAYING CLIENT CALLS TO THE OFFICE.
INCOME = $0
JUNE
SILENCE - EXCEPT FOR ME RELAYING CLIENT CALLS TO THE OFFICE
+ A TEXT MESSAGE ASKING ME HOW FAST I COULD RUN A MILE.
INCOME = $0
OH YEAH + ANOTHER TEXT ASKING ME IF I BOUGHT A STOCK.
JULY
SILENCE - EXCEPT FOR ME RELAYING CLIENT CALLS TO THE OFFICE
+ 2 TEXT MESSAGES WISHING ME A HAPPY BIRTHDAY + ASKING ME IF I WAS ENJOYING MY SUMMER.
TONE DEAF?
INCOME = $0
STRESS LEVEL = 50
IF YOU WERE TERMINATED FROM YOUR WORK ON MARCH 12
AND
YOU HAVE HAD NO COMMUINCATION WITH YOUR EX-EMPLOYER SINCE
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
IS IT TIME TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE?
AND
YOU HAVE HAD NO COMMUINCATION WITH YOUR EX-EMPLOYER SINCE
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
IS IT TIME TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE?
|
AUGUST
SILENCE - EXCEPT FOR ME RELAYING CLIENT CALLS TO THE OFFICE.
INCOME = $0
STRESS LEVEL = 100 (REMEMBER THE SCALE ONLY GOES TO 10). I fell like an athlete giving 110% - but this time, with the potential for heart failure.
"Athletes who give 110% are also risking heart failure."
"That makes sense."
SILENCE - EXCEPT FOR ME RELAYING CLIENT CALLS TO THE OFFICE.
INCOME = $0
STRESS LEVEL = 100 (REMEMBER THE SCALE ONLY GOES TO 10). I fell like an athlete giving 110% - but this time, with the potential for heart failure.
"Athletes who give 110% are also risking heart failure."
"That makes sense."
MORE THAN 20 WEEKS OF SILENCE WITHOUT AN INCOME
|
END OF AUGUST
SILENCE - EXCEPT FOR ME RELAYING CLIENT CALLS TO THE OFFICE.
INCOME = $0
STRESS LEVEL = 125
The company sends me a passive aggresive letter saying if I do not return to work on such-and-such a date in September they will consider me resigned. Resigned = No Severance. Could they possibly be trying to skirt...(Government Guidelines)? |SARCASM ALERT| Why wouldn't someone trust a company that lies about Medical Leave, then says it is nothing more than a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING - that elimated 5-months of income - leaving the person on their own in silence. I think they might be setting that person up for failure.
NO MORE RELAYING CALLS,
THE COMPANY SHUT DOWN MY PHONE
|SARCASM ALERT| SOUNDS LOGICAL, LET'S SHUT DOWN THE PHONE JUST BEFORE BRINGING THE PERSON BACK.
"I don't have transportation. I wouldn't be able to make it to the Office in the mornings. And, besides, you would have to fire someone to make room for my return. |SARCASM ALERT| What's that, you don't want me back, you want me to resign so you don't have to..."
"Trust us. The pandemic is over. Since, this was a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING, and not Medical Leave, how did we make that mistake? Anyway, since it wasn't a Medical Thingy we don't have to worry about the pandemic anymore." |SARCASM END|
Is this a Master Class on how to treat a long-serving, outstanding employee?
I heard a rumour: |SARCASM ALERT| I'm the only person who's been affected by COVID-19. (Right from the playbook of how to treat + talk to a day labourer).
SILENCE - EXCEPT FOR ME RELAYING CLIENT CALLS TO THE OFFICE.
INCOME = $0
STRESS LEVEL = 125
The company sends me a passive aggresive letter saying if I do not return to work on such-and-such a date in September they will consider me resigned. Resigned = No Severance. Could they possibly be trying to skirt...(Government Guidelines)? |SARCASM ALERT| Why wouldn't someone trust a company that lies about Medical Leave, then says it is nothing more than a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING - that elimated 5-months of income - leaving the person on their own in silence. I think they might be setting that person up for failure.
NO MORE RELAYING CALLS,
THE COMPANY SHUT DOWN MY PHONE
|SARCASM ALERT| SOUNDS LOGICAL, LET'S SHUT DOWN THE PHONE JUST BEFORE BRINGING THE PERSON BACK.
"I don't have transportation. I wouldn't be able to make it to the Office in the mornings. And, besides, you would have to fire someone to make room for my return. |SARCASM ALERT| What's that, you don't want me back, you want me to resign so you don't have to..."
"Trust us. The pandemic is over. Since, this was a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING, and not Medical Leave, how did we make that mistake? Anyway, since it wasn't a Medical Thingy we don't have to worry about the pandemic anymore." |SARCASM END|
Is this a Master Class on how to treat a long-serving, outstanding employee?
I heard a rumour: |SARCASM ALERT| I'm the only person who's been affected by COVID-19. (Right from the playbook of how to treat + talk to a day labourer).
161 DAYS ON THE SHELF WITHOUT AN INCOME = 23
OR
WITHOUT ANY COMMUNICATION - ABOUT ANYTHING
AND
WHEN YOU SAY JUMP...
OR
WITHOUT ANY COMMUNICATION - ABOUT ANYTHING
AND
WHEN YOU SAY JUMP...
|
SEPTEMBER 29
I have emergency lifesaving surgery. I let the company know.
SILENCE.
OCTOBER 8
My friend Gregg has surgery, there are complications, much like the pandemic, this freaks me out. He's okay!
OCTOBER 14
One of my BEST FRIENDS, Scotty Larin, dies. I let the company know. Scotty was only 51.
SILENCE
"You're not the only one who has problems."
END OF OCTOBER
RENT IS STARTING TO BECOME A CHALLENGE
INCOME (7-MONTHS) = $0
STRESS LEVEL = 200
My name is Lindsay, not Bud.
I have emergency lifesaving surgery. I let the company know.
SILENCE.
OCTOBER 8
My friend Gregg has surgery, there are complications, much like the pandemic, this freaks me out. He's okay!
OCTOBER 14
One of my BEST FRIENDS, Scotty Larin, dies. I let the company know. Scotty was only 51.
SILENCE
"You're not the only one who has problems."
END OF OCTOBER
RENT IS STARTING TO BECOME A CHALLENGE
INCOME (7-MONTHS) = $0
STRESS LEVEL = 200
My name is Lindsay, not Bud.
OCTOBER 30 (A PRESCRIPTION IS READY FOR PICK UP) - I CAN'T AFFORD IT
|
TUMULT
|
up·set·ing
/inˈsensədiv/ adjective
|
First off, I’d like to let you know on Sunday, October 25, I made it back home. My walk to Saskatoon and back home (more than 2,144 miles + dropping 35 pounds) is complete. I will update all of the glorious stats soon, sharing how to turn something incredibly upsetting into a positive. That’s me, despite of whatever crap those who terminated try to sell…anybody.
They know it.
They always have.
What this potentially, last installment, in this story, is to share what is the most disturbing + upsetting of what has transpired — this story isn’t only about me, there are thousands of others who’ve been impacted by the actions of less than conscientious employers.
My tumult commenced because where I worked tried to portray it as a small company that treated key people like a family. The company pretended to care about us.
Of course, they’d care about someone who’d given them almost 15-years of service. I had nothing to worry about.
Then the pandemic hit + the company saw an opportunity. They terminated me because I said I was freaked out by the pandemic.
LET THAT SINK IN
The company has claimed I asked for medical leave. That is a lie.
They pretended they were concerned for my well-being. They took my livelihood away from me. They have a strange way of showing concern.
Not only did they strip me of my career, but they also immediately (they stripped it away within an hour of me saying I’m freaked out – do you think what they did was already in the works?) gave it to a friend of the VP.
At first, I believed they were concerned. That quickly changed when the months of silence arrived.
During these months, this supposedly caring company, not a single one of them, thought to take the time to contact me to see if:
Not a single time.
They did reach out, once, they found this termination was leaning toward legal.
I was even told, I must do as they tell me, if I care about my “financial future.” A future they’d already screwed.
What upsets me even more is since my termination + the veiled ultimatum to do as I’m told, I let the company know, I had lifesaving surgery.
Here’s where the BS of “like family” rings loud and clear. Nobody from the company after reading “lifesaving” thought to step outside of the legal matters and ask me if I was okay?
Seriously.
I also let them know, one of my best friends died. Once again, no “supposed family member or at least friend,” thought the human thing to do was to take a second and send a few words of condolence.
What does that say about the company?
What does it say about what they think of their employees?
What they did do was send me a message starting with calling me Bud (not Lindsay) and then had the audacity to tell me, “I’m not the only one affected by Covid” as if that would be something that had even entered my mind for a millisecond).
The absurdity of including that in a message is quite frankly: offensive.
How was I supposed to procees that?
"Oh my, I had my career taken from me and given to someone else. I've lost my healthcare. I'm going broke. I'm on the verge of losing my home. I didn't realize, Covid was affecting other people. Oh, I think you mean, YOU. I thought it was only me. I feel better now. Living outside, won't be the death sentence, I'm sure it will be."
Please. I would like to scream profanities now, but I won't.
I was replaced, it doesn't matter how they try to spin it, that is the reality of this situation.
All because of a decision they made (except of course: my friends dying) .
I was, the only, almost, 15-year employee, replaced, replaced, replaced, and with all of those traumas (including the virus that is affecting everyone on the planet), suggesting "I’m not the only…” am I supposed to stop worrying about pending homelessness at 60-years-of-age and feel sorry for the company — that quite obviously, never thought of me as family, for even a single second?
I can almost hear it now.
THE PLAYBOOK
DEALING WITH EMPLOYEES
What to say if an employee tells you about what is going on in their life?
Tell them, you’re not the only one who’s got problems. Basically, shut up, we’re not interested.
I had lifesaving surgery (ask the person who witnessed me violently puke on numerous occasions) + one of my best friends died, and the best you can come up with, is: “you’re not the only one affected…”
I want this to be over, so I can leave it behind me, and get on with the next chapter in my life.
You might not think what you’ve done is wrong. It is.
You might pretend this isn't about money.
How could it be anything but?
I gave you 15-years. You replaced me.
MY JOB DESCRIPTION = EVERYTHING THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE.
My 15-years is worth (a lot) - it is my lifeline.
You might think the gravity of losing everything at 60 is no big deal.
With absolute certainty, I gave you almost 15-years of outstanding service. I deserve to be treated better, fairly.
Don’t you think?
They know it.
They always have.
What this potentially, last installment, in this story, is to share what is the most disturbing + upsetting of what has transpired — this story isn’t only about me, there are thousands of others who’ve been impacted by the actions of less than conscientious employers.
My tumult commenced because where I worked tried to portray it as a small company that treated key people like a family. The company pretended to care about us.
Of course, they’d care about someone who’d given them almost 15-years of service. I had nothing to worry about.
Then the pandemic hit + the company saw an opportunity. They terminated me because I said I was freaked out by the pandemic.
LET THAT SINK IN
The company has claimed I asked for medical leave. That is a lie.
They pretended they were concerned for my well-being. They took my livelihood away from me. They have a strange way of showing concern.
Not only did they strip me of my career, but they also immediately (they stripped it away within an hour of me saying I’m freaked out – do you think what they did was already in the works?) gave it to a friend of the VP.
At first, I believed they were concerned. That quickly changed when the months of silence arrived.
During these months, this supposedly caring company, not a single one of them, thought to take the time to contact me to see if:
- I was okay?
- How I was holding up?
- How I was doing financially?
Not a single time.
They did reach out, once, they found this termination was leaning toward legal.
I was even told, I must do as they tell me, if I care about my “financial future.” A future they’d already screwed.
What upsets me even more is since my termination + the veiled ultimatum to do as I’m told, I let the company know, I had lifesaving surgery.
Here’s where the BS of “like family” rings loud and clear. Nobody from the company after reading “lifesaving” thought to step outside of the legal matters and ask me if I was okay?
Seriously.
I also let them know, one of my best friends died. Once again, no “supposed family member or at least friend,” thought the human thing to do was to take a second and send a few words of condolence.
What does that say about the company?
What does it say about what they think of their employees?
What they did do was send me a message starting with calling me Bud (not Lindsay) and then had the audacity to tell me, “I’m not the only one affected by Covid” as if that would be something that had even entered my mind for a millisecond).
The absurdity of including that in a message is quite frankly: offensive.
How was I supposed to procees that?
"Oh my, I had my career taken from me and given to someone else. I've lost my healthcare. I'm going broke. I'm on the verge of losing my home. I didn't realize, Covid was affecting other people. Oh, I think you mean, YOU. I thought it was only me. I feel better now. Living outside, won't be the death sentence, I'm sure it will be."
Please. I would like to scream profanities now, but I won't.
I was replaced, it doesn't matter how they try to spin it, that is the reality of this situation.
- My income and future were stripped from me (after almost 15-years of service).
- I’ve lost my transportation (Even if I could find new employment, going to interviews, and getting to work would be next to impossible + with COVID still raging, public transportation is not a safe option).
- Communication (unaffordable).
- Healthcare (I can no longer afford medications for things that happened to me during my employment).
- Almost my life (from a condition caught during my employment).
- A dear friend died.
All because of a decision they made (except of course: my friends dying) .
I was, the only, almost, 15-year employee, replaced, replaced, replaced, and with all of those traumas (including the virus that is affecting everyone on the planet), suggesting "I’m not the only…” am I supposed to stop worrying about pending homelessness at 60-years-of-age and feel sorry for the company — that quite obviously, never thought of me as family, for even a single second?
I can almost hear it now.
THE PLAYBOOK
DEALING WITH EMPLOYEES
What to say if an employee tells you about what is going on in their life?
Tell them, you’re not the only one who’s got problems. Basically, shut up, we’re not interested.
I had lifesaving surgery (ask the person who witnessed me violently puke on numerous occasions) + one of my best friends died, and the best you can come up with, is: “you’re not the only one affected…”
I want this to be over, so I can leave it behind me, and get on with the next chapter in my life.
You might not think what you’ve done is wrong. It is.
You might pretend this isn't about money.
How could it be anything but?
I gave you 15-years. You replaced me.
MY JOB DESCRIPTION = EVERYTHING THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE.
My 15-years is worth (a lot) - it is my lifeline.
You might think the gravity of losing everything at 60 is no big deal.
With absolute certainty, I gave you almost 15-years of outstanding service. I deserve to be treated better, fairly.
Don’t you think?
Words sent to me after explaining to a company I worked for almost 15-years about how being terminated by "the company" — that used COVID as a convenient excuse to avoid paying separation pay was devastating my life.
After reading them (words), I felt angry, hurt — bullied sprung to mind. Frankly, the level of condensation delivered to me would most certainly drown out + diminish my efforts of helping generate roughly $78 million in revenue during my career.
Wouldn’t you be angry?
Of course, I did believe I was the only person affected by COVID-19.
My bubble consisted of shutting out everything in the world, even the news.
Why would reading + hearing of thousands upon thousands of deaths strip away my right to be “THE ONLY ONE?”
"What do you see your future with the company being?"
"Geez, people are starting to die left and right from this virus."
"You have to get 'your replacement trained fast, just in case you go down."
I can't imagine why the virus would stress anyone out.
"The virus is freaking me out."
One hour passes.
"We have decided to let you go. Your replacement will be replacing you tomorrow."
I guess COVID-19 also affected my replacement, he was given my some of my income (cheaper).
But then, I had an epiphany, maybe I’m looking at this from the wrong angle.
Sure, I’m losing everything:
Sure, depression is banging on my door, attempting to swallow me, destroy me, make my golden years beyond painful.
Oh yeah, the epiphany.
I’m sorry, company, you had to find an unscrupulous way to terminate me. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been for you.
Are you okay?
Are you still able to work?
Do you still have your vehicle, your home, your—?
I can’t imagine how horrendous it must have been for you to pull the plug on my career + the direction of my life.
Just imagine your most senior employee sends an “I’m freaked out” text + you immediately start spinning your desired outcome and start facing the upsetting nature of canning a friend (?) and valuable employee. That must have been awful for you. I hope somebody was there for you to coddle you, comfort you, and tell you, “It’s going to be okay.”
How dreadful it must have been to receive the “freaked out” text and instantaneously spring into action and start spinning.
“He said freaked out?”
“Yes.”
“Anything else?”
“He said he hopes the pandemic passes quickly.”
And this is where your pain must be unbearable.
“Let’s claim ‘freaked out’ + ‘I hope it passes quickly’ is asking for medical leave."
I worry about you.
The hurt assaulting you by stretching the truth must be unrelenting—a little redundant: assaulting + unrelenting.
Oh well, I hope the sleepless nights worrying about—not me—isn’t too much to handle.
As the days + weeks + months slipped by, I cannot fathom the suffering you must've endured by not calling me to offer me updates or to see how I’m doing.
I hope your torment wasn’t too intense.
I’m a storyteller. I hope you are liking the truthiness of the factual realities I’m weaving.
I also can’t comprehend how devastating it must be for you to watch government guidelines to try to figure out what you can possibly get away with (avoid paying—).
I wish you were not put in that position. It must be agonizing. I hope you’re not the only one(s) having to deal with such a dreadful situation.
I’m sorry you found it necessary to turn my life upside down and leave me hanging on a fracturing limb.
I’m sorry you (some of you) have not been able to go on several vacations per year as an absentee— oh wait, nobody can travel (again, I thought I was the only one) because of COVID-19.
I’m sorry you’ve (some of you) have had your income drop from several million $s to perhaps only $1 million, give or take. Mine has dropped to zero. I feel bad for you that you felt the need to strip me of my livelihood of the past 15-years.
WTF is a man of my age to do?
Crap, I’m sorry, you must spend hours lamenting over my concerns.
I’m sorry you couldn't find the strength to ask how I was doing after a lifesaving surgery + the death of a good friend.
I’m sorry my 15-years of impeccable service has become the bane of your existence(s); I’m sure you don’t care; I’m sorry if you do.
Awe rats, I'm now sorry for your inability to care.
And I’m sorry, I’ve put you through all of this.
I’m losing everything.
I hope your drive to work in your luxurious vehicle isn’t too depressing—your drive to work.
Anyway, I’m sorry I’ve put you through all of this upheaval.
You are right; I am not the only one. I should’ve never thought I was (I didn’t).
Which makes me sorry that you think when someone expresses their pain + suffering to you, you somehow think, telling them "they are not the only one" would somehow get them to go, "Okay, you're right, I never bleeping thought of it that way, but now that you've told me not to worry about my challenges, about losing my home, about losing... - I will now start worrying about YOU? Because, that must be what you are saying is meant to do."
A man is drowning. Another man stands on the shore. He has the power to do the right thing. To make things right, to offer a lifeline. But instead he shouts at the drowning man.
"Other people have drowned before. You are not the only one. There, there, don't you feel better now?"
With the utmost certainty, I know, I was the only one screwed by you.
WOW. I GUESS IN A SENSE I AM THE ONLY ONE!
“What’s that? There was a second person screwed, but unfortunately, he doesn’t have the strength to do something about it.”
I must run now.
I hope you’re feeling better soon.
Don’t you think it’s about time to do the right thing?
After reading them (words), I felt angry, hurt — bullied sprung to mind. Frankly, the level of condensation delivered to me would most certainly drown out + diminish my efforts of helping generate roughly $78 million in revenue during my career.
Wouldn’t you be angry?
Of course, I did believe I was the only person affected by COVID-19.
My bubble consisted of shutting out everything in the world, even the news.
Why would reading + hearing of thousands upon thousands of deaths strip away my right to be “THE ONLY ONE?”
"What do you see your future with the company being?"
"Geez, people are starting to die left and right from this virus."
"You have to get 'your replacement trained fast, just in case you go down."
I can't imagine why the virus would stress anyone out.
"The virus is freaking me out."
One hour passes.
"We have decided to let you go. Your replacement will be replacing you tomorrow."
I guess COVID-19 also affected my replacement, he was given my some of my income (cheaper).
But then, I had an epiphany, maybe I’m looking at this from the wrong angle.
Sure, I’m losing everything:
- Life Savings.
- Healthcare.
- Transportation.
- Communication.
- My bleeping future.
- Friendships (at the company).
- My home.
- My credit rating.
Sure, depression is banging on my door, attempting to swallow me, destroy me, make my golden years beyond painful.
Oh yeah, the epiphany.
I’m sorry, company, you had to find an unscrupulous way to terminate me. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been for you.
Are you okay?
Are you still able to work?
Do you still have your vehicle, your home, your—?
I can’t imagine how horrendous it must have been for you to pull the plug on my career + the direction of my life.
Just imagine your most senior employee sends an “I’m freaked out” text + you immediately start spinning your desired outcome and start facing the upsetting nature of canning a friend (?) and valuable employee. That must have been awful for you. I hope somebody was there for you to coddle you, comfort you, and tell you, “It’s going to be okay.”
How dreadful it must have been to receive the “freaked out” text and instantaneously spring into action and start spinning.
“He said freaked out?”
“Yes.”
“Anything else?”
“He said he hopes the pandemic passes quickly.”
And this is where your pain must be unbearable.
“Let’s claim ‘freaked out’ + ‘I hope it passes quickly’ is asking for medical leave."
I worry about you.
The hurt assaulting you by stretching the truth must be unrelenting—a little redundant: assaulting + unrelenting.
Oh well, I hope the sleepless nights worrying about—not me—isn’t too much to handle.
As the days + weeks + months slipped by, I cannot fathom the suffering you must've endured by not calling me to offer me updates or to see how I’m doing.
I hope your torment wasn’t too intense.
I’m a storyteller. I hope you are liking the truthiness of the factual realities I’m weaving.
I also can’t comprehend how devastating it must be for you to watch government guidelines to try to figure out what you can possibly get away with (avoid paying—).
I wish you were not put in that position. It must be agonizing. I hope you’re not the only one(s) having to deal with such a dreadful situation.
I’m sorry you found it necessary to turn my life upside down and leave me hanging on a fracturing limb.
I’m sorry you (some of you) have not been able to go on several vacations per year as an absentee— oh wait, nobody can travel (again, I thought I was the only one) because of COVID-19.
I’m sorry you’ve (some of you) have had your income drop from several million $s to perhaps only $1 million, give or take. Mine has dropped to zero. I feel bad for you that you felt the need to strip me of my livelihood of the past 15-years.
WTF is a man of my age to do?
Crap, I’m sorry, you must spend hours lamenting over my concerns.
I’m sorry you couldn't find the strength to ask how I was doing after a lifesaving surgery + the death of a good friend.
I’m sorry my 15-years of impeccable service has become the bane of your existence(s); I’m sure you don’t care; I’m sorry if you do.
Awe rats, I'm now sorry for your inability to care.
And I’m sorry, I’ve put you through all of this.
I’m losing everything.
I hope your drive to work in your luxurious vehicle isn’t too depressing—your drive to work.
Anyway, I’m sorry I’ve put you through all of this upheaval.
You are right; I am not the only one. I should’ve never thought I was (I didn’t).
Which makes me sorry that you think when someone expresses their pain + suffering to you, you somehow think, telling them "they are not the only one" would somehow get them to go, "Okay, you're right, I never bleeping thought of it that way, but now that you've told me not to worry about my challenges, about losing my home, about losing... - I will now start worrying about YOU? Because, that must be what you are saying is meant to do."
A man is drowning. Another man stands on the shore. He has the power to do the right thing. To make things right, to offer a lifeline. But instead he shouts at the drowning man.
"Other people have drowned before. You are not the only one. There, there, don't you feel better now?"
With the utmost certainty, I know, I was the only one screwed by you.
WOW. I GUESS IN A SENSE I AM THE ONLY ONE!
“What’s that? There was a second person screwed, but unfortunately, he doesn’t have the strength to do something about it.”
I must run now.
I hope you’re feeling better soon.
Don’t you think it’s about time to do the right thing?
which new hires = secret shoppers?
I'M ENSNARED IN A LAWSUIT.
With a former employer.
I don’t want to be.
I felt I was backed into a corner as my lifesavings started dwinding away.
Silence ensued for almost 6-months after my unceremonious termination. When the news of the lawsuit reached my former employer, the silence ended, a little.
Sometimes the silence came in the form of a passive-aggressive email, starting with calling me Bud.
I balked at the email. And then, I wrote, fiction about a fiction less story. I’ve had a lot of time to think. The thinking led to me, much like a person who’s been jilted, writing the same story over and over and over again, from different angles. The previous angle (YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE) is fuelled with cynicism, satire, sarcasm, and a burning desire to never lose site of who is David + who is Goliath in this story.
I’m the little guy.
My cynicism was met with cynicism + condensation in the form of a pretending to care email—a gesture layered in sarcasm, a moment of touché dished back at me.
I feel a need to respond to the shallowness of the moment. This is my medium. This is my life.
To those who read this (primarily the company I worked for), if you truly want to help me more than in platitudes, settle this suit now, instead of waiting. Claiming litigation sucks and is a long drawn out process — is drawn out by, you, not me.
My Life
We all need a little help from time to time. It is glorious you don’t want me to suffer, at all. I think you misinterpreted my story. Yes, I have had challenges. Yes, my parents died when I was fairly young, only for me to find out they weren’t my birth parents and I ended up watching my mother die a second time. Yes, I suffered a catastrophic stroke while in your employment; how could you not possiibly not have known this? Yes, yes, yes, to a gauntlet of challenges, I never whine or cry about, I just share.
These are the realities of my life, they are not in any way, whining about having a tough time as your, “you’ve had a tough time in life” —implies. You had fifteen years to show interest in my life and the lives, of if, only, “your key” employees — you only seem to feign interest when the prospect of litigation is on the table.
Yes, I’m hurting, my future is in question, at least for a while, financially, But what I can tell you is that the hurdles laid down in front of me throughout life, may be too high for many people to crawl over, but what they did for me is: gave me perspective, strength of character, empathy + compassion. I tell my story not looking for pity. I share my story because I want to let those who are facing daunting realities know, that they too, can overcome, survive, and eventually thrive once more.
With a former employer.
I don’t want to be.
I felt I was backed into a corner as my lifesavings started dwinding away.
Silence ensued for almost 6-months after my unceremonious termination. When the news of the lawsuit reached my former employer, the silence ended, a little.
Sometimes the silence came in the form of a passive-aggressive email, starting with calling me Bud.
I balked at the email. And then, I wrote, fiction about a fiction less story. I’ve had a lot of time to think. The thinking led to me, much like a person who’s been jilted, writing the same story over and over and over again, from different angles. The previous angle (YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE) is fuelled with cynicism, satire, sarcasm, and a burning desire to never lose site of who is David + who is Goliath in this story.
I’m the little guy.
My cynicism was met with cynicism + condensation in the form of a pretending to care email—a gesture layered in sarcasm, a moment of touché dished back at me.
I feel a need to respond to the shallowness of the moment. This is my medium. This is my life.
To those who read this (primarily the company I worked for), if you truly want to help me more than in platitudes, settle this suit now, instead of waiting. Claiming litigation sucks and is a long drawn out process — is drawn out by, you, not me.
My Life
We all need a little help from time to time. It is glorious you don’t want me to suffer, at all. I think you misinterpreted my story. Yes, I have had challenges. Yes, my parents died when I was fairly young, only for me to find out they weren’t my birth parents and I ended up watching my mother die a second time. Yes, I suffered a catastrophic stroke while in your employment; how could you not possiibly not have known this? Yes, yes, yes, to a gauntlet of challenges, I never whine or cry about, I just share.
These are the realities of my life, they are not in any way, whining about having a tough time as your, “you’ve had a tough time in life” —implies. You had fifteen years to show interest in my life and the lives, of if, only, “your key” employees — you only seem to feign interest when the prospect of litigation is on the table.
Yes, I’m hurting, my future is in question, at least for a while, financially, But what I can tell you is that the hurdles laid down in front of me throughout life, may be too high for many people to crawl over, but what they did for me is: gave me perspective, strength of character, empathy + compassion. I tell my story not looking for pity. I share my story because I want to let those who are facing daunting realities know, that they too, can overcome, survive, and eventually thrive once more.
The message that came from the company was littered with sarcasm. It could have been sincere, but if I believed it was, I’d have to let my guard down.
I started my career under the table + in the message it suggests I return to that place if I want to move forward. I’d have to be foolish to jump.
What is the most upsetting is the tone: “It sounds like you had a tough time…”
Why is that upsetting?
Well, simply because who gets to be the decider of tough times?
Sure, I’ve endured some excrutiatingly difficult life events, far out of the ordinary, in volume, not reality.
I watched my father take his last breath the day after I turned 25.
Less than two years later, just before Christmas, I watched my mother die.
I know, devastating + far too young to have life’s safety net to be ripped away from me.
And sixteen years after her death, I discovered by accident, my parents I watched die, were not my birth parents.
But I survived.
Life has been challenging at times, but for someone during the legal process to write “It sounds like…”—I find it to be diminishing of my life experiences.
My father died.
My mother died.
I worked for the company for 15-years. I never once complained about my lot in life. I was a key person, and the company has the audacity to feign compassion by diminishing my life experiences. You had 15-years to show interest, and it took a lawsuit and me writing my story to…care?
I find that unfathamoble. I have a hard time not to believe I’m being played.
I had a great friend (?) at the company, his tone with me changed dramatically in the last year of my career, and he replaced me with his friend -- is that the tough time you are referring to?
How am I supposed to dissect company messages and deem them to be sincere?
I had a stroke.
Is that one of the things you did not know about previously?
Anyway, I want to stop writing. Yes, I’ve had the odd moment where life threw me curve balls, and if you are at all interested in my strength of character, ask the person who worked with me almost daily, if I ever lamented about my challenges.
I had every right to, but I didn’t, so, when I read, “It sounds like you’ve had…”—it rings loudly of a put down. At least that is how it feels to me.
And to continue on and try to get me on the phone—why would I ever put myself in that precarious position?
The company had 15-years to show interest in my life, and they never did.
I'm going to repeat: I had a stroke. I never had a single day off in the aftermath.
Is there not something wrong with that?
You can dump that responsiblity on me, but, as I read once, c'mon, the company needed to step up and care in the moments after about my well-being — which the company never did.
I started my career under the table + in the message it suggests I return to that place if I want to move forward. I’d have to be foolish to jump.
What is the most upsetting is the tone: “It sounds like you had a tough time…”
Why is that upsetting?
Well, simply because who gets to be the decider of tough times?
Sure, I’ve endured some excrutiatingly difficult life events, far out of the ordinary, in volume, not reality.
I watched my father take his last breath the day after I turned 25.
Less than two years later, just before Christmas, I watched my mother die.
I know, devastating + far too young to have life’s safety net to be ripped away from me.
And sixteen years after her death, I discovered by accident, my parents I watched die, were not my birth parents.
But I survived.
Life has been challenging at times, but for someone during the legal process to write “It sounds like…”—I find it to be diminishing of my life experiences.
My father died.
My mother died.
I worked for the company for 15-years. I never once complained about my lot in life. I was a key person, and the company has the audacity to feign compassion by diminishing my life experiences. You had 15-years to show interest, and it took a lawsuit and me writing my story to…care?
I find that unfathamoble. I have a hard time not to believe I’m being played.
I had a great friend (?) at the company, his tone with me changed dramatically in the last year of my career, and he replaced me with his friend -- is that the tough time you are referring to?
How am I supposed to dissect company messages and deem them to be sincere?
I had a stroke.
Is that one of the things you did not know about previously?
Anyway, I want to stop writing. Yes, I’ve had the odd moment where life threw me curve balls, and if you are at all interested in my strength of character, ask the person who worked with me almost daily, if I ever lamented about my challenges.
I had every right to, but I didn’t, so, when I read, “It sounds like you’ve had…”—it rings loudly of a put down. At least that is how it feels to me.
And to continue on and try to get me on the phone—why would I ever put myself in that precarious position?
The company had 15-years to show interest in my life, and they never did.
I'm going to repeat: I had a stroke. I never had a single day off in the aftermath.
Is there not something wrong with that?
You can dump that responsiblity on me, but, as I read once, c'mon, the company needed to step up and care in the moments after about my well-being — which the company never did.
Oh yeah, here's where the NUANCE comes in.
The Father's Day after the owner of the company had lost his father, a message was sent to him, simply asking, how he was holding up; are you okay? —nothing more.
When the VP lost a dear friend to a sudden illness, he asked for help with writing words to express his loss, those words were thoughtfully delivered—nothing more.
When coworkers were moving on to new opportunities, they often asked for reference letters to be written, the letters were in a thougthful manner, delivered—nothing more.
Because of life experiences, sometimes challenging, I've been gifted with an understanding: occasionally people simply need to be heard + to know some people value their existence and life events—nothing more.
This understanding served me greatly in managing our workers, many of whom struggle with the life realities being thrown their way. Because of my life experiences, I also gained an understanding of when those same employees were being less than truthful and telling stories in an attempt to manipulate.
The owner once said: key employees rarely last more than a couple of years because of the emotional toll of the job. I put in almost 15, before being terminated. Perhaps, my life experience gave me the capacity to last?
The Father's Day after the owner of the company had lost his father, a message was sent to him, simply asking, how he was holding up; are you okay? —nothing more.
When the VP lost a dear friend to a sudden illness, he asked for help with writing words to express his loss, those words were thoughtfully delivered—nothing more.
When coworkers were moving on to new opportunities, they often asked for reference letters to be written, the letters were in a thougthful manner, delivered—nothing more.
Because of life experiences, sometimes challenging, I've been gifted with an understanding: occasionally people simply need to be heard + to know some people value their existence and life events—nothing more.
This understanding served me greatly in managing our workers, many of whom struggle with the life realities being thrown their way. Because of my life experiences, I also gained an understanding of when those same employees were being less than truthful and telling stories in an attempt to manipulate.
The owner once said: key employees rarely last more than a couple of years because of the emotional toll of the job. I put in almost 15, before being terminated. Perhaps, my life experience gave me the capacity to last?
When I share the upset of having 3 family members die (including my mother for the 2nd time) + 2 dear friends die + 5 workers we've dealt with on nearly a daily basis, die (the deaths were all in the same year) + suffering a catastrophic stroke.
And in the year of my termination, having lifesaving surgery + losing one of my best friends suddenly.
And in the year of my termination, having lifesaving surgery + losing one of my best friends suddenly.
INSTEAD OF
- How are you holding up?
- Are you okay?
- Sorry about your losses?
- Do you need time off for the stroke?
- Or;
- Sorry—nothing more.
What was delivered: "It must be great to be at work to keep your mind off of things?"
AND
It sounds like you’ve had a tough time in life, much I did not know previously about.
Life experience at times can be difficult to endure, and I will speak for most, nobody wants pity when they've gone through things, instead; an ounce of genuine concern would go an infinite way, It sounds like—sounds like: I couldn't be bothered—nothing more.
Typing the traumatic events that are sometimes delivered to all of us throughtout life, and inescapable reality (some of us get it dropped upon us in a heavier fashion), anyway, typing the factual realities, and I can't help but think: the company is failing its employees because of a lack of giving a --
Let me extrapolate: this isn't a massive company (it is a successful one) where key employees are lost by the shear number of employees (key employees could be counted on less than two hands).
Why do I feel the company is failing it's people?
Because I feel they choose condensation over care, veiled pity over trying to understand.
There is not a single person on this planet who wants pity, or to have the events of their lives brushed aside by, "It sounds like..."
Maybe you don't have the life experience to understand that. Maybe you don't care. I can't answer that, only you can.
A SUGGESTION
With COVID-19 still raging, I hope the company has put in place policies and procedures to protect its most valuable asset: the workers. They are not expendable. They are the company's bread + butter. They deserve to be respected. Even with the problems some of them deal with in their lives on a daily basis.
I'm not sure what policies are in place, however; if it is true the Surrey workers who want to get paid daily must travel to Vancovuer (an extra at least 1.5 hours to their already lengthy days), is that not deplorable, and putting their health + well-being + the health of others in danger?
I could be missing something, this part of the story was relayed to me by someone stressed-out by the extra journey each day.
I'm not sure what policies are in place, however; if it is true the Surrey workers who want to get paid daily must travel to Vancovuer (an extra at least 1.5 hours to their already lengthy days), is that not deplorable, and putting their health + well-being + the health of others in danger?
I could be missing something, this part of the story was relayed to me by someone stressed-out by the extra journey each day.
Trust is a valuable commodity.
How could someone who’s been backed into a corner, with few options available, possibly, ever trust, those who have placed that person on a perilous edge?
I’ll leave you with this.
Why was there silence?
Why did you replace me?
Why did it take litigation to open a line of—?
I love my life.
I am a good man.
“Don’t you think the last two sentences sounded a little like Stuart Smalley?”
Perhaps, what I’m trying to say: the sarcasm in “we certainly don’t want to see you…” rings loud and clear, sure, I’m suffering, like many, because of the stress of COVID-19 + the far less than fair treatment from— However; I would not change a single thing about my life, I didn’t write most of the script, and I do not whinge about my realities, I do not appreciate the tone of translucent caring. I write to share, not to hear, “I want to…” —it definitely rings conditional.
I am a strong man; life has gifted me with life-experience and not: “It sounds like you’ve…”
I want this chapter to close.
I want you to do the right and fair thing.
I don’t want you to draw this out.
I do understand I have no control over that.
I look forward to my next chapter. I’m certain it will be grand.
How could someone who’s been backed into a corner, with few options available, possibly, ever trust, those who have placed that person on a perilous edge?
I’ll leave you with this.
Why was there silence?
Why did you replace me?
Why did it take litigation to open a line of—?
I love my life.
I am a good man.
“Don’t you think the last two sentences sounded a little like Stuart Smalley?”
Perhaps, what I’m trying to say: the sarcasm in “we certainly don’t want to see you…” rings loud and clear, sure, I’m suffering, like many, because of the stress of COVID-19 + the far less than fair treatment from— However; I would not change a single thing about my life, I didn’t write most of the script, and I do not whinge about my realities, I do not appreciate the tone of translucent caring. I write to share, not to hear, “I want to…” —it definitely rings conditional.
I am a strong man; life has gifted me with life-experience and not: “It sounds like you’ve…”
I want this chapter to close.
I want you to do the right and fair thing.
I don’t want you to draw this out.
I do understand I have no control over that.
I look forward to my next chapter. I’m certain it will be grand.
A PUBLISHING DEAL IN THE NOT-TOO-DISTANT FUTURE (?)
WHICH STORY WILL BE PICKED UP FIRST (?)
WHICH STORY WILL BE PICKED UP FIRST (?)
It’s time to put a wrap on this story.
It won’t end, until it ends—I think it’s time I refrained from writing the same story over and over and over again. I don’t mind writing it. Since I got canned, I’ve had extra time on my hands + my life is vitally important: to me + to the many people who care about me: friends + ex-clients who’ve become dear friends.
I’ve wrestled with what’s next; what’s the next thing to do; what to pursue?
Each consideration took soul searching and deep thoughts about potential outcomes. Was pursuing legal advice the right thing to do?
The answer is a loud resounding:
ABSOLUTELY YES.
You see, I worked for a company that if a worker had a |…| claim; they’d go to great measures to have the claim declined—while at the same time portraying themselves as a caring company who looked out for the best interests of their employees. A laughable reality.
I was part of this—not really—I had nothing to do with encouraging claim denial—but I did know it was policy—and that makes me sick.
I’m sure they are not the only company with this same policy.
The reality of the matter: the company sees their workers as a necessary inconvenience.
So, when they canned me, how could I think I was any different?
Maybe they didn’t mean to terminate me, maybe their intentions were to some day bring me back (the evidence screams otherwise). They cannot even own up to the fact they handled my dismissal, and I know I say this often, but after almost 15-years of impeccable service—without a dollar sent my way to handle my transition into what’s next at 60-years-of-age; poorly.
The company even had the mendacity to try to smother my upset of having my livelihood taken away from me by suggesting in a bizarre email that “I am not the only one effected by the Pandemic” as if that would magically have me go, “Oh, I never thought of it that way, since other people are being screwed as well—screw away.”
To all the people out there in even remotely similar situations, I feel for you, I know I’m not the only one, but right now: I need to stand up for myself. I suggest you stand up for yourself as well.
Another suggestion I can offer: talk to a lawyer. Learn your rights.
Numerous unscrupulous companies have used the cover of COVID-19 to screw long-serving employees. That is a fact.
I’m sure they are not the only company with this same policy. Laughter. Laughter. Not.
Here is the link (unsolicitied) to my lawyer’s office.
It won’t end, until it ends—I think it’s time I refrained from writing the same story over and over and over again. I don’t mind writing it. Since I got canned, I’ve had extra time on my hands + my life is vitally important: to me + to the many people who care about me: friends + ex-clients who’ve become dear friends.
I’ve wrestled with what’s next; what’s the next thing to do; what to pursue?
Each consideration took soul searching and deep thoughts about potential outcomes. Was pursuing legal advice the right thing to do?
The answer is a loud resounding:
ABSOLUTELY YES.
You see, I worked for a company that if a worker had a |…| claim; they’d go to great measures to have the claim declined—while at the same time portraying themselves as a caring company who looked out for the best interests of their employees. A laughable reality.
I was part of this—not really—I had nothing to do with encouraging claim denial—but I did know it was policy—and that makes me sick.
I’m sure they are not the only company with this same policy.
The reality of the matter: the company sees their workers as a necessary inconvenience.
So, when they canned me, how could I think I was any different?
Maybe they didn’t mean to terminate me, maybe their intentions were to some day bring me back (the evidence screams otherwise). They cannot even own up to the fact they handled my dismissal, and I know I say this often, but after almost 15-years of impeccable service—without a dollar sent my way to handle my transition into what’s next at 60-years-of-age; poorly.
The company even had the mendacity to try to smother my upset of having my livelihood taken away from me by suggesting in a bizarre email that “I am not the only one effected by the Pandemic” as if that would magically have me go, “Oh, I never thought of it that way, since other people are being screwed as well—screw away.”
To all the people out there in even remotely similar situations, I feel for you, I know I’m not the only one, but right now: I need to stand up for myself. I suggest you stand up for yourself as well.
Another suggestion I can offer: talk to a lawyer. Learn your rights.
Numerous unscrupulous companies have used the cover of COVID-19 to screw long-serving employees. That is a fact.
I’m sure they are not the only company with this same policy. Laughter. Laughter. Not.
Here is the link (unsolicitied) to my lawyer’s office.
CLICK LOGO
I must make something perfectly clear: in no way has my legal representation encouraged me to write this story.
My experience with my legal representation has been outstanding, just by having a lawyer on my side has helped me to navigate my rights, while at the same time making me feel like I’m less alone. I’m grateful for that.
My experience with my legal representation has been outstanding, just by having a lawyer on my side has helped me to navigate my rights, while at the same time making me feel like I’m less alone. I’m grateful for that.
I WANT THIS TO BE OVER
I WANT TO GET ON WITH MY LIFE
I’M RIGHTFULLY SCARED
BEING PUT ON THE SIDELINE AT MY AGE
ARGHHHH...
I WANT TO GET ON WITH MY LIFE
I’M RIGHTFULLY SCARED
BEING PUT ON THE SIDELINE AT MY AGE
ARGHHHH...
There have been positives (the pandemic is not one of them).
“He is our most senior employee. Almost 15-years. He did everything ever asked of him. He showed up every day. He never took time off or called in sick. But you know what, the pandemic provided us with the shade to let him go without paying separation pay.”
“You do know he’s 60, don’t you? You do know this will have a massive financial impact on his life + future? You do know what you’ve done, whether intentionally or not, is despicable, don’t you? How long did he work for you again?”
“He’s not the only one.”
“Don’t you think he knows that? Is he supposed to drop his worries and add the worries of the whole world to his roster of concerns?”
“Of course, he knows. It’s just what we say. It’s part of our playbook. And telling someone they’re not…well…it’s our way to say shut up.”
Sure.
I lost my career.
You didn’t lose it, you had it ripped away from you.
Thanks.
I lost friendships.
I’ve lost, going on now: 9-months of income.
I lost a car, phone, healthcare, almost my life, and one of my best friends (death).
You’re not the only one…
Wow. You don’t give up.
I don’t necessarily think the people involved in the company are awful people. I know some (likely most) companies are only concerned with the bottom line + whoever gets in the way is an annoyance.
But what I do know is, what they have done is wrong.
They can’t even admit that.
I know. I know. It’s about the bottom line. Whoever gets in the way…
They can’t admit wrongdoing because I think they believe it is their best interests (keeping dollars in their pockets) to tarnish my lengthy un-tarnish-able career.
So, for any of you out there who have been bullied into thinking you are not the only one.
STAND UP FOR YOURSELVES
At least talk to a lawyer. Learn your rights.
I wish I could do more to “SAVE THE ONLY ONES” but I’m a little busy trying to navigate my own challenges.
I’ll leave you with a little bit of STRANGE FORMAT.
- The time on the sidelines has been helpful in getting my expanding girth under control, a girth that was a product of almost 15-years of ungodly hours leading to some less than desirable eating decisions.
- I think I may have gained a loyal following of readers (including the company I worked for + their $600 (?) per hour their legal representation); all in an effort to break down my factual storytelling to try to build a case of how what they’ve done is not wrong. Could you imagine.
“He is our most senior employee. Almost 15-years. He did everything ever asked of him. He showed up every day. He never took time off or called in sick. But you know what, the pandemic provided us with the shade to let him go without paying separation pay.”
“You do know he’s 60, don’t you? You do know this will have a massive financial impact on his life + future? You do know what you’ve done, whether intentionally or not, is despicable, don’t you? How long did he work for you again?”
“He’s not the only one.”
“Don’t you think he knows that? Is he supposed to drop his worries and add the worries of the whole world to his roster of concerns?”
“Of course, he knows. It’s just what we say. It’s part of our playbook. And telling someone they’re not…well…it’s our way to say shut up.”
- The early reviews on the story have been outstanding: “STRANGE FORMAT”
Sure.
I lost my career.
You didn’t lose it, you had it ripped away from you.
Thanks.
I lost friendships.
I’ve lost, going on now: 9-months of income.
I lost a car, phone, healthcare, almost my life, and one of my best friends (death).
You’re not the only one…
Wow. You don’t give up.
I don’t necessarily think the people involved in the company are awful people. I know some (likely most) companies are only concerned with the bottom line + whoever gets in the way is an annoyance.
But what I do know is, what they have done is wrong.
They can’t even admit that.
I know. I know. It’s about the bottom line. Whoever gets in the way…
They can’t admit wrongdoing because I think they believe it is their best interests (keeping dollars in their pockets) to tarnish my lengthy un-tarnish-able career.
So, for any of you out there who have been bullied into thinking you are not the only one.
STAND UP FOR YOURSELVES
At least talk to a lawyer. Learn your rights.
I wish I could do more to “SAVE THE ONLY ONES” but I’m a little busy trying to navigate my own challenges.
I’ll leave you with a little bit of STRANGE FORMAT.
|
A bird descended from the cloudless sky, swathing by the suffering man, checking to see if he was still breathing. The man was broken, but not defeated, scared, but not shattered. The bird swooped by croaking in a sideward approach to ascertain if it was time to dive in for a feast, skeptically looking off down the shrubbery and into the abyss. It seemed the sweeping swath of the bird’s flight expected to find coyotes lurking, hidden in the darkness of the looming dusk. The man lay in depression, unsure of what had just happened, questioning why a corporate juggernaut on the wings of a ravenous bird would lay him down in the deafening silence of an unknown future. Before the man could find the strength to rise, the vulture, now in the company of coyotes, ushered another man, a man with eight-years of service out the door. Masking the move under the guise of what they’re allowed to do, with little concern for the impact their decision would have on a man lacking the fortitude to fight.
The once depressed man found the fortitude to struggle to his feet; a feat made possible because of years of life experience. The vulture soared northward returning to the catacomb of decision making (Head Office), lamenting on why, and how, the man could have possibly risen + why would a beaten down man, think he had any rights at all? The vulture would occasionally, fly by afterward, suggesting, if the man only listened to its croaks, everything could be worked out, if the man only looked past the vagueness of the offer. But why would the man bite, when after all, the vulture, in metaphor, had left the man to perish, and the vulture had scripted this entire story? Why? And why would the man trust anything the vulture discussed with its nepotistic wake (including a friend (?)) in an effort to make the man vulnerable once more — when he was never fully allowed into the nest? |
Strange?
I think not.
Riveting + Compelling, is more like it!
I think not.
Riveting + Compelling, is more like it!
Thank you for reading.
This is the last chapter in this saga (here), the saga will continue on in settlement or the courts.
COMPANY: IT IS ALL UP TO YOU
This is the last chapter in this saga (here), the saga will continue on in settlement or the courts.
COMPANY: IT IS ALL UP TO YOU
LAST THOUGHTS
COMPANY: If you were sincere in your suggestions, wouldn’t you simply tell me in writing what they are?
And besides, why would you possibly want me to return?
Because you did a fantastic job.
Thank you, I did!
Oh yeah, you might think I'm angry, I'm not.
You may think I've had a difficult life, I have had life challenges, but I always find a way to endure, with a smile on my face.
COMPANY: If you were sincere in your suggestions, wouldn’t you simply tell me in writing what they are?
And besides, why would you possibly want me to return?
Because you did a fantastic job.
Thank you, I did!
Oh yeah, you might think I'm angry, I'm not.
You may think I've had a difficult life, I have had life challenges, but I always find a way to endure, with a smile on my face.
AT THE END OF THE DAY
I'M THE LITTLE FISH
I'M THE LITTLE FISH
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I AM NOT THE ENEMY
I GAVE A DECADE-AND-A HALF OF IMPECCABLE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
MY JOB DESCRIPTION = EVERYTHING THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE
I TURNED 60
I WANT TO BE TREATED FAIRLY
I GAVE A DECADE-AND-A HALF OF IMPECCABLE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
MY JOB DESCRIPTION = EVERYTHING THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE
I TURNED 60
I WANT TO BE TREATED FAIRLY
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