This is just basically going to be a way for me to put down everything that I am considering in regards to a possible promotion (the good, bad and ugly...and I think there's a lot of ugly unfortunately) at work. My bosses have been trying to get me to consider moving up to be a department head for awhile now, and I am supposed to be having a meeting with my store manager soon for a 'talk'-- I'm pretty sure this is going to be a topic of discussion.
I have been very frustrated with what I am doing now. I have worked in my office for about 2 years (have been with the company for over 3 now), and I tend to have to deal with very shitty customer situations, such as special order product coming in damaged, being late, shitty install issues, ect. This was a job that used to be done by 3 people (myself and 2 others) until both of those people quit and they decided to only replace one position. So in order to make that work, I was put in charge of all the special orders that come in and go out of our store, and the other person was put in charge of all of the installs (installs and special order products used to be designated by department and then certain departments were assigned to each of us). The other person came into that position with no real training, he came out of a non-specialty department and so his knowledge is still not where it should be considering he has been in position for a year. So I usually end up having to help out with that as well. Given the circumstances, we haven't had a back up person to relieve us during any time off-- for example, I took some time off for my grandfather's passing in the summer, and then took a week's vacation at the end of August. Both times, there was no one trained or ready to take over my workload, and so it sat around and I fell incredibly behind in my work. Part of the reason I couldn't catch back up was because even though I have a terribly heavy workload, it is also expected that since we have no staff available on the floor that I will go out and cover off the service desk, cashiers and floor staff whenever necessary (which is usually all the time). I haven't enjoyed my actual position for a long time now, since before my other coworkers quit-- we definitely don't get enough credit for what we do!
Depending on the situation, I don't mind dealing with people. I'm actually fairly good at dealing with angry people, and, having been employed there for a few years now, I'm pretty confident in my decision-making skills and what I can get away with if the situation requires me going above what I am techically 'allowed'. Customers tend to like me, and I get along with my management team very well, as well as the majority of the other employees, save for a few.
If I was to take on the suggested Department Head position, I am not sure what area I would have to supervise. The thought of the store manager is that I would take over as the supervisor for my office, and my supervisor would be given a floor department instead. The reason for this is because it is well known that I know more about the logistics of my department than my supervisor does, so I could provide better training to the staff in that department, help them out when needed (because my supervisor currently does not know how to do our jobs and therefore can't help when we go on vacations or are not there), and possibly help the department run a bit better. I really don't think that I would want to take over that area of the store at all. I have seen what my supervisor has to put up with and it is usually all bad. It may not sound like it, but I really do like my supervisor and think that for the most part, he does a good job where he is. The benefit to this area is that there are only 2 people to supervise (although we have a third part-timer starting now)-- therefore, less time spent on monthly and annual reviews.
My issue with taking a floor position is that I have never worked in a 'department', so to say. I have remained entirely on the front end in every position I've had at the store. So my product knowledge is not very strong. They repeatedly tell me that managing is more about managing your people as opposed to knowing about all of your products, but at our store, because there are so few actual associates on the floor at any given time, the likelihood that you as a supervisor will end up by yourself in a department as coverage is good. I don't know if I could be successful in that position.
The other position that I think I could actually be fairly successful with would be the Pro/Tool Rental areas. Again, I don't know much about either area, but because of my knowledge of our computer system, I could be a huge benefit to that area. The guys there have been allowed to slack on certain things and I know I would crack down on them and probably make some changes to help things run a little smoother for everyone. I just know that guys would end up strongly disliking me because they've been allowed to get away with coasting by for quite a while now!
The whole issue with supervising at my store is that there is limited job security. In the past 3 years that I've worked there, over 10 full time managers have been fired or quit. We have most recently lost 4 supervisors in the matter of a few months which is unheard of. Obviously, they aren't quitting for no good reason. And yes, most of them had found other jobs which is why they left....but why were they looking in the first place? Something is not right in that store right now. I know for a fact that in their weekly meetings, the current supervisors have been getting yelled at for the entirety of their meetings, and many things are out of their control. The manager tends to flip flop on a lot of things; tells you one thing and then does another. He really likes me (it's well known by myself and most other people that we work with), but there is something that I can't quite put my finger on that makes me uneasy about him. Add to that our HR manager who is a giant bitch and who will probably never earn my trust because of how much she lies and how she has screwed some of the best people I've worked with (and have become friends with) over.
The hours are a huge factor as well...currently because of the position I'm in, I usually work 9-6 or 8-5 for all of my shifts. The latest I ever work is 8pm. I am on a rotation where I get every second weekend off. The shifts would undoubtably change if I was to move up. It would be expected that I would be opening some shifts (at 6 or 6:30am) and closing (10:30 or 11pm). These would be rotated and my schedule would likely not be set in the way that it is now. I would still likely get every second weekend off though, and I would be very specific that they could not change what rotation I am on for that because I have made plans based on that rotation. As well, I work with my friends on that rotation and so our plans often revolve around that schedule. Overtime is inevitable, but as it turns out I often end up with overtime as it is. Although they say that you are supposed to burn it, I don't because I believe in getting paid for what I do, and they have never questioned me about it.
In terms of money-- I need the raise. Financially, I am in no way set or even in all that great a position. I can pay my bills, but not much else. A raise of approximately $3 is likely if I was to take that position over, which would help. This is still extremely low pay for the amount of work that we are talking about, as well as the bullshit from upper management and customers alike.
I may add to this later as I think of more pros/cons...but it's a good start for now.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
This Ain't Goodbye
I had to say goodbye to one of my best friends tonight. Hence why I'm up at 1am, even though I have to be up in approx. 4-5 hours to get ready for work, and I'm still sobbing and listening to depressing music.
I'm not good at saying goodbye regardless, but this was even harder. This was goodbye to a person who, though I've only known him for about a year, has been there for me without fail anytime I needed. Someone who could tell when I was having an awful day, and would try to calm me down or make me laugh. Someone who would drop everything to come to my rescue at times when I did stupid things (ie. most recently, locking my keys in my car).
I've been dreading this day since I found out a few weeks ago that he would be leaving. And not only leaving our company, but leaving our province. I was upset then, and spent many nights in the last while crying, but I figured I would be able to put on a brave face.
However, I spent the whole night at our store meeting fighting back tears. And then, afterwards when we went out for drinks for the last time with everyone, I sat trying not to cry again. So I planned it all out, I would leave his gift in my car so we could walk out together, I could cry a little in private and go back in and pretend I was ok. However, as soon as we hit the door of the bar, I started to tear up. And then I lost it completely. Full blown sobbing, tears, disgusting runny nose... And to make it worse, he lost it too. We actually stood holding each other in the rain, both crying. I've never seen him cry; it made the whole thing even worse. It's a big move for him, and I think that everything hit him at once. I think he would have been ok had I not started to cry, but alas, I'm a big suck and couldn't tough it out. So after a long bout of tears, hugs and I love you's, we had to part ways. I couldn't even stop crying to make it back into the bar. I went in sobbing like an idiot, and almost made the other girls at the table cry. I finally left and drove around for a bit before going home so I could cry loudly..lol
I'm still crying. I don't know what I'm going to do........
I'm not good at saying goodbye regardless, but this was even harder. This was goodbye to a person who, though I've only known him for about a year, has been there for me without fail anytime I needed. Someone who could tell when I was having an awful day, and would try to calm me down or make me laugh. Someone who would drop everything to come to my rescue at times when I did stupid things (ie. most recently, locking my keys in my car).
I've been dreading this day since I found out a few weeks ago that he would be leaving. And not only leaving our company, but leaving our province. I was upset then, and spent many nights in the last while crying, but I figured I would be able to put on a brave face.
However, I spent the whole night at our store meeting fighting back tears. And then, afterwards when we went out for drinks for the last time with everyone, I sat trying not to cry again. So I planned it all out, I would leave his gift in my car so we could walk out together, I could cry a little in private and go back in and pretend I was ok. However, as soon as we hit the door of the bar, I started to tear up. And then I lost it completely. Full blown sobbing, tears, disgusting runny nose... And to make it worse, he lost it too. We actually stood holding each other in the rain, both crying. I've never seen him cry; it made the whole thing even worse. It's a big move for him, and I think that everything hit him at once. I think he would have been ok had I not started to cry, but alas, I'm a big suck and couldn't tough it out. So after a long bout of tears, hugs and I love you's, we had to part ways. I couldn't even stop crying to make it back into the bar. I went in sobbing like an idiot, and almost made the other girls at the table cry. I finally left and drove around for a bit before going home so I could cry loudly..lol
I'm still crying. I don't know what I'm going to do........
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Save the World Tonight
It's going to be another quick one tonight. It is the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center. I have been watching the memorials today and reliving the horror. It seems masochistic, but it's something that is important as a part of our history.
I wasn't a part of it. I have no ties to NYC, nor did I know anyone that was involved. But it is a heartwrenching, terrible tragedy that shakes everyone to the core. Everyone remembers where they were-- for me, I was in Gr. 11 biology, when my teacher rolled a TV into the room so we could see what was happening. There was a lot of confusion and panic; despite the fact that we were in a small Canadian city, the reality was that no one had any answers. We lived on a border city and there were rumours that the bridges connecting Canada to the US were also in danger of being under attack.
Thankfully, we were safe. The same could not be said for those that were directly in the line of fire.
So to those innocent lives that were lost-- we'll never forget. For those who gave their lives in the pursuit of stopping the horror, we thank you. And for those that still grieve, who lost friends, family, acquantainces...you are in my heart today. I can't begin to imagine what it was like to be there in person for the events that took place, but I can certainly empathize.
I wasn't a part of it. I have no ties to NYC, nor did I know anyone that was involved. But it is a heartwrenching, terrible tragedy that shakes everyone to the core. Everyone remembers where they were-- for me, I was in Gr. 11 biology, when my teacher rolled a TV into the room so we could see what was happening. There was a lot of confusion and panic; despite the fact that we were in a small Canadian city, the reality was that no one had any answers. We lived on a border city and there were rumours that the bridges connecting Canada to the US were also in danger of being under attack.
Thankfully, we were safe. The same could not be said for those that were directly in the line of fire.
So to those innocent lives that were lost-- we'll never forget. For those who gave their lives in the pursuit of stopping the horror, we thank you. And for those that still grieve, who lost friends, family, acquantainces...you are in my heart today. I can't begin to imagine what it was like to be there in person for the events that took place, but I can certainly empathize.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Elsie
Just a quick one, as I really have to get to bed so I can be bright eyed and bushy tailed while I suffer through work tomorrow morning.
This is a post solely devoted to the absolute GENIUS that is The Horrible Crowes. Their album, "Elsie" just dropped today and it is something that is just so lovely that I feel I need to spread the word to as many folks as possible.
I've got "Sugar" on repeat right now, but there isn't a bad song on the record. Please take the time to check out "Elsie" on Itunes, your local music store, wherever you buy your music. If it isn't there, request it!
This is one of those life-changing albums that will stick with you, it won't be a passing fad that you tire of because it's just simply too brilliant. So please do check it out!
This is a post solely devoted to the absolute GENIUS that is The Horrible Crowes. Their album, "Elsie" just dropped today and it is something that is just so lovely that I feel I need to spread the word to as many folks as possible.
I've got "Sugar" on repeat right now, but there isn't a bad song on the record. Please take the time to check out "Elsie" on Itunes, your local music store, wherever you buy your music. If it isn't there, request it!
This is one of those life-changing albums that will stick with you, it won't be a passing fad that you tire of because it's just simply too brilliant. So please do check it out!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Behold The Hurricane
How much do I wish that there was a magical cleaning fairy who would just come and *poof* all your laundry, cleaning, organizing and packing would be done in an instant?
I am currently trying to clean my room, which, being super tiny should be a simple chore, but as you can tell, I'm on here instead. I did get two loads of laundry started, and have started organizing a bit. I just don't like going away for vacation and then coming back to a messy room! So here I am, trying desperately to get everything done in the next two days before I head home for some much needed vacation time...
I'll let you know how it goes.
I am currently trying to clean my room, which, being super tiny should be a simple chore, but as you can tell, I'm on here instead. I did get two loads of laundry started, and have started organizing a bit. I just don't like going away for vacation and then coming back to a messy room! So here I am, trying desperately to get everything done in the next two days before I head home for some much needed vacation time...
I'll let you know how it goes.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Avoiding Catatonic Surrender
I might have officially had one of the worst days ever. It's like every mentally insane person on the PLANET decided that they had to come into work and have random outbursts of crazy on every person in an orange apron that they saw.
I started work at 9:00am, and by about 10 the craziness ensued. I could hear the screaming outside of my office and decided that it was in my best interest to not even turn around to see the horror.
Of course, the horror had to do with my job, which is getting special orders to these crazies.
There was a woman screaming at one of our managers about how her windows were delayed. They were in fact, delayed...but her husband had been in contact with one of my coworkers and completely understood that they were delayed. Unfortunately, she must have Medusa-ed her hubby because he was completely silent for the duration of this event. He tried to speak a couple of times, but she cut him off to the point that he just gave up and stood there looking mildly embarrassed that he married this hell-beast. She started raging about how her order was worth $13,000 (which granted is a lot of money) but that we were costing them time and money (because they hired and booked a contractor without having the product in their hands-- which is a stupid move and basically is going to ensure that everything that can go wrong before that date absolutely will). Now she didn't know how they were going to be able to buy groceries....
Wait, what? You mean to tell me that you purchased $13,000 worth of windows for your house, that you own, AND are able to pay someone to do the work that your lazy ass can't...but you won't be able to buy yourself a loaf of bread because you booked some vacation time (which you're likely getting paid for) for this life-shattering event of window-installation?? Time to rethink your argument.
My next lovely customer is named Candy (sounds like a stripper name, but let me assure you that this woman is a haggard old bitch who has probably never been even remotely attractive in her life, and I can be this mean because she is a truly awful human being who I've run into on a few occasions now and she is incapable of any type of human emotion besides RAAAAAGE). She came in while I was on lunch, and my boss told her that she had to wait for me (because he gets some sick enjoyment out of pushing shitty customers on me). She proceeded to completely FREAK out on a girl working at the Service Desk, my boss, and a lot associate (because the lot associate has ANYTHING to do with her order in any way, besides loading it into her vehicle). Thankfully my boss briefed me on what was going on and I was already working on her resolution by the time she came back and demanded to speak to me...so I trotted out all sweet and perky and didn't even give her a chance to get started. Totally effed up her demon mentality and she couldn't react in time to do anything but cooperate with me.
The last guy just bitched and complained, left and came back to bitch and moan some more, and then finally tuckered himself out and just left. Further proof that as people age, they become more child-like....huge temper tantrums followed by a post-tantrum crash.
I am ever so looking forward to going back in and dealing with the dragon-people who have no concept of rationality tomorrow. Redeeming factor is that after 8 hours of that, I'm going to see Wax Mannequin (check him out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR3Sn1P47pw -- he's a character and a half, all around talented, odd and wonderful performer who you should love, and since my taste in music is fabulous, you obviously should listen to me). Also, 3 more days until holidays! :D It's a big deal.
Anyways kids, have a lovely evening, listen to some more Wax Mannequin and pleasant dreams of musicians who manage to meow in their songs without being totally certifiably insane.
I started work at 9:00am, and by about 10 the craziness ensued. I could hear the screaming outside of my office and decided that it was in my best interest to not even turn around to see the horror.
Of course, the horror had to do with my job, which is getting special orders to these crazies.
There was a woman screaming at one of our managers about how her windows were delayed. They were in fact, delayed...but her husband had been in contact with one of my coworkers and completely understood that they were delayed. Unfortunately, she must have Medusa-ed her hubby because he was completely silent for the duration of this event. He tried to speak a couple of times, but she cut him off to the point that he just gave up and stood there looking mildly embarrassed that he married this hell-beast. She started raging about how her order was worth $13,000 (which granted is a lot of money) but that we were costing them time and money (because they hired and booked a contractor without having the product in their hands-- which is a stupid move and basically is going to ensure that everything that can go wrong before that date absolutely will). Now she didn't know how they were going to be able to buy groceries....
Wait, what? You mean to tell me that you purchased $13,000 worth of windows for your house, that you own, AND are able to pay someone to do the work that your lazy ass can't...but you won't be able to buy yourself a loaf of bread because you booked some vacation time (which you're likely getting paid for) for this life-shattering event of window-installation?? Time to rethink your argument.
My next lovely customer is named Candy (sounds like a stripper name, but let me assure you that this woman is a haggard old bitch who has probably never been even remotely attractive in her life, and I can be this mean because she is a truly awful human being who I've run into on a few occasions now and she is incapable of any type of human emotion besides RAAAAAGE). She came in while I was on lunch, and my boss told her that she had to wait for me (because he gets some sick enjoyment out of pushing shitty customers on me). She proceeded to completely FREAK out on a girl working at the Service Desk, my boss, and a lot associate (because the lot associate has ANYTHING to do with her order in any way, besides loading it into her vehicle). Thankfully my boss briefed me on what was going on and I was already working on her resolution by the time she came back and demanded to speak to me...so I trotted out all sweet and perky and didn't even give her a chance to get started. Totally effed up her demon mentality and she couldn't react in time to do anything but cooperate with me.
The last guy just bitched and complained, left and came back to bitch and moan some more, and then finally tuckered himself out and just left. Further proof that as people age, they become more child-like....huge temper tantrums followed by a post-tantrum crash.
I am ever so looking forward to going back in and dealing with the dragon-people who have no concept of rationality tomorrow. Redeeming factor is that after 8 hours of that, I'm going to see Wax Mannequin (check him out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR3Sn1P47pw -- he's a character and a half, all around talented, odd and wonderful performer who you should love, and since my taste in music is fabulous, you obviously should listen to me). Also, 3 more days until holidays! :D It's a big deal.
Anyways kids, have a lovely evening, listen to some more Wax Mannequin and pleasant dreams of musicians who manage to meow in their songs without being totally certifiably insane.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Feel Good Drag
If you need a laugh today, please visit this link http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/01/dinosaur.html
I promise if you have a sense of humour at all, you will die laughing. I couldn't stop laughing, especially at the corresponding video. Allie is a genius.
I promise if you have a sense of humour at all, you will die laughing. I couldn't stop laughing, especially at the corresponding video. Allie is a genius.
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