View Full Version : Anyone’s work being affected by coronavirus?
Since this thread is about work I just want to say how super incredibly happy I am that I no longer have to manage a group of 25 people in this situation. My head hurts I don’t even know what they’re doing.
I know what you mean!! That's why I like to be the lackey. YOU talk to people. YOU figure it out. As my son says to me while he lives here during his well-paid furlough, "You tell me what to do and I'll do it." And I'm grateful that my participation at that level still brings some value.
Covering coughs prevents the spread of large germs. Covid particles are small.
Feel free to share with us the double blind studies (you always ask that of us) that show that covid virus is smaller than all those other particles.
In the meantime keep coughing on people since you think covid is too small for people to prevent it’s spread via coughing.
Honestly, yppej, you really should just quit while you're behind. We all get it. You have a s***y employer and you're not unreasonably scared that you might catch covid. I hate that you're at risk, just as I hate that so many others are at risk. What tRump is expecting of meat packing plant workers is beyond unconscionable. (of course most of them have brown skin so his supporters probably don't give a crap about them..) And I hate that you and I both live in a s***y third world country where our government couldn't pull it together to keep us safe like south korea and new zealand and australia did because we're a has-been former world power and a country where businesses making a buck takes precedent over people being safe.
But your random unscientific opinions about masks just make you look like an idiot. Yes, some people wear them wrong. Yes, they aren't 100% keeping people safe. And, yes, they help the people around the mask wearer more than the the mask wearer him or herself. But they matter. I'm done arguing with you about this.
Teacher Terry
5-21-20, 12:51am
I will tell Y what is gross is sneezing twice into my mask with my head in my elbow. Guess what it protected others and that’s all that matters. It’s allergy season.
I will tell Y what is gross is sneezing twice into my mask with my head in my elbow. Guess what it protected others and that’s all that matters. It’s allergy season.
Yes, gross, and I saw a white mask yesterday taken off while the person was eating lunch, all black and grimy on the sides from wear, and when he was done with lunch he put it back on. Charming isn't it.
Feel free to share with us the double blind studies (you always ask that of us) that show that covid virus is smaller than all those other particles.
In the meantime keep coughing on people since you think covid is too small for people to prevent it’s spread via coughing.
Double blind studies are done on treatments, with one group receiving the treatment and one the placebo, and neither group nor the experimenters knowing who is in which group. They are not used to define the structure of the virus. Science 101.
What tRump is expecting....
I get that you don't like me or Trump, as you have made many negative comments about the both of us, but spelling his name to emphasize Rump is pretty childish, and brings you down to his level.
There are times when it is wisest to step away from conversations. I think this is one of them for all. It has clearly diverted from the original topic of "how is your work being affected".
There are times when it is wisest to step away from conversations. I think this is one of them for all. It has clearly diverted from the original topic of "how is your work being affected".
The white mask black with grime was at my job.
happystuff
5-21-20, 7:20am
The white mask black with grime was at my job.
I have some masks that I made and that I purchased a while back. No - they are not top of the line PPE, etc. but they are masks. I am more than happy to send them to you either for your use or for you to pass along to other co-workers in need of clean masks. (The ones I made are washable). Feel free to msg me in my inbox with an address if you are interested.
I have a coworker handing out masks his wife made, so I have 3 now at work plus 1 at home, and two are washable so I can rotate them, but thank you anyways happystuff. I doubt the dirty mask wearer asked for another one. When you force people to do something they tend to follow the bare minimum of the law. Internal motivation is much better than external motivation.
happystuff
5-22-20, 7:32am
I have a coworker handing out masks his wife made, so I have 3 now at work plus 1 at home, and two are washable so I can rotate them,
Good. That was nice of the coworker and it's nice to hear that you now have masks available.
Well, if you think the dirty mask wearer didn't ask for one, maybe just offer one.
The plexiglass is up, but people still try to crowd the counter. They disregard tape on the floor and were leaning across the tables in front of the counter. We have now put upside down stools on top of the tables. If people could just keep their distance no one would feel the need for a mask. We need a technology like in some cars. If you try to back up and get too close it beeps. Cell phones should emit an alarm if you come within 6 feet of people.
If people could just keep their distance no one would feel the need for a mask.
Tell us more about viral loads, persistence of suspended particulates in indoor environments, HVAC systems, droplet generation from speech, and so on....
Tell us more about viral loads, persistence of suspended particulates in indoor environments, HVAC systems, droplet generation from speech, and so on....
On the news last night was updated information from the CDC. The fear of droplets on surfaces has been overblown. I have started taking cash at work with my bare hands and sanitizing them immediately afterwards. Transmission in chlorinated water is nonexistent so people don't need to wear masks in the pool. Check out the CDC website if you want more details.
On the news last night was updated information from the CDC. The fear of droplets on surfaces has been overblown.
The context of my comment, as was clear from the quote about "need for a mask", was masks....
So, not about surfaces.
However, it was about suspended particulates. I believe I used that exact term.
I'm hampered in my understanding of such things though by reading research publications, and not looking at the popular news so much...
The context of my comment, as was clear from the quote about "need for a mask", was masks....
So, not about surfaces.
However, it was about suspended particulates. I believe I used that exact term.
I'm hampered in my understanding of such things though by reading research publications, and not looking at the popular news so much...
You also used the term droplets, and droplets land on surfaces.
On the news last night was updated information from the CDC. The fear of droplets on surfaces has been overblown. I have started taking cash at work with my bare hands and sanitizing them immediately afterwards. Transmission in chlorinated water is nonexistent so people don't need to wear masks in the pool. Check out the CDC website if you want more details.
Oh did I need a good belly laugh. YOU trying to educate Bae? Now there's one for the books.
And so happy to hear you finally understand proper use of gloves (NOT using them), and using hand sanitizer as recommended. I didn't expect to see that from you.
You also used the term droplets, and droplets land on surfaces.
Come now.
You made a statement, an incorrect one, about masks. I asked you to clarify, and you quite understand that.
Now you are engaging in dishonest argumentation.
Come now.
You made a statement, an incorrect one, about masks. I asked you to clarify, and you quite understand that.
Now you are engaging in dishonest argumentation.
Six feet distance is what public health experts recommend, and IF you cannot maintain that THEN you need a mask. Hence if people didn't get up in others' space the mask would not be necessary according to the experts not me. In my state mask fines only apply if you aren't 6 feet away from others except in one overzealous municipality. Instead of don't crowd the plow we need don't crowd other people.
Six feet distance is what public health experts recommend, and IF you cannot maintain that THEN you need a mask. Hence if people didn't get up in others' space the mask would not be necessary according to the experts not me. In my state mask fines only apply if you aren't 6 feet away from others except in one overzealous municipality. Instead of don't crowd the plow we need don't crowd other people.
See my previous questions, then get back to us.
See my previous questions, then get back to us.
No question marks in anything you have posted recently, and nothing worded as questions. We'll see if you go back and edit your posts to change that after the fact.
Yppej, I am so sorry that you are in your current living/working situation. It has to be incredibly stressful both at home and at work. I have no suggestions or advice, just sending healing thoughts and prayers your way because of your current situation.
Thank you Tybee. I can't wait for this to be over.
Teacher Terry
5-22-20, 7:00pm
Y, I feel bad that your customers are not cooperating. When I do go in a store I am very careful about how close I get to people and also extremely nice to the workers. How tough to be working under those conditions. I am also looking forward to a normal life. I took my husband’s ex for a medical appointment today and she told me that yesterday she threw up all day from trying to take one pain pill because of her cancer. It appears that nothing she has tried has not had the same effect. It made me grateful for my health.
I guess my job is not as bad as some. My neighbor works in a supermarket bakery. Someone had her pass them a cake to look at, then they passed it back and said, "I want you and all your coworkers to touch this. Me and my whole family have covid." She thought the person should have been arrested, but as at my job management does not have the back of frontline employees.
No question marks in anything you have posted recently, and nothing worded as questions. We'll see if you go back and edit your posts to change that after the fact.
A question does not require a question mark...
Tell us more about viral loads, persistence of suspended particulates in indoor environments, HVAC systems, droplet generation from speech, and so on....
As to your suggestion that I would go edit my post to change that, well, aren't you precious?
Let's hope we don't have a lot of heatstroke deaths this summer and hypothermia deaths this coming winter because fearmongers make folks scared to turn on their HVAC systems. Already people are dying of things like heart attacks and strokes because they are scared to go to the hospital. But our whole world must revolve around covid and we must all be scared, very, very scared, and do whatever the government tells us, although the head of the government himself does not generally wear a mask. I guess Ivanka hasn't started trying to add masks to her clothing line yet.
Let's hope we don't have a lot of heatstroke deaths this summer and hypothermia deaths this coming winter because fearmongers make folks scared to turn on their HVAC systems.
Have you seen "fearmongers" making "folks scared to turn on their HVAC systems"? ?????
I put a few extra question marks in for clarification.
I have seen upselling of professional services to disinfect HVAC systems, preying on these fears, so yes.
I have seen upselling of professional services to disinfect HVAC systems, preying on these fears, so yes.
https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/about/position%20documents/pd_infectiousaerosols_2020.pdf
https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/there-hvac-guidance-building-and-maintenance-professionals-can-follow-help-protect-covid
ApatheticNoMore
5-22-20, 8:50pm
Already people are dying of things like heart attacks and strokes because they are scared to go to the hospital.
probably just old people put out of their misery from whom death was a blessing for their unhealthy selves anyway.
Teacher Terry
5-22-20, 8:57pm
Our governor has disappointed me for the first time. Casinos were supposed to be in phase 3 or 4. Now phase 2 is June 4th with casinos opening. My DIL works there and she and my son are upset. We are going to all call his office. Y, those people should have been arrested and how horrible of a person do you have to be to even do that?
I guess my job is not as bad as some. My neighbor works in a supermarket bakery. Someone had her pass them a cake to look at, then they passed it back and said, "I want you and all your coworkers to touch this. Me and my whole family have covid." She thought the person should have been arrested, but as at my job management does not have the back of frontline employees.
That is seriously effed up. Whether meant as a cruel unfunny joke, or to actually inflict harm that's just beyond awful. I'm so sorry your neighbor had to go through that. It's probably a good thing I don't work in a supermarket. If that happened to me I likely would have thrown the cake in their face, told them to go to hell, sanitized my hands, and then been out of a job.
I have heard of drunks not wanting to be arrested telling police they have covid but I was shocked a similar threat would happen in a supermarket.
ApatheticNoMore
5-23-20, 12:16am
sounds to me mostly the type of thing a mentally ill homeless person might do, of which one is bound to run into here and there around here. not a funny joke, well yea that type just isn't right in the head though.
sounds to me mostly the type of thing a mentally ill homeless person might do, of which one is bound to run into here and there around here. not a funny joke, well yea that type just isn't right in the head though.
It would be interesting to know. Given the number of stories I’ve read (Often with video) about crappy humans who most definitely are not homeless (woman coughing on employee who insisted on a mask stories are fairly common) I sadly tend to assume that this was just a stupid mean a-hole not a whacked out homeless person.
Just found out the position went to the other candidate. They had carrier contract negotiating experience that I didn't have. I'd never done it. Think I'm going to probably have better luck sticking with the customs brokerage stuff. The industry recruiter says things show signs of getting better with the SAH order expiring later this week.
Sorry to hear that Tradd. Keeping my fingers crossed that the next opportunity works out better for you.
happystuff
5-26-20, 4:22pm
Just found out the position went to the other candidate. They had carrier contract negotiating experience that I didn't have. I'd never done it. Think I'm going to probably have better luck sticking with the customs brokerage stuff. The industry recruiter says things show signs of getting better with the SAH order expiring later this week.
Sorry, Tradd. I hope things really are getting better. With your experience, I would think something will come along quickly for you once things start opening up.
This was our best day in months, not revenuewise, but because 2 of the 8 employees furloughed at my site returned to work.
Sorry to see the bad news, Tradd. Wishing you better next time....
ApatheticNoMore
5-26-20, 8:07pm
Just found out the position went to the other candidate. They had carrier contract negotiating experience that I didn't have. I'd never done it. Think I'm going to probably have better luck sticking with the customs brokerage stuff. The industry recruiter says things show signs of getting better with the SAH order expiring later this week.
sorry about that
ApatheticNoMore
5-26-20, 8:11pm
My boyfriend gave notice today and is going back to a company that fired him a few years ago. I would not do that unless it was desperation indeed, but I expressed my fears and it is not my decision. There's an upside? Well yea significantly more pay. If you never have enough money it takes a toll (I have enough money, but happy to have adequate savings the pay is not my top priority). Maybe more career growth etc.. It's a family business whose rather dysfunctional dynamics I admittedly do not understand. Nor is the job he gave notice at ideal as there it's mostly they are sleazy and dishonest and sometimes breaking the law by their rather dishonest business practices, and no great room for raises or growth.
This is what a 2900 room hotel looks like when it's closed for a pandemic.
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iris lilies
5-27-20, 10:43pm
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whoah, sad.
I was listening to a radio station talk show last week where someone was commenting on southern California mayor or city Council working on an effort to require empty hotels to home the homeless. Was either LA or San Diego.
Immediately I thought of your SO because San Francisco would seem to be Mecca for that idea. Why can’t they open those hotel rooms for the homeless? What could possibly go wrong with that? Ask your SO about that. ;)
And speaking of San Francisco’s famous homeless problem, what are the obvious steps the city is taking to support homeless population during this COVID-19?
My city installed portable sinks to be used as wash stations attached to fire hydrants as the water source. I thought it was a good idea but there’s quite a lot of whining about how that doesn’t allow homeless People dignity and blah blah blah. But I think it gives them a place to wash their hands, better than what they had before which is nothing.
The city has rented out a lot of the less expensive hotels down by fisherman’s wharf for homeless people. And is even arranging for food etc. One of the problems with that is that none of the surrounding counties are doing this so the homeless grapevine has shared this info with homeless people from surrounding areas and lots of people are showing up to get whatever free stuff they can get.
I didn’t post the video but apparently no one was tasked with turning off the ‘back of house’ music. So all the non-public spaces of the hotel still have perky music blasting. I suppose if there are any ghosts in the building they appreciate it.
It has been hot and humid - yesterday in the 90's and today the 80's - and some of the employees who were wearing masks all the time have stopped altogether because it is just too hot. They work in a part of the building with no air conditioning. I cannot imagine wearing a mask for long periods of time in hot settings like the beach. I do not think tourism will rebound in areas where masks are mandatory even if the businesses do reopen.
Dermatologists are also reporting skin dents, acne, and other skin irritations from frequent mask wearing. Masks are not a simple, easy health measure as some portray them to be.
There are always face shields one can try.
Another good day - I found out two more of the furloughed employees at my site are coming back Monday. There are four more still laid off.
I actually found a customs brokerage job to apply for today! There hasn't been much lately.
Yppej - good news.
Good luck Tradd. More jobs should materialize as the economy opens up.
ApatheticNoMore
5-29-20, 6:00pm
Many jobs are going to be lost end of June when the loans to small business run out, they are only staying open for the payroll protection loans, I know for a fact this is going on, and they aren't telling their current employees :(. Noone is going to hire just for that at this point though I don't think, so any new job isn't going to run into this. Good luck with the latest job, sounds like a fit.
APM, customs brokers/freight forwarders are usually pretty big companies. The one I applied for today is much larger than the one I used to work for. And they’re often based overseas. So I don’t know if they would even be eligible for the federal bail out $$.
And the recruiter I’ve been working with has positions that have been open since Feb or March but the companies decided to hold off until the SAH orders were expired.
ApatheticNoMore
5-29-20, 6:33pm
That's good. Payroll protection was for small business, problem is small business is a pretty big employer (I work for one but the inside information I have on this is not on my company, afterall I would not have *that* information). So who knows how hard it hits when it expires. But I'm glad it doesn't apply to your industry.
happystuff
5-29-20, 7:21pm
I actually found a customs brokerage job to apply for today! There hasn't been much lately.
Yppej - good news.
Nice!! Good luck with it and I hope it pans out.
I really hope that the background checks will start up again in June. Any other jobs have not panned out, but I am still hoping for the school custodian.
Oh, and I got a "thank you, but no thank you" on the Cobol programming.
Happystuff how long have you been looking?
happystuff
5-29-20, 7:43pm
Happystuff how long have you been looking?
I got let go in March. I had, however, started looking for extra part time work and fell upon the custodial job back in February. EVERYTHING has been cleared except the background check - apparently because the civilians that do that job for the state police are not back at work yet. Fingers crossed it comes through in June.
Good luck happystuff. This pandemic is sure teaching us all patience.
happystuff
5-29-20, 7:51pm
Good luck happystuff. This pandemic is sure teaching us all patience.
thanks.
Teacher Terry
5-29-20, 8:39pm
Good luck Happy and Tradd.
iris lilies
5-29-20, 9:25pm
Yes, good luck to all job seekers!
A couple of weeks ago a regional sandwich chain based in the east bay, Specialties, announced that they were shutting down. Their main focus is/was catering corporate lunches and also dine in/take out places in office districts. I can’t even guess how many times I’ve eaten their food since they are/were ubiquitous in the Bay Area, Seattle and Portland. The sandwiches were ok. Not fantastic. And the menu a little tired because it never changed. But MAN the cookies! Greg’s post about his friends’ crumbl cookies franchise reminded me of them. So delicious. And three times the size of a reasonable dessert. I will definitely miss them.
People are increasingly abandoning their masks. Plexiglass is now in place but only covers a portion of the counter between employees and customers, the portion immediately behind the computer terminal. It's like the supermarket checkout plexiglass. But because it is there most employees are no longer wearing masks and they are not enforcing the rule that customers wear masks. Just as masks became a substitute for social distancing, plexiglass has become a substitute for masks.
People are increasingly abandoning their masks. Plexiglass is now in place but only covers a portion of the counter between employees and customers, the portion immediately behind the computer terminal. It's like the supermarket checkout plexiglass. But because it is there most employees are no longer wearing masks and they are not enforcing the rule that customers wear masks. Just as masks became a substitute for social distancing, plexiglass has become a substitute for masks.If the movie, "The Graduate" were to be rebooted, Benjamin Braddock's career advice from a neighbor would be "One word - Plexiglass".
If the movie, "The Graduate" were to be rebooted, Benjamin Braddock's career advice from a neighbor would be "One word - Plexiglass".
haha!
If the movie, "The Graduate" were to be rebooted, Benjamin Braddock's career advice from a neighbor would be "One word - Plexiglass".
Indeed. Or "riot gates". (admittedly two words...) Every small business in NYC has had them since after the 1977 blackout when there was lots of rioting and looting. It wouldn't surprise me if they become commonplace all over the country once this is all over.
A coworker asked one of the managers today why he is not enforcing the mask rule. He said he almost got into two fist fights with customers over masks recently and it is not worth it.
My eye doctor retired during the lock down. DH was always happy with his so I switched and we made appointments. When the reminder call came he asked what they were doing for safety measures. He was told that the doctor was not doing anything at the moment. Masks made his glasses fog and he was looking into something else. DH canceled and said to call back when they had something in place. We hadn't heard anything so made a follow up call yesterday. No masks for the doctor, no masks for the staff, patients are not required to wear them, just come in. NOPE! Even our vet office doesn't let you walk in. You wait in the car and they come get your pet. My previous doctors office wear masks, gloves, have you wear a mask and wait in the car until they call you and then take your temp. We are both going back to my previous office. I still can't believe a doctor feels no need for protection especially when you are practically nose to nose.
Well, one company outed themselves right away as one I wouldn't want to work for. Phone interview earlier this week for a customs broker position. I was interviewed by HR. About five minutes into the call, HR chick asks me why I am not currently working. I advised I was laid off due to CV-19. HR chick couldn't get off the phone fast enough. Told me they only interview people who are currently working. I commented that my resume/application indicated I had last worked in March, so the fact that I wasn't currently working was not hidden. Crickets. The only response I got was "goodbye."
No loss there, Tradd. Imagine what they would have been chipping away at had you signed on....
Tradd, sounds like you dodged a bullet with that one. And didn't even have to waste much time. I think if I were interviewing for jobs now one of my questions would be "how has covid affected your organization? And what are you doing to deal with it, both in terms of your workforce, and with it affecting your business more generally?" My current employer has been fantastic as far as I can tell. I've heard plenty of stories of less stellar responses elsewhere.
Tradd, sounds like you dodged a bullet with that one. And didn't even have to waste much time. I think if I were interviewing for jobs now one of my questions would be "how has covid affected your organization? And what are you doing to deal with it, both in terms of your workforce, and with it affecting your business more generally?" My current employer has been fantastic as far as I can tell. I've heard plenty of stories of less stellar responses elsewhere.
That’s a great idea! Thanks!
Excellent interview question JP!
Phone interview today went for an hour, instead of half hour. It's a supervisory position. We'll see. 2 years supervisory position was preferred and I have none. I really had just applied and interviewed to have something to put down for unemployment to show I'd been looking for a job. I was told I was the first person interviewed. I was interviewed by hiring manager. She's on vacation next week, but said they would like to have someone hired by the end of the month.
I asked jp1's question. Everyone is working from home and it's expected to continue for another few months, at least. Any equipment you need to do your job, you'll get it if it's justified. Everyone had two monitors in the office and they have two monitors at home. Office is all paperless.
Phone interview today went for an hour, instead of half hour. It's a supervisory position. We'll see. 2 years supervisory position was preferred and I have none. I really had just applied and interviewed to have something to put down for unemployment to show I'd been looking for a job. I was told I was the first person interviewed. I was interviewed by hiring manager. She's on vacation next week, but said they would like to have someone hired by the end of the month.
I asked jp1's question. Everyone is working from home and it's expected to continue for another few months, at least. Any equipment you need to do your job, you'll get it if it's justified. Everyone had two monitors in the office and they have two monitors at home. Office is all paperless.
That sounds dreamy--no commute, much saving of time and money.
Better, so far, than the short-sighted derps who only pirate away employed people.
The fifth of eight people furloughed at my location is coming back Monday. The hiring freeze is over as well.
Teacher Terry
6-5-20, 3:15pm
Hope you get the job!
That sounds dreamy--no commute, much saving of time and money.
Better, so far, than the short-sighted derps who only pirate away employed people.
Location is very close to O'Hare. No traffic is 30 minutes. I'm sure with traffic, probably closer to 45-60 min. The office is totally paperless, which sounds fabulous to me. I was drowning in paperwork at the old company.
The current manager (been manager for 2 years) is the old supervisor. She's been doing both, but is overwhelmed and said it's time there was a supervisor to deal with day to day stuff, helping the staff, etc., so she can concentrate on financial stuff. There are currently 3 in the department. They're adding a 4th as business has grown and it's too much for 3 people. The supervisor would be doing customs clearances only to help out or when someone was on vacation. They definitely sound much more organized and on top of stuff than my old company. I made it very clear I had no supervisory experience and that if someone wasn't following procedure, etc., at the previous job, I'd have to go to manager/supervisor with documentation and they would handle it from there. We'll see.
Fingers crossed, that sounds promising!
Location is very close to O'Hare. No traffic is 30 minutes. I'm sure with traffic, probably closer to 45-60 min. The office is totally paperless, which sounds fabulous to me. I was drowning in paperwork at the old company.
The current manager (been manager for 2 years) is the old supervisor. She's been doing both, but is overwhelmed and said it's time there was a supervisor to deal with day to day stuff, helping the staff, etc., so she can concentrate on financial stuff. There are currently 3 in the department. They're adding a 4th as business has grown and it's too much for 3 people. The supervisor would be doing customs clearances only to help out or when someone was on vacation. They definitely sound much more organized and on top of stuff than my old company. I made it very clear I had no supervisory experience and that if someone wasn't following procedure, etc., at the previous job, I'd have to go to manager/supervisor with documentation and they would handle it from there. We'll see.
Knowing very little but what you have shared, this sounds like something you are very capable of doing and might actually enjoy. Good luck.
A position you easily could grow into, I think. Good luck!
Got a call on a job I'd applied for last week. What was so weird was that they asked for a resume no more than 2 pages on the listing. I've been in this industry for 28 years. I've only been using a resume with only my last job that I'd been at for 13.5 years. It's one page. All my relevant experience comes from that job. Now they are demanding I give them a resume with every job I've held in this industry since 1992, which will be 3-4 pages total. The woman who called me clearly had my LinkedIn profile up on her computer as she was asking about the company my first job was with back in 1992! It's a Japanese broker. I don't think I'd fit in very well with the culture. I'd only applied to have something on record for unemployment to show I'd been applying places.
Got a call on a job I'd applied for last week. What was so weird was that they asked for a resume no more than 2 pages on the listing. I've been in this industry for 28 years. I've only been using a resume with only my last job that I'd been at for 13.5 years. It's one page. All my relevant experience comes from that job. Now they are demanding I give them a resume with every job I've held in this industry since 1992, which will be 3-4 pages total. The woman who called me clearly had my LinkedIn profile up on her computer as she was asking about the company my first job was with back in 1992! It's a Japanese broker. I don't think I'd fit in very well with the culture. I'd only applied to have something on record for unemployment to show I'd been applying places.
almost sounds like they want to do a security background check.
almost sounds like they want to do a security background check.
If that's the case, they'll have a hard time! A number of the companies I've formerly worked for are no longer in business or went through so many mergers that the company I worked for was many, many versions ago.
The woman who called me emailed me asking for an "updated" resume. I gave her the same one I'd applied with. I did ask her to confirm if they wanted one showing every position I'd ever worked in the industry. Waiting for a response.
I've never had a background check done on me until 1) the job had been offered to me, contingent on passing the background check, and 2) I'd signed a form agreeing to let them do a background check. I wouldn't be interested in working for a company that didn't do those two things.
Also, if one ever gets turned down for a job because of the background check, the FCRA requires that you be advised who supplied the background check and given the opportunity to review it and correct any inaccuracies.
ApatheticNoMore
6-8-20, 3:29pm
Could just give a very minimal job description for all but the last job, get it down to 2 pages.
Fewer and fewer customers are wearing masks. I heard on the radio today that a WHO official said transmission from asymptomatic people is unlikely, so that being the case I am hoping they go away altogether but not likely given my state's dictatorial governor. Unlike Ohio's governor he will never respect other viewpoints on masks, rather like some people here.
Since masks slowing the spread of transmission seems intuitively obvious, and since the rapid spread of this disease makes it also reasonable to assume that asymptomatic spread is a thing (none of the choir members in Washington had symptoms yet a significant majority of them got sick and a couple dead) I'm thankful I live in a place where most people are wearing masks. I'd rather be safe than in the hospital. Maybe at some point we'll eventually have research that has legitimately shown that masks are useless. But at this point the only actual research I've seen has shown that they do, in fact, slow the spread of it if enough people wear them. All the people voicing contrary opinions seem to be basing them on wishes, not science.
For what it's worth, there was a point in gay history when lots of gay men absolutely railed against the health officials who believed that HIV was likely transmitted via bodily fluids and therefore gay men needed to wear condoms to protect themselves. "You're sex negative!" they screamed. Many of the men who voiced those opinions likely died 30-35 years ago.
I have heard some mask advocates say they stop the spread of germs via saliva when people speak, cough, etc. Then why mandate the mask cover the nose? That makes it much harder to breathe, fogs up glasses, etc. when there is no saliva in the nose. These rigid mask proponents don't care, they dismiss all contrary evidence, and say their way or a fine.
ApatheticNoMore
6-9-20, 1:13am
Some think the WHO is probably not being clear on asymptomatic and presymptomatic, but if presymptomatic people who have no symptoms YET can spread the virus, then people with out symptoms can spread the virus. Go back to square one. I don't actually think they know entirely.
I have heard ...
I have heard ice cream sundaes are wonderful.
Teacher Terry
6-9-20, 2:01am
It’s concerning how the infection rate is increasing in Arizona and other states. Phoenix is filling up their ICU. I don’t think it will be real to people until it effects them or someone they know. We can’t hide in our house indefinitely but it looks like masks really help. Unfortunately, protesting with so many people so close together isn’t helping. It’s like the perfect storm.
Apatheticnomore’s point bears repeating. There is a difference between asymptomatic and presymptomatic cases of covid. Apparently people who never show symptoms are less, or not at all, likely to spread the disease according to the latest from the WHO. However, people who eventually DO have symptoms spread the disease before showing symptoms. So WEAR A MASK since it is not possible to know if you are uninfected, an asymptomatic carrier, or a pre-symptomatic infected person who is spewing virus every time you exhale.
Hope everyone who needs to be at a physical workplace and get back to work soon and safely. It is sure stressful to try to do things remotely if that is not what you are accustomed to, and you need to be around others.
I would like to see more businesses acclimate themselves to telecommuting. I know I'm repeating myself, but when I think of all the time and money I spent commuting over the years, and that it's often unnecessary now, I'm hopeful that technology will soon make that tremendous waste a thing of the past.
ToomuchStuff
6-9-20, 1:51pm
I've heard two people I know have had it. One, 75 year old former Royal's player, and the other, a kind of germaphob, who has been avoiding people and those he works with are all in space suit type of outfits (asbestos removal). The germaphob has been trying to figure out how he got it.
Yesterday, I found out the boss turned down $5k. At the start of this (first week), our business when down to 90%, then some press did stuff on us, and we went up to 200% of business, with shorter hours, as well as having two entities spending $18K with us. We are finally around normal business, with still reduced hours. This thing has done the opposite for us, that it has for so many businesses. I was hoping for some time off, since last year to get one day of vacation, I had to schedule three different people to work for me (and I heard about it for a month, afterwards).
ApatheticNoMore
6-9-20, 9:19pm
I would like to see more businesses acclimate themselves to telecommuting. I know I'm repeating myself, but when I think of all the time and money I spent commuting over the years, and that it's often unnecessary now, I'm hopeful that technology will soon make that tremendous waste a thing of the past.
Really. Whatever minor stresses there are from working at home, it's certainly better than the stress of worrying about coworkers coming in sick which is the kind of requires a daily valium and a drink every night and then some until your an addict stress (now with covid of course, but I got a flu shot long before then in early fall, because I heard nothing but rumors of the whole office getting sick again and again last year (before I joined), and it was like: well ok then).
Is it paradise on earth without any frustrations to work at home? No, that doesn't exist. And paradise on earth certainly doesn't consist of having a pandemic raging around one, hoping to stay well. Do I need to be around others? To a degree, but do I need to be around coworkers 40 hours a week? Not at all. Do I need that type of discipline? I work as hard as I ever have, probably more so. So maybe before I tried work from home I might of thought I might not have the discipline. But turns out not true at all. And with a schedule that suits me (not a morning person) and no commute I'm not exhausted all the time anymore which was a constant feature of work life, who knew it wasn't part of work as such.
I personally mostly love working from home. But it's not perfect. I liked it more in the pre-covid era when i took nine work trips in seven months to various conventions or cities in my territory to meet with the insurance brokers I work with face to face. Working at home 5 days a week every week for months on end is less fun, but it's fine given our current reality. And since everyone I interact with work-wise is also staying home I'm just as productive as I was pre-covid.
But I also acknowledge that not everyone likes working from home. My boss is just as productive at home, but is looking forward to getting back to the office once that becomes an option. My department's assistant HATES working from home and has learned that she depended on our boss sitting next to her and providing informal direction on an ongoing basis to do her job effectively. A few weeks ago she had a major panic attack that left her in bed and not responding to email/phone calls for two days until the company sent a friend/coworker to do a wellness check on her to make sure she was ok. She's fine now but boss has realized that she needs some level of micromanagement of her day to day tasks to keep her from freaking out about the high volume of work that she needs to take care of.
happystuff
6-10-20, 7:54am
Does anyone actually know the number of jobs in the US that COULD be done at home? I'm thinking mainly office-type work that doesn't require direct interaction with other people or "things" at the work location. (ex. my job was data management, but I needed to be able to go into the warehouse and have access to merchandise, etc.) My initial thinking is that the majority of jobs in the country would not permit work-at-home; that the actual practice would only be doable to a very small percentage of the work force.
Does anyone actually know the number of jobs in the US that COULD be done at home? I'm thinking mainly office-type work that doesn't require direct interaction with other people or "things" at the work location. (ex. my job was data management, but I needed to be able to go into the warehouse and have access to merchandise, etc.) My initial thinking is that the majority of jobs in the country would not permit work-at-home; that the actual practice would only be doable to a very small percentage of the work force.
I would tend to agree, and thus many people are going to have to go back to work, if they need to continue to work. I think expecting the workplace to convert to many more people working at home is actually a bit elitist, but that's just my opinion.
happystuff
6-10-20, 8:59am
I would tend to agree, and thus many people are going to have to go back to work, if they need to continue to work. I think expecting the workplace to convert to many more people working at home is actually a bit elitist, but that's just my opinion.
I agree, although I don't know about "elitest"; I think I prefer "priviledged". (I think the term/label I'm looking for is a bit tricky for me to nail down right now. lol)
If I were starting over, I would specifically look for careers that lend themselves to telecommuting. If that is "elitist," OK.
My editing job could easily be done from home. But the boss had the need to see us most of the time--he obviously needed re-education. >8)
I've worked remotely for 12 years now. I prefer teaching in the classroom, but it's hard to find new work when you're 64.
It is elitist to think that we can all work at home, or that we can go out and find a work at home job right now, or that these jobs are not extremely competitive and hard to get. If you have to feed yourself or worse, your kids, you take what you can get.
I started working remotely when a health crisis with paralysis meant I could not walk or drive. It's helped me immensely, and I think it's great that many more jobs are online than when I started.
But it's not a panacea or a solution that is going to work for the majority of jobs. Although the more the better, of course!
Teacher Terry
6-10-20, 10:29am
I have been teaching a online college class for 8 years. They have asked me to do in person ones but I refused. I don’t want to have to be anywhere at a certain time. The only exception is when I test clients it has to be done in person and then I do the report at home. When I worked for the state I could have worked from home on paperwork days.
happystuff
6-10-20, 1:32pm
So I spent part of this morning calling around to the various agencies to actually try to talk to someone about the status of my background check. I FINALLY reached the right department of the state police, but - of course - the department has been furloughed. (I did have a police officer friend tell me this already) But I was able to leave a voice mail with name, number and info. I'm hoping it might jump-start..... something? Anything!
iris lilies
6-10-20, 1:35pm
Very little of the work I did could be done from home. Maybe an hour a day? Depending on the project sometimes 2 to 3 hours but that would be only every couple of weeks.
ApatheticNoMore
6-10-20, 2:08pm
Is has nothing to do with what jobs need to be done. Any job that is currently being worked from home has proven it can be worked from home.
It's about having a sense of community I guess (which is going to be so easy to maintain with everyone wearing a mask 40 hours a week - IT'S THE LAW here, I would give them a hard time if they didn't comply, no I don't much care about keeping my job at this point, I had to radically deprioritize that by necessity.) and keeping 6 feet distance at all times and scared at all times. So yea masked and going out of one's way to never get within 6 feet of anyone, which is what many will be doing, that sure makes for friendly feeling. Or maybe it's about perceived control, perceived because that's not even real.
I would think you would get more camaraderie at Zoom meetings. Maybe especially after hours.
I was contacted by a recruiter about a collections job that sounds promising. When times are bad collections is a good field to be in.
Our County Economic Development office is giving a seminar this week on "bankruptcy procedures", which is a bit outside of their normal gung-ho wheelhouse.
I was contacted by a recruiter about a collections job that sounds promising. When times are bad collections is a good field to be in.
It might be a hugely depressing job. I had a BF who worked in collections for awhile. He was kind and polite, and fortunately got a promotion out of there before long.
Our County Economic Development office is giving a seminar this week on "bankruptcy procedures", which is a bit outside of their normal gung-ho wheelhouse.
Unfortunately it is probably a case of "know your audience" where they in fact do know their current audience.
It might be a hugely depressing job. I had a BF who worked in collections for awhile. He was kind and polite, and fortunately got a promotion out of there before long.
I decided not to pursue it after reading Glassdoor reviews of the company. I've done collections before and have no problem asking people to pay, but this is a call center environment where they measure how many minutes you take to go to the bathroom, etc. I prefer an setup where you are given a portfolio of accounts to collect on and measured on the money you bring in, not call metrics.
I decided not to pursue it after reading Glassdoor reviews of the company. I've done collections before and have no problem asking people to pay, but this is a call center environment where they measure how many minutes you take to go to the bathroom, etc. I prefer an setup where you are given a portfolio of accounts to collect on and measured on the money you bring in, not call metrics.
Call center work can be brutal, let alone collections from a call center. Good call.
happystuff
6-11-20, 10:34am
Tracked down background check and apparently it cleared back on March 2nd!!!!!!! Notified job contact. Fingers-crossed!!!!
Teacher Terry
6-11-20, 1:52pm
Good luck happy!
happystuff
6-11-20, 2:09pm
Thanks, TT!!
rosarugosa
6-11-20, 6:50pm
Yes, fingers crossed for you, Happy!
Jep: I think you made the right decision. My former employer has some large call centers, and from my perspective in HR, it always sounded like they were miserable work environments.
I’ve decided to not pursue the manager position that they wanted all of my positions back to 1992. It’s a Japanese company. I have no managerial experience. I’ve been dealing with the recruiter. They want to schedule a TWO HOUR video interview and won’t tell me the company I’d be interviewing with until the beginning of the call. I’ve been reading up on Japanese business culture and it would not be a good fit. I’d want to have some supervisory experience before becoming a manager.
This is just not a good idea at all. I’ve advised the recruiter I no longer wish to purse the position.
ApatheticNoMore
6-12-20, 12:43am
I’ve decided to not pursue the manager position that they wanted all of my positions back to 1992. It’s a Japanese company. I have no managerial experience. I’ve been dealing with the recruiter. They want to schedule a TWO HOUR video interview and won’t tell me the company I’d be interviewing with until the beginning of the call. I’ve been reading up on Japanese business culture and it would not be a good fit. I’d want to have some supervisory experience before becoming a manager.
This is just not a good idea at all. I’ve advised the recruiter I no longer wish to pursue the position.
That's reasonable
Teacher Terry
6-12-20, 1:07am
Tradd, the interview would be a valuable learning experience.
Good for you Tradd for having the insight to see what is in your best interests rather than just jumping into a job,
happystuff
6-12-20, 7:37am
Thanks, rosa.
Very smart own your part, Tradd, for knowing what would work for you. Continued good luck.
iris lilies
6-12-20, 8:33am
I’ve decided to not pursue the manager position that they wanted all of my positions back to 1992. It’s a Japanese company. I have no managerial experience. I’ve been dealing with the recruiter. They want to schedule a TWO HOUR video interview and won’t tell me the company I’d be interviewing with until the beginning of the call. I’ve been reading up on Japanese business culture and it would not be a good fit. I’d want to have some supervisory experience before becoming a manager.
This is just not a good idea at all. I’ve advised the recruiter I no longer wish to purse the position.
I don’t know how pervasive the Japanese culture is in the shipping companies in general, but my close friend who worked for K-line, a Japanese company, said She seldom ran into Japanese culture clashes. Her immediate boss and one level up, were all Americans the stationed in North America tho. She did once go to Japan to present sales strategies and sales figures from her region.
I don’t know how pervasive the Japanese culture is in the shipping companies in general, but my close friend who worked for K-line, a Japanese company, said She saw them ran into Japanese culture clashes. Her immediate boss and one level up, were all Americans the stationed in North America tho. She did once go to Japan to present sales strategies and sales figures from her region.
I’ve shipped stuff with K-Line for years. They merged with two other carriers and became ONE Line a couple of years ago. Yes, I’ve known other people who worked for Japanese shipping/forwarding companies in the US and they described culture clashes, as well.
iris lilies
6-12-20, 8:55am
I’ve shipped stuff with K-Line for years. They merged with two other carriers and became ONE Line a couple of years ago. Yes, I’ve known other people who worked for Japanese shipping/forwarding companies in the US and they described culture clashes, as well.lI meant to say “seldom ran into Japanese culture clashes “.
But I think you are right about having some supervisory experience before becoming managerial.
Interesting, although lengthy, article about working from home, that does a good job of looking at it from all angles. Apparently about 50% of people who were employed pre-lockdown in the US started working from home.
Before the lockdown I officially worked from home full time. The reality, though, is that I also left home for lots of face to face meetings. Checking my calendar I did nine work trips between last June and this February, usually for 3 days out of the office at a time, either to industry conferences where I could meet lots of insurance brokers in a short amount of time, or to our home office in Chicago for various reasons. And my boss came to San Francisco twice during that time, which meant a couple of days going to non-stop meetings around the city. I'm not loving being home 5 days/week week after week, but like many people in the article say, my productivity is up based on the metrics by which I get judged and I question whether I needed to be traveling as much as I was. That said, once there's a vaccine or solid treatments for people sick with covid, I will undoubtedly be doing a blizzard of travel because there are a whole lot of insurance brokers that I owe dinner/drinks/lunch to thank them for all of the business they have been successfully placing with me over the past several months.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/06/09/magazine/remote-work-covid.html
We were scheduled to have July 3rd off since the 4th falls on a holiday, but now we have to work to try to make up for lost business due to the pandemic. Normally if you work a major holiday you get paid for it plus time and a half, or 2 1/2 times pay, but now they are calling it a minor holiday and those who work it only get a floater to take at a later date of their choosing and straight time for the hours worked.
Someone took down the employees only sign to the office area. It is probably the manager. One customer asked him if he could come in today and he said "Sure". Last week one customer who is his buddy kept going in and out of the office. This goes against corporate policy.
Another furloughed employee is coming back Monday.
Employees are touching each other again - hugs, high fives, fist bumps, no hand sanitizing before or after. I am not one of these people.
rosarugosa
6-19-20, 6:13pm
That is good that employees are coming back. I agree that the touching would make me uncomfortable in the current circumstances. We had a visit today with a friend/former employee of mine who I only get to see once or twice a year. We did a socially-distanced outdoor visit and stuck to verbal expressions of affection.
I went to a yard sale today and everyone was wearing masks unless really really far apart but it was about 90 degrees, and I was surprised to see a young man with a baby there--I would not take my baby out someplace like that, I guess. I'd be worried. I know my son told me my granddaughters haven't been to the grocery store since this started.
I don't know, if I was in charge of a young one, I'd probably be the same way, err on side of caution and do lots of family picnics and outdoor stuff. They are starting to socialize with friends with kids again.
Don't know why anyone would be touching anybody right now, outside their little quarantine grouping.
Just found out thru Nextdoor that our downtown hardware store owner wont let his employees wear masks. It is a very small store with tiny aisles and employees cannot social distance with the customers. I am not going to that store as he does not, in my opinion, treat either his employees (some of which are over 65) or his customers safely. We have another hardware store a little farther away that does require all their employees to wear masks and this is the one I will choose. I let him know why via message.
Just found out thru Nextdoor that our downtown hardware store owner wont let his employees wear masks.
Wacky.
That is simply the law here, and the county health officer will close your business if you don't follow the rules.
iris lilies
6-19-20, 7:40pm
I don’t even know what the requirements are from our various levels of government, but
I wear as mask. As do most people I see inside business establishments.
mschrisgo2
6-19-20, 9:49pm
It’s the law now in California too. And people are reporting businesses right and left, although the adherence seems to be some what regional thus far.
ToomuchStuff
6-20-20, 12:59am
Wacky.
That is simply the law here, and the county health officer will close your business if you don't follow the rules.
What I find wacky is, being in an essential business, if we operate as was allowed during the lockdown, no masks are required. Once you start allowing people in (longer then just picking up stuff), then masks are required.
Convenience store up the street, is allowed to sell donuts and stuff off those robogrills again, where the utensils are touch by all, yet restaurants are not allowed self serve. Same city, same health department (which hasn't posted info/updates in the same place, twice).
Bipolar city government?:confused:
By the time we get this right, this pandemic will be over.
We'll be ready for the next one, though.
happystuff
6-20-20, 10:25am
By the time we get this right, this pandemic will be over.
We'll be ready for the next one, though.
We can only hope!
Convenience store up the street, is allowed to sell donuts and stuff off those robogrills again, where the utensils are touch by all, yet restaurants are not allowed self serve. Same city, same health department (which hasn't posted info/updates in the same place, twice).
Bipolar city government?:confused:
Indeed that doesn't make sense. Thankfully that's not the case everywhere. In San Francisco self serve can't happen anywhere. SO's hotel is having to rethink the employee break room before they reopen. Pre-covid most food and drink items were self serve. Mid-covid even things like the coffee and soda machines will have to be full serve so that only one staff person is routinely touching them.
Indeed that doesn't make sense. Thankfully that's not the case everywhere. In San Francisco self serve can't happen anywhere. SO's hotel is having to rethink the employee break room before they reopen. Pre-covid most food and drink items were self serve. Mid-covid even things like the coffee and soda machines will have to be full serve so that only one staff person is routinely touching them.
When I've been driving through the Midwest (WI, OH, IL, IN) many of the truck stop self serve coffee/soda areas have been full serve. The Love's chain was the best with it.
Pre-covid most food and drink items were self serve. Mid-covid even things like the coffee and soda machines will have to be full serve so that only one staff person is routinely touching them.
The local Pizza Ranch restaurants are promoting that they're open; not a big surprise as their religion calls them to offer their staff and customers to the economic Moloch. But the ads state their buffet is available. No idea how they plan to do that unless someone on staff is doling out the slices of pizza. But then it's not really a "buffet", is it?
Either way, I think my string of <checks watch> forever not visiting a Pizza Ranch will remain intact.
A buffet does not have to be serve yourself and make a mess. Been on a number of cruises where the food, with minor exceptions, was served by employees behind the row of dishes. Dont mind this too much and since I have experienced it before, it could be done again. It is all the little things like rolls, condiments, sugar packets, etc. that are problematic.
ToomuchStuff
6-21-20, 10:33am
The ONLY reasons to go to a Pizza Ranch that I can think of:
They are located next to baseball fields and can handle multiple teams (not currently likely).
Their chicken. (located here, next to three chicken places and one that didn't even make it that was well known elsewhere in the city as good, yet Pizza ranch has better chicken). Never been to one, but I have had their chicken brought to me.
Talked to another family member and according to them, while QT was doing self serve the first day, other places were just taking extra days to begin that. So may not be just the city.
Still wish the city would post its restrictions in ONLY ONE place though.
A former customer I was friendly with outside the office (phone calls and such) called me last week and told me he had moved his business to another broker. My former company wouldn’t come right out and tell him that they could handle his complicated customs clearances without me doing them.
Can’t remember if I posted this earlier, but I found out two weeks ago that my former supervisor left within the past couple of weeks and went to another forwarder. She was really close to the idiot manager and I’m surprised she up and left.
chrisgermany
6-22-20, 6:51am
@Tradd: I guess the manager was not allowed to hire replacement for you and supervisor found that she cannot handle your part of the business herself.
So she was clever enough to leave quickly before getting fired for mistakes.
Do you know the new broker of the former customer? That's where I would apply for a job immediately. And use customer as reference person.
Good luck for your job hunt!
@Tradd: I guess the manager was not allowed to hire replacement for you and supervisor found that she cannot handle your part of the business herself.
So she was clever enough to leave quickly before getting fired for mistakes.
Do you know the new broker of the former customer? That's where I would apply for a job immediately. And use customer as reference person.
Good luck for your job hunt!
The broker in another US office of former company has been doing the clearances I used to do. He told me he’s been doing a ton of extra hours but since he’s a supervisor, he doesn’t get OT. My former department consists of the idiot manager, Princess, and a guy who does exports (and he was transferred from an overseas office last year). That’s it. The broker the former customer is using doesn’t have a Chicago office.
A former customer I was friendly with outside the office (phone calls and such) called me last week and told me he had moved his business to another broker. My former company wouldn’t come right out and tell him that they could handle his complicated customs clearances without me doing them.
Can’t remember if I posted this earlier, but I found out two weeks ago that my former supervisor left within the past couple of weeks and went to another forwarder. She was really close to the idiot manager and I’m surprised she up and left.
Schadenfreude, defn. See Above. (not you - you're too classy, Tradd. But I'm feelin' it.)
Trying to schedule a phone interview for a customs broker job. They emailed me this afternoon.
happystuff
6-24-20, 9:20am
Trying to schedule a phone interview for a customs broker job. They emailed me this afternoon.
Good luck!!!
happystuff
6-24-20, 1:00pm
Just got a call from the school alerting me that they just posted Part-Time Summer job on the website. I just finished submitting the application! Although they had the wrong application up and this was more for a substitute teacher - lol. Regardless, they know me and know I'm cleared to work (all prior paperwork done!) This would be a great introduction to the job, itself, and a good way to see whether it will be a good "fit" or not. Don't want to get too excited, but... !
Teacher Terry
6-24-20, 1:16pm
Good luck to both of you!!
We were told today if we vacation out of state we must quarantine for 14 days when we return and it will be unpaid, we cannot use our sick time or anything for it. Given that we have numerous employees who live in one state and work in another and they are still being permitted to come to work this was an unexpected move.
We were told today if we vacation out of state we must quarantine for 14 days when we return and it will be unpaid, we cannot use our sick time or anything for it. Given that we have numerous employees who live in one state and work in another and they are still being permitted to come to work this was an unexpected move.
That’s crazy. I assume you live very close to the border.
That’s crazy. I assume you live very close to the border.
I can see Point Roberts out my window here. I go there quite frequently - one of our paramedics here used to be the fire chief there, and has a great pub right on the water in Point Roberts where I can pull up my little boat, wade ashore, and have a burger when he's off-shift. (Well, I did, before Covid).
Point Roberts is an interesting community. To get to it by land, you have to drive through Canada - it is on the tip of a peninsula near Vancouver that sticks just below the 49th Parallel, an area of about 5 sq. miles. You have to go through customs/immigration to twice to get there - once into Canada from the US, then drive a few miles through Canada, then through a station from Canada back into the small exclave of the USA.
The people there routinely cross the border to do their Needful Business in Canada, as that's where most of the shops and services in the region are. However, due to the Covid Pandemic, the border is closed, and will remain so for some time. Only way into Point Roberts now is by boat or air. Quite a problem for the community.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Roberts,_Washington
The headlines do not give accurate complete info. The people coming into NY, NJ and Conn from states with a certain level of virus are required to enter quarantine. Here is the list: As of Wednesday, the advisory applies to Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas. None of these states border NY, NJ or Conn. so employees are not moving back and forth daily.
Alaska and Hawaii have had the quarantine rule for awhile but they also do not border any other states. If an employee chooses to leave the state, it is on them to quarantine with any of the employer issues that creates. If an employer requires leaving the state, I would demand the employer pay me for the quarantine period if I could not work from home. I know if I want to visit my brother, I would be quarantined for 14 days when I arrive.
Yes Tradd, I am close to the border. I am now not allowed to visit low risk rural areas in adjacent states but must stay in my high risk state. Also, no social distancing, masks or other precautions touted by public health officials are enforced in the workplace which is now completely open to the public including the back office, yet the company is trying to micromanage my vacation time. I have talked to a couple of recruiters, no fit yet. One position had bad Glassdoor reviews and one didn't pay enough. But if something else comes along I am ready to move.
I'm glad not every state is requiring quarantine prior to entering. We've been on the road for the past 3 weeks and have travelled through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and Wyoming so far. Heading up to Montana tomorrow then North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan before returning to Ohio. If each one required a 14 day quarantine my 4 to 6 week trip would take closer to 6 months.
My state requests but does not require a quarantine. The executive who put out the quarantine email lied and said he was following state law. Not so.
Alan, in some European countries you could end up stranded if they suddenly lock down a province or a city. Spain has just done it in several areas and one tourist reported they cannot leave due to lock down.
mschrisgo2
6-24-20, 9:26pm
Well, credible report of an Essential Business, they have been open and extremely busy all along (California). One employee tested on Friday, got positive results late Tuesday, worked Saturday Monday Tuesday. Another has also been tested, on Monday, worked her Monday shift after her test, Tuesday Wednesday (today) no results yet.
I thought Contact Tracing was supposed to kick in, keep COVID-19 positive people out of the work place and away from the general public for 14-21 days?!
Mschrigo if it's like my workplace it is all about money not safety. Restrictions are for show. I am one of the few employees bothering to go for my daily temperature check, no enforcement. The company is taking away our freedoms to vacation where we want because that does not impact their bottom line. Our competitors will only do curbside pickup but we have tons of people in and out every day, no social distancing, no cleaning of the credit card keypads between customers, we take cash money, etc. Give the customer what they want including customers from out of state. Allow out of state vendors to come in for meetings and trainings that could be done virtually. State borders only matter when it comes to employee time off the clock.
ApatheticNoMore
6-25-20, 2:39am
Well, credible report of an Essential Business, they have been open and extremely busy all along (California). One employee tested on Friday, got positive results late Tuesday, worked Saturday Monday Tuesday. Another has also been tested, on Monday, worked her Monday shift after her test, Tuesday Wednesday (today) no results yet.
I thought Contact Tracing was supposed to kick in, keep COVID-19 positive people out of the work place and away from the general public for 14-21 days?!
I suspect there is very little contract tracing going on. Any politicians even talking about it anymore?
Yes people who are sick are supposed to stay home for 14-21 days. And I hope they were informed of that. Technically if you have any reason beyond just "it's going around" to suppose you might have caught it (say you went to a mass protest, you visited someone with covid or someone at work has covid, you have symptoms) you are supposed to isolate.
The problem is very few people can actually do it EVEN with diagnosed covid. How many companies give that much paid sick time? Now sick time was somewhat expanded but this is only for a small portion of the working population, only businesses under 500 people etc., way less than 50% of the workforce meet the criteria. And most who meet it probably don't even know it, as it's all legalese, I've seen such legalese, if it's explained as poorly as it was to us, noone knows. There is medical leave but that's a headache of it's own.
That this is never actually going to work. YEP!!! The authorities say stay home 14-21 days. And sure if one can do so (have the sick time or have savings), then of course a case could be made they SHOULD do so, but many many people CAN'T do so. I contacted even state government very early on in the pandemic, begging them to expand sick time. They did not join my movement of one, but sigh, it just makes pretending we can control this pandemic and get back to the status quo all the more ridiculous. And that's not even the asymptomatic problem, that's people who have reason to believe they might be sick. Wear a mask.
After great outcry (not by me) the company policy has been revised to a reasonable one that requires quarantining after travelling by air, visiting hotspots or states outside one's region, or attending large gatherings.
Yppej, that's good to hear.
I just had a very interesting call from a broker friend. B, as I'll call him, Has had his own one-man brokerage since the early 2000s. He's always worked at home. He's been in the industry since the late 80s. Anyway, he has just hired someone to help build up his business. He had worked with her as the broker doing her shipments when she was at a forwarder He's already talked to the business development gal about me. If they get more business, they want to hire me. I met B off a broker's group on FB when I was taking the brokers exam back in 2011/2012. He's always been very helpful with his knowledge when I had questions and I've always helped him as well. Never met him, he was down in FL for years (Chicago native), but moved to elsewhere in the Midwest a couple of years ago.
This was out of the blue and very exciting. B is a "general" broker, means his doesn't specialize in anything particular, but does a lot of different stuff. B would be able to pay me a bit more than I was getting at the old place. I'd get to work from home. B is my age. We get along really well.
B asked me to send him the non-disclosure agreement my old company had me sign in 2017. He's going to have an employment attorney look at it to see if it can be broken.
Very interesting opportunity. Nothing has really been going with the job search. Someone contacted me off Indeed and wanted to do a phone interview with me today, but they never got scheduling right with the third person to be on the call.
I'll keep you updated. This would be perfect to me to be able to work at home.
Most jobs are never advertised. It sounds like you might get one like that. Good luck and keep networking.
Teacher Terry
6-26-20, 8:16pm
That sounds good Tradd. No office drama.
That sounds good Tradd. No office drama.
Exactly! When I told B I'm a "leave me alone with my work and the radio" type, he said he's exactly the same type.
SteveinMN
6-26-20, 10:49pm
That's really exciting, Tradd! I hope it works out.
happystuff
6-27-20, 10:29am
That does sound like a nice working situation, Tradd. Good luck!!!
The last of the furloughed employees who wanted to return has done so. We exceeded our revenue goal for June thanks to pent up demand and we got our Independence Day holiday back. The next step would be to put the postponed annual pay increases into effect.
rosarugosa
6-30-20, 5:56am
The last of the furloughed employees who wanted to return has done so. We exceeded our revenue goal for June thanks to pent up demand and we got our Independence Day holiday back. The next step would be to put the postponed annual pay increases into effect.
Glad you got your holiday back!
Most jobs are never advertised. It sounds like you might get one like that. Good luck and keep networking.
This has been true for my current and last job. For the last one an industry friend told me that the SF office needed someone but it wasn’t posted yet and for this job my current boss asked relevant people in our industry if they knew anyone that they would suggest he reach out to. And for the current job my then future boss actually reached out to someone for a recommendation For another person and that person said ‘X would be solid but if you want a rockstar you should hire JP.’ Since boss had liked both me and X two days later boss called to make me an offer.
Without checking with anyone one of the employees decided to resume making popcorn for customers to eat. He turned on the machine, no sanitizing first. People come in, don't wash or sanitize their hands, touch the scoop everyone else with dirty hands touches, scoop popcorn in a bag, then with those same germy hands grab handfuls of popcorn out of the bag and put them in their mouths.
Other employees complained and management said no popcorn yet but let what was left in the machine stayed there and people kept eating it "since it was already made".
The popcorn guy also coughs on his hands, does not clean them, then touches paperwork others handle and parts customers buy. I have observed the dirty cough on numerous occasions.
I think it is inevitable we all get exposed to covid eventually. People are just dirty, and I'm not talking about those of us capable of coughing into our sleeves or a tissue instead of a mask. To me that is not a sanitary issue. I'm talking basic first grade level of hygiene. Herd immunity here we come.
Without checking with anyone one of the employees decided to resume making popcorn for customers to eat. He turned on the machine, no sanitizing first. People come in, don't wash or sanitize their hands, touch the scoop everyone else with dirty hands touches, scoop popcorn in a bag, then with those same germy hands grab handfuls of popcorn out of the bag and put them in their mouths.
Other employees complained and management said no popcorn yet but let what was left in the machine stayed there and people kept eating it "since it was already made".
The popcorn guy also coughs on his hands, does not clean them, then touches paperwork others handle and parts customers buy. I have observed the dirty cough on numerous occasions.
I think it is inevitable we all get exposed to covid eventually. People are just dirty, and I'm not talking about those of us capable of coughing into our sleeves or a tissue instead of a mask. To me that is not a sanitary issue. I'm talking basic first grade level of hygiene. Herd immunity here we come.
What a bunch of effing morons you work with. It's no wonder you have such a bad attitude about masks.
Teacher Terry
7-1-20, 1:07pm
When I worked for the state we would have potlucks and I never ate food brought by people that didn’t wash their hands. I usually stuck to the stuff people bought or to food brought by people I knew well because many are so unsanitary. Ugh!
What a bunch of effing morons you work with. It's no wonder you have such a bad attitude about masks.
I would have thought the exact opposite! With such unsanitary practices going on, I would be taking each and every precaution available - masks, constant hand-washing, wipes, etc.!
The poster wears a mask and follows all the guidelines. I think her point is more about mandating, etc.
The poster wears a mask and follows all the guidelines. I think her point is more about mandating, etc.
Yeah, I've read the posts.
Today a few days after the signs went up that non-employees can come in the office if they wear masks the store manager escorted 3 people without masks in. He brought one right up to my desk with his credit card instead of taking him to the plexiglass payment window. He also told a fourth person without a mask to come in the office but the person saw the sign and would not do so.
A customer scolded me for using hand sanitizer. He said, "Do you think I'm dirty? I wash my hands and I have hand sanitizer in my truck."
We are getting our annual raises starting in August, better 5 months late than never.
A customer scolded me for using hand sanitizer. He said, "Do you think I'm dirty? I wash my hands and I have hand sanitizer in my truck."
Pathetic. I had no idea there were people even more insecure than trump.
Not my call. The controller, who never touches cash, mandates that we take it. There are a variety of reasons customers insist on cash, including that some are tax cheats at a time when everyone should be paying into the social safety net. Others are admitted alimony cheats. They want no paper trail. I suspect some may be in the country illegally.
Then, there were those of us who heeded advice to fill up the gas tank and get cash from the ATM because the banks may close, what if the power goes out....
Gas tank, check. Good.
ATM....oh wait.
They used to say that US bills had some kind of "bacteriacide" sort of woven in, but no good against virus, of course.
Originally Posted by Yppej
A customer scolded me for using hand sanitizer. He said, "Do you think I'm dirty? I wash my hands and I have hand sanitizer in my truck."
"Yes, and i am making sure i do not transfer anything to you from what I touched before.... I'm so glad you are keeping up your side too, thank you."
Okay, maybe everything after "before" might come off as snarky or subliminally hostile.
I didn’t post the video but apparently no one was tasked with turning off the ‘back of house’ music. So all the non-public spaces of the hotel still have perky music blasting. I suppose if there are any ghosts in the building they appreciate it.
Well it makes it clear the place is not abandoned, anyway. Might also imply security cams are working if anyone sneaks in somehow..
Was talking with the friend who owns the one-man brokerage and wants to hire me. The gal who will be doing business development for him is in the midst of moving. Not sure how that will affect her doing stuff. The NDA I had from the old company is at his attorney to see if can be broken. Friend has suggested that maybe part time wouldn't be a bad idea for a while to get up and running on his system and how he does stuff.
Now customers are saying, "I want to come in the office but I don't feel comfortable wearing a mask." Of course you don't, no one does, they are not designed for comfort. The manager okayed it, no medical reason needed.
Are there Plexiglas screens? There should be.
I can't believe how cavalier people are with other people's health.
Teacher Terry
7-6-20, 8:17pm
Y, your workplace is absolutely awful! So sorry you are working there.
Jane, there is plexiglass at the checkout counters but not in the office area.
Jane, there is plexiglass at the checkout counters but not in the office area.
Then your boss should either install it at your desks or keep the customers out of your office. Common sense.
We adjuncts just got an email to prepare to lose all of our classes for next year, fall and winter, due to Coronavirus and its impact on the college, both enrollment and finances.
early morning
7-8-20, 1:50pm
Wow, that's rough, Tybee. And jeppy, that's awful to have to work in those conditions. Several cities here in Ohio have made masks mandatory in all areas, but no idea how they are going to police it, esp inside a business - that's still tbd.
We have no state enforcement. There are 351 municipalities in charge and they do not have the resources. A few small communities band together to form consolidated boards of health but for the most part a city or town is on its own. Not only is work not enforced neither are some places in my home community. I got gas last night and as per the usual was the only customer of a half dozen wearing a mask. People were not paying at the pump either. The cashiers had up loose plastic sheeting like you put over your windows in the winter to keep the cold out and I was jealous.
Teacher Terry
7-8-20, 5:11pm
Many of our stores and restaurants are posting someone at the door to enforce masks. Of course Walmart isn’t so we aren’t going there.
Teacher Terry
7-8-20, 5:39pm
I am sorry Tybee. So far I am still on the schedule to teach next spring.
I am sorry Tybee. So far I am still on the schedule to teach next spring.
Thanks Early and Terry. Terry, fingers crossed you will still have your class!
Customers are calling into corporate complaining about employees not wearing masks. My location had our first complaint today. You would think the nervous nellies would utilize our curbside pickup service, but no they want to come and breathe on us through flimsy face coverings and touch all the parts including ones they don't buy and pay with dirty cash rather than contactless methods, but we we are the bad guys.
Customers are calling into corporate complaining about employees not wearing masks. My location had our first complaint today. You would think the nervous nellies would utilize our curbside pickup service, but no they want to come and breathe on us through flimsy face coverings and touch all the parts including ones they don't buy and pay with dirty cash rather than contactless methods, but we we are the bad guys.
Well, I hope you’re able to air your complaints about your idiot supervisors as a result of this.
Well, I hope you’re able to air your complaints about your idiot supervisors as a result of this.
The manager was told to address it with the employee. At our site it was not an in store incident but involved a truck driver. Drivers are supposed to deliver to the curb. The customer did not want to carry the parts into their home or business so even though the driver was not wearing a mask they talked him into carrying the item(s) indoors, then called to complain about him. The manager did not write him up and just told him don't do it again.
With a 48 hour notice, we set up and opened a 21 bed unit for our elderly covid positive psych patients. Patients arrived today.
So yes, my work is being affected by this coronavirus. Ha. I smile every time I read this threads title.
rosarugosa
7-10-20, 6:04am
Wow Tammy, that sounds like a challenging population.
happystuff
7-10-20, 10:59am
With a 48 hour notice, we set up and opened a 21 bed unit for our elderly covid positive psych patients. Patients arrived today.
So yes, my work is being affected by this coronavirus. Ha. I smile every time I read this threads title.
Good luck and I hope this works out well. Stay safe and healthy.
Our department has 17 inpatient psychiatric units of about 22-24 patients each, in 3 separate hospital facilities across our city. We have had covid positive psych units operating since April. It’s so different from what we in behavioral health usually do. No groups. Lots of units where patients are quarantined to their rooms. Staff in full PPE. Etc etc ... it feels so non-therapeutic, but it’s a requirement for infection control reasons.
Phone interview today at 1030. Just got contacted for another interview from a different broker. This one is in person. Not even a first short phone interview. I don't really care, but it's just totally opposite everything else. And that means I'd be working in the office, wearing a mask, which does NOT sound like my idea of fun, especially with my hot flashes.
Other interview is tomorrow.
Well, the interview went very well, but I am about $10K higher than their range for the position, as I have my brokers license. The interviewer was very impressed with my experience, and was going to see if the position's scope might be expanded some with me having my license. Their range is $40K-$50K. My range is $60-65K. I made about $63K at the old place.
They are pretty much totally paperless for their operation. I have 13 years' experience on the industry software they use. They provided all technology needed for their employees to work from home. Third monitors, etc. The third monitor is in portrait mode. It's used for documents, so they can be easily edited, etc. All paperless. Have Adobe Pro so multiple PDFs can be combined into one. They closed their office 3/15 and aren't looking at going back until mid-August at the earliest. Family owned company so they were working with when people needed to be home due to their kids. Only 2 people in the department. This position is an expansion. Sounds good so far. They've phone screened (25-30 min interviews) 35 people so far. There have been a lot of layoffs.
Oh, and @jp1 - I got brownie points for asking your CV-19 questions during the interview today. Guy said it was a very good question and no one had asked it before.
happystuff
7-14-20, 1:07pm
Good luck, Tradd! That's a lot of people, but you never know.
Teacher Terry
7-14-20, 1:14pm
When I changed jobs from the state of Kansas to Nevada I had to take a 4K pay cut because Nevada was only hiring at the bottom of the pay scale. Maybe they will come up to 55 as a compromise.
Oh, and @jp1 - I got brownie points for asking your CV-19 questions during the interview today. Guy said it was a very good question and no one had asked it before.
Sweet! Glad I could help.
When I changed jobs from the state of Kansas to Nevada I had to take a 4K pay cut because Nevada was only hiring at the bottom of the pay scale. Maybe they will come up to 55 as a compromise.
Or perhaps Tradd you could ask for an extra week of vacation. It wouldn't cost them anything and then you could do more diving.
Or perhaps Tradd you could ask for an extra week of vacation. It wouldn't cost them anything and then you could do more diving.
Well, even if they offered $55K, that's still $7K less than I was getting at the old company. An extra week of vacation does me no good when the money for diving would be greatly reduced.
Interview today went VERY well. Three candidates total. I’m the last interviewed and top candidate, I was told. The pay would be a bit less than I was getting, but much cheaper health insurance makes up for it. 3 week pool annually of vacation/sick time. You get paid for anything you don’t take. This is HUGE. 8-430. I worked until 5 at the previous place. Told them I could start the last Wed of the month as I have a short vacation already scheduled. Customs brokerage only. None of the transportation stuff.
I’d be at the top of their range, $55K, but I’d be paying $100 a month for insurance instead of $325. Makes a big difference. Commute would be the same. Just around the corner from previous office.
I hope I get this one!
Good luck! Fingers crossed.
early morning
7-15-20, 2:34pm
Good luck - sending all the good vibes I can currently muster, lol.
ApatheticNoMore
7-15-20, 2:35pm
Good luck
Forgot to ask during the interview how long it took for health insurance to kick in - 30 days. Sent an email when I got home.
And commute would be the same. Just around the corner from previous office.
We resume regular hours tomorrow. My de facto supervisor is in a foul mood because they will not authorize overtime for her. She spends most of the day on personal things and does not need it. For instance, one entire morning this week it was planning her niece's birthday party. So I am experiencing schadenfreude.
happystuff
7-16-20, 9:50am
Best of luck!! Sounds great!
Holding my breath. It's about time your ship came in, Tradd.
Holding my breath. It's about time your ship came in, Tradd.
Tell me about it!
Another employee is out awaiting covid test results. He works nights and most of us do not have contact with him.
Sounds good, Tradd. Wishing you well. The reduced health insurance cost is significant.
I just got an interesting text a little bit ago! Then a call. It was from my former supervisor at the old job. She left there at the beginning of June. She is now at another company, not a supervisor, just doing transportation. She said they are looking for a customs broker and asked their employees to pass along anyone they knew. So I just forwarded her my resume. She said it seems they actually care about the employees, rather than old company. It was an interesting chat. At least something to apply for to show unemployment I've applied!
Apparently the last week or two when I was at the old company, the supervisor had been in the hospital. They didn't bother telling the department. Just said she was working from home. She said she didn't have covid, but the docs thought it was possible, but she tested negative. She said after she got home, the manager dropped her off a huge stack of work, and she said that was sort of the last straw. Even though she's now just a desk-level employee, not a supervisor, she said she's making more than she did at the old company. That was a shocker! Plus health insurance that begins the day you start with the company. She was in the office for one week for training, but now working from home. They sent her two monitors, laptop with docking station, good keyboard, and mouse, plus headset for phone calls. Apparently the company will be working from home until at least the end of the year. Plus this company uses the software the old company did, so that would make things easier. Everything is paperless, which is a plus for me.
We'll see if anything happens. The director of operations (based in another state) is someone who worked for old company out of another office. I dealt with him a bit. He was a decent guy.
frugal-one
7-17-20, 1:17pm
Sounds like an inside track... best of luck!
happystuff
7-17-20, 4:20pm
Nice! Again, continuing positive thoughts and well-wishes!!
My best friend just got another job although my state has the highest unemployment rate in the country. Wishing you similar luck Tradd - it is possible even in these times. Like you she had a stable work history.
My best friend just got another job although my state has the highest unemployment rate in the country. Wishing you similar luck Tradd - it is possible even in these times. Like you had a stable work history.
Thank you. Everyone has remarked on how long I was with the old company. 13.5 years. Not common these days.
I HAVE A JOB!
I will be working as a broker for the guy who runs his own brokerage operation out of his home office. I'll be making what I did at the old company. My health insurance will be covered 100%. I'll be provided with laptop, two monitors, etc. I'll go down to southern IN for training for 3-5 days and come home with my technology.
I start August 1. He pays on the first of the month and I'll get paid a month ahead.
:cool::D
HOORAY for Tradd!!! How wonderful!
I'm so happy for you Tradd.
Big congratulations. Sounds like it ticks all the boxes.
So that means you'll be working from home permanently? If so, what a wonderful, time saving, soul saving gift that is. Congratulations!
iris lilies
7-18-20, 6:25pm
Oh yay yay yay yay yay! Wonderful
W00T!! Congratulations, Tradd!
Congratulations Tradd- that sounds awesome for you!
mschrisgo2
7-18-20, 7:18pm
Congratulations, Tradd. Sounds wonderful!
early morning
7-18-20, 9:44pm
Oh, how wonderful - congrats!!!! That sounds great!
I’m really looking forward not having to wear an underwire bra. Sports bra all the time.
I’ll be down with new boss for training the first full week of August. Drive down Sunday and back the following Saturday. Five full days. 5 hour drive each way. I’ll come home with computer and such. A friend who does IT (just retired) said he’ll help me set everything up if I have issues.
rosarugosa
7-19-20, 5:22am
That is such good news Tradd! You'll also save on gas, wear and tear on your car, and clothing expenses.
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