View Full Version : Anyone’s work being affected by coronavirus?
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
Congratulations!!! Yay!!!!
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.
She got her 5 hours of overtime back by going another level up the chain of command, screw the company and the profitsharing for all the other employees. And I was so looking forward to an hour and a half of peace in the morning before her arrival. She was clothes and curtain shopping online most of the other day.
happystuff
7-19-20, 8:23am
Congratulations, Tradd!!! That is wonderful!!!
frugal-one
7-19-20, 12:03pm
I’m really looking forward not having to wear an underwire bra. Sports bra all the time.
Yeah you. ... or none at all. Congrats!!!!
Most of the time when I worked, the time spent getting ready and commuting added up to twelve hours. Four of those hours, day after day, were wasted. Oh, I could read on the bus, make mental lists, etc.--but I always resented that those hours were not my own. So hurrah for you, the time and money you'll save!
Teacher Terry
7-19-20, 12:40pm
Tradd, no office politics either:)).
I will be waving to you from Indianapolis.
I am so looking forward to no office politics. Let me tell you!
I am so looking forward to no office politics. Let me tell you!
Yes, that would be another perk. One reason I always worked off shift, if possible.
ToomuchStuff
7-20-20, 12:03am
I may have missed it, Tradd,
Was this the one that looked over the no compete clause? Any issues there?
Congratulations on the new job, Tradd! No office politics is a huge bonus right there.
I may have missed it, Tradd,
Was this the one that looked over the no compete clause? Any issues there?
That's still being looked at, but he has so much business that he had to bring me on now. He's at his limit for what he can do himself! There are now four people total. B (owner), his daughter in law who does about 15-20 hours a week tracing shipments online, checking arrival dates and such, updating the system with this info. I'll be her supervisor and train her to do some other things. There's also a gal who is just starting doing business development.
I'll be calling on some customers in the Chicago area. I was asked if I did it before, and I did. B asked if I liked it. I said that with my old manager, it was miserable, but if I'm on my own, I'm fine. I have no problem talking to people! :) Plus bring out photos and stories of Great Lakes shipwreck diving, and it really breaks the ice. :) People are absolutely fascinated by my hobby/passion.
B is very into technology. His business has been paperless for more than a decade, if not a bit longer. For phone calls, we will probably be using a cloud phone system that forwards to your cell. It has an app that you can use to call out on as well, showing the business line. We'll use that initially to see how it works for two people. It also transcribes and emails your voice mails. B said he doesn't do a lot on the phone, does most communication by email. I'm used to talking to customers. He said he's not had time for a lot of chat in recent years, with it being just him.
I've been mulling over where to put my desk. It finally dawned on me that I just have to move my bookcase from LR into BR and then desk can go there. It won't be a huge one, but all I'll really need is room for laptop, docking station, two monitors, and keyboard. I don't need room for files since everything is digital/paperless.
I really like this desk from IKEA. My chair and sofa in LR have dark blue upholstery and I love this blue color. https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/alex-desk-blue-90409607/ Someone in the reviews said it fit three monitors. I'll have two. It fits perfectly in the space I have for it.
Teacher Terry
7-20-20, 2:11pm
The casinos locally are permanently laying off half the workers. Bad news for my DIL.
Congratulations, Tradd! Working from home sounds great, and your setup sounds perfect. Glad for you!
frugal-one
7-20-20, 3:16pm
Very happy to hear, Tradd. You will definitely love working from home!
Well, IKEA is out of everything! I ended up just ordering a simple desk (top and four legs, no drawers) from Amazon, a desk chair, and floor protector. $208. Plus delivery is free since I'm a Prime member. It will be here next Tuesday and I'll be back from my Michigan diving weekend on Monday.
happystuff
7-20-20, 4:22pm
Things are falling into place, Tradd. Congrats!
Sorry about you r dil, Terry.
The casinos locally are permanently laying off half the workers. Bad news for my DIL.
Sorry to hear.
I am so sorry, Terry. My son lost his job in Portland.
Teacher Terry
7-20-20, 8:34pm
It’s a good thing that they downsized to a small one bedroom apartment because both are on unemployment. They have really been frugal and should be okay even on unemployment. It’s sad because my DIL can’t use her college degree here and she happened to love being a cocktail waitress and the people she worked with. She worked days and many of her customers were retired and came daily. So sorry to hear about your son.
ToomuchStuff
7-21-20, 12:25am
I really like this desk from IKEA. My chair and sofa in LR have dark blue upholstery and I love this blue color. https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/alex-desk-blue-90409607/ Someone in the reviews said it fit three monitors. I'll have two. It fits perfectly in the space I have for it.
My preference is for one of their height adjustable (sit/stand) desks. Along with a dual monitor stand, that would allow you to spin the monitor from a vertical to horizontal mode.
Unless there is some contracted/confidential issue, I would also recommend getting some sort of an external hard drive, in case your working from home and your internet connection goes down (local backup).
My preference is for one of their height adjustable (sit/stand) desks. Along with a dual monitor stand, that would allow you to spin the monitor from a vertical to horizontal mode.
Unless there is some contracted/confidential issue, I would also recommend getting some sort of an external hard drive, in case your working from home and your internet connection goes down (local backup).
I don’t do standing desks due to my knees. I really don’t get the appeal of them. I will be working via a remote desktop setup, so there will not be any local files to backup.
ToomuchStuff
7-21-20, 10:43am
I don’t do standing desks due to my knees. I really don’t get the appeal of them. I will be working via a remote desktop setup, so there will not be any local files to backup.
I am on my feet so much, and there are times I have screwed up my back, that sitting against stuff, feels bad (sleeping typically ends on my stomach then, when I can finally get to sleep).
I don’t do standing desks due to my knees. I really don’t get the appeal of them.
During the last couple of years before retirement I noticed those stand-up work stations became popular in my workplace. So popular that my company even began placing treadmills with attached workstations in each work area which employees could schedule via Outlook Calendar. I didn't get the appeal either since I'm more of a comfy chair kinda guy.
Stand-up workstations must have been invented for the antsy among us--or the bosses trying to forestall walkabout lunches...
At my old job we had moved offices a couple of years before I left. The new office was open concept with all sit/stand desks, jammed together in long rows. At first a lot of people did try out the standing work concept, with one guy choosing to always stand. By the time I left there were still a handful of people standing at least some of the time (and the one guy always standing) but most people had reverted to sitting all the time. Personally I prefer to sit. Since I began working from home I've developed a habit of getting up and wandering around when I'm on the phone, but otherwise I prefer to sit.
Stand-up workstations must have been invented for the antsy among us--or the bosses trying to forestall walkabout lunches...
In my workplace the bosses were actually a little concerned about all the dollars employees were spending on them and charging to their expense accounts.
In my workplace the bosses were actually a little concerned about all the dollars employees were spending on them and charging to their expense accounts.
I can't say I blame him...There are various telescoping stands you can get much cheaper, if you're so inclined.
I can't say I blame him...There are various telescoping stands you can get much cheaper, if you're so inclined.
It was her actually, but yeah.
happystuff
7-22-20, 3:25pm
Looks like I will be going into the school next week for pt summer work! I feel like this is my 'audition' - LOL.
The corporate office is shut down while everyone goes for rapid tests. Someone there went to a party.
At my location someone has been out for a week still waiting on conventional test results. He had house guests. We put a bigger mask sign on the door but it is not being enforced and compliance is under 50%.
If corona turns more deadly maybe we will develop a genetic preference for introversion as extroverts kill themselves off.
rosarugosa
7-22-20, 6:16pm
Happystuff: That is encouraging. Hope it goes well!
ApatheticNoMore
7-22-20, 6:37pm
My boyfriends coworkers mom that the coworker lives with has it. So bfs coworker is getting tested and my bf is getting tested. We will see if we all get it including me or not.
We pretty much have uncontrolled spread of it here now. Good job folks, we've done a bang up job on this.
Teacher Terry
7-22-20, 11:25pm
Happy, that’s great news. APN, I really hope you all are negative.
Good luck, happy!
APN, hope you don’t get it n
happystuff
7-23-20, 8:54am
Thanks, everyone.
APN, I hope you and everyone else are negative!
A friend's friend--a VP at a major company--was just fired (along with others) a few months short of her potential retirement date. From the sounds of it, that was a blessing in disguise, but she hasn't got around to realizing it. Fortunately, money isn't at issue.
A friend's friend--a VP at a major company--was just fired (along with others) a few months short of her potential retirement date. From the sounds of it, that was a blessing in disguise, but she hasn't got around to realizing it. Fortunately, money isn't at issue.
Fired or permanently laid off?
Getting permanently laid off was a blessing in my case, as well.
I received an email yesterday from the in-person interview I had last week. They wanted me to come in for a follow up interview. I told them I had accepted another position. Basically, you're too late (but not in those words!). The guy told me to let him know if it doesn't work out.
Permanently laid off, I guess. It's not like she was stealing pencils or something. :~)
One manager wore a mask for the first time today, the other one still is not. Employees are supposed to wear masks in customer areas now but only about half of them are. No one is making customers wear them either. The corporate office reopened after their employees, a couple hundred people, were all rapid tested. Employees continue to attend social events. Two at my site are going to weddings this weekend. If it were me I would just live in sin rather than expect people to attend my wedding in times like these.
@Yppej, I know multiple people who have done weddings with only immediate LOCAL family - no more than 8 guests. The ceremony was streamed online for everyone else.
Dh is super busy and he has to get up at 4 am since he works in a small lab and they're crowded together so they try to stagger their hours. Three family members work in schools and they're saying that the schools won't open till at least January. And the nurses in my family are all mad at people who won't observe the covid guidelines and common sense practices. Just this morning my niece posted on FB about people throwing parties and how that's a slap in the face to healthcare workers who still have to show up and do their job. She has 3 kids, including a 9-month old, so I'm sure it's pretty scary for her to go to work.
Tradd these weddings have around 30 guests and they all use one port a potty, a fancy one that can accommodate bridesmaids in their dresses. There have been at least 3 weddings this summer that employees have attended and 1 where an employee got married.
Our company regularly does customer satisfaction surveys. The big complaint we got this time was that when coronavirus cases were surging we only did curbside pickup and would not let people in the building. One customer said because we would not let him use the bathroom he is now taking his business elsewhere.
I think the temperature checks are over. They weren't enforced, but some of us still went for them. Then the manager went on vacation and no one did them. He's back now but the thermometer needs more batteries and there is no sense of urgency buying replacements - it's been close to a week now.
With the planned gradual reopening of my employer’s offices they were sending everyone sanitizer and masks. Apparently they didn’t differentiate between employees who work from home full time since I got a package of sanitizer and masks today. Not gonna complain since we use a boatload of sanitizer in the car every time we go places.
I am one of 5 people seated in a particular office. We are all spaced out 15 to 20 feet apart. One of the 5 is now quarantining for 2 weeks since he went to a wedding this past weekend and one of the people he was riding around in a car with to/from the event has now tested positive. Fortunately he did not come in yesterday so none of us were exposed to him. But I feel like the virus is coming closer and closer and it is just a matter of time until I get it. Another one of the 5 in my area is going to a big birthday bash this weekend, including having an ice cream truck come in. She did not let this latest news stop her. She doesn't seem to get that asymptomatic people can transmit the virus. She was asking, "Did someone go to the wedding knowing they were sick?"
Teacher Terry
7-28-20, 2:35pm
Sorry Y that you work with complete idiots!
I am one of 5 people seated in a particular office. We are all spaced out 15 to 20 feet apart. One of the 5 is now quarantining for 2 weeks since he went to a wedding this past weekend and one of the people he was riding around in a car with to/from the event has now tested positive. Fortunately he did not come in yesterday so none of us were exposed to him. But I feel like the virus is coming closer and closer and it is just a matter of time until I get it. Another one of the 5 in my area is going to a big birthday bash this weekend, including having an ice cream truck come in. She did not let this latest news stop her. She doesn't seem to get that asymptomatic people can transmit the virus. She was asking, "Did someone go to the wedding knowing they were sick?"
Ugh. Sorry to hear this.
3353
Got my work from home desk and chair today. Assembled fairly easily and all set up. Note the sign on desk. :D
3353
Got my work from home desk and chair today. Assembled fairly easily and all set up. Note the sign on desk. :D
:D Just a part-time mermaid? Cute!
:D Just a part-time mermaid? Cute!
The sign was a gift from a friend earlier this year. :D
New job, great hobby, do you want a merman next?
New job, great hobby, do you want a merman next?
Haha. No.
ConnieVarricchio
7-29-20, 8:00pm
Yes, It effected my work as I am a director at a senior independent living facility and it has been a challenge!
3353
Got my work from home desk and chair today. Assembled fairly easily and all set up. Note the sign on desk. :D
Sweet! And looks like a perfect work from home desk for a paperless person. In my experience from the last year if everything happens on the computer you don't really need drawers. I even spent some effort making an excel account tracking sheet for myself that has proven to be a much better way of keeping track of everything than the steno pad system I was using before.
My only question, since I ran into the same thing when I started working from home, is the chair high enough to be comfortable for typing? It looks a bit low but maybe you are taller than me. I initially tried using a dining room chair but ended up buying a simple padded stool from amazon for about $40 which has worked really well for me.* I find that with everything at the right height I don't need or want armrests or a chair back but that's just me. I know other people who wind up with various pains if they don't have those.
*bonus: it came with cheap gloves for putting it together. The two gloves are now my coffee cup and water glass coasters on my desk.
Sweet! And looks like a perfect work from home desk for a paperless person. In my experience from the last year if everything happens on the computer you don't really need drawers. I even spent some effort making an excel account tracking sheet for myself that has proven to be a much better way of keeping track of everything than the steno pad system I was using before.
My only question, since I ran into the same thing when I started working from home, is the chair high enough to be comfortable for typing? It looks a bit low but maybe you are taller than me. I initially tried using a dining room chair but ended up buying a simple padded stool from amazon for about $40 which has worked really well for me.* I find that with everything at the right height I don't need or want armrests or a chair back but that's just me. I know other people who wind up with various pains if they don't have those.
*bonus: it came with cheap gloves for putting it together. The two gloves are now my coffee cup and water glass coasters on my desk.
Chair is unadjusted. I’ll adjust it when I have my computers at home. I’m short - 5’5”. I’ve almost always had chairs with armrests. I don’t like being without them.
You can see I’ve got a small place. An old IKEA kitchen table holds my TV right next to it.
My husband had severe issues with his arms while doing lots of corporate computer work. The ergonomic specialist said he had to have a chair with arms that his forearm could rest on and a track ball. He said both items made a huge difference.
happystuff
7-30-20, 5:52pm
Yes, It effected my work as I am a director at a senior independent living facility and it has been a challenge!
I can't even imagine working in that field right now. I hope your facility and the folks in it are doing ok.
happystuff
7-30-20, 5:52pm
Just finished 4 days of part time work with the school. I go when they call, so there really is no job security at this point. They asked for 3 days next week. It's a start.
Edited to add: very physical and kicked my butt! LOL.
happy, glad you're doing something!
The employee who might have been exposed is back after just a few days. His potential infector tested negative. The employee who was told not to make popcorn for customers is now spending his own money bringing in donuts for them. Lots of unwashed hands in the donut box. Another employee brought in leftover cookies from her weekend social gathering of 35 people. Let's hope the virus really does not spread readily on surfaces. I am not taking any chances and only eat what I bring in my lunchbox.
Temperature checks are back for the few of us who bother to go in for them.
https://apple.news/AtBo1PlG2Q9CieLyZFseA3Q
Interesting info re: the highest risk situations for covid spread
https://apple.news/AtBo1PlG2Q9CieLyZFseA3Q
Interesting info re: the highest risk situations for covid spread
Interesting. I enjoyed this paragraph:
Japan was expected to fail by many, as it implemented an unconventional response, bucking WHO guidelines, eschewing widespread testing, and forcing few formal lockdowns. However, Japan masked up early, focused on super-spreader events (a strategy it calls “cluster busting”), and, crucially, trained its public to focus on avoiding the three C’s—closed spaces, crowded places, and close conversations. In other words, exactly the places where airborne transmission and aerosols could pose a risk. The Japanese were advised not to talk on the subway, where windows were kept open. Oshitani said they also developed guidelines that included the importance of ventilation in many different settings, such as bars, restaurants, and gyms. Six months later, despite having some of the earliest outbreaks, ultradense cities, and one of the oldest populations in the world, Japan has had about 1,000 COVID-19 deaths total—which is how many the United States often has in a single day.
ApatheticNoMore
7-30-20, 11:21pm
Japan did adopt one very conventional technique though, they did do contract tracing. The U.S. didn't of course, only *started* here AFTER cases were surging AFTER reopening.
I suspect one reason more isn't done about aresols is it costs money. Plain and simple. Hand sanitizer is cheap even if only does so much. As always it costs too much to do the right thing, let's keep doing the wrong thing.
ConnieVarricchio
7-31-20, 12:07am
I can't even imagine working in that field right now. I hope your facility and the folks in it are doing ok.
We have been Virus Free - Thank You Lord - The challenge has been that they could not have visitors, they were missing their family and friends. Since we are independent living they could go out to their families homes and to their friend's houses but we asked them that they tell us where they were going and we always asked them to use social distancing - so in a way they all knew we were concerned and we wanted them to stay safe. Most residents decided to just stay in the facility. Only a couple went out. We kept them occupied with activities and I set up a computer so they could Skype. The care givers still came in and that helped a lot. Along with two children that belong to a worker - She brings them in and the seniors enjoy them. We are now letting friends and family visit - we temp check them as they come in and we have them wear masks during the visit. Doesnt seem like this is ending any time soon.
Japan did adopt one very conventional technique though, they did do contract tracing. The U.S. didn't of course, only *started* here AFTER cases were surging AFTER reopening.
Vermont has had contact tracing since mid-April. Here is latest data from covidactnow.org (https://covidactnow.org)
3354
We have had contract tracing here in Northern Michigan since March, since we got our first case.
iris lilies
7-31-20, 1:45pm
We have had contract tracing here in Northern Michigan since March, since we got our first case.why did (?) does the virus rage so strongly there, then?
Contact tracing n the US is only as good as 1. the timeliness of the test results, 2. the cooperation of the people being questioned and 3. the cooperation of contacts. None of the three is very effective in the US. I also question Michigan's success: https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-health-watch/michigan-launches-coronavirus-contact-tracing-heres-what-you-need-know
And this was telling regarding #2 and 3 above in Michigan: https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-health-watch/across-michigan-coronavirus-contact-tracers-face-lies-anger-and-silence
Note: I do not think this is any different in any other state. I only looked up info on Michigan.
The virus does not rage strongly up where we live in Michigan, not at all. It's about like Maine where my son lives. Downstate, in the cities, is another matter.
All our new cases have been brought in by tourists.
Vermont has had contact tracing since mid-April. Here is latest data from covidactnow.org (https://covidactnow.org)
3354
Contact tracing n the US is only as good as 1. the timeliness of the test results, 2. the cooperation of the people being questioned and 3. the cooperation of contacts. None of the three is very effective in the US. I also question Michigan's success: https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-health-watch/michigan-launches-coronavirus-contact-tracing-heres-what-you-need-know
And this was telling regarding #2 and 3 above in Michigan: https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-health-watch/across-michigan-coronavirus-contact-tracers-face-lies-anger-and-silence
Note: I do not think this is any different in any other state. I only looked up info on Michigan.
I just read this article about Vermont. The author made an interesting point about why they have managed to keep the numbers down regarding contact tracing:
Still, it isn’t just—or even mainly—the governor who has carried the day. Vermonters entered the pandemic with remarkably high levels of social trust. Only thirty-eight per cent of Americans say they mostly or completely trust their neighbors, but a 2018 Vermont survey found that seventy-eight per cent of residents think that “people in my neighborhood trust each other to be good neighbors”; sixty-nine per cent of Vermonters said that they knew most of their neighbors, compared with twenty-six per cent of Americans in general.
https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/what-vermont-and-its-history-might-teach-the-nation-about-handling-the-coronavirus
ApatheticNoMore
7-31-20, 4:40pm
I think mostly they didn't open up too fast and maybe never had that many cases to begin with (it's not exactly a hub of anything).
I heard all the same lies from our governor of putting science first and btw we were closed before Vermont, until they ran out of money and then their empty blabbing on about putting science first was shown to be just that, so no it's not the people who don't want to put science first, it's the government (how is Vermont's budget doing?). Vermont only just now enacted a mask mandate. Wish we had shut down construction though.
The social trust thing isn't ever going to translate to many of the major epicenters in big cities, and also some of the people being infected in big outbreaks now are illegal immigrants, and that's the kind of trust you need to build, with people who have every reason to be distrustful (people are also afraid of losing their jobs if getting it can be traced to their employers).
But in no way do I think most of the problem is "the people" and I'm tired of that blame the people game (which local government now seems to be engaging in non-stop). It's the government that has caused this!
Actually California kind of supports the theory. One of the other things the article talks about is that in Vermont there are generally strong, very participatory local governments that the people DO trust. In California the success and failure has been localized. The bay area has been relatively successful with covid. Certainly when compared to southern CA and that stems from not what the state did but what our local governments did and are continuing to do. With the exception of Marin county the # of cases per 100,000 people are below 1,000 in every county, while southern CA has mostly counties with over, sometimes, well over 1,000 per 100,000 people. (and 40% of Marin's cases are due to a massive outbreak in San Quentin prison.) Re-openings have been limited and cautious, and rolled back if needed. To be sure, there are plenty of problems with our local governments up here, but generally they have handled this about as well as I could have expected given that we don't live in an isolatable bubble like New Zealand or Hawaii.
happystuff
7-31-20, 7:40pm
happy, glad you're doing something!
Me, too!! LOL. Thanks.
Me, too!! LOL. Thanks.
Today was my last free weekday before starting the new job. I just stayed around the house pretty much. Ran out to the PO to mail a letter and ran by McD's as I was craving it. I splurged on an Echo Dot (Alexa) and it arrived today. I wanted it for radio and music without having to use laptop or phone. Will make working at home much nicer. I have a lot of music I bought on Amazon years ago when I had an Android phone.
happystuff
7-31-20, 8:58pm
Today was my last free weekday before starting the new job. I just stayed around the house pretty much. Ran out to the PO to mail a letter and ran by McD's as I was craving it. I splurged on an Echo Dot (Alexa) and it arrived today. I wanted it for radio and music without having to use laptop or phone. Will make working at home much nicer. I have a lot of music I bought on Amazon years ago when I had an Android phone.
Sounds like you are getting set up nicely!
Today was my last free weekday before starting the new job. I just stayed around the house pretty much. Ran out to the PO to mail a letter and ran by McD's as I was craving it. I splurged on an Echo Dot (Alexa) and it arrived today. I wanted it for radio and music without having to use laptop or phone. Will make working at home much nicer. I have a lot of music I bought on Amazon years ago when I had an Android phone.
Yes, being able to create a work environment you like is a big plus of working from home. Just be careful not to go off on a home dance party tangent like I did a month before covid!
http://www.simplelivingforum.net/showthread.php?18161-Working-from-home
Yes, being able to create a work environment you like is a big plus of working from home. Just be careful not to go off on a home dance party tangent like I did a month before covid!
http://www.simplelivingforum.net/showthread.php?18161-Working-from-home
:D I remember that thread! I don't dance much!
:D I remember that thread! I don't dance much!
Music is totally my thing. I now realize I can get sent wildly off track if I’m not careful... there are a couple of fairly recent songs that I LOVE (Florence and the machine Hurricane Drunk...) and could listen to over and over and over again.
That thread seems so quaint now. Later that day I went out to meet SO and friends for happy hour and then went out to dinner. ‘Pre-covid life’
ApatheticNoMore
8-1-20, 2:02am
Oh no I can't do the music while working, I'm a full on introvert, I need *quiet* to concentrate. When I'm not working sure. During a break from work I could try music, maybe better than checking the news - there really is no good news, but not while actually working - way too distracting.
Oh, see, I have to have something going in the background.
Got paid from new job today. Only get paid monthly on the first. Paid all my bills. Since my health insurance will be covered 100%, that’s like getting over a $3K raise. Health insurance starts October 1st. I’m on the temporary policy through mid-September, so I won’t be covered for two weeks. I can deal with that. New boss will reimburse me for temporary policy in August.
I linked my Vanguard IRA (rollover 401K from two jobs ago job I left in 2006) with my bank account so I can transfer $$ to it, as I’ll not have a 401K at new job (company too small).
I tend to need noise of some kind in the background, too. Mostly noise I can ignore.
Your new situation sounds ideal to me--I probably would have disliked corporate work less if I could have worked from home.
iris lilies
8-1-20, 10:08am
Re noise: I have said this before, but one of the benefits of having two houses is DH being gone a few days a week and I have utter peace and quiet—no radio.
He is home at the moment, and this morning I woke up to blasts of the stupidest radio show on earth, a buy-and-sell call in show where callers describe Crap they have to sell. This is got to be the most inefficient way to sell stuff, and they’re all old geezers with stuff no one wants.
How funny! We used to listen to Click and Clack on Saturdays. I miss that show.
Your DH show sounds very local!
Re noise: I have said this before, but one of the benefits of having two houses is DH being gone a few days a week and I have utter peace and quiet—no radio.
He is home at the moment, and this morning I woke up to blasts of the stupidest radio show on earth, a buy-and-sell call in show where callers describe Crap they have to sell. This is got to be the most inefficient way to sell stuff, and they’re all old geezers with stuff no one wants.
haha! Two comments on that:
DH keeps the TV on all day, whether he's watching or not. I really like peace and quiet, also. So I'm always muting or turning it off when he's outside. So I get what you're saying about the annoying nature of background drivel.
Also, similarly, I would like someone to explain to me the attraction of HSN and QVC. I have NEVER understood why people would volunteer for an hour of commercial advertising for crap they don't need. I just don't get it.
haha! Two comments on that:
DH keeps the TV on all day, whether he's watching or not. I really like peace and quiet, also. So I'm always muting or turning it off when he's outside. So I get what you're saying about the annoying nature of background drivel.
Also, similarly, I would like someone to explain to me the attraction of HSN and QVC. I have NEVER understood why people would volunteer for an hour of commercial advertising for crap they don't need. I just don't get it.
I wonder if it has to do with altered consciousness due to illness--say dementia, perhaps? When I was in the hospital on morphine, I found myself very drawn to those online shopping shows and bought 6 magic bullets for everyone. I thought the shark steamer was the coolest thing I had ever seen.
They explain their products in depth, which can be useful before you hop over to Amazon and buy the same product for less...:devil:
Also, similarly, I would like someone to explain to me the attraction of HSN and QVC. I have NEVER understood why people would volunteer for an hour of commercial advertising for crap they don't need. I just don't get it.
I don't get it either. During the last 5 or so years of my Mother-In-Law's life she was addicted to the Home Shopping Network. She bought tons of useless stuff that she would eventually return for credit, so much that they eventually banned her from making purchases.
My DS and DB are tech geeks who like to watch when these shopping channels sell computers and the like, going over the features, then the two of them discuss amongst themselves their own opinions on them.
haha! Two comments on that:
DH keeps the TV on all day, whether he's watching or not. I really like peace and quiet, also. So I'm always muting or turning it off when he's outside. So I get what you're saying about the annoying nature of background drivel.
Also, similarly, I would like someone to explain to me the attraction of HSN and QVC. I have NEVER understood why people would volunteer for an hour of commercial advertising for crap they don't need. I just don't get it.
I could have written this post! Exactly.
iris lilies
8-1-20, 1:48pm
More on peace and quiet:
In our Hermann house I envision where DH will watch evening tv. I think we will turn an upstairs bedroom into TeeVee Land. Our friend gifted us a 52” tv which will NOT be living on the first floor of our cottage.
In Hermann, first floor is entirely my domain for decor. Basement is entirely his domain. Upstairs is negotiable, as is garage space. I am drawing boundaries now, so there are no surprises later.
More on peace and quiet:
In our Hermann house I envision where DH will watch evening tv. I think we will turn an upstairs bedroom into TeeVee Land. Our friend gifted us a 52” tv which will NOT be living on the first floor of our cottage.
In Hermann, first floor is entirely my domain for decor. Basement is entirely his domain. Upstairs is negotiable, as is garage space. I am drawing boundaries now, so there are no surprises later.
:D
Iris, I always have one of the two local all news/talk AM stations on (both very mainstream). I go to sleep with the radio on. I only turn the TV for the news (WGN) and PBS. That's it.
I'm so grateful for the good weather now. In the evening, when the remote control clicks between news and Food Network, I am getting a lot of reading in.
Include me among those who live with someone who has the tv always on when home. If I didn’t have my own space (our second bedroom and our deck when the weather is warm enough) I would go insane. I don’t need to hear Deep Space Nine, Harry Potter or Below Deck as SO watches them for the 500th time.
iris lilies
8-1-20, 3:14pm
Include me among those who live with someone who has the tv always on when home. If I didn’t have my own space (our second bedroom and our deck when the weather is warm enough) I would go insane. I don’t need to hear Deep Space Nine, Harry Potter or Below Deck as SO watches them for the 500th time.
Do you know how many times I’ve seen/listened to episodes of MASH over my 30 year marriage?
ugh. Yet DH will watch it for the 36th time.
in my mind it is slightly better that our tv never goes on uNtil after 5 pm. We are a radio household.
Teacher Terry
8-1-20, 3:27pm
I am in the peace and quiet camp and DH loves tv. We have one in the living room and bedroom. After 5 the living room is mine and he must go to the bedroom to watch it. He also watches the same crap over and over. Because of the virus his engineering job never started.
If we had to live in the same small space like an RV or a studio apartment I think the tv issue would kill the relationship. So now he has the living room and I can go upstairs or downstairs depending on what i am doing to get away.
happystuff
8-2-20, 10:48am
I can actually go either way; it really depends on my mood and/or what I am doing. Sometimes it's just nice to listen to music while I'm cooking, etc. I confess, when the tv is on, I'm generally "done" and totally engaging in mindless vegging.. :~)
iris lilies
8-2-20, 2:08pm
I can actually go either way; it really depends on my mood and/or what I am doing. Sometimes it's just nice to listen to music while I'm cooking, etc. I confess, when the tv is on, I'm generally "done" and totally engaging in mindless vegging.. :~)
music is different.
I am talking about static ridden, often political shouting radio shows.
I have experienced DH working in our basement with one station on, another station blasting from the kitchen, and his clock radio on the 2nd floor yammering.
the cacophony! Oy Vey.
The traffic on my commute has maybe doubled, but is still not to pre-pandemic levels.
Made it to just north of Louisville for training yesterday. I’m in southern IN. Boss has three very cute dogs, including a copper colored Labradoodle that is four months old and so adorable. So soft and fluffy and doesn’t smell like dog. I call him “Fluffer Face.” :D. We went over things for about an hour when I arrived yesterday and then we went out for dinner and then back to the house for more talk about the business. A lot of background on customers.
My laptop should be arriving today. I’ll have two large 24” monitors. Seem to be bigger than what I had at the old job. I’m set up on a desktop PC for the time being.
Boss has automated lot of things I used to have to do manually. He has very extensive how to guides with lots of screen shots.
They put me up at a really nice hotel - Home 2 by Hilton. Even has a kitchen area with a dishwasher! But boss and his wife are making sure I’m well fed. We went to dinner last night at. Big sports bar. It has one side that all huge doors that open so there was a good breeze. High ceiling.
Sounds like a wonderful orientation trip, Tradd!! So glad for you.
What a positive start to a new work arrangement. So glad to hear this.
iris lilies
8-3-20, 10:55am
Luxe living in the workaday world, Tradd. Hope it all continues to go well.
I'm so happy for you Tradd, it's sounds auspicious!
Made it to just north of Louisville for training yesterday. I’m in southern IN. Boss has three very cute dogs, including a copper colored Labradoodle that is four months old and so adorable. So soft and fluffy and doesn’t smell like dog. I call him “Fluffer Face.” :D. We went over things for about an hour when I arrived yesterday and then we went out for dinner and then back to the house for more talk about the business. A lot of background on customers.
My laptop should be arriving today. I’ll have two large 24” monitors. Seem to be bigger than what I had at the old job. I’m set up on a desktop PC for the time being.
Boss has automated lot of things I used to have to do manually. He has very extensive how to guides with lots of screen shots.
Just an fyi - the word Fluffer is used in the porn industry for a specific task/job description. I found this out when I kept calling my little fluffy dog that and dh kept laughing at me. Finally told me what it meant, I didn't believe him so I googled, and sure enough...
Tradd, this training sounds terrific. And two 24 inch monitors--I am so jealous! (We've been working at home now since 2008.)
Just an fyi - the word Fluffer is used in the porn industry for a specific task/job description. I found this out when I kept calling my little fluffy dog that and dh kept laughing at me. Finally told me what it meant, I didn't believe him so I googled, and sure enough...
My new word for the day, although I'm not sure when I'll get to use it, lol.
My new word for the day, although I'm not sure when I'll get to use it, lol.Yeah, it's a pretty specific job description but I'm not sure if it should go on a resume.
Yeah, it's a pretty specific job description but I'm not sure if it should go on a resume.
I suppose it depends on the job one has applied for.
The word reminds me of an insurance account I underwrote early in my underwriting career. It was a porn studio that wanted employed lawyers professional liability. Part of my file had to include a printout of the web site but of course work’s net nanny blocked it (and putting their home page in The file was probably a bad idea anyway...). So I printed out the Wikipedia page for them instead.
I suppose it depends on the job one has applied for.
I suppose, but I'd guess any job where it would be applicable probably doesn't require a resume, I think word of mouth would do. Ba-Dum-Dum! :0!
Just an fyi - the word Fluffer is used in the porn industry for a specific task/job description. I found this out when I kept calling my little fluffy dog that and dh kept laughing at me. Finally told me what it meant, I didn't believe him so I googled, and sure enough...
OMG. :devil:
Tradd, this training sounds terrific. And two 24 inch monitors--I am so jealous! (We've been working at home now since 2008.)
I’m working with my new monitors now. Boss is also getting me a travel monitor. You definitely need two monitors.
First full day went well, but my head is swimming. System is totally different from what I’m used to. Boss uses Excel like you wouldn’t believe. Does all sort of programming and coding himself. I’m pretty computer literate, especially compared with the coworkers I’ve had in recent years, but he just blows me out of the water! I got hands on a bit the end of the day. We worked from 10 to 7 with a half hour for lunch. My laptop arrived today. So tomorrow I’ll be working on boss’ computer while he’s setting my laptop on. You would be amazed how he has automated a lot of processes. So much stuff that I used to have to do manually.
We do stuff a lot of the same way.
Went out to dinner again. Boss’ wife is having some back issues and can’t stand to cook. So we went out to Bubba’s, related to Texas Roadhouse. OMG, the burger had bacon in it. So yummy. Lunch today was a good frozen pizza that boss and I shared.
I suppose, but I'd guess any job where it would be applicable probably doesn't require a resume, I think word of mouth would do. Ba-Dum-Dum! :0!
Alan for the win today!
This has been a very educational thread in far more ways than I expected. >8)
Enjoy the adventure of your training, Tradd.
This has been a very educational thread in far more ways than I expected. >8)
Enjoy the adventure of your training, Tradd.
I know, right? :D
I know, right? :D
You're welcome! :laff:
I suppose, but I'd guess any job where it would be applicable probably doesn't require a resume, I think word of mouth would do. Ba-Dum-Dum! :0!
I was worried I might offend some folks when I posted. Thanks for the laugh!
I was worried I might offend some folks when I posted. Thanks for the laugh!
I think we're a pretty tough audience to gross out.
That said, I practically gnawed off my typing fingers trying not to respond to the original "fluffer" post.
I’m very difficult to offend! :D
Teacher Terry
8-4-20, 2:30pm
Not easily offended:))
That's a new term for me too. If the male is wedged between two females would that be a fluffernutter sandwich?
If the male is wedged between two females would that be a fluffernutter sandwich?
Whenever that happens to me my wife calls it wishful thinking.
Yesterday went really well. By the afternoon, I was actually processing customs clearances and getting stuff done. Got through of lot of files yesterday. We were lucky that a lot of email didn't come through yesterday, so that helped us get caught up. A lot of it is just getting used to the new system. You had to use your mouse to move between data fields in the software I worked on at the old company. New job - you tab between fields. In this industry, there are lots of "exceptions," so a lot of stuff is learning to deal with them in the system.
I'm working at a computer remotely connected to boss' computer (side by side) - he can see what I'm doing while he's setting up my new laptop.
We put up a freestanding signboard close to eye level right inside the entrance about masks and now probably 55% of customers wear them, 40% have them on but dangling around their neck not covering their face or covering their mouth only not their nose, and 5% still have no mask. About half the employees are ignoring policy and still not wearing masks. The general manager brought one customer into the office to look for company T shirts who was not wearing a mask and never said anything to him.
We put up a freestanding signboard close to eye level right inside the entrance about masks and now probably 55% of customers wear them, 40% have them on but dangling around their neck not covering their face or covering their mouth only not their nose, and 5% still have no mask. About half the employees are ignoring policy and still not wearing masks. The general manager brought one customer into the office to look for company T shirts who was not wearing a mask and never said anything to him.
What is your state's policy about masks? Are they required? I'm in IL. It's rare for them not to be worn. I'm down in southern IN, near Louisville, for training, and I see lots wearing them down here.
We had stopped shopping at the grocery store down the street because we had observed (and our neighbors and the local news confirmed) that mask-wearing was cavalier despite a city ordinance to wear them. But yesterday I needed some items for the lasagna, so I didn't make the longer trip to our regular market. By the time you walk through both sets of entry doors, there are 15 signs (mostly flyers but still) notifying those entering that a mask is required, both by the store and by the city. 15. You cannot miss them. And every customer and staff person I saw (save one back-of-house guy who was wearing his like a poor Speedo) was wearing a mask properly. Obviously someone official leaned on them hard.
They also have good quantities of toilet paper, paper towels, and disinfectant spray; items our "new regular" store seems to have trouble keeping in stock. Nice to see some true believer get some things done.
Steve, the disinfectant spray is out of stock here all the time. Doesn’t matter which store I go to.
My employer just sent out a 30 page document on safety protocols and procedures for when the offices start reopening next month.
I was driving down Rt. 89 in VT and watched wistfully as a plane descended on its way to BTV.
Traveling for business seems a distant memory. I don't know when, or if, I will do it again.
I was driving down Rt. 89 in VT and watched wistfully as a plane descended on its way to BTV.
Traveling for business seems a distant memory. I don't know when, or if, I will do it again.
Are you comfortable conducting your research from home? Do you have to travel for business?
My employer just sent out a 30 page document on safety protocols and procedures for when the offices start reopening next month.
What sort of things? Anything really weird stick out? I do remember you work from home.
Are you comfortable conducting your research from home? Do you have to travel for business?
Oh, no, I'm totally working the same amount from home. I just miss the travel a little. I'm booking exactly at the same rate as previous years. And I do enjoy working from home.
Steve, the disinfectant spray is out of stock here all the time. Doesn’t matter which store I go to.
Wow. So far into the pandemic, too.
It's spotty here. The local Aldi doesn't look like it even has a shelf facing for it any more. Out "other" market rarely has it and when it does, it's "limit 1". But the one down the street not only has it in two places but it's not some grade-Z brand no one has ever heard of; it's Lysol, and there's no purchase limit posted. Weird. Suppose maybe we should buy another quart of so before cold weather hits...
What sort of things? Anything really weird stick out? I do remember you work from home.
Nothing surprising. It just reiterated the previously described rules surrounding the steps to get approved to go back to the offices when they reopen, the changes to the spaces (plexiglass, desks blocked off from being used, everyone's stuff packed up and sent to them at home), new rules surrounding meeting size and break room issues such as formally planned lunchtime staggering, reiterated that no visitors or vendors will be allowed in, precautions being taken (sanitizer stations everywhere, masks and sanitizer sent to everyone at home, additional cleaning frequency and monitoring of soap levels in the restrooms), the daily health screening survey everyone has to do each day they come to the office, and then the second half was appendixes for each location that detailed things like maximum occupancy for each office, how the scheduling of who is to come to the office each day will be handled and staggering of work hours, specific things the various landlords are doing or requiring (such as only 2 people per elevator car in our chicago headquarters office).
Basically it reconfirmed my trust that they care and are taking this very seriously. The global CEO's operations manager obviously put a lot of time into all of it. I doubt I will be working anywhere but my dinning room for the next 9 months to a year, but it's nice knowing that I work for a company where my coworkers will be as safe as is possible in our current situation.
Oh, no, I'm totally working the same amount from home. I just miss the travel a little. I'm booking exactly at the same rate as previous years. And I do enjoy working from home.
That is wonderful!
I agree it is wonderful and that means that you can continue for some years to come which was your goal, I think.
What is your state's policy about masks? Are they required? I'm in IL. It's rare for them not to be worn. I'm down in southern IN, near Louisville, for training, and I see lots wearing them down here.
Yes they are required by state law. Today the assistant manager was sitting right next to customers at the counter, neither he nor they wearing masks. He sometimes will ask people to put one on but today he was distracted by a power outage.
Boss has determined that the AT&T internet I have at home is too slow. He's going to reimburse me to get Comcast broadband internet.
The governor has banned travel to Rhode Island now but a coworker told me yesterday he is going there today anyways because his trip was already planned. It is with relatives of his coming in from a second higher risk state. He is the one who comes to my desk in close proximity to me, no mask on, when I have IT issues.
First time in my work life I’ve ever had my work email on my cell phone. Oh is it nice! At the old place for years you weren’t even allowed to check work email off hours via the web if you weren’t a supervisor and up. Something about OT rules. It was stupid. They’d yell if you tried.
To be fair, some states (not sure about IL) take overtime rules seriously. In CA my former employer had been hit with a class action lawsuit about who qualified for overtime that they lost. As a result it was not uncommon to see bosses literally walking around at 4:30 and telling people to sign off.
The governor has banned travel to Rhode Island now but a coworker told me yesterday he is going there today anyways because his trip was already planned. It is with relatives of his coming in from a second higher risk state. He is the one who comes to my desk in close proximity to me, no mask on, when I have IT issues.
I'd be tempted to spray disinfectant in his face.
The governor has banned travel to Rhode Island now but a coworker told me yesterday he is going there today anyways because his trip was already planned. It is with relatives of his coming in from a second higher risk state. He is the one who comes to my desk in close proximity to me, no mask on, when I have IT issues.
How about simply saying "Thank you for coming to fix my IT issues. Could you please put on a mask while you are working in such close proximity to me? I would hate to get risk getting you sick or for you to risk getting me sick."
To be fair, some states (not sure about IL) take overtime rules seriously. In CA my former employer had been hit with a class action lawsuit about who qualified for overtime that they lost. As a result it was not uncommon to see bosses literally walking around at 4:30 and telling people to sign off.
The problem at the old job was that sometimes urgent shipments needed attention over the weekend or after hours. As a result I would have to get supervisor or manager involved so they could handle the emails with overseas. Supervisor understood but manager would get pissed at you for you not handling your own work, but it was literally something we weren’t allowed to do. Manager would do it, but man would she be angry at you on Monday. I’m so glad I don’t have to deal with her anymore!
iris lilies
8-7-20, 1:39pm
The problem at the old job was that sometimes urgent shipments needed attention over the weekend or after hours. As a result I would have to get supervisor or manager involved so they could handle the emails with overseas. Supervisor understood but manager would get pissed at you for you not handling your own work, but it was literally something we weren’t allowed to do. Manager would do it, but man would she be angry at you on Monday. I’m so glad I don’t have to deal with her anymore!
I would have thought you would be Exempt from OT law.
Nope. I wasn’t a supervisor or manager.
iris lilies
8-7-20, 3:17pm
Nope. I wasn’t a supervisor or manager.
The law said, and I say this by heart “ professional, managerial supervisory...”and making at least $35,500.
At my place of work, our non supervisory/non managerial librarians were classified exempt.
But I didn’t do the classifying, Our HR department did it and I was glad for that.
Here is how an ER doctor’s work is affected by the coronavirus:
http://drgrumpyinthehouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/diary-of-er-doctor.html
The law said, and I say this by heart “ professional, managerial supervisory...”and making at least $35,500.
At my place of work, our non supervisory/non managerial librarians were classified exempt.
But I didn’t do the classifying, Our HR department did it and I was glad for that.
That doesn't sound right. HR departments are not always correct. There are SPECIFIC professional positions that are exempt.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/17a-overtime
iris lilies
8-7-20, 5:56pm
That doesn't sound right. HR departments are not always correct. There are SPECIFIC professional positions that are exempt.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/17a-overtime
Whether my HR department was right or wrong, it is the entity that determines exempt or nonexempt status for my former employer. Many positions arent crystal clear and I was glad HR was charged with making that determination, not me.
Despite you using capital letters to signify the importance of SPECIFIC positions, there was no specific positions listed in the article you linked, nor did I find them in the article where the link was in bedded.
I’m not sure why you think librarians who have a masters degrees and make $50,000+ a year are not exempt.
As for Tradd, my comment was out of idle curiosity. It sounds to me like the work she did qualified as a professional status as outlineD in the article. But that’s only my casual observation. And, it is entirely possible that her workplace told everyone in a non-supervisor position “No Over-40 work” regardless of any official status. That is the safe route for companies.
Well, I survived my first week. We had tech issues that are now mostly solved. Totally new systems for me. Boss and I got along very well. He had a heart attack several years ago and is very glad to have help now.
I’ll post about my new very cute doggo coworkers when I get home tomorrow and post photos. They are so much fun!
ConnieVarricchio
8-8-20, 9:09am
My work is still going strong thankfully. And so far, still Corona Free - Although things are getting a bit more worrisome. A member of the staff went to PA last week and was around someone that was around someone else that had the corona virus. Our staff member went to get tested yesterday. Awaiting the results. Also a resident was in the hospital a week and a half ago. After she was back with us for 5 days, we were informed by the hospital that a staff member in the hospital has tested positive and the staff member was on the wing where my tenant was... so another longer distance type exposure. Both are staying in quarantine and both are having test. Awaiting the results. In the meantime I am home keeping myself busy making Bath Bombs. :) I have to go back in today though. We are all keeping our masks on and getting through our days. This is the closest this has come to us and I am hoping the storm just rolls on by.
Tradd, I love that you have doggo coworkers. Can't wait to see the goldendoodle.
Teacher Terry
8-8-20, 3:23pm
Stay safe Connie.
Got home several hours ago. Uneventful 5 hour drive. Got home and got all computer stuff set up. Went very quickly. Boss asked me to set everything up today so any needed files could sync due to my slower AT&T internet. Got the Comcast/Xfinity router/wifi thingy today, but they're going to have to come out. There's an appt for Monday afternoon.
3376
This was the group shot for the company newsletter as I call it. :D
I don’t know why the photos came across sideways. Usually don’t have that issue.
Adorable. The goldendoodles match the carpet!
3376
This was the group shot for the company newsletter as I call it. :D
What a happy bunch! Great coworkers too!
Here is how an ER doctor’s work is affected by the coronavirus:
http://drgrumpyinthehouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/diary-of-er-doctor.html
Funny!
iris lilies
8-9-20, 9:48am
Doodles are such teddy bear dogs!
3376
This was the group shot for the company newsletter as I call it. :D
Best looking co-workers ever! (And probably immune to office politics...)
We’re having a video call via Microsoft Teams tomorrow. Boss, part time gal who does the shipment tracing, new sales/business development gal, and me. I had to confirm it was a video call so I make sure to be “decent.” :D
First half of first day done. We had some tech issues but nothing I caused. :devil: It has to do with working remote but boss is working on it.
It is just so weird not not having Princess yelling for help, idiot old boss yelling at me, phone ringing off the hook that no one else picks up. Just me and my radio. Wow.
We can always yell at you on the forum if that would make you feel more at home.
Just kidding.
We can always yell at you on the forum if that would make you feel more at home.
Just kidding.
Haha! I had to do a few "HELP!" messages to boss as there was stuff I just could NOT figure out. The system used for transmitting to Customs is SO finicky at times! I was on the old system for most of my 13.5 years at old company. I'll just need to get used to this one and how to finesse it!
I am very jealous and wish I could work from home. I am around a few real idiots. Two examples from today:
1. Coworker has some juicy gossip so she goes to man in his sixties out earlier this year for a heart attack, leans just a couple inches from his ear and starts whispering to him. Neither of them are wearing masks.
2. Customer comes in with mask on, but as he comes to my cubicle takes it off and starts loudly talking to the office manager two cubicles behind me while I run his credit card. She says and does nothing. I guess the mask is to protect the building hallways and not people.
frugal-one
8-10-20, 5:17pm
I am very jealous and wish I could work from home. I am around a few real idiots. Two examples from today:
1. Coworker has some juicy gossip so she goes to man in his sixties out earlier this year for a heart attack, leans just a couple inches from his ear and starts whispering to him. Neither of them are wearing masks.
2. Customer comes in with mask on, but as he comes to my cubicle takes it off and starts loudly talking to the office manager two cubicles behind me while I run his credit card. She says and does nothing. I guess the mask is to protect the building hallways and not people.
And, you say nothing????
And, you say nothing????
I suspect Yppej's supervisor/manager might be very much like the ones I had at the old company. Saying something does nothing. If you want to keep your job, you keep your mouth shut and your head down. Especially these days.
Comcast guy came mid-afternoon. AT&T speed was 22 something. Comcast was 117 over wifi. Work computer is connected via ethernet cable to modem. That will work better for the large file transfers/syncing. Boss is paying half of the Comcast cost.
Getting more comfortable with the system. It's going to take a bit. I was on one software package for most of the 13.5 years at the old company.
Didn't help that Customs' system was having issues at the end of the day and we weren't getting results on transmitted entries.
So much better than my old job.:laff:
I suspect Yppej's supervisor/manager might be very much like the ones I had at the old company. Saying something does nothing. If you want to keep your job, you see your mouth shut and your head down. Especially these days.
Exactly. The front line worker who asked customers to stay out of areas restricted at the pandemic peak was furloughed "because he argues with customers".
I think on your old job the mismanagement or micromanagement kept you from doing all you could with your knowledge and experience. Bet you find it enjoyable to be really productive. Sounds like you found the perfect situation for you
I think on your old job the mismanagement or micromanagement kept you from doing all you could with your knowledge and experience. Bet you find it enjoyable to be really productive. Sounds like you found the perfect situation for you
Well, it was much better being productive over being off for a bit more than four months! But it will take a bit of time to get really productive due to the different system.
And the old boss kept beating on me, telling me I knew squat. It's been justice of sorts when I've been told by people still at the company (different offices) that she is useless!
happystuff
8-11-20, 7:36am
Sounds like this new job is working out great, Tradd. Congrats!!!
I seem to have a knack for finding oddball stuff going wrong with the system!
Boss worked on his own for 18 years. Definitely a different way of doing stuff. Everything is run off excel except for the system that is used to transmit to Customs. There is some interplay between the two. The Excel system is all homegrown and there are sometimes syncing issues. I was used to also dealing directly with customers rather than the forwarders I’m now dealing with. We mostly clear for their customers, but we deal with the forwarders.
I was used to massively detailed profiles for each customer at the old company. I requested boss do that. He agreed it was past time it was done. I took good notes during training but there are so many moving parts that I need stuff I can refer back to. He puts everything in Microsoft One Note, but I will print out the customer profiles. Much easier to refer to.
I kept having issues of all sorts today and we were constantly chatting on Teams about stuff. I hate that this is so difficult but I have to remember I had been doing the system at the old job for so long and the customers for so long that I knew stuff off the top of my head. I’ve only been doing this for a week! I’m trying to not get myself frustrated.
Having faster Comcast internet today did make a huge difference.
happystuff
8-12-20, 11:09am
Sounds like things are going well and it WILL all come together. There is ALWAYS a learning curve, but seems like you will flatten this one out quickly.
Having challenges at the new job due to the very different system. I took good notes while training in person last week, but there are SO many moving parts. At old job we had extensive profiles for each customer. Very easy to cover for someone if they’re not in the office. Boss has started customer profiles but not done. He agreed it was long past time for them to be done. I got the “I’ve told you repeatedly” about X this morning. Boss is finally realizing that due to system being SO different I need procedures with screen shots, etc. There’s some bit of software that actually records what you’re doing on computer screen. THAT was enormously helpful.
He was so swamped before I started that there was no time for him to do this stuff before I started.
Be kind to yourself and give yourself 6 months to find your complete confidence in the new position. Think of it as making a list of gently examining the ways and of smoothing the process of work so anyone can take it over with your background. Then you will have made the job your own.
iris lilies
8-13-20, 10:09am
Tradd, I agree with razz.Be kind to yourself during the first few weeks of intense learning. Do whatever it is that calms your mind — take little breaks, take walks, do breathing exercises, or whatever.
Remember that you are skilled at learning new things, pretty intensely, both physical and mental, so you can do this!
A year from now you’ll look back at this and see it as one more large body of knowledge you have conquered. Like major pieces of music you’ve learned. The orthodox church canon of knowledge you mastered. The import/export regulations for your brokers license. And of course, diving material in theory and practice.
You will get there with this new job system.
Teacher Terry
8-13-20, 12:33pm
IL has pretty much summed up the amazing stuff you have accomplished. You have got this!
Tradd, I agree with razz.Be kind to yourself during the first few weeks of intense learning. Do whatever it is that calms your mind — take little breaks, take walks, do breathing exercises, or whatever.
Remember that you are skilled at learning new things, pretty intensely, both physical and mental, so you can do this!
A year from now you’ll look back at this and see it as one more large body of knowledge you have conquered. Like major pieces of music you’ve learned. The orthodox church canon of knowledge you mastered. The import/export regulations for your brokers license. And of course, diving material in theory and practice.
You will get there with this new job system.
Thank you! When you put it that way... :thankyou:
We had an inspection by the Board of Health and were written up for not following covid guidelines.
We had an inspection by the Board of Health and were written up for not following covid guidelines.
Wonder what the bosses will say?
Teacher Terry
8-13-20, 3:52pm
It’s about time that awful place you work for has some consequences. Hope that they get a big fine.
Well, well, well...interesting wrinkle with the old company.
My new boss added me as a licensed customs broker on his online account with Customs yesterday. It popped up that I was still shown as the broker qualifying the OLD company's local operating permit from Customs! This is VERY BAD. Companies are supposed to advise Customs within 10 days when an employee leaves, and it's even more important when the broker qualifying the local permit leaves. Per Customs regs, a company has 180 days to get a new qualifying individual broker before their permit is revoked by Customs. That is VERY, VERY BAD. The old office is no longer doing any customs clearances as far as I know. Everything thing is being done by my old counterpart in another Midwest office, who I'm friends with and talk with frequently.
It never occurred to me to contact Customs here myself to let them know I'd left. I talked to the appropriate person today and sent her an email showing a screen shot from my new company's online account with Customs. Old company is likely in some trouble. Heh heh.
iris lilies
8-13-20, 4:11pm
Well, well, well...interesting wrinkle with the old company.
My new boss added me as a licensed customs broker on his online account with Customs yesterday. It popped up that I was still shown as the broker qualifying the OLD company's local operating permit from Customs! This is VERY BAD. Companies are supposed to advise Customs within 10 days when an employee leaves, and it's even more important when the broker qualifying the local permit leaves. Per Customs regs, a company has 180 days to get a new qualifying individual broker before their permit is revoked by Customs. That is VERY, VERY BAD. The old office is no longer doing any customs clearances as far as I know. Everything thing is being done by my old counterpart in another Midwest office, who I'm friends with and talk with frequently.
It never occurred to me to contact Customs here myself to let them know I'd left. I talked to the appropriate person today and sent her an email showing a screen shot from my new company's online account with Customs. Old company is likely in some trouble. Heh heh.
It is sketchy of your old company if it wasn't an oversight, due to incompetence. If it was deliberate, That is bad. But I suppose customs wont know or carE.
When you do things like clear Get me through customs, is your name signed to the transaction? I guess what I am asking is, would your old company have signed your name to anything without you being there?
It is sketchy of your old company if it wasn't an oversight, due to incompetence. If it was deliberate, That is bad. But I suppose customs wont know or carE.
When you do things like clear Get me through customs, is your name signed to the transaction? I guess what I am asking is, would your old company have signed your name to anything without you being there?
Yes, the name of the person who transmits the customs is shown on the clearance.
My login in the old company’s software would have been disabled and made inactive as soon as I left. The guy in the other Midwest office started doing my entire workload of clearances the very next day after I was laid off in late March. The people left in the office had their own logins and would have had no reason or ability to use my old login.
Well, well, well...interesting wrinkle with the old company.
My new boss added me as a licensed customs broker on his online account with Customs yesterday. It popped up that I was still shown as the broker qualifying the OLD company's local operating permit from Customs! Was there a severance package included with your furlough that would technically give you current employee status as of the date of his filing update?
Was there a severance package included with your furlough that would technically give you current employee status as of the date of his filing update?
I was paid for one week after I was laid off. That was it.
I wasn’t furloughed. I was permanently laid off. HUGE difference.
Wonder what the bosses will say?
I found out they were notified two weeks ago there was a complaint and that is why they sent out an email saying masks are required in customer areas and they put up a bigger sign on the door but there was no enforcement. Today the manager was complaining he had to put on a mask to go tell the frontline staff again that masks are mandatory. He also sent out an email. Some people are still not complying and no one is making customers comply. I expect we will be fined and/or shut down if the Board of Health comes back.
Today was SO much better at work. We had gotten a ton of new shipments both yesterday and then again today. So I spent most of today working on those. It was dealing with the emailed documents, uploading them into the system, and data entry on the shipments. It allowed me to get much more comfortable with the system as it was very repetitive. Boss was fine with my questions today as they were stuff I'd maybe been shown once, if that! And they were exceptions, too!
Tradd, that's both sad and sadly funny what's going on with your former employer. Because my current employer is not actually an insurance company, but instead is a managing agent hired by an insurance company (let me know if you want details of what that means but it's kind of boring) I have to be licensed as an insurance agent in CA. That meant doing a 52 hour class and taking a fairly easy exam. (If you want to know what is covered if you're painting your dining room ceiling and spill the paint on the table and floor destroying both and want to know what's covered on your HO-3 policy, I'm your guy!) I had been a broker back when I lived in NY eleven years ago, but had let my NY license lapse after we moved here and had not needed a CA license at my last employer since they are a licensed insurance company. I understand the seriousness with which you take your license. A professional friend at another managing agent told me a horror story of what happened several years ago when their employer didn't make them all get licensed. Basically for two years they could not transact business in CA so they all had to fly to Las Vegas every monday, stay in a hotel, work all week, and then fly home every friday because the law in Nevada allowed them to work without insurance broker or agent licenses.
As for the learning curve with your new systems, I agree with the others. You've got this. Give it a few months and it will all be second nature. It took me a few months to get used to my new employer's primitive systems and I still cringe at the lack of structure and solid documentation of everything because my old employer, being a large mega-corp, had that all buttoned down tight. But I got used to it and now I just focus on occasionally offering up some "best practice" ideas to our team that will, over time, make all of our jobs a little easier and also make it easier for us to defend/justify our actions in the event that an insured accuses us of trying to get out of our "promise to pay" on losses they think should be covered by a policy.
Wow, JP, those are some stories!
Primitive is a good way to describe the systems I’m working on now. Apparently the software used to transmit to Customs is getting a major overhaul in good way. My having long experience on the big software package we used at the old company is good as I can offer some suggestions.
At the end of the day boss asked if I was going to stick with him for another week. Said he'd been tough on me several days. Told him yes! He said "it's a proven system, but it's not well documented." Well, duh! He'd been working on his own for 18 years and I'm used to a very different system. We'll get there. At least he wasn't rude or didn't make nasty comments like old boss. Not at all.
At this point, I think the customer profiles would be more helpful. There are lots of exceptions in our jobs and the exceptions aren't documented!
I love being paperless and the way he's got it automated to send emails with notifications to the customers, etc. Much more efficient, but takes a lot of getting used to.
Remember that part of the emotional dynamic is that you’re gun shy from several years of an abusive work environment. Your new boss is not your old boss. You’re still recovering -
Remember that part of the emotional dynamic is that you’re gun shy from several years of an abusive work environment. Your new boss is not your old boss. You’re still recovering -
I didn’t even think about that!
Remember that part of the emotional dynamic is that you’re gun shy from several years of an abusive work environment. Your new boss is not your old boss. You’re still recovering -
This 1000x. It's more than clear from your work posts over the years that you know how to do your job. And do it very well. And that your old company had a bunch of morons in charge.
My old boss wasn't cruel (he was actually a really nice guy and incredibly knowledgeable about our minor niche of insurance), but he just didn't see the value I brought to the organization. And who knows, maybe I didn't since it was a very different organization with different goals compared to my current one. Current boss has made it clear that he totally thinks I bring value as a senior member of our team and that my background and experience are critical to our team's success. An example. A couple of weeks ago he emailed me that I had potentially done something that would put me in front of the "breach committee". When I called him five minutes later, semi freaked out, he mocked the point of the rule and was completely unconcerned that I had violated it. The error was something I was not at all aware of because the one email that came out about it had come out before I started. But at old employer that wouldn't have mattered. I'd have been in trouble for violating the rule regardless. At new employer the decision was made that since everyone who had committed the violation (probably 10% of the company's employees judging from how many people were cc'd on the email) were people like me who'd been hired after the rule went into effect 15 months ago and therefore had not been informed of it (because we don't have great documentation structures for things like this) this time would slide, but next time wouldn't. Even before that decision boss was like "I've got your back. Yes, we have to follow this rule, but it doesn't really make sense for various reasons. And since you didn't know about it I will stand behind you 110%" (regardless, next time I write a policy with over $250,000 premium I now know that I need actuarial approval. Even though the actuaries don't know anything about cyber insurance, which is why my boss thinks the rule is silly.)
Thinking more about my recent "breach" it's even more weird that my boss's boss had to sign off on the $325,000 account I wrote and apparently he wasn't aware of the rule requiring actuary approval since he didn't ask during the approval process if I'd obtained it or give his approval subject to actuarial approval. Nor was he included as part of the potential breach. At old employer he would've been just as much in trouble as me. Possibly more since as a more senior person he would be viewed to have definitely been expected to know about the rule.
Dang, jp, seems like we had similar corporate cultures at last job.
New boss definitely values my experience. I have to remember HE sought me out. I didn’t even know he was looking for someone.
Dang, jp, seems like we had similar corporate cultures at last job.
New boss definitely values my experience. I have to remember HE sought me out. I didn’t even know he was looking for someone.
Current boss sought me out too. It's a really nice feeling isn't it?
San Onofre Guy
8-15-20, 12:47am
I actually know what an MGA is! I’m a retired risk manager. I still do some audit and trial monitoring work. I see that you are a cyber guy. The last cyber product I bought had an odd component. They paid on behalf of the insured for fines and penalties cover, but indemnity on cyber ransom. I thought then and still do that it was backwards that an insurer could admit to and pay a fine on behalf of a client, but the client had to first pay ransom and then ask for cover and reimbursement. My broker ran it up the chain in London, no one had ever asked, but they didn’t change the form.
I actually know what an MGA is! I’m a retired risk manager. I still do some audit and trial monitoring work. I see that you are a cyber guy. The last cyber product I bought had an odd component. They paid on behalf of the insured for fines and penalties cover, but indemnity on cyber ransom. I thought then and still do that it was backwards that an insurer could admit to and pay a fine on behalf of a client, but the client had to first pay ransom and then ask for cover and reimbursement. My broker ran it up the chain in London, no one had ever asked, but they didn’t change the form.
At this point we let (and expect) the IT forensics vendor to pay the ransom and we just reimburse them.
Over the past year ramsonware has become by far the most common claim we have to pay.
A customer was saying today he is so busy he wishes he was exposed to covid so he could get a two week break quarantining at home. That is the mindset I deal with.
A customer was saying today he is so busy he wishes he was exposed to covid so he could get a two week break quarantining at home. That is the mindset I deal with.
Dang.
frugal-one
8-17-20, 4:14pm
A customer was saying today he is so busy he wishes he was exposed to covid so he could get a two week break quarantining at home. That is the mindset I deal with.
Like you saying you are going to wear the worst rated masks????
"I bought a couple of neck gaiters today. If you wet them they are cooler than a mask. If it is warm on my vacation time I can wear them. I think the state should be providing face coverings rather thrusting an unfunded mandate on the people, so I purchased the covering that experts say may do more harm than good. Not that this will teach the tyrants, but it may make me more comfortable and give me a sense of satisfaction."
Just a thought, Tradd. Have you told told him what you like about his system? He is having someone with experience (meaning you) looking at his system with fresh eyes and may need some supportive confirmation as well.
Just a thought, Tradd. Have you told told him what you like about his system? He is having someone with experience (meaning you) looking at his system with fresh eyes and may need some supportive confirmation as well.
Yes, I have. Repeatedly. The fact that he’s paperless is awesome. I love the automated emails.
He’s finished the customer profiles for key accounts as of today. He said he will then keep on top of new customers as they happen.
Today was actually pretty good. I spent the majority of the day plowing through the remainder of the 40 shipments we had gotten last week. I’m feeling much more comfortable.
Things just seemed to click today. For the big customer, we got nearly 30 new shipments from them today. They are very repetitive, but I've dealt with this sort of thing on a regular basis before. Boss said if they keep up, that alone will cover my salary. He's very glad he's got some help now. LOL. He's letting me concentrate on this customer as they're simple clearances and good to get very familiar with the system on.
Boss has finished the basic customs clearance how-to.
happystuff
8-21-20, 3:04pm
What I have learned today:
Although somewhat similar, a Letter of Intent is considered different than a Cover Letter.
But, in my opinion, just as difficult to write. LOL.
What I have learned today:
Although somewhat similar, a Letter of Intent is considered different than a Cover Letter.
But, in my opinion, just as difficult to write. LOL.
Eh?
happystuff
8-21-20, 3:33pm
Eh?
LOL. That was my initial response as well, but after doing a bit of research, there does seem to be a difference! Not sure everyone is aware and I truly believe people use the two interchangeably. I actually believe that this position requesting a Letter of Intent is really meaning a Cover Letter. But, anyway, it was still interesting to learn.
LOL. That was my initial response as well, but after doing a bit of research, there does seem to be a difference! Not sure everyone is aware and I truly believe people use the two interchangeably. I actually believe that this position requesting a Letter of Intent is really meaning a Cover Letter. But, anyway, it was still interesting to learn.
Do you mean in the context of a job search?
happystuff
8-21-20, 4:44pm
Do you mean in the context of a job search?
Yes, sorry. This thread has been about work and job searches so I didn't specifically say.
Additional paperwork required with application submission.
Interesting. To me a letter of intent sounds you would say you’re intending to take the job.
We had our first case today of a customer claiming he is exempt from wearing a mask. It will be interesting to see if others follow suit. The state does not require a doctor's note or other proof.
I wonder what critical mass we would have to get to in order to dump the mask mandate. If 99% of people said they were exempt would the 1% still have to wear masks?
ToomuchStuff
8-24-20, 11:01pm
We had our first case today of a customer claiming he is exempt from wearing a mask. It will be interesting to see if others follow suit. The state does not require a doctor's note or other proof.
I wonder what critical mass we would have to get to in order to dump the mask mandate. If 99% of people said they were exempt would the 1% still have to wear masks?
We had a woman come in twice, trying that. The first time, she tried waiting inside for her friends to arrive.
I should have had to deal with that, but it outraged one of the owners so much, (and they are at high risk), that they dealt with it.
In the last week, the other owner, died suddenly, now I am an owner. (and I am still trying to wrap my head around all of this)
Around here, they did start issuing tickets to the customers (basically a OK, your trespassing, ticket with a $500 fine). I only know of one so far as the businesses are basically stuck with "we have a right to refuse service and please leave, your trespassing," (while calling LEO's to deal with them), thing.
I wonder what critical mass we would have to get to in order to dump the mask mandate. If 99% of people said they were exempt would the 1% still have to wear masks?
A better question might be ‘how many more dead people will it take before I stop whining about the mask mandate?’ Oh wait, it’s mostly just useless old people dying so the deaths are not a big deal to you. Never mind. Please continue whining.
A customer complained about an employee not wearing a mask. The manager is pulling security video to try to figure out who it was.
Work is continuing to go well. We are slammed and that is a very good thing. Boss said he's very grateful I came on when I did. He would not have been able to keep up. He had a follow-up appt with his doc earlier in the week because his BP had been very high at the last appt two weeks ago. He said doc was happy it's back to normal.
He's gotten all the basic how-tos done and is working on the smaller customer profiles.
Teacher Terry
8-26-20, 11:37pm
So happy for you Tradd!
happystuff
8-27-20, 10:07am
Sounds like you are in a much, much better work environment, Tradd. Congrats again!
Thank you. I can’t tell you how nice this is. I have no problems with motivation to work without boss immediately there like some people I know. My stress level is much lower!
Glad to hear that both are benefitting so well.
Work is continuing to go well. We are slammed and that is a very good thing. Boss said he's very grateful I came on when I did. He would not have been able to keep up. He had a follow-up appt with his doc earlier in the week because his BP had been very high at the last appt two weeks ago. He said doc was happy it's back to normal.
He's gotten all the basic how-tos done and is working on the smaller customer profiles.
Tradd, this is wonderful. I am so impressed at how you turned this whole situation in to a win, and it sounds like a real win for your new employer!
frugal-one
8-28-20, 1:26pm
It sure is nice to hear happy news!!!!
Tradd, this is wonderful. I am so impressed at how you turned this whole situation in to a win, and it sounds like a real win for your new employer!
Thank you! I type too danged fast and have some data entry errors, but things are much better than they were at the beginning. Boss’ wife has some medical issues that he has to accompany her to doc appts for and now he can be gone from the office without worrying about stuff. He’s been able to to get system tweaks done that have been on his to do list for a year.
Things have a way of working out, and it seems in your case, that's the case!
Mask compliance is way up among both customers and employees now that the weather is no longer beastly hot and humid.
Mask compliance is way up among both customers and employees now that the weather is no longer beastly hot and humid.The best part of wearing a mask is the eventual, wonderfully intense airgasm when it's finally removed.
The best part of wearing a mask is the eventual, wonderfully intense airgasm when it's finally removed.
This gave me a chuckle. Cute phrase!
Yes, a lot of my massage therapy clients are over 60 with underlying issues...they have decided to wait until there is a vaccine or cases get substantially lower. I have started an indian food dinner 2 times a month for now and doing some odd jobs here and there.
Friday was interesting. Boss had implemented something new which resulted in something slipping through the cracks as he hadn’t told his DIL (she tracks the shipments online) what to do if we didn’t get certain documents from the importer. He automated the email for missing docs. Just check a box. Before boss’ DIL had to turn a file back over to him if we were missing the docs and he requested them from customer. He should have told her to turn the file over to boss or me if she saw we didn’t have the docs. She’s a good worker, but works from home a few hours a day while her young son is napping and has no other industry experience.
So we had something get to Chicago Friday that wasn’t customs cleared and the trucker wasn’t also told it was coming in. With the holiday weekend, that means $600 in rail storage. Trucker can’t handle it until the 10th. He was really peeved but I took care of the issue, talked to his DIL (I’m really her supervisor), and just kept my mouth shut - aside from requested I be copied in on the automated doc request emails. He said a big thank you to me at the end of the day and I think he realized he had not fully implemented the new procedure which resulted in us having to eat the additional charges. I have lots of practice from my former idiot boss with just keeping my mouth shut. LOL. He wasn’t a huge asshole about it though, like old boss would have done.
Of course, this kind of stuff ALWAYS happens over a long weekend.
Funny - contact in Detroit office of old company told me that the girl they had hired to do imports (no customs stuff) perhaps no more than two months ago quit on the spot earlier this week. It was due to the way the toxic manager treated her.
:D
Warms the cockles of my heart, it does!
Remember me mentioning the old company still had me as their local permit qualifier? Couldn't get any response from the person at the local Customs office to handle it. New boss had to ask the Customs IT people to do it (he had issues adding me as a new employee under his company and had to go to the help desk).
happystuff
9-13-20, 4:17pm
It's been long enough. I have several job applications out there, but am still not hearing anything. As much as I didn't want to return to internet sales warehouse work, I know there are openings at a location about 35 minutes away - my dd works 2nd shift. According to their web page, they have both 1st shift (6 am. - 2:30pm) and 2nd shift (3:30pm - 12pm Midnight) available.
I am a morning person.
So, assuming with my 16 years experience I do get hired, the decision is which shift to take. If I take 2nd shift, I will definitely have to adjust to totally different sleeping/waking hours. I will be able to commute with my dd and it will be less wear and tear on the cars. (We can trade off each day.) I will be able to schedule my "old age" dr appointments without taking off work. DD, who is definitely a night person, can do the driving so I don't have to worry about that.
If I take 1st shift - I am a morning person-, it's easier to get up an hour earlier than I normally do and still be home early afternoon, versus learning to stay up 2-3 hours later than I normally do. I will still have more "normal" day and evening hours. We will, however, have two cars going to the same location at two different times of the day. If I need to take off for anything, more than likely it will be unpaid.
I plan to submit the application early this coming week because, as I've said, it's been long enough and I'm tired of waiting to hear from the applications that are just sitting out there.
I'm leaning one way, but... Any and all opinions, ideas, suggestions, etc are welcome.
ETA: 1st shift also means missing live M-F morning prayers online, while 2nd shift means missing 1-hour live skype classes two nights a week. I should be able to get a transcript of the night classes, though, so it will be on me to keep up and participate via email if necessary.
As someone who is more of a nightowl, I would take the later shift, as there is no way I would be able to wake up that early and be functioning by 6 am.
Tough decision. Less driving would be a major consideration for me who is a morning person as well. Gas saving would increase revenue as well.
Sometimes, it helps to look at other aspects. Do you and DD get along well? Will this give you both a cherished time together to lift each other's spirits when needed? What other benefits come with these times outside of the work.
If you take day shift could you make your doc appts for 4 pm and not have to take time off?
And - is there a pay differential for eveningS?
happystuff
9-13-20, 5:43pm
No pay differential that I'm aware of. Current VA drs office hours are 8 to 4 M-F. Work would be 35 minutes and VA is 35-40 minutes away, making getting a late day appointment rather difficult. DD and I get along well and she is okay with me working at the same place. And, chances are we will not see each other during work hours.
I would simply take a piece of paper and write the pros and cons of each shift in a different column and see how it appears when you've got it down on paper.
As a total morning person, my brain starts to shut down around 2 and at 5 dont make me do anything important. But a lot of that is 31 years of training with always having an office job and getting to work early.
I worked 2nd shift for years; it was my favorite. I would advise you to go with your instincts.
happystuff
9-14-20, 7:31am
Thank you, everyone, for all the feedback. I really appreciate it.
happystuff
9-22-20, 8:41am
Finally some movement... interview this week and one next week. I'm just so surprised how much things have changed in the job-searching arena. Unless a company wants to interview, there is barely acknowledgement of even an application being submitted, let alone being rejected or accepted. Things will say "Pending" for months on end.
Finally some movement... interview this week and one next week. I'm just so surprised how much things have changed in the job-searching arena. Unless a company wants to interview, there is barely acknowledgement of even an application being submitted, let alone being rejected or accepted. Things will say "Pending" for months on end.
Yes, I had that experience as well during my search. Good luck!
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