heymisterk Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Hi All, Like so many people in today's economy and work climate, my job has undergone substantial changes and belt tightening. We are asked to do more with less, and for less. Benefits have been frozen, and our retirement plan has been scaled back. To make that worse, people are being moved into other positions they don't want in order to "improve" results. This happened to me last year, as I was moved out of a job I truly loved in order to "make difference" in another position. And it is happening to other people as well. Morale where I work is as low as I have seen in my 17 years here. So without further pontification, I would love to hear some of the challenges/heartaches/blues about your job(s). What sh*tty changes or other bummers have you had to endure in order to pay the bills? Best, Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaiser Bill Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Jeff... my heart goes out to you and so many others that are working in today's world. Its really changed from the days you could quit a crappy job on Friday and have a new one by the next Tuesday. Hang in there...with 17 years under your belt it won't be long before you can tell them to take a hike. On the bright side...you still have a job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Things are changing constantly @the place I work at too, It's a major distraction for everyone. AS the infrastructure changes try and line up with all the other corp. changes. things just break. I am an Software Config Management (Version Control) support guy, and the networks are constantly crumbling around us,, and of course, everyone who uses our services thinks it's something we have to fix, but it's out of scope, all we can do is pass it on. And this repeats itself all through out the other IT organizations. I wouldn't say morale is at an all time low, but most people's attitudes have gone from optimistic, to pessimistic, to now it's sort of like "ya,, what ever." and the pinheads at the top urge everyone to "stay energized".. seriously? Energized? for what exactly? another re-org, round of layoffs and more chaos as those boneheads try something else, cuz the last 10 brilliant ideas they've tried to implement have failed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 I have worked hard to establish myself and things are going better than ever right now but...with Healthcare Reform my job may disappear within a decade, I am 45 with 15 years of experience in my field it is really going to suck to be looking for a new job in a new career at 55. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deeman Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 I work as an intake counselor at a psych hospital. Business has been good. We're so busy lately and so short staffed that we have people waiting up to a couple hours to be seen for an intake assessment. Then once they do get seen we have to spend a half hour on the phone trying to get approval from insurance. Of course they try to deny treatment as much as they can so we have to then spend time trying to appeal with the insurance just to get someone mental health treatment. TL;DR Poor economy and volitile world leads to more people developing psychiatric problems. Obama care leads to more people with insurance. More people with insurance means that insurance companies have to pay out more money. Insurance companies decide to deny at the point of service. That person who is denied becomes the next Sandy Hook shooter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Farnsbarns Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Last year I was self employed and enjoying the success I had created, then I did one bad deal and got myself into financial difficulty. I handled that badly, under quoting the next job and the next and the next in a bid to get as much work as I could, needing to pay that next bill and next months rent etc etc. Ultimately the business failed although I left no debts. As a result, however, I took a bit of a stop gap with a chain of prestige brand, franchise car dealerships. Less than a year in I am running the department and am enjoying a great deal of success again. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. True, there's always another tumble to come but getting up and getting on with it is the key. I know how hard it can be to plod along in a job you hate. Demoralising doesn't really cover it, depressing is the word. I feel for all who are struggling or unhappy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 TL;DR Poor economy and volitile world leads to more people developing psychiatric problems. Obama care leads to more people with insurance. More people with insurance means that insurance companies have to pay out more money. Insurance companies decide to deny at the point of service. That person who is denied becomes the next Sandy Hook shooter? More people with insurance also means more premiums coming in and for your company less unpaid bills. Truth is that at least in the Group Health insurance employers choose the level of benefits, decide what they want to pay and what they don't want to pay for but in our culture we think the insurance company decides the levels of benefits. I am an Underwriter and I can tell you that I have accounts were everything the IRS will allow is covered by the company but these plans are usually reserved for executives. And yea, Mental Health is a big issue, it can be so virtual and difficult to assess I can see how you can get in a tug of war. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krock Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 I've just taken on a job as a recruitment consultant (start beginning of next month). It's not something I actually want to do but until I have the qualifications to become a management consultant its what I'm going to have to do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Having my friend and coworker Mike die while doing a job and having to step in and finish the job as the EMTs worked on him. After that I would say it figuring out how to pay for my wife's medical care now that ObamaCare has destroyed my once great policy plan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Ohh man... For me it was my stupid industry in general... The computer games industry.. I was in it from 1995, have been made redundant eight times cos companies come and go all the time.. Then about 6 years ago while I was still married and in the industry I took a different technology job as it was making more money and I thought I was going to be leaving the country at the time.. then she left me (on my birthday) and all my plans were thrown out the window (I even had my flat on the market)... Since then as I was out of the games industry I cant even get an interview because the economy is so bad, none of them are hiring and when they do its usually internal or they expect you to have just been doing the job... Which means im screwed.. Ive been out of work for two and a half years now.. Cant get an interview in my own industry and my CV is so odd looking to most people and specialised that I cant even get an interview in the local supermarket??? Right now all my plans lay with the guitar making. If I find I cant sell enough or any at all.. then its back to square one again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tman Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Jeff best to you. I hope things improve for you. I'm a Radiologist. Our field has changed dramatically in the last decade. I won't go into the effects of recent changes in health insurance and over all politics. Suffice it to say that I am working the hardest I have ever worked and being compensated at the lowest rate in my career. I do, however, feel lucky to have a job that I enjoy in a place that I love living. Glass has always been half full for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milod Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 I'd say that Obamacare has added to America's health "insurance" costs significantly from my own perspective - as in and extra $200 monthly for my corporate insurance plan. That's roughly the $2,500 "savings" promised when it was pushed through one party's dominated U.S. Congress as an untruth en route to that party's forcing a single-payer system as in Canada and the U.K. When I started in the newspaper and publishing business 50 years ago, a local newspaper was not only a significant purveyor of information in a single important source, it also was a significant employer. By roughly 1970, technology cut by roughly half the number of people involved in the production side of newspapers - magazines too, although usually less obviously at a local level. So the daily newspaper where I worked went from roughly 100 employees in a town of about 12,000 to roughly 50 when "offset printing" arrived. Some companies softened the blow to employees, others simply dumped a lot of craft-type "hot metal" workers. But there were few complaints because the new "offset printing" offered significantly better photos, options for improved design, better quality paper and even more readable type. It was a better product, but with half the employees. Nobody considered the impact of that on the "news and advertising source." The bottom line, however, to the product itself is that it was much prettier, but with less connection to the community. When computers arrived, and "big time" for design beginning around 1990, there was another "hit" in production departments and some shifting of responsibilities. But that also meant younger people who often weren't involved in the communities where they lived. Again, less connection to the community. The past five years the effects of over-leveraged growth in the business really hit - although the "blame" is put onto the Internet where it's far more difficult to find that "single source" of local information and advertising. Bottom line is that it resulted in further consolidation of production and across-the-board cuts. It's interesting how the "blame the Internet" has become an across the board excuse for other factors that date back to about 1970, plus or minus a few years, and the shrinkage of publications of all sorts due to production technology. In reality, it was the cost of expansion and now the costs of paying out to cover losses during the recession. Unintended consequences of corporates cutting people in any industry is that the perception of that industry is lessened. Significantly lessened. That's true regardless of the industry, but it's especially obvious in your local newspaper(s). Where once almost everyone knew somebody who worked "at the paper," it's increasingly rare. The newspaper and its staff contributions to local economies also shrank. Corporate "in and out in three to five years" as in other industries' local management practices brought another "shrink" in the local connection. So... the myth of "the internet hurt us" became perhaps a self-fulfilling prophecy. But for people in communities around the world, another unintended consequence is that they don't know local and regional "news" beyond what their social media tells them about their friends and such. I tell youngsters to forget about journalism as a career. I lived through perhaps the most creative of times, had opportunities that most folks only can imagine. Today it's more like pro football. A few talented folks at the right time and place and knowing or being seen by the right people may reach the pay scale and opportunity of a school teacher and beyond. The rest are simply paid less than low-end government clerical workers and respected even less. That's true of all "local media" compared to 30-50 years ago. A friend is the retired dean of a regional university's business school. He tends to blame "management" for poorly handling a lot of change in many "absorbed" companies. We all know "the work itself" is the greatest satisfying factor in the workplace, and management as potentially either a motivating factor or a greater dis-satisfying factor by making employees feel as if they are even less than pawns of bureaucratic policy. So... in response we have heard in this thread that regardless of our level of ability, decreasing numbers of us feel well-treated in today's corporate and economic environments. Interesting, eh? m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heymisterk Posted May 21, 2014 Author Share Posted May 21, 2014 Jeff best to you. I hope things improve for you. Thanks! Don't get me wrong: I still can't imagine doing anything else. Being a middle school teacher was something I feel I was put on this planet to do. Although it might make others cringe, I actually enjoy having a room full of hormonal, distracted, pre-adolescent kids. But thanks to strained budgets, micromanagement, so-called "accountability" minutia, and an increased viewpoint of education as business, teaching is a lot less fun - and frankly, less effective - than it used to be. I don't want to take this thread in any kind of political direction as some people have done, but suffice to say that teachers - in some circles - have become easy scapegoats for many societal ills. I am reasonably thick skinned, but it's hurtful to give your life to something only to be belittled by some very vocal and - sometimes - very powerful people. In my case, I was moved out of teaching 6th grade into teaching 7th grade, and as anyone who has kids can attest to, there is a lot of difference between the two ages; one grade only seems small. I did not want to move, but was moved to essentially boost student test scores, which were lagging in 7th grade. Is this a compliment? I suppose. But it also feels like a lot like that old bit of wisdom: People who do the best job get punished. I am not unique: I get that. But it's difficult when I think about some of The Good Old Days... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanvillRob Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Man.... I'm not sure I should weigh in here..... I've worked in manufacturing all my life. It's said that manufacturing, especially automotive manufacturing is dying in this country. So, after 46 years pretty much doing the same 'job', and 33 years at the same company, I just signed up for an additional 4 years at my job. I was set to retire at the end of next year, (2015), I'll be 66...but my company made me an offer I couldn't refuse... so I agreed to stick around until the end of the year in which I turn 70, (2019...providing my health remains). I make more now than ever, as many of you know, I absolutely LOVE my job, my 'bonus' is more than many make, my healthcare, (medical, dental, & vision) are fully paid by the company, as is my life insurance policy, and they contribute 15% of my salary into my 401k each year, (and I contribute another 15%...but the company contribution is not dependent on me putting in anything). I work for one of the richest families in the country, and my company is totally family owned. But they give me 'equity shares' in the business, based on it's assessed value and profit and cash on hand. Doesn't mean I own any of the company, but it does mean I share in how well the business does each year. If you think that's a small amount.... or a decent amount, you'd be wrong..... it means quite a lot financially, but even more importantly, it means that this wonderful family for which I work appreciates what I do for them. So fear not.... all is not lost in the job market. There are still great jobs with great companies. I'll go hide now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milod Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Hmmmm... MrK and others here work for a government bureaucracy; I and others work for corporate bureaucracies. Bob works for a family business. Who's happier with management? m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Man.... I'm not sure I should weigh in here..... I've worked in manufacturing all my life. It's said that manufacturing, especially automotive manufacturing is dying in this country. So, after 46 years pretty much doing the same 'job', and 33 years at the same company, I just signed up for an additional 4 years at my job. I was set to retire at the end of next year, (2015), I'll be 66...but my company made me an offer I couldn't refuse... so I agreed to stick around until the end of the year in which I turn 70, (2019...providing my health remains). I make more now than ever, as many of you know, I absolutely LOVE my job, my 'bonus' is more than many make, my healthcare, (medical, dental, & vision) are fully paid by the company, as is my life insurance policy, and they contribute 15% of my salary into my 401k each year, (and I contribute another 15%...but the company contribution is not dependent on me putting in anything). I work for one of the richest families in the country, and my company is totally family owned. But they give me 'equity shares' in the business, based on it's assessed value and profit and cash on hand. Doesn't mean I own any of the company, but it does mean I share in how well the business does each year. If you think that's a small amount.... or a decent amount, you'd be wrong..... it means quite a lot financially, but even more importantly, it means that this wonderful family for which I work appreciates what I do for them. So fear not.... all is not lost in the job market. There are still great jobs with great companies. I'll go hide now. Dang, I am impressed..,15% is relative, 6 figures or less?....if you don't mind me asking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfpup Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 ...Being a middle school teacher was something I feel I was put on this planet to do. Although it might make others cringe, I actually enjoy having a room full of hormonal, distracted, pre-adolescent kids. You just described my life, Mister K - and perhaps better than I could have myself. I've been doing this for 24 years and it still feels like play, so I do consider myself lucky. As for age, I've taught 6th-11th grades, but my preference is for 8th - old enough that they do not cry easily and get sarcasm, but young enough to be inspired and influenced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heymisterk Posted May 21, 2014 Author Share Posted May 21, 2014 Hmmmm... MrK and others here work for a government bureaucracy; I and others work for corporate bureaucracies. Bob works for a family business. Who's happier with management? m Very good point! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heymisterk Posted May 21, 2014 Author Share Posted May 21, 2014 You just described my life, Mister K - and perhaps better than I could have myself. I've been doing this for 24 years and it still feels like play, so I do consider myself lucky. As for age, I've taught 6th-11th grades, but my preference is for 8th - old enough that they do not cry easily and get sarcasm, but young enough to be inspired and influenced. Surf - Are you public or private/parochial? I think next year will be better: This year was school...for me, and I think I learned as much as the kids did! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfpup Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Surf - Are you public or private/parochial? Public. Feel free to PM me for some teacher talk. I've been through a fair amount of what the public school system has to offer over the years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milod Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 It's my observation from "covering" public education, private education and other "specialty" schools that there's been a huge increase in all teachers' "regulations" whether it's a public high school or a private gymnastics school. To me, that ends up meaning that there's more "putting into" the student than "leading out from." That latter is "odd" because "education" literally is from the Latin meaning "to lead out from," not "to cram into." I've also noticed that the way around having teachers feel they're being fenced into something they're not, and aren't convinced of it's efficacy, is a matter of administrations that encourage creativity rather than "it's not in the manual." m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfpup Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 It's my observation from "covering" public education, private education and other "specialty" schools that there's been a huge increase in all teachers' "regulations" It can be explained in four letters... NCLB! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'Scales Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Very interesting all - thanks for sharing. My story: When my job became redundant (according to someone...) at a global company 6 years ago I looked closely into teaching high school - I had some credits from an old degree that could have got me though Uni in 1-2 years and probably would have pursued it for the positive reasons mentioned previously by others (plus the long holidays!) - hats off to you guys by the way. I'd had a friend who followed that path at 49 y.o (much older than me at the time) who really enjoyed the change. Picked up a job in my industry but in a non-profit body with small staff and hardly any hierarchy. What a difference - still deal with issues - that's fine, it’s what the jobs for - but man, take away all the butt-kissing politics and 'career development' BS and cost cutting/profit enhancing #%*@ - and suddenly work becomes so much more tolerable! The pay is plenty good enough - though the opportunities to earn more are way less (doesn't worry me), I travel heaps (which gets old quickly) and have gotten to see more of the world, and most importantly get to live in the country with family around instead of being tied to major cities - which was cool when I was younger but give me the fresh air and real relationships in middle age. It ain't always great, and I'd still rather be fishing, but ultimately getting laid off was a blessing and opened my eyes to what is really important in life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Farnsbarns Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Hmmmm... MrK and others here work for a government bureaucracy; I and others work for corporate bureaucracies. Bob works for a family business. Who's happier with management? m As another happy employee I should say that I work for a family business as well. We were founded by my boss' grandfather and my boss' farther is the current owner. In many ways the smartest employers I've ever had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milod Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Surf... I think it's a lot deeper than that. And I don't think it's politics so much as some real concerns about some public schools in this country. Back when Bill Clinton was Arkansas governor, he tried to get some sort of standard teacher competencies. He basically failed due to pushback. I felt at the time that he deserved support on it. I lived in Memphis, but worked with him on two short occasions on other topics. But again, the pushback was revealing, especially from areas where anybody with an eye and an ear could tell that kids were at best, barely learning to read by the time they got high school diplomas. It appears some of the "NCLB" stuff already was rumbling around in Congress and with the Fed Eds by the time Bush was in office. Coming from an area with some excellent and some rotten schools, Bush wanted to do something to bring up the low end - but we ended up with a "one size fits all" solution that was awfully frustrating. When I lived in Memphis I had a friend, "African American," with a teaching masters, and his comment was that there was better education in "segregation" because the teachers and parents both cared more. I dunno because I was brought up with mostly "rural" northern plains "white" and "Native American" kids who were pretty much into education and what was seen as a standard "American" lifestyle. As I see it, we've a problem when "multi-cultural" means that in some places, very uneducated folks expect "public education" to change their children and communities into upper middle class suburbs without changing their own subculture (I include very rural "Indian" Reservations in this); and where anyone not in those places expects a high-end, individualized private school education for their kids who already have something of a true "head start" on education before they walk into a school. I won't even go into the changes brought into the system by "special education." I dunno. I think one problem in the US is a combination of media and some political desires to be "multi-cultural" instead of "national cultural," and yet also wanting a public education system that enforces a yet different (mostly urban middle and upper middle class left-of-center) perspective on a national and single "new culture" basis. I don't think that latter can work whether pushed by any of our political polarities - but I think it's inevitable for the feds to keep adding crud that teachers and administrators have to learn to live with. Then again, maybe I'm just a grumpy old man who got an excellent education from both the public and private schools I attended through high school until... the public schools got "modern" and the private school died trying to promote a "social gospel." m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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