I hope true justice prevails

[Rabs]

Now im not one for usually starting personal threads.. I dont like sharing my whole life on the internet (why im not on facebook and the like) but this has really eerked me so I wanted to share..

 

Basically was made redundant in January, the whole thing is a mess cos it was a business bought from my father, things havent worked out for the new guy as he didnt have a clue about the business and refused to take advice from my parents who had been running the business for 30 years and my grandad owned it before that. So it was a sucessful business for like 60 years before this happened.

 

The new owner is having such troubles he was not paying on time, ignoring people he owed money too ect (im not gonna go into the whole thing lol).. But he hasnt paid me since January (was made redundant on 13th Jan) and owes me money for December, January and a months notice.. (and owes my father ALOT of money some for nearly two years now)

 

So I have had to start an employment tribunal to try and get the money back which I really didnt want to do but have no choice. Has anyone else out there been through this? How long did it take?

 

Now why am I posting this here? Cos I have a 2008 Standard LP (as alot of you have seen :P) that I was meant to be paying off for. I had some of the money saved before all this but have had to use it to survive the last few months.. I have till June 29th to get £1300 so its only gonna happen if I get this money and get a new job soon which if I do SORTED.. but thats a big if.. (and the 2008s are disscontinued now and its wine red ) and if not, ebay here we come :(

 

Lets put it this way, if I didnt have amazingly kind parents (who dont want to see me loose my home) I would have been out on the streets already. I know theres lots of people out there in worse situations who dont have support so consider myself lucky in that respect.. Its just sad that things have come to this.

[Cruznolfart]

Sounds like a mess, Rab. Hope you get it sorted out in due order and can get back to pickin' and grinnin'.

[SlashPerryBurst]

Don't know much about the tribunal, but I've been on the dole line before. Hated it and I can understand your pain. Perhaps you could try busking to make a little cash.

[Rabs]

Don't know much about the tribunal, but I've been on the dole line before. Hated it and I can understand your pain. Perhaps you could try busking to make a little cash.

 

Cheers guys...

 

And lol, these days in London you need a license to busk.. cant even do that tax free any more

 

Im being all light hearted right now about it, but I have had a really unlucky career, been made redundant like 6 times in the last fifteen years and each time (mostly) was at least six months till i got another job, last time it was over a year... (comes from being over specialised, im either not experiences enough or too experienced)

 

So just have to keep on trying to find work and keep my finger crossed.. Its really tough out there right now.

 

But really.. thanks for the replys guys.. the support on here is really nice to see :) helps me through it all a bit (and I know alot of people are in worse situations, but it wont be long before im one of them)

[Kelvinator]

The same thing happened to friends (and customers) of mine that sold a thriving restaurant. The person that bought it ran it into the ground within two years - ruining a fine reputation. They owed everyone in town, including me, and the original owners.

 

The original owners had to take back the business, re-establish accounts, re-build the clientele, and restore the restaurant's reputation. This took them about 2 years to accomplish. They've since sold it and it's doing well again - so these guys (in their late 70s) can finally retire.

 

Unfortunately, nobody runs a family business like family. I don't know your situation, but it may come down to taking over and building the business again, or walking away. I don't know how things are done across the pond, and I don't know what agreements or contracts were made, but it's probably time to seek legal help.

 

I hope it turns out well......

[Thunderchild]

Will be praying for you Rabs.

TC

[SlashPerryBurst]

Licence to busk... They should have that in Glasgow. Would maybe get rid of the tuneless wonder. Incidentally, he parked himself across from a store I worked in for hours. Nearly every customer who came in had a laugh at him. You could always look into the busking licence. Providing it's not priced sky high, a bit of talent and an unusual playlist may just make it worth your while.

 

Personally, if I wanted to busk, I'd do classical music, such as Bouree in E minor, Canon, fur elise etc and can't forget to stick classical gas and cavatina in there too. If you do go down that route, use a relatively cheap acoustic so you don't have to worry about some thug eyeing up an expensive guitar. I couldn't make money by busking in Tokyo. I've seen great players get next to nothing. Japanese people don't really stop to listen. Hell, I even once saw a girl strip naked and passers by didn't even look at her... But then again, that was on the internet. She was in Shinjuku though.

 

And back on topic, I was once unemployed for a year and a half. Not through choice. I even applied for a job doing data entry. The ad listed 35 words per minute. I can do more than double that, yet was told that I didn't have the experience. I would add that I have been paid triple what they were offering, so I think it's safe to say that I did have the experience. Just keep your head down and get on with it. I know how frustrating it is to read/listen to these excuses from employers when the fact of the matter is that you're perfect for the job, but they lost interest in finding the right candidate after the first 50 applications... Tough times out there. I found it best to go round looking for signs in windows. 90% of the time, when you're face to face with the person, they'll be honest with you as they don't have time to be diplomatic.

[Rabs]

The same thing happened to friends (and customers) of mine that sold a thriving restaurant. The person that bought it ran it into the ground within two years - ruining a fine reputation. They owed everyone in town, including me, and the original owners.

 

The original owners had to take back the business, re-establish accounts, re-build the clientele, and restore the restaurant's reputation. This took them about 2 years to accomplish. They've since sold it and it's doing well again - so these guys (in their late 70s) can finally retire.

 

Unfortunately, nobody runs a family business like family. I don't know your situation, but it may come down to taking over and building the business again, or walking away. I don't know how things are done across the pond, and I don't know what agreements or contracts were made, but it's probably time to seek legal help.

 

I hope it turns out well......

Will be praying for you Rabs.

TC

 

Again thanks guys.. much appreciated :)

 

And yeah my parents also started legal action.. I only started wokring there two years ago and my parents are retired now, but yeah its a damn shame this idiot has ruined the companies reputation strangely enough in the last two years..

 

The thing is we think in a way hes waiting for them to sue him so he can save face with his family "ohh i didnt have a choice but to close the business as they sued me" sort of thing.. If that happens I will get nothing as the business will just close and my parents are sueing him as a person rather than the business so they can still maybe get something, but the guy is Chinese so we think he may do a runner (not cos hes chinese, just cos hes from abroad).. We will as ever see.

[Guest farnsbarns]

Cheers guys...

 

And lol, these days in London you need a license to busk.. cant even do that tax free any more

 

Im being all light hearted right now about it, but I have had a really unlucky career, been made redundant like 6 times in the last fifteen years and each time (mostly) was at least six months till i got another job, last time it was over a year... (comes from being over specialised, im either not experiences enough or too experienced)

 

So just have to keep on trying to find work and keep my finger crossed.. Its really tough out there right now.

 

But really.. thanks for the replys guys.. the support on here is really nice to see :) helps me through it all a bit (and I know alot of people are in worse situations, but it wont be long before im one of them)

 

You're in London? Hmmm, What's your skill set? In my business I deal with a lot of small businesses and "network" with even more.

[SlashPerryBurst]

One more thing Rabs. I'm not sure what kind of commitments you have (family etc), but when I finally got a job after a year and a half on the dole queues, I saved as much as I could. My job was only for six months and I didn't want to end up back on the dole queues at the end of the six months.

 

With a couple of grand in hand, I applied for a working holiday permit for Canada. When I was there, I met my wife and I'm now living in Tokyo. We plan on going back to Canada in a few years, albeit, permanently. I got myself out of the rut. I know that your situation is complicated, but try thinking outside of the box. You may just change your whole life.

[Rabs]

You're in London? Hmmm, What's your skill set?

Mostly computers..

 

2 years as an assistant sound engineer

15 years in the computer games industry as a designer, producer and started as a tester

2 years as a video/sound editor for the BBC

2 years as an IT manager in my last job (server 2008r2 and Exchange 2010)

 

So I know alot about PCs and can project manage (used Agile in the job before last).

 

So a slightly odd career but encompasses alot of developmet, project management and technical skills and also have design skills so can be creative when needed :)

 

Whys that? any ideas will be appreciated ;)

[LarryUK]

Rabs. If you're having trouble. Go for an IVA. I did one two years ago. It's a step down from bankruptcy. But you keep your house and lower your payments.

I was paying over a £1000 per month. I'm now paying £232 and you're debt free after 5 years.

I got into trouble after an operation and was off work for over 6 months, All I could get was £62.35 a week to live on after paying in for 30 years.

At least look into it. Good luck.

[Rabs]

And back on topic, I was once unemployed for a year and a half. Not through choice. I even applied for a job doing data entry. The ad listed 35 words per minute. I can do more than double that, yet was told that I didn't have the experience. I would add that I have been paid triple what they were offering, so I think it's safe to say that I did have the experience. Just keep your head down and get on with it. I know how frustrating it is to read/listen to these excuses from employers when the fact of the matter is that you're perfect for the job, but they lost interest in finding the right candidate after the first 50 applications... Tough times out there. I found it best to go round looking for signs in windows. 90% of the time, when you're face to face with the person, they'll be honest with you as they don't have time to be diplomatic.

Tell me about it.. lol ive heard it all..

 

Half the time you just dont hear anything back.. that gets really frustrating after a while..

 

The last interview I went to in December (cos I saw this coming).. I knew I could do the job, I had worked there before and had friends inside there.. I didnt get it cos I didnt use management talk.. man how that anoys me.. because I said Bug Report rather than KPIs (key performance indicators) and stupid buzz words they use I apparently didnt have enough experience.. yet the jobs been on the market for six months and they still havent hired.. its just total madness... So rather hire someone who knows all the buzz words but doesnt have the experience.. arggghh dont get me started lol

[Rabs]

Rabs. If you're having trouble. Go for an IVA. I did one two years ago. It's a step down from bankruptcy. But you keep your house and lower your payments.

I was paying over a £1000 per month. I'm now paying £232 and you're debt free after 5 years.

I got into trouble after an operation and was off work for over 6 months, All I could get was £62.35 a week to live on after paying in for 30 years.

At least look into it. Good luck.

I know its crazy right.. even now you get £67 a week, and thats contribution based benifits meaning cos I paid my taxes and stamps.. and what do people get who dont ever pay a penny £65 a week.. and I had to fight for that extra £2 a week... its just maddening.. how you meant to live on that.. (oh dear this is turning into a rant thread )

[Rabs]

One more thing Rabs. I'm not sure what kind of commitments you have (family etc), but when I finally got a job after a year and a half on the dole queues, I saved as much as I could. My job was only for six months and I didn't want to end up back on the dole queues at the end of the six months.

 

With a couple of grand in hand, I applied for a working holiday permit for Canada. When I was there, I met my wife and I'm now living in Tokyo. We plan on going back to Canada in a few years, albeit, permanently. I got myself out of the rut. I know that your situation is complicated, but try thinking outside of the box. You may just change your whole life.

Luckily i have no real commitments other than my mortgage and bills.. so im hoping something comes up soon. if it does I will be ok.. its just such a big if right now.

[SlashPerryBurst]

I know its crazy right.. even now you get £67 a week, and thats contribution based benifits meaning cos I paid my taxes and stamps.. and what do people get who dont ever pay a penny £65 a week.. and I had to fight for that extra £2 a week... its just maddening.. how you meant to live on that.. (oh dear this is turning into a rant thread )

 

Well I was living by myself and was getting £55 per week IIRC. I was 21 or 22. I remember saying at the jobcentre how ridiculous it was. I don't get a discount at the supermarket because of my age, do I? The price of a loaf is the same for everyone. I remember an older friend who lived with his mother and got the higher rate, despite the fact that she bought all his food, did his cooking/cleaning etc. Still, at least he bought me a beer every now and then.

 

Luckily i have no real commitments other than my mortgage and bills.. so im hoping something comes up soon. if it does I will be ok.. its just such a big if right now.

 

Well I hope things work out for you. Do you have a spare room? Perhaps you could rent it out if you do. Or turn the living room into your bedroom. Might sound like a nightmare, but as long as you get a decent tenant it should be okay.

[Rabs]

Well I was living by myself and was getting £55 per week IIRC. I was 21 or 22. I remember saying at the jobcentre how ridiculous it was. I don't get a discount at the supermarket because of my age, do I? The price of a loaf is the same for everyone. I remember an older friend who lived with his mother and got the higher rate, despite the fact that she bought all his food, did his cooking/cleaning etc. Still, at least he bought me a beer every now and then.

 

 

 

Well I hope things work out for you. Do you have a spare room? Perhaps you could rent it out if you do. Or turn the living room into your bedroom. Might sound like a nightmare, but as long as you get a decent tenant it should be okay.

Cheers man... and no, have a one bed flat so no room for anyone else or I would do that for sure.

 

Fingers corossed I guess (and put in the work to find a job)...

[Morkolo]

Good luck Rabs, I know all about not getting paid on time. My first real job in construction was as a laborer on cement pours, tamping basements, shoveling and wheeling fill, etc. at the age of 16. I worked 50-60 hour weeks for two months for a former (notice the word former) friend of the family and at the end of the day still hadn't been payed. I let it slide for about a month until I got fed up and had to repeatedly call him on his cell to "remind" him he hadn't payed me yet... eventually I got paid after him throwing out feelers to see if I'd settle on a dozen beer. Funny how attitudes change when you threaten to throw it through a windshield.

[SlashPerryBurst]

Cheers man... and no, have a one bed flat so no room for anyone else or I would do that for sure.

 

Fingers corossed I guess (and put in the work to find a job)...

 

Ah. That was all I could really think of. I hope things work out for you. I had to sell a guitar (A Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop with P90s and heavy as hell, just how I like them) to help finance my trip to Canada. I know this might seem like sacrilege around the forum, but if the worst comes to it, maybe you'll have to sell your guitar. I know it is a discontinued model, but as others have said (in different threads), it is just a guitar. And a lot of the 08 standard owners seem enthusiastic about the 2012 standards, which you'll be able to pick up when things are looking a bit better. As a fellow les paul fanatic, I've had to make cuts in the past. It's difficult, but I still have my #1. Now things are looking up, I can start looking for the new #2, #3, #4 and #5.

 

Good luck Rabs, I know all about not getting paid on time. My first real job in construction was as a laborer on cement pours, tamping basements, shoveling and wheeling fill, etc. at the age of 16. I worked 50-60 hour weeks for two months for a former (notice the word former) friend of the family and at the end of the day still hadn't been payed. I let it slide for about a month until I got fed up and had to repeatedly call him on his cell to "remind" him he hadn't payed me yet... eventually I got paid after him throwing out feelers to see if I'd settle on a dozen beer. Funny how attitudes change when you threaten to throw it through a windshield.

 

That's a really shady story. Case of beer, what an idiot that (former) friend of the family really is. One of my old landlords had a ceiling collapse (thankfully, next door when the neighbours were at work). The guy was a complete idiot, but he threw some work my way. It was dirty work, but I needed the money. Tonnes of rubble and water damage all over the place. He tried to get out of paying me, but he eventually paid me when I reminded him that he, being the blabbermouth that he was, had told me where his son, daughter and wife worked. I would never have harmed them. I'd just have told them very publicly in their place of work what a cheapskate their dad/husband really was.

 

It's a shame, but sometimes drastic measures are necessary.

[Rabs]

Ah. That was all I could really think of. I hope things work out for you. I had to sell a guitar (A Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop with P90s and heavy as hell, just how I like them) to help finance my trip to Canada. I know this might seem like sacrilege around the forum, but if the worst comes to it, maybe you'll have to sell your guitar. I know it is a discontinued model, but as others have said (in different threads), it is just a guitar. And a lot of the 08 standard owners seem enthusiastic about the 2012 standards, which you'll be able to pick up when things are looking a bit better. As a fellow les paul fanatic, I've had to make cuts in the past. It's difficult, but I still have my #1. Now things are looking up, I can start looking for the new #2, #3, #4 and #5.

 

Yeah I know.. When I re-read my thread in some ways I sound like a spoilt brat.. but each guitar I own is special to me and were choosen for specific reasons and I worked damn hard to pay for them.. (in the case of the 2008 it was the colour, locking tuners and asymetrical neck (which we may never see again)..

 

I know if it comes to it I will have to sell and its not the worst thing in the world.. but still its annoying as its not my fault but the fault of an idiot who didnt know what he was doing so I loose because of it .. and I laughed at your comment as I said the same thing to someone the other day about if I do sell it I WILL get one of the 2012s when (if) things pick up again lol...

[SlashPerryBurst]

Selling a great guitar is always difficult. It may be a while before I even see a Goldtop with p90's for sale. Especially one that isn't chambered. Sorry, but it's not my thing. But you seem to have good experience, and when you land a job, you'll be able to buy yourself another. Or two. Or three... Jeez, Gibsons are like chocolate hobnobs. :)

[sellen]

Ain't a bigger drag than not get paid.

 

Made me think about my work. Have worked as a welder 20 years at the same firm onshore and offshore. The union is really strong never any bulls..t. The union club at the firm i get 1000$ to dentist and 700 $ to eye glasses once a year if i need and free medecine. If the firm run temporary out of work and have to temporary let us go home i get 700$ on top of what i get from the government. So no work is just fine

 

Enough bragging about my stuff, your shitty situation just made me reflect a bit. Hope it works out for ya

[jdgm]

Rabs

 

Take a look at this. Just an idea.

 

http://www.creative-assembly.com/jobs/

 

I had trouble loading the page but eventually got it.

They are based in Horsham so you'd have to travel.

If you do send them your CV make sure it's well presented. I'm sure you will.

Suggest you do this (maybe you already did) for any music/games co. you know or like that has a site and jobs page?

And yeah, for many of these places I guess you have to talk the talk.

Keep the faith, times WILL change; I was made redundant twice, 10-12 yrs ago and lucky to get my present job AND survive the latest 'restructuring'.

 

Best wishes

[Rabs]

Rabs

 

Take a look at this. Just an idea.

 

http://www.creative-assembly.com/jobs/

 

I had trouble loading the page but eventually got it.

They are based in Horsham so you'd have to travel.

If you do send them your CV make sure it's well presented. I'm sure you will.

Suggest you do this (maybe you already did) for any music/games co. you know or like that has a site and jobs page?

And yeah, for many of these places I guess you have to talk the talk.

Keep the faith, times WILL change; I was made redundant twice, 10-12 yrs ago and lucky to get my present job AND survive the latest 'restructuring'.

 

Best wishes

Hi there. and thanks for taking the time to do that.

 

I am on their books actually.. Ususally the issues are either the jobs arnt in London or that sometimes these sites put these jobs up that are already gone but they keep them up for a bit to generate interest in their sites... OR as said previously that they get so picky about people at the moment, like if you have one tiny thing missing on your CV they say no or whatever excuse. Its really frustrating, often you just dont even get the chance to interview just cos theres so many people looking for work (and its a small industry in those terms) so they get extra choosey.. Its like, man, I can learn for ***s sake :)

[TommyK]

No, I haven't been through this, but if he owes your dad money, I suspect your dad sold sold the business on contract, i.e. he financed it. Bad move. If no bank would lend the guy money, why would someone not in the business of lending money want to take that risk? But that ship has sailed. When it goes to foreclosure, your dad will get the business/property back. Not sure if this other guy's debts, your pay and others', supplies, raw materials, etc, will fall on your dad. I'd say sue this guy, it's not your dad's business any more. Don't feel bad about going after what's yours. You will likely be standing in line with the other creditors, like your dad.

 

I've seen family businesses sold out where one or two family members stay on. It usually isn't pretty. If the business tanks, the remaining family member gets upset that the new owner (and employer) has destroyed the family business. Most times new owners, if they are smart, won't keep family members on staff, but they will if they have to. It seems to be a small concession to get a transfer negotiated. Then the new owner waits for the day when the remaining family member's contract is up, then terminates. This is how I usually see it happen.

 

When a family member stays on, one has to wonder, why did they not just take over Dad's business? Beyond that, it is a vocal employee who knows 'better' how the business should be run. Both the new and old owners may have valid and workable solutions to the business plans, but having two divergent points of view is deadly.

 

Seldom does a buyer want to continue the status quo. Usually he wants to grow a business and this takes risk. A family business, usually, is conservative and protects what it has and does not take on as much risk in order to grow, and therefore either stagnates or grows slowly.

 

 

 

Go after your money that is owed. And start looking for another job. Be prepared to be called back by your dad as he tries to resurrect the family business. It's probably best that he doesn't. It could break him. Just put the assets up for sale again.