#$@&%^!! 2.12.2007 | 5 Comment(s)

What I knew would happened has happened.

I hold a job for 2 and a half years and no matter how much I beg and plead for work, I don't get it (hence all the blogging). The Monday after I put my 2 weeks in, they bury me with so much backlogged crap I can no longer see the sky.

After some really good verbal one/twos to those responsible, I took a deep breath and remembered that I won't be here for much longer. Ah, that thought is so liberating. I'll get done what I can and whatever I don't get done is not my concern. Very Zen of me.

I still have a week's worth of vacation left, I'm going to lose that. For some reason I have this nasty "ethics" bone in me and I found myself telling my boss I'd do whatever it takes to help the transition go smoothly. I'm the only one in the company who does what I do, so I knew they'd be screwed when I quit...I took a sort of perverse pleasure in that. But, I made my bed and know I have to lie in it.

All that said, the 23rd can't come fast enough...I've totally checked out here, and it shows.

By  equals42, at 1:42 PM

Why would you allow a week's vacation that you earned just disappear without compensation? Why not work the last week for free too? Give up that paycheck. You obviously don't really want it very badly.

Leaving on good terms is a very good policy. Allowing them to walk allover you one last time is not. You finally have them by the short hairs and you let them screw you one last time? Get a backbone. Negotiate. Get them to pay you out that last week in return for working the last week. That extra money will help with the transition since sometimes it takes three weeks or so to see your first paycheck from a new job.

Please. I don't know you, but don't let them take a week of vacation from you for nothing.

By  Brick City, at 2:21 PM

It's obvious I'm bad at negotiation...plus, for some strange reason, I feel I'm leaving them in the lurch and this is my way of helping them out. It's a guilt thing.

After reading the your comment, I feel more inclined to take that week, and will probably say so...or get paid for it.

By  christy, at 10:32 AM

It's one thing not to take that week, it's a whole 'nother thing not to get PAID for it. I can't remember for sure how it works in Missouri, bu depending on how your vacation time is set up (like if time accrues, vs. awarded in a lump sum)your company may be obligated to pay you any unused vacation...

By  Brick City, at 10:40 AM

My time accures, and I've got about 6 days...but thanks to this post and the kick in the butt from it I told my boss I was taking some time

By  dustin, at 10:45 AM

You owe them nothing!

Take what is owed to you and hit the road. The days of the loyal employer/employee are long over (if they ever really existed). It's unfortunate, but almost the only way to get ahead is to switch jobs occasionally. Those who profit greatly from your work (they don't give you a job to be nice) accept the risk that you will have to be replaced on somewhat short notice. It's not personal -- it's business.

Friday is my last day at my current job. I gave them two weeks notice (though in my head I was out the door long ago). I will leave some things unfinished though I have tried to wrap things up as best I could. I am taking a month between positions. Even if money is a little tight, you rarely get a chance to take that kind of time for yourself. They owe me 3 weeks vacation and I will be paid for it. They owe it to me and that's how it works.

Congratulations on your new joband welcome downtown. And don't let the last job screw you (and don't screw yourself).