New Job - Week2 Day2 - These things can only happen to me!
By miamilady
@miamilady (4910)
United States
September 18, 2007 6:17pm CST
I got fired.
Sort of.
But not completely.
I kinda saw it coming, but I wasn't sure.
I didn't have much time to post yesterday so I didn't get to share that with you all. I'll summarize both days now.
When I did my interview, I told my boss that I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make it to the office by 10 everyday. We agreed that we would see how things went.
Basically she said. We'll say it's 10:30 so that I don't think of you as late if you can't get here by 10:00.
That was Tuesday.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, I got there by 9:50.
I figured all was well and getting there by 10 wasn't going to be a problem.
Well, Monday came.
PROBLEM
Traffic was SLOW.
My drive is 20 miles.
In Miami the flow of traffice on a 20 mile drive makes a HUGE difference.
I arrived at the office at 10:40.
I called her at 10:30 to tell her that I was 5-10 minutes away. She did not sound pleased.
The worse part, is that she wasn't even in the office.
I would have told her eventually, but I think if I hadn't called, I might not have gotten the reaction that I got.
The other problem...
This project that I'm working on is SLOW going.
When she showed me how to do it. She clearly said it was time consuming. Well, now I'm not doing it fast enough for her.
I'm making too many errors too. (she's right on that one but I'm getting better)
So, this morning I go in and she tells me it's not working out, for the reasons I mentioned, too slow too many mistakes. She didn't mention my being late.
I'm a pretty calm person. I kept my composure and asked her if she was disappointed in my speed or the amount of time I was giving her. She said my speed.
I asked her how long she thought each entry should take. She couldnt really give me an answer. I asker her how long it took her when she did it. Again, she really didn't answer that question.
Her answer was "not that long".
Still I kept my composure. I told her that I undertood. She went on to tell me how busy she was and how much she had to do and that she couldn't take the time to train me. I asked her if she had any other applicants and offered to help her out to the best of my ability until she found someone, if that's what she wanted.
She went from telling me that I could leave at 11:30 when she went to her appointment (and giver her back the key) to, wanting me to finish out the week.
Now, most would probably be mad and tell her where she could put her keys, I'm sure.
I just figured she's stressed, she had something else in mind and it's not going the way she expected. But she really is swamped so, the way I see it, firing me wasn't going to be better for her.
I took no offense. I offered my suggestion. It might not work out. She might change her mind because of the way I handled it (but I'm not holding my breath)
In the meantime, at least I'll be making some $$ that I wouldnt otherwise be making.
If it doesn't work out, then I go back to looking for another job and hopefully I'll find something closer to home this time.
Time for me to go make dinner. I'll be back later to see what you all think!
Personally, I think it's kinda funny. I got fired - but not completely?
12 people like this
31 responses
@theprogamer (10532)
• United States
19 Sep 07
Well things like this take time. The boss is being a little too impatient. Jobs require a transitional period and people don't just pick these things up, every workplace is different. Whatever you choose Miami, don't frown on yourself. Its not worth it. I'm sure you'll do great with this job or whatever job/option you choose to go for.
2 people like this
@BayleighGray (4334)
• United States
19 Sep 07
Your better than me Miami!! I DEF would have told here where to stick those keys. You handled it well I think, you kept your composure and was very professional about it.
First off, if she doesnt have time to train anyone, and seeing that you didnt have the experience already, then why did she waste your time in hiring you only to fire you a week later? She doesnt seem like she knows what she is doing else she would have had things prioritized and known what she needed from the person she hired.
Secondly, she tells you its not working out but wants you to finish the week? That makes no sense at all! LOL I could see if you were not up to par by say in a month, but to only allow you less than a week to be up ther "her standards" seems a bit absurd. I think its wrong for an employer to expect something from you that they themselves cant accomplish within the time frame they expect.
Sounds like you are better off without her as an employer, you may have ran into more trouble than it was worth. Im so sure you will find something better suited for you!
Good Luck!
Bay xx
1 person likes this
@BayleighGray (4334)
• United States
19 Sep 07
Let me correct myself, 2 WEEKS! lol
1 person likes this
@dopey22girl (3319)
• United States
19 Sep 07
Well that sucks, and I'm sorry. It sounds to me that your boss should have been a little more understanding that since you were knew it was going to take a little time for you to adjust to how things are done, and if she expects that from all her new employees, she's going to have a hard time finding one that is good enough. I hope things work out for you!
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
20 Sep 07
I can understand to an extent. You haven't mentioned (I think) what the work entails so it's a bit hard to give an opinion.
10 am is pretty late in the day to be starting work and I'v always found if traffic can be a problem, you just have to leave earlier...people are relying on you to be there at a certain time.
It's a bit tough tho'to say you're not working fast enough or well enough when she says she can't afford the time to train you...that's just silly.
To me, training, or lack of it, is what makes or breaks a business and that goes for staff AND bosses.
This lady is struggling and pulling you down too.
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
19 Sep 07
That's not fair. Usually when you start a new job your on a trial basis and one week is not enough to determine whether you are the right person for the job, at least 3-6 months I would assume. I think she was being picky and not giving you a chance to settle into the job, hell one week is not long enough to be trained and to get yourself up to the speed she wants you to be. Hmmm I would be very pi$$ed off for sure if that happened to me.
Hmm if you were having problems this early into the job, just imagine what it would be like later on, maybe its a good thing ?!?
1 person likes this
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
19 Sep 07
Hi miamilady! Yes, that is quite vague! I guess, your boss is just some kind of pressure and she is taking the steam off on you. Maybe, she will have a change of heart after she cools down. However, I admire your calmness and diplomacy in dealing with her. I think if she fires you, she is losing the opportunity to work with a realiable and effective person. Take care and have a nice day.
@sweetgirl_k1 (3972)
• United States
19 Sep 07
You handled that very well. I don't know that I would finish out the week, that's just me. She sounds like someone you don't want to work for anyway. She shouldn't have hired you in the first place if she didn't have time to train you. That just kinda sounds like an excuse she came up with.
1 person likes this
@RobinJ (2501)
• Canada
19 Sep 07
I have walked in your shoes on this one, employers do not understand that they are fast and correct only because they were allowed the time to become that way no one is born knowing how to do one particular thing, we all have to learn, and we all have our own way of learning, some things i walk in look and see and I have got it, others it takes me months to get it. I admire the way you kept your composure and made excellent suggestions, it may not save you your job, but it will impact her the same. and she hasn't figured out yet that the next person who she hires may have the same problems as you do or even worse no desire to actually work. I showed up and you expect me to work as well? I don't think so and believe you me there are a lot of people out there like that. If you get to stay for the rest of the week do you darnedest to be more than helpful., sort of make her regret not having kept you and spent the time to train you properly, and that is the problem you need to be trained, you don't just know, and she will have to go through this several times and all the more getting further and further behind. Take care Robin
1 person likes this
@soccermom (3198)
• United States
19 Sep 07
Miami, what a bummer! I can totally identify with the time thing. I was lloking for a second job since hubby and I had some financial set backs this last month but no one wanted to hire me because my other job and schedule with the kids was too difficult ot work around. I started working from home for a teleservices company. It was slow getting started and I'm only making $8 an hour, but it's extra money and I can work from home and set my own schedule, today I even took myself off the schedule for tomorrow because I need a break and there is no repercussions. I hope you find something that works for you, no money means more stress and we all know how that goes!
1 person likes this
@plumwish07 (4057)
• Indonesia
19 Sep 07
wow dear,
if your boss as like the devil wears prada eventhough a little, i can imagine how you should be working to fulfill her demand coz your boss will be the perfectionis person. i m sorry to hear that you got fired but i believe you feel little bit happier can be quit from the job like that. i know, it will make you struggling hard to overcome billing and credit card statement at the moment, but dont give up, ok? i believe you will able to handle this matter
@miamilady (4910)
• United States
19 Sep 07
Thanks. I forgot to mention in my original post...If you ever saw the movie The Devil Wears Prada...she is a little like the boss in that movie! Not quite as bad, but she has some similarities!
@mummymo (23706)
•
19 Sep 07
Sounds like your boss is really stressed and not thinking straight! I have to say I am very impressed with the way you handled the situation - most of us would not have handled it anywhere near as well as you did and who knows you might have done enough to save this job! I would be worried however at working for someone who did not have time to train you but expected you to be super fast within a week - sounds like sje really needs more than just office help sweety! xxx
1 person likes this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
19 Sep 07
I can't believe how well you are handling it. I guess because you know it wasn't a good fit for you. Good luck finding something else closer to home and a better fit.
1 person likes this
@nmhschic2004 (1238)
• United States
19 Sep 07
Wow now thats something new. Ive never heard a story quite like this. Usually when you get fired your fired. You dont come in to finish the week out. She should have been at least able to answer your questions. If she is letting you go then you have a right to know what the reason is. And if she didnt have time to train you the way you should have been then someone else should have done it. I say your boss has a very poor work attitude.
1 person likes this
@HomeFlower (987)
• Canada
19 Sep 07
I'm sorry the job didn't work out for you sort of and I don't mean to get a giggle at your expense but it is funny that you got fired but not really.
Maybe by the end of the week things will improve and you'll find yourself unfired. If not, I'm sure better things are ahead for you.
@miamilady (4910)
• United States
19 Sep 07
It's okay for the giggle. I was kinda laughing about it myself. ;-)
@Stiletto (4579)
•
19 Sep 07
Well good for you for dealing with it so well. You handled it in exactly the right way and if your boss is smart she will keep you. It's rare to find an employee who is prepared to accept criticism in a calm and positive way which is what you did. I hope it works out for you but even if it doesn't being fired is not the end of the world - I've been fired twice and it didn't do me any harm.
@jillmalitz (5131)
• United States
19 Sep 07
I'm am proud of your composure and maturity. I have been in jobs before that were handled nearly that bad. If they dont think you can do the job and dont have the time to train you why hire you? I also understand the problem with traffic. Here in Houston it is a mess. That is one reason I am trying(without much sucess) to find an online job. There are a bunch of call center jobs but I have not been able to get one of those. Good luck to you.
@agnescav (566)
• United States
19 Sep 07
I got fired in a week once, but not exactly. We agreed to part ways.
You are not entirely comfortable in the idea of going back to work. Somehow, to you, it means abandoning your children
If you do not need the money, I think you should spend more time volunteering at your kids school. This work was invaluable on my resume after they were done elementary school.
@miamilady (4910)
• United States
19 Sep 07
Actually, I'm okay with working part time, as long as there is some flexiblity. We are now in a position where we do need the money. We aren't starving yet, but things are getting really tight.
Credit cards are maxed out etc. Time for me to go to work! Thanks for your response.
1 person likes this
@andyliuzn (1029)
• Guangzhou, China
21 Sep 07
Hi ML,
Thanks for sharing your working days.
Well sounds that you were not that smooth with your new job.Sorry to hear that you were late for work in one of the day and you didn't have got enough encouragement from your boss.
Well, to tell the truth, it really takes time for some one to get used to a new job and it also depends on our own effort that we could make something done well.
Wish you good luck and all the best in the new job and the next new one.
Andy
@TripleS519 (206)
• United States
19 Sep 07
That is kinda funny and I can relate. I once worked as a Manager of a small retail store. I was younger only about 18. Never once did any of my regional or district mangers come in and tell me what I was doing wrong or what I was doing right or anything. Well, after 2 year of managing this place, I come into work and find my regional and district manager sitting in my store. There was another guy there as well. They told me they had to talk to me and in private. Basically they told me I was to young for the job and needed someone more mature, but they wanted me to stay with the company. Oh yeah, and the President of the company is comming in today so don't mention anything to him. What???? I thought. Well, I figured out that the other guy that was there would take my place and I would be his assistant. Fun. So the president comes in and begins telling the other guy what a wonderful job he was doing and how sales have gone up in the past two years. I just bite my tounge. But I left two weeks later for a better job. Well, until they screwed me over too. But sounds like you have the same luck I do. It's probably better that you didn't just walk out because now at least you may have a good reference for a better job.
@miamilady (4910)
• United States
19 Sep 07
That was awful what they did to you! Those are the kind of people that make me angry. I probably won't use her as a reference unless something changes this week. I wasn't living up to her expectations. I'll keep you posted.
