5 Yrs. With a Company. Why Do I Not Feel Like Celebrating?
By KrauseHome
@KrauseHome (36445)
United States
July 12, 2011 3:30am CST
Many of you over the course of the time I have been a member here have been reading and following many of the things that have gone on where I work. Many of you have wondered how I have put up with it, or some of the coworkers there and manage to stay sane. Many days when I come home from work each night, I have asked myself many of these questions as well, but know at least it is a Job for now.
There are still many issues where I work. Overall, I think this is part of the reason I have so many Health related issues as well. Where I work is totally filthy, and just grouse. It smells like stale BO, urin, etc. The carpets have never been cleaned just vacumed, and you can see Black dirt on everything. (I actually have reported this, and in the process of reporting it to OSHA who will then contact my Doctors).
Then there is my Boss who is always ragging on me for something. Has even threatened to Fire me when I have called in sick. Getting to the point where I have contacted the proper places and threatened to file discrimination, etc. complaints on this end as well. Overall he is not nice, very judgemental and not an understanding bone in his body.
But with this being said the reasons I am still there is because nothing better has come along yet, or nothing been done to make me be able to leave, and I do have Medical with this place so for now I remain here, and hope for the Best. Will I be here another 5 yrs? Not if I can help it. God has got to allow me something better in time. Just continuing to Trust him to see me thru where I am now.
But it is 5 yrs. I am due a raise which I wonder when I'll get it, and I now am owed 3 weeks of paid vacation. But overall I guess it was something I in a way hoped I would never have to see.
~~TINA~~
4 people like this
17 responses
@celticeagle (189927)
• Boise, Idaho
12 Jul 11
I am glad to hear you have reported this place to OSHA. I think an employer has to be hard and I have known some really ungreat bosses. Ugh! But you do have medical so that is one plus in their direction. The threats of firing you because of your absences seems normal. I just used to stress over the same thing due to my depression and ongoing illnesses. As I have mentioned before i think you should apply with SS.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
28 Jul 11
Well, I have really considered applying again with Social Security and see what it would take to ever be accepted back on it. The problem would be how would I survive in the meantime as that means cutting my hrs. at work back to where I would be without Insurance as well and I know that would be a big mistake for sure. As for OSHA I have heard there have been some investigations going on where I work and questions being asked, etc. and not sure if it was from some of the things I have said or what. But I have been told I am protected from them for reporting and from my Doctor, etc. because if they ever decide to Fire me there would be a HUGE lawsuit on their hands. I am Diabetic and they know that that could be a HUGE fine if they ever fired me for sure.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189927)
• Boise, Idaho
28 Jul 11
If you didn't have that many hours couldn't you get help from medicaid? Yes, there would be a lawsuit.Glad to hear that OSHA is on the scene to some extent. But I just wonder how much of your ailments are made worse by the condition of your working environment.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
30 Jul 11
Personally I am sure a lot of my Medical issues, especially now that they are thinking I have Cellulitis on my left leg is caused from where I am working at. I would Love to somehow be a factor I could get help from somewhere else due to not being able to work a Full schedule right now. But the issue also is I am married, so there is not much help most places can even offer.
1 person likes this
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
12 Jul 11
I have only had one job where I stayed that long and I was looking for something else almost from the day I started. I did a good job there and whenever someone had a question about courier codes, I was able to spout them off almost as good as the lady that had been there for 20 years. I tried to make a game of it, but during slow times it was hard. When I was off work for my first cancer treatment (September 2003 - February 2004) it took three temps to do what I had been doing. When I came back, they let the temps go. Quite honestly, I don't see how people could stay with one job for 20+ years like they used to do in earlier generations. I don't know that I would be able to hold a job for more than a year again if I am able to return to work. I hope you are able to get things in order soon and that some decent jobs open up for people like you and me. Have a great week!!!
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
25 Jul 11
Well it would be nice if everything they are planning on doing Health wise with my leg would work this week and speed up the healing process so I can once again consider trying for a job somewhere else. It is a struggle going there in this crummy filthy work environment but for now it is somewhere that I am employed. (My husband has been at his job now for 26 yrs. and they keep on taking away everything to where my Medical, and vacation is a lot better than what he has as well.)
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
28 Jul 11
That is for sure, and it is SAD when places that tend to still offer the Best benefits when it comes to Medical, etc. are also some of the least caring and helpful. Makes me hope one day it is not one of them..
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
26 Jul 11
It is really sad when the places that used to have the best benefits are now treating their employees like third class citizens. I just wish it was safe for older people to try to retire, but the way things are going in this country, anyone will be lucky to be able to quit working in the form or "retirement".
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
15 Jul 11
They certainly haven't given you many reasons to celebrate your anniversary there have they? I hate that you still have to put up with the place. I am glad that you will be getting more money and some vacation time. You deserve it. Take care.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
3 Aug 11
Well, now that I have to take all Fridays off until the wounds on my leg are healed, I am not so sure my Boss is going to want to Honor my raise, but if he gives that excuse I may file a Complaint against that. But until my leg is healed the Medical is good so I guess that I have to do what I have to do.
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
12 Jul 11
Hello my friend KrauseHome Ji,
As I rememebr , on earlier occasions as well, I have tried to convey that 'TIME' is always on the move and where it will take you next moment, no one knows. Further Time never remains same. It always changes, in broader sense like Day and Nighty, it might be that you are near to DAWN, and when day comes, do greet with open arms. Thanks.
May God bless You and have a great time.
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
14 Jul 11
Well there are days that this is about the only thing I can do.
1 person likes this
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
15 Jul 11
Hello my friend KrauseHome Ji,
I am happy that you have nicely understood, what I meant. Thanks.
May God bless You and have a great time.
1 person likes this
@sanjay91422 (2725)
• India
13 Jul 11
I have respect for you for working in a single company for five years. I think in that case you must get some promotions or increment in your salary package.
I think if the company is earning the profit then you should ask for the increment.
I don't think one should care for a bad boss, you should act strongly with him and tell him that you will not take that non sense anymore.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
2 Aug 11
Personally I am due a Raise as they are supposed to give you a raise. Problem might be when I would get one, if they will even give me one due to my Medical issues and having to miss so much work right now, and then getting the amount I am due. There are people who have been there shorter time than me making more $$ than me. It does not matter to my Boss, and when I bring it up, he acts like no, they are not making more than me. It is quite frustrating.
@viju0410 (2286)
• India
13 Jul 11
Hi Tina,
Let me congratulate you for completing the fifth year with all the problematic conditions around the workplace. Fairly you have understood your 'boss' over the years. Very few get a good boss. Don't you agree with me we can't change others but we can change ourselves. please have a positive outlook and try to get something better than this. I am sure when you say you quit..... your boss will definitely give a good rise as 'bosses' never let the hard workers go. But then you will have your final say Mam. Best wishes.
Viju
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
2 Aug 11
Well, a lot of it now all stems on my Health as to when I feel is the Best time to move on. I feel things will happen, and my Boss then might realize that I was a valuable asset even while he complained about me as well.
@jillhill (37353)
• United States
12 Jul 11
Well I have been at the same place for 26 long years! I should have quit a long time ago but the money was so good it's hard to walk away from...plus vacations etc...just to start over some other place....I still look around with hopes of finding something about as good.....only a few years though for me until retirement!
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
28 Jul 11
Well, my husband just celebrated 26 yrs. at his company as well. The problem now stems to where I have better benefits, vacation, etc than he does, so he is really about ready to find something else, and would Love it to be closer to home for sure. Personally sometimes I think the reason some of the CRAPPY jobs out there, besides Fast Food offer good benefits etc. to keep people there knowing that it would be hard even at a better work environment to find what they are offered now.
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
12 Jul 11
Well, hang in there. It's an awful place to have to go to but it's better than unemployment. When I had a job I hated, I made sure that my life outside work hours was enjoyable enough to compensate for it. That made it easier to bear. I know what it is to be trapped in a job and with the economy the way it is, you don't have much of a choice other than staying.
You've done all you could to improve it so work on your before and after hours life and have some fun.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
23 Jul 11
Well yes even on the days I do not want to be there, it is better than being on the Unemployment line, and there are Good days along with the Bad.
@savypat (20216)
• United States
12 Jul 11
My friend I feel that you are in a very dark place right now. Stop take a paper and make a list of what is right with you, even if you can only think of one or two things, go over and over these in your mind. I ask your Angels to cover you with their wings to protect the you that is glorious and pure. Blessings
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
14 Jul 11
Thanks for your thoughts my friend. I know right now with everything going on, there is not much choice over that I can do, but I continue to Pray and believe for Great things and one of these days I will be able to look back and know it was worth it all. At least even in this Bad economy I have a job to go too even if it not always the Best.
@Chevee (5905)
• United States
12 Jul 11
Hi KrauseHome. I am sorry you are going through this with your present job. some of the reasons you don't feel like celebrating is because you aren't satisfied with where you are, you are not happy, you are stressful and when you are stressful you are easily discouraged. I am certain you have heard this before and I am going to say it again. God permits things to happen in our lives. He also gives us help with with what we need to change those things. God help will come to you but you will also have to do your part. I know you are there for the medical but in the mean time when you have some free time try looking for something else to do in the way of a job. Put forth an effort, and remind God of His promises through His Word. And follow his guidance. I will have you in my prayers. Because I have been where you are. I am in a place now where only God is providing for me. I give thanks to Him everyday. I am not where I want to be but I am where He is permitting me to be. Be blessed krauseHome.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
28 Jul 11
Well, yes I feel for some reason God is not finished with me yet at Puget Sound Dispatch where I am working. He knew I was going to face all these challenges and such with my Health and knew I needed the Best Health care out there to see me thru this. I know he is also helping the doctors and guiding their hands this time with the wounds on my leg situation and helping get these healed as fast as they can.
Yes I am believing and Praying and know God is in control. When it is time to move on the doors will open and I will be happy there. It just is a matter of time, Faith and believing in something great.
@cerebellum (3863)
• United States
12 Jul 11
Congratulations on lasting that long in those conditions! I hope you can celebrate by getting a new job. Wouldn't it give you a lot of satisfaction to just go in one day and say "I QUIT"!
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
23 Jul 11
Well right now the Medical is helping pay for all the Health issues that I am dealing with, and actually helping quite a bit, so even in these conditions there are some things for now keeping me there. When things are better and I know it is time to move on, then I will get another job knowing it will be worth it all just to go in there and let him know. Just knowing for now God is not finished with me there yet.
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
12 Jul 11
I am sorry you have to put up with a company like this. Nobody should have to work under these terrible conditions. Maybe if your doctor can prove that your medical problems were caused at work(I do believe you) maybe there will be somethig done.
I know it is hard to have a heartless boss. My husband has one as well. My husband's boss expects my husband to tell him wht plans we have and my husband is supposed to only make doctor's appoinments on his day off (which is Sunday and I do not know of any Doctors who work on Sunday). Whenever my husband asks for a day off because we have a prior commitment his boss will say you need to tell your stupid wife that work comes first and that she needs to do things on her own.
I wish you all the best.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
14 Jul 11
Wow!! And I thought I had a heartless boss sometimes. No, I am in the process of contacting OSHA with the appropriate paperwork on the condition of the place I work at and thinking that it is causing some of my Health problems and they have permission to contact my Doctor for medical records if need be. They might have to talk to other co-workers I work with though about things and not sure if anyone else would complain if confronted about the conditions in fear of loosing their job.
@hardworkinggurl (37062)
• United States
12 Jul 11
Hi Tina!
Firstly, Congrats on the 5 years of tolerating such conditions. It takes persistence to hold on to a job such as yours. Believe me I understand that we have to work and earn a living. I know you have tried to get a different type of job and to date nothing has come through.
The stress of your job certainly is adding and amounting to some of your health conditions. I do hope they get with OSHA standards and make some changes, but unless they are forced to it appears they simply won't.
I have faith and hope for you that life gets better and or you somehow get a better job as you have been dealing with way too much. As for your vacation time, anyway to take the vacation if they won't pay you for it?
Trya and have a wonderful week Tina. I am always including you in my prayers. 
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
23 Jul 11
Thanks so much my friend. Yes, I have the 3 weeks vacation time, and taking 2 of the days this next week when I go for the Lazer surgery, and then the Skin graph the next day. I just felt after these 2 things it would be better off to take those days off, and just come home and relax and be able to take care of me. Plus usually the day they do a skin graph I need to elevate my leg all weekend, and doing it at home is a lot easier and cleaner for sure.
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
12 Jul 11
Hi Tina. I don't know where you work or if you have a sit down job or if you have to stand up and move around. I'm just wondering if you can clean up your own work area. I mean if you are sitting at a desk you could maybe clean up your own work area. I have to ask...why does it smell like urine? Are people never flushing or peeing inside the bowl? The owner should be hiring a janitor or something.
If you are due a raise and vacation and the boss refuses to give it you may be able to fight that.
Wish you many blessings.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
25 Jul 11
Well the reason it smells like Urine in there is there are a lot of older men who work there that should be wearing some type of garments for leakage, etc. and who NEVER wash their clothes except for maybe once or twice a month so you always see them wearing the same clothes, and smelling like Strong BO etc. It is really grouse and if you say anything they pretend not to hear you.
Yes, I sit down all the time at a cubicle. The problem is everyone shares the cubicles and they have never been scrubbed down including the Floor mats, etc. and the chairs are falling apart and quite uncomfortable. Anytime anyone complains they say there is no $$ to do our room even though they constantly are redoing the offices, etc.
As for Vacation I am taking 2 days off this week, and 2 off next week taking time off so they can work on my leg, etc. I have filled out the Vacation requests so I should hopefully be getting paid for them as I have been there over 5 yrs. If I do not get paid for these you can guarantee I will be questioning why and know they will owe me for them.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
15 Jul 11
That kind of sounds like some of the situations that my husband experiences at his place of employment. The shop is filthy on the inside (of course, it is a machine shop so you wouldn't expect it to be "clean"). One of the owners of the company has really given him a hard time about the time that he has had to miss due to his medical issues and in addition to that, he just gets burned out at times. However, it is a job and at this point in time it is more than what a lot of people have.
I certainly hope that you are able to find something better in the near future.
@ravisivan (14082)
• India
31 Jul 11
Krause - U are working in a call center. I know it is difficult to work in one company because of the monotony of job. Added to that u have problem u do not like ur boss' attitude plus medical.
My suggestion - try to the be in the same company because with the medical problems u cannot cut the ice in a new company however much u try.
Accept what is given - be happy - now money is secondary for you. health is primary concern. I wish and pray to God Kruse should recover and be able to post I am 50% ok now. that day is to come soon.
@Shankerj (240)
• India
3 Aug 11
I Appreciate you completed 5 years in adverse working environment, Just take and enjoy your 3 weeks vacation now, your raise is also due, I hope things will get little more better after that.
Keep looking for a better job opportunity too.
