Well, it is tough because where I live, the place I used to work for was and still is considered the only game in town. Plus I don't want to work somewhere else and then have to leave to go back to where I was working (the place that I worked over 10 years at). I really do think they'll give me a job but they are not going to unless they have an opening or I am without a job. So far, neither one of those conditions have been met.
I cannot really follow, Manny - because you keep saying that they will not give you job as long as you are not without a job. That sounds like you think they will give you a job based on what you need. Knowing how companies operate, they will give you a job if they need to fill a position. And then you are in a much better bargaining position if you are still employed while you negotiate with them, because otherwise they can smell desperation, and then you will get a worse package. That's why I would not even have hinted at having issues in the job you work at now in the conversation with the person from your old job, but would have just stressed how much you miss the great camaraderie at your old employer and that your wife is not so happy with the long commute and that you would in fact love to be back - but never mention anything about trouble at the current employer, if you haven't done so yet, don't even hint at it. Also, just having one alternative is not enough. I think you gave some reasons why not in the past, but if none of the two work out, I guess you would have to consider relocation, no? I'm not trying to be negative here, I hope you know that.
Jackie, I know you are not being negative. I was told when I left my old job in June of this year after spending close to 10 and a half years there that I was a great employee and if I ever want to come back to let them know. I have stressed to them that I am unhappy but I have kept things that have gone wrong at the new place to a bare minimum to them. It boils down to the president and the HR director being big-hearted people and knowing me personally. I have gotten multiple impressions from him that they aren't gonna let me and my family starve but the timing is such, that there is nothing. They can make exceptions, of course (my original job there starting out was one that they created for me) but with it being the end of the year and such, there just needs to be more time for something to materialize there. I could start trying at other places but I have a feeling they'll have something for me even if it is in February or March. I don't want to work a job for a month or two and then quit again.
Thanks man - I know that it will and that God will look after me. I'm lucky that I have some people that can help me. As I said before, it is just a matter of when it will happen.
Manny, what happens if the staffing budget stays the same or is cut? Are you counting on them to let somebody else go to hire you?
Manny...keep your head up. I was in your position about a year ago so I know the feeling. I'm about 10 years older than you and the proposition of being out of work in this economy was daunting so I understand the angst you must be feeling. In my situation, it worked out. I had a rough first 8 months of 2010, but then my old boss and her boss both left my company after long stints and the new guys came in and turned out to be terrific. Long story short...i'm back and moving and grooving again. People CAN work themselves out of a hole. Just keep your head down...work your ass off and ask for feedback occasionally. They owe you that and it shows them you give a damn. Worst that can happen is you find out the truth but at least you know. To me, that was the worst part....the not knowing. Meanwhile, I reccomend preparing for being unemployed by being proactive. Get your finances in order. Revamp your resume, reconnect with colleagues, friends, former co-workers...anyone who can be a lead to a job. Spend your free time searching the internet and job sites. Practice your interview skills. This one is important. Its amazing how easily it can be to get out of practice. If you are doing all this...good for you. If not, just being proactive helps make the situation less pressure packed. Beats just waiting around for people who couldn't give a rats ass about you deciding your fate. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Take care.
Seems like you've mentally placed yourself in a position where you'll have to stick your head down (ignore the current BS at work) and charge at a target (Feb or March). But do you have to place all your eggs in one basket? I think looking for work now is still fair to your old employer. It's still business man, even if you're friends with the higher ups. Depending on the culture, they can carry a responsibility not to show favoritism to new employees because of past relations, like creating an entirely new position.... Finding a job now is legwork to what you would have to do in the coming months should you be laid off and there's a delay working at your old place. Do you expect to find a job instantly during a period where 2 businesses you know haven't hired new people? IIRC, the average gap is at least 3 months. Do you expect your old employers to open up a spot instantly should you be laid off? Maybe severance, maybe no. If that were to happen, and they eventually do open up a spot, how is your position for negotiating salary? Friends are friends. Business is business. Since you're employed, take the job search as an opportunity for networking. Expand your industry contacts, and get to know a target company better so you won't be in for another surprise. And if they don't have offers, make them remember you so when they do have openings, you'll be fresh in their memory. Do it now to flip those twos into Aces.
Manny, If there is anyone at all you know who can call and ask about the job posting (which you think is for your job), it will answer all your questions. Given their history of posting and removing, I would also ask about that. It could be that they've developed a bad habit of trying to light a fire under employees by doing this. What ever happens, just keep doing what you do as best you can. Oh and personally I think you should basically always be applying for jobs at regular intervals, whether you're happy or not at your workplace. At the very least, you'll have a better feel of what the job market is like while maintaining flexibility for yourself. Good luck.
TRANSMISSION RAY TO MANNY RAMIREZ 1653 CST - RAY GORDON REID CHICAGO IL USA 60610 JOB MARKIT BAD RAY GORDON REID NEWS SIRVICE HIRING EXPERIANCED CAMERA MAN BENEFITS SUBSTANDARD HAPPY HOLIDAYS
I would go by the old maxim "prepare for the worst and hope for the best." Just make sure to have all your documents in order. Oh, and make sure to proofread: this was on a document from a prospective client that I just received today (the end of his job history): Shift Superintendent- Newark, NJ - 1989 to 1992 Supervisor- Columbus, OH - 1885 to 1989
Manny, Sorry to hear about all of this. I'm sure you're a great employee, but maybe you rubbed someone the wrong way. Sometimes, no matter how well you do or improve, there will be someone who will try to get rid of you. Best wishes. Things will get better.
Okay, my 30 days ended yesterday. No one has said a word to me and I am leaving in 40 minutes. If no one still says anything to me about this tomorrow, what would you do? I hate to push the envelope and a part of me feels that common sense would say that I pass the probation since they are still letting me come to work every day and earn a paycheck... Yet, you would think that they would resolve this thing but as of right now, it hasn't happened yet.
Sounds like a complicated situation Manny, I hope whatever happens works out best for you and your family.
Do not talk to them about it. Remember to be the guy that's confident and not worried about the probation period. That's who they want to hire, not people who cause tension for them and worry.
Man, that's some prophetic **** right there. I keep trying to come up with jobs that exist in the world where you are NOT someone else's b****, but I simply cannot. If you're trying to earn a buck, the bottom line is you are always accountable to someone else. No matter what. Rep for you.
