Thanks for the Memories...
Uh, sort of...everyone was said to see me go. I was such a great asset to the company. Everyone loves me. But, of course, no one wanted to chip in for a gift. Over the last several years with this company and department there have been countless weddings, babies and departures requiring gifts for which I have dutifully contributed some of my hard-earned dollars. Already married and childless-by-choice, I didn't expect to see a reciprocation in kind. However, upon giving my notice and hearing so many repeated sentiments of mixed feelings--happiness for me and sadness over losing me--I thought that I would at least merit a small token of appreciation. The late afternoon of my final day, I saw just how small...a card. I got a single card with a small cake in a poorly executed "surprise." My boss, being far from the sharpest crayon in the box, had me and our intern in her office for a meeting with a sad excuse for closing the door (so I wouldn't notice people gathering). She then got a call and took it (sadly, not uncommon action during one of our meetings, despite how rude it is). "Uh huh, you need us--okay." "Come on."

What cunning! No explanation or excuse. We then pause at the training room door, which is actually adjacent to her office door and isn't generally closed on non-training/orientation days, while she steps to one side and smiles. Well, surprise. The department is lounging, a small cake and card on one training table. No sign, no balloons (despite the fact that we have company balloons and a helium tank for special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries) or streamers. Not even an impromptu speech. The department hangs out for about 10 or 15 minutes to eat a piece of cake then quickly vanish. They'll miss me, yes. I am an extremely hard worker, smart, always ready to pitch in even outside my own work and duties, I am kind and helpful to all as they have *said*, but apparently I'm just not popular enough for linger conversation or even a small gift--some 25 people in the department and not even a $25 gift certificate to the mall or some local restaurant. Nothing from my immediate boss either--just words.

And, the Director/VP of our deparment couldn't even show up. Someone said that he was in a meeting and no one went and got him, but he had to know it was going on and could've excused himself. At least, he could've found 5 minutes sometime during my last week to share a moment. He was devastated about my leaving when I resigned--he was also charming and gracious about it. He told me how much of a success I would be because of all the things I have to offer--talents and skills, my dedication and insight. He asked if there was anything they could do to keep me, but acknowledged that with my personality and heart, a humanitarian, non-profit was so right for me (a statement echoed almost to the person when I shared the news of my leaving). Yet, my last day and even my last week...much like a few other noteable occasions in my employment there...he virtually ignored me. His saluation in my goodbye card--short and generic: "Best of Luck!"

I am a good person--I actually work hard at being one. Giving makes me feel good inside, and I am always generous whenever possible. At Christmas, I honestly take greater joy in giving versus receiving and seldom ask for anything. In fact, I have trouble even asking for a ride when I have car trouble. (Despite my occasional shyness, this carries over into my professional life.) And, this occasion wasn't about the "getting" of something, but about some small representation that there were real feelings behind the words all these people were saying. I was looking forward to seeing the thought behind a gift for me. Perhaps the words should've been enough. Perhaps I am, on this occasion, being a little selfish. I know that many of those people who said kind words to me meant them, and they meant a lot coming from those people. But, for a last hurray, it seemed empty and shallow--devoid of real thought and caring.

Of course, maybe this anti-climactic, half-hearted goodbye just epitomizes why I am leaving. Afterall, one of the grand "bonding" traditions of this department is to ridicule one another for fun in sad attempts at "one-upping" the sarcasm. Something I never felt good about doing, seldom participated in and felt guilty over when I did it myself.

Posted 12:00 PM Maynard G. Krebs [ ]

An Explanation
So, gosh--no posts in forever. An explanation may be in order. I started this blog because I was desperately unhappy at my job (with my career) and wanted a place to vent and to invite others to join me...such as my partner in piss-poor jobs, "Peter Griffin." Unfortunately, despite my anonymity here, I was still nervous about posting b*tchings about work...hence the lag.

The good news is that I have received and accepted a generous offer from a long established, well-reputed, non-profit organization. I will continue doing media relations, but I will get to do it for a humanitarian organization rather than a for-profit, squeeze-every-dime out of the consumer corporation. Of course, I will miss many of the good people I've met and come to know and love, but not all the b*llshit that goes on here. I may cite examples at a later date, or again, I may chicken out despite a desire to rant...

I start my new position on January 20th--the day after my birthday. Hopefully, with my new position and organization, I won't need this security blanket (that goes blank most of the time) as much. Still, I would invite others, who need a place to vent about WORK?! in anonymity to drop me a note and maybe join the blogging, and I may continue to add valuable resources for job and career changes, etc. -- especially if my change can inspire others.

Posted 8:44 AM Maynard G. Krebs [ ]

Monster Poll

Telling, IMHO...

Who do you think is having the most difficult time finding a job? Mid-career workers = 36% / 9,820 respondents Entry-level workers = 31% / 8,442 respondents Managers = 18% / 4,923 respondents Executives = 12% / 3,444 respondents TOTAL: 26,629 respondents

What say you?

NOTE: This is a snapshot as of 11:25 AM/Aug 20th; check the link for updates.

Posted 11:27 AM Maynard G. Krebs [ ]

Have we met?

I'd have to agree with this article: "Bad communicator, bad boss (generally)." Sadly, from personal experience with just such a person as a boss.

Posted 11:38 AM Maynard G. Krebs [ ]

Turn a Phrase

Sure, we've all seen them--maybe you've even been a recipient of them. There have even been times when I've used and felt encouraged by Successories. But like changes in management, times also change.

Where do you turn when your current job doesn't make you feel like "soaring like an eagle"? When your main goal is just getting through another miserable day without telling a supervisor off? When you want to wallow in your disappointment in the company/job that promised so much and delivered so little?

Why, Despair, Inc., naturally! These parody products of Demotivators® reach out to the disgruntled among us and says, "Hey, don't bother trying harder--you'll never reach the unattainable goal they've set for you." If you haven't seen them before, check them out now for a giggle and affirmation that others feel as crappy as you do at your job.

Posted 10:01 PM Maynard G. Krebs [ ]

How May I Help You?

Catboy shares the "joys" and humor of being a part of customer support. Give them a read..."Stupid Customer #203" is my favorite.

Posted 2:18 PM Maynard G. Krebs [ ]

Tick-Tock

There's an article on MSN via Monster.com called Knowing When It's Time to Go written by Roberta Chinsky Matuson. Does any of this sound familiar to you?

Change is difficult for many of us, so we often ignore the signs that indicate it is time to move on. Often, it isn't until a work situation becomes unbearable that we finally decide it's time to change jobs. By the time we reach this point, we feel desperate and are willing to take the next thing that comes along, which might not be any better than the situation we left. If you learn how to recognize the signs that indicate it is time to leave a job, you will be able to plan your next step rather than be forced to make a quick move just to get out. So what are some of these signs you should watch for?

1. Key personnel no longer ask for your opinion.
   
2. You have been passed up for a promotion.
   
3. You have gone from being a stellar performer to doing nothing right.
   
4. The plum assignments keep going to other people.
   
5. Your boss tells the staff he is open to suggestions. But is he open to suggestions from you?
   
6. A larger company is buying out your company.
   
7. Everyone in management seems to be bailing.
   
8. Work is not fun anymore.

Visit the story on MSN or Monster.com for the full descriptions of each item.

Posted 1:51 PM Maynard G. Krebs [ ]