Happy Friday

Today completes my 2nd week at the new job and so far things are going well. I really enjoy the slower pace of cubicle work, compared to the frantic non-sense of printing and bindery work. It took a few days, but I think I've adjusted to getting up 5:30am. Besides, it's so nice to be done at 2:30pm. Unlike my previous jobs, where I was at work for 8.5 hours (with a 30 min lunch), I'm actually only at work for 8 hours now (with two 10 min breaks). I like that because I usually eat at my desk and would rather not be forced to clock out for 30 minutes.

Most of my job revolves around production/design work for calendars. Naturally, the months of September - December are the busiest and will require mandatory overtime. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. In the meantime, I'm happy to have some occupational peace of mind for a change.

Cal is walking more everyday! We are continuing to work on that, as well as signing for "help" and other needs. He is really good at signing "more," the only problem is he uses "more" when he wants help, too. We've also moved his bedtime back to 8pm, so far it's been helpful to ensure he doesn't wake up at 5:30am when I do.

I'm excited to be down with work today and head up to the Amey cabin for guy's weekend. The weather looks like it's going to be fantastic and I can't wait for my first fishing of the year. In just over a month, the family is heading up to Alexandria for summer vacation at Berg's resort, so I'm looking forward to that as well.

The Aftermath

It's been about 2 months since my last post. Just to recap, I had left my job at M (#1) to take a higher paying job (#2) with better benefits in Eden Prairie, only to have been let go less than one week later. The following is a recap of what's happened since then to the best of my recollection.

Job (#3) pretty much fell into my lap immediately after I lost my job. The gig was supposed to be doing Apple technical support for small, home-based company in Coon Rapids. On paper, it sounded like a great opportunity to make a career change, do something I was already good at and make ends meet. However, after 2 months of driving everywhere, not having consistent work to count on and zero benefits, I decided it just wasn't for me and started applying to jobs again (that was last Friday).

My next plan involved searching for a new, full-time job with benefits ASAP. Ideally, a job that was close to home, provided peace of mind and restored some normalcy to my life. So this week was supposed to spent unemployed, updating my resume and searching for jobs.

Late in the day Monday, I received a call-back from B+B (#4) and proceeded to do a phone interview. On Tuesday, I was interviewed, toured the office, and presented with a job offer. By the end of day yesterday I was officially hired at B+B, with a starting date TBD.

In the last 2 months, I've been an employee at 4 different companies. I've received a final paycheck from #1, a first and last paycheck from #2, a severance check from #2, a freelance check from #1, an unemployment check, and a first/last paycheck from #3. I've obtained two Apple certifications. It's been one hell of a ride but I'm ready to get off now, thank you.

My new job has a lot to be excited about. It's located right in St. Paul, so the "commute" is only 4.5 miles. The hours are 6:30am to 2:30pm M-F, so I'll have plenty of time to stop home, do a few things and still be on-time to pick up Cal. 

Perhaps the best part is it's a union job. I'll be starting as a ranking #2 in seniority (seniority is based on job level, not years of service). The other guy I'll be working with is #1, and he has been working there since 1971. I'll also have a pension for the first time in my career. Then, there are the little things like having a cubicle, air conditioning and a casual dress office environment.

I hope to eventually look back at this time and have a good laugh; maybe while sitting on a boat fishing for crappies, instead of sitting on the computer fishing for jobs.

No Good Rotten Very Bad Day

Since I'm so upset right now I don't even know where to begin, I'll start at the end.

I lost my job today. Or, rather it was pulled out from under me.

For those of you keeping score, I was there less than 5 days. "There" being Fxxx Cxxx Pxxx in Eden Prairie. There, where it now pisses me off even typing their stupid company name. There, being given no warning, no indication that my performance needed improvement, or that I was not meeting some expectation set forth by some person or persons. There being a place I'm already trying to put behind me, despite all the obvious questions that will have no answers, despite how many times I ask them.

I've been doing prepress, production, graphic design, desktop publishing, printing, or whatever other f-ing name you decide to call it for over 10 years now. In that time I've become skilled in every Adobe product every made, ran a Kodak Nexpress, Canon, Konica and done everything between. From creating a design from scratch to running a UV Coating machine. I've basically become a renaissance man in the world of print. Bottom line? I know my shit, and I if don't know something I can figure it out.

Today I figured out something very important. None of who you are or what you can do matters if the people you work for are fucking assholes.

At approximately 3:30 the co-owner's son, Mr. Q asked me "hey, do you have a minute for a conversation?" I said "sure" and walked into Mr. Q Srs (Sam's dad) office. After staring at me for 30 seconds in silence, he finally spoke saying "it's not working out." At this point I was pretty much in shock, so I didn't reply. Mr. Q then proceeded with "I don't want to get into a long debate, but we've been talking all this week about this and decided it's not working out." Again, I'm still in shock. Finally, some part of me decided that I would take the high road and say "I understand. You have a business to run." "Thanks for the opportunity." Mr. Q then asked if M had already filled my position or if they would take me back (Like now he suddenly has a conscious). I told them I didn't know and asked if they wanted me to finish my shift today. They said it was "up to me." So I basically said I didn't feel comfortable being there anymore and that I was going to leave immediately. I grabbed my stuff from my desk, packed it back in the box still sitting under my desk from Monday morning and left without saying another word.

So, just to recap: I left my job at M after 2.5 years with no benefits, no raise, no air conditioning and no sense of security last Friday, then worked exactly 4.75 days at Fxxx Cxxx Pxxx and now I'm unemployed.

I'm frustrated, angry and completely stressed out. I worked 9+ hours every day this week, dealt with a 50 minute commute after work, time that could should have been spent with our son. I gave everything I had to give. My ears are ringing, my head hurts and I have absolutely nothing to show for it. I'm also scared of the uncertainty, and even though I try not to, it's hard not hanging my head.

I'm also hopeful, grateful and excited for what will happen next. I have a great family and great group of friends like you who will support me and help me through this. Needless to say, if you know of any job opportunities let me know. I'm open to pursuing positions outside of my field, "getting a foot in the door" jobs etc.

Unfortunately, I've been in this position before (It was right before I met Angie and took a job at Comcast). Since then, I've worked at BCT, then M and finally took the job at Fxxx Cxxx. I felt like I was finally out from under. I still can't believe this day actually happened, it's all been like a bad dream.

I don't know what else to say.