I don’t work for free!
For those of you who have browsed my “about” page, you know I manage a construction company and exceptionally well for the past six years. Here’s my dilemma.
Two days before the owners are leaving for their yearly Christmas trip to Mexico, they pull the ultimate whammy. The wife comes into my office and says…
“I know this is the 11th hour and I hate to ask but we would like brand new books starting January 1st. Do you think you can do it? I will pay you!”
I look her straight in the eye and ask…
“Your gonna pay me?”
She answers…
“Yes, I know I am asking not only a lot but pretty much for the world here. I will pay you.”
Against my better judgment (good judgment would be to have had it in writing) I agree to take on the project strictly based on her word and honor. Now I know they have no honor and their word doesn’t mean shit to anyone right now.
So, during the two weeks before January 1st, I work crazy hours, Christmas eve, weekends, New Years Eve and New Years Day to get what I need done to begin 2008 with new perfect books. My kids hate me for working so much, my family is pissed because I spent no time with them at Christmas and I am exhausted beyond belief. Needless to say, I pull it off without a hitch. The books are perfect, we are on track and everything went off seamlessly. I tweeked some reports gave them more than what they asked for and not a hiccup.
One would think that the owners would be ecstatic with the result….and… they were! Here’s where it get fun! I am in the owner’s office and we are discussing my quarterly compensation and bonus structure when all of a sudden, she is pissed off, I am not meeting my job requirements and she isn’t going to pay me my bonus and isn’t ready to pay me for the work I did on the new books. UNBELIEVABLE!
I have to tell you, I went ballistic. It was truly an ugly scene. Was I professional, absolutely! Did I lay down and take it…HELL NO! Yes, my friends, I gave my notice, send out my updated resume I keep on file out and I have two job offers for triple my current salary.
Now it is really gonna cost them to try and replace me. The owners are in a complete panic, my employees are ready to walk out the door with me and my kids are so happy that their Mom won’t have to work such crazy hours anymore.
The sad thing is, I really like this company. I have been here for so long and I truly thought of this place as home. I would never allow anyone to treat anyone here as horribly as I have just been treated and by people that call themselves my friends. Not only am I angry as hell but people that I trusted comitted the most awful betrayal. They stole my money.
I will keep you posted on the new job situation…
Ciao for now!
Amen! Sometimes you do have to leave to be appreciated. I served 10 years with a General Contractor…labor to apprentice to electrician to master electrician…but never appreciated until I was gone. Company folded six months later (not because of me…because of their treatment of people and mismanagement of money).
Stick to your guns. Decision made!
morethananelectrician
February 21, 2008
Like you for your GC…I made these people a bloody fortune! The part that really hurts is that I never felt like I was not appreciated and to then try and take my money. I think they are on crack.
Thanks for the support and for stopping by my blog. Hope to see you again.
Lani
February 21, 2008
Times are a little tight right now in the construction world, but the need for dependable, productive people with some integrity is at an all time high. You should have an excellent reputation in the area and someone will scoop you up in a hurry!
morethananelectrician
February 21, 2008
Good electricians are money in the bank for me and a good GC would be all over you. Stay strong my friend and thank you again!
Lani
February 21, 2008
Bigger and Better things hun.
It has been my experience that companies do go under eventually if they don’t hang on to their team. I would not have taken it either. Way to go! Maybe it is time for a change.
alwaysthatgirl
February 21, 2008
Yes…times, they are a changin!
Lani
February 21, 2008
Lani – congratulations!!! It’s always hard to leave a job…I’ve switched many times due to circumtances and I’m always sad at first. But it’s amazing how quickly you get over a place. Good for you! And two job offers already! More money! Nice work…you deserve it and so do they.
mssinglemama
February 21, 2008
The hard part are my “peeps”…I love them and they understand why I am going. They just want me to take them with me. I wish I could!!!
Lani
February 21, 2008
You did the right thing. Maybe they’ll think twice next time about taking advantage of someone.
kailani
February 21, 2008
Wow! Sounds like you’re in great shape though! I keep saying it…everything happens for a reason.
Good luck!
T
February 22, 2008
Kailani: You would think people would learn from their mistakes. Unfortunately, I don”t think they will.
“T”: I agree, things DO happen for a reason. Honestly, I feel so free right now. It is a great feeling.
Lani
February 22, 2008
Keep us posted. You certainly deserve better.
Susan
February 23, 2008