Bill is still processing leaving the newspaper and journalism in general. He saw a counselor earlier this week and started that process so he can figure out his next step. He may look into legal action, or he may decide to just let it go. I am not sure, but am letting him figure it out. He knows that he has my support no matter what he decides to do. (Oh and by the way, his position at the paper hasn't been filled yet, over a month from when he left! That is almost unheard of in a newspaper business to have an editor spot open for that long! Says a lot about the reputation of that paper that it is still open.)
In the meantime, Bill continues to work at the sub shop here in town. He had a moment last week where he wasn't getting any hours, so he reached out to the owner and now is being trained in other areas of the shop so that he can get more hours. So we feel that that is moving in the right direction.
Then there was his part time employment with Kroger. It was a disaster from the start. He told the Human Resources person (HR) that he was only available after 5pm. She said that was fine and that he could work 5-9 shifts in the deli department. OK. Orientation was supposed to be one 4 hour session. OK. Everything sounds fine so far.
Well, the one 4 hour orientation turned into 2- 4 hour sessions as the person running the first session didn't get everything done in time. Then at Bill's first shift in the actual department, he was informed that most of his shifts would be 1-9PM, not 5-9 like he had been told by HR. He explained again that this is a part time job and that he has a full time first shift job. They said OK and that they would adjust the schedule. That was Monday.
On Tuesday he went into Kroger at 5, after getting off at the sub shop. No one was in the department, so he started cleaning the items he had been shown the day before. As he was cleaning, another employee came up and said "Are you Bill? We didn't think you were coming in so they called me in to fill in." Apparently the schedule had never gotten changed. This guy then told Bill that he would be back to help show him what to do. Well he never came back and Bill found out he told someone else that since Bill was there he was going to leave. So you leave someone with NO experience in a department by themselves?? Bill said he signed out and came home. He basically quit that show because obviously no one knew what the others were doing and it was just a bad environment.
Now you may be saying what?? was he thinking leaving like that. Well, what I haven't mentioned is that after he left the sub shop and before he went into Kroger he stopped into our local Dominoes pizza shop as he had seen an ad that they were desperate for people. Long story short, because of his experience in restaurants, they are bringing him on for evening shifts, paying more than Kroger, and there is potential for him to grow in the company. He filled out his W4 and set up his direct deposit with them today. He will start with them in about a week.
Bill, and I, finally feel like things are moving in the right direction. He came home from the sub shop tonight and said for the first time in a long time he didn't feel the need to look for jobs online or send out resumes. He feels like this is going to work. Here is hoping!
I hope it all continues in the positive direction.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of "shit shows" out there per my Daughter's philosophy. Best to avoid them when you can.
ReplyDeleteI'll pray that Domino's and the sub shop work out.
Well done Bill! To come up with 2 jobs in a short amount of time is awesome! I was wondering if at some point Bill might be able to do some freelance writing (not with the local newspaper of course!). He could work from home and enjoy his love of writing.
ReplyDeleteI think Bill is doing great! Even if the job at Domino's wasn't there, I wouldn't have blamed Bill for clocking out and leaving Kroger that night! He doesn't need another stressful/toxic environment to deal with!
ReplyDeleteIt IS very telling that an editor position is still open at the paper....And, that simple fact should reinforce Bill's good decision in leaving!
One last thing, I absolutely agree with Jane about maybe building a freelance writing career on the side, if he's so inclined. Your husband sounds like he is an extremely motivated man and may enjoy having that as a little side hustle.
Hugs to you!
Well, I can totally understand your situation as it took my hubby 4 years to find a decent paying job where he was treated well. He's been at his current job for 6 months and he's very happy, mostly because he works alone and is practically his own boss. The workplace atmosphere is not what it once was and probably never will be again. I wish him all the luck, especially if he can move up and eventually be a store manager. Sometimes chains like that offer opportunities for growth very quickly.
ReplyDeleteI continue my thought that you can always make more money but you cannot create time. Time spent in a horrid environment add no value other than money to your life. Best to cut loses and move on! Congratulations to Bill for realizing it.
ReplyDeleteThat Kroger job sounds like a nightmare. It is for the best that he left.
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