PA and Secretary Community - Deskdemon.com

Hi Gee

Really sorry to read how down you are feeling - you're always so positive about things that it came as quite a surprise.

I do know how you feel, however, after sticking at a job in which I wasn't been used properly for over 3 years.  I would wake up every morning with a feeling of dread over how I was going to fill my day with work ... since leaving there I think I've done more work in the last 6 weeks (that's how long I've been in my new post) than I did in the previous 3 years.

There's only so much filing / pruning / archiving and stocking up one can do ... in fact, as one of my old bosses said, "There's only so many cups of tea you can make in a day" - this after I'd been working for them for less than 6 months and requested a meeting with a view to increasing my responsibilities and workload!

It does sound like it's time to move on - salary *is* important but it's not the be-all and end-all of a job (this from a person who refused this current job twice because they weren't offering enough money!).  You spend an awful lot of your waking hours at work and it's awful to feel the way that you do - been there, done that.

You're off on your hols soon - a great opportunity to take stock and recharge the batteries - hang in there 'til then and meanwhile keep looking.

All the best!

Well, it's Monday again and things are just the same.  I registered with another recruitment agency on Friday and that seemed positive.  I have also had my CV put forward for a role by a different agency at the end of last week.  I guess all I can do for the moment is just try and remain upbeat and positive.

Thanks for your support......

G

Think something is about to hit the fan and I am now prepared for the worst.

What if you seen your name in a list for discussion, would you think the worst?  Change in role, more work, out the door, what?

Living completely on the edge here....

G

From what I and many of my fellow DDers have seen on these boards, you're smart, talented, tough, resourceful and professional.  You bring a helluva lot to the table, woman!  So, at the risk of sounding rather Pollyanna-ish...."the worst" could be the best thing to happen to you.

If it's a change in role (with more work for no more pay, I'm sure!) maybe it's something you can live with while you're looking for something else.  If you're out the door (which is what I assume you mean by "the worst"), well, hey, many of us have been there and you survive somehow.  

Hang in there -- you know we're here.  I'm sending positive thoughts your way.

Completely agree with didface's post.  You are a professional individual and I am sure that "if" the worst happens you will land on your feet, firmly!  I have no doubt.  I think you are already doing all of the things you need to to protect yourself in case something does happen by looking.  Like didface said, it may be the best thing that can happen to you judging by your posts lately.

Good luck and try to stay positive.  Better things on the horizon!  

Keep us posted on what does or doesn't happen.  Sending positive thoughts your way.

Diamondlady
Peer Moderator

DidF and Diamond, appreciate your comments.  Your kind words have certainly made me realise my worth.

Thanks and I will keep you posted for as long as I can.

G

Gee-girl

I am so sorry you are unhappy.  You are too good a person for bad things to happen (and I should know!).  

You are not alone - big cyber hugs from me - I too am decidedly unhappy but am fighting all the way.

If you want to talk I will pm you my new home phone number and we can talk (yes I am in my new home and yes the so-and-so's at work are making me redundant).

Let me know if there is anything I can do from here.

Another big hug to the brainy one.

Jess

Redundant?  Again?  Or am I thinking of someone else?  Was this a new job?

Well so far today Jess, I'm laughing.  Had to log 3 issues with our facilities people which are all to do with the kitchen.  I feel like Jim'll Fix It today...!  Have cc'd my line manager with an update - 2 matters resolved and 1 resolution ongoing.

Thanks again for YOUR support and throwing MINE right back at ya!!

G

Jess,

Weren't you planning to move house?  I hope you are enjoying it.  As for your redundancy - don't leave without decent compensation.

Best wishes,

Raindance

Rain,

You're not always entitled to anything these days regardless of how long you have worked for a company.  I was with a US company in 1999/2000, they closed the company and made all of us redundant, no compensation, nothing.  You haven't a leg to stand on believe me.

Jess if you get something you are lucky.  Been made redundant several times so know how that feels.

G

Raindance, I have moved house and loving the extra exercise a three storey house provides.  No more gym for me!!  Lovely Kent and the weather.

As for the redundancy, it was expected but still no less a shock as it is such a sham / bumped type.  I am using their own incompetence to set the scene for a decent compensation package or else tribunal here I come!.

Gee, I don't know about you but I feel very much like a support bra at the moment - holding everything together in the right parts, if you know what I mean!.

LOL!  That certainly made me laugh............we do need to keep out sense of humour eh?

G

Is there anything you could perhaps get more involved in at your current job? E.g. marketing / updating company wide templates etc.

This kind of thing is often overlooked but can be a valuable skill to add to your CV and would keep you busier!

Well my team was told on Fri, one person is facing redundancy, and I have a funny feeling it's going to be me.  Great timing with less than 3 weeks to my holiday!  I suspected something was on the cards for a while and am never far wrong.  Not sure when we will hear, but I am hoping all will be done n dusted this week.

I shall keep in touch as much as I can until then.

G

Gee

I do hope that you are wrong.  You are too nice a person (in the good sense) for this to happen to you.

Fingers crossed!

Jess (why on earth are they insisting I come in to work where all I am doing is kicking my heals!)

Gee - I'm sure I'm not alone in saying we'll all be thinking good thoughts for you.  You're right, the timing is lousy but, as you said at the beginning of this thread, you've been bored and unhappy for so long and this might just be the impetus (if it is you that's due to go) for you to spread your wings and go to something better.

Of course, I know from personal experience that that's easier said than done.

Fingers crossed it's all good news... how long have you been with the company?  You should be entitled to some compensation depending on how long you've been there.

Good luck!

Gee

Sorry to hear your news, there is never a good time to receive news like this.  Wishing you all the best and hope that you find a silver lining in that cloud.

Take care

V

Jess - I feel I am doing same.  No-one can understand why we were told last week that one person was going, then let us sit for another day/week until they decide who it actually is!

Gemini - I have been here two and a half years but the company I contract for on this project do not pay redundancy so it will be statutory redundancy that we get.  That is one of the reasons why I don't want to contract any more, although having said that what exactly is a permanent job these days?  My job was as permanent as they come.  They will try and deploy the unfortunate one somewhere else but I want out completely.  As it happens I have secured an interview at the end of the month for one of the jobs I had applied for.  Things can only get better from here.  

Thanks all - comments and thoughts much appreciated.

G

G: I will keep my fingers crossed for you. I am not sure I understand what you folks mean by they do not pay you for redundancy, or what statutory redundancy is. I am glad you have an interview set up. I will keep sending you postive energy.
Rowan

It means I will get a week's pay for each year I have been here.

G

Hmm - two weeks' money ain't much, is it?  I've never wanted to work contracts for just such a reason ... temping's fine (though payrates haven't gone up in about four years) because one is used to "hand to mouth" existence and a job can end at a moment's notice but contract ... nah!

I hear what you say - "what's a permanent job these days?".  Civil service is about as permanent as it gets 'though academia is the next best thing (where I've just fetched up!).

All good wishes for your interview at the end of the month - I know you'll wow them and, as you say, things can only get better.  Fingers are crossed.

Gemini,

My job was permanent but if I can explain.  The company I am employed by in Dublin, have 90% of us contracted out to projects.  The project I work on is nearly into its 4th year.  The uncertain thing about it all is, that if other mini contracts are not won or they need to do a cost cutting exercise, that is where staff are likely to lose their jobs.  If my employer in Dublin cannot find one of us something else, then and only then, will we be right off their books.  It is for that reason that I have made up my mind to look for something else completely.

G

Understood.  As you said before, then, as permanent as any job can be ...

I'd hate the uncertainty though, as you say, if the project has been going for nearly 4 years that's longer than some people spend in a permanent job nowadays.

I do hope it all works out - and I'm sure it will.  I really hope that you've been worrying for nothing and, if that's the case, at least it's given you the incentive to start looking around.

All the very best!

There is definitely never a good time to hear news like this, and the uncertainty of working and not knowing who the person facing redundancy is, well that's just terrible.  Best wishes to you and I hope you're wrong about it being you.

Hi all - well still here, so not sure if good or bad.  Atmosphere is very strained and although my colleagues are sympathetic, management are keeping a low profile.  We have been offered a phone call rather than a face to face meeting to inform us which of the 3 will be made redundant.  Our unanimous decision is that we all receive a phone call - I personally do not want any more humiliation.  Once again we have no deadline for this so I shall keep in touch until then.

G

Hi Gee

How awful for you!  I'm not surprised management are keeping a low profile but I do find it astonishing that you were offered either a phone call or a face-to-face.  If you prefer the phone call, fine, but it doesn't seem that "polite" to me.  Still, it'll be resolved one way or t'other eventually - by the end of the week?  

It must be hell with that hanging over you, and my fingers are crossed for you (all of you, actually)...

It's not humiliating to be told you're being made redundant, however awful it is.

How COWARDLY of your management though, to offer a phone call instead of a face to face.  I would DEMAND a face to face just for the sheer pleasure of making them go through it.

Good luck, whatever happens.

Jackie, Peer Moderator
www.iqps.org

Hi all,

Alive n well, so far!  We or should I say I personally requested a phone call - didn't want any more humiliation!  Been offered one job already, even if only by phone and have an interview next week for another.  Already have applied for at least 2 or 3 more and have been offered another complete change of career.  It's all moving very fast and I shall be glad of my imminent holiday.

Will mail again soon,

G

Glad you've had some positive news - good luck with everything, and try to enjoy your holiday without worrying.

Wonderful!  Keep us posted on what you decide.  Good luck!

Diamondlady
Peer Moderator

Great to read your news!  You sound so much more positive - which is brilliant!  Not long to go 'til your holiday - lucky thing!  Where're you off to?  (or have you said in a previous post?!)

Cyprus Gem, with all those boys on camp!!

G

I'd advise you to behave yourself but with all that temptation ...?  Why bother !

Enjoy!  In fact, I've just looked out my office window at the pouring, wind-driven rain and thought "what on earth is going wrong with the weather?"  I have a radiator on - and it's May!  For heaven's sake, I never get cold.

I soooo envy you Cyprus!

Now that is what I call great news, and believe me I needed to hear some good news today!

Could you send me some of your luck?  I am technically on gardening leave until the end of the month when I receive my last pay slip and P45 then ten days later receive a not-too-bad redundancy money!  I am getting bored already.

Anyway, good luck with the jobs and may your tan be golden and well-lotioned (preferrably not by some 'Shirley Valentine' character!

Jess

Shirley Valentine! I can see it now!

Cyprus is sounding very good--cold here for the past two weeks, now hot and so rainy our servers all had to be shut down last night as water was pouring into the server room.

Hi all!  Well suitcase is packed, only the small last minute things to do and they seem to be nearly sorted.

Had interview on Tue pm, went ok, very informal and so not sure what to make of it, but did my best and answered everything that was thrown at me - should hear Fri or Mon at latest.  Also waiting to hear bout a temp job due to start when I get back from hols, but apart from that, nothing more in pipeline.

Just tying up all the loose ends before I go.  Life has never been so hectic, what with application forms, interviews, using internet at library, lunch, shopping....I could do this rightly if I found a rich handsome!!  Although not sure of the odds of finding one that's rich AND handsome!

Ah well - take care all, and will be in touch again when I get back.

G

Good luck and don't forget what Monty Python said!

Jess

And if you find one, ask if he's got a brother for me (ideally in Scotland!).

Have a super holiday,

QB