BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix

Subject: RE: BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 09 Dec 11 - 02:57 PM

Well I was not matched to my current band 3 post, nor was I selected for any other band 3 post in the council. My skills and experience far outweigh the criteria for any band 3 post. Advanced level on ALL Microsoft applications (I have built several rather complex databases, and use spreadsheets to collect and report statistical data). I have much accumulated knowledge about the council as a whole and various service areas (community mental health, social services, schools children and families, heritage and arts, archive and records management and even a little about capital programme and building development). I have learned and regularly use all the bespoke software applications for ordering, booking travel and registering and monitoring complaints.

Yet somehow I failed to make the grade for a band 3 post. I am still waiting for feedback.

The call came Wednesday late afternoon. That morning I had a GP appointment seeking pain meds that would permit me to continue in work as the tramadol was knocking me out. Doc (based I suppose on the stage of decay the disease has reached) asked if I had thought about ill health retirement. What a blow. Up to that point I still believed I am going to beat this disease. So the afternoon call about not getting a band 3 post was cherry on shit cake day.

I was asked if I would be willing to accept a band 2 post anywhere in the county and any hours. I replied that I would be interested in a band 2 post but given my disability I am tied to Chelmsford. I also said reduced hours were ok if I could start at 8am as my husband who works in Chelmsford provides my transport to work.

Met with stony silence. You could have cut the lack of sound on the other end of the phone with a knife. I knew in that moment that I had given the wrong answer. All that was wanted was either yes or no (probably no). So she said you will only work in Chelmsford and you want specific start time. I will have to look and see what is available. I've not heard anything since.

Thing is, I can't afford ill health retirement and I probably wouldn't get it anyway. So that is out.

I am however, applying for a band 5 Quality Assurance Officer with Special Educational Needs. The job responsibilities are all things I have done before in different settings. I know I can do it. But it is near impossible to get out of the business support administrative loop, no matter what your education, skills and experience. I have teaching degree in USA, which means fuck all here. I have worked with vulnerable adults in community mental health bu in an office admin capacity. Not a professional one. Guess I will just have to suck it and see.

Subject: RE: BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix
From: fat B****rd
Date: 09 Dec 11 - 03:07 PM

All the very best as always VT. I wish I could say something more helpful.
Charlie.

Subject: RE: BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Dec 11 - 07:53 PM

what Charlie said

love & hugs

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 09 Dec 11 - 08:34 PM

Ohhh trust me.

I do, Dooooo, due, pity thee.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Thank you for asking.

Subject: RE: BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix
From: My guru always said
Date: 10 Dec 11 - 03:40 AM

Sending hugs {{{{VT}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix
From: Janie
Date: 10 Dec 11 - 08:17 AM

With all those skills, VT, especially the tech skills, any possibilities for doing contract work or taking a job that allows you to work on-line from home?

Subject: RE: BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix
From: Will Fly
Date: 10 Dec 11 - 09:20 AM

So the afternoon call about not getting a band 3 post...

I think that any employer who not only passes on a result like this - and then asks you important questions involving other posts, hours and location over the telephone - is a shit employer.

Whether you get the answers you like or not, such an important dialogue should be conducted face-to-face. How can you make decisions which affect your long-term situation in a few seconds over a telephone? When I was a senior manager involved in such important, personal matters, it was done sitting round a table. People deserve at least this much.

Essex CC sounds like crap - like many another local authority.

Subject: RE: BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix
From: saulgoldie
Date: 10 Dec 11 - 10:59 AM

My best thoughts and prayers to you VT.

Saul

Subject: RE: BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix
From: Elmore
Date: 10 Dec 11 - 04:30 PM

V T: My wife and I have great sympathy for you. My wife was able to work with R.A., but had to give it up when diabetes struck. I hope the advice and good wishes of Mudcatters are of some consolation.

Subject: RE: BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 12 Dec 11 - 02:33 PM

Well after having the floor yanked out from under me it has suddenly been shoved back, leaving me with that gut wrenching stomach jump you get from roller coaster drops.

I sent a polite reminder email this morning stating that I was still waiting for feedback as to why I was not selected for band 3 which was immediately replied to with "We are very pleased to tell you that we have been able to match you to your current post and band."

WTF?

So at the moment I have had preliminary and official email stating that my job is status quo. And another email from my soon to be line manager welcoming me to the team.

I wished I could tell them all to sod off after what they put me through.

I am now applying for 2 different band 5 posts with Special Educational Needs team. Please please let me be offered one of those jobs.

Subject: RE: BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix
From: fat B****rd
Date: 12 Dec 11 - 03:18 PM

I should f***ing well think so, VT. Let us know ASAP what happens.
ATB as always from Charlie in Scotland

Subject: RE: BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 12 Dec 11 - 10:45 PM

Fingers crossed!

Subject: RE: BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix
From: Janie
Date: 12 Dec 11 - 11:56 PM

What times we live in when even good news leaves us feeling jerked around and pissed off.

You must feel something akin to a cat's toy, VT. Nonetheless, I feel happy and relieved for you.

Subject: RE: BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Dec 11 - 06:52 AM

what a pressie to get at Christmas time

ho ho ho

Subject: RE: BS: We need a 'pity me' prefix
From: Crowhugger
Date: 14 Dec 11 - 01:12 AM

I missed this thread before, not that I could've offered anything useful. I'm glad things turned around, VT! I like to think it's because you gave the right answer, not the wrong one when they asked about other locations and hours of work. You didn't beg. You didn't give an answer that implies "I am fearful of my worthlessness" instead you said, "this is what I need." It is sometimes startling, the result of simply stating one's boundaries. Yep, I know there are as many examples of doing that causing problems instead of solving them. But as I said, I like to think...