BS: Losing out on interview for my own job

Subject: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Noreen
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 10:39 AM

Major job cuts here, leading to 3 of us being interviewed yesterday for 2 remaining posts- I came 3rd out of 3.

Possibility of another post at another branch, but will have to be interviewed again which doesn't appeal in my current stunned state.

Shocked and stunned and miserable :(

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 10:45 AM

Jeez Noreen mate, that's a bummer. No wonder you're teed off. Better luck next time.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 11:02 AM

Sympathy Noreen.

Vive la revolution!

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 11:03 AM

Hope they have something for you and you won't be completely out of a job. It seems as if keeping a job these days is much more of a struggle than actually doing the job.

I'd been cut down to 18 hours a week at my job of the past 4 years -- and I'm pretty sure the district manager is trying to get rid of me (nothing provable, of course). I've been trying to find a replacement, but so far nothing has worked out. And now, what with Tom's broken ankle, I guess I'll just have to live with it. I really don't want to be put in the position of having to sign up for social security before I'm 66 (three more years to go).

Hang in there. I'm wishing you all the best. They don't call us wage slaves for nothing...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: EBarnacle
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 11:30 AM

Getting RIFed sucks. This is probably a silly question but is there a union in the workplace? If the total amount of work stays the same but the number of people goes down, you are likely to have a case. Since the boss clearly does not love you, you can take this approach and, if you win, become bulletproof.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 01:21 PM

Thats a shame Noreen ! Gawd , am I glad I am out of the labour market now !

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: gnu
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 02:06 PM

Oh dear! I hope things work out okay.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 02:19 PM

Sad, frustrating, but all-too-common story these days.

One can guess what criteria they use to 'rate' folks, but it does little good.

Ah well... I sincerely hope something works out soon... you need and deserve better.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 02:29 PM

I am sorry Noreen. The only thing I know for sure is that something better is waiting for you. It always works out that way if you keep a positive attitude and your eyes and options open.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Brian May
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 02:30 PM

Quote: Sympathy Noreen.

Vive la revolution! Unquote

Most western countries will still be bankrupt, even if there IS a revolution.

Having said that, I've been made redundant 3 times Noreen, and there is a life afterwards, just try to keep a positive view.

I do sympathise however. Best of luck.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: fat B****rd
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 04:02 PM

F**k 'em. You shall overcome, Noreen. The folks here say so.
As a previous poster said I'm sure glad to be out of all that.
Take good care
ATB from Charlie.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 04:30 PM

If it's any consolation, Noreen, I was chucked on the scrapheap seven years ago and it felt like the end of the world at the time. Now I realise that the bastards actually liberated me and I've never been happier!

I don't know what your circumstances are, of course, but once you've got over the shock (give yourself plenty of time) start looking for the advantages and the opportunities. Very best of luck for your New Life!

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Janie
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 04:47 PM

I'm so sorry, Noreen. Try to ward off having your confidence in yourself shaken. (Hard, I know.) The job market is so tight these days that being three out of three probably means all three of you were impressive. It is "buyer's market" in terms of work positions these days.

Sending lots of good thoughts.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 05:27 AM

more good thoughts from me, too

sandra - 5 years happily retired

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: GUEST,Lizzie Cornish
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 06:33 AM

Fook 'em, Noreen. You don't want to work for folks like that anyway. I know the money's probably sorely needed though, so I fully sympathize on that point.

If it makes you feel better I didn't even make it to an interview for my own job in the last job I was in. It was the most deathly boring job ever, selling posh shoes at highly over-rated prices to rich people too stupid to see they were being ripped off. I never felt comfortable in it and with barely any customers, I was reduced to an animal in a cage, walking in circles almost, with nothing to do..
I joined in the quietest month, November...and all through winter we barely saw a customer.

Come April, when my temporary contract was up for review I received a letter from the boss saying I was out because my 'sales figures' were not what they should be...and I had 2 weeks notice etc.

Ha!

I went in that same morning, to be greeted by the young woman who was the manager, she was Polish and spent almost every hour I was there telling me how wonderful Poland was, how hard everyone worked and how lazy and racist folks were over here..Needless to say, I stuck up for my country 100%, so we basically didn't get along at ALL, which was the REAL reason for the letter I think.

Well, I asked her if she knew about the letter and she said "Yes", then I pointed out to her that around 2 Saturdays before I'd sold over £1,300 worth of shoes, on my own.."That was a flook day, Lizzie" she said..

THEN she said "Unpack those boxes!" pointing to a very large order which had arrived that morning.

I stared at her "Unpack them yourself!" and went and got my coat...

"Where are you going?!" she said, clearly alarmed, as there was only she and I in the shop and it was a Saturday, so a busy day loomed ahead...

"I'm off home. Take it out of the holiday owed. If you truly think I'm going to earn one more fooking penny for the bloke who owns this shop, or take orders from your bossy little mouth, you have it wrong. By all means don't employ me if I'm not doing my job, but when you lie and bring my work ethic and integrity into a bad light, well, then you can just sod off as far as I'm concerned."

Her mouth fell open..

Oh, it was a GREAT moment in time, I can tell you! :0)

Fook Bastard employers, bosses, or jumped up little prats/pratesses who think they're the be all and end all of someone's working life!

Something else WILL turn up, Noreen. How about working for yourself in some way? Being your own boss is the way to go these days I reckon. If you're in the UK there are schemes which are free to join where they teach you how to run your own business etc...Might be worth thinking about...

I wish you much success and remember, have faith in yourself and your abilities and don't let the bastards grind you down. Stay strong and well.

Much love
Lizzie xx

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Will Fly
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 06:44 AM

Best of luck, Noreen. If it actually turns out to be a premature retirement, then enjoy the freedom. I retired nearly 3 years ago and, though I enjoyed my day job, I was happy to stop it after 47 years. Money is always an issue in these circumstances, of course, but I waill say one thing on that point: my work pension is less than half my final-year salary and this really worried me when I retired - would I manage, etc. I now actually have more disposable income being retired than when I worked. Other people I know have experienced the same thing - it costs money to work!

Your circumstances may very well be different, and it's not for me to advise. All I can say is that, once the initial self-esteem drop has passed by, life begins afresh - as others here have said.

I don't know the circumstances of your employment, and it's not my place to know. Without sticking up for them, lots of businesses - even ethical and decent ones - are having a rough time these days and are having to cut costs. When these cuts hit everyone from the top downwards, there's sympathy. When the bosses at the top stay where they are while everyone else goes through the mill, that never seems fair.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 07:23 AM

That sucks! Usually they wait 'til the day before Christmas.

Utah Phillips wrote a song called "Dump the bosses off your back", and another called "All used up"....I busted my ass for that son of a bitch and he left me to die like a dog in the ditch and he told me I'm all used up.

Things are starting to improve here and I hope it will be a world wide recovery soon.
Meantime, you have my sympathy. That and a 5 pound note gets you a litre of petrol.Damn.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 07:28 AM

What a BUMMER! And they make you and two of your workmates compete for it?? Do they really have to "interview" people who already work for them? (And if they honestly do, it shows you just how in touch the bosses are.)

Gawd. Reminds me of those 1930s dance marathons where they make the already exhausted contestants run a race and eliminate whoever comes last. Disgusting and pathetic. Please keep us informed of how you get on - wishing you the very best.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: banjoman
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 08:12 AM

Every sympathy. I am so glad that the labour market is far behind me and I can enjoy being retired although I have to cope with mobility problems as well. I was made redundant from 4 different jobs in succession and ended up taking one employer to an industrial tribunal. As a former trade union officer, I knew what I was about -they didn't - and I won. Didn't do me much good financially tho'

I really believe that we are on a slippery slope towards victorian attitudes to workers so its about time the revlution began - I will be there on my mobility scooter.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: GUEST,PeterC
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 08:44 AM

Do they really have to "interview" people who already work for them?

Yes they do - due process has to be followed in a redundancy situation in order to stay out of court afterwards.

Other people I know have experienced the same thing - it costs money to work!
No commute (£5k of my pre-tax income). No "business formal" clothes to buy.

I have been through five redundancy rounds, been made redundant twice and had my job downgraded once (luckily HR were so incompitent that they forgot to cut my wages to the lower grade on that one). Trouble is that the stock markets used to view redundancies as a sign that a company was in serious trouble, now they are taken as a sign of prudent management.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Newport Boy
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 09:04 AM

Kendall - Meantime, you have my sympathy. That and a 5 pound note gets you a litre of petrol.Damn.

It's only beer that costs £5 a litre - we can still get petrol under £1.50

Phil

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: artbrooks
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 10:14 AM

It happened to me once, and I had a lot of trouble dealing with it. However, I did end up with a better job, in a better location, and with a lot more personal satisfaction. Good luck.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: EBarnacle
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 10:45 AM

Noreen, can you sell? Where are you located? PM me.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: jacqui.c
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 12:01 PM

Tough break Noreen. Good thoughts heading your way for something better to turn up.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 12:12 PM

Ouch! So sorry to hear this Noreen. I don't have advice for you, but am sending many hugs your way.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: kendall
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 04:28 PM

NB sometimes I exaggerate.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 06:21 PM

Same thing happened to my council job just before Christmas. After a very stressful 4 days they gave me the job back plus some. I am now overwhelmed with work enough for 3 full time people at 2 different sites. In December near tears almost everyday because I didn't have a job and now in tears nearly every day because I have too much of one. I don't like feeling like I have failed everyday because I simply cannot get all the work done.

Here's hoping you get a job that rewards both financially and professionally.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 10:13 PM

Noreen I am sorry this happened to you. I hope you find something soon and that it is better than what you were doing. Start networking, and consider reinventing your career by trying something new if possible, especially if there is something you have always wanted to do. Best wishes for success.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 10:06 AM

Thanks all for the positive thoughts and suggestions.

Lots going on here at work and at home- my partner had a hip replacement on Friday (same day as my unsuccessful interview) so my brain is overfull at the moment...

Unfortunately I can't afford to retire yet or even reduce my hours, so have to jump through a few more hoops yet. I have another 13yrs to go before I can claim my pension- I'm young enough to have had my working life extended considerably.

I have let my union rep know of the situation from my point of view and they are going to be meeting with management this week.

In the meantime I am still supposed to provide excellent customer service...

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: gnu
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 02:46 PM

And so you shall. With a smile and a good attitude. Exude sweetness. Go the extra mile. Don't give the bastards ANY ammo! >;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: mayomick
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 05:57 PM

It's hard enough when you're competing for a job , but this interview seems to have been about who should lose their job. Commiserations Noreen .

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: The Sandman
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 06:02 PM

best of luck for the future

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 09:22 PM

Please keep us informed.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 09:38 PM

Well put, mayomick.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: EBarnacle
Date: 21 Mar 12 - 12:14 PM

VT's case is similar to what you are looking at. It sounds as though she is doing what they will ask you to do more than one FTEworth. When your union rep speaks with them, make sure that job creep [not the supervisor] is an issue.

What they now call increased productivity is often thinly disguised "make one worker do what two used to do and let them be thankful that even have a job."

When Jack London discovered he was in that situation, he threw his coal shovel at his boss.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 21 Mar 12 - 12:41 PM

Various options being suggested, I have to express my preferences by Friday. Most options involve part time vacancies, when I need to work full time.

Interviews next week.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 21 Mar 12 - 12:42 PM

What did Jack London use to pay his rent when he'd chosen that option, EB?

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 21 Mar 12 - 01:20 PM

COuld you say in a generic way where you are again? England? Australia? Ireland? I don't know what retirement and benefit situation is in other countries, but I would take part-time if I had to (which I had to years ago and still am not full time and pieced together other things)..but I get almost full-time retirement and benefits...part-time would in many cases be better than nothing..or if you could patch two part-time togethers...mg

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 21 Mar 12 - 01:28 PM

Noreen - I'm so sorry to see this thread. Best of luck with finding an acceptable replacement within reasonable commuting distance....

Kitty
x

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: EBarnacle
Date: 21 Mar 12 - 01:43 PM

He went out and got another, not quite as abusive job.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Noreen
Date: 27 Mar 12 - 06:44 PM

mg, I'm in England, suffering from severe local authority cutbacks.

I have an interview on Thursday morning for an equivalent post elsewhere in the county. Went for a look around today and am feeling positive- though there are 4 of us going for 2 jobs there.

Not sure what I'll do if that's not successful, as only other jobs on offer to me are part-time and I can't afford to do that- but I'm not thinking of that for now.

Positive thoughts appreciated for Thursday morning....

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Janie
Date: 27 Mar 12 - 09:31 PM

Lot's of them coming your way, Noreen.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: gnu
Date: 27 Mar 12 - 09:38 PM

Good thoughts from here. XXXing my fingers.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: catspaw49
Date: 27 Mar 12 - 09:47 PM

I've been thinking about you ever since you started this thread but obviously my thoughts haven't helped......so I will definitely try harder!!!

All aside, I am very sorry to see you having to go through any of this. May the next weeks be far and away better than the last.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 27 Mar 12 - 10:35 PM

Lots of fingers (& both thumbs) crossed for you over here, Noreen!
(And am hoping that when the dust has settled, you find your situation has improved even over what it was before...)

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 27 Mar 12 - 11:32 PM

I am full of hope for you, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: jacqui.c
Date: 28 Mar 12 - 08:44 AM

Good thoughts coming from Maine for Thursday.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Mar 12 - 08:56 AM

more good thoughts heading your way from the other side of the world

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Mar 12 - 10:12 AM

Noreen,
Here in the US we can collect unemployment if we lose a job through no fault of our own. It is a pittance compared to a salary but it keeps the wolves from the door.
Anything like it available in the UK?
Meantime, stay positive. There is something better waiting for you.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Seayaker
Date: 28 Mar 12 - 11:10 AM

Best of luck for tomorrow.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: GUEST,PeterC
Date: 28 Mar 12 - 11:52 AM


Here in the US we can collect unemployment if we lose a job through no fault of our own. It is a pittance compared to a salary but it keeps the wolves from the door.
Anything like it available in the UK?
IIRC benefit should be available for 6 months automatically and subject to conditions after that.

The employer is also obliged to give a lump sum payment dependent on length of service.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 11:52 AM

Such relief.... I got the new job in Worcester!

Finish here on Saturday, start new job on Monday.

I'm all of a tizz :)

Thanks so much for all the support and positive thoughts, it helped so much.

Must go- still at work.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: mg
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 12:05 PM

congratulations...wish you had a week off in between to switch gears but it is great you got the job. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 12:23 PM

Worcester, just the place for a saucy wench eh?

Well done Noreen, really pleased for you.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: catspaw49
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 12:31 PM

No mis-steak about it....Worcester is the place to be! Congrats old friend! Wish you all the best in the new job!


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 12:35 PM

Well done, Noreen!
Celebrate!
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 12:42 PM

I agree with Mary, well done!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 02:17 PM

Great news Noreen. Well done!

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 03:58 PM

Fantastic news. Hope it is interesting and and happy placement.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Seayaker
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 06:52 PM

Well done.

Hope you enjoy the new job.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: gnu
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 06:58 PM

Yeeeeehaaawwww!

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 09:23 PM

Hooray for you and Worcester! (And good one, Spaw!)

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 12:31 AM

Congratulations! HURRAH! and thanks for letting us know so quickly...

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 04:21 AM

yah!!

keep up the good work

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Leadfingers
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 05:19 AM

Pleased for you that you are still gainfully employed Noreen

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Barb'ry
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 05:28 AM

Great news, Noreen. Hope you are really happy there

xx

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: fat B****rd
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 04:21 PM

All of the aboves. ATB Noreen.
Charlie.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 05:33 PM

Hey, Noz, respect!

I've been so busy empathising with the underlying theme of this thread, i.e. trying to hang on to my job, I haven't looked in here in a fortnight, so was greatly saddened to see it was you whom started this thread. I saw the date of the OP, and feared the hopelessness of your situation would lead to an unhappy story at the bottom.

But you did it!!!! I was so happy to read your great success, well done you.

Loads of love
G xxx

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: DrugCrazed
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 07:37 PM

I like it when I come to a sad thread late and it turns happy. Lots of happy for you :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: EBarnacle
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 11:39 PM

Show the bastards they can't win!--not you FB.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 11:39 PM

I'm wondering if you will start a new thread about adjusting to your new job! I do so hope that it will go well!

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 31 Mar 12 - 09:32 AM

Just caught this, and could fast-forward to the good news. And glad there was some!

It's so hard to see the light at the end of that tunnel sometimes when you're mired in the dark, but I hope it is working out all for the best for you Noreen.

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Noreen
Date: 01 Apr 12 - 05:58 AM

Less of the 'old', Spaw!!

Thanks for all the good wishes and kind thoughts, friends.

Now the fog of the last two weeks is clearing I really think this may turn out to have been a blessing in disguise :)

The new job will involve moving to a brand new library, built under PFI which will integrate the public library with the University library, local records office, archives etc.

This concept is attracting international attention, and the new building has won awards for its green credentials- natural lighting, heating and ventilation and sustainable materials used in construction.

The place to be!

The Hive

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: fat B****rd
Date: 01 Apr 12 - 07:27 AM

If I wasn't so happy about 'retiring' properly soon I'd be slightly envious. Once again, good for you, Noreen.

EB none taken.

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: stallion
Date: 02 Apr 12 - 06:15 AM

Was talking last night to someone who failed an interview for his own job as a systems analyst but got redeployed, apparently, because of the down turn, there are 4,000 vacancies in the Job Centres, he now does "meeting and greeting" of the Job Seekers!

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: John Routledge
Date: 02 Apr 12 - 08:27 AM

That is what I call a result. Well done!!

Subject: RE: BS: Losing out on interview for my own job
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Apr 12 - 09:40 AM

what an amazing library, you've certainly moved onwards & upwards

sandra