"Some people would complain if you hanged them with new rope"
It could be worse... you could be married to her!
Summerthyme
Comments The Locksmith Journals
- Thread starter day late
- Start date
It could be worse... you could be married to her!
Summerthyme
day late
money? whats that?
I hate to say it, but after getting to know her a bit and chatting with her husband while she was gone, I think I am.
day late
money? whats that?
I didn't get the full story, but it is obvious that whatever the lady's complaint was, the boss isn't taking it seriously. Truthfully, I was a bit nervous. I did the job Tues. She called about me on Wens. morning. ALL DAY yesterday I had zero calls. At closing time I texted dispatch. I said,
"I started today with a complaint. I didn't get a single call. Are we that slow or am I in trouble?"
The lady texted back that we were just slow. Besides after she and the boss had conversation with the customer it was decided "She's crazy." I was told the customer went into a long elaborate story about her dis-satisfaction, which made no sense at all. It's nice to have a boss who has your back, instead of bending over backwards to please the customer.
"I started today with a complaint. I didn't get a single call. Are we that slow or am I in trouble?"
The lady texted back that we were just slow. Besides after she and the boss had conversation with the customer it was decided "She's crazy." I was told the customer went into a long elaborate story about her dis-satisfaction, which made no sense at all. It's nice to have a boss who has your back, instead of bending over backwards to please the customer.
day late
money? whats that?
First day back after a week off, and I'm a bit curious. First of all, Sunday is usually quiet, today was no exception. Sat around all morning and did nothing. Just as I'm sitting down for lunch, I get a call. In Ocala. 45 minutes away. I have to be there by 1:00. No problem. It's a bit of a drive, but no big deal. Why I'm driving this far just to open a car, I don't know, but I am. I am just about at the location, when I get my next job. In Gainesville, at 1:45. Ummmm, I'm not going to make that. So, before I can call in, I have to open car number one. I get done with that, and I am sitting in the van, doing paperwork when in comes call number 3. 3 miles away a guy needs to get into his pickup. Ok. Do you mind calling the house lockout in Gainesville and letting them know that I'll be a little later? She did and I went to car 2.
I finally get headed towards home and quite honestly, couldn't wait to find a restroom. I didn't call the house lock out until I was back on the road. I told the lady where I was and how long it would take me to reach her. She came back with an unexpected reply.
"40 minutes? You're in Ocala? They told me you were in Reddick and it would take about 20."
Who said what, I have no idea. But I also learned why the lady was a bit impatient when I got to within a few miles of her. (She called me back to see where I was.) She told me that from the time she called she had been waiting for about 2 hours to get into the house. Her dog was in there. One of those little walking pillows that have SOOOOO much mouth.
So, okay boss. I know you can't have everyone working every day. But we came close to losing a job today because I was apparently the only guy working. AND I did burn up some gas today. How many jobs did we have to turn down because there was no one available? Maybe you should re-think your cost cutting measures.
I finally get headed towards home and quite honestly, couldn't wait to find a restroom. I didn't call the house lock out until I was back on the road. I told the lady where I was and how long it would take me to reach her. She came back with an unexpected reply.
"40 minutes? You're in Ocala? They told me you were in Reddick and it would take about 20."
Who said what, I have no idea. But I also learned why the lady was a bit impatient when I got to within a few miles of her. (She called me back to see where I was.) She told me that from the time she called she had been waiting for about 2 hours to get into the house. Her dog was in there. One of those little walking pillows that have SOOOOO much mouth.
So, okay boss. I know you can't have everyone working every day. But we came close to losing a job today because I was apparently the only guy working. AND I did burn up some gas today. How many jobs did we have to turn down because there was no one available? Maybe you should re-think your cost cutting measures.
Hmmm... from the outside, looking in (so maybe inaccurate)... you (the entire business) only had 3 calls all day? That doesn't sound very profitable for the boss (especially when he has to pay for the gas... is there any sort of mileage adjustment to the bills, or does everyone pay the same for the initial call/visit?
Assuming you are paid for "time on (call)", I can't see how they could afford a second guy sitting around getting paid, just in case 2 calls come in at the same time.
Lots of what you've posted has indicated the boss doesn't have a lot of business sense. I know he's been underpaying you (based on what even fast-food places are paying).... and I suspect that may be the only way he's staying in business.
Anyway, I know that while you enjoy the job, you're open for other options. So have fun while it works!
Summerthyme
Assuming you are paid for "time on (call)", I can't see how they could afford a second guy sitting around getting paid, just in case 2 calls come in at the same time.
Lots of what you've posted has indicated the boss doesn't have a lot of business sense. I know he's been underpaying you (based on what even fast-food places are paying).... and I suspect that may be the only way he's staying in business.
Anyway, I know that while you enjoy the job, you're open for other options. So have fun while it works!
Summerthyme
day late
money? whats that?
There have been better days. It's not fun to clock in at 9 and at 9:15 you are told the boss has decided to cover Gainesville today, so you are going to Ocala. That would have been bad enough. I only had five calls today, and I spend most of the day behind the wheel. First job about 15 miles north of Ocala. Second job, same distance south of Ocala. The rest of the day was spent going back and forth between these two locations.
One of the bad things about this job is walking into other people's problems. On one job the lady and her husband are having the house re-keyed, because the lady's brother is stage 5 Parkinson's, and his wife is divorcing him. The soon to be ex already had the front door re-keyed to keep them out. They have power-of-attorney and are planning on selling the house. The soon to be ex doesn't seem to have a problem with that, just with them. So, as I'm doing my job I have to listen to the ex and the sister hash it out between them. Which doors are you re-keying? Who gets keys? On and on and on. I was happy to leave there.
Later in the day there is another re-key. In this case, nothing was said, but it seemed pretty clear certain things were going on. When I began, there were two women and a house full of all kinds of medical gear. The kind people use as life grows short. Oxygen tanks, monitors of differing types, things like that. As I was working a guy came by and started collecting some of those things. He mentioned that he couldn't take any of the oxygen tank tubing if it wasn't sealed in the package. But he did take all of the tanks. I get the feeling the homeowner isn't coming back.
During all of this I'm told I need to stop by the shop and pick up supplies I asked for. I drove past the office at least twice today. Never had a chance to stop. We close at 6. I finished my last job at about 6:15. The Ocala office is in one of those 'shared workspaces'. Meaning a bunch of one room offices sharing the same building. You have to have a key to open the main door, and then another for your office. By the time I got there the main door was locked and I don't have a key. Wasted trip there. I texted one of the people doing management now and asked about the door. I texted him at about 6:20. I still haven't heard back.
The bright spot of the day was when I was told by dispatch that the boss was having a fit with the app he has us use. He couldn't figure out how to get the customers signature on his phone which is required, by him, before any job is started. We can hope for a change, can't we?
One of the bad things about this job is walking into other people's problems. On one job the lady and her husband are having the house re-keyed, because the lady's brother is stage 5 Parkinson's, and his wife is divorcing him. The soon to be ex already had the front door re-keyed to keep them out. They have power-of-attorney and are planning on selling the house. The soon to be ex doesn't seem to have a problem with that, just with them. So, as I'm doing my job I have to listen to the ex and the sister hash it out between them. Which doors are you re-keying? Who gets keys? On and on and on. I was happy to leave there.
Later in the day there is another re-key. In this case, nothing was said, but it seemed pretty clear certain things were going on. When I began, there were two women and a house full of all kinds of medical gear. The kind people use as life grows short. Oxygen tanks, monitors of differing types, things like that. As I was working a guy came by and started collecting some of those things. He mentioned that he couldn't take any of the oxygen tank tubing if it wasn't sealed in the package. But he did take all of the tanks. I get the feeling the homeowner isn't coming back.
During all of this I'm told I need to stop by the shop and pick up supplies I asked for. I drove past the office at least twice today. Never had a chance to stop. We close at 6. I finished my last job at about 6:15. The Ocala office is in one of those 'shared workspaces'. Meaning a bunch of one room offices sharing the same building. You have to have a key to open the main door, and then another for your office. By the time I got there the main door was locked and I don't have a key. Wasted trip there. I texted one of the people doing management now and asked about the door. I texted him at about 6:20. I still haven't heard back.
The bright spot of the day was when I was told by dispatch that the boss was having a fit with the app he has us use. He couldn't figure out how to get the customers signature on his phone which is required, by him, before any job is started. We can hope for a change, can't we?
day late
money? whats that?
Ch...Ch...Ch...Changes. Not my favorite Bowie song, and not always a good thing. But not my business. The boss does what the boss does. I had mentioned before that he had decided to go back out on the road for a day or two a week. Frankly, I think that's a great idea. Keep him in touch with what the rest of us go through. I already told you that he's having a time figuring out the credit card app that the rest of us use. Well, it seems he's easing himself back into our world. Only working one day a week, that I know of, but is on call when someone needs a hand. I hope he does a better job with them than he's done with me in the past. All I got was telephone advice based on pictures I sent. We will see.
At the most recent meeting the subject of that job I couldn't finish came up. That was supposed to be done last Wednesday. Turns out it's later this week. When I had to leave the job, I gave a list of things that had been done and needed to be done to finish the job. Honestly all that was needed was two screws that are about an inch longer than the standard screw. I found out the lady on dispatch got it wrong and these guys have been running around looking for and ordering parts that they don't need. We can get the screws at Home Depot. Boss, when there is a question, ask the guy who was on the job.
Two other changes. One I don't mind, the other I'm not thrilled about. They asked me if I was willing to go from just two days a week to three. Why not? Gets me out of 'honey-do's' and I make a little more money. That's fine. The not so welcome news is that one of those three days, I'm working in Ocala. I'm not real happy with that, but what the hey. It shakes things up a little bit. The worst part is that because of a slow-down in business, there is only one dispatcher and one locksmith on Sunday. I'm the locksmith. Last Sunday I had five calls. Four were in Ocala. One of them canceled because we were taking too long. Only one in Gainesville, who canceled for the same reason. When I got the call, I was supposed to be there by something like 3:45. It came in at 3:15. The job was almost an hour and a half away. I wasn't going to make that. The customer canceled.
Okay Boss. Cost cutting measures I can understand. But don't shoot yourself in the foot.
At the most recent meeting the subject of that job I couldn't finish came up. That was supposed to be done last Wednesday. Turns out it's later this week. When I had to leave the job, I gave a list of things that had been done and needed to be done to finish the job. Honestly all that was needed was two screws that are about an inch longer than the standard screw. I found out the lady on dispatch got it wrong and these guys have been running around looking for and ordering parts that they don't need. We can get the screws at Home Depot. Boss, when there is a question, ask the guy who was on the job.
Two other changes. One I don't mind, the other I'm not thrilled about. They asked me if I was willing to go from just two days a week to three. Why not? Gets me out of 'honey-do's' and I make a little more money. That's fine. The not so welcome news is that one of those three days, I'm working in Ocala. I'm not real happy with that, but what the hey. It shakes things up a little bit. The worst part is that because of a slow-down in business, there is only one dispatcher and one locksmith on Sunday. I'm the locksmith. Last Sunday I had five calls. Four were in Ocala. One of them canceled because we were taking too long. Only one in Gainesville, who canceled for the same reason. When I got the call, I was supposed to be there by something like 3:45. It came in at 3:15. The job was almost an hour and a half away. I wasn't going to make that. The customer canceled.
Okay Boss. Cost cutting measures I can understand. But don't shoot yourself in the foot.
day late
money? whats that?
I forgot to add. Being TOTALLY self-serving here. Two other things happened during the meeting that were different. One thing they always do is announce who made how much during the last pay period. I know they do it to increase competition between locksmiths, but I just don't like it. It doesn't bother me that I'm always last. I work the least number of hours. At any rate during the last meeting, it was announced how much I made. A bit over $1,300. Other people were bringing in $5,000 or $6,000 during that time. What took me by surprise was when the manager pointed out that I had only worked four days out of the last fourteen. The rest had worked about 10 days each.
The second thing that caught me off guard was later. The boss has been quite open about making changes with everyone all along. He doesn't just spring things on you. I appreciate that, but during the meeting he went on for a couple of minutes, along with the manager, in thanking me for stepping up and taking another day. Nice to be appreciated.
The second thing that caught me off guard was later. The boss has been quite open about making changes with everyone all along. He doesn't just spring things on you. I appreciate that, but during the meeting he went on for a couple of minutes, along with the manager, in thanking me for stepping up and taking another day. Nice to be appreciated.
day late
money? whats that?
Wish me luck. Last night, after I was off, I texted the boss. After I agreed to work three days, based on working two days in Gainesville and one in Ocala, I have spent four of the last six days in Ocala and only two in Gainesville. THE EXACT OPPOSITE of what I was told. Last night I asked, "Why is this?" I was told I would be called today. It is 1:30. No call. So in my view he lied about the hours and about calling me. I will give him until quitting time tonight. No call, I quit.
Siskiyoumom
Veteran Member
May you have total peace as you speak with boss. After you are gone he will kick himself for his actions against you.
day late
money? whats that?
Well, he called. I was on a job and had to call back. It went about like I expected.
"You're the only locksmith on call on Sunday. So, if we get calls from Ocala you have to go there. You are only assigned to work there on Monday. That means you are only working in Ocala one day."
I have a problem with his math. Especially when I spent all day, two Sundays in a row, working in Ocala. I did tell him during the call that I felt he wasn't being honest with me. I'm going to be off for a few days, I have a chance to see what is available. Never make an important decision when you are hungry, tired, or royally freaking pi**ed, like I am right now. You always make the wrong one.
"You're the only locksmith on call on Sunday. So, if we get calls from Ocala you have to go there. You are only assigned to work there on Monday. That means you are only working in Ocala one day."
I have a problem with his math. Especially when I spent all day, two Sundays in a row, working in Ocala. I did tell him during the call that I felt he wasn't being honest with me. I'm going to be off for a few days, I have a chance to see what is available. Never make an important decision when you are hungry, tired, or royally freaking pi**ed, like I am right now. You always make the wrong one.
day late
money? whats that?
"Hurry up and wait." You learn how to do that in the service. I'm glad I did. I haven't said anything to the boss that would result in my firing. I have told him that I believe he is being less than honest with me. You can't fire someone for that. Right now, it would seem that jobs for someone my age, (VERY soon to be 68.) are not that plentiful. Yeah, I can wash dishes at a restaurant. Shoot, that was my first job during high school. Many years ago, when I had just gotten off work and my Mother took me to her bank to cash my paycheck. I was working construction at the time and was absolutely filthy when we entered the bank. I told my Mother I though she shouldn't be doing this. She told me something that has stayed with me all these years.
"There is no shame in honest dirt."
So, I have no problem getting a job which my wife thinks is "beneath" me. No shame in honest dirt. I can actually get paid more by bagging groceries at the local Publix than he is paying me. But I just love this job. At any rate, I'm taking my time. I want a brain-dead job that pays enough to cover the expenses that SS doesn't. Now it is a matter of finding a job that fits, before I tell him to stuff it.
THAT should be interesting. For a long time, I have been called "the old reliable'. I have gone everywhere and done everything. I am known for being the guy who can put up with anything and still keep the customer happy. The guy who comes in when he is off, to do the job. I still get the job done. NOBODY says that I am rude or unpleasant. I once had a customer leave a review saying that I was a nice guy who did the job both quickly and well. They just had a problem with pricing. Now he has pi**ed me off enough to quit. What is that going to tell the other people who work for him?
Now my EVIL side hopes that he brings up something in our next company meeting. It would be glorious for me, but I don't believe that The Lord would see it that way. Please consider the following. Being VERY conservative, the company brings in $2,000 a day. We are closed on Christmas day. So, multiply $2,000 by 364 days. the answer is $728,000 a year. I know the boss has expenses. He has to pay for gas, three offices of which only two are used right now, parts and supplies, even a tax on self-employment. Not to mention wages for everyone. He's not getting all of that money. But he does get at least a third of it. Now he wants me to cover for someone who should be there but isn't because that puts more money in his pocket. SCREW THAT. I had no problem with any of it until he insulted my intelligence by saying,
"Well, you're on call. You have to go where the work is. You know that is the nature of the business. So, you really are only working in Ocala one day."
I have the words to describe what he is saying. But my Mother and Father taught me to never talk like that. No, I will wait. (Patience is another military benefit.) Once I find that job that I need, then there will be a 'Bill sized' hole in the air and I will not be seen again. Should the boss want to talk to me about it, the requirements are simple. DO NOT call me. If you want to talk to me then get off your lazy, narcissistic, backside, come to my property and speak to my face. Nothing less is acceptable.
"There is no shame in honest dirt."
So, I have no problem getting a job which my wife thinks is "beneath" me. No shame in honest dirt. I can actually get paid more by bagging groceries at the local Publix than he is paying me. But I just love this job. At any rate, I'm taking my time. I want a brain-dead job that pays enough to cover the expenses that SS doesn't. Now it is a matter of finding a job that fits, before I tell him to stuff it.
THAT should be interesting. For a long time, I have been called "the old reliable'. I have gone everywhere and done everything. I am known for being the guy who can put up with anything and still keep the customer happy. The guy who comes in when he is off, to do the job. I still get the job done. NOBODY says that I am rude or unpleasant. I once had a customer leave a review saying that I was a nice guy who did the job both quickly and well. They just had a problem with pricing. Now he has pi**ed me off enough to quit. What is that going to tell the other people who work for him?
Now my EVIL side hopes that he brings up something in our next company meeting. It would be glorious for me, but I don't believe that The Lord would see it that way. Please consider the following. Being VERY conservative, the company brings in $2,000 a day. We are closed on Christmas day. So, multiply $2,000 by 364 days. the answer is $728,000 a year. I know the boss has expenses. He has to pay for gas, three offices of which only two are used right now, parts and supplies, even a tax on self-employment. Not to mention wages for everyone. He's not getting all of that money. But he does get at least a third of it. Now he wants me to cover for someone who should be there but isn't because that puts more money in his pocket. SCREW THAT. I had no problem with any of it until he insulted my intelligence by saying,
"Well, you're on call. You have to go where the work is. You know that is the nature of the business. So, you really are only working in Ocala one day."
I have the words to describe what he is saying. But my Mother and Father taught me to never talk like that. No, I will wait. (Patience is another military benefit.) Once I find that job that I need, then there will be a 'Bill sized' hole in the air and I will not be seen again. Should the boss want to talk to me about it, the requirements are simple. DO NOT call me. If you want to talk to me then get off your lazy, narcissistic, backside, come to my property and speak to my face. Nothing less is acceptable.
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day late
money? whats that?
Honestly, sober thought is something that is not available right now. That's one of the reasons I'm waiting. I haven't been this upset in a very long time. Having a drink or six probably isn't the best idea, but it keeps me from running my mouth when I shouldn't. I know I'm sh*t-faced, so I am careful with what I say. Words have meanings and meanings have consequences.
RememberGoliad
Veteran Member
I agree with that, to an extent. I am kinda picky about who shows up at my place without setting it up beforehand. Even a text, 'hey, I'm on my way over' gives me a chance to respond that it's not a good time, or to come on. Gives me time to chase the goats out of the yard, put something on over my boxers if it's a time of day when I'm inside cooling off, you know.
My requirement in your situation would be: "DO NOT call me except to ask if you may come talk to me face to face."
I wish you luck and success as the road lays out before you.
Bill
day late
money? whats that?
I hear you. I'm being cautious. I don't NEED the job, but I'll hold on to it until I can find a suitable replacement. One thing that is certain to happen is no more freebies. I've made a number of different types of tools over the years. Most were given away. That doesn't happen anymore. Of the ones I'm requested to make, the price just went up to current market value. NOT just materials and a few bucks labor. If he wants to talk about business related things, it will be done on business time. Not mine. Otherwise, I'm not too keen on the sound of his voice. He can call me during business hours and make an appointment to meet me at a later time. I will talk with him. I will speak with him. I will not be obscene or profane. I will also not pull my punches.
You offended me. These are the reasons and ways you offended me. I'm not perfect or unreasonable. Convince me I'm wrong, or admit you are and fix it. The other option is employment elsewhere. And thanks to SS, I don't need to worry about the bills. I can take my time. How long will it take you to train someone to my level, who is willing to do as much, and travel as far while accepting as little as I was?
Your choice. No matter what you do, you can't hurt me, just shoot yourself in the foot.
teedee
Veteran Member
I once had a job that paid something like $3 per hour, Tells you how long ago that was. There had been some folks that were skipping out for a day once in awhile and I was not there one day as I was interviewing for another job. The next day the big boss asked me where I had been. I told him that I was at a job interview. He called me into his office and offered me a dollar an hour raise. Pissed me off and I gave him 2 weeks notice right there. It also saved me a 25 mile commute every day!
day late
money? whats that?
DEFINETLY LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB NOW!!! We had the meeting a couple of nights ago. It was announced the new schedule was being sent out. I looked at it. They have now assigned me FOUR days, without talking to me about it first. Those days are not the ones I normally work. A couple of them are on days I told them weeks ago I MUST have these days off. One is to take Mom to the doctor and the other is to have a crown put in my mouth. I'M NOT WORKING THOSE DAYS!!! The fact that things they have been told about weeks ago seem to make no difference to the boss and the manager tells me what they see as my value to the company. They see me as a brain dead, thick skulled, knuckle dragger with no understanding. I actually am an old man who doesn't have any worlds left to concur. A man who just doesn't really care as long as the bills are paid. But don't think I'm stupid. I'm just tired.
Your boss seems to have some of the worst people skills I've seen. Snd his business skills don't seem too sharp, either. It's sad, because I know you enjoy your work, but I think you'll be happier somewhere else.
Summerthyme
Summerthyme
Siskiyoumom
Veteran Member
May the just right job come your way and be close to your home with the perfect pay scale and hours!