FIRED.

[Shari]

Now that I've managed to keep from breaking out into hysterical sobs, I thought I'd get some input on here.

Three weeks ago I got a new job working for a greenhouse company. Basically what they do is receive indoor plants from Hawaii and Florida and then ship them out to all the Home Depots and Fry's in Phoenix.

That being said, I've been hired at 11 dollars an hour to be an "admin assistant"...that's what it stated in the newspaper. I was told I'd be working with the sales rep on all the Fry's stores.

Cool huh? WELL....I worked in the office for the first week, just to learn the "ropes" of what the basis of the company was about. I was then sent to the greenhouse....as a grunt.

This was fine, as I knew they were working on this HUGE holiday promotion for Frys, which convienently started when I hired, and as it would happen...end this Friday.

This is where I need some input. I've been working hard, getting to work ontime, getting along with everyone. I butt heads with the sales rep for Frys, but I recently discover that she's a bitch to everyone else too so I deal with it.

So, today...out of no where, the owner comes out and says, "I'm really sorry, but we're going to have to let you go."

While trying to keep my composure, I ask her why.

Her response? "We just feel that you and (sales rep's name) wont work well together in the future, and I just think it would be best for you to do something you're enthusiastic about. You have 6 years of art schooling under your belt. In fact, I have friends that are in the art industry and have been very sucessful."

So in-between my tears I ask her (I still retain my humor, damnitall) to "hook me up". And I also question her...was I a bad employee? Was a lazy worker, was I careless?

She says none of those things, she just says that I don't seem enthusiastic to work there.

Now I'm totally confused, what, because I don't come bounding into the office clapping my hands, giddy about pushing around heavy pottery and dirty plants I come off as hating my job?

In a nutshell, she gives me the number to an architecht/designer who is a really good friend of hers and says she's going to call her first to tell her about me, and that I should contact her to get my foot in the door.

I get to my parents house in hysterics and my parents are supportive. They said it will probably be good that I try and viciously persue my art career, and that I should also see if I can collect for unemployment.

Is that even possible? I mean I was only employed there for a month, but hell, if I can, should I do it?

The most FRUSTRATING part about this, is that I was FIRED not because I was lazy, rude, late, or clueless about my job. I was fired because there could be POTENTIAL personality conflict with that sales rep in the future.

Does this sound fucked up to anyone else? Scott suggested the only reason why they hired me was to help out with the Fry's promo and then let me go, as they needed an english-speaking person to deligate work to all the labor workers in the greenhouse. I only tend to agree with him considering I was hired when the promo started, and let go the day before it ended.

Thoughts?

[Ilvane]

Honey, key is..get your foot in the door in your field. I know if feels awful to lose a job, think of how awesome it would be to get into a job you would be bounding into the door to work.

Yes, you can collect, but take her up on the offer!

Everything happens for a reason.:)

Sorry you lost your job.:(

-A

[xtc]

Jesae so sorry to hear. I think in most states they can fire you during the probation period without cause, leaving you little recourse. It does sound like they used you.

I would be surprised if you qualify for unemployment insurance however I know nothing of Arizona law, here is a link to info on Arizona unemployment insurance.

http://www.de.state.az.us/esa/uibenefits/uibhome.asp

Perhaps this is a blessing in disguise.



[Edited on 11-17-2005 by xtc]

[Alfster]

From the information you provided, I'd have to agree with Scott on this one. Chalk it up for a shitty company you'd never want to work for anyhow, I mean, 11 bucks an hour isn't very good pay anyhow.

[Tsunami]

Yep, seems to me Scott is right. I've had that happen before too. Pretty shitty, but don't let its faze you, keep yer chin up, you'll do just fine.

[Skeeter]

In Ohio you would not be eligible for anything because you were still in your 90 day trial period. I imagine your state has similar rules.

It's not unusual for either scenario you mentioned.

1. you were only needed for the promotion, then expendable.

2. They received negative feedback from the sales rep, so to appease her, they canned you.

good luck in the future, and don't take it too hard. everyone gets fired at least once.

You can come work for me, but the starting salary is only 8.50. Of course if you do a good job there is large potential for promotion.

[HarmNone]

You and Scott could be right in your guess, hon. The timing is certainly suspect. They might also have been concerned that you're well educated and would become bored doing the kind of work they had for you. There's also the possibility that you were told the truth. There's no real way to know.

If you did your best, that's all you could do. It's another of those life experiences that make us feel like kicking someone when they happen, but often have us laughing our asses off a few weeks, months, or years down the line.

What the hell! Give that architect/designer a call. It's very possible that the person you talked to will follow through with her promise and give you a foot in the door to a job you'll enjoy one hell of a lot more than schlepping plants around a warehouse! :)

[Sean]

You should follow Peams career path and start looking for jobs with funny hats. I think you've met all the other prereq's for the Peam school of revolving employment ;)

[DeV]

Originally posted by HarmNone
They might also have been concerned that you're well educated and would become bored doing the kind of work they had for you. This was my thought as well. I would not imagine how content you would be at that job with a degree behind you, only making $11 an hour. The feeling of contentment wouldn't be there for long and your boss could probably see that in some ways. It sucks but don't let it keep you down. They probably did you a favor in the long run.

[Edited on 11-17-2005 by DeV]

[Back]

I agree with what everyone seems to be saying. Cut your losses and move on. Hell, they probably did you a huge favor. Go out and get a job in your field.

You should be able to get unemployment but I would recommend against it.

[Wezas]

That bites Jesae. The upside is it really wasn't something you were really interested in anyways. Even if the architect/designer doesn't have any positions, they could probably give you some decent leads.

[Leetahkin]

I too, think things happen for a reason. Maybe this will allow you to be at the right place, at the right time, for an even better job opportunity that you may not have seen by working at that place.

I hope the contact works for you. Good luck!

[Tisket]

Getting fired can be the best thing in the world if it prods you to pursue a career better suited to your interests. Sure feels like the end of the world when it actually happens though. For that I am sorry this happened to you.

[SpunGirl]

Sounds to me like they were using you for the promotion, as has been said. If I were you, I'd definitely follow up on the contact. I'd also talk to your now-ex boss and ask that it be listed in your personnel file that you were "let go" due to company needs or some shit like that, not fired because you were a shitty employee.

-K

[Jayvn]

U2U me when ya get time, Me an Iom know some people who run an open lit/art magazine and I'll sweet talk them to run whatever you want to put in it. 6 years of school is insane I made it like 2 semesters of art before I went crazy doing all the stuff they wanted me to do. It'll get you some published stuff anyway.. ::shrug::

[Terminator X]

Why would you be enthusiastic about working for 11 bucks an hour with a 6-year art degree?

I say you give them an artistic "FUCK YOU, HOME DEPOT!" with vivid brush strokes and excellent use of lights and colors...

...And then start interviewing at the closest hiring firm within reasonable distance.

[Back]

I know a Magazine art director looking for a production artist in Bethesda MD. If you want the email, say so.

[Jazuela]

You wouldn't be eligible for unemployment benefits unless you have worked prior to this job. The job you got fired from would be who you file the claim against, but you would have to have earned enough "time" working in general, during the year, to qualify for any payment. In Connecticut, you have to work for the most recent three quarters of a 4-quarter period (a year, but ending with the last date worked, not a January-December year). In Arizona, here's what I found:


How long do I have to work to be monetarily eligible for benefits?

You must have wages in at least two quarters of your base period. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters from the date your claim is filed. See the Arizona Unemployment Insurance Handbook for specific information.

So for Arizona, you look at the last 15 months. Discount the last three months. Within the remaining 12 months, you have to have worked 6 of them to be eligible to collect.

Similar to the Connecticut rule with a slight variance on the time frame.

I re-read your post. You said they initially hired you to work with the sales reps for Fry's. And that you butt heads with one of those sales reps. Considering that she'd be one of the people you would work closest with, maybe they felt it was less painful to let you go before this seasonal thing ended, than to wait until you were already in deep with the position they hired you for. Sometimes people just don't get along, and that's fine - but if one of them is supposed to be one of your bosses, it's better for the employee to be let go before the head-butting becomes a problem. Working for the sales reps means she would've been one of your bosses.

No idea if that's the reason behind it, but judging from what you mentioned, it's possible.

Definitely take advantage of the art contact, if it's truly what you want to pursue. Just because you have the degree doesn't mean it's where you plan on going. But if it is where you plan on going, don't waste time. Get in there right away. Good luck!

[DCSL]

That blows! I'm so sorry you had such a crappy experience. I suggest going to egg the Fry's sales rep's house.

[Back]

Or, maybe to Fry the Egg’s rep’s sales house.

[Wezas]

Originally posted by Backlash
I know a Magazine art director looking for a production artist in Bethesda MD. If you want the email, say so.

Bethesda = within driving distance.

I like Backlash's idea.

[Blazing247]

Getting fired from a crappy retail job was the best thing that ever happened to me. It's the little kick in the butt some of us need to pursue a CAREER instead of a JOB. You will end up doing something you love, and making good money for doing it. Most retail managers barely have a high school education, so don't sweat the little people in life and the power they try to wield.

[Caiylania]

Sorry you lost a job, but as others have said I hope it opens up bigger and better avenues for you!

[Apotheosis]

Jesae,


What have I been u2uing to you since I found out you recently graduated with a degree in photography?

GET A JOB WHERE YOU CAN USE YOUR 1337 ART SKILLZ


Thank you,

georgi

[Showal]

I think the best idea that's come up in this thread is to follow up on contacts and seek out a career, not a job. No offense, but I think it's just foolish and a waste of time to go to art school for 6 years to come away from it with a job distributing plants for home depot making 11 bucks an hour.

[Apotheosis]

Good point, Showal.

Job sounds too much like a chore. Career is the right way to look at it.

[AnticorRifling]

Originally posted by Showal
I think the best idea that's come up in this thread is to follow up on contacts and seek out a career, not a job. No offense, but I think it's just foolish and a waste of time to go to art school for 6 years to come away from it with a job distributing plants for home depot making 11 bucks an hour.

She went above and beyond the normal pay scale of someone with an art degree though! Only so many times you can make snowmen out of toliet paper tubes and get paid for it. :cool:

[Warriorbird]

The people who actually bother to get their degree in something like that and put forth the effort tend to do all right. I was suprised at the average salary of someone who graduated with an art degree from my alma mater in our recent alumni poll.

[Showal]

Originally posted by AnticorRifling

Originally posted by Showal
I think the best idea that's come up in this thread is to follow up on contacts and seek out a career, not a job. No offense, but I think it's just foolish and a waste of time to go to art school for 6 years to come away from it with a job distributing plants for home depot making 11 bucks an hour.

She went above and beyond the normal pay scale of someone with an art degree though! Only so many times you can make snowmen out of toliet paper tubes and get paid for it. :cool:

Any idea how many times you can get paid for snowmen before it's too many? I should pick this up as a hobby.

Other than that, I consider 10-11 bucks to be the minimum someone should be making with a degree. I understand that there are certain jobs and positions that pay less to do good work, but that's a general statement. There's always work for art, whether it be small personal shit for a hobby just to get by or whether it be web design or architecture. I know most states have to allocate a certain percentage of public works projects (new libraries, government buildings, etc.) to art on and around the building. I imagine any bit of searching will provide better opportunities and more fitting jobs that could lead into a career.

[HarmNone]

How are you feeling about all this after having a night to sleep on it, Jesae? Better, I hope. :)

[Shari]

I'm still a little upset. But Scott sat me down and let me know there was nothing I could have done to prevent it. I'll be searching online and through the newspaper this Sunday to look for another job.

On a lighter note, however, I found a gallery that seems to display local artists' work. It doesn't open until the 8th, but I'm hoping I can get some more information on how the process goes down.

I also have that photo sculpture in my back yard that I'm thinking of throwing up on ebay.

Also, a very smart person on these boards referred me to a site that I think will be very helpful, and I appreciate everyone's support.

[Back]

Originally posted by Showal

Originally posted by AnticorRifling

Originally posted by Showal
I think the best idea that's come up in this thread is to follow up on contacts and seek out a career, not a job. No offense, but I think it's just foolish and a waste of time to go to art school for 6 years to come away from it with a job distributing plants for home depot making 11 bucks an hour.

She went above and beyond the normal pay scale of someone with an art degree though! Only so many times you can make snowmen out of toliet paper tubes and get paid for it. :cool:

Any idea how many times you can get paid for snowmen before it's too many? I should pick this up as a hobby.

Other than that, I consider 10-11 bucks to be the minimum someone should be making with a degree. I understand that there are certain jobs and positions that pay less to do good work, but that's a general statement. There's always work for art, whether it be small personal shit for a hobby just to get by or whether it be web design or architecture. I know most states have to allocate a certain percentage of public works projects (new libraries, government buildings, etc.) to art on and around the building. I imagine any bit of searching will provide better opportunities and more fitting jobs that could lead into a career.

Here here on two points. I agree with Showal, think of it as a career, not just a job.

Anticore’s obvious antics do convey how some people think. But don’t let anyone fool you into thinking an art career is somehow the easy way or a less responsible or honorable or dedicated or skilled or less important in any way. Artists are as important to the human race as doctors.

A couple more links Jesae, don’t know why I did not post them before as this very topic is being discussed amongst my peers presently, as in developing our careers.

http://www.creativehotlist.com/

http://www.aiga.org/

[AnticorRifling]

You should all know my posting in this regard is in jest. Even if she is a hippy artist there's nothing but love :cool:

That being said good luck in your search and don't settle until you find something that's really worth it, not the money but the satisfaction. I know you already understand that in order to do that you're going to have to knuckle up and pay the bills with jobs that just aren't you. We've all been there and we all feel your pain.

I do, however, reccommend some theraputic trashing of that strumpets car or lawn. :)

[longshot]

Originally posted by Warriorbird
The people who actually bother to get their degree in something like that and put forth the effort tend to do all right. I was suprised at the average salary of someone who graduated with an art degree from my alma mater in our recent alumni poll.

Strippers do make a lot of money...

[Back]

Originally posted by AnticorRifling
You should all know my posting in this regard is in jest. Even if she is a hippy artist there's nothing but love :cool:

That being said good luck in your search and don't settle until you find something that's really worth it, not the money but the satisfaction. I know you already understand that in order to do that you're going to have to knuckle up and pay the bills with jobs that just aren't you. We've all been there and we all feel your pain.

I do, however, reccommend some theraputic trashing of that strumpets car or lawn. :)

I’ve misunderstood you in the past but now I know the score. Yes, I do have a sense of humor. I did not mean in any way to suggest you thought less of Jesae for her choice of career.

I would agree that some eggs or a TP might be a great way to get her back, but then again, it sounds like she did you a favor.

Is it insane to take advice from random people on the internet? Maybe. But then, ultimately, its all up to you.

[Showal]

Originally posted by AnticorRiflingI do, however, reccommend some theraputic trashing of that strumpets car or lawn. :)

...shit in a pringles can.

I appreciate anyone going forward in the art field. It's not an easy one to break in to or be successful in. Good luck, if you try hard enough, you can do it.

[Warriorbird]

Strippers do make a lot of money...

I know someone who went that route and pulled down something on the order of 150 grand last year. With that said, she had a costuming degree and she's both shameless and gorgeous.

[AnticorRifling]

Phone number plz!

[Daniel]

Like your wife would ever even let you look her way.:talktohand:

[Warriorbird]

:chuckles: Daniel has it pretty much nailed. She dated one of my roomates at one point though. It ended badly.