Might be fired tomorrow

[bean]

I'm almost past my 90 day "probationary period".

I got sick as hell on Thursday night - I was feeling a bit off all day on Thursday, felt like death on Thursday night, called in sick for Friday.

Felt like complete death all weekend - went to a doctor, got a note saying "uh yeah he can't work before Wednesday".

They've been repeating "you can't call in sick even once before your 90 days are up" over and over. Except I've seen a lot of people do so.

The whole "scheduled to work on a holiday" and "called in sick for the holiday" supposedly means instant termination. We'll see how that works out on Wednesday. Best part is I had volunteered to work the holiday, but I gave them plenty of warning to replace me (called them early Friday morning, said I probably wouldn't be able to work on the holiday).

They've been pulling enough shady crap that I've already been looking for another job anyway, but it'd be nice if I can at least make it long enough to get my insurance.

On the plus side, I know I'll never ever move to an area where they're the only ISP in town.

[Kagato]

I'd look into local labour laws, unless Texas is an "at will" state, they should not be able to fire you for a legitimate illness with a medical certificate, especially if said illness is contagious and will put other people at risk of contamination.

[Pixilated]

Wow, that's kinda harsh ... not to mention totally unreasonable. I could see "don't call in sick within your probationary period without getting a medical clearance" but don't get sick at all?? It's not like it's something you can control.

[BroSCFischer]

but don't get sick at all??

Ah, but see they don't SAY don't get sick, they SAY don't call off. Which means: "It doesn't matter how sick you are, we expect you to come in to work, or be on a slab."

SC

[Der Cute]

You.Will.Be.Fine. They love you so far, and you can argue "you want me to barf in the trash can next to my desk while I help Ms. OldLady?" They will not. If you were average dude and didn't meet specs or messed up orders (Mr. Idiot guy) they'd can you.

STOP WORRYING

[Pixilated]

Ah, but see they don't SAY don't get sick, they SAY don't call off. Which means: "It doesn't matter how sick you are, we expect you to come in to work, or be on a slab."

SC

Ah, right. Which is probably how bean got sick to begin with ...

[taxguykarl]

I agree, you'll be OK as you have a legitimate medical statement. After all, if you made it this far in your probationary period (during which you could have been terminated with or without a reason), I find it hard to believe that you have anything to worry about.

[bean]

Went in today, still feel like death though. All they said is that I'd lose out on the holiday pay (company policy is if you call in the day before a holiday, you don't get holiday pay - normally we get paid for all holidays even if we don't work them). Guess I was stressing about nothing.

They're still all over me about my sales though. I don't get why a tech support position has a sales quota..

[bean]

Sorry for the followup post - I hopped on to my corporate email on a whim a little while ago (mostly to see if an escalation I'd done had been followed up on, I kept getting refusal earlier even though the customer was demanding management/demanding supervisor/etc).

Noticed my trainer was online, started IM'ing him.

He's giving me a good professional and personal reference, if worse comes to worse. And he's going to bat for me with management. Though I've already made up my mind, I don't think I belong here.

So absolute worst case, I have an amazing reference from a very fantastic person.

[bean]

sorry, language, rant, etc.

Today was... not great.

As soon as I get in, my boss pulls me aside. I'm under a shitload of stress at the moment as well.

He says "So Bean, how are you doing?"

I tell him, honestly "today's been really shitty, X has hap..."

He cuts me off and says he doesn't care what's going on in my life, he means at work.

Look jackass, don't ask me how *I'M* doing if you don't care. Ask me how WORK is going.

Stepdad lost his job yesterday, mom's in the hospital, and I'm suddenly supporting the entire household (I moved back in last summer, partly to help them out, partly to get on my own feet). I have more bills than anybody else in the house - I have the newest car, I'm the only one with a car payment ($250/mo), I'm the only one carrying full coverage on a vehicle ($85/mo thanks to my credit), I have student loans that I'm paying on, most of the utilities are in my name (everything except electric), I'm trying to pay my fall tuition, and I'm mostly living on ramen and beer. And I make the least out of everyone (prior to job loss and hospital time). I'm suddenly supporting 3 people, 3 vehicles, 2 pets + aquarium, and a decently big house (paid off, but insurance + taxes, plus utilities on a 4 bed/2 bath house) on a whopping $13/hour. And you're threatening to fire me if I don't get my fucking sales up by next week.

Don't fucking ask me how I'm doing if you don't want to know how I'm doing. Ask me how work is going instead, you ass. Don't ask me how I'm doing then cut me off and say "I don't care", don't ask me that question unless you want the truth.

Handing in my 2 weeks notice tomorrow.

[Tama]

Have you got any other job prospects?

[ADeMartino]

Handing in my 2 weeks notice tomorrow.

Bean, at the risk of sounding preachy..... with all the bills and stuff you're shouldering, make DAMN SURE you have another gig lined up and ready before you hand in your two weeks' notice. It's a tough market out there right now and shit can pile up remarkably fast if you're not working. That said, there are situations where you might feel it's best to move on - but this particular action, when taken, is not easily undone, and deserves a fair bit of deliberation.

It is, of course, YOUR decision to make - I'm just trying to be the equivalent of the angel on your shoulder pointing out certain things. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you nothing but good luck.

[bean]

I already have two interviews lined up. I usually nail every interview, so..

Gets better though. I took today off thanks to mom being in the hospital. I wound up getting contacted by 3 coworkers via text asking why I "walked out", along with several voicemails with the same question. Wait, what? All of them named one coworker as the source of that rumor.

Said coworker just got an email saying "Don't spread false rumors again, this is what HR complaints are made of" with our boss (we're under the same manager) and HR CC'd. I don't like finding out rumors about me are flying all over me missing one day... and finding out one person is telling everyone I walked out.

[Sunshine]

Bean i know this might not be an option at the moment with your parents needing you to be there but my area of texas(west) is booming right now. Might be something to consider...good luck on the job hunt!!

[Der Cute]

OMG honey!!! omg..Big hugs. Big big big big hugs. And only one funky ciggy for now.