Complaint Thursdays

[thesportsbuff]

it rains too much in WNY. i go outside for the briefest amount of time after it rains and my feet and the bottom of my pants get soaked.

[inkman]

The day I decide to treat myself in the morning( I do not go there regularly) and Starbucks is out of the classic cinnamon coffee cake :wallbash:.

 

Your man card is in serious question...

[LabattBlue]

Your man card is in serious question...

:lol:

[apuszczalowski]

I have been waiting a while to have a chance at one of these, Its not really a complaint as it might be more of a rant, but whatever..............

 

Just to make Labatt happy so it is a complaint I will start it like this

 

I hate when your boss decides that they need you to work in another area for a while and then they expect you to know exactly what you are doing, and the person who is in charge of that area is never any help and an idiot

 

I hate when you get rejection letters from job interviews and you can just tell that what they wrote was complete BS

 

I hate when you buy a house and then a week later after taking posetion of it, your boss comes to tell you the week after taking your first week vacation in about 3 years, that you will most likely be laid off in 2 weeks because the work we have been getting does not really require your services

 

So now the details

 

I work as a Draftsperson/Designer at a small construction company where i do a little bit of everything. So about 4-5 weeks ago (just before labour day), my boss came to me and said that with the Site Supervisor/Project Manager off on vacation for the week, and another labourer on vacation, he needed an extra hand on the job site to complete a big job that was coming close to the deadline. I like getting out of the office as much as possible so I said ok. So I worked with a Surveyor the first day laying out the parking lot and the curbs/islands. The next couple days I worked with the excavators digging trenches for the curbs. Thats when the fun began because my boss decided he wanted to keep as much of the existing asphalt as possible for the parking lot, but the drawings we had were designed so that everything was new, so the grades and elevations on the drawings were thrown out the window and I was expected to figure out what they wanted, telepathically. So the first week goes alright, and then I'm told I'm still coming back when the 2 guys come back from vacation until the curbs are in since I worked with the Excavator and Surveyor to lay them out and dig the trenches.

 

All during this time, and since about July, I had been looking at houses with my girlfriend. We made an offer on one house below asking, and after making a couple counters, we were getting no where (even though the Sellers agent were begging these people to sell cause the house had been on the market so long) so we gave up on that one and moved on. We found a great one that was taken over by the bank right near my house now that woul have been a steal, but we tried to make an offer and think there was some shaddy dealing going on with it cause the Sellers agent would not let the sale go to a competition for the house, as there was an offer made just before ours and he said they would get first crack at it. So we moved on and found another that could be a good investment in a nice neighborhood. It had been vacant since May because the owners had bought it for their son to live in to finish school while they moved out west. They were desperate to sell, but wanted their money back for it. So we offered to pay what they paid a year ago for the house (plus all appliances) and got the house on the condition we take posetion before the end of September. That was not a problem, so we made the deal and took posetion on the 22nd of the house after a quick 2 week closing.

 

Back to work, So for the next 2 weeks, the work i had just done (the digging and the layout) gets changed and redone about 5 times because the engineer who designed the parking lot doesn't want it to differ from his original design, and also because we were supposed to dig deeper for the curbs to place grannular material below (something I was not aware of was necessary, seeing as how I have never worked installing curbs before). So after a couple more weeks of doing and redoing this work, and guys coming in with machines to grade and regrade the parking lot, I'm starting to get fed up. I am paid on salary, Mon - Fri, 8-5 in the office. I was working more hours and often times I was there longer the the Site Supervisor was, who all I ever saw do the entire time I was there was talk on his cell, make jokes with the subtrades, and take the owners on tours of "his work". I worked 2 extra Saturdays, and even drove down to the Site on Labour day for a couple hours (the only one besides my boss and one of the excavators to do that)

 

For the past little while I have been applying for jobs to work for local towns/cities in their building departments. So I get 2 calls for interviews, the first on a thursday morning, the next one on the following Monday afternoon. So I tell my boss that I am taking the Thursday off to make up for one of the Saturdays i worked. He never said anything about it, but the Site Supervisor said I couldn't take the time off. I told him I didn't care what he thought and that I worked extra days that I was not paid for, and would be taking this day off for personal reasons, and then compromised by taking only the morning off. Then the next day I message my boss again and tell him that since I couldn't get Thursday off, I needed Monday off. he messaged me that he needed me there and that he couldn't give me Monday off. I said I could be there for the morning, but had things to take care of because I had purchased a house and it closed in a week. He said ok to taking the afternoon off, but the next day they both said they needed me to be fully committed to the jobsite for this week. I had already scheduled my vacation for the next week and was not changing it cause I was using that time to move into my new house.

 

Fast forward to my vacation, I get the keys to the house late monday and meet my girlfriend and her mother there after she gets home from work. i start mesuring some thing and find that the bedrooms in a 70 year old house weren't made big enough to fit a Queen Size bed, so we decide to make the house a 2 bedrrom from a 3 bedroom and i start taking a wall down the next day. So I spend my week off working on removing a wall and making it look nice instead of moving in. Luckily we both still live at home with our parents so we are in no rush to move in. I get 3 rejection notices for interviews I had been on recently, and all were pretty much the same, "We regret to inform you we chose someone else who was more qualified for the job, blah, blah, blah, etc, etc" For one of the jobs, I had all the qualifications they asked for except for experience in working for a town/City, and from what people tell me, I also didn't have a personal connection with that City/Town. Oh well, I still have my current job, no big deal, I will keep trying. (one fo the jobs I interviewed for has now reposted the job posting) I show up to work on the Friday of my vacation to get my pay check, and my boss mentions that we need to discuss a few things on Monday. So I say ok, see you then, thinking that we are going to talk about upcoming projects. My girlfriend joked that she hopes he isn't firing me.

 

Well, I show up on Monday, finally back at my desk in my office, about 15 minutes before quiting time, my boss comes to me and says that he feels bad because I just bought a house, but he made the decision last week that he was giving me 2 weeks notice that unless buisness picks up for design build work, he would be laying me off. The big upcoming projects we have upcoming were all designed by Architects, so there is no work for me at the moment, and he is ok with me putting my name out and looking for a new job. I have to spend the night trying to convince my girlfriend things will be fine as she was more worried then i was and instead of working on getting my house ready to move into, I have to spend the night getting my resume sent out and job hunting.

 

So now I sit here doing absolutly dick all except surf the web looking for a new job at my current job, and venting a bit.

 

So thats my past couple weeks of rollercoaster ride fun

[MarkAF43]

people who take no accountability for their own actions--- everything that happens to you is not always the fault of someone else

man up and accept responsibility :censored:

[inkman]

it rains too much in WNY. i go outside for the briefest amount of time after it rains and my feet and the bottom of my pants get soaked.

Your man card is in serious question...

 

You too...

[That Aud Smell]

it drives me nuts when people post 1500+ word complaints.

 

(just kidding, apus - i couldn't resist.)

[inkman]

apus

 

:D

[shrader]

I hate to do it, but I have to complain about the majority of the posters on this board as of late. It's all doom and gloom after a couple preseason losses. There has been so many idiotic things being said around here lately, making it near impossible to find any value on this board over the last week or two. It's either the complete doom and gloom from some people, or the incredibly over the top optimistic posts from others. We're going to suck, but prospect X is destined to be a superstar at a position he hasn't played since at least high school. Yeah, you know which player I'm talking about there, but it's the same for many of the others. We've never actually seen them play (ok, some of us have), but we just know that the player will be elite.

 

It's just the preseason people. There is a lot of hockey to be played and I think it's a safe bet that none of those 82 games will include the likes of Dylan Hunter.

[LabattBlue]

I hate to do it, but I have to complain about the majority of the posters on this board as of late. It's all doom and gloom after a couple preseason losses. There has been so many idiotic things being said around here lately, making it near impossible to find any value on this board over the last week or two. It's either the complete doom and gloom from some people, or the incredibly over the top optimistic posts from others. We're going to suck, but prospect X is destined to be a superstar at a position he hasn't played since at least high school. Yeah, you know which player I'm talking about there, but it's the same for many of the others. We've never actually seen them play (ok, some of us have), but we just know that the player will be elite.

 

It's just the preseason people. There is a lot of hockey to be played and I think it's a safe bet that none of those 82 games will include the likes of Dylan Hunter.

There have been a "few" posts regarding preseason play equated to "we will suck in the regular season", but I wouldn't say it's the majority. If anything, the doom and gloom may be coming from the fact that a team that missed the playoffs last year hasn't changed a lot in terms of its roster...

 

Campbell & Tbo out. Rivet, Teppo & Lalime in.

 

Personally, I expect the Sabres to make the playoffs and led by the guys making the big bucks...Roy, Vanek, Pominville, Hecht, Rivet & Miller.

 

 

As far As Gerbe goes(at least I think that is who you are talking about), what's wrong with fans being excited about him. Just because you don't like his chances of becoming successful in the NHL doesn't mean others can't root for him.

[rbochan]

I skipped Good Eats and Mythbusters last night to listen to that godawful game.

 

:wallbash: :censored: :wallbash: :censored: :wallbash: :censored: :wallbash:

[wjag]

There have been a "few" posts regarding preseason play equated to "we will suck in the regular season", but I wouldn't say it's the majority. If anything, the doom and gloom may be coming from the fact that a team that missed the playoffs last year hasn't changed a lot in terms of its roster...

 

Campbell & Tbo out. Rivet, Teppo & Lalime in.

 

Personally, I expect the Sabres to make the playoffs and led by the guys making the big bucks...Roy, Vanek, Pominville, Hecht, Rivet & Miller.

As far As Gerbe goes(at least I think that is who you are talking about), what's wrong with fans being excited about him. Just because you don't like his chances of becoming successful in the NHL doesn't mean others can't root for him.

Gerbe...Gerbe... Gerbe... :nana: Why the heck not? I can think of a Sabre or two I rather see him in place of... Unrealistic? Probably.. But it's all in fun..

[Guest Sloth]

So thats my past couple weeks of rollercoaster ride fun

 

Whoa, I hope things work out for ya.

I've always hated the "we wanted you, but the other person has more experience" line. In today's society, connections are a HUGE help.

[shrader]

As far As Gerbe goes(at least I think that is who you are talking about), what's wrong with fans being excited about him. Just because you don't like his chances of becoming successful in the NHL doesn't mean others can't root for him.

 

It's not just him. I won't get into specifics, but I've seen a few different guys referred to as the real deal or things along those lines. Let the guys play a few professional games, especially ones against actual NHL players before you crown them.

[apuszczalowski]

it drives me nuts when people post 1500+ word complaints.

 

(just kidding, apus - i couldn't resist.)

LOL, thats ok, It drives me nuts when people complain about other peoples really long posts :nana:

 

I was thinking of making another post after that one that said I hate it when people make really long posts about personal issues, but you beat me to it

[apuszczalowski]

Whoa, I hope things work out for ya.

I've always hated the "we wanted you, but the other person has more experience" line. In today's society, connections are a HUGE help.

Its ok, things usually work out for me, and I was tired of this job anyways since there was no real room for growth/advancement. I was just hoping to leave on my own terms with a better job lined up.

 

And yeah, I hate that line too, cause you know its a standard letter and its complete BS. I would prefer they say that they chose someone else, or atleast say some reasons why they didn't chose you, like they need someone with more experience, or with certain certification that you do not have.

[Bmwolf21]

I usually can't wait for Complaint Thursdays, and then I get up this morning and get busy doing other stuff and chasing the little guy around the house, and have forgotten what I wanted to complain about. I'll need some time to think about it....

[Bmwolf21]

I hate when you get rejection letters from job interviews and you can just tell that what they wrote was complete BS

At least you are getting interviews and rejections. I'm considered "underemployed" because the economy in Cleveland absolutely sucks. There aren't a lot of good jobs available, and when a position opens up they are usually bombarded with resumes and applications. The one position I checked on last week got 500 resumes in about a week's time.

 

Anyway, interviews have been few and far between, and rejection letters -- even generic form letters/emails -- have been almost as rare. I just don't see any way we'll be able to stay in this area much longer, which is a shame, because we like it here and it's close to home. :(

[apuszczalowski]

At least you are getting interviews and rejections. I'm considered "underemployed" because the economy in Cleveland absolutely sucks. There aren't a lot of good jobs available, and when a position opens up they are usually bombarded with resumes and applications. The one position I checked on last week got 500 resumes in about a week's time.

 

Anyway, interviews have been few and far between, and rejection letters -- even generic form letters/emails -- have been almost as rare. I just don't see any way we'll be able to stay in this area much longer, which is a shame, because we like it here and it's close to home. :(

That does suck, its not easy to be unemployed at anytime, and it has to be even worse now considering the economic situation right now in the US, and a big concern for you with a child.

 

I haven't really been trying that hard looking for a new job previously. I had only been looking in the area of working in a Town/City Building department as a plans examiner/Building Inspector. I have the education (3 year diploma in Construction Engineering, and I have written a few of the tests that are required in Ontario for our building code), but I don't have the experience working in that environment, and the only way to get it is to get a job working in one. I have kept an eye open at other jobs before this, but theres been very little around here for architectural draftsperson that pays well, and the couple I did apply for, I never heard back from. If I specialised in Mechanical drafting, there are plenty of available options. The problems seems to be experience for me I guess, and you can't get that without getting the chance to work in that environment

[spndnchz]

My complaint is....

 

Getting the first cold of the season. It sucks.

My head and nose and body feel like :death:

[Bmwolf21]

That does suck, its not easy to be unemployed at anytime, and it has to be even worse now considering the economic situation right now in the US, and a big concern for you with a child.

 

I haven't really been trying that hard looking for a new job previously. I had only been looking in the area of working in a Town/City Building department as a plans examiner/Building Inspector. I have the education (3 year diploma in Construction Engineering, and I have written a few of the tests that are required in Ontario for our building code), but I don't have the experience working in that environment, and the only way to get it is to get a job working in one. I have kept an eye open at other jobs before this, but theres been very little around here for architectural draftsperson that pays well, and the couple I did apply for, I never heard back from. If I specialised in Mechanical drafting, there are plenty of available options. The problems seems to be experience for me I guess, and you can't get that without getting the chance to work in that environment

Facing the same thing. I have the education and some decent experience, but given the state of the economy I know there are people with a lot more experience applying for these same entry/mid-level positions I'm going for. I can't pad my resume with some of these entry-level/mid-level jobs because I can't get my foot in the door.

 

I'm working part-time for the local YMCA association and also writing for the Cleveland Plain Dealer (covering HS sports 1-2 times/week) so at least I'm not completely unemployed, but it still doesn't do much for my mental state right now.

 

Oh, just saw a commercial that the Ohio unemployment rate is the highest in 16 years. That helps a lot. :(

[Guest Sloth]

After reading about everyone's unforunate problems, I don't have a complaint today. I have a governmental job that is secure and I'll admit I need to be more thankful for it. I hope things workout for you guys.

[apuszczalowski]

Facing the same thing. I have the education and some decent experience, but given the state of the economy I know there are people with a lot more experience applying for these same entry/mid-level positions I'm going for. I can't pad my resume with some of these entry-level/mid-level jobs because I can't get my foot in the door.

 

I'm working part-time for the local YMCA association and also writing for the Cleveland Plain Dealer (covering HS sports 1-2 times/week) so at least I'm not completely unemployed, but it still doesn't do much for my mental state right now.

 

Oh, just saw a commercial that the Ohio unemployment rate is the highest in 16 years. That helps a lot. :(

Yeah, i do some drafting on the side for 2 people, but it isn't much. For a Window builder/installer I charge $75 to do some shop drawings 9mostly cut and paste stuff that take me a couple hours if I take my time). For a house designer I charge $200 to do a full set of plans (Floor plans, Elevations, and a Building Section) for him, he does all his stuff by hand still so he can now take on extra work having me do some drawings for him. Usually I am just taking some of his hand drawn drawings and re-drawing and revising them in AutoCAD. Maybe 8 hours of work, but right now, especially in the town i live in, its getting slower. I can atleast collect unemployment for a bit and if it comes down to it, I will just take whatever i can get for the paycheck

[Bmwolf21]

Yeah, i do some drafting on the side for 2 people, but it isn't much. For a Window builder/installer I charge $75 to do some shop drawings 9mostly cut and paste stuff that take me a couple hours if I take my time). For a house designer I charge $200 to do a full set of plans (Floor plans, Elevations, and a Building Section) for him, he does all his stuff by hand still so he can now take on extra work having me do some drawings for him. Usually I am just taking some of his hand drawn drawings and re-drawing and revising them in AutoCAD. Maybe 8 hours of work, but right now, especially in the town i live in, its getting slower. I can atleast collect unemployment for a bit and if it comes down to it, I will just take whatever i can get for the paycheck

That sounds familiar. A big reason why I drive 45 minutes each way to cover a high school soccer game that no one outside their tiny communities cares about.

 

Like I said above - outside of the birth of our son, the move back up North, to this area - has been just short of an unmitigated disaster.

[apuszczalowski]

That sounds familiar. A big reason why I drive 45 minutes each way to cover a high school soccer game that no one outside their tiny communities cares about.

 

Like I said above - outside of the birth of our son, the move back up North, to this area - has been just short of an unmitigated disaster.

That sucks, but would it really be that much better anywhere else at the moment? Seems like all over good jobs are getting harder to come by

 

Now to get this thread back on track......................

 

I hate that I live +/-35 minutes (depending on bridge traffic) from the arena north of the border, and the only way I can catch Sabres games is to get the NHL Centre Ice package, or wait til TSN has a game scheduled.