Throwing in the towel
Discussion
MKnight702 said:
I'm in a similar position to the OP, the CEO seems to be of the opinion that no problem, caused by inadequate systems, is so insurmountable that throwing more of my time at it won't fix it. He has even arranged for me to have keys to the office so that I don't have to worry about getting kicked out when everyone else leaves!
The endless month end cycles coupled with audits, budgets and forecasts for an ever growing number of businesses means taking holiday is a real pain. Last month I couldn't even go to my daughter's boyfriend's funeral as it clashed with a month end (To put this in context, she is 17 and he was murdered).
I have started to apply other jobs, I am in a lucky position as I can quite easily take a pay cut if it means working less hours and avoiding the A14 commute, although my hourly rate will probably increase. Work, however, will be in dire straits as my boss has also handed her notice in.
Not wishing to be "That Guy"The endless month end cycles coupled with audits, budgets and forecasts for an ever growing number of businesses means taking holiday is a real pain. Last month I couldn't even go to my daughter's boyfriend's funeral as it clashed with a month end (To put this in context, she is 17 and he was murdered).
I have started to apply other jobs, I am in a lucky position as I can quite easily take a pay cut if it means working less hours and avoiding the A14 commute, although my hourly rate will probably increase. Work, however, will be in dire straits as my boss has also handed her notice in.
But seriously ? you put work before supporting your Daughter ? beggars belief it really does.
This is a massive bugbear of mine.
When we agree to a contract of employment we are not only selling our skills to our employer but also a significant part of our lives, time we will never get back.
i think this attitude of some managers that staff should work all hours and extra hours for no extra remuneration down right rude.
I left a role just over a year ago due to increased demands to do extra work for no extra pay, I am now working for the same company as a contractor working less hours for more pay due to the company struggling to recruit new staff because of their work policies.
It is very satisfying to walk into branches and see Managers who i used to work with still struggling along losing staff on a weekly basis and still unable to see why people wont work for them.
i think a lot of this stems from companies fostering an attitude of promoting those who spend the most time at work and not those who are actually efficient i think sales type environments are particularly prone to this.
When we agree to a contract of employment we are not only selling our skills to our employer but also a significant part of our lives, time we will never get back.
i think this attitude of some managers that staff should work all hours and extra hours for no extra remuneration down right rude.
I left a role just over a year ago due to increased demands to do extra work for no extra pay, I am now working for the same company as a contractor working less hours for more pay due to the company struggling to recruit new staff because of their work policies.
It is very satisfying to walk into branches and see Managers who i used to work with still struggling along losing staff on a weekly basis and still unable to see why people wont work for them.
i think a lot of this stems from companies fostering an attitude of promoting those who spend the most time at work and not those who are actually efficient i think sales type environments are particularly prone to this.
I think you're getting all the signals you need, from here, home and the workplace. Do it.
I've made some major moves several times now, both workwise and geographic. Every single time it has worked out very well in the end. Not without the odd sleepless night here and there, but I have never regretted a single move.
I've made some major moves several times now, both workwise and geographic. Every single time it has worked out very well in the end. Not without the odd sleepless night here and there, but I have never regretted a single move.
Thankyou all. Some interesting posts. It's all very positive too. 
I'm reading and re-reading through them to make it all sink in.
I've pretty much made up my mind that I'm off, but I will sleep on it (it's something I do nowadays). If I wake up in the morning feeling the same, I'll be having a chat to my manager tomorrow. Tomorrow will be difficult as we have staff off, so i may need to wait until Monday. I'll see. I don't want to do anything that would incite any bad feeling on their part.
To those who have said talk to your manager, I already have. I had a very frank and very open conversation with him the other day. To sum up, I was told that nothing will change, nothing will get better and I need to suck it up and get on with it. He has, so why can't I? Well, my manager currently works 12 hour days pretty much each and every day. He seems to have no home life and isn't interested in spending time with his wife. He can't understand why I don't think the same. That was when the like it or lump it bomb dropped.
I had a lovely evening with my family tonight. I'm not sure if my daughter has some sort of sixth sense, but she was extra cuddly with me. Most of the time when I get home, I have a bit of time with her and she is tired etc so we don't really get to do a lot. Tonight was quite different and it just reinforces how much I value my time with her and my wife.
On a side note, we found out today a work colleague is seriously ill in hospital. That's hit me too as she is a lovely woman. Life is far too short to be miserable.
Thanks again all. Still reading through all of the posts.
I'm reading and re-reading through them to make it all sink in.
I've pretty much made up my mind that I'm off, but I will sleep on it (it's something I do nowadays). If I wake up in the morning feeling the same, I'll be having a chat to my manager tomorrow. Tomorrow will be difficult as we have staff off, so i may need to wait until Monday. I'll see. I don't want to do anything that would incite any bad feeling on their part.
To those who have said talk to your manager, I already have. I had a very frank and very open conversation with him the other day. To sum up, I was told that nothing will change, nothing will get better and I need to suck it up and get on with it. He has, so why can't I? Well, my manager currently works 12 hour days pretty much each and every day. He seems to have no home life and isn't interested in spending time with his wife. He can't understand why I don't think the same. That was when the like it or lump it bomb dropped.
I had a lovely evening with my family tonight. I'm not sure if my daughter has some sort of sixth sense, but she was extra cuddly with me. Most of the time when I get home, I have a bit of time with her and she is tired etc so we don't really get to do a lot. Tonight was quite different and it just reinforces how much I value my time with her and my wife.
On a side note, we found out today a work colleague is seriously ill in hospital. That's hit me too as she is a lovely woman. Life is far too short to be miserable.
Thanks again all. Still reading through all of the posts.
rog007 said:
Not seen it mentioned yet so don’t forget to keep your development going (book a couple of short, relevant courses) if you take a break and maybe do some voluntary work in your specialism. This covers your CV off if you go looking for a perm role; less of an issue if you go contracting. Some hiring managers can get sniffy about breaks in employment regardless of the circumstances.
Thanks.If i'm honest, I want to do something different. Will need to evaluate if it can be done after the summer in terms of financial stability. However, I really fancy a career change.
I've been around IT stuff since I was at university and I'm sorry to say this, but it bores the living poop out of me now. Lately, I've become quite interested in astronomy, engineering (I would love to learn car mechanics) and the science behind stuff like future energy sources (battery cars etc.). If I can make it work, I'd like to find something that enables me to learn and develop in these areas.
A change of scenery would be nice too. We are heading off to a few other parts of the country (when we get the time) over the next few months to scope out job prospects and property in other areas. This is something my wife has been wanting to do for a while. I like Lincolnshire, but going somewhere completely different and new would be scary, but quite interesting.
Minemapper said:
I think you're getting all the signals you need, from here, home and the workplace. Do it.
I've made some major moves several times now, both workwise and geographic. Every single time it has worked out very well in the end. Not without the odd sleepless night here and there, but I have never regretted a single move.
I've made some major moves several times now, both workwise and geographic. Every single time it has worked out very well in the end. Not without the odd sleepless night here and there, but I have never regretted a single move.
Anubis said:
Always go with your gut feel OP. I think it’s clear what that is - leave and don’t look back.
You can always earn money. The problem isn’t money; it’s time. It’s impossible to earn back time but people always seek more money. Once they get enough perceived money, they then want their time back - but its often too late by then.
You only live once buddy.
Thanks.You can always earn money. The problem isn’t money; it’s time. It’s impossible to earn back time but people always seek more money. Once they get enough perceived money, they then want their time back - but its often too late by then.
You only live once buddy.
Money does nothing for me. Well, I need it for the bills etc, but apart from that I find most pleasure in family time.
The only thing I really want money for is to buy an old barge. Gosh I would love an e39.
I like the simple things in life. 
biggiles said:
I'm in a similar industry. Probably better to negotiate/discuss now with the company while they NEED you, rather than after a go-live/milestone when they just won't care that you are leaving (along with the rest of your knackered colleagues).
From their point of view it's much better to have you working a better routine e.g. 9-5 four days a week, than having quit and walked out.
That is a very good point.From their point of view it's much better to have you working a better routine e.g. 9-5 four days a week, than having quit and walked out.
Thanks.
I'm going ahead with it.
Woke up this morning feeling the same as I did last night. Then walked into the office and noticed I had received an email giving me a telling off - for not 'fluffing' stuff up enough for a customer.
Basically, I gave a customer some facts in a polite and waffle free manner. I haven't done it 'fluffy' enough though. No mention of the issue to my face.
Woke up this morning feeling the same as I did last night. Then walked into the office and noticed I had received an email giving me a telling off - for not 'fluffing' stuff up enough for a customer.
Basically, I gave a customer some facts in a polite and waffle free manner. I haven't done it 'fluffy' enough though. No mention of the issue to my face.
funkyrobot said:
I'm going ahead with it.
Woke up this morning feeling the same as I did last night. Then walked into the office and noticed I had received an email giving me a telling off - for not 'fluffing' stuff up enough for a customer.
Basically, I gave a customer some facts in a polite and waffle free manner. I haven't done it 'fluffy' enough though. No mention of the issue to my face.
I did it in 2003, good luck, you'll probably end up time rich and cash poor but it's a good tradeoff Woke up this morning feeling the same as I did last night. Then walked into the office and noticed I had received an email giving me a telling off - for not 'fluffing' stuff up enough for a customer.
Basically, I gave a customer some facts in a polite and waffle free manner. I haven't done it 'fluffy' enough though. No mention of the issue to my face.
The place of work sounds awful. I have 2 mates who have worked in IT for over 30 years, and the glory days seem to have gone - according to my opinion poll of 2. Both of them want out, not just their current roles, but completely out of IT altogether, one will be selling his <10 man company shortly and another wants to run a coffee shop and/or dog kennels!
Leave lockdown? – Strewth! – I bet that made some CV’s get updated that very evening. It sounds like the place is on borrowed time as an entity anyway.
Jam tomorrow? For whom? – you or them? As above – it happens very rarely - in probably 2% of cases.
Cast your eyes around for a contract for a while, it doesn’t half make management change their tune when they know they are paying for ALL your hours, and travelling time for off-site working as well. You don’t go on the jollies anymore, and that’s great as 4 out of 5 of them are dreadful anyway.
Even if you just get up and walk out, which I’ve been tempted to do twice before, there’s always something – waiting for it can be sleepless night inducing. It may send you in a different direction altogether.
“Gosh I would love an e39. I like the simple things in life. “
Be careful what you wish for, especially trying to figure out why the boot lock won’t function properly….
Good luck OP
Leave lockdown? – Strewth! – I bet that made some CV’s get updated that very evening. It sounds like the place is on borrowed time as an entity anyway.
Jam tomorrow? For whom? – you or them? As above – it happens very rarely - in probably 2% of cases.
Cast your eyes around for a contract for a while, it doesn’t half make management change their tune when they know they are paying for ALL your hours, and travelling time for off-site working as well. You don’t go on the jollies anymore, and that’s great as 4 out of 5 of them are dreadful anyway.
Even if you just get up and walk out, which I’ve been tempted to do twice before, there’s always something – waiting for it can be sleepless night inducing. It may send you in a different direction altogether.
“Gosh I would love an e39. I like the simple things in life. “
Be careful what you wish for, especially trying to figure out why the boot lock won’t function properly….
Good luck OP
When you do it, you'll feel like a huge weight has been lifted from your shoulders. You'll also feel a little nervous but also excited - a bit like a backpacker looking out at a very long path not knowing where you're going, what you are doing and what the end game is.
That's life. Live it.
Sometimes it's good to have a shake down, clear the head, recharge the batteries and go in a different direction. Sure it's scary but it's only because of the uncertainty - not because of anything else. If you are sensible during your time without income and live sensibly then it's inevitable you'll end up somewhere you'll like (albeit with less cash...but that was never your priority in the first place was it. so mission accomplished).
Good luck and well done for having the balls to see the bigger picture and doing something about it.
That's life. Live it.
Sometimes it's good to have a shake down, clear the head, recharge the batteries and go in a different direction. Sure it's scary but it's only because of the uncertainty - not because of anything else. If you are sensible during your time without income and live sensibly then it's inevitable you'll end up somewhere you'll like (albeit with less cash...but that was never your priority in the first place was it. so mission accomplished).
Good luck and well done for having the balls to see the bigger picture and doing something about it.
Edited by Anubis on Friday 1st June 10:12
I spent a month on garden leave when my daughter was 9 months old. It was July so great weather too.
I'm self-employed now and can effectively choose when I want to work. So I can't really complain about not seeing my kids grow up. But I still look upon that time fondly - I suppose because it was unexpected time for me to be having.
I say go for it if you can manage it financially OP.
I'm self-employed now and can effectively choose when I want to work. So I can't really complain about not seeing my kids grow up. But I still look upon that time fondly - I suppose because it was unexpected time for me to be having.
I say go for it if you can manage it financially OP.
Well done OP,
You will feel like a weight has been lifted.
Their was a chap who turned up for work early one morning,
At the same time his boss arrived in a brand new sports car, the chap said "wow that car is stunning" the boss replied "Well if you work really hard and put in the hours I can buy myself another one next year"
You will feel like a weight has been lifted.
Their was a chap who turned up for work early one morning,
At the same time his boss arrived in a brand new sports car, the chap said "wow that car is stunning" the boss replied "Well if you work really hard and put in the hours I can buy myself another one next year"
jeff666 said:
Well done OP,
You will feel like a weight has been lifted.
Their was a chap who turned up for work early one morning,
At the same time his boss arrived in a brand new sports car, the chap said "wow that car is stunning" the boss replied "Well if you work really hard and put in the hours I can buy myself another one next year"
Thanks. You will feel like a weight has been lifted.
Their was a chap who turned up for work early one morning,
At the same time his boss arrived in a brand new sports car, the chap said "wow that car is stunning" the boss replied "Well if you work really hard and put in the hours I can buy myself another one next year"
Well, it looks like Monday is going to be the kickoff day. Notice written and printed and ready to go, then my manager disappears all afternoon. Interviewing more people as we have had leavers.
I will catch him first thing Monday morning.
I admire your principles, but it might be worth:
(1) Stating that you can't work the current hours and that you intend on working to contract (nothing to lose).
(2) If you work the extended hours, suggest that you set yourself up as a contractor on an hourly rate (more pay before you decide to leave).
(3) If there's no compromise, then hand in your notice..(as intended).
IMHO, you have nothing to lose..
(1) Stating that you can't work the current hours and that you intend on working to contract (nothing to lose).
(2) If you work the extended hours, suggest that you set yourself up as a contractor on an hourly rate (more pay before you decide to leave).
(3) If there's no compromise, then hand in your notice..(as intended).
IMHO, you have nothing to lose..
Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff