Now is not the time to slack off at work. - The DIS Discussion Forums

Jennasis · 10-01-2009, 12:47 PM

I'm going to cut to the chase here. You're fired. You're SO fired.

The guy who works for us p/t on our farm handed me the final straw yesterday. His work has been slipping a bit. Things not getting done right or sometimes at all. Coming in late ("I'll be in around 2", has become "he shows up at 4:30"). I asked him to scrub out, empty, and refill one of the water troughs outside...later that night I went out in the cold rain to check on a horse and noticed he hadn't cleaned or filled the trough. There was about 4inches of water in a 100 gallon tub...for 7 horses to get through the night with!!

I was livid. I scrubbed the trough...in the dark...in the rain...in the cold...and stood there watching it fill up. When I confronted him, he said "It was pouring down rain. I figured I'd do it tomorrow."

Well, dummy, the horses can't wait "until tomorrow" to drink. So I got the pleasure of standing in the rain doing your job. BTW moron...YOU WORK ON A FARM. It's outdoors. You will get wet on rainy days.

Yesterday I spent 4 hours at the vets office with 4 sick/lame horses. I left him with two instructions....feed and turnout the other 20 horses. I get a call at 3pm from him while I'm with the vet telling me he forgot he had a dr. appt at 5pm and would need to leave early (he showed up at 3pm). FINE...just feed and turnout the horses, and try to do as much as you can before then. normally it takes him 2 hours to do ALL of his work.

I get back from the vet's at 5:15...horses are NOT turned out. Guy is still at farm. I KNOW he was waiting for me because Wednesday is payday. What happened to your doctor's appt? He gave me a blank stare...uh yeah, I still have a dr. appt.

In the two hours he was there he managed to do about 1/2 hour worth of useless puttering, and of course, not the thing I actually ASKED him to do.

YOU ARE FIRED. buh-bye. I don't even feel guilty that he just told me on Monday his girlfriend is pregnant (he's 18). I don't care that up to the last month or so, he's been pretty reliable. I DO care that he looked stoned out of his mind yesterday and has been slacking off. I DO care that he was getting into the habit of "borrowing" against his next paycheck for "gas money".

I'm done. So please everyone. Cherish your job, even if you don't like it. This guy turned out to be another in a long line of losers we've been through. I blame myself...I'm WAY too nice. I don't know how to be the tough boss.

On the plus side, we will be replacing him with an adult. A guy with experience and family to provide for who will appreciate the job and do the work right. He came by a few months ago to ask about work, but we weren't hiring then. Good thing I kept his number. No more punk teenagers.

Pakey · 10-01-2009, 01:02 PM

I have someone on my staff who has missed all or part of 56 days this year. I decided I was going to fire her (she has received prior warning regarding excessive absences) so I placed an online ad for the position and got over 1000 resumes in the first few days. Many of these candidates are much more qualified for the position than the person currently in it.

I honestly do not know what some people are thinking.

5 'LIL *TWINKERS* · 10-01-2009, 01:07 PM

op...

Yeah, bubuy for sure. Many people would kill for a job right now.

KAMKIM · 10-01-2009, 01:18 PM

OP I can understand how you would be frustrated especially with a job that a living thing (animal or human!) is depending on someone. That is sad but he obviously has no respect for you or the animals he is supposed to be taking care of. I'm sure you will find someone that takes that job more seriously. And maybe he'll learn a lesson in all of this.

My DSil calls off EVERY Monday.

I dont know how she still has a job, but since I've known her (8years) she's gone through at least 7 or 8 jobs and spent ALOT of time on unemployment. It's always somethihg, a headache, kids are sick, car wouldn't start etc. Every Monday, it never fails. Then she pitches a fit when she cant leave early for something she really needs the time for like a doctors appointment.

Jennasis · 10-01-2009, 03:35 PM

Yeah...the lack of respect has become glaringly apparent. Like I said, I think it's because DH and I are so nice, and accomodating, and pleasant to work for and we compensate VERY WELL for the work (including weekly bonuses...yes WEEKLY. Holidays off etc). Eventually the employees, particularly the young ones like this guy, start to take us for granted. "Oh they won't fire me...they let me do whatever...come in late...leave early...call in to go hunting."

But this job is like running a 24 hour daycare. these animals DEPEND on us for their well being. They need to be fed on time, given medications correctly, given CLEAN water at all times, etc etc. One slip up could mean serious health problems and even death.

I haven't been able to prove it, but I'm fairly certain MY personal horse (also the cornerstone of my riding lesson business) had to be hospitalized to the tune of $800 for ONE NIGHT, because he tied up due to dehydration after SOMEONE neglected to fill his water bucket this past August. I really should have double checked that the buckets had been filled, but I shouldn't HAVE to go behind my employees everyday and check the the work is done. particularly something that is done evryday without exception...but now I do.

diznygirl · 10-01-2009, 03:56 PM

I hear ya. DH will be firing someone tomorrow who is seriously asking for it. When the boss tells you to cut it out, you cut it out. Especially when your next job could be a year away!

But in your case the horses are depending on this yahoo to do his job. I'm sorry there have been so many problems.

Micca · 10-01-2009, 03:59 PM

Don't blame you for firing him or for being really angry with him. Jobs are scarce, you should be able to find someone much more reliable than this guy. I don't know the first thing about horses, but I can sure believe they can be a handful and need to be well taken care of. Good luck.

Deb in IA · 10-01-2009, 04:06 PM

He's 18? Sounds like he has a bit of growing up to do.

Hopefully it will be a wake-up call for him. This is the real world, buddy, and as adults, we do the work we are supposed to do.

MushyMushy · 10-01-2009, 04:07 PM

Maybe you need a hidden camera installed so you can double check what's going on once in a while and also have some proof if something like that happens again.

Also, if it's becoming common for workers to behave this way, maybe you could adjust your attitude towards them. Don't be so nice and accommodating in the earlier part of their employment. Let them earn your pleasantness! Like they tell teachers, don't smile until December. I think there's some truth in that.

Binnie · 10-01-2009, 04:13 PM

I had to discipline one of our accounting folks today. She's been sitting on credit card refunds, misnumbered checks, hasn't been processing bills, etc. This was the THIRD conversation about performance, and she's been there 2 months! So now it's formal discipline and she has 2 weeks to shape up or she's out...

kydisneyfans · 10-01-2009, 04:41 PM

I let someone go this week too. He threw me under the bus, so I kicked him off the bus. I will not let liars work for me, nor does the attitude work either.

As much as I hate to say this, but I am having trouble finding people who actually want to work. Half of those without jobs right now are out of work for a reason, and a lack of jobs is not that reason.

The people I feel sorry for are those that are putting out hundreds of applications monthly and getting no interviews at all.

shortbun · 10-01-2009, 05:32 PM

You guys are making me feel guilty. I'm off today and tomorrow with an injured knee. I can barely walk and I've been assigned a bus that further injures me until Monday -so I'm off. I feel bad because I rarely take off work and I take my work really seriously.

Um, yeah, fire the boy. He needs to get off the pot and get on with life.

DWGal210 · 10-01-2009, 05:37 PM

You did the right thing, OP. He sounds like he has a LOT of growing up to do. I hope the guy you're interviewing will be much more attentive, harder worker, etc.

It's so frustrating to work with people like that, too. It's like they are trying to figure out the bare minimum they need to do in order not to be fired. And they wonder why they get passed up for promotions, don't get raises, etc. Here is a novel concept, folks - - you have to work hard to get ahead. GASP...did I just say work hard?! Perish the thought.

DWGal210 · 10-01-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pakey

I have someone on my staff who has missed all or part of 56 days this year. I decided I was going to fire her (she has received prior warning regarding excessive absences) so I placed an online ad for the position and got over 1000 resumes in the first few days. Many of these candidates are much more qualified for the position than the person currently in it.

I honestly do not know what some people are thinking.

She has been gone all or part of 56 days so far this year?! Wowza! Guess someone really doesn't want their job.

OhioStateBuckeye · 10-01-2009, 06:00 PM

I would be glad to come work for you. Personally, I think all the people not working hard enough should be let go, don't you employers know that there are many educated, hard working people who would love to have those jobs? Finding a job right now is very difficult for me. I am over qualified for the jobs that are hiring and they don't want to look at me. But I would gladly do anything...well not anything, but you get the point.

10-01-2009, 12:47 PM	#1
Jennasis It's a miracle! I stayed awake during the El Rio Del Tiempo ride! Let's not even TOUCH the whole Dog vs. dawg vs. Dowg thing! PLINKO baby! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: The Triad, NC Posts: 8,625	Now is not the time to slack off at work. I'm going to cut to the chase here. You're fired. You're SO fired. The guy who works for us p/t on our farm handed me the final straw yesterday. His work has been slipping a bit. Things not getting done right or sometimes at all. Coming in late ("I'll be in around 2", has become "he shows up at 4:30"). I asked him to scrub out, empty, and refill one of the water troughs outside...later that night I went out in the cold rain to check on a horse and noticed he hadn't cleaned or filled the trough. There was about 4inches of water in a 100 gallon tub...for 7 horses to get through the night with!! I was livid. I scrubbed the trough...in the dark...in the rain...in the cold...and stood there watching it fill up. When I confronted him, he said "It was pouring down rain. I figured I'd do it tomorrow." Well, dummy, the horses can't wait "until tomorrow" to drink. So I got the pleasure of standing in the rain doing your job. BTW moron...YOU WORK ON A FARM. It's outdoors. You will get wet on rainy days. Yesterday I spent 4 hours at the vets office with 4 sick/lame horses. I left him with two instructions....feed and turnout the other 20 horses. I get a call at 3pm from him while I'm with the vet telling me he forgot he had a dr. appt at 5pm and would need to leave early (he showed up at 3pm). FINE...just feed and turnout the horses, and try to do as much as you can before then. normally it takes him 2 hours to do ALL of his work. I get back from the vet's at 5:15...horses are NOT turned out. Guy is still at farm. I KNOW he was waiting for me because Wednesday is payday. What happened to your doctor's appt? He gave me a blank stare...uh yeah, I still have a dr. appt. In the two hours he was there he managed to do about 1/2 hour worth of useless puttering, and of course, not the thing I actually ASKED him to do. YOU ARE FIRED. buh-bye. I don't even feel guilty that he just told me on Monday his girlfriend is pregnant (he's 18). I don't care that up to the last month or so, he's been pretty reliable. I DO care that he looked stoned out of his mind yesterday and has been slacking off. I DO care that he was getting into the habit of "borrowing" against his next paycheck for "gas money". I'm done. So please everyone. Cherish your job, even if you don't like it. This guy turned out to be another in a long line of losers we've been through. I blame myself...I'm WAY too nice. I don't know how to be the tough boss. On the plus side, we will be replacing him with an adult. A guy with experience and family to provide for who will appreciate the job and do the work right. He came by a few months ago to ask about work, but we weren't hiring then. Good thing I kept his number. No more punk teenagers. __________________

10-01-2009, 01:02 PM	#2
Pakey I belong to my Chinese crested I'm willing to try cash, chocolate, even the lap sitting Lobster Phobia Sufferer The frog is gone but the pain of my stupidity lives on Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central California Posts: 8,111	I have someone on my staff who has missed all or part of 56 days this year. I decided I was going to fire her (she has received prior warning regarding excessive absences) so I placed an online ad for the position and got over 1000 resumes in the first few days. Many of these candidates are much more qualified for the position than the person currently in it. I honestly do not know what some people are thinking. __________________ First time to Disneyland-1966; First time to WDW-1976; First time to Disneyland Paris-2008; First Disney Cruise-2009

10-01-2009, 01:07 PM	#3
5 'LIL TWINKERS The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God, is the heart of a mother. Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 133	op... Yeah, bubuy for sure. Many people would kill for a job right now. __________________ Life may change us, but we start and end with family.....

10-01-2009, 03:35 PM	#5
Jennasis It's a miracle! I stayed awake during the El Rio Del Tiempo ride! Let's not even TOUCH the whole Dog vs. dawg vs. Dowg thing! PLINKO baby! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: The Triad, NC Posts: 8,625	Yeah...the lack of respect has become glaringly apparent. Like I said, I think it's because DH and I are so nice, and accomodating, and pleasant to work for and we compensate VERY WELL for the work (including weekly bonuses...yes WEEKLY. Holidays off etc). Eventually the employees, particularly the young ones like this guy, start to take us for granted. "Oh they won't fire me...they let me do whatever...come in late...leave early...call in to go hunting." But this job is like running a 24 hour daycare. these animals DEPEND on us for their well being. They need to be fed on time, given medications correctly, given CLEAN water at all times, etc etc. One slip up could mean serious health problems and even death. I haven't been able to prove it, but I'm fairly certain MY personal horse (also the cornerstone of my riding lesson business) had to be hospitalized to the tune of $800 for ONE NIGHT, because he tied up due to dehydration after SOMEONE neglected to fill his water bucket this past August. I really should have double checked that the buckets had been filled, but I shouldn't HAVE to go behind my employees everyday and check the the work is done. particularly something that is done evryday without exception...but now I do. __________________

10-01-2009, 03:56 PM	#6
diznygirl I have a symmetry thing It is always important to know what team the whackjobs are playing for! It was the wedding with a two-meatball limit Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Celebration, FL Posts: 7,783	I hear ya. DH will be firing someone tomorrow who is seriously asking for it. When the boss tells you to cut it out, you cut it out. Especially when your next job could be a year away! But in your case the horses are depending on this yahoo to do his job. I'm sorry there have been so many problems. __________________ The Official Webkinz Thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1674222 Last edited by diznygirl; 10-01-2009 at 04:47 PM.

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10-01-2009, 01:18 PM	#4
KAMKIM DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 1,056	OP I can understand how you would be frustrated especially with a job that a living thing (animal or human!) is depending on someone. That is sad but he obviously has no respect for you or the animals he is supposed to be taking care of. I'm sure you will find someone that takes that job more seriously. And maybe he'll learn a lesson in all of this. My DSil calls off EVERY Monday. I dont know how she still has a job, but since I've known her (8years) she's gone through at least 7 or 8 jobs and spent ALOT of time on unemployment. It's always somethihg, a headache, kids are sick, car wouldn't start etc. Every Monday, it never fails. Then she pitches a fit when she cant leave early for something she really needs the time for like a doctors appointment.

10-01-2009, 03:59 PM	#7
Micca You gotta love a great plan like that Will be spending some time with George Harrison I have known whack-a-doodles in my day Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Mostly the basement Posts: 15,139	Don't blame you for firing him or for being really angry with him. Jobs are scarce, you should be able to find someone much more reliable than this guy. I don't know the first thing about horses, but I can sure believe they can be a handful and need to be well taken care of. Good luck.

10-01-2009, 04:06 PM	#8
Deb in IA Knows that KIDS are better than cats When do we leave for that nice long Hawaii vacation? I'm a wimp, and I don't like food that hurts to eat Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Iowa City, IA (that's IOWA, not Idaho or Ohio) Posts: 11,510	He's 18? Sounds like he has a bit of growing up to do. Hopefully it will be a wake-up call for him. This is the real world, buddy, and as adults, we do the work we are supposed to do. __________________ Deb "Children are our most valuable natural resource." - Herbert Hoover, 31st President, native of West Branch, Iowa

10-01-2009, 04:07 PM	#9
MushyMushy Marseeya Here! Drama Magnet I only make exceptions for chocolate Mickey heads I'm a big pie freak I'll always laugh myself silly over the flag pole incident. Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: 938 miles from the Happiest Place on Earth Posts: 16,500	Maybe you need a hidden camera installed so you can double check what's going on once in a while and also have some proof if something like that happens again. Also, if it's becoming common for workers to behave this way, maybe you could adjust your attitude towards them. Don't be so nice and accommodating in the earlier part of their employment. Let them earn your pleasantness! Like they tell teachers, don't smile until December. I think there's some truth in that. __________________

10-01-2009, 04:13 PM	#10
Binnie Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 314	I had to discipline one of our accounting folks today. She's been sitting on credit card refunds, misnumbered checks, hasn't been processing bills, etc. This was the THIRD conversation about performance, and she's been there 2 months! So now it's formal discipline and she has 2 weeks to shape up or she's out...

10-01-2009, 04:41 PM	#11
kydisneyfans It may be because they are too embarassed to show it in public Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Georgetown Posts: 2,834	I let someone go this week too. He threw me under the bus, so I kicked him off the bus. I will not let liars work for me, nor does the attitude work either. As much as I hate to say this, but I am having trouble finding people who actually want to work. Half of those without jobs right now are out of work for a reason, and a lack of jobs is not that reason. The people I feel sorry for are those that are putting out hundreds of applications monthly and getting no interviews at all.

10-01-2009, 05:32 PM	#12
shortbun Peacenik Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: The Heart of It All! Posts: 11,162	You guys are making me feel guilty. I'm off today and tomorrow with an injured knee. I can barely walk and I've been assigned a bus that further injures me until Monday -so I'm off. I feel bad because I rarely take off work and I take my work really seriously. Um, yeah, fire the boy. He needs to get off the pot and get on with life. __________________ Keep the Faith!! Peace and Love!!! USE IT UP, WEAR IT OUT, MAKE IT DO OR DO WITHOUT. IF YOUR UPKEEP EXCEEDS YOUR INCOME THEN YOUR OUTGO WILL BE YOUR DOWNFALL.

10-01-2009, 05:37 PM	#13
DWGal210 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,569	You did the right thing, OP. He sounds like he has a LOT of growing up to do. I hope the guy you're interviewing will be much more attentive, harder worker, etc. It's so frustrating to work with people like that, too. It's like they are trying to figure out the bare minimum they need to do in order not to be fired. And they wonder why they get passed up for promotions, don't get raises, etc. Here is a novel concept, folks - - you have to work hard to get ahead. GASP...did I just say work hard?! Perish the thought. __________________ Check out my TR - Our Totally Tinsel Christmas Vacation! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2364285[/b][/color] Thanks, GrumpyPirate!

10-01-2009, 06:00 PM	#15
OhioStateBuckeye DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 517	I would be glad to come work for you. Personally, I think all the people not working hard enough should be let go, don't you employers know that there are many educated, hard working people who would love to have those jobs? Finding a job right now is very difficult for me. I am over qualified for the jobs that are hiring and they don't want to look at me. But I would gladly do anything...well not anything, but you get the point. __________________

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