Can I just vent for a minute?

[Molly Meow]

I don't really have anyone to talk to, and I really need to get something out.

My husband has been working maintenance at a major retail store for the last 4 years. At least a couple of times a week, he comes home covered in paint, or other dirt and grime that I can't wash out. He's not allowed to return to work in these clothes.

After 4 years, he's still making minimum wage, so we really can't afford to replace his clothing, especially the $40 required boots he has to have for work.

We've asked repeatedly if they/we can provide coveralls, answer is no. Can they partially reimburse us for the damaged clothing? Absolutely not.

I know that since he isn't happy, he could change jobs. He has been actively looking for the last 6 months, so hopefully something will come up soon.

Thanks for letting me get it out, guys. We spend a good 50-100 dollars a month of his pitifully small salary on work clothes, and it just hit me today that because I had to replace his boots (too scuffed to be allowed at work) I am unable to afford a textbook I need and have to drop the class.

Thanks again, I promise my next post will be full of cheer!

 

[RNMOM]

That is really so unfair. Please, encourage him to look into finding a different job.

Remember, work related clothing is deductable on income tax if you itemize. I hope you will be able to do so.

 

[Molly Meow]

RNMOM - thank you so much! I had no idea that we could deduct his work clothing - good thing I saved all of the receipts!

He is looking actively for another job, but there really aren't any to be had around here, except seasonal. We can't take a gamble on him being laid off in January, since it's pretty much impossible to find a job then.

Thanks again, definitely going to talk to my accountant about deducting!

 

[luvthatduke]

That really stinks...
I pray your DH will look & find a new, better job very soon!

Blessings... And feel free to vent anytime!

 

[dopeys biggest fan]

that is soooooooo not cool! How can they make him pay for all that himself? That's absolutely rediculous!

I am sending nothing but your way that he finds a great new job that he is actualy appreciated at and paid well for!!

Good luck and hang in there! Don't worry, you can ALWAYS vent to us at the DIS, we're here for you!!!

 

[catsrule]

Your kitty pics are full of cheer!

 

[Dan Murphy]

So sorry to hear that, MM, a bummer for sure. Sure seems if his clothes were that solied and so forht they would help in the payment to stay presentable to their customers. As said, encourage him to keep looking. My best.

 

[LisaZoe]

Wow, this is so unbelievably unreasonable. I can't imagine any employer expecting an employee who does maintenance which involves painting or other things to not get some of that on his clothing.

I know this doesn't solve the problem but might help. While your DH may not be able to wear the stained clothing for the full work day, could he leave a set of stained clothing at the work site (or in his car) so he could change into them if he's going to do something which might be more likely to cause the problem stains? I'd do the same with the boots - keep the scuffed ones ready to wear for the messier jobs so the new ones last longer.

You don't mention what clothing your DD has to wear but I'm wondering if you could find them at a thrift or consignment store. It's still money out of your budget but at least it would be a lot less (hopefully) than new clothes.

Last comment - since I just started back to school, I know how expensive the text books are. If you haven't yet dropped the class, could you ask the instructor if he/she has any alternate ways you could get the needed text? For example, maybe give you the name of a student from the previous term who could sell you their used text. Another option might be to ask around in the class to see if anyone would be willing to "share" the text with you... perhaps for a fee. You could take it for 2 or 3 weekdays each week during the term and take copious notes so you wouldn't have to use it for exams.

Good luck and feel free to vent any time. We all need it from time to time.

 

[Beth76]

Perhaps this is not the case in CA, but fast food jobs are readily available here and pay way more than minimum wage. What about a night job? Those generally pay more.

 

[Kallison]

How about a maintenance job in a school district? They always need good people. Good luck, I like the idea of changing into clothes and then back again when done with the messy jobs.

 

[EdiePA]

We sprayed my son's boots with some protective stuff when he was in a similar job. $3 a can and they lasted about twice as long.

Have you tried half.com for the textbook? Both of my son's used them this year and saved a lot.

Edie

 

[holycow]

It sounds like your going to school? Have you applied for Grants and Federal Aid?....It would help with your schooling!


I'm sorry about the uniforms...that must be really frustrating....I think I would just buy the DH the coveralls...and when he has to do those messy jobs tell him to just put them on!!!! Then when he is done he will be as clean as new....I know it must be so frustrating...but don't drop the schooling...this can be future for you!

Holycow

 

[Pop Daddy]

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