Now is not the time to slack off at work.

[Jennasis]

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]

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*]

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

 

[KAMKIM]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Pakey]

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

And she just, right this minute, came in and asked me if she could take next Friday off to go to a Kiss concert. She has no accrued time off, she doesn't care. This week, she missed part of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. She did work today so I should be grateful.

I can't wait to fire her. And, the answer for her being able to take off to go see Kiss is a big fat NO. Now she will just call in sick anyway. I'm doing good not to come across my desk and slap her upside the head.

 

[Nancy]

And she just, right this minute, came in and asked me if she could take next Friday off to go to a Kiss concert. She has no accrued time off, she doesn't care. This week, she missed part of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. She did work today so I should be grateful.

I can't wait to fire her. And, the answer for her being able to take off to go see Kiss is a big fat NO. Now she will just call in sick anyway. I'm doing good not to come across my desk and slap her upside the head.

You should have said "sure you can have it off, and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday an Thursday also....in fact just start your days off now and don't come back"

 

[minkydog]

I don't get this entitled attitude that young people have( ETA: it's not just young people. Adults are just as guilty of this "all about me" attitude). They think they "deserve" to have a job, and not just any job; they want their dream job whether they have the skill set or not. They don't want to expend any energy and they only want to work as long as it's "Fun". Maybe I'm showing my age, but I think they're all full of...er, stuff! Jobs don't have to be fun. In fact, there are things about every job that are boring, annoying, dirty, or lame. Suck it up! I'm a nurse. You don't even want to know the stuff I have to do--and no, I do not like looking at or cleaning up bodily fluids. Nor do I like working with fresh-out-of-medical-school residents that can hardly wipe their own nose, let alone be competent to make life changing decisions about actual human beings.

OP, I stand beside you. I'd be sorry for him that his GF is pregnant, but it's not your problem. He shoulda thought that through. He should not have neglected your animals--it's not like they can turn the hose on and water themselves! And he comes in whenever he wants?? Are you kidding me? Oh, nononononono....Not when you're my employ. In fact, I just fired my nurse assistant who comes to care for my handicapped son in the evenings. She kept coming in late and then talked non-stop on her cell phone all evening while ignoring Christian. Toodles! And I got me a nurse who is GLAD to have the work, who works 7 days a week because he CAN(he's from Kenya, working to bring his parents over.) He shows up on time, plays with Christian and remains engaged with him all evening, to the very last minute of his shift. Oh,yes. We will treat Samuel very well.

 

[Stacerita]

I don't get this entitled attitude that young people have. They think they "deserve" to have a job, and not just any job; they want their dream job whether they have the skill set or not. They don't want to expend any energy and they only want to work as long as it's "Fun". Maybe I'm showing my age, but I think they're all full of...er, stuff! Jobs don't have to be fun. In fact, there are things about every job that are boring, annoying, dirty, or lame. Suck it up! I'm a nurse. You don't even want to know the stuff I have to do--and no, I do not like looking at or cleaning up bodily fluids. Nor do I like working with fresh-out-of-medical-school residents that can hardly wipe their own nose, let alone be competent to make life changing decisions about actual human beings.

OP, I stand beside you. I'd be sorry for him that his GF is pregnant, but it's not your problem. He shoulda thought that through. He should not have neglected your animals--it's not like they can turn the hose on and water themselves! And he comes in whenever he wants?? Are you kidding me? Oh, nononononono....Not when you're my employ. In fact, I just fired my nurse assistant who comes to care for my handicapped son in the evenings. She kept coming in late and then talked non-stop on her cell phone all evening while ignoring Christian. Toodles! And I got me a nurse who is GLAD to have the work, who works 7 days a week because he CAN(he's from Kenya, working to bring his parents over.) He shows up on time, plays with Christian and remains engaged with him all evening, to the very last minute of his shift. Oh,yes. We will treat Samuel very well.

Its not just the young. I have seen it at every age level.

On my staff I have had to "counsel" some of the older ones more than the younger ones. I have one worker who is actually older than I, who always schedules her doctor appointments for the middle of her shift. She comes in at two, and wants to leave at 3:30 to go to the appointment. The last time I told her she needed to schedule her appointments before her shift. I got tired of trying to get someone to cover. And it was always last minute. Plus she is always trying to change her shift or days to work. UGH! Then there is the sick days she always has. Always before her vacation or right after. Drives me crazy.

Glad you have a great nurse working with your son now.

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

Don't automatically assume that the "adult" is mature and responsible. I've worked with some doozies.

Good luck!