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Off-topic...Update...Boss at work

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kentuckykid

06-10-2004 19:21:23




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first of all, i wanna thank everyone with their posts on my first posting on this all. some thoughts and comments have helped me, but all were very much appreciated. well, where to start here:) last weekend i had a job interview at an implement about a half hour north of ma and pa's place(i am an hour south now), and that went very well. the owner said he was very interested and just had to figure out where he wants me. kinda sounds like either parts or sales(or a combo of both) so, that is looking up. i should call him tomorrow and he where he is at, because he wanted to be in touch this week. so with that i am feeling very good. as for at the current implement(as i sigh) it never got much better. he never approached me and not much has been said on the help wanted in the window. today though, i had my first shot at doing a universal joint and the darn needles fell out. i knew right when it happend that he would be on my butt. i ordered a new one and late in the day he came up to me with the new u-joint and said "here you go, its going on your account" in a stern voice. i sheepishly said how much then, and he said $12.80. talk about being a total jerk over learning....always the bottom line with him. so, i have decided that the two week notice will be given by me either tomorrow or first thing monday. i cant take being in this situation anymore. sure, i am 21, but i am no dummy on getting my chops busted over this, there are better days for me soon, i am sure of it. its just not gonna be here, thats forsure.....anywho, i just thought i would let others know incase any of the readers of the first one were wondering what was up with me. thanks again for replying, and feel free to give me comments on my update. its appreciated here very much. thanks!!!!

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Bill

06-11-2004 15:47:39




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  
First I will say that you have to look at it from your perspective and his too. The guy is a jerk, but dont let that get you down, get another job. 20 years ago an old boss of mine made the comment to me, "you are going to be working for many years so dont burn yourself out" I took that advice and only worked 40-55 hours per week, I worked hard but not enough to get tired of it. You must know that it is very important that you work hard, do the best you can and look at the job from both aspects, you and the boss or owner. Dont have a bad feeling towards the owner because he may be rich, its rich people that let the little guys like me work and make a paycheck. Here is the best advice a 39 year old who has never been fired or laid off, thank god--- can give you for your next job and the rest of your life. 1. dont be a drunk even if all your friends are. 2. show up early for work, leave at quitting time and not before. 3. dont steal from your employer. 4. do the best you can. 5. if you dont know the answer or how to do something--ask, it is always better to ask then to screw it up and waste time and money. 6. dont complain about the place to any of the other employees. Read this, sleep with it under your pillow, live it, do it. Good luck.

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49 Cubber!

06-11-2004 12:01:36




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  
Maybe my stupidity here,but why didnt you just put the needles back in?I did that just this morning on my truck!The trick with the grease works!



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nebraska cowman

06-11-2004 10:41:03




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  
When I started working in the repair shop I was seventeen and greener than a gourd. I learned to grease the needles and put them back in. We repaired a lot of U joints by putting used needles back in or just replacing one cup because the farmer did not want to pay for an entire cross kit.I still keep a jar of used needles on my bench and another jar of used ball bearings. Several years ago the universal went out on my 4x4 pickup. I made a couple new needles out of baling wire and put a penny in the cap to space them out and ran it 50,000 miles. Maybe parts and sales would be better for you.

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Kens640

06-11-2004 08:19:21




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  
If you think lifes dealing you unfair relationships with employers ; try running your own business for a few years yourself & see what it's like . I owned/operated my own contracting business for 25 yrs until my health went sour .Trying to find honest & worthy help was a treat . Everyone said they knew how to operate & keep up equipment/tools & construct things according to requirements ( huh ! ). I overlooked true accidents that cost me extra on redoing & replacing for awhile . Carelessness was another story .That gets old & very costly after awhile . The workers didn't hesitate holding there hands out on payday & wanting bonus for extra time we spent straightning up their screw-ups . Also I learned the hard way about employees helping themselves to parts/ mat'l/doing personal work at my expense .As an employee they didn't have to answer to the customer or work extra hours or spend extra out of pocket money fixing their screw-ups for nothing .My paydays weren't as rewarding as I had hoped at times . Like I say Kid , you're young , so try it on your own for awhile & get a real lesson . Maybe you'll then appreciate a job where all you have to do is punch in - do your work - punch out & forget the job for the rest of the day . Also it'll help you appreciate your employer . Have a good day . Ken C

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Jay

06-11-2004 06:14:34




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  
What is the going shop rate around there? Around here, it's $50+. If I was the customer, I would be mad at the boss for paying labor to rebuild a $13 u-joint, when I could of had a new one for probably the same money, or less.

Hang in there - A good boss won't penalize you for your inexperience, but will reward you for your determination. Personally, I can live with a few mistakes if when it's slow, a person finds something to keep themselves busy without being told. Be eager to learn and take advice. Be fussy in your work. Be nice to customers. Keep busy. If you do that, you will never have to worry about job opportunities.

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Ron

06-11-2004 06:09:05




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  
I see lots of folks are feeling sorry for you but I'm not. Yo are obviously a very inexperienced young man. A grown man would have told his boss he screwed up and offered to pay for the part. At the very least you would have gained his respect.

The sooner you learn that the boss is the boss the sooner you'll settle into a job you like. If you find you can't learn to work for somebody else then go into business for yourself!

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Don-Wi

06-11-2004 23:35:34




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 Re: Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to Ron, 06-11-2004 06:09:05  
He may be inexperienced but knows how he wants to be treated. I myself am 19, work at a machine shop that makes sprockets. I make mistakes but my boss doesn't charge me for them. Sometimes he sure as hell gets pissed and yells, but later that day he'll be joking with me again. Best advise he gave me was when I was working on an expensive peice, was how much it cost. He trusts me to make expensive parts without mistakes, and that's the way it should be. Only time it's hell at the shop is when he takes off and his brother and another co-worker are incharge. They contradict eachother and take it out on me. One time his brother accused me of purposely breaking drills and scrapping parts and threatened my job. Once my boss came back he straightened things out.
I guess where I'm going with all of this is this: Yes, the boss is the boss, but mistakes happen and shouldn't be payed for by the employee, espesially if it's new to him. My boss always gave me respect, even when I was 17 and didn't know anything past the south bend lathes at the high school. Now the only thing I'm not doing is CNC, but I make a lot of single peices and custom orders now which takes more working knowledge than pushing buttons. His boss doesn't sound like he ever cut him some slack, which aint right.
Donovan from Wisconsin

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jim

06-11-2004 08:16:58




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 Re: Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to Ron, 06-11-2004 06:09:05  
I CLEARLY SEE TWO SIDES HERE,BUT WE ARE ONLY HEARING ONE SIDE.IS THIS THE FIST TIME THAT PARTS WERE DAMAGED?DID YOU TRY TO COVER THIS UP?YOUR BOSS WAS WILLING TO GIVE YOU A CHANCE THE FIRST TIME AS HE DID HIRE YOU.BEING A BOSS MYSELF I KNOW THERE IS NO ROOM FOR MANAGEMENT BY FEAR OR INTIMIDATION.IF YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE PAYING FOR SCREW UPS I WOULD SAY YOU ARE BEING RIDEN UNFAIRLY.WITH ALL THAT BEING SAID I HIRE SEVERAL YOUNG PEOPLE EACH YEAR TO WORK IN MY HEAVY EQUIPMENT SHOP,THE ONE THING THAT SEEMS VERY COMMON IS THAT FEW LISTEN,MOST DONT.SO I AM VERY CLEAR WITH MY ORDERS AND TRY TO HAVE THEM DRAW FROM MY MORE EXPERIENCED HELP,BUT THEY NEED TO LOOK LISTEN AND REMEMBER THEY ARE NEW TO THE TRADE.QUESTIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.IN THIS DAY AND AGE NEW MECHANICS ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN SO US MORE EXPERIENCED PEOPLE MUST LEARN TO FIND A WAY TO MAKE IT ALL WORK BECAUSE SOMEDAY THAT 25 YEAR MAN IS GOING TO RETIRE.LASTLY EVERYONE OF US HAS PERFORMED AT LESS THAN OK STANDARDS.BECAUSE WE WERE ALL THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK AT ONE POINT.

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I agree with Ron...

06-11-2004 07:14:09




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 Re: Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to Ron, 06-11-2004 06:09:05  
The best advice you can be given is in Ron's reply! If you think you are doing your very best, than prove to your boss and yourself that you can do even better. We all are responsible for our own actions, so don't use your boss as an excuse for you wanting to quit your job.



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Paul in Mich

06-11-2004 05:03:45




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  
Kentuckykid, First of all, you do NOT owe this boss 2 weeks notice. Even with a good boss, the common rule is 1 week. I guarantee that when you give 2 weeks to this guy, that you will be gone on the spot. As to the U-joint, accidents happen, and while I suppose your boss can hold you to the $12.80, it is cheap on his part. If he does indeed charge you for the U-joint, you should DEMAND that he give you the U-joint, because you paid for it. Dont throw it away before this happens. Do it after you have it and leave there. But by all means, DEMAND the part. If you are going to pay for it, then get it. You won't be ahead, but you will certainly jerk his chain, and that's just what he needs in that case. Plus it will do wonders for your state of mind. And Tell him that if he cant give you the U-joint, then you cant pay him for it. Actually he can't charge you for it unless you sign a promissary note. If he deducts it our of your wages, just tell him that he has no legal right to do so, that you had no agreement to pay for broken parts. He pays you for the hours you work, not the parts you don't break. You have no account there to charge the part to in the first place, hopefully.

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MarkB

06-11-2004 03:29:06




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  
For what it's worth, next time put a dab of grease inside each bearing cup to help the bearings stick to the cup. Good luck.



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DaveWis

06-11-2004 01:17:31




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  
I agree with the other posters, you will only get more misserable as time goes on. Just make sure you leave on your terms but at the same time try not to give him any reason to give you a negative referance from an attitude standpoint. Good luck in your future, I'm sure you will make it just fine. Have faith in yourself and keep a possitive attitude. As a side note I've dropped u-joint needles more than once. Just clean them up good and put them back in the cap.

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Wayne

06-10-2004 21:36:04




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  
If you don't make mistakes on occasion your not doing anything, and if your not doing anything then your for sure not learning anything. Don't feel bad about a $12 cross, I screwed up a $400 air cleaner this morning. The air cleaner housing sticks out about 4 inches past the back of the machine..... right where that darned tree could jump out and hit it..... I'm 36 and have been mechanic'n all my life and fortunately this isabout the worst, not to mention most expensive screwup I've ever had. Funny thing it had to be something so stupid and simple yet at the same time so darned expensive..... I walked out on an outfit once when upper managment gave those of us that were lead/maintenance men on each shift "managment authority". They then turned around and told the rest of the men that they didn't have to listen to us, we were "just the maintenance men". Let something happen when the men didn't do what we told them though and it came down on our a-- To them "Managment authority" meant we were the scapegoats for everything, nothing more. I waited til one Sunday when the plant was falling down around their ears, with something broke in every section of the line because the guys hadn't listened and I got my revenge. I did try to make things right, for at least the 100th time, by calling the plant supervisor to resolve the "not listening situation" and he once again blew off the whole situation. That was the final straw. They had me so mad I was shaking and I decided it just wasn't worth it so I loaded my stuff, told them in explicit terms what they could do with their job, and walked out the door. That was one of the most satisfying things I've ever done.....I had no job lined up when I left Sunday morning but I interviewed on Tuesday and started at a new place on Thursday..That was 9 years ago and I've been happy ever since. If your not happy with what your doing it just isn't worth it no matter what.....

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David in Ga.

06-10-2004 20:22:07




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  
Dont feel like you are being picked on. I Know how you feel. I have been there. Fortunatly I found a couple of old timmers that could see my integrety and determination. I was 19 when I went online at a major dealership. Most of upper management did not want young learners around. They want the now money not the future money. If their figures are bad they are out next month. (Survival Thing). I was rode hard, no breaks for me. Perfection was expected always. They tried to push me away that way. Dont let them rock you, show them with hard , good work. 20 years later I have become one of the most sought after in my area. I can quit my job anytime and have another with a phone call within 5 minutes. I now thank those who cut me no slack as it made me try to be the best I could be.You learned a fairly inexpensive lesson. I know of Mech. in Atlanta that put on a wrong oil filter and ruined a $10,000 Porsche engine. Lost his job and now no one wants him. Hang in there, I tell my kids if you can read theres little you cant do with practice. Dont be afraid to be humble, ask for ideas to prevent problems next time. Dont think of people Riding your back but think of it as constructive criticisim(Sometimes you will have to convince yourself of that). If God has give you the talent and desire you must keep trying.Be better from this lesson and get no sour feelings.You will be better from this, it happened for a reason, look for good in everything,it is hard to see but if you get positive you will find good. Stand tall and proud,fight the good fight and you will succeed.

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buck

06-10-2004 20:16:11




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  

Say your post a few days ago and found myself wanting to come up with some good advice so I will try this way. Young neighbor kid wanted to become a mechanic so he would hang around my shop trying to learn all he could. Comes in one night and said he had been fired and did I have anything to do that I would pay him for. I said sure, that car in the next bay needs a complete brake job. He made some mistakes but none that I hadn't made before and overall he did very good work with minimal suprvision. Well he bounced from one job to another, always being booted for some trivial reason like u joint bearings. Sure did my heart proud when one Sunday afternoon there he was throwing a jack under one of them Nascar cars. Each mistake we make adds to the learning curve wheather the be the skills of our trade or getting along with the boss but it has been my experience that those who strive to be good at what they do will find that boss who really appreciate them. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

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Davis In SC

06-10-2004 19:58:45




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  
Notice ????? You do not owe him a notice!!!!! I bet that jerk will fire you on the spot if you give him a notice..... ... So what, you scrapped a 12 dollar part, he acts like it will break him. Years ago, working in a machine shop, I was tearing down a mold, & a part slipped & broke several thousand dollars worth of parts. I was expecting to be fired, but the owner told me those things happen, & he said I already felt badly enough about it, so there was no reason to scold me for it. That was about 25 years ago. Funny part is , that guy & I have been business partners for the last 12 years !!!!! It sounds like the shop you are in is really stressful, you will be much better getting out ASAP..... Regards, Davis

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JD-Tractor

06-10-2004 19:47:51




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  
I posted in support of you in your first post,What did you learn after your problem with the u-joint needles?While I realize at one time or another any of us doing this type of mechanical work have had a u-joint fall apart,this is a real basic procedure.I noticed you say "the darn needles fell out" You were in control and allowed the needles to fall out.After this happened was the next thought how could I have stopped that from happening so that it dosen't happen next time.Remember if you use logic and common sense you will have good results along with the occaisional boo,boo. I ran a shop and It always irritated me when a tech. would say "this broke" when Actually they broke it.Inanimate objects don't break by themselves.My favorite saying is Accidents don't happen ,they are caused.Also remember that Your employer only needs you to enable him to make a profit whoever he is !!!Own up to your mistakes and learn from them,Everything you learn nobody can take away from you. Good luck in the new job and create a good future for yourself.

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kentuckykid

06-10-2004 20:01:04




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 Re: Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to JD-Tractor, 06-10-2004 19:47:51  
yes, i do know i was in control of the needles and them falling out, but my whole point is that he is too focused on his bottom dollar and me going at all costs. i say live and learn. i now know to be sure of them needles, yesterday i wouldnt have!!!!



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mud

06-10-2004 19:39:14




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  
hang in there. we all make an honest mistake, thats for sure. that feller just dont remember ever making one of his own, but i'll tell you-- he made a big one with that crack about the $12.
if we reap what we sow, then he'll end up being a lonely a.hole in the end-- just my view.

mud



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Allan

06-10-2004 19:24:13




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 Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-10-2004 19:21:23  
Probably shouldn's say this.

I think that old boy needs aired out a little.

My view,

Allan



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steveormary

06-10-2004 21:02:57




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 Re: Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to Allan, 06-10-2004 19:24:13  
Kentuckykid;

Do the other mechanichs have to pay for parts they break or that happen to fall apart on them.

steve



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kentuckykid

06-11-2004 04:57:18




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 Re: Re: Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to steveormary, 06-10-2004 21:02:57  
steve- no they dont pay for their mistakes. one of my co-workers aware of all this is pretty disgusted with the whole deal, he thinks its pretty unfair. oh well, finally friday:)



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steveormary

06-11-2004 10:32:08




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-11-2004 04:57:18  
kentuckykid;

I dont think you owe them 2 weeks notice. I never gave or ever got 2 weeks notice. But that only happened at two places. No work,we kept getting underbid. I finally,at age 55 I hung out my own sign. To start your own business that is all it takes,enuf intestinal fortitude to hang up your own sign. Good luck and be careful.

steve



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Harry G

06-11-2004 06:15:17




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Off-topic...Update...Boss at work in reply to kentuckykid, 06-11-2004 04:57:18  
KentuckyKid, Many years ago (going back 30 years) I was in same situtation.I was rode rode and it never let up. I finally had to make choice to move on.I actually dreaded going to work knowing how I was to be treated. Best move I ever made. When you are unhappy with your employer/place of employment everything suffers. Quality, productivity cannot be achieved. And when unhappy mistakes do increase. I paid my dues and kept striving to be the best. Eventually, after time I was told I was the best mechanic in my tri-county area. I have taken many a green mechanic under my wing and taught them the fine points of being a master. This is something that was never done to me by some of my old time seniors. I always told myself I would never be like that and deprive others of what I have learned. This in turn earned me immense respect. I can get another job if I should chose just by making a couple of phone calls. Plan your exit. Make sure all uniforms that he supplies are turned in. Make sure you have none of his tools in your box and leave as cordial as possible even though he may try to disrespect you. Don't stoop to his level if he chooses to go that route. Keep your chin up and walk tall. Good luck and best wishes.

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