6 months of degrading comments. 6 months of fighting and tension. 6 months of dealing with the bullshit of one person interrupting 8 other peoples happiness. It's over.
So I last told you about me walking out of work in a blind rage on Wednesday. Well Thursday was tense but ok until my boss left for the day. Then bitchy tech turned all crazy again and kept making snide comments at me. I held my own and dreamed of Australia until her shift was over.
Friday morning I got a little one on one time with my boss while we were filling scripts together. I announced I wanted to make a few comments but not get into the nitty gritty. I laid it all out on the line. I told my boss exactly how I feel and how this drama has been affecting me. We had a good talk and I let him in on some of the stuff I'd been holding back on saying (I hate bitching at the boss).
I don't know what I said that stuck with him but something clicked. Before going for break head tech told me that our boss had just told her to prepare to be short one for the evening as he was sending bitchy tech home for the day and for the next week. :D I was pretty happy to not have to see her face for 9 days.
Something happened in that meeting. He pulled her into his office while I was on lunch and I'm guessing some words were exchanged because when I came back bitchy tech was gone and her drawer was empty. Later on we learned bitchy tech was "no longer with us".
Can you believe it!?!?!?!
This week has been so calm and peaceful. Even with the extra work load. I was sent home Tuesday because I couldn't stop barfing. Must have been stress. Besides that things have been good. I'm so relieved to not have that evil ball of nastiness floating around the pharmacy anymore. We are having so much fun now and getting a lot more done.
Showing posts with label employment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label employment. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Dreading Today
Things at work have gotten out of control. I had to walk out yesterday after only being there for an hour and 45 minutes. Bitchy tech is out of control and my boss still hasn't done anything about it.
How would any of you like to work with a person like this?: She fights with everyone, nothing can be simple, everything is a fight. She talks down to everyone. She comes in late and takes long unauthorized breaks when we are busy. She randomly disappears. She accomplishes nothing on a daily basis. She takes credit for other peoples work. She has random psychotic episodes which include crying and storming out while saying she's never coming back and then returns the next day like nothing happened. She said to my face that she finds my work unsatisfactory and took it upon herself to talk to our boss about it. This is a small list of things she regularly does.
Our pharmacy now has a very bad reputation because of this person. People have quit and are leaving. We have now been nicknamed the "dramacy" instead of pharmacy. We can't get relief pharmacists that we need, we can't get new pharmacists like we need. Everyone is aware of this one person and nobody wants to be stuck working with them in a hostile environment.
Tuesday I came to work after a great long weekend and everyone was smiling and giving high fives. There was a note that had been posted on my bosses door stating that bitchy tech was going on stress leave immediately until the end of October (when I leave). It was from her psychiatrist. I was relieved. Nervous about the extra responsibility but willing to take it on to not have to deal with her on a regular basis. Immediately all of our schedules had to be changed to work things out on such short notice. Our two fill in techs were offered more shifts and we had a game plan ready.
Wednesday I come to work and bitchy tech is there. WTF?!?! All my boss will tell me is that he has told her she has to explain to each person individually by the end of the day. I'm SO PISSED off I can't even tell you people. So I try to approach her but she blows me off and is totally rude to me as usual. So I go to blisterland (my nickname for the blister area) to get some work done and she is everywhere, all in my way. (this is typical, she will fight with you and then be all up in your personal space). She even tried to come back and push some work off at me but I tossed it back and her and told her to do it herself.
An hour later she comes back and almost starts yelling at me. The first thing she says is "So I guess I'm going to apologize for what was supposed to obviously be a joke that you guys didn't get". A joke?
So I asked her "Why the hell if it was a joke left for us to find Tuesday morning did you not call later that morning and say Hey, did you get my joke"? I told her how it affected all of us immediately with scheduling, people thinking they were going to be getting more hours etc. Then I said " I'm really tired of the Bitchy Tech Show, you really need to show more consideration for your fellow team members".
She retorted if anything that we should be the ones showing her more respect. Then Dolly lost it. Voices got raised and it was on like donkey kong. She started getting really close to me. Like a foot and a half away. I was so mad I was literally shaking and starting to tear up. I told her to back out of my personal space and walk away because I had lost it. She kept getting closer so I told her to back away right fucking now because I was going to lose it. (this is not the first time
this has happened)
My boss came running back there and demanded we go into his office and hash it out. I refused. I told him I was sick of the work day being interrupted all the time to deal with her shit. I told him I'm stressed out and drugged on Prevacid cuz I have to deal with her every fucking day and I'm sick of it. I'm tired of her talking to me like I'm a piece of shit, and then taking credit for my work.
He insisted the two of us (me and bitchy tech) go talk. Then she turned all super nice and looking like she was shocked that I was upset. She started in with this sugar sweet voice saying she wanted to work things out. I said "fuck no, get away from me".
I grabbed my jacket and announced to my boss I was going outside for ten minutes. I sat outside and I weighed my options. If I was to quit it would seriously affect my ability to save as much as I currently am for the trip. If I stay I may stab coworker in her crazy head. Hmm... FML.
I headed back in but as soon as I saw her I started shaking visibly so I decided it was time to call it a day. I motioned for my boss and told him I was taking the rest of the day off to cool down and would return the next day. I told him I refuse to be attacked at work by her and that I should not be expected to endure that and then continue the rest of my shift.
I called my mom to vent and cry to as I was on the bus, with strangers looking at me like I was some sort of nut ball. She told me she was on her way to see my Grandpa in the hospital. I didn't even know he had gone back in a few days before. The news wasn't good. They are discontinuing treatment and he is going home in a few days. I let all of my hostility go and told him jokes and sent him big vibes of love. We spent a few hours there, I vented a bit to my family in the hall and they gave me a ton of support.
How can I not be stressed? All I want to do is go to work, do a good job and then go home and live my life.
I DO NOT want to go to work today.
How would any of you like to work with a person like this?: She fights with everyone, nothing can be simple, everything is a fight. She talks down to everyone. She comes in late and takes long unauthorized breaks when we are busy. She randomly disappears. She accomplishes nothing on a daily basis. She takes credit for other peoples work. She has random psychotic episodes which include crying and storming out while saying she's never coming back and then returns the next day like nothing happened. She said to my face that she finds my work unsatisfactory and took it upon herself to talk to our boss about it. This is a small list of things she regularly does.
Our pharmacy now has a very bad reputation because of this person. People have quit and are leaving. We have now been nicknamed the "dramacy" instead of pharmacy. We can't get relief pharmacists that we need, we can't get new pharmacists like we need. Everyone is aware of this one person and nobody wants to be stuck working with them in a hostile environment.
Tuesday I came to work after a great long weekend and everyone was smiling and giving high fives. There was a note that had been posted on my bosses door stating that bitchy tech was going on stress leave immediately until the end of October (when I leave). It was from her psychiatrist. I was relieved. Nervous about the extra responsibility but willing to take it on to not have to deal with her on a regular basis. Immediately all of our schedules had to be changed to work things out on such short notice. Our two fill in techs were offered more shifts and we had a game plan ready.
Wednesday I come to work and bitchy tech is there. WTF?!?! All my boss will tell me is that he has told her she has to explain to each person individually by the end of the day. I'm SO PISSED off I can't even tell you people. So I try to approach her but she blows me off and is totally rude to me as usual. So I go to blisterland (my nickname for the blister area) to get some work done and she is everywhere, all in my way. (this is typical, she will fight with you and then be all up in your personal space). She even tried to come back and push some work off at me but I tossed it back and her and told her to do it herself.
An hour later she comes back and almost starts yelling at me. The first thing she says is "So I guess I'm going to apologize for what was supposed to obviously be a joke that you guys didn't get". A joke?
So I asked her "Why the hell if it was a joke left for us to find Tuesday morning did you not call later that morning and say Hey, did you get my joke"? I told her how it affected all of us immediately with scheduling, people thinking they were going to be getting more hours etc. Then I said " I'm really tired of the Bitchy Tech Show, you really need to show more consideration for your fellow team members".
She retorted if anything that we should be the ones showing her more respect. Then Dolly lost it. Voices got raised and it was on like donkey kong. She started getting really close to me. Like a foot and a half away. I was so mad I was literally shaking and starting to tear up. I told her to back out of my personal space and walk away because I had lost it. She kept getting closer so I told her to back away right fucking now because I was going to lose it. (this is not the first time
this has happened)
My boss came running back there and demanded we go into his office and hash it out. I refused. I told him I was sick of the work day being interrupted all the time to deal with her shit. I told him I'm stressed out and drugged on Prevacid cuz I have to deal with her every fucking day and I'm sick of it. I'm tired of her talking to me like I'm a piece of shit, and then taking credit for my work.
He insisted the two of us (me and bitchy tech) go talk. Then she turned all super nice and looking like she was shocked that I was upset. She started in with this sugar sweet voice saying she wanted to work things out. I said "fuck no, get away from me".
I grabbed my jacket and announced to my boss I was going outside for ten minutes. I sat outside and I weighed my options. If I was to quit it would seriously affect my ability to save as much as I currently am for the trip. If I stay I may stab coworker in her crazy head. Hmm... FML.
I headed back in but as soon as I saw her I started shaking visibly so I decided it was time to call it a day. I motioned for my boss and told him I was taking the rest of the day off to cool down and would return the next day. I told him I refuse to be attacked at work by her and that I should not be expected to endure that and then continue the rest of my shift.
I called my mom to vent and cry to as I was on the bus, with strangers looking at me like I was some sort of nut ball. She told me she was on her way to see my Grandpa in the hospital. I didn't even know he had gone back in a few days before. The news wasn't good. They are discontinuing treatment and he is going home in a few days. I let all of my hostility go and told him jokes and sent him big vibes of love. We spent a few hours there, I vented a bit to my family in the hall and they gave me a ton of support.
How can I not be stressed? All I want to do is go to work, do a good job and then go home and live my life.
I DO NOT want to go to work today.
Monday, April 20, 2009
5 More Days
Well there are 5 more days left until we head off to the Okanagan. I'm pretty excited. Things have turned back to shit at work all because of the same bitchy person and I'm SO ready to get a break from that place.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Working The Polls
Today as I was riding the bus to work I spotted an ad while reading the daily paper. I love reading the paper on the way to work. It makes me feel more in touch with whats going on around me. If I get on the bus and there's no papers left I sulk. lol. Anyways.. the ad. :)
It was an ad run by Elections BC. They are looking for election officials for the provincial election on May 12th. I called the toll free number which directed me to the local offices here where I live. I was able to get a position right away. They asked if I had a friend to come along and work with me for fun and so I got my coworker a position too.
They are going to pay me $30 for training on May 2nd from 9-12. Then I'll be paid $230 for working the day of the election from 8am-8pm. I have to wait for the ballots to all be counted before leaving. I'm okay with that.
May is turning out to be a very lucrative month for me. Three pay days and now a little side income. I'm pretty excited to be doing this. I just found out they hired people this way during the last federal election and I remember thinking I would enjoy doing it. I get to meet people all day and see their expressions as they get ready to vote. I think that's awesome. I'll definitely be getting my vote in as well!
I've already let my boss know and he said it wouldn't be a problem. I'm glad that I have a nice boss who lets us enjoy our lives and isn't a tyrant. It would suck to miss out on the opportunity just because my boss said no.
If you live in BC and are interested the toll free number is 1-800-661-8683. Just let them know you want to be an election official and they can give the number and info to a local office. Better do it quick though. Some areas where I live were already full!
Or you can check out www.elections.bc.ca
It was an ad run by Elections BC. They are looking for election officials for the provincial election on May 12th. I called the toll free number which directed me to the local offices here where I live. I was able to get a position right away. They asked if I had a friend to come along and work with me for fun and so I got my coworker a position too.
They are going to pay me $30 for training on May 2nd from 9-12. Then I'll be paid $230 for working the day of the election from 8am-8pm. I have to wait for the ballots to all be counted before leaving. I'm okay with that.
May is turning out to be a very lucrative month for me. Three pay days and now a little side income. I'm pretty excited to be doing this. I just found out they hired people this way during the last federal election and I remember thinking I would enjoy doing it. I get to meet people all day and see their expressions as they get ready to vote. I think that's awesome. I'll definitely be getting my vote in as well!
I've already let my boss know and he said it wouldn't be a problem. I'm glad that I have a nice boss who lets us enjoy our lives and isn't a tyrant. It would suck to miss out on the opportunity just because my boss said no.
If you live in BC and are interested the toll free number is 1-800-661-8683. Just let them know you want to be an election official and they can give the number and info to a local office. Better do it quick though. Some areas where I live were already full!
Or you can check out www.elections.bc.ca
Friday, March 20, 2009
Prescription Refund
Last week at work I remembered to update my profile at the pharmacy to include my new benefits info. The week before I didn't have my card yet so I had to pay for my RX. Since I was technically covered during that time we could rebill once I received the card. The pharmacist refunded my money once it was resubmitted to our insurance company. I don't pay a dispensing fee since I work at a pharmacy and now benefits pays 100% cost so I was refunded the full amount! Yay for benefits!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Benefits Blunder
Well, I received my benefits card last week. I was pretty excited about it. That reminds me... I have to rebill my last prescription. Anyway.. I was pretty happy to finally have benefits again. Then I saw my pay stub. WTF!>!
I have never in my working life paid more than maybe $15 per cheque for benefits. The deductions on my stub were about $160. I was shocked and immediately angry. Luckily my boss was working with me that day so while we were huddled in the blister area scarfing down some lunch I asked him about it. He told me it seemed really high and that he didn't blame me for being upset as he knows I'm trying to save for the trip. He told me to book all my dental and medical appointments during the next two months and then cancel if I'm not happy and don't get my moneys worth. He told me even if I'm told I have to have them he would deal with it. I like my boss! :)
The next day I was able to talk to payroll who is the nicest lady ever. First I asked her if the deductions looked realistic and she told me because she had to back date my benefits a bit that it would be on my next cheque as well. WHAT!>! She really is a sweet lady so I kept my bubbling anger down and looked her straight in the eye and said "well then I can't afford it". She broke down the amounts as there were four different deductions. Thats where we found the problem. My work takes automatic deductions for MSP. I don't pay MSP right now and BF has paid his way in advance. Anyway, even if I was paying MSP it wouldn't be the top amount because of my income. She apologized and said she forgot I told her that. Whew~~
So next cheque I should be getting a large chunk of that money back. The MSP alone was $96 and then there was another fee that I believe was about $30 that I will get back. Holy toledo's! So the actual extended health and dental is more like $30 a month which I can handle and don't mind paying so BF and I can benefits.
In the future if BF or I get notification to pay MSP I'm just going to pay them directly. I don't need a middle man for that. I'm so glad this worked out because I really didn't want to forgo benefits.
I have never in my working life paid more than maybe $15 per cheque for benefits. The deductions on my stub were about $160. I was shocked and immediately angry. Luckily my boss was working with me that day so while we were huddled in the blister area scarfing down some lunch I asked him about it. He told me it seemed really high and that he didn't blame me for being upset as he knows I'm trying to save for the trip. He told me to book all my dental and medical appointments during the next two months and then cancel if I'm not happy and don't get my moneys worth. He told me even if I'm told I have to have them he would deal with it. I like my boss! :)
The next day I was able to talk to payroll who is the nicest lady ever. First I asked her if the deductions looked realistic and she told me because she had to back date my benefits a bit that it would be on my next cheque as well. WHAT!>! She really is a sweet lady so I kept my bubbling anger down and looked her straight in the eye and said "well then I can't afford it". She broke down the amounts as there were four different deductions. Thats where we found the problem. My work takes automatic deductions for MSP. I don't pay MSP right now and BF has paid his way in advance. Anyway, even if I was paying MSP it wouldn't be the top amount because of my income. She apologized and said she forgot I told her that. Whew~~
So next cheque I should be getting a large chunk of that money back. The MSP alone was $96 and then there was another fee that I believe was about $30 that I will get back. Holy toledo's! So the actual extended health and dental is more like $30 a month which I can handle and don't mind paying so BF and I can benefits.
In the future if BF or I get notification to pay MSP I'm just going to pay them directly. I don't need a middle man for that. I'm so glad this worked out because I really didn't want to forgo benefits.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday Blues
The weekend is over and the new work week is here. Booo! I am not a big fan of Mondays at all.
This weekend was great.
Friday night BF insisted we go over to my sisters to see her new place. My sister seemed really happy to have us over and I always love seeing the kids. Their new house is really awesome and they got a great deal on it. I'm very happy for her.
Saturday we helped my Grandpa move into the new house. It was an all day task. There was my grandpa, my uncle, my mom, BF and me. I was disappointed nobody else showed up to help seeing as I have so many cousins and family. It really pissed me off a lot. My uncle told me that insurance would pay for two movers and so BF would be paid for the day but BF refused to take any money and told my Grandpa to use the money to buy lunch for everyone that helped. Aww. He and my uncle had to do all the heavy lifting on their own but they managed.
Sunday I laid in bed all day. I mean ALL day. BF surprised me by going out in the evening to get groceries. He bought me all my favorite fruits and even brought home dinner. He came upstairs to bed and served the food right to me. Then he secretly put a movie into the DVD player and turned it on. It was Pineapple Express! I've been dying to see this movie since it came out in theaters and I finally got to see it.
Things have been going really good lately. We've been watching our spending big time. Every little purchase is weighed against saving for the trip. Today though I'm going to spend a bit of money because a coworker is coming back from eloping and I want to buy her some flowers to mark the occasion. I'm so excited for her!
Well... I must make breakfast and get ready for work now. I hope everyone enjoys the first day back at work this week! :)
This weekend was great.
Friday night BF insisted we go over to my sisters to see her new place. My sister seemed really happy to have us over and I always love seeing the kids. Their new house is really awesome and they got a great deal on it. I'm very happy for her.
Saturday we helped my Grandpa move into the new house. It was an all day task. There was my grandpa, my uncle, my mom, BF and me. I was disappointed nobody else showed up to help seeing as I have so many cousins and family. It really pissed me off a lot. My uncle told me that insurance would pay for two movers and so BF would be paid for the day but BF refused to take any money and told my Grandpa to use the money to buy lunch for everyone that helped. Aww. He and my uncle had to do all the heavy lifting on their own but they managed.
Sunday I laid in bed all day. I mean ALL day. BF surprised me by going out in the evening to get groceries. He bought me all my favorite fruits and even brought home dinner. He came upstairs to bed and served the food right to me. Then he secretly put a movie into the DVD player and turned it on. It was Pineapple Express! I've been dying to see this movie since it came out in theaters and I finally got to see it.
Things have been going really good lately. We've been watching our spending big time. Every little purchase is weighed against saving for the trip. Today though I'm going to spend a bit of money because a coworker is coming back from eloping and I want to buy her some flowers to mark the occasion. I'm so excited for her!
Well... I must make breakfast and get ready for work now. I hope everyone enjoys the first day back at work this week! :)
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Dolly Gets Benefits!
Today my favorite lady (payroll) at work spotted me on my way in and told me she had some paperwork for me to fill out. I didn't get a chance to talk to her as I was on the phone when she dropped them off to me in a hurry at the dispensary. She quickly told me to look them over and that we'll get together on Thursday to talk about them.
I was shocked to see that there were RSP papers there. My boss had told me in the interview that he didn't think I would be eligible until I reached one year of employment (I'll almost be in Australia by then). I asked another tech and she said that you're eligible for them the same time as your benefits. YAY!!
I can't wait to learn more about this. I'm totally into having my contributions matched. Heck ya!
I was shocked to see that there were RSP papers there. My boss had told me in the interview that he didn't think I would be eligible until I reached one year of employment (I'll almost be in Australia by then). I asked another tech and she said that you're eligible for them the same time as your benefits. YAY!!
I can't wait to learn more about this. I'm totally into having my contributions matched. Heck ya!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Holidays Recap
I wish I could say the holidays have been great for me but... not so much.
I worked both Xmas and Boxing day which would have been fine except we were the only pharmacy open mid island with only myself and one pharmacist working. Most people were great and appreciative that we were open. I had to set up new profiles constantly as people were coming from all the surrounding towns. One man in particular thought he could get his rx filled faster by screaming at me and belittling my job. He decided to take his rx elsewhere. Hmm.. good luck buddy, we're the only ones open. :)
In other pharmacy news there was a ton of chocolates and cookies for us to munch on but we were too busy to even pee. One very generous customer gave each pharmacy staff member a beautiful card and a $25 gift card to the Keg.
I had Xmas dinner with my family which was ok except for some whining and jerkiness about gifts. I am so never doing secret Santa draws with my siblings EVER again. The kids however loved their gifts and were super happy. For me its more about the giving than the getting so I was happy.
I'm not sure if I mentioned that last weekend our pipes were frozen solid for two days. Not fun! This last weekend on Saturday I was awoken to a huge crash out back. The gutters filled with run off and froze into one long super sized brick of ice. It caused some major damage when it tore off the back. It crushed our BBQ, lawn chairs, tore off one of the sensor lights and knocked down my clothesline. I called the landlord tonight who told me to buy a new BBQ and chairs and save the receipt. I told him I'd let BF deal with that when he returns, but that I took pictures for him and wanted to let him know ASAP.
Today I checked my mail to find out I'm being audited by EI for a claim I had up until last March. I guess some of the amounts I submitted didn't match the 3 companies I worked for part time during my claim. I added up the amount I declared and the amount they stated they paid me and if I'm right EI actually owes me $428.26. It's weird because they don't say anywhere an amount that I owe them but there is a big bold note saying that if they overpaid me they will make me pay them back and then they will penalize me and possibly charge me for falsifying records. It also says it may affect future benefits. YIKES! Well, I was very careful and I have a calendar somewhere with my hours.
I know I submitted the right hours but all of these employers were losers. They never paid me on time or correctly so who knows. I tried to get some help today by calling EI but they were very mean and unhelpful. ;( Jerks! At least I was trying to work during that time. The letter also said my evidence is due back Dec 23rd. LOL. They extended it until Jan 15th which is good. I want BF to help look everything over before I do anything and he gets back on the 6th. So... if EI underpaid me ... do they owe me? I'm going to ask tomorrow.
I also have to write letters stating why I was dismissed. Ok
Employer A - Didn't like that I didn't want to be sexually harassed or work for free. We got to deal with labour relations on that one.
Employer B- Fired me before I could become part of the union. This man has since been released from that company for doing this to about 30 women.
Employer C - Hired me and promised hours. Then he hired my friend and gave him my hours. Then he stopped calling us both..... not sure.. but I did get reimbursed union fees from this one. This job is advertised every three weeks.
So... I'm not looking forward to figuring this one out but if it works out in my favor I may as well let it be I guess.
I'm really trying to not be stressed. :)
I worked both Xmas and Boxing day which would have been fine except we were the only pharmacy open mid island with only myself and one pharmacist working. Most people were great and appreciative that we were open. I had to set up new profiles constantly as people were coming from all the surrounding towns. One man in particular thought he could get his rx filled faster by screaming at me and belittling my job. He decided to take his rx elsewhere. Hmm.. good luck buddy, we're the only ones open. :)
In other pharmacy news there was a ton of chocolates and cookies for us to munch on but we were too busy to even pee. One very generous customer gave each pharmacy staff member a beautiful card and a $25 gift card to the Keg.
I had Xmas dinner with my family which was ok except for some whining and jerkiness about gifts. I am so never doing secret Santa draws with my siblings EVER again. The kids however loved their gifts and were super happy. For me its more about the giving than the getting so I was happy.
I'm not sure if I mentioned that last weekend our pipes were frozen solid for two days. Not fun! This last weekend on Saturday I was awoken to a huge crash out back. The gutters filled with run off and froze into one long super sized brick of ice. It caused some major damage when it tore off the back. It crushed our BBQ, lawn chairs, tore off one of the sensor lights and knocked down my clothesline. I called the landlord tonight who told me to buy a new BBQ and chairs and save the receipt. I told him I'd let BF deal with that when he returns, but that I took pictures for him and wanted to let him know ASAP.
Today I checked my mail to find out I'm being audited by EI for a claim I had up until last March. I guess some of the amounts I submitted didn't match the 3 companies I worked for part time during my claim. I added up the amount I declared and the amount they stated they paid me and if I'm right EI actually owes me $428.26. It's weird because they don't say anywhere an amount that I owe them but there is a big bold note saying that if they overpaid me they will make me pay them back and then they will penalize me and possibly charge me for falsifying records. It also says it may affect future benefits. YIKES! Well, I was very careful and I have a calendar somewhere with my hours.
I know I submitted the right hours but all of these employers were losers. They never paid me on time or correctly so who knows. I tried to get some help today by calling EI but they were very mean and unhelpful. ;( Jerks! At least I was trying to work during that time. The letter also said my evidence is due back Dec 23rd. LOL. They extended it until Jan 15th which is good. I want BF to help look everything over before I do anything and he gets back on the 6th. So... if EI underpaid me ... do they owe me? I'm going to ask tomorrow.
I also have to write letters stating why I was dismissed. Ok
Employer A - Didn't like that I didn't want to be sexually harassed or work for free. We got to deal with labour relations on that one.
Employer B- Fired me before I could become part of the union. This man has since been released from that company for doing this to about 30 women.
Employer C - Hired me and promised hours. Then he hired my friend and gave him my hours. Then he stopped calling us both..... not sure.. but I did get reimbursed union fees from this one. This job is advertised every three weeks.
So... I'm not looking forward to figuring this one out but if it works out in my favor I may as well let it be I guess.
I'm really trying to not be stressed. :)
Monday, December 22, 2008
Transit Service Blues
What a day! Today is not starting out well at all. I looked online to make sure my usual bus was running. Then I trudged all the way to a bus stop only to have the bus never show. I did however get sprayed up my side by a plow truck. I tried to avoid it but they've piled the snow up on the sidewalk so its 4ft deep and so you have no choice but to walk on the road dodging cars.
I called work to tell them if my parents can dig themselves out I'll be there but if it snows I'd have to leave work early anyway. I really hate missing work but to be truthful I feel horrible today. I may just trudge out for some seriously needed groceries but that is it. I'm working both stats this week so I'm trying not to be hard on myself. Honestly, if I wanted to get there I could. I would be late but I could get there if necessary. Apparently they're not to busy so maybe I need to take a snow/mental break day for myself.
I called work to tell them if my parents can dig themselves out I'll be there but if it snows I'd have to leave work early anyway. I really hate missing work but to be truthful I feel horrible today. I may just trudge out for some seriously needed groceries but that is it. I'm working both stats this week so I'm trying not to be hard on myself. Honestly, if I wanted to get there I could. I would be late but I could get there if necessary. Apparently they're not to busy so maybe I need to take a snow/mental break day for myself.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Changes at Work?
I don't really want to rehash the last week of work. Too much high school style drama. Let's just say the whole team is fed up with the Bitchy tech and she walked out Friday and said she may not return. This made most people happy but it just made me tired. Bitchy tech had turned her evilness on me this week and so I ended up having to talk to the boss. Sucks! I hate drama at work. I just want to go to work, do my job, go home, and pick up a pay cheque every two weeks. *sigh*
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Work Drama
It seems no matter where you go there's always drama at work. I find this to be true especially in pharmacies. It's rather pathetic. I wish everyone could just deal with each other and get on with it already.
Soon after starting at the pharmacy I realized there was some major tension between the techs at the store I'm working at now. I was kind of irritated because I stressed in my interview that I'm really not into dealing with that type of childlike behavior.
Apparently the girl on maternity leave that I'm covering for over the next year before we go to Australia used to be a big component of fighting so I guess I'm glad she's not around. As for the other two we have two classic pharmacy personalities.
1- The been around the block tech. This technician has worked all over the place for different chains. She thinks she has it all figured out. Granted, she does know a lot and I'm impressed by her knowledge! Unfortunately she shares this with everyone in a unfriendly way. Her explanations are long and dragged out so that they become impossible to listen to and I find myself dozing off internally while she talks. She thinks everything should be done in the manner she wants. Even if it has nothing do with her. She takes everything personally and makes depressing and negative comments all the time.
2- The head tech. Usually comforting and welcoming. The head tech is more relaxed in her environment and enjoys being a technician. She's a great trainer and really listens. She also can't stand being pushed around on her own turf. This is her domain and she's going to protect it.
Put these two together and the planets collide. When I was offered the job at the hospital I knew it wasn't the right thing at this time for me but I almost took it because of the crap going on between these two. I discussed it with the head tech. I told her I really hate dealing with that sort of behavior and I really just wanted to be left out of it. It was affecting my training and that's just not cool with me.
Head tech went away for a week to Mexico and BATBT was in her glory. She was much easier to work with and actually very pleasant. One day she called me her protege though and that worried me. I had to stand my ground a bit at that point to make sure she doesn't think she can tell me to do whatever she wants.
Head tech came back and the dynamics changed again. BATBT really wanted to make it known that things went great while HT was gone. *sighs* BATBT stopped being pleasant and became really quiet again. After a week and a half of HT being back the lid blew off the roof.
Now I'm not sure exactly what happened but it was really stressful day yesterday with head office being there. A lot of projects just couldn't get done because of them being there and tying up every one's time. By the time BATBT tech came in for her shift things were still chaotic. At 4pm the owner was leaving for the day when I saw him being approached by BATBT. Next thing I knew she was "borrowing" HT for a few minutes. I'm thinking... "WTF there is so much shit to do and we're slammed with prescriptions".
I was so annoyed. The boss left them almost immediately, but they stayed in the private patient consultation room for two hours before the pharmacist on shift broke it up and told them to deal with it on their own time. BATBT came out crying. There was some loud discussions during those two hours. I didn't hear anything or care to either.
HT went home an hour late. BATBT blew her nose and came back to the dispensary. It was time for me to leave and there was so much left to do. I gave her a rundown and she seemed irritated she would be left with all those tasks but seriously... they ditched me for 2 hours in a rush! Not cool at all!
I left work with a pounding headache and less respect overall for my workplace. The pharmacist with me that night told me she was sick of the drama.
At what point do I let my boss know that this is bullshit?
I'm trying really hard to remain focused on my work. I just have to learn how to navigate myself through the shit I guess. I really want to stay at this job for my last year on the Island and am trying really hard to turn a blind eye to the drama. Why are pharmacies always a mess like this?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Extra Extra! Read All About It.
Things have been pretty busy for me this week.I've also been feeling under the weather and so I decided to write a quick post of all these news from the last few days.
Sunday - Major yard work, laundry and cleaning was going on. We spent the day in the yard raking, dumping and cleaning out the plant pots, and turning the garden and compost bins. It's been raining a lot here lately so we had to take the opportunity to get it done when we had it. It felt good to get out and work in the crisp air with my favorite pink toque.
I also took my first ride on BF's motorbike. I'm still undecided. We just went places within our own neighbourhood which was perfect. I used to ride on the back of my friends scooter all the time in Penticton which prepared me a little bit but still... this is a lot bigger. I'm not ready to go across town yet but soon.
Monday - Christmas music at work has begun. WTF!>!> I object! Don't even get me started on this one! For now it rotates with other music but in a few weeks it will be full on. They'll need to put me on suicide watch at the pharmacy. I could go mad!
My favorite pharmacist and the person I mentioned creating a great relationship with at work announced her resignation. :(
Tuesday - I had to work today but I get Friday off instead which gives me a long weekend! It was really slow for most of the day which was great. I also got to spend some one on one with both my boss and his wife because I worked with them both alone today as I was the only technician. My boss gave me a lot of great compliments and encouragement today which meant a lot to me. :)
I stood in the rain for 25 minutes before calling BF at work for an emergency ride to work. I called the bus to bawl them out for not showing. The good thing was that I asked if there was a problem with that particular bus run before yelling because he politely informed me that it was a holiday. Crap! On holidays if the bus runs at all it runs on Sunday schedule which is... practically never. Once an hour if u are lucky. BF was happy to run me to work and saved the day. I need an umbrella.
What will tomorrow bring?.......
Also, I have not felt very well the last few days but I'm trying to not miss any work. I've got a big goal to meet before the end of the year.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Settling In
So things at work are going pretty good. I've established some good relationships with other people in the pharmacy. I've missed being part of a team. When you work with the same people all the time in a tiny space you get to know each other pretty well.
Lately I've been able to do a lot of blister packing which is something I love. I'm hoping they will want me to the majority of in the future. That would be ideal for me.
I'm already getting nicknames. Mostly things like "the pep squad" and the "cheering section". I am the person who keeps a calm head in the crazy times and says ridiculously silly things all the time to make people laugh to cut the tension. It's the roll I like to take in the working environment I guess. I like to build good relationships with people I work with.
There are definitely still times when I'm not loving it but overall its starting to get better as I get back into the swing of things. I'm still trying to absorb as much as I can as quickly as possible. These technicians are amazing. The best I've ever worked with. The pharmacists have it made. I'm learning a lot and hopefully in the future I can apply some of these skills to something else because even though I like my job I know pharmacy isn't where I want to be deep inside. It's perfect for this year as I prepare for Australia though.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Flu Season
Last Tuesday my pharmacy held a flu clinic at $25 a shot. It was a very hectic and crazy day. At the end of it I just wanted to run away. Today we are holding another clinic and it will be the final one.
There has been some pressure from some other pharmacy staff to get the shot done. I know my boss and his wife (both pharmacists working in the dispensary) both feel very strongly about getting the shot done.
While some people have decided to get it (free for RX staff) others have decided not to. I am not going to get the shot. I keep getting asked about it but I'm standing firm. I never get flu shots done. I don't really like the idea of it. Growing up my parents didn't seem to care either way and my doctor has never felt that strongly about it. I like that about my doctor. He gives me the information and then lets me make my own decisions on everything which I think is great.
While I have heard some good points about getting the shot done I'm still not doing it. To be honest I'm more into holistic healing and natural alternatives. While I see both sides of the spectrum I am very cautious about what goes into my body. I don't even use anything when I have a headache. I'm a firm believer in drinking a big glass of water instead.
I know that if I change my mind I can probably get it done free still through the health clinic because I have asthma. So the option is still there. I just refuse to be talked into it when I wasn't going to do it in the first place. It's kind of awkward debating it at work but it's not going to make me change my mind.
So what about you? Are you getting a flu shot this year?
Monday, November 3, 2008
$4 Staff Love?
When I signed all the paperwork for my current job I was kind of thrown off guard by the last paper in the bunch. It was a permission form for whether or not to have $4 deducted from your paycheck to go towards the staff fund. Hmm...
The form stated the fee was $2 for part time employees or $4 for full time. The money goes towards staff parties, birthday card, condolence cards, flowers for sick staff etc. The money is deducted each cheque (biweekly).
At first when I saw it I was not going to fill it out at all. Then I started to think about it and I started to feel like I should. I mean I'll probably get to know these people pretty well over the next year. I know that if you are a staff member that pays the into the fund you get into all staff events free. Not that I really care that much because I'm not really a staff event kind of person but maybe I'll feel differently later. It kind of stumped me but I decided to be a good sport and sign the form.
So if I work there for a year thats $104 of my hard earned buckaroo's. I want to seem like a team player and so I don't mind the fee but part of me feels like its kind of a waste of money. I don't want to be a person who cancels the deductions either.
What would you have done if you were in my shoes?
The form stated the fee was $2 for part time employees or $4 for full time. The money goes towards staff parties, birthday card, condolence cards, flowers for sick staff etc. The money is deducted each cheque (biweekly).
At first when I saw it I was not going to fill it out at all. Then I started to think about it and I started to feel like I should. I mean I'll probably get to know these people pretty well over the next year. I know that if you are a staff member that pays the into the fund you get into all staff events free. Not that I really care that much because I'm not really a staff event kind of person but maybe I'll feel differently later. It kind of stumped me but I decided to be a good sport and sign the form.
So if I work there for a year thats $104 of my hard earned buckaroo's. I want to seem like a team player and so I don't mind the fee but part of me feels like its kind of a waste of money. I don't want to be a person who cancels the deductions either.
What would you have done if you were in my shoes?
Turned Down the Hospital Job Offer
So I just got off the phone with the lady in hiring at the local hospital. She called to tell me she is having a problem getting a hold of one of my references. Hmm... maybe because she's trying to call the business we no longer work at rather than the home number I supplied on my references... geez.
After talking things over with BF and my mom I had already decided that the offer was not for me. I would have to start casual and then work up to part time permanent which can take up to a year. The pay is good but you are on call every day. I don't like that. Some of the hours start pretty early and would be really inconvenient for me since I take the bus so I would have to cab there. Yikes! That could seriously off put some of the money I'd be making. Also, there are no benefits. This job would take a few years to get me anywhere which is time I just don't have right now. It would be a great stepping stone to other hospital positions once I gained seniority which is why it killed me to turn her down.
She was rather rude sounding when I did though. I was honest and told her that over the weekend we had talked about it and I am not in a position financially right now to take on the job and that lack of a vehicle would make things very difficult. Then I said I hoped it wouldn't impede me from applying there in the future.
She responded with something like I'd better be sure of what I wanted next time I applied as to not waste people's time. WTF?!?! OK, I interviewed Thursday. She was away all weekend. It's Monday morning at 9:30am. It was the soonest I could have let her know anyways. Besides, when I applied it was for full time and when she called me she said full time. Then later she told me it was casual.
What can you do? I think I handled everything well. I was honest and straight forward. It's not like I was hired and then didn't show up or anything. Some people!
After talking things over with BF and my mom I had already decided that the offer was not for me. I would have to start casual and then work up to part time permanent which can take up to a year. The pay is good but you are on call every day. I don't like that. Some of the hours start pretty early and would be really inconvenient for me since I take the bus so I would have to cab there. Yikes! That could seriously off put some of the money I'd be making. Also, there are no benefits. This job would take a few years to get me anywhere which is time I just don't have right now. It would be a great stepping stone to other hospital positions once I gained seniority which is why it killed me to turn her down.
She was rather rude sounding when I did though. I was honest and told her that over the weekend we had talked about it and I am not in a position financially right now to take on the job and that lack of a vehicle would make things very difficult. Then I said I hoped it wouldn't impede me from applying there in the future.
She responded with something like I'd better be sure of what I wanted next time I applied as to not waste people's time. WTF?!?! OK, I interviewed Thursday. She was away all weekend. It's Monday morning at 9:30am. It was the soonest I could have let her know anyways. Besides, when I applied it was for full time and when she called me she said full time. Then later she told me it was casual.
What can you do? I think I handled everything well. I was honest and straight forward. It's not like I was hired and then didn't show up or anything. Some people!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Best Long Weekend Ever
BF and I returned last night from the best long weekend ever! Everything we did turned out great and the weather was amazing. It was so nice to get away for awhile and have some fun. We splurged a little but it was well worth it. I'll post a few pics soon of the amazing expedition backpack BF bought me while we were there as a late birthday gift for our trip next year to Australia. It's beautiful.
Today I've felt under the weather though. I had one of those "off" days at work where everything goes wrong. I felt clumsy, stupid and irritated, lol! To top it all of we were hosting a flu clinic so there were a million people. *sigh
I have an interview tomorrow morning at the hospital working in the kitchen. I have always toyed with the idea of opening another restaurant or maybe a catering company. I love getting in the kitchen. I'm not really a general public dealing with sort of person. So I've decided to go and see what is offered. I think its a full time casual position with a wage that is $2.33/hr more than where I am now.
An interview is just that and nothing more. I would have to think any decisions over very carefully before making a move. I'm not fond of my job now but its not horrific. Just annoying and stressful. I am mostly interested in job security right now. I need full time and I need great pay. One year to go people!!
Today I've felt under the weather though. I had one of those "off" days at work where everything goes wrong. I felt clumsy, stupid and irritated, lol! To top it all of we were hosting a flu clinic so there were a million people. *sigh
I have an interview tomorrow morning at the hospital working in the kitchen. I have always toyed with the idea of opening another restaurant or maybe a catering company. I love getting in the kitchen. I'm not really a general public dealing with sort of person. So I've decided to go and see what is offered. I think its a full time casual position with a wage that is $2.33/hr more than where I am now.
An interview is just that and nothing more. I would have to think any decisions over very carefully before making a move. I'm not fond of my job now but its not horrific. Just annoying and stressful. I am mostly interested in job security right now. I need full time and I need great pay. One year to go people!!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Oh Happy Day!
This morning I am online doing some training for work. I realized that today was my first payday with this new job. I logged onto my bank online to see if the direct deposit was working yet and it was! I only had 32 hours on this first check because there was a holiday the week I started and so I only worked 4 days. Still, the coin is pretty good and I can't wait to see a full cheque.
The next cheque will be for 72 hours because of BF and I going away for a three day weekend starting tomorrow. So I'll have to wait for the third payday to see a full one. I'm pretty happy with the moolah though. I can't wait until next cheque when I can take a big chunk and stick it on that student loan. Yay!
The next cheque will be for 72 hours because of BF and I going away for a three day weekend starting tomorrow. So I'll have to wait for the third payday to see a full one. I'm pretty happy with the moolah though. I can't wait until next cheque when I can take a big chunk and stick it on that student loan. Yay!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Drug Store Savings Here I Come
Today I made sure to get myself registered for our companies discount card. Now I'll get 30% off for both BF and my purchases there. YAY!! The best part is I work for a large chain and can use this discount at any store as long as I provide picture ID. Love it!
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