August 12, 2012

The Rest of the Story

I’ve been reluctant to share the drama that resulted in my sudden job loss at the end of May but since I’ve mentioned it several times (thank you for all your supportive comments and prayers) I decided it was time to tell “the rest of the story” as Paul Harvey would say.

First a little background.   I have been a legal secretary/paralegal for 25+ years.   When I remarried 9 years ago my husband didn’t want me working full time so I was lucky enough to work for a friend 4 days a week, off on Fridays.    Fast forward a few  years and due to an on-the-job injury which resulted in me being out of work almost a year, I then found a job working 3 days a week.     That company went under (it was in real estate) so I started working 2 days a week for an attorney friend until he decided he needed me  3 days a week.    That was perfect, I was off Mondays and Fridays, and worked 3 days a week, 6 hours a day.     Can’t get better than that!

In March 2011 we brought on another attorney, a former judge.   I loved working for these two guys, and I thought it would be a job I would stay on at least 6 more years which I planned to retired permanently.    

The Tuesday after Memorial Day I got to work and there was another girl there!    It had been mentioned to me that they were “thinking” about bringing on another person who was bringing in files from her former boss, but there was nothing in stone about bringing in someone else.    Now this ain’t my first rodeo (thanks Dr. Phil) but I knew it was completely unethical for a non-attorney person to bring files in from another lawyer, that was money walking out his door!     The attorney I had worked for the longest was on vacation, which I didn’t know anything about.   The “new girl” had taken over his office, knew his computer password (I did not) and basically took over my job.    She “ran” errands (which I normally did), was out of the office for several hours, opened mail (after I had already checked all the mail) and he had left her the work I normally did.    She sat in on a domestic relations consultation after telling me she knew nothing about domestic relations, that was my job, that she was hired to work on SS disability files (the files she brought with her).     This all happened on her first day at work.   A situation occurred on the 2nd day that was totally out of my comfort zone (not to mention unethical) so I left for the day and e-mailed one of the men that I wouldn’t be back that day but  asked them to get in touch with me on the following Monday so we could address my concerns.    NO ONE EVER CONTACTED ME!     No phone calls, no e-mails, nothing.    I was devastated to say the least.

I went ahead and filed for unemployment and after about 4 weeks was notified I had been denied.      I naturally assumed my former employers had objected to my filing for unemployment but have since found out the Dept. of Industrial Relations objected to the filing.      We had a phone “hearing” a few weeks ago which resulted in the final denial from the Dept. of Industrial Relations for my unemployment compensation, even after my former boss stipulated they “fired” me.   

The hearing was a joke!   The idiot guy that conducted the hearing wouldn’t let me or my boss get in a word at all…he ran the show from the get-go.    I could have appealed that decision as well but it just wasn’t worth it.    I was experiencing anxiety and stress and depression from it all so now it’s over and done with.    However, my former boss has stayed in touch with me, we have gone to lunch a couple of times, and he  indicated he will be calling me to come back to work….but I don’t plan on returning.      I feel much better after finding out they did not object but wanted me to get my “pennies”.      However, they are compensating me since I got denied.    

So now you know “the rest of the story.”    I know this is hard to believe but sometimes I miss having somewhere to go every day.    Of course, it’s obvious I’m leaving out some things with regard to the “new girl” that took my place but I’d rather not get into that.     I just want to move on with my life and start this new chapter.   

On a much happier note, we had a huge yard sale this weekend and made out like bandits!    I hope to use that money to finish up the guest room and hubby’s bathroom.     The purging and decluttering took a month getting ready for that sale but the end is in sight.     It feels so good to get rid of so much stuff….I hope I never let things get to that point again!

16 comments:

Ron said...

Judy--- enjoy your retirement! Enjoy every minute. You deserve it. I think we can fill in the dots in regards to the "new" girl. Unbelievable! Congrats on the successful sale! Have fun redecorating! and thanks for sharing! xo, Ron

joanne said...

I thought things like that never really happened but found out the hard way that they do. People are not loyal and friendships suffer the most. The hurt feeling seem to hang on for me and it's been many years. I am so very sorry to hear you have gone through this type of thing. I hope you can put it aside and enjoy your decorating projects and an early retirement. Take care...;j

Lilly Forever! said...

So sorry to know about this confusion! It sounds like you have managed to survive and that there are brighter days ahead! Keep you chin up and just know that "karma" will catch up with the "new" girl! Enjoy your beautiful decorating!

Christine said...

What a story! Sounds like a movie.
I believe you did the right thing (everything).

I understand your feelings about not having a place to go everyday.
I retired a month ago and I still am "adrift".

Granna said...

This sounds like a very unprofessional and unethical practice. I'm sure you're much better off and once you get used to it, you're gonna love retirement!

NanaDiana said...

oh- Judy! How very emotionally awful for you. It is so hard to believe that people can treat others like that, isn't it? I know that sometimes when we stand up for what we think is right we are beaten down by someone bigger than we are. It is sad...but true- Blessings to you- I hope you can move forward with grace- xo Diana

Katya said...

Judy, what a situation. It seems you are better off without all this stress and unethical treatment. Happy retirement!

Diana said...

How awful! Maybe it was a blessing in disguise. I'm sorry for the emotional stress, that stinks. I hope you enjoy your retirement! My hubby is getting ready to retire early, he's a fireman. I can't wait! :)

Leslie Anne Tarabella said...

How terrible for you! Glad to know you held to your morals and could sniff out trouble when it first appeared. If you weren't so wise, it would have only been worse. Trust that God will guide.

And by the way . . . I'm growing weary of "mean" people in this world!!!!

Anonymous said...

Morning Judy! You are better off!! I just recently quit my good job for similar reasons. They will be sorry losing you I'm sure. The last laugh will be yours when they figure it out - I know for me they needed to hire 3 people to replace me and they are now realizing it wasn't me but the other woman!!! I'm sure the same will be true for you. Enjoy your freedom as I am sure you will fill your days with pleasant memories rather than stress. It always helps to have a supportive husband which I/you know you have from reading your posts! Best Wishes - Sincerely, Jeannette

Pinkiegirl said...

What a hellacious experience!! Does your (original) boss realize that she brought those files in? Even if it is not illegal, he could still be in for some trouble if the girl's original boss were to file a complaint with the Bar Association on him. Well....just something for him to think about anyway. I am really sorry that you had to go through that.

I do love reading your blog. I'm a Southern girl at heart (my sterling is Gorham Chantilly after all!) and I enjoy all the decorating ideas you post. I am in the process of looking for some fabric to upholster the king-sized rattan headboard we've been using. It really does not go with the decor in the bedroom so thought I'd give it a try. I'll be looking forward to see how yours turns out and maybe pick up some tips too!
>^..^<
Chris

Kelly @ Talk of the House said...

I agree with Pinkiegirl...does your boss know about the files? He may be in for some big problems ahead. You are actually lucky to be out of there. Glad your yardsale was a big success...they are always tons of work, but sounds like it was worth it.

Kelly said...

Oh my my my. Now I know what a mess you were dealing with! Glad that you didn't go back. They don't deserve your high ethics. And you can certainly do better than working for them! That is so unfair how they treated you. Dare I even ask if this "girl" was young and attractive? Good for you for standing up for yourself. I believe everything happens for a reason and you will eventually see this as a blessing in disguise (if you haven't already).

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

Leaving a place of employment is never easy no matter what the reason. In this case I don't know how you even slept at night. I'm glad it's behind you and somewhat resolved. Congrats on your yard sale too! If you had been working you probably wouldn't have had the energy to purge as much!

Justabeachkat said...

I think you're better off NOT working in that environment. At least you can look yourself in the mirror. Sorry though you were hurt.

I've been a bad blog friend. Life has been busy, but good. I did finally post something a night or two ago and I've promised myself I will get back to blogging. It's important to me.

Big hugs,
Kat

At Rivercrest Cottage said...
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