Once again, I'm out of work. This job lasted about 9 weeks. I left work Friday, and everyone was all smiles and "Have a good weekend" and "See ya' Monday!". At 6 pm, the temp agency called and said the assignment was over. Just like that.
I've never been one to define myself by my job, mostly because I've never really liked any job I've ever had. Either the people I work with/for have been awful, or the job itself was odious, boring, dangerous or otherwise dismal. But in a world where occupation equals identity, it's hard to not take this personally.
My rational mind knows that this is just how business is done, especially in smaller companies where margins are much thinner. Business cycles go up and down, and a full staff can't be supported when times are slow.
On the other hand, when I am one of 3 temps in the same position and I've been there the longest, why was I let go? When things started to slow down, I asked to learn other tasks. I did billing entry, research into lost payments, even making sure the printers were full of paper. As a child I was taught to learn everything I could; to make myself indispensable; that employers respected that "go get 'em" attitude. I have yet to see any evidence of this.
Experience has shown that when I work hard, employers want more. When I take on extra tasks, there is no reward or recognition but the expectation of taking on even more work. When I finally achieve an unrealistic goal set by a manager who has never done my job, instead of a pat on the back, the goal is moved further away.
With more companies relying on temps to do a majority of the work, I don't see this situation getting any better. Temps have always been at the bottom of the food chain. Here today, gone tomorrow. Don't bother to learn our names or take an interest in us as humans, for we are no more important than the stapler on your desk, and just as replaceable.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Thursday, October 16, 2008
No child left behind
The former governor and soon to be former President of these United States enacted a program for educating our children called "No Child Left Behind". The purpose of which was to make sure that when students reach certain grades, they are able to pass specific benchmarks of knowledge, and if they can't pass the test, then they will be held back instead of "socially" promoted. Better to repeat a grade than to graduate illiterate.
This was a wonderful idea, but like most government programs it was totally over-engineered and developed by "educators", not teachers. (Educators are different from teachers, identified by their PhD and the impatient foot tapping while waiting to get out of the classroom and into administration.) The program's end result is that teachers are only able to go over the material needed to pass the tests. There is very little in the way of creative thinking or applied knowledge. The students being produced can name the 50 states and capitals, but can't place them on a map; they can solve algebra equations, but can't figure out the MPG of their parent's car. Our own daughter wasn't sure who won the second world war...
You might be saying "That's terrible" and thinking things can't get any worse. Of course, you'd be wrong. Dallas Independent School District has done away with No Child Left Behind, in favor of "Failure is NOT an Option". What this means is that teachers are not allowed to fail a student. I'll say that again: there are no more F's. The minimum grade allowed is 60%. If the kid doesn't do a lick of homework, turns in term papers filled with doodles and stick figures, as long as the child shows up for class, he will earn a D. If he doesn't show up for class, the school just marks him as moved out of area so he doesn't count as a drop out.
A local radio show host has labeled this the "Fog a Mirror" program. It's a good thing there are so many Wal-Marts and fast food joints, because that's the best that many of these kids are going to do. Idocracy is real, and happening faster than you can imagine!
This was a wonderful idea, but like most government programs it was totally over-engineered and developed by "educators", not teachers. (Educators are different from teachers, identified by their PhD and the impatient foot tapping while waiting to get out of the classroom and into administration.) The program's end result is that teachers are only able to go over the material needed to pass the tests. There is very little in the way of creative thinking or applied knowledge. The students being produced can name the 50 states and capitals, but can't place them on a map; they can solve algebra equations, but can't figure out the MPG of their parent's car. Our own daughter wasn't sure who won the second world war...
You might be saying "That's terrible" and thinking things can't get any worse. Of course, you'd be wrong. Dallas Independent School District has done away with No Child Left Behind, in favor of "Failure is NOT an Option". What this means is that teachers are not allowed to fail a student. I'll say that again: there are no more F's. The minimum grade allowed is 60%. If the kid doesn't do a lick of homework, turns in term papers filled with doodles and stick figures, as long as the child shows up for class, he will earn a D. If he doesn't show up for class, the school just marks him as moved out of area so he doesn't count as a drop out.
A local radio show host has labeled this the "Fog a Mirror" program. It's a good thing there are so many Wal-Marts and fast food joints, because that's the best that many of these kids are going to do. Idocracy is real, and happening faster than you can imagine!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Palin v. Biden
I just finished watching the VP debate, and have concluded that Sarah Palin is a very charismatic moron. I can't take anyone seriously when they mispronounce the word "nuclear". Just like Bush, she thinks there's an extra U: nuke-you-ler. AAARRRGGHH! I know it's a very small point to some, but it's like the Grand Canyon to me- a giant gaping chasm of ignorance. To think she could be "one heartbeat away" from the oval office absolutely terrifies me...
Many years ago, I told myself that if a Democratic female candidate presented herself, I would vote for her- heck, I voted Mondale/Ferraro! Even when Hillary started making noise about running, I really wanted to like her. But then she started playing the "insider" card, saying she could make changes because she knew how Washington worked, she knew how the games were played, she knew how to make deals. That's just what I was tired of: backroom deals and power plays, no matter how well-intentioned, stink! She was like Boromir from Lord of the Rings- wanting the Ring of Power to defeat the enemy regardless of the fact that using it would mean ruin for all.
Of all the running mates McCain could have chosen, Palin was a transparent ploy to get miffed Hillary supporters on board. From what I have observed so far, that desperate tactic(or is that a strategy?) has failed utterly. Having observed Clinton supporters up close at both precinct and county caucuses, it's safe to say many of them viewed her with the reverence and awe associated with British Royalty. I am happy to report that the Hillarians I have met recently are backing Obama 100%.
Many years ago, I told myself that if a Democratic female candidate presented herself, I would vote for her- heck, I voted Mondale/Ferraro! Even when Hillary started making noise about running, I really wanted to like her. But then she started playing the "insider" card, saying she could make changes because she knew how Washington worked, she knew how the games were played, she knew how to make deals. That's just what I was tired of: backroom deals and power plays, no matter how well-intentioned, stink! She was like Boromir from Lord of the Rings- wanting the Ring of Power to defeat the enemy regardless of the fact that using it would mean ruin for all.
Of all the running mates McCain could have chosen, Palin was a transparent ploy to get miffed Hillary supporters on board. From what I have observed so far, that desperate tactic(or is that a strategy?) has failed utterly. Having observed Clinton supporters up close at both precinct and county caucuses, it's safe to say many of them viewed her with the reverence and awe associated with British Royalty. I am happy to report that the Hillarians I have met recently are backing Obama 100%.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Deep fried what???
State fair of Texas started this week. And in continuing the theme of the past few years, there was a competition to develop new and unique deep fried items. The fair has always been famous for being the birthplace of the "Corny Dog". Things are now completely out of control! First, they deep fried Oreo cookies, then Twinkies and Snickers. But coating sweets in batter and pitching them in the fryer wasn't good enough.
Last year's breakthrough in cardiac clogging technology was deep fried guacamole... Little balls of avocado gack rolled in crumb coating and fried. E-gads. This year, and I really don't see how they will ever top this- "drumroll please"-- Chicken Fried Bacon. Just let that sink in a moment. **For my homies, chicken fried "whatever" is a process of pounding a less than tender hunk of meat very thin, dredging in seasoned flour, then egg wash, then flour again, and finally deep frying til GBD(golden brown delicious). Usually served with mashed potatos and drenched in cream gravy, it really is comfort food, because you'll need to wear loose fitting clothes if you eat too much of it!**
Back to Chicken Fried Bacon: take a nice thick slice of bacon, dredge in flour, egg wash, and flour again, throw into the fry-o-lator. Once it is GBD, drain the grease and enjoy. I sure hope they have a Crestor dispenser nearby!
If I were to open a restaurant, it would be called "Food Fair", and we would serve food normally found at the fair. Funnel cakes, elephant ears, and whatever else can be dipped in batter and deep fried. Patrons would have to sign a release waiver before being served, holding us harmless should they develop any heart ailments or diabetic complications. I'm confident there would be a line around the block!
Last year's breakthrough in cardiac clogging technology was deep fried guacamole... Little balls of avocado gack rolled in crumb coating and fried. E-gads. This year, and I really don't see how they will ever top this- "drumroll please"-- Chicken Fried Bacon. Just let that sink in a moment. **For my homies, chicken fried "whatever" is a process of pounding a less than tender hunk of meat very thin, dredging in seasoned flour, then egg wash, then flour again, and finally deep frying til GBD(golden brown delicious). Usually served with mashed potatos and drenched in cream gravy, it really is comfort food, because you'll need to wear loose fitting clothes if you eat too much of it!**
Back to Chicken Fried Bacon: take a nice thick slice of bacon, dredge in flour, egg wash, and flour again, throw into the fry-o-lator. Once it is GBD, drain the grease and enjoy. I sure hope they have a Crestor dispenser nearby!
If I were to open a restaurant, it would be called "Food Fair", and we would serve food normally found at the fair. Funnel cakes, elephant ears, and whatever else can be dipped in batter and deep fried. Patrons would have to sign a release waiver before being served, holding us harmless should they develop any heart ailments or diabetic complications. I'm confident there would be a line around the block!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Free again!
After a 6 month stint as a temp for Landsafe/Countrywide, I was "released" from the job this past Monday. The reason given was due to a work slow down. This is a bald faced lie, as we were so far behind schedule we barely had time to breathe.
But it was a good experience, all in all. I was witness to the overwhelming crisis brought on by the greedy sub-prime lenders- a crisis which our grandchildren will be paying for. I learned about the real estate and foreclosure market. I got to see firsthand that 3 years after Katrina, there are still huge areas of the gulf coast waiting to be rebuilt or even just cleared out.
This does not bode well for Galveston, which was utterly devestated by Ike. Gone are the warm golden beaches, most of the houses, piers and any semblance of utilities. I imagine it looked worse after the 1900 hurricane, but not by much. I'm still surprised by how many residents refused to leave, but not surprised when they realized too late what they were up against, and called for rescue, only to be told nobody would come for them until sometime the next day, maybe...
Long story short, (too late!) I really enjoy being home. Being a full time cat butler, having dinner ready for Tom when he gets home, playing with my beads, etc. I know this luxury won't last long, so I'll enjoy every minute!
Marta
But it was a good experience, all in all. I was witness to the overwhelming crisis brought on by the greedy sub-prime lenders- a crisis which our grandchildren will be paying for. I learned about the real estate and foreclosure market. I got to see firsthand that 3 years after Katrina, there are still huge areas of the gulf coast waiting to be rebuilt or even just cleared out.
This does not bode well for Galveston, which was utterly devestated by Ike. Gone are the warm golden beaches, most of the houses, piers and any semblance of utilities. I imagine it looked worse after the 1900 hurricane, but not by much. I'm still surprised by how many residents refused to leave, but not surprised when they realized too late what they were up against, and called for rescue, only to be told nobody would come for them until sometime the next day, maybe...
Long story short, (too late!) I really enjoy being home. Being a full time cat butler, having dinner ready for Tom when he gets home, playing with my beads, etc. I know this luxury won't last long, so I'll enjoy every minute!
Marta
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Thanks for nuthin, Gustav!
For a whole week, the local weatherman said Hurricane Gustav was going to spend it’s dying days over north Texas, giving us some much needed rain. But instead of continuing due west, Gustav took a turn north and soaked Arkansas. On Thursday, one of the outermost bands gave us a glancing blow with just enough misting rain to make the morning commute a total nightmare. By the afternoon, the clouds had burned off and the resulting humidity was like a gym’s locker room.
Now we’re back to every day, Hot and Sunny. At least the days of 100 degrees + are over! I’m tired of worrying about our AC unit. There were probably 5 days in a row that the poor thing never shut off.
It looks like we might have a chance with Ike, but that’s still a week or so before we have a hint of where it’s going. I spent the entire Labor Day weekend glued to the tv, watching the weather channel. I must have seen the same footage of 2 dudes putting plywood over windows a hundred times! No matter how many times I see somebody getting their umbrella turned inside out, it still makes me giggle.
Now we’re back to every day, Hot and Sunny. At least the days of 100 degrees + are over! I’m tired of worrying about our AC unit. There were probably 5 days in a row that the poor thing never shut off.
It looks like we might have a chance with Ike, but that’s still a week or so before we have a hint of where it’s going. I spent the entire Labor Day weekend glued to the tv, watching the weather channel. I must have seen the same footage of 2 dudes putting plywood over windows a hundred times! No matter how many times I see somebody getting their umbrella turned inside out, it still makes me giggle.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Time management
I am a procrastinator. There. I said it... My motto has pretty much always been "Can't this wait till next week?" In my craft room there are at least 8 different projects in varying states of inertia. This is not a good habit for someone who wants to run her own business someday. Every year, I tell myself that I will start making jewelry in February, in order to have a good supply for all the craft shows I do in the fall. And every year, when August rolls around, I'm in a mad panic to get my stock together because I've totally ignored the previous 6 months of potential creative time in favor of Family Guy repeats...
Can this leopard change her spots? I've always been a Last Minute kind of person. Maybe I've convinced myself that I work better under pressure. My term papers were always just loose thoughts floating in my grey matter, only to be organized and expressed coherently at 2am the morning the paper was due- and they always turned out really well! Some of the best gifts I've given were purchased Christmas eve, or on the way to the party.
There are calendars all over the place. In my purse, on the wall of my office cube, in 3 rooms at home. How often do they get updated? Some never do, but I like the pictures!
I'm OK with who I am. This wasn't a complaint, a cry for help or even a plea for attention. I'm just letting you know up front. I will always be there for you when the S hits the fan. Just don't be upset if I forget your birthday!
Love,
PinkyD
Can this leopard change her spots? I've always been a Last Minute kind of person. Maybe I've convinced myself that I work better under pressure. My term papers were always just loose thoughts floating in my grey matter, only to be organized and expressed coherently at 2am the morning the paper was due- and they always turned out really well! Some of the best gifts I've given were purchased Christmas eve, or on the way to the party.
There are calendars all over the place. In my purse, on the wall of my office cube, in 3 rooms at home. How often do they get updated? Some never do, but I like the pictures!
I'm OK with who I am. This wasn't a complaint, a cry for help or even a plea for attention. I'm just letting you know up front. I will always be there for you when the S hits the fan. Just don't be upset if I forget your birthday!
Love,
PinkyD
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Intro blog
Welcome to my blog! This will be a mash up of many things: my businesses, family, cats, rants and anything that springs to mind. In the near future, I'll probably split professional from personal, but time is short right now, so welcome to my jumble!
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