daily living

Emotional rollercoaster

the last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster here.  we are trying to work out a vacation schedule to go to VA and NY.  We were going to visit some friends and then go to NY for family and a graduation party for my son.  he is suppose to be going to the prom in VA and then another formal in NY with another friend.  The hitch has been his work schedule.  he works "part time" for a fine woodworking company.  he really puts in almost full time hours.  he has worked for the company for a year and this particular store since we moved to Texas.  His old store was extremely flexible with the college age part time staff.  this store in texas is not even though they said they were when he applied.  he is such a good worker and has excellent references.  He is punctual, committed and flexible.  he covers for other co-workers at least once a week, sometimes at the request of the boss.he has been top salesman since December and he won a national contest for this store bringing in bonus money for them.  The bosses can't say enough about him.  Well, the dilemma is that he asked for 3 weeks off in May to go home to celebrate graduation and visit relatives before the fall when he goes off to college and won't have the luxury.  He is concerned about seeing my Dad as he is older and not always in the best of health.

The boss said yesterday that he can not let him have the time off.  2 weeks was pushing it but three is unresonable. Most of the other employees are in their 40's and older and take numerous days and weeks off for health issues and the store manages to cover the shifts (probably because my son covers for them)  I know real health issues are not on the same level as a vacation but time off is time off.  So Jonathan is forced to make the decision to keep his job and only go to visit for a week or put in his 2 week notice and not have a job when he comes back.

the boss was shocked he was going to put in his  notice and doesn't want to loss him as he makes up 3/4 of the sales in the store.  But the boss won't budge on the leave of absence.  I realize it is a part time, min. wage job but he loves the woodworking and the experience, not to mention the discount.  I know if he stays to work there, his attitude will suffer as he does not feel what he has accomplished at the store is valued but he is a creature of comfort and change scares him so he doesnot  want to look for a new job. 

As a mom, I am probably biased.  His two other old employers were great and worked the schedule around family and vacation, realizing he is only 17.  he is also very mature, responsible, loyal and works like a dog.  I am feeling hurt for him as he is angry and feels used.  Like they want him to be flexible and come in when they call but they cannot work with him.  Anyhow,  he needs prayer to feel a peace about being forced to leave this job.  he needs to have a peace about being okay with going home to NY and knowing that as you get older you don't have the luxury to leave a full time job as you have bills and family to take care of. 

Today, he went back into work and I am sure it is awkward as his boss is abit petty, and says snide remarks and uses lots of sarcasism.  So if you are reading this and you remember, pray for Jonathan today that God will work it out, and Jonathan will be able to accept the outcome with out getting bitter and he will leave the job with a good example and not on bad terms. And if it is God's will for him to stay at this job then he will work out the vacation schedule and work in his bosses heart.

Thanks for listening to a mother who has to step back and let her child work things out on their own, when my instinct is to go in there and talk to the boss myself. 

Roberta

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{ 01:09 , Tuesday, March 27, 2007 } { Posted by Andrea }

My future son-in-law works for a winery. Barely 40 hours/week, no insurance, no benefits, nothing.... and when he notified them a month ago that he was getting married at the end of September and needed a week off for his honeymoon, they refused to give him the time off! Can you imagine??!! >:-( The winery said that "The end of September is a real busy time for us!". *sigh* I would have said... "So what?! My honeymoon is just slightly more important!!" Grrr!!

But he didn't... because he doesn't want to lose his job. So, my daughter and son-in-law's honeymoon is going to have to be postponed until Thanksgiving week... when the winery is closed anyway!

Disgusting but.... that's the way it goes. Jobs are so hard to find today.

I feel your pain.

Peace~ Andrea

Edited by Andrea on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 12:09

So tough

{ 02:40 , Tuesday, March 27, 2007 } { Posted by UnlikelyHomesteader }

Realistically 3 weeks is a long time, but with it being such a unique opportunity for your son, you wish the store would make an exception this time.

Have you considered talking to the owners? Although your son sounds very mature, the owners might understand how much it means to your whole family if they hear it straight from you.

Praying for you all,
~Nancy