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I’ve waited to share this post until everything became finalized and could put into words how I felt.

Allow me to start by saying that the job I took last May was not at all the company I had originally thought it was. The company turned out to be very different than what they had painted themselves to be; full of warm-fuzzies in creating a supportive working environment for their employees.

And I started to notice this last year in the fall, when I began to see the handwriting on the wall and realized they were a company who could care less about their employees and were only interested in making a profit by putting forth the least amount of effort and money to get it.

I don’t understand how a lucrative company expects you to achieve monthly and yearly goals when they continually cut the staff budget so that you practically have no one on the sales floor to help customers, so that only the mangers are working (and working their asses off); doing the jobs of eight people. Not only does this create stress between the employees, but it also creates stress for the customers because they can’t be properly and professionally served.

Without going into every single reason why I quit this job, let’s just say that I could no longer subject myself to the stress, disorganization, and utter chaos. It got to the point where I dreaded going to work because my stomach was in a continuous knot. And please allow me to say that I’ve been in the retail industry for over 28 years, so I am by no means a novice when it comes to experiencing the stress that sometimes occurs with this industry. However, this company has been by far the most stress-inducing and careless retailer I have ever worked.

And I need to say here, it was not the specific store I worked that was the problem because I genuinely liked and enjoyed my co-workers. It was corporate I had a problem with because it seems to be the way they run all their stores.

And here is one example:

The air-conditioner broke in the store almost four weeks ago. And corporate took their sweet old time doing anything about it until they could find the cheapest possible way to have it fixed. So for the past four weeks, we have had to work in a store without any air-conditioning. But did they care enough about their employees or customers to have it fixed promptly? No. As of Saturday (my last day at work), the air-conditioner had still not been fixed.

Anyway. Two weeks ago while I was walking to work one morning, I decided to give my two-week notice that very day. And at that time I didn’t have another job, but didn’t care, because I somehow knew I would find a job quickly. Which I did. In fact, I got another job in one week. Which I start tomorrow.

You see, here’s the thing…I am a good employee. I’m responsible; reliable; experienced and very knowledgeable in what I do. I’m also an employee who is more than willing to go beyond what’s expected of me and do more. And I don't expect a job to be absolutely perfect without any issues or stress. I don’t expect nirvana.

However…

When I feel as though I’m being taken advantage of and not at all appreciated by a corporation whose only concern is themselves, then I don’t have a problem calling it quits and finding one who does appreciate me.

Because it’s called self-respect.


Have a super week, y’all!
X


44 comments:

  1. OMG Ron, GOOD FOR YOU! And WOW! It takes a lot of guts to quit before having a back-up, but I totally understand and thank The Lord you found something else so quickly. Life is too damn short to put up with crap like that! No A/C? What the hell? Typical of companies who couldn't care less about their customers or employees! I get it! I'm so glad you are out of there! Here's to a better rest of the year! XO

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  2. "but I totally understand and thank The Lord you found something else so quickly."

    It's funny because this tiny voice inside me kept saying, "Quit...because you'll find another job right away, don't worry about it." And I did. In fact, I had two job offers but decided to take this one.

    "Life is too damn short to put up with crap like that! No A/C? What the hell?"

    Can you believe that? 4 weeks without A/C?!? And the past week here has been very warm and humid so it was unbearable in that store. Even the customers were complaining.

    " I'm so glad you are out of there! Here's to a better rest of the year!"

    Thank you, my friend :) I'm glad I'm out of there too. I start my new job tomorrow morning (orientation) and can't wait!

    Have a faaaaaabulous week and thanks for stopping by!
    X

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  3. Ron, I was so surprised to see you posted today when you normally post on Monday. Oh my god, I can't believe you had no air conditioning for 4 weeks!! There is no way I could have put up with that, especially living in a place like Florida. I bet you are happy as hell to get out of there. And I'm glad to hear that you got another job so quickly. But with your background and experience, I'm not at all surprised. I bet they're happy to have you there. Is it in the same industry?


    I proud of you for sticking up for what you believe and had the courage to quit. You're right, no one should stay at job where they are not appreciated or respected.


    Good luck with your new job, Ron. Have a wonderful week x

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  4. Hola Denise!

    I decided to post today instead of tomorrow because I start my new job tomorrow morning and have to be in very early for orientation :)

    " I can't believe you had no air conditioning for 4 weeks!! There is no way I could have put up with that, especially living in a place like Florida."

    Yes, had I still been living in Florida, there is no way in HELL I could have put up with no A/C for four weeks. And it's getting very warm and humid here, so it's not been easy. Friday was the worst because it was so HOT outside. Yup, happy to be out of there.

    "Is it in the same industry?"

    Yes, I can't mention the name, but it is in the same industry.

    "I proud of you for sticking up for what you believe and had the courage to quit."



    Thank you, but it's one if things where I knew that I had to do it and take a chance. I'm glad I got a job so quickly though.


    Have a wonderful week, girl. And thanks a bunch for stopping by!
    X

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  5. Good for you, Ron! It took a lot of courage and faith to just quit without having another job lined up. But damn, aren't you glad you did it? Congratulations!


    I'm stunned that the a/c was not working for 4 weeks and nothing was done about it. Are they ever going to fix it because summer gets very hot here? I'm surprised you didn't lose business with it being too warm for the customers to shop there.


    Isn't it so characteristic of these big corporations who claim to be employee supportive, yet they can even fix something so simple as an air conditioner in a reasonable time?


    The best to you, Ron!

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  6. Wow is this hitting home. I have been at my job for 25 years.... I am lucky to a good manager that will let us take off if we need off.... a doctor's appt, a child's play etc. But the UPPER management... OH BOY. They have us paranoid... looking behind our shoulders, worrying about how they can target us for ANYTHING when we are doing NOTHING but our jobs. We are understaffed... under paid... and now there is this horrible environment that makes us feel unappreciated, used and so overwhelmed it is very much becoming not worth it. BUT... at my age I am afraid to move. If/when my manager leaves, that might be the time depending on who fills the position. We were all hired because we were trustworthy... so don't make us all feel like we are doing something wrong every second of the day.

    I am SO PROUD of you for quitting. Maybe it will help someone else still there... maybe SOMEONE will open their eyes and see what is happening!!!

    I hope your new job is oh so much better... and has air conditioning!!!

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  7. Oh Katherine, SO MUCH of what you shared about your job was the same in my last job. Yes, it's the upper management, and in my case, retail corporate.

    "BUT... at my age I am afraid to move. If/when my manager leaves, that might be the time depending on who fills the position."

    I TOTALLY understand your concern; especially having children to support, you can't help but think about those things. I'm 59, single, and have no children, so it's easier for me to take chances and change jobs. Plus, and perhaps it's because of the industry I'm in, my age has never been an issue getting work. Also, I act like a silly KID, so most companies think I'm younger - HA!

    " Maybe it will help someone else still there... maybe SOMEONE will open their eyes and see what is happening!!!"



    Funny you mentioned that because other managers are leaving the company as well.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your support and encouragement, my friend. And yup...the other place DOES have air conditioning!!!


    Have a super week!
    X

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  8. Hey there Elaine!

    Thank you :) And yup, I'm glad I did! As I shared, I enjoyed my co-workers and will miss them, but it's the corporation I had a problem with.

    "Are they ever going to fix it because summer gets very hot here? I'm surprised you didn't lose business with it being too warm for the customers to shop there."

    Supposedly they're fixing it sometime next week. NOW that I'm gone - HA! And customers did complain, yes.

    "Isn't it so characteristic of these big corporations who claim to be employee supportive, yet they can't even fix something so simple as an air conditioner in a reasonable time?"



    It SURE is!!!!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic week! Can you believe how warm it's gotten?


    X

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  9. GO, Ron! What an inspirational and directly honest post! And it's probably because you have that attitude, along with your great work ethics, people will hire you. It took a lot of guts to quit before you had another job in place.

    " So for the past four weeks, we have had to work in a store without any air-conditioning." That is unbelievable! I'd be bitching up a storm and complaining every day. I couldn't work without a/c at this time of the year.

    Congratulations on scoring the new job, dude! Keep us posted.

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  10. Hiya Matt!

    Thank you :) But honestly, I was a point of not even caring whether I had another job in place because I was so over the place that I just could take it anymore. But I also had a feeling that I would find another job. Sometimes, for me anyway, I have to let go of something first before the next thing falls into place.

    "That is unbelievable! I'd be bitching up a storm and complaining every day. I couldn't work without a/c at this time of the year."

    I think the only reason I didn't totally freak out about the air-conditioning was because I knew I was leaving. But I have to say, there were some days when I thought I was going to die because I HATE being hot. And not only was it hot inside, it was also very stuffy because there was no circulation.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent week. And yes, I'll keep you guys posted on the new job.

    X

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  11. I agree with Bijoux...Good for you Ron!! I applaud your standing up for yourself and your integrity!! I have done that...once in my life...when I had just bought a car! It probably was not the smartest decision I ever made, but one that was necessary for me to maintain my sanity. It sounds like you were in the same boat. I am proud of you, my friend, and so glad that you have another job that you start tomorrow! May this job be all that you want it to be and MORE!! xo Jeanne

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  12. Gosh, I'm late. I didn't see this post until this morning.


    Some companies don't understand that their attitude affects customers as well as staff. I see it all the time at our BIG store (the one I'm always complaining about). Ever since they took over the once family run business the staff has dwindled almost to non-existence. Seriously, there's often only one assistant per floor in the large three-floor building. I won't go into the problem of out-of-order lifts and stationary escalators, but the point is very much like the one you made.



    I hope you like the new job and that it treats you and others in the way they should be treated. Good luck and have a good week x

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  13. Hey there Jeanne!

    " I have done that...once in my life...when I had just bought a car! It probably was not the smartest decision I ever made, but one that was necessary for me to maintain my sanity."

    Sounds a lot like my situation. I needed to do this to maintain my sanity. I stayed a year, but that's all I could take. I was time.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your well wishes, my friend. I will going to work in about 30 minutes. The first day will be orientation. Can't wait.

    Have a super week!
    X to you and the girlz

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  14. Goooood morning Valerie!

    No, you're not late at all. I posted this yesterday (early evening) because I knew I had to be into work early this morning. In fact, I'll be heading there in about 30 minutes.

    "Some companies don't understand that their attitude affects customers as well as staff. I see it all the time at our BIG store (the one I'm always complaining about)."



    Yes, yes, yes! And these companies are always talking about giving "great customer service" but then they cut the staff budget so there is BARELY any customer service. Don't they realize they're losing money because customers are frustrated?


    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your well wishes, dear lady. I'll keep you posted on how everything goes. Have a super week!


    X to you and Joe

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  15. Hey, Ron, you're the MAN! Good luck on the new job and congratulations on kicking the old outfit to the curb.


    I see that same kind of profit-madness in so many companies. Corporate always wants more while paying less. And the workers and customers have to suffer.


    I know you are going to do great things in this new place because that's the kind of person you are--always giving 110 percent! Your story is giving me hope that I'll get something new soon and for that I am extremely grateful.


    All the best, buddy! Have a great week!

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  16. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comMonday, May 11, 2015

    Good for you Ron! You're an inspiration to us all.

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  17. Wishing you the best with your new employment, Ron!
    Good for you for leaving a company that compromises your integrity.

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  18. I'm so glad you are out of a stress-filled situation! Life is too short to do this to your body & your spirit! I wish you all the happiness & joy in your new position!

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  19. Ron, can I just say how amazing this is?! You go, dear! NOBODY should have to work under that kind of misery. Nobody.

    Good for you, recognizing that you'd been sold a bill of goods corporate wasn't willing to deliver on. Good for you, quitting even without another job. Good for you, having the self-esteem not to be taken advantage of any longer and the faith to know you were going to land on your feet again. Good for you that it didn't take long!!

    Here's hoping this position proves to be even better than anything you can dream up! You've done a real service here today -- lots of folks, I imagine, are miserable at their jobs but don't have the courage to walk away to something better. You did, and you're my hero!! (See why I work for myself?!)

    Happy new week to you!

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  20. First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! I'm proud of you, Ron. You realized how unhappy your current situation was making you and took the necessary steps to turn that around. Good for you. Too few people take their careers into their own hands.

    "When I feel as though I’m being taken advantage of and not at all appreciated by a corporation whose only concern is themselves, then I don’t have a problem calling it quits and finding one who does appreciate me."



    YES! I did that when I was trapped in my own personal hell - a cog in the wheel of a big health insurance company. I worked in the call center and was absolutely miserable. So like you, I quit (though unlike you, I did land another job first) and never looked back. Best decision I ever made.


    You're a good employee, and I have no doubt you'll kick serious ass at your new job. As you are fond of saying, You go, boy!!

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  21. Hey there Rob!

    Thank you :)

    "I see that same kind of profit-madness in so many companies. Corporate always wants more while paying less. And the workers and customers have to suffer."

    Yes, you're absolutely right about that, many corporations are run the same way. They want to MAKE money, but they don't want to GIVE money to make it happen.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your supportive encouragement, buddy. And yes, I have no doubt that you too will find some new, and soon!

    Have a faaaaabulous week!
    X

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  22. Thank you, Fiona :)


    Have a super week, my friend. And thanks so much for stopping by!
    X

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  23. Thank you, Suzi :)


    And you're right, that's really what it was. They were compromising my integrity.


    Have a super week, my friend. And thanks a bunch for stopping by!
    X

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  24. Thank you, Benze :)

    I am sooooooo glad to be out of that stress-filled situation.

    " Life is too short to do this to your body & your spirit!"



    Exactly!


    Have a super week, my friend. And thanks a bunch for stopping by!


    (((((((((((((((((((( You )))))))))))))))))))

    X

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  25. Thank you so much for your supportive and encouraging words, Debbie :)

    "Good for you, having the self-esteem not to be taken advantage of any longer and the faith to know you were going to land on your feet again. Good for you that it didn't take long!!"

    Something inside told me that I would get another job quickly, but I needed to quit first. I got two other job offers as well, but decided to take the one I did because it seemed like a perfect fit for my background. I feel very blessed that it all worked out.



    Have a terrific, my friend. And thanks a bunch for stopping by!
    X

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  26. Aw...thank you so much for your supportive and encouraging words, Mark :)

    "Too few people take their careers into their own hands."

    After a year, I was truly at a point where I just knew that I needed to do something and make a change. I was so OVER that place because the stress and lack of caring really got to me.

    "I did that when I was trapped in my own personal hell - a cog in the wheel of a big health insurance company. I worked in the call center and was absolutely miserable. So like you, I quit (though unlike you, I did land another job first) and never looked back. Best decision I ever made."



    BRAVO! From blogging with you these many years, I know that you too have made many changes in your life by taking chances. And I applaud you for that!


    Have a terrific week, buddy. And thanks for stopping by!


    X to you and Tara

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  27. Ron, I know I've said this to you before, but I love they way you write in expressing yourself. I can always feel you in your words.


    And a big CONGRATULATIONS in knowing when you've had enough and having the guts to make a move to something better. I don't know if I could have quit without having another job first, but I admire you for doing it. I can't believe they didn't repair the a/c in four weeks! What, are they CRAZY?


    I wish you all the very best in your new position and have no doubt you'll rock. Good for you, Ron!

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  28. Thank you, Robert :) Yeah, I got somewhat EXPRESSIVE about this topic, didn't I? HA! I actually changed it a couple of times because I wanted to express even more, but decided to curb my enthusiasm and make it a bit more constructive.

    " I don't know if I could have quit without having another job first, but I admire you for doing it."

    I was at a point where I didn't care if I had another job first because I was frustrated and over it. But I somehow knew I would get another job. And thank god I did.

    " I can't believe they didn't repair the a/c in four weeks! What, are they CRAZY?"



    Saturday, my last day at work, it was almost 90 degrees outside. So can you imagine how HOT is was in that store? It was HORRIBLE.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your supportive and encouraging words, buddy. Have a fabuloso week!
    X

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  29. Ron, I couldn't believe how warm and humid it got this past weekend. Even today was very warm. I have a feeling this summer is going to be very hot.


    Hope you had a great first day at the new job!

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  30. OMG..I know! And it's not the heat that's so bad, it's the humidity. I have a feeling this summer is going to be a scorcher!

    Yes, my first had went VERY well. I feel comfortable there already!

    X

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  31. Absolutely - and yay for you for recognizing an untenable situation and getting out. Wow, one door shuts and another opens, right? Those years of being a great employee really aid off in terms of you being able to find another so quickly. Hoping for all the best in this new one! <3

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  32. Good for you! I hope your new job is everything you want it to be! In this economic climate, I'm glad you found a job so quickly. It was a risk and sounds like it paid off. Congrats and all the best!

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  33. " Wow, one door shuts and another opens, right? "

    Yes, I thought the same thing. It's funny, I honestly wasn't worried about finding another job because I was so over that place, all I could think of was that I needed to quit to save my sanity. However, I do feel very blessed that I got another job so quickly, and one that I'm really enjoying.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your support and encouragement, my friend. Have a great week!
    X

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  34. Thank you, Lisa :)

    " In this economic climate, I'm glad you found a job so quickly. It was a risk and sounds like it paid off."



    I feel very blessed to have been offered another job so quickly because you're right, good jobs are hard to come by.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a SUPER week!


    X

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  35. Oh wow Ron, I am really surprised to be reading this. I thought your new job was working out great and in that regard, I am so sorry that it didn't. I know how excited you were about this new job but better to learn sooner than later that it's not working out.


    Life is WAY TOO SHORT to put up with crap on the job like you have. I've been there, many, many times over the years and I also have quit jobs when I was living on my own, without another one yet nailed down. If it's time to go, if you MUST go, for your health and sanity, ya gotta go...have faith and a solution WILL come along that will work out for the best.


    I wish you all the best in your new job. Hope it's going to turn out being the best one you've ever had. You had guts to do what you did, I congratulate you for that too!


    Have a super week and weekend, G :-)

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  36. Ron, when you know that the place you work is full of shit ~~~~ it smells bad, feels bad and you have to get off the pot! You put it out to the universe that you had enough of the ungrateful and Presto! You manifested a new job. That is positive Karma. I wish success in your new endeavor. I know that you will have a path that will wind its way the that you design. So hats off to you my friend and good luck.

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  37. Hello there Geraldine!

    "I am really surprised to be reading this. I thought your new job was working out great and in that regard, I am so sorry that it didn't."

    Yes, and I too was surprised about how much I was led to believe when I first started that job back in May of last year, but I started to see that it was not what the company had painted it to be in the fall. And I didn't share anything about that on my blog because when it comes to work-related stuff, I'm very cautious about publishing it on the Internet. It wasn't until I quit and made a change did I think it was okay to share that information.

    "Life is WAY TOO SHORT to put up with crap on the job like you have. If it's time to go, if you MUST go, for your health and sanity, ya gotta go...have faith and a solution WILL come along that will work out for the best."

    Exactly. And that's why I finally decided to quit, even before I had another job, because I had a feeling everything would work out with getting another job.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your supportive and encouraging words, my friend.

    Have a faaaabulous rest of your week!
    X

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  38. Hellooooooo there Dave!

    Great to see ya, buddy!

    " when you know that the place you work is full of shit ~~~~ it smells bad, feels bad and you have to get off the pot!"



    Loved that! And yes, you understand completely - it was time to get off the pot!


    And it's funny, something inside told me to quit that morning and not to worry about getting another job because it would all work out for the better - which it did. Sometimes, for me anyway, I have to let get go of something first, before something else comes in to take its place. I feel very blessed to have gotten this other job so quickly. And so far, I really like it. It's a much more organized and structured company.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your supportive and encouraging words, buddy. Hope all is going well with you!


    Have a SUPER week!
    X

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  39. Ron, congratulations on your new job and for leaving a place that was depleting you of energy. Life is too short to work 8 hours a day in job that is more stress than pleasure. Jobs all have issues and stresses at times, but they shouldn't be the greater percentage.


    I've worked in retail before and don't know how you do it because it can be so stressful, not only the job, but also dealing with customers all day.

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  40. Thank you, Suzanne :)

    "Life is too short to work 8 hours a day in job that is more stress than pleasure. Jobs all have issues and stresses at times, but they shouldn't be the greater percentage."

    I agree, and my previous job had a higher percentage of issues and stress than it did pleasure. And that's why I quit.

    "I've worked in retail before and don't know how you do it because it can be so stressful, not only the job, but also dealing with customers all day."



    I actually love working in retail. I know it's not for everyone, but I truly enjoy it. And yes, customers can be challenging at times, but I find that the good ones out weigh the bad. I like interacting with people all day.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!
    X

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  41. Wow. I'm so sorry it only sounded good. But I'm glad you trusted yourself enough to know that "enough is enough". Scary leap of faith--one I had to take myself, but only after I'd become reallly miserable. I couldn't just get miserable--no siree--I had to get reallllly miserable. *sigh* That's me, the 'never say die' gal!
    I'm going to hope and pray that the open door was the one to cross through. If not, I'm sure you'll take that next one. We do what we need to do and eventually learn what we are meant to learn. And there are no mistakes, yes? :-)

    *huge hugs*
    It doesn't surprise me that you landed on your feet. You seem to be pretty good at that.

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  42. Hey there Mel!

    "Wow. I'm so sorry it only sounded good."

    Yup, you live and learn, don't ya? I could see the handwriting on the wall last fall but decided to stick it out until May, so that I'd make a year. But boy, it was not easy.

    "I'm going to hope and pray that the open door was the one to cross through. If not, I'm sure you'll take that next one. We do what we need to do and eventually learn what we are meant to learn. And there are no mistakes, yes? :-)"

    Yes, you are so right, there are no mistakes. I actually got two other job offers, but decided to take this one because it happened very smoothly. I feel really good about this new job because the company seems MUCH MORE organized and structured. I feel very comfortable there already.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your supportive and encouraging words, dear lady. Hope all is well with you and that you're feeling better.

    ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( YOU )))))))))))))))))))))))))

    Have a great rest of your week!
    X

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  43. It sounded like the broken air conditioner was the last straw of a string of problems for you, Ron. There usually are the red flags, and as you say, you've had years of experience to warn you of such negative behaviors.
    You could have gone on for a few more months miserably, but instead chose to let go and move on. Good for you, Ron! Wishing you all the best and happiness!
    Sincerely, Petra :))

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  44. "It sounded like the broken air conditioner was the last straw of a string of problems for you, Ron. There usually are the red flags, and as you say, you've had years of experience to warn you of such negative behaviors."

    Yes, you're exactly right, Petra! The air conditioner WAS the last straw but I could see the negative behaviors since last fall. I wanted to stay a year though, so that it could put in on my resume. But man...am I ever glad to be out of there. Yup, it was time to let go.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. And thank you for well wishes. So far, so good. I'm really enjoying this new job :)

    X

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