Lie Could Cost Worker His Job
Q: I deliver and install office furniture. A piece fell off the truck, destroying it completely. I was supposed to report it as damaged and bring it in. Instead, I said nothing and gave it to a subcontractor to repair. When I was confronted, I told the company what I did. Have I got a leg to stand on?
A: That depends on your boss’ understanding and your past record with the company. You apparently acted out of fear of reporting the damage. But you violated the company policy, and omitting information is the same as lying. It sounds like you hoped the person could repair it before it was noticed missing, which is dishonest. It’s always best to admit when you make a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone is honest, and honesty is preferable to delusions of perfection.
Owner’s wife vents her spleen on ex-employee
Q: I worked as a bookkeeper for a small construction company. The owner’s wife hired me to replace her because she wanted to pursue a career outside her husband’s company. During my training period, they fought constantly. The owner had nothing against me, but he trusted no one but his wife. I was then let go.
When I give my resume to interviewers, they read it and say I have all the skills they’re looking for, but after checking my references, they don’t offer me the job. I have been to nearly 200 companies and still don’t have a job. I was told the wife is giving me a negative reference. I think she’s doing that because she’s angry she didn’t get out of working for her husband. Any suggestions?
A: Even if she is upset that you weren’t able to rescue her from having to work for her husband, she is stupid to damage your job search. No matter how small the company, both the husband and wife are legally responsible for the type of information they give to prospective employers. Companies can make negative statements as long as they are truthful, such as, “She was late for work throughout her employment here.”
But the picture changes when the former employer ventures into the realm of opinions. Speak to a lawyer to see what your options are to stop these loose cannons. The owner of the company is as responsible as his wife is for any damages they have caused you.
Frustrated temp wonders why she went to college
Q: I don’t think it’s fair that someone with a college degree receives less pay than someone without a degree. I am a substitute teacher and receive no benefits. I also (sometimes) work for a temporary agency and am paid the same amount per hour as temps who are not educated. I’m depressed and feel like I never should have wasted the time and money to go school.
A: Salaries are determined by demand for your services; they are seldom based solely on the extent of your education. For instance, a tugboat deckhand, who needs no education or experience, can earn $35,000 to $40,000 per year, while a biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who must have a bachelor of science degree, will start at a good deal less than that, according to “Sunshine Jobs,” by Tom Stienstra (Live Oak Publications, 1997).
If you are working at the same temporary job as someone without a degree, it’s only fair that you receive the same pay. Instead of focusing on how you feel cheated, try to find a career that interests and satisfies you.