Needs some TLC

urg123

Hi

I didn't know where to post and this looks like a nice place. Tell me to b*g off if this isn't the right place.

I had an awful day at work today and it was all I could do to keep myself from bursting into tears.

The story starts with my applying for my manager's job last year. To cut a very long story short - the management had already decided who they wanted and it was really a waste of time for anyone else to go for it!
I took it on the chin when I didn't get it and thought I'd use the chance to get some more experience. I was even promised more opportunities.
10 months on - I feel stupid. Has anything happened. NO! I've done everything I can to try and develop my skills and sought opportunities to develop myself. I keep having the door shut in my face but for some stupid reason I kept going back for more out of a really stupid sense of loyalty.
Today I found out that my new manager has actually been offered one of the courses that I had requested to go on and that I had been told was too expensive to give to me.
Shows what loyalty gives.

I feel like I've been slapped in the face - it is the wake-up call I need but I feel stupid and cheated. All I want to do is hand in my notice on Tuesday. I know that's not the answer but it is what would make me feel better.

I've been working really hard to get my finances in order. I've been a silent stalker of this site for a couple of years and have only recently begun posting. My current debt is around 19000 - I'll be doing a SOA tomorrow to get myself ready for September. I have been working on the debt repayment but I will be losing my lodger next week and that will seriously hit my finances until I get someone else.

I've really been working hard on dealing with my debt and feel like I am making changes - I still have blips but I learn so much from all of you.

I wish I could leave! The good thing is that I have the next week off.

Even if I don't get any responses - I feel better for having written.

blackclouds

Hi urg, not nice the situ at work but stick it out til you get something else, and something better - then handing in your notice will be all the sweeter. My experience has always been that company loyalty is one way so look after number 1. Use your time next week having a look around at other jobs and see how it goes

take care

BC

Buffythedebtslayer

Hello, it is completely the right place to post.

I am in a job I don't like and have had similar treatment to you. I need to stay in my job till I am out of debt. these days I see it as a means to an end and try not to let it change how I see myself?

Can you start looking for a new job at another company? If I could I would do that.

the life outside work is FAR more important. its just a job it pays the bills and bus the beer!

I need to sleep now but hope to see you again - and don't feel stupid you are a decent person (with values like loyalty) who is in a place that doesn't share those values!

take care

xxxxxxxxxxx

urg123

Thank you Blackclouds and Buffy

I know you are both right. I need to remember how I feel right now because I know I don't deserve this. I had a meeting with someone today and we were talking about my personal development. She doesn't know me very well but she was lovely but she told me that I had lost my sparkle. That really hurt.

I know that there are fantastic people here and out there - I am going take advantage of this chance to really take control of my life, finances and my future. I'm looking forward to my week off. You might see me here alot!!!

tealady

Hi Urg. No we would never tell peope to b*g off we are not like that!
How about you use the week to get your CV together and send it round to a few agencies and do some serious job hunting. TBH if the company treat you like that then they don't deserve loyalty.
If you put up your SOA perhaps we can get you out of debt quicker as well which will be one less stress.

Candy0107

Hi,

Thought I'd write and tell you my experience (there is hope). So get a coffee and pull up a chair (it is a bit of a long one!)

Basically, I have worked in accounts for about 7 years, most of that time temping as I had no confidence for interviews, and it allowed me to gte experience.

I had a perm job for about 9 months until January this year. I (stupidly) walked out of my job rather than have a go at my boss. Also, I had a contact which paid approx £3k more pa (it was a 6 month contract).

So, everything was fine and dandy with the contract until I changed and got more stressed out (I think I was already depressed - but realised too late). I didnt sleep, I was always tired, I was arguing, I was swearing all the time etc. As you put it, I lost my sparkle.

So, I decided that this wasnt for me, so I started to go for intervierws. In total I had 10 in 6 months, and didnt get a bean. At this point, I decided to give up interviews, and let fate take a hand in things.

So, about 5 weeks ago my Husband was taking to someone at work, who mentioned that they were looking fot an Accounts Payable person who knows what they are doing. The only people she could get were foreign and didnt understand the role. So, he comes home from work wanting my CV so that she could look at it saying that there might be a job.

Anyhow, I finally get hold of her (delayed by meetings, hols etc :rolleyes: ) and arrange an interview. I went for the interview on 1st August (8:30am - an informal chat that lasted an hour and a half!!!). Drove home (about 20 miles), and there was a voicemail from an agency asking me to contact them. I got told that I interviewed well, and I had got the job. I accepted without hesitation.

When I got into work in the afternoon I was really chuffed with myself, and my boss gave me a list as long as my arm of things that needed doing, so that took the edge off of it. I had to keep quiet, but told my boss out of work the following day why I was so happy - I dont think she was. I oficially handed in my notice on Monday 4th August and left Friday 8th August. There was so much that did not get done, but there was not enough time to do everything.

I have been at my new job for 2 weeks, and I love it. I get to wear casual clothes to work everyday, the job is more relaxed, there is a great bunch of people, and I love the hours.

So, after such a long story, my advice to you is...

• dont do anything too hasty (it took 2 weeks for my boss to even read my CV)
• keep information under your hat
• dont waste any money (when you get a new job, you might not get paid immediately, or you might have unexpected expenses)
• make alternative plans (courses you want to go on, what job you would like and what you need to do to get it)
• if you are going through an agency to get a job, be selective of who you work with (I am registered with national (big name) and local agencies - the local are better)
• turst your instincts
• let fate take the lead for a while

Take care, and keep us updated on any news (thanks for reading such a long post)
Candy x

gallygirl

I'm very lucky to love my job but I have had very unhappy times in previous posts so I know how you feel.

Basically you have 3 choices:
1. Shut up & put up - not recommended!
2. Go elsewhere. You have the best of reasons to give at interview - not being stretched, no chances of further development etc.
3. Look for something else within the company. Is it a big co? Are there similar jobs (or similar level jobs) in other departments? Do you actually like where you work, is it 'just' this situation & dept. you can't take anymore? Is there anyone else there you would like to work for? Don't be put off if a job is advertised at a lower salary - if someone else values you they can usually find a way. I saw my current job advertised internally at 8k less than my current salary. I spoke to the Director who said they didn't think they'd get anyone of my calibre applying (I think it was a compliment :rotfl:), eventually I took the job with a 2.5k cut but I don't regret a thing. I realise that may not be an option with your finances, but don't rule anything out. Don't be afraid to speak to senior people you admire in confidence & say you are looking for a new challenge etc. You don't need to get into criticism of current boss etc - they are propably well aware of the situation.

I agree with tealady - get your CV sorted & your SOA up here, lets have a productive week :T.

urg123

Hi,

It's amazing what a good glass of wine (ok 2!), a good night's sleep, and the kindness of others will do. Despite such a late night I am up early and eager to go.

I have already been on one of the main jobsites this morning and identified one job that I will apply for. There is another one but I would have to move and I'm not sure I can or want to do that. One to discuss with OH when I see him tonight.

Candy - What a great story - it's exactly the sort of thing I need to read.:T

Ali - I think Option 2 is the only option. I have been for 2 internal jobs. The first one was the one my manager got - my face didn't fit!!! :mad: The second - I got to the last two but they were afraid of losing the other internal candidate. She is great and deserves it but no - I don't want to stay there. I need to spread my wings.

I am going to post my SOA in the next post. I think I have a lot of explaining to do!!!!! :rotfl:

Thank you all for your time and encouraging words.

URG xxxxxx

urg123

Statement of Affairs and Personal Balance Sheet

Monthly Income Details
Monthly income after tax................ 1940 (this will go up by about £200 in October)
Partners monthly income after tax....... 0
Benefits.............................. 0
Other income............................ 0
Total monthly income.................... 1940

Monthly Expense Details
Mortgage................................ 724 (my fixed rate ends on 1/12 and will be tied with the company for another 3 months - expecting this to go up to over £900 in December)
Secured loan repayments................. 0
Rent.................................... 0
Management charge (leasehold property).. 0
Council tax............................. 108 (lodger moves out next weekend - plan to get someone else in but should be able to go to single person when he moves out)
Electricity............................. 21
Gas..................................... 32 (just switched and expect the combined elec and gas to go down to 49)
Oil..................................... 0
Water rates............................. 23
Telephone (land line)................... 13
Mobile phone............................ 27.5 (I use this a lot to keep in touch with OH - I still have another year on the contract - also included £5 insurance which I do need given some of my previous mobile history!)
TV Licence.............................. 12
Satellite/Cable TV...................... 0
Internet Services....................... 14
Groceries etc. ......................... 100 (I've cut this right down by taking lunches etc in)
Clothing................................ 25
Petrol/diesel........................... 0
Road tax................................ 0
Car Insurance........................... 0
Car maintenance (including MOT)..... 0
Car parking............................. 0
Other travel............................ 10
Childcare/nursery....................... 0
Other child related expenses............ 0
Medical (prescriptions, dentist etc).... 0
Pet insurance/vet bills................. 0
Buildings insurance..................... 17
Contents insurance...................... 14
Life assurance ......................... 13
Other insurance......................... 0
Presents (birthday, christmas etc)...... 20
Haircuts................................ 15
Entertainment........................... 50
Holiday................................. 25
Emergency fund.......................... 0 (this one keeps catching me out - there is always something that needs doing - ie roof tiles in July which I don't have savings to deal with - any advice here would be great)
Total monthly expenses.................. 1263.5

Assets
Cash.................................... 150 - change collection and some gift money - going on the high % cc
House value (Gross)..................... 210000
Shares and bonds........................ 0
Car(s).................................. 0
Other assets............................ 0
Total Assets............................ 210150

Secured Debts
Description....................Debt......Monthly...APR
Mortgage...................... 0........(724)......0
Total secured debts........... 0.........-.........-

Unsecured Debts
Description....................Debt......Monthly...APR
CC1 MBNA.......................8242......5.........0 (ends Oct 08)
CC2 PC.........................1104...... 33........16.9
CC3 Mint.......................2702...... 75........0 (ends Feb 09)
Student Loan...................2161.....127.......3.8 (I had been overpaying but Martin suggested not doing this so I have gone back to basic payments. Because I have overpayed, the monthly repayment may go down when the SLC next re-calculate)
CC4 Egg........................4228.96...87........0
Total unsecured debts..........18437.96..327.......

Monthly Budget Summary
Total monthly income.................... 1,940
Expenses (including secured debts)....... 1,263.5
Available for debt repayments........... 676.5
Monthly UNsecured debt repayments....... 327
Surplus(deficit if negative)............ 349.5

Personal Balance Sheet Summary
Total assets (things you own)........... 210,150
Total Secured debt...................... -0
Total Unsecured debt.................... -18,437.96
Net Assets.............................. 191,712.04

Created using the SOA calculator at https://www.makesenseofcards.com.
Reproduced on Moneysavingexpert with permission.

Hope this all makes sense

URG

OliveOyl_2

Hi Urg123 and welcome.
I think you are going to look back on this week as a corner turned. I do hope it all works out for you. My OH stayed in a job for a year not working out why his career had stalled, and like you applying for internal promotion/courses etc. For him it was a change of director, who was promoting his own favourites that was doing the damage. Now he's out of the company he can see it more clearly what happened, and he wishes he'd gone sooner

Anyway, your SOA. Well done for posting this, it can be scary

Looks tidy -though others may point out further savings
The student loan should go down as this years rate of inflation is apparently lower than last years at the point of fixing

You have a timebomb in that 8K 0% MBNA expiring in October. I think you're going to have to look at another BT unless you are going to get a sudden £8K in the post?

gallygirl

Not really too much frivolous spending here .

Who is water with? Do you have a meter? I'm with Anglian Water, I phoned yesterday to ask for refund as in credit and as I'm a low user she found a cheaper tariff for me, and backdated it 3 months ( :beer:, if you're reading nice lady!). Worth investigating, I think water is an overlooked area for savings. Have you got Hippos in tanks etc?

If I'm reading SOA properly you've over £300 unaccounted for, and I'm assuming this without lodger income so there has actually been a bigger surplus until now. What have you [strike]frittered this on[/strike] done with this ? You should set yourself some challenges, there are loads on here, e.g. 10 No Spend Days a month. Also, get a cheap notebook and write down EVERYTHING you spend and analyse weekly or monthly. Higlight all the unnecessary or wasteful spending - what can you do to overcome this (e.g. 60p for a pint of milk at corner shop because you'd ran out - make sure you have a few pints frozen etc.)

OliveOyl is correct about timebomb, also when does Egg 0% run out? CC2 has a high interest rate but the lowest balance - if you pushed you could have this cleared in 3 months, assuming you have Aug, Sept & Oct (with extra £200) salary to come. Possibly sooner if you get a lodger. So that should be 1st target.