2010: the year of the job

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Next week should prove to be very interesting at work. That's when all of the worker furloughs and pay cuts kick in. We get to be part of that limbo where the company doesn't have to worry about unemployment payments while we worry about paying our bills. Just before we all left for the Christmas shutdown of the plant, the usual talk about family holiday trips were often coupled with words such as "employment office" and "resume recommendation". But I can say that we have a job ... mostly.

Usually, good companies are concerned about their financial health with employees being a big part of that health equation. To prevent any unexpected monetary upheaval, these companies will invest in "key man insurance". If their key person gets run over by the proverbial beer truck, the business doesn't suffer too badly. "Sorry to hear about Bob. Oh, by the way, we're a million dollars richer."

And then there is my company where the motto seems to be "employees: a necessary evil." Should a key person leave, oh well. That's another salary they don't have to pay and someone else will be blessed with the work of that vacated job in addition to their own.

2010 will be an interesting year, indeed!

An Aerial Wedding

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Once upon a time, two TV antennas met on a rooftop. They knew they were met for each other because they were on the same wavelength. So naturally they fell in love. It didn't take much for the boy antenna to coax the girl into marrying him. She agreed and they sent out wedding invitations over the air waves.

On the day of the ceremony, the boy wore his best bow tie arrangement. While the wedding ceremony was stiff and boring, their reception was excellent.

My DIY Project

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Some health conscious people jump out of bed and touch their toes. I used to roll out of bed and count my mine until it got too difficult to lean forward without falling over. Oh sure, I could add some weight loss supplements to my diet but that would interfere with my do-it-yourself project. Right now when I sit down, I have an instant place to put my dinner plate. A few more pounds and I have a cup holder too.

frustrating

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With our recent cut in pay at work, everyone is looking for some quick and easy way to fill in the gaps. Since jobs are not plentiful in our area, one friend is now working hard to get his VA disability increased to 100%. Another friend near retirement believes she can get social security disability and quit all the nonsense at work.

I feel bad that they are hoping to take advantage of government system in order to survive. Then again, they have given a lot to the government and the company, only to be treated like garbage. It's depressing to think that those who created various messes are able to make everyone else pay for those mistakes.

knit one, job two

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Last Friday, we received news at work that our pay had been cut and some employees would only be allowed to work 3 or 4 days a week. Fortunately, I had put a much needed car wash for my ride in my already stretched budget.

Yes, after getting our great news, I debated about foregoing the car cleaning. But my baby needed a bath. And I needed to look around one of my favorite stores - circuit city.

When I arrived at the wash, I discovered that the circuit city next door had closed. In its place was a sewing and knitting store. Just not the same. I used to meander amongst the thousands of shiny electronics gadgets that I would never buy while my sweet ride got a wash. This time, I meandered among yarn and needles and old women discussing the best stitch to use. It was almost like being in hell. But I made the best of it. I asked for a job application. A job is a job. Those bills aren't going to pay themselves. And I am such a knit-wit in any case ...