Thoughts.com Blogs - They can take this job and shove it

I was working as a manager for a pool and patio store here on the east coast.My boss/friend had been hurt on the job and out on dissability for a few months.I was put in charge "head idiot" until she returned.We had had some shakeups in the company and had merged with a well known pool and patio chain from Jersey.

We ended up with a new DM(district manager)he had come aboard from the Jersey stores.He was busier that a one armed paper hanger so we had seen him once in April and then not again until the 1st of September.Corporate never came out to check on our store,we were left with our asses floating in the breeze.

From Memorial weekend thru mid July is our bread and butter.Not only was it our busiest time,also the time when problems were at an all time high.

There was a time that I cared about doing a good job,that went out the window.They could suck it for all I cared.What budget?I need employees and offering a person 15 hours a week that is on break from college is stupid.So guess what?I went over budget on hours...like I said they could suck it.If I'm working 70 hour work weeks they can atleast have 40.Send my DM to chew me out or come yourselves....until then....the budget no longer exists.

Our air conditioning units take a dump all 4 of them...Corporate is dragging their heels on getting them fixed.They fight it out with the shopping center as to who has to pay.In the mean time I have customers complaining I have had to send a few employees home due to heat exhaustion,my folks need relief.

We have an ice chest that is refilled daily with bottled water,propel and gatorade.We have fans placed throughout the store BLOWING HOT AIR around.I spent a small fortune on ice and drinks.I was astounded that my employees showed up.Our work shirts were way to hot they trapped in the heat.I told everyone come to work in loose fitting tshirts and shorts.Whose going to find out?Nobody....not even our DM....he wouldn't return until the air was fixed and it was beginning to look like hell would freeze over first.

We looked like sweaty misfits.I have to hand it to my crew,a great bunch of people...they stuck it out.We also sold swim and play pools,the boxed pools that come with their own pump and filter.I am a firm believer in having fun at work....as long as the work gets done.I bought one of the pools and we set it up out back.We would take turns cooling off in the pool,beside when its this hot who can tell the difference between being sweaty and being wet from the pool?

We had a couple of resin chairs out there for the "foot soakers".The pool was a great motivator for the employees and the customers.A few of our regulars even took a dip from time to time.It also helped sell pools.Have an employee out back with Mom and the kids while Dad is talking and sweating like a russian race horse in the store.It made for some quick sales.

That was a tough summer season.I was short on employees,down a manager,no cool air and we looked like hobos.Boy,did we ever sell a ton of crap.I have no regrets for any of it.I have never seen a company run as poorly as this one.We had more problems with bad installations,furniture deliveries where either the furniture was damaged or not delivered at all,pools delivered missing vital parts or delivered damaged, or not at all.

I feel our customers were treated poorly by our corporate office.A customer buys a product in good faith that they will recieve it undamaged and intact.You shouldn't have to move mountains to get what you paid for.I spent most of time playing the middle man and giving out free stuff.I gave away so much due to problems.If its not for the customers....no paychecks....no business...right?

I had enough of beating my head up against the wall.I got tired of seeing customers screwed.I got tired of seeing employees screwed.I got the heck out of dodge,before I was the next manager found dead in their store.Rest in peace Tom.

I'm happy to report we all moved on...we left in one big wave...it was beautiful.Though corporate could care less....it did finally bring our Dm to the store.We all still keep in touch ,the college kids will be graduating soon,our high schoolers are now in their sophmore and junior years in college.It was a great feeling to stick it to the company,I have never been in that position with an employer before.Then again I had never worked for "romper room".

By the way corporate.......you can suck it!