Fired the week of Christmas

[keith ouellette]

It was only one account but money was pretty tight already. I do lawn maintenance and one of my accounts is a church. I wanted to get its grounds done and lot swept before their sunday service because Christmas is on friday. Wed and thurs it rained all day and most of friday. I went there twice on saturday but both times quite a few cars were parked on the grass so I went there early today before everyone started showing up so I could mow and sweep. I did the front area and swept the lot so I wouldn't be in the way as the minister and others showed up early and was going to move to the back when someone came out of the church. There was only one car in the lot other than mine. It was one of the administrators.

He walked up to me talking and I excused myself saying I couldn't understand him because I was wearing earplugs. He stopped and waited as I I took them out and he says

"I'm going to have to see about your check for this month because we're going in house with it for now on!" is all he said.

"I'm sorry. I don't understand what that means." I replied. I was actually thinking they were going to pay me in a different manner. I had no clue.

In a very cold, rude, matter of fact voice he says
"I'T MEANS YOU DON'T GET ANY MORE MONEY. WE DON'T WANT YOU HERE ANY MORE!"

that was exactly how he put it. No 'I'm sorry to have to tell you...' or 'I hate to have to do this now....'

They couldn't even wait till the week or day after Christmas. I've been working there for years and have not gotten one complaint or any type of direction.

Ands what's funny is when I took the account I didn't even want it. It was back when everyone in this area had a job and they couldn't find anyone who wasn't intent on charging an arm and a leg, thats what I was told. The whole place was full of sand spurs and they would be all over me when I was done and I didn't want that dumpy account but got talked into it and now that I really need it some reptile crawls out of a hole and fires me.

So the next place I go my mower breaks down so I have to go home and face my wife and hope I can pretend everything is ok so I don't worry her over Christmas, which she has to work on anyway, the way this church did to me because I just realized everything isn't going to be ok the way I've been telling her.

I feel like an idiot trying to buy used tools and tools on sale hoping someday I can teach myself to make a bookcase or cabinet or door so nice that somebody would want to buy it from me. I light of this I feel very stupid in deed.

I'm not an emotional guy. I cried when my father died when I was 14 and I'm not even sure If i cried when my brother died the year earlier, we weren't close I guess, but when that reptile fired me I cried right on the spot. I think He thought it was funny as I was talking but he didn't have time for it. He just walked off. I yelled to him he should pray for some gd manners for Christmas because he really needed them.

Just felt like telling someone.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Keith,

I'm sorry to hear this..... especially at this time of year.

It almost sounds like the church is experiencing financial difficulties. A lot of businesses, organizations and yes, even churches are going through that right now.

I agree, the guy could have been a little more tactful.

My sincere sympathies!

[Sean Troy]

It wasn't the Church that fired you, it was a person who has no social skills or is bitter for some reason. Sounds like that person is worse off than you. I would bet you that door was closed to get you ready and more time for something much better. Hang in there, it will get better, probably much better. You know you have lots of people thinking of you.

[Scott T Smith]

Keith, that really sucks man... Sometimes all that you can do is to keep your chin up and keep swinging.

Things really do work out in the long run, but sometimes it's hard to see that when you're the one in the bind.

Sounds like it's time to start marketing your services. Perhaps you could approach the minister of the church with the following request:

1 - Ask if they terminated your services because of your performance, or because of their own cash flow challenges?

2 - presuming that it was for the latter, how about having him let their congregation know that they've had to let go of their long term landscaping contractor, and that everybody has seen the quality of work performed for years, and if anybody in the congretation needs, or knows of someone needing a great landscaper to please give you a call?

When life hands you lemons, try (and it's not always easy) to make lemonaid.

Scott

[Steve Rozmiarek]

Keith, I feel for ya! Every bad situation opens an opportunity though, so keep your wits about you, and don't let the "reptile" get to you. I really like Scott's ideas personally, maybe there is a good way to leverage this into more work, if that's what you desire.

[Pat Germain]

Wow, that is a really lousy situation and a lousy way to hear about it, Keith.

I think Sean and Troy have it right. A lot of churches are having to really cut back. But that's no excuse for being rude.

What's the market like in Florida right now? Are there just too many landscapers? Maybe it's time to send your resume to The Walt Disney Company. Walt Disney World needs a lot of landscapers. It's not being your own boss, but it's steady and, despite some recent labor disputes, Disney treats their workers pretty well. (Just trying to help you to consider any and all options.)

EDIT: FYI, Disney requires gardeners to have at least a two year degree.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Keith, sorry to hear of the job loss and especially the manner in which it came about! I like Scott's suggestion as a way of making the best out of a bad situation. Hope an opportunity presents itself soon!

[Doug Carpenter]

Wow, that blows. What a hypocrite, I'll bet he has a "wwjd" sticker on his car!

One thing I have learned in 20 years of selfemployment is that some times when you lose a job, you find out later that it was the best job you never got! One things for sure you don't want to do that job for nothing and it sounds like that is what they can pay from now on. You know as well as any self employed person that there is a fineline between selfemployed and unemplyed. The good thing is that you have the power here. Have a relaxing Christmas and go out and get a better acount to replace that one.

Unfortunately there is no accounting for A holes. He'll get his one way or another. I commend you for trying to keep your wife stress free but if you can't go to her with problems you the hell is on your side? I'll bet she will understand and sometimes a guy needs a friend.

Don't be ashamed of used tools. All of my tools are used, they may not have started that way but it's impossible to build anything without using them. If you can make a nice deal on a tool that makes you money then you are ahead of the game. The guy that is selling you the tool took the hit and didn't survive, maybe because he couldn't afford it in the first place.

My Dad used to have a saying that he said was Latin. I can't remember how the latin part went, probrably because I'm sure it was BS. But the translation was: "Don't let them get you down."
Words to live by.

I wouldn't let that loser ruin my Christmas. Now go have yourself a Merry Chrismas, Doug

[Jim Hill]

Keith,

I offer my sympathy as well; and I agree with the comments made by others ahead of me. I especially think Scott has a good idea.

Several years ago my oldest son, who had been married 2-3 years at the time, was fired the week of Christmas. It's hard to believe that people loose their jobs during the time of year which is supposed to be full of joy and charity. Although that Christmas season was somewhat of an emotional & financial roller-coaster, he emerged stronger than ever. Today, he is still a believer in his Lord, happily married, has a child, and is working on his doctorate.

I will pray that the Lord will provide for you and your family.

Jim

[Phyllis Meyer]

Keith,

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! I am truly sorry, and know that God does know your situation and he will provide! When a door closes, he opens a window...or...he may have a bigger and better job waiting for you!

Sincerely,
Phyllis

[Ted Shrader]

Sounds like it's time to start marketing your services. Perhaps you could approach the minister of the church with the following request:

1 - Ask if they terminated your services because of your performance, or because of their own cash flow challenges?

2 - Presuming that it was for the latter, how about having him let their congregation know that they've had to let go of their long term landscaping contractor, and that everybody has seen the quality of work performed for years, and if anybody in the congregation needs, or knows of someone needing a great landscaper to please give you a call?

Keith -

Sorry to hear your bad news and of the way it was delivered. Scott has some prime suggestions. Talk to the pastor, not from a "I want my job back" standpoint but from the angle he recommends.

The timing may not be the best, but when a door closes, a window opens.

Regards,
Ted

[Jim Koepke]

My Dad used to have a saying that he said was Latin. I can't remember how the latin part went, probrably because I'm sure it was BS. But the translation was: "Don't let the get you down."

Illegitimus non carborundum among other variants is a common "mock" latin phrase that supposedly started circulation during WWII among British officers. Or at least that is what one source claims. "Don't let them grind you down."

Maybe there internal handling will involve people who do not want to do the job as carefully. Then in a year when you are too busy to landscape their land will be covered in tall weeds.

jim

[Mike Henderson]

I'm very sorry to hear about your problems, Keith. I hope things improve for you soon.

Mike

[Joe Pelonio]

I'm sorry to hear about this, and hope you find something even better soon. Unfortunately even churches are suffering from the economy, I know of a pastor that was let go, apparently so they could bring in someone younger that wouldn't be have to be paid as much. I wonder if the reason that guy was so rude about it is because he too is being let go, or perhaps had his pay cut. I have heard that other churches and even the city are reaching out to the boy scouts about eagle projects, and even the high schools for "senior projects" to get things done with free labor.

[Greg Peterson]

Keith,

Hang in there. Indeed, somewhere a window or another door has opened and you will discover this opportunity in due time.