Working for family (long but very important to me) UPDATED

[catland]

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. I think that you and your father should first consult a lawyer to understand any possible legal ramifications - and then if its possible the two of you should either buy out or fire your brother.

Also, check out the internet or the bookstore for books/articles that deal with the psychology of family businesses.

Google something like "family business stress" and you'll be on your way. You'll either be directed to books to buy or you might be able to find online reprints of articles that deal with exactly what you and your father are going through right now.

Finally, I agree with Cataholic - prepare for the idea that you won't work there anymore by having your resume ready. In fact, there's nothing to stop you from starting the process now. Employers tend to want to hire people away from other people, so the best time to look for a job is when you have a job. This will at least remove some of the anxiety of what will happen in the future.

[lv4dogs]

Thanks everyone for the kind words, encouragement & suggestions.

Our meeting went ok, not as well as I thought it would but better than it could of been.
We resolved some issues but things are still left unsaid. It's still very stressful.

Between our meetings we have spoken with each other, lawyers & our accountant.

The bosses did come to an agreement, if anyone (the owners, my brother or father) decides to leave they will do so in the proper way which will take about 6 months (4 months at the soonest up to a year at the latest) for everything to be final. And I will be notified as soon as their decision is made.
So I will have at least 4 months to find another job. And a months pay after they fold the business (if they do). I think that gives me enough time to find a decent job before the business goes under or changes hands or whatever.

But because of the fact that there is still a lot of pressure here & I have a feeling it isn't going to go away and also because I won't know when or if one or both of them will quit I will start looking for another job now.
It will give me more time to find a better job, one where I would still be able to care for all my critters.
Now I can take my time, at least semi-take my time. I may still be stressed out but I will find comfort knowing that I am still with all my critters. They are my priority, as sad as it is sometimes and as much as I have to deal with to keep them right now they do come before me and I wouldn't have it any other way. I just can not live without my animals.

I won't have to take much time off of work now to find another job either because it's not something that will happen litterally any day now.

Now the job hunting begins.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Now the job hunting begins

Good luck with that At least you have a bit of time to look round for something better - which will come along

[JenBKR]

Whew, at least you have a while to look - that's a relief! I don't know if you are religious, but if you are, put it in God's hands. You have time to be picky about a job, so you can find one which lets you keep your critters - YAY! Keep us updated

[BitsyNaceyDog]

Best of Luck in your job searching, Sue. I haven't lived up there in 10 years, but unless a lot has changed I know that it's not the easiest place to find a good paying job. Most of my family (all that weren't farmers) worked at either Garlock's or Huntsman. They all raised families on those salaries, though the hours weren't always the best (my dad worked 12 hour days, swing shift). Would those be places you could try? I don't think too many women work at either place, especially Huntsman. My aunt does work at Garlock's though. My uncles ex-girlfriend used to work at the Mobil office, I'm not sure if she's still working there.

[king2005]

best of luck eh

[lv4dogs]

Best of Luck in your job searching, Sue. I haven't lived up there in 10 years, but unless a lot has changed I know that it's not the easiest place to find a good paying job. Most of my family (all that weren't farmers) worked at either Garlock's or Huntsman. They all raised families on those salaries, though the hours weren't always the best (my dad worked 12 hour days, swing shift). Would those be places you could try? I don't think too many women work at either place, especially Huntsman. My aunt does work at Garlock's though. My uncles ex-girlfriend used to work at the Mobil office, I'm not sure if she's still working there.

Not too much has changed, jobs are still hard to find especially decent jobs but no, I don't work in factory's. I will be finding me a job doing what I used to do, doing what I love do to, working with animals.
Actually I heard garlocks pays a lot more now.

I'll be putting in resumes at vets & shelters! I have a few connections from my old jobs & of course my hobby, dogs. Weather or not there are any job openings at the ones I have connections with will be a different story.
I am sure I can find something that I enjoy & pays enough (or if it's a vet offers good enough animal benefits) so I keep my critters! I think I have enough time now.

[BitsyNaceyDog]

I wouldn't want to work in a factory either. I only suggested that because I know there aren't too many jobs in Wayne county that pay too well. I have an aunt and uncle that both work at Garlock's. That's not the kind of job you'd look forward to going to though. I'm glad you have time to seek out a job that fits your needs.

[lv4dogs]

I wouldn't want to work in a factory either. I only suggested that because I know there aren't too many jobs in Wayne county that pay too well. I have an aunt and uncle that both work at Garlock's. That's not the kind of job you'd look forward to going to though. I'm glad you have time to seek out a job that fits your needs.

Yeah I understand & appreciate it!
But look where I travel to now, into Livingston County (I travel through 4 counties each day, start in Wayne, Monroe, Ontario then Livingston).
I most likely won't be working in Wayne county, probably Ontario or Monroe. Like you said there is not much in Wayne County. Besides I am right on the border, my neighbor is Monroe Co. lol
Hoping to work at Lollypop Farm (got a job offering there a few times before), thats only 2 miles from my house!