I hope my plans happen....

[sasvermont]

Well, today I let the partners know that I was leaving the firm. Their reaction was priceless and yet they were not sure if I was being serious or just pushing their buttons. Rather than burn my bridges, I told them I had way, way too much stress in my life and I needed to make the change effective March 1. I think they were thrilled that I didn't just walk out.

The staff is happy for me, as they know how long I have been taking a beating. I don't think they (the staffer) will leave the firm any time soon, as my leaving is probably going to scare them (the owners) in to good behavior. They were so chatty with me this afternoon and falling all over themselves. I think they are afraid I will bring a suit against them. I mean, I had guys throwing phone books at me, tripping me, slamming doors in my face, cursing at me....and each other, nasty memos...just childish awful things. The rest of the staff has their share of exposure but my treatment was rough because I have the power to call them on their behavior although it took quite a bit for me to so it. I would tell them that they needed help, mentally and they would agree.... But guess what, that didn't help. My guess is that they will come up with some complicated departure contract for me to sign, saying I won't sue them. Whatever. I just want out.

My case worker for my mom, called today. I was offered a place for her, but I know the place and I wouldn't put my cats there, let alone my mom. So we are going to hold out for a couple of places I know about. It will take about 30 days to get through the process, so I suspect my mom's move will happen after the 1st of the year.

So things are not all better, but I do feel as though I have this huge monkey off my back. Just a couple of more monkeys to deal with.... Now I need to find a new place to hang my hat. I've done it before. I am going to downscale my life style a bit. Not that I was making a fortune, but I will miss the money. Oh well. I like peanut butter.

Thanks for listening and caring.

(((((((((((((((((Pet Talkers))))))))))))))

Love,
Sas and her campers

[Catty1]

Oh well. I like peanut butter.

PM me with your addy, and I will send your favorite jam and some honey!

You're getting there!

[slick]

Oh boy, what can I say except good on you girl and do what's right for you. I so wish I had your guts. I can't believe you've been putting up with all that crap for so long. Downsizing, maybe so but you can't put a price on your own well-being.

I used to love my job. Now I just like it. I used to look forward to coming to work every day. Now I work to pay the bills. I used to feel like I made a contribution. Now I feel like a pee-on.

My boss of 19 yrs retired in March, 2007 and in July my new boss arrived. I was in the panel interview and I (along with the rest of the IT staff) recommended that the company hire her. I deeply, deeply regret that decision. She had made our lives miserable. Our stress levels are off the chart, so much so that for the first time in years, I've racked up some sick days (except for my cancer sir jury last year). A couple of those days I could have come to work but.....you know, I just couldn't muster up the energy for it. Right now she's on holidays and the atmosphere is so much more relaxing. I've gotten more work done in the past two days than the past two weeks.

She is so condescending and thinks she knows more about the organization than I do and I've been here 22 yrs. When she gets back from vacation, all of us are going to sit down with her in a non-confrontational forum and just talk. She needs to hear what we have to say and how we felt when she said "a-b-c". Hopefully it will result in a management-style change for her, but we'll see. God I hate Managers who micro-manage.

I wish I could just retire but I have so much invested and the perks are not bad either. I'm going to ride out the storm and wait to be "eliminated". That way I can ask for a ginormous severence pay that will do me for about 2 years. Then I can travel and meet Pet Talkers, and do volunteer work, and, and....oh I can hardly wait!

We love you Sas. Hang in there girl and start counting the days.
slick
xoxo

[gini]

I could not be happier for you. I admire your courage in implementing your plan right now - and I bet it did take a huge load off of your shoulders.

Pat Talk loves you - you are a valuable member - and even though you might not accept it from us - I bet we could provide you with peanut butter and other pantry staples to keep you going for a year or more!

Keep posting - keep telling us about it - somehow this may just get funnier and funnier as the days go on. Betcha they are talking among themselves pretty good about now.............the scales have tipped now in your favor - did you know you did that? Well, keep them guessing about what you are going to do.

And - maybe you can have some fun...............how about a nice hot bubble bath for yourself this evening - you deserve it!

[Edwina's Secretary]

Sallyanne...you are in the catbird seat. I know I don't need to tell you this (you have worked in a law firm long enough to know... ) do NOT sign anything for free. They want you to sign a release...fine...what's the consideration? On the other hand...do not burn bridges...they can be very valuable to you in the future.

It's kinda exciting, isn't it?

[Rachel]

I think they are afraid I will bring a suit against them. I mean, I had guys throwing phone books at me, tripping me, slamming doors in my face, cursing at me....and each other, nasty memos...just childish awful things. The rest of the staff has their share of exposure but my treatment was rough because I have the power to call them on their behavior although it took quite a bit for me to so it. I would tell them that they needed help, mentally and they would agree.... But guess what, that didn't help. My guess is that they will come up with some complicated departure contract for me to sign, saying I won't sue them. Whatever. I just want out.

As for suing them, these folks reallly need to wonder if that just might happen. The less you say, the better as their own guilty conscience will have their minds racing. And as ES says, don't sign anything unless it is well worth it.

[Christiansmommy]

This is Pam replying from Robyn's computer as I am in Maryland this morning.


Sallyanne, good job! I know that this baby step has helped enormously in your mental wellbeing. I am very proud of you and wish for you only the best. I know there is something out there that will be rewarding where you will be with people who will appreciate your contributions. My sister-in-law is going through similar turmoil right now in her job. The pay is great but the stress is awful. She had to run into the ladies room the other day for a cry. (Never let them see you sweat is her motto!) I truly do believe you both will wind up on top!

Good for you on being so patient to wait for the proper place for your Mom. You need to be confident that she will be receiving the best of care or your stress will be replaced with guilt and you don't need that.

You know you have so many friends here that there will be never-ending deliveries of peanut butter for years to come. ((((hugs)))) to you my friend.

[sasvermont]

This will be brief...no pun intended (I work for a law firm...)

The partners have been falling all over themselves, being sweet to me. That is how it should have been these past 10 years.

I am not going to play any games with them. They know me by now. And, unforturnately I know them oh too well, too. I am prepared for them to let me go when they find it convenient.

They just gave me a nice Christmas bonus (and nice ones to the staff persons too)....that won't do it for me. I earned the money, the hard way.

The marriage (employment) is over, and boy do I know it. I cannot wipe the smile off my face.

I am being taken to lunch tomorrow by the managing partner, to my favorite restaurant. What, do they think I am stupid? And can be bought? Do they think I was born yesterday? Gosh, time cannot pass soon enough. They end of February, and I am outta here, big time.

I expect the new few weeks to be busy, and one big "let's make Sallyanne stay" fest. Too late!

Thanks for you love and support. I need it.

[Freedom]

Sounds like just giving notice has lessened your burdens! Oh, that is great. I was worried how you could hang in through the few months till you leave. But if things get better for that time, it means you will feel better as you cope with all the OTHER things you are addressing! Keeping you (and your mom) in my prayers!

[sasvermont]

I am going to practice saying "do you want fries with that?"

[gini]

Ha Ha!!!! See, I told you you would be able to have some fun....................

Yes, I want fries with my order!!

[slick]

The partners have been falling all over themselves, being sweet to me.

Milk it for all it's worth girl!!!! Let them take you to lunch (and order fries...). Let them buy you presents. Let them fall all over you. They will never know what hit them until you're gone.

Might I also suggest that the week after you leave, you book yourself into a day spa treatment as well as weekly massages.....you deserve it!!!

[Rachel]

I am being taken to lunch tomorrow by the managing partner, to my favorite restaurant. What, do they think I am stupid? And can be bought? Do they think I was born yesterday? Gosh, time cannot pass soon enough. They end of February, and I am outta here, big time.

I expect the new few weeks to be busy, and one big "let's make Sallyanne stay" fest. Too late!

It may also be a *fact finding* mission. You given them all the information they need to know, so beware of providing anything additional. Remember what you say can be used against you, or at least cut into your leverage, which you apparently have at this point in time.

Personally I think that you will have a plethera of job opportunities, Don't sell yourself short. They've done that for you long enough. You know your worth and it will hold you in good stead.

If they really want you to stay, they will make it worth your while and give you an iron clad contract (including a *no more crap* clause and a golden parachut). I'm not saying you should let them talk you into anything, but do listen. Keep all options open.

[lizbud]

It may also be a *fact finding* mission. You given them all the information they need to know, so beware of providing anything additional. Remember what you say can be used against you, or at least cut into your leverage, which you apparently have at this point in time.

Personally I think that you will have a plethera of job opportunities, Don't sell yourself short. They've done that for you long enough. You know your worth and it will hold you in good stead.

I agree with this too. By taking charge of your life instead of languishing
in a godawful job, you do have the upper hand so to speak. I don't think
you need tell them anything about your future plans. Let them stew about it.

[sasvermont]

The youngest of the six partners decided he would attempt a conversation with me at six o'clock tonight, about what I thought should be done to replace me. I suggested that they would have to hire three people. He giggled and then suggested that they may "split up certain aspects of my job and ask the staff to help out".....or maybe even hire from within.... My response was, "that is a mangement decision, and I will support whatever you guys decide, because remember, I am out of here." They are going to do what they have to do, and it will be their choice. I could give a hoot. It would be easier on me if they did split it up or hire from within. I wouldn't have to introduce some poor stranger to all these odd souls they call lawyers/partners. What a group. They deserve each other......I really really don't care anymore.

I have lots of work to do between now and the end of February. I am prepared to have them let me go - when it is convenient for them. They are such fools and such bad managers. I don't know how I could have lasted this long.

I think I will spare you guys the drama for a few days, as I think it has peaked and I need to get busy finding myself some means of income. The "fries with that" expression is beginning to haunt me! I don't even like fries!

Boy am I happier now that I have given "notice"....just a little scared.