To Quit, or Not to Quit?

[Tages]

(Before anyone asks, this is not a parody of anyone else's thread)

I am going to admit something to you all. It's going to be difficult, but I must have the strength to confront my problem. You see, for over a year now, I have been the victim of my own design, a five-time-a-week habit that has left me exasperated and drained of nearly all hope of ever breaking from the neverending cycle of pain and loss.

I am, of course, talking about my &*^*$%^&#(*^$(&%*^&$ING job.

You see, I first applied for the time off to go to San Francisco first thing this year. I work a Saturday-Wednesday schedule, so it was a simple matter of getting Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday off. Tuesday and Wednesday I was approved for immediately, but Saturday and Sunday got me on the waiting list. For nearly two months I waited until the weekend just before the convention when in my mailbox it said that I'd been declined.

"Hey, don't worry about it!" my supervisor Dave said. "I'll do everything I can to get you that time off."

And he tried. I think. For the next couple days he kept telling me to wait until tomorrow, he was working on it. Finally, it was Monday night, and I reminded him that I was going to leave the next day.

"Just keep your phone on," he said. "I'll call you tomorrow."

Well, I did. And on Tuesday when I left, due to the weather I was stuck in traffic for hours on end, and when they closed Donner Pass my companions and I stopped at a gas station right near the bottleneck and slept in our cars so we could go as soon as the roads reopened. That happened at 2:30 am the next morning, nearly twelve hours after we'd originally stopped. During that time, as promised, Dave gave me a call. After a cheerful greeting and some minor chitchat, he dropped the news on me.

I didn't get approved and nothing I could do would change that. Because Saturday and Sunday are so-called "blackout days," where no one gets approved for time off. Management apparently decided to not let us know about this, though I was assured that they were going to be fixing this problem.

Now, the problem gets a bit more complex. You see, because of certain...peculiarities with the Wells Fargo attendance policy, the specifics of which I will not tire you by describing in too great detail, I can not take any more unscheduled time off right now, at least until I spend a whole month with perfect attendance to get some attendance points back. If I miss so much as one more day of work, for any reason that doesn't include a medical emergency (yes, weather is not an excuse), I don't have a job anymore.

I hate that job. Utterly loathe it. Hate it hate it hate it hate it hate it hate it hate it hate it hate it hate it. I hate dealing with morons all day who admit to not being able to count and yet demand we fix their accounts for them. I hate our upper-level management, the inflexible smiling faces from which emanates always a constant stream of Corporate Speak derived from self-help books and kissass seminars. I like my coworkers, and honestly, Dave is one of the best bosses I could hope for, who could have come down hard on me several times in the past and chose not to. In fact, he's been telling me for months that I'm his star banker, my stats are better than virtually anyone's, and that if I play my cards right I could be looking at a promotion soon, which would mean more pay and less interaction with the customers I despise so very much. I even just got a bonus last week.

But I'd never intended on making a career out of that job. It was a means of earning money so I could pay my own way as I concentrated on our film company and writing, maybe try my hand at school again since the last effort ended so unceremoniously (and disturbingly enough the job has inhibited me from doing these things since I come home every night mentally exhausted). This job is not my thing. And in order to save it, since I can't exactly drive back since I came in a friend's car, I'd probably have to spend some serious money on a plane ticket just to get back there on time, or get picked up by a relative who may or may not be coming into town anyway. All for a place I was planning on quitting anyway in the indefinite future, since I've been there more than a year already (did I mention they pay better and give better benefits than most other jobs in my area that don't require a serious amount of training or education?).

Needless to say, my three-day Wondercon pass would be wasted. I might not even be able to get there on time if another snow storm hits.

My living arrangements are, at the moment, rent-free (don't ask, but before StoneGold asks, it has nothing to do with male prostitution). I do not have another job lined up but the market in Reno is such that it wouldn't be difficult to find another, albeit another paying less than what I earn now.

I'm pretty damn stressed right now so any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

[Mac Danny]

(Before anyone asks, this is not a parody of anyone else's thread)

I am going to admit something to you all. It's going to be difficult, but I must have the strength to confront my problem. You see, for over a year now, I have been the victim of my own design, a five-time-a-week habit that has left me exasperated and drained of nearly all hope of ever breaking from the neverending cycle of pain and loss.

I am, of course, talking about my &*^*$%^&#(*^$(&%*^&$ING job.

You see, I first applied for the time off to go to San Francisco first thing this year. I work a Saturday-Wednesday schedule, so it was a simple matter of getting Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday off. Tuesday and Wednesday I was approved for immediately, but Saturday and Sunday got me on the waiting list. For nearly two months I waited until the weekend just before the convention when in my mailbox it said that I'd been declined.

"Hey, don't worry about it!" my supervisor Dave said. "I'll do everything I can to get you that time off."

And he tried. I think. For the next couple days he kept telling me to wait until tomorrow, he was working on it. Finally, it was Monday night, and I reminded him that I was going to leave the next day.

"Just keep your phone on," he said. "I'll call you tomorrow."

Well, I did. And on Tuesday when I left, due to the weather I was stuck in traffic for hours on end, and when they closed Donner Pass my companions and I stopped at a gas station right near the bottleneck and slept in our cars so we could go as soon as the roads reopened. That happened at 2:30 am the next morning, nearly twelve hours after we'd originally stopped. During that time, as promised, Dave gave me a call. After a cheerful greeting and some minor chitchat, he dropped the news on me.

I didn't get approved and nothing I could do would change that. Because Saturday and Sunday are so-called "blackout days," where no one gets approved for time off. Management apparently decided to not let us know about this, though I was assured that they were going to be fixing this problem.

Now, the problem gets a bit more complex. You see, because of certain...peculiarities with the Wells Fargo attendance policy, the specifics of which I will not tire you by describing in too great detail, I can not take any more unscheduled time off right now, at least until I spend a whole month with perfect attendance to get some attendance points back. If I miss so much as one more day of work, for any reason that doesn't include a medical emergency (yes, weather is not an excuse), I don't have a job anymore.

I hate that job. Utterly loathe it. Hate it hate it hate it hate it hate it hate it hate it hate it hate it hate it. I hate dealing with morons all day who admit to not being able to count and yet demand we fix their accounts for them. I hate our upper-level management, the inflexible smiling faces from which emanates always a constant stream of Corporate Speak derived from self-help books and kissass seminars. I like my coworkers, and honestly, Dave is one of the best bosses I could hope for, who could have come down hard on me several times in the past and chose not to. In fact, he's been telling me for months that I'm his star banker, my stats are better than virtually anyone's, and that if I play my cards right I could be looking at a promotion soon, which would mean more pay and less interaction with the customers I despise so very much. I even just got a bonus last week.

But I'd never intended on making a career out of that job. It was a means of earning money so I could pay my own way as I concentrated on our film company and writing, maybe try my hand at school again since the last effort ended so unceremoniously (and disturbingly enough the job has inhibited me from doing these things since I come home every night mentally exhausted). This job is not my thing. And in order to save it, since I can't exactly drive back since I came in a friend's car, I'd probably have to spend some serious money on a plane ticket just to get back there on time, or get picked up by a relative who may or may not be coming into town anyway. All for a place I was planning on quitting anyway in the indefinite future, since I've been there more than a year already (did I mention they pay better and give better benefits than most other jobs in my area that don't require a serious amount of training or education?).

Needless to say, my three-day Wondercon pass would be wasted. I might not even be able to get there on time if another snow storm hits.

My living arrangements are, at the moment, rent-free (don't ask, but before StoneGold asks, it has nothing to do with male prostitution). I do not have another job lined up but the market in Reno is such that it wouldn't be difficult to find another, albeit another paying less than what I earn now.

I'm pretty damn stressed right now so any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

Only if you have another job lined up. I don't know if you do. the post above was very long and i didn't really read it.

I get the gist though. Hate job, want to leave.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

If you can get another job , blow the popsicle stand baby is my words of advice.

[Ray R.]

To reiterate: NEVER quit a job, unless you have another to go to.

As a potential employer, I'm much more inclined to take someone looking for a career change or change in venue who's still gainfully employed, versus someone who's out of a job FOR SOME REASON (those three words are rooted usually in doubt or foreboding of "the problem employee").

Since you can take the pay drop due to the living arrangements, get another job first, and push the start date back, and then take a month to get your head together, recharge the batteries, and start over. Go to a comic convention or three, hit the Sierra Nevadas, help out on a friend's film project or something. Something that hits "Refresh" on the ole personal browser.

If staying at a job makes you ill, get out, but set up the next part of your life before you walk out the door. I cannot emphasize it enough.

[Chris N]

But, Ray, he'd then miss wondercon and me schooling and old Irishman at whisky drinking. What job is worth that?

[Joey Friday]

Quit the damn job. If you wait until you get another job you might end up leaving this current job for your new job only to find out the new job sucks as much or worse. That's happened to me and many people I know.

This is America. Start living towards your dream. Many people have went from broke to millionaires in no time because they went after their dream with unyielding passion. Just stop doing what you don't want to do and start doing what you do want to do. End of story.

[Ray R.]

But, Ray, he'd then miss wondercon and me schooling and old Irishman at whisky drinking. What job is worth that?

Right. Clean out the desk, Tages. Priorities are priorities.

(Jesus, I hate being the responsible older brother all the time.)

[Slam_Bradley]

To reiterate: NEVER quit a job, unless you have another to go to.

As a potential employer, I'm much more inclined to take someone looking for a career change or change in venue who's still gainfully employed, versus someone who's out of a job FOR SOME REASON (those three words are rooted usually in doubt or foreboding of "the problem employee").

Since you can take the pay drop due to the living arrangements, get another job first, and push the start date back, and then take a month to get your head together, recharge the batteries, and start over. Go to a comic convention or three, hit the Sierra Nevadas, help out on a friend's film project or something. Something that hits "Refresh" on the ole personal browser.

If staying at a job makes you ill, get out, but set up the next part of your life before you walk out the door. I cannot emphasize it enough.



As a potential employer, I agree with everything Ray says here.

[Hoss]

Dude,
Find a new job and then quit.

By taking a dump in the middle of your office common area.

But be sure you already have a new job.

[Chris N]

It should be clarified that I have no serious or intelligent advice on the matter, Tages. Sorry.

uhh... if you do quit, watch office space first for ideas

[Shellhead]

I agree with Ray. Find the next job first, negotiate a start date that allows you to take some time off between the old and new jobs. Then quit the old job. If you think you might need them as a reference someday (almost definitely if you worked there for at least a year), deliver that resignation in a professional manner.

By lining up the new job first, the time you take off between the jobs will be all the sweeter. No worries, just relaxation.

[Paul McEnery]

1) Dave is not your friend. Dave is a manipulative shit-weasel who knew damn well you weren't getting those days off. And decided to fuck you around.
2) Ooh, you can't get Saturdays and Sundays off! Who fucking says. What kind of an arsehole says you can take any day off you like, so long as it's Monday-Friday? Bullshit.
3) You're already down here. Tell them to go hang. Move town, change industry, get unemployment, whatever. Fuck those idiots.

[Slam_Bradley]

1) Dave is not your friend. Dave is a manipulative shit-weasel who knew damn well you weren't getting those days off. And decided to fuck you around.
2) Ooh, you can't get Saturdays and Sundays off! Who fucking says. What kind of an arsehole says you can take any day off you like, so long as it's Monday-Friday? Bullshit.
3) You're already down here. Tell them to go hang. Move town, change industry, get unemployment, whatever. Fuck those idiots.


Unemployment doesn't kick in when you quit a job.

[Paul McEnery]

Unemployment doesn't kick in when you quit a job.

Oh, don't I know it.

However, there are ways to finagle it.

The best is to leave a job to do a brief contract job.

[Tages]

To reiterate: NEVER quit a job, unless you have another to go to.

As a potential employer, I'm much more inclined to take someone looking for a career change or change in venue who's still gainfully employed, versus someone who's out of a job FOR SOME REASON (those three words are rooted usually in doubt or foreboding of "the problem employee").

Since you can take the pay drop due to the living arrangements, get another job first, and push the start date back, and then take a month to get your head together, recharge the batteries, and start over. Go to a comic convention or three, hit the Sierra Nevadas, help out on a friend's film project or something. Something that hits "Refresh" on the ole personal browser.

If staying at a job makes you ill, get out, but set up the next part of your life before you walk out the door. I cannot emphasize it enough.

Technically I may not have to quit seeing as if I can't get back on time (which is very likely because of the weather) I'll just lose the job automatically. It's very uncertain if I would even be able to save myself at this point.

I almost didn't even get to SF. Fuckin' snow.

[Slam_Bradley]

Technically I may not have to quit seeing as if I can't get back on time (which is very likely because of the weather) I'll just lose the job automatically. It's very uncertain if I would even be able to save myself at this point.

I almost didn't even get to SF. Fuckin' snow.

Now then. If you were fired because you were physically unable to get back to your job, you'd have a decent argument to make to the unemployment commission.

It also would make your former employer look like an asshole when you're interviewing.

[Paul McEnery]

Technically I may not have to quit seeing as if I can't get back on time (which is very likely because of the weather) I'll just lose the job automatically. It's very uncertain if I would even be able to save myself at this point.

I almost didn't even get to SF. Fuckin' snow.

Lose the job automatically? Oh fuck those people.

Call the shit weasel and tell him there's no way on God's earth you're going to be able to make it back, and what's he going to do to smooth this over.

If he cuts up nasty -- and chances are he will -- then tell him your employment lawyer will be happy to talk to his boss.

And yeah, I've got one you can use. An old boss of mine recommended him to me, funnily enough.

[Paul McEnery]

Now then. If you were fired because you were physically unable to get back to your job, you'd have a decent argument to make to the unemployment commission.

It also would make your former employer look like an asshole when you're interviewing.

Heh. Your arguments are stronger than mine, counsellor.

[howyadoin]

Now then. If you were fired because you were physically unable to get back to your job, you'd have a decent argument to make to the unemployment commission.

It also would make your former employer look like an asshole when you're interviewing.Yup, sounds like the problem might just solve itself.

[Ray R.]

Now then. If you were fired because you were physically unable to get back to your job, you'd have a decent argument to make to the unemployment commission.

It also would make your former employer look like an asshole when you're interviewing.

Yup. That's almost a best-case scenario.

I would make sure to call and cover your bases, though. There might be a notification requirement somewhere in the employee manual in case they try to dispute the unemployment claim.

[BlairH]

Your job should work for you Tages, not 'tother way round. Your best bet, if your job just isn't working for you, is to find one that does.

If all else fails, you can be Clancy Brown's stunt double...

[Iangould]

As a potential employer, I agree with everything Ray says here.

I do too.

There certainly seems to be an employer consensus on this one.

[Iangould]

Now then. If you were fired because you were physically unable to get back to your job, you'd have a decent argument to make to the unemployment commission.


I'm not sure what the legal situation is in the US but in Australia the employer would probably end up in court.

[Slam_Bradley]

I'm not sure what the legal situation is in the US but in Australia the employer would probably end up in court.

In most states in the U.S. employment is "at will" in the absence of an employment contract. So they can fire you for any reason that isn't a violation of public policy (sex, race, disability). However, if their reason isn't based on job performance, you're going to be able to get unemployment.

[K'Nort]

Your job should work for you Tages, not 'tother way round.

What the heck kind of communism is that? Who's paying whom?

[Slam_Bradley]

What the heck kind of communism is that? Who's paying whom?


Apparently the Socialist nanny state has drawn him in.

[Jade69/Legolaslady]

I'd be willing they're trying to call your bluff and make you come running back. I'd be semi surprised if they actually fired you upon your return to work Monday, but knowing corporate bullshit it could still happen.
Even if it does though, most other companies once they heard the situation would agree that its ridiculous, and if the new company DOESN'T think its ridiculous then you probably won't want to work there either.
If you actually liked this job at all or really needed it financially I'd say call them and let them know you won't be able to come back in time but you tried etc. etc. but since you don't I say screw em :D
What'd be really fun is if you had some kind of specific knowledge or job function no one else was proficient at that you could hold over their heads.
And kudos to this not being about quitting smoking ;)

[StoneGold]

So the living arrangements, male prostitution?


Speaking of male prostitution, you could always take this as a sign to man up, put your balls on the line and try making them Hollywood dreams come true. I hear Fabian makes a good pimp. Or at least whore secretary.

[StoneGold]

On second though, never mind. I have enough trouble driving on the 405 without someone else's asshole clogging it up.

[Pól Rua]

Everyone else has made such great points, so all I have to add is...

The solution is fire.

Plus, Hoss has the right idea. Nothing says "I quit" like poop.
Oh, and steal anything you can get your hands on.
Rent a truck if you have to.

[Chris N]

Here's the appropriate youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HecoGJ2Auuw

Damn it feels good to be a gangsta

[BlairH]

What the heck kind of communism is that? Who's paying whom?

In Soviet Russia, job works for you!

I meant "work for" in a "how's that new TV working out for you?" sort of way. I'm the farthest thing in the world from a communist.

[Pól Rua]

I meant "work for" in a "how's that new TV working out for you?" sort of way. I'm the farthest thing in the world from a communist.

You say that NOW, 'comrade'...
http://www.survivorweb.com/archives/flagg.jpg

[Winslow]

Dave screwed you over. He never should have told you to go if he couldn't come through for you.

And yeah, leave the job.

I've been trying to leave mine for almost two years . . . so I got nuthin'.

[Captain_Video]

Do what you believe you have to do.

I mean if worst comes to worst you can still find some horrid menial job to pay the bills while you look for something better.

Better to have your pride and your sense of freedom than spiral into misery at a job you hate just to be "secure".

Only live once sir.

[Sabrina_Fried]

First off...you have "attendence points" at your office? Wow. As much as I hate my job, I DO show up each workday and work my full shift. No one needs to give or take points to encourage me to do that. It sounds to me like your company has some real problems with employee motivation and micromanagment. I would imagine that the latter is a big contributor to the former.

As another one of these "I never intended to make a career out of this" people let me offer the following advice:

1) If you haven't already started looking for another job start. Now. Close the window this message board is open in. Open up workopolis or the want ads and get to it.
2) Only do the amount of work you are absolutely required to do as per your employment contract. Your job is not your life. Or at least it shouldn't be. If you company wants you to work harder, they can start treating you better. If they truly value your work, they will show their appreciation. In my company, our acting Executive Director actually encourages me to leave work on time so I can go home and write or partake in my martial arts classes. He knows that in the long run it means I will work harder for the company because I will return the next day rested, refershed and with a clear head. Forcing someone to overwork only leads to burnout. And burnout leads to lost productivity, high staff turnover, or discipline issues.
3) Given your current rent situation, if you are not already doing so, save as much money as you can. Try to set it up so that you have a "rainy day" fund of at least 3 months of expenses in the bank. Just in case the transition to a new job doesn't go as smoothly as you hope. Knowing that financial safety net will mean that you will feel comfortable leaving your job to start the transition when the time is right.
4) Once you have a new job offer, quit. And don't look back. If you get an exit interview, make sure your HR drone or an executive manager type knows you are quitting in part because of their attendence policies. If they aren't aware of a problem, they can't fix it.

For the record, I've also been trying to replace my job for over a year now. Sadly, it's not an easy thing to do, no matter how good they say the economy is right now.


Sabrina

[Rallura]

Some attendance policies suck. We just got a new one, and I got a warning last week because from the few sick days I took last year, and being very ill in January (4 days off with a dr note, then one more day because I went back to work too soon because they needed me), I was at verbal warning stage. One more, I get written up.

If you aren't happy, it isn't worth it. Start looking for another job, right now.

[howyadoin]

Some attendance policies suck. We just got a new one, and I got a warning last week because from the few sick days I took last year, and being very ill in January (4 days off with a dr note, then one more day because I went back to work too soon because they needed me), I was at verbal warning stage.So essentially, you went back early to help them out, and they thanked you with a verbal warning?

Jesus, what a bunch of cunts.

[Rallura]

So essentially, you went back early to help them out, and they thanked you with a verbal warning?

Jesus, what a bunch of cunts.

The new attendance policy smacks of the old "everyone's getting recess taken away because of one person's behavior". I am applying for FMLA now, because of it. I don't need the hassle, even from a job I actually like.

[howyadoin]

The new attendance policy smacks of the old "everyone's getting recess taken away because of one person's behavior". I am applying for FMLA now, because of it. I don't need the hassle, even from a job I actually like.FMLA? Is that one of those female things?

[Rallura]

FMLA? Is that one of those female things?

Female Menstrual Leave Act, heh.

No, it's the Family Medical Leave Act, provides for leave to take care of serious illness, either your own or a family member. I could have applied years ago, but, I didn't see much point. Now I do.

[howyadoin]

Female Menstrual Leave Act, heh.Not a bad idea, really.


No, it's the Family Medical Leave Act, provides for leave to take care of serious illness, either your own or a family member. I could have applied years ago, but, I didn't see much point. Now I do.Yeah, you should go for it. Clearly nobody where you work is gonna go to bat for you, so you have to take care of yourself.

[Rallura]

Not a bad idea, really.

Not really, no. This is the first time I have been around so many women for days on end. Some of us have synced up, and certain weeks are just bad...

[Jayna]

The place where I work is very similar to yours in that my boss doesn't want us to call in sick, he doesn't seem to think that illness is a good enought excuse. Our company doesn't have a sick day policy we have PTO, or paid time off, which is paid entirely at our supervisor's discretion. If he gets pissy and decides not to pay, you don't get paid. It also doesn't matter how far in advance you put in your request for time off, he waits until sometimes days before you are to leave to approve or disapprove it. He seems oblivious to the fact that people need to make reservations for hotels, etc. sometimes months in advance & that deposits are lost when you back out at the last minute.

That said I've been searching for a job that pays at least as much as I am making now for over 2 years, no luck so far. I can't quit without another job. I'm sole support for myself and my daughter. I've just started back to college to get my business degree. If that can't get me out of the hell I'm in nothing will.

If it is just you that you need to worry about quit, but don't expect a glowing recommendation from your current employer.

[Jeff-E]

Dude, if I may offer one piece of advice. Stay at the job until a new one is found. Employers are more likely to hire someone who is looking for a change of pace or is burnt out at their current position, as opposed to someone who will just quit. Just quitting shows unreliability but atleast putting in your notice and securing a new job shows some level of responsibility.

[o1pickleboy]

I think you all need to unionize. Especially you Pol you boss sounds like a real jerk.

[howyadoin]

Not really, no. This is the first time I have been around so many women for days on end. Some of us have synced up, and certain weeks are just bad...See, that's why you should all be home in the kitchen.

[Paul McEnery]

See, that's why you should all be home in the kitchen.

You've got to be kidding.

You think I want that in my kitchen?

[howyadoin]

You've got to be kidding.

You think I want that in my kitchen?Just stand clear when they're using the sharper utensils.

[Arachnid]

I may not have a job or anything but I do know that you should look for a better job and only quit when you found one and are accepted.

Also, this is just opinion more that advice, but I think its better to work Monday-friday and have the weekends off. Thats just me though.

Hope I helped.

[Paul McEnery]

Just stand clear when they're using the sharper utensils.

Or the not so sharp things that can instantly acquire sharpness by smashing them on my head.

[Tages]

The weather is fucked. Flights are being delayed. I don't think even Greyhound is running.

I'm calling in tomorrow telling them I'm not coming because I absolutely can't. If they don't like it they can get fucked.

[Tages]

For the record, I've also been trying to replace my job for over a year now. Sadly, it's not an easy thing to do, no matter how good they say the economy is right now.


Sabrina

In Reno, if you are a healthy and able adult and you haven't found a job within a month, it's because of one of three things:

1. You're a convicted felon
2. Your standards are too high
3. You aren't trying very hard

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

The weather is fucked. Flights are being delayed. I don't think even Greyhound is running.

I'm calling in tomorrow telling them I'm not coming because I absolutely can't. If they don't like it they can get fucked.

I think your playing it right - that's the stupidest policy I've ever heard, and your job sounds more like you are a slave rather than an employee.
I can't believe anyone would work for a company like that.
(You lose attendance points for taking a holiday they said you could have? Actually, ATTENDANCE POINTS??? WTF? My work just gives me money in exchange for me coming in. If I get sick, I get sick. If I want a holiday and I have leave, I get my holiday).

[K'Nort]

Leaving that job will also get you away from that girl, right?

[Tages]

Leaving that job will also get you away from that girl, right?

This is true.

[Tages]

I got back to work, fully ready to be fired.

I wasn't fired. I was, in fact, given a raise.

What does this tell us?

[Michael P]

I got back to work, fully ready to be fired.

I wasn't fired. I was, in fact, given a raise.

What does this tell us?

Never listen to CBR?

[Pól Rua]

I got back to work, fully ready to be fired.

I wasn't fired. I was, in fact, given a raise.

What does this tell us?

The solution is fire?

I'm no good with these moral thingies...

[Chris N]

I got back to work, fully ready to be fired.

I wasn't fired. I was, in fact, given a raise.

What does this tell us?

That skipping work to engage in debauchery with Paul and me has no actual consequences

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

That skipping work to engage in debauchery with Paul and me has no actual consequences

But it does have rewards...

[Tages]

But it does have rewards...

Damn straight. *hic!*

[StoneGold]

I got back to work, fully ready to be fired.

I wasn't fired. I was, in fact, given a raise.

What does this tell us?

That Lumberg fucked your girlfriend?

[Jade69/Legolaslady]

I got back to work, fully ready to be fired.

I wasn't fired. I was, in fact, given a raise.

What does this tell us?

Didn't I say they were testing you? You called their bluff and were rewarded. HORAY!
Now you can make more money while you look for a better job :)

[Nate C.]

That skipping work to engage in debauchery with Paul and me has no actual consequences

oh how I wish that were true.

[Dan Apodaca]

Your male prostitution gig doesn't pay enough?