4 years in hell
Back in 2008 - I was working for one of the biggest design agencies in the south.
I had been there for 4 years and I still consider it to be one of the greatest jobs I ever had. I made friends for life, and was given plenty of opportunities to further my skills - it was awesome.

Then the recession hit and our 36 strong studio was hit with redundancies. 16 of us were left by the time all was said and done.

Thankfully, I was one of the lucky few that remained, though the studio was never quite the same afterwards. Everyone felt guilty that they had been spared - and several others took every opportunity to tread on other people to make sure their job was 'secure' should a second wave of redundancies hit.

It was during the summer that I decided that I had to move on. I contacted my previous employer to re-establish contact, and within a month, I was offered a job.
Now I must add at this point, that I had left my previous employer after 2 years service because I didn't really like the boss, and the company was a little to 'tin pot' for my career aspirations - but this was the recession and I couldn't afford to be picky.

Interestingly enough though, my old boss proceeded to tell me that the company had merged with a large IT firm, and was really going places.

The day of the interview came along - and to my surprise, that statement was not complete bollocks - I walked into a nice big shiny office full of awesome furniture and felt a real buzz. I was also able to negotiate a modest increase in salary - Result I thought. The conditions of this were that I would have to successfully complete a 3 month probationary period on a lower salary where upon it's completion the agreed salary would come into effect.

No problem I thought.

I asked for this in writing which they proceeded to get typed up on the spot. However, when they handed it to me - there was no mention of the final salary after 3 months.

I asked if they could rectify this and was told that they were sorry, and that they would get a full contract out to me in the post with the correct details. I was satisfied enough with this to hand in my notice with the current employer. I work my months notice, and left with my head held high.

The 3 month period flew by in no time - however several times over that 3 month period I mentioned that I still had not received updated paperwork only to be fobbed off and told not to worry

On the last friday of the month my immediate manager (my old boss) calls me into the conference room to discuss how the probation went. To say I passed with flying colours would be an understatement - he was thrilled with my work, and was really impressed by how much I had improved over the last 4 years.

I was over the moon.

He then pulls out a full contract and asks me to sign it - I took my time and read it carefully, only to find that the promised final salary was not present. I questioned as to why this was the case only to have this said to me:

"mmmmmmmm, yeah - turns out we can't really afford to give that to you",
"but I've been asking about this for 3 months?? why are you telling me this now?",
"I'm sorry, maybe I could have a word with "mrP"
"you do that, this is totally unacceptable….."

I heard nothing for a week and by this time I was getting noticeably angry and frustrated - so much so that I went over my managers head, and went straight to the managing director.

MD "don't worry, we'll have a meeting about this tomorrow and get everything straightened out"

--------

Sure enough, good to his word, I was called aside the following day and sat opposite my manager and the managing director.

MD to my manager "right then, so what's his work been like over the last 3 months?"
My manager "very poor. I'm not impressed at all"

My jaw hits the floor - this from the man who only a week ago was singing my praises.

Me: "hang on!!!! thats not what you were saying last week when you tried to get me to sign the contract after passing the probation…."

MD: "I don't like this attitude"

Me: "well I'm sorry, but you have messed me around - I left a job of 4 years to come here… I feel totally let down"

MD: "Well, what are you going to do about it?"

Silence ensues, I realise at this point I have been well and truly shafted. There was no way I was going to see justice done that day.
I like many other people had bills and rent to pay and was left totally stranded with this bullshit company slap bang in the middle of recession.

Me: "Well you haven't left me much choice - I guess i'll just crack on…."

--------

It took 3 years for me to improve the salary and now another year later I take great pleasure in the fact that I have found a better job, and will be leaving this place right in the middle of a massive project - stitching them up.

Moral of the story - always get offers in writing before taking the plunge. And if possible, try to remember why you left a previous work place the first time round.
(Oobla, Fri 3 Aug 2012, 14:35, 6 replies)

Good story
But dude, never go back! Look at The Blues Brothers II or Kenny Dalglish.
(McChinaman banned, Fri 3 Aug 2012, 16:11, closed)

Hmm.
Bit anticlimactic.

I was hoping you'd have chainsawed his desk.
(username failed moderation, Fri 3 Aug 2012, 16:26, closed)

Well
I have stink palmed him - but that's by the by really
(Oobla, Fri 3 Aug 2012, 16:36, closed)

hmm
Should have kicked him in the cunt.
(magic the cat will someone please think of the kittens, Fri 3 Aug 2012, 23:48, closed)

It's funny because you were disposable and worked for wankers.

( The Mock TurtIe ™ --- Thinks you are a cunt, on, Sat 4 Aug 2012, 1:23, closed)

are you saying he's a tissue?

( cumquat may will not be commenting further on the allegations, Tue 7 Aug 2012, 22:14, closed)