I nailed it baby!!!!!!

[Art_Critic]

The last time I even posted about loveshack on my work computer was after the virus happened. They didn't fire me at that time and waited almost a year to do so.

 

Oh...

 

By the way.. I'm not cracking the whip on ya.. I was just thinking I was shedding some light on the why of what happened..

[Star Gazer]

Oh...

 

Like MoM said, they didn't fire her at the time of the virus, but they likely had the IT guy check on her history from the virus forward, to see what was causing it.... KWIM?

 

LESSON: Don't call your boss an a-hole from a work computer!

[curiousnycgirl]

LB -

 

If you really read everything YOU posted on this thread, not the stuff anyone else posted - you will see that your former employers were most certainly on your case due to a lack of professionalism. The issues they commented on all point to that. I would agree that if what you posted is ALL they said, then they were certainly not being constructive or helpful to the growth of your career.

 

What also comes through from YOUR posts, no one elses, is that you have a huge chip on your shoulder over this termination. Whether you know it or not - that comes through loud and clear on an interview (if the interviewer has any skill at all). You need to lose it if you truly want to find your next position. It's really that simple, especially in your line of work. Mistakes and history are fine - but we need to accept them, learn from them and move on, not brood.

 

So let's get this straight - during business hours, your focus should be on your work, regardless of what your management says - surfing the web for any substantial length of time is a very poor use of company resources (that would be the computer as well as your time). If you get all your work done, find something else to do that will benefit the office/company/practice/etc. Star Gazer is absolutely right - almost EVERYONE has a web tracker nowadays and most of them only record when key words are entered. Trust me "Loveshack" would fall into those categories, we all know it is innocuous - but management doesn't.

 

I hope this week's interview is truly a position you want - not just an open spot. I've begun to get the sense (perhaps incorrect) that you are applying for everything even remotely applicable to your degree. Try to focus on what you really want to do and remember you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. An interview is your opportunity to see if you like the people you are meeting and if you would like to work with them (and their opportunity to do the same with you).

 

Good luck.

[allina]

LB, I'm sorry you had to deal with that.

 

But you know what? It's not so bad! You didn't lose the job because you were a bad counselor or couldn't learn. You likely lost it because you made a dumb error (while doing something most of us on LS are or have been guilty of).

 

If you're ever really pressed for a reason why you were fired from that job the truth isn't all that bad! You can tell an interviewer "Honestly, I made an error in surfing the internet on my downtime, which caused my computer to get a virus. I lost my boss's trust, and no matter how hard I worked to regain it and to show him I was a dedicated employee I couldn't fix the work relationship. It's definitely something I will never do again."

 

I would never pass a great candidate up over something like this and I'm sure most others wouldn't either.

 

And if it makes you feel better, one day at work I was googling hair styles because I was going to get a hair cut that evening. I was hopping around to random sites and suddenly a huge porn ad popped up on my screen. My entire screen was covered by butt sex and I couldn't close the thing!

[curiousnycgirl]

If you're ever really pressed for a reason why you were fired from that job the truth isn't all that bad! You can tell an interviewer "Honestly, I made an error in surfing the internet on my downtime, which caused my computer to get a virus. I lost my boss's trust, and no matter how hard I worked to regain it and to show him I was a dedicated employee I couldn't fix the work relationship. It's definitely something I will never do again."

 

Now this is a great way to explain the fact that you left! It is honest, it takes responsibility (the right amount), shows you've learned, etc.

 

Do you think you could actually accept the above as fact - and move on>

[Sweetcheripie]

LB, I'm sorry you had to deal with that.

 

But you know what? It's not so bad! You didn't lose the job because you were a bad counselor or couldn't learn. You likely lost it because you made a dumb error (while doing something most of us on LS are or have been guilty of).

 

If you're ever really pressed for a reason why you were fired from that job the truth isn't all that bad! You can tell an interviewer "Honestly, I made an error in surfing the internet on my downtime, which caused my computer to get a virus. I lost my boss's trust, and no matter how hard I worked to regain it and to show him I was a dedicated employee I couldn't fix the work relationship. It's definitely something I will never do again."

 

I would never pass a great candidate up over something like this and I'm sure most others wouldn't either.

 

And if it makes you feel better, one day at work I was googling hair styles because I was going to get a hair cut that evening. I was hopping around to random sites and suddenly a huge porn ad popped up on my screen. My entire screen was covered by butt sex and I couldn't close the thing!

 

I really like this post. This is the perfect example of being helpful and supportive. The truth, great advice, and funny too!

[sb129]

But you know what? It's not so bad! You didn't lose the job because you were a bad counselor or couldn't learn. You likely lost it because you made a dumb error (while doing something most of us on LS are or have been guilty of).

 

If you're ever really pressed for a reason why you were fired from that job the truth isn't all that bad! You can tell an interviewer "Honestly, I made an error in surfing the internet on my downtime, which caused my computer to get a virus. I lost my boss's trust, and no matter how hard I worked to regain it and to show him I was a dedicated employee I couldn't fix the work relationship. It's definitely something I will never do again."

 

LB, I don't believe that you lost your job because you are a bad counsellor either. I think your heart is totally in the right place, and you must be employable based on your resume, otherwise you wouldn't even be getting interviews.

 

Allinas answer is perfect- you are owning the problem and admitting to some fault on your part, while at the same time you are demonstrating that its something you have learned from, which is all any subsequent employer is going to be interested in.

 

If its not the real reason why you got fired, its still better than saying "I don't know".

 

I know this issue is stressing you out, and it is easy for us all to sit here and say "do this" etc when we aren't in the same position.

I also know its hard for you because it doesn't sound like you have the full support of your fiance- but in a few years time you will look back on this time and it won't even register on the importance scale.

 

You'll get through it.

[Star Gazer]

LB, I'm sorry you had to deal with that.

 

But you know what? It's not so bad! You didn't lose the job because you were a bad counselor or couldn't learn. You likely lost it because you made a dumb error (while doing something most of us on LS are or have been guilty of).

 

If you're ever really pressed for a reason why you were fired from that job the truth isn't all that bad! You can tell an interviewer "Honestly, I made an error in surfing the internet on my downtime, which caused my computer to get a virus. I lost my boss's trust, and no matter how hard I worked to regain it and to show him I was a dedicated employee I couldn't fix the work relationship. It's definitely something I will never do again."

 

PERFECTION! Fabulous, amazing, wonderful response!

 

You can tell someone around here (wink, wink) works in HR....

[Krytie TV]

*sigh* I know this has been a horrible time for you, LB. I am in major transition too, and I understand. But dammit girl, step up and take responsibility for what happened!

 

I want to briefly reference this response I made to you long ago:

http://www.loveshack.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2174714&postcount=67

 

I won't rant some long philosophical introspection piece like I did to you last time, but just wanted to fill you in on something. Over the summer I got accepted into a Ph.D. program at the only school I applied to and am currently in Fall semester. My life has freaking changed so dramatically that my head is still spinning.

 

What's the point you ask? Well, In my 4-page personal statement to the program, I told them everything I hated to admit. My failures, my ego problems, my early difficulty with authority... everything. And... they loved it. There is something so refreshing about hearing someone truly express what faults they have had to overcome and what painful, painful lessons have come by their own stupid hands.

 

I can never really know what you did to get "chased off" from your job, but dammit YOU did it. Accept it, address it, admit it, talk about it, learn from it, and move on. How do you talk about what happened at your last job at an interview? Easy, you tell them exactly what you did and exactly how you feel about what you did. They will respect you and you will feel so freaking relieved that you were OK enough with it to put it out there and lighten your load. As for all else, let the cards fall where they may. Damn them if they can't appreciate what you did.

[Star Gazer]

LB -

 

If you really read everything YOU posted on this thread, not the stuff anyone else posted - you will see that your former employers were most certainly on your case due to a lack of professionalism. The issues they commented on all point to that. I would agree that if what you posted is ALL they said, then they were certainly not being constructive or helpful to the growth of your career.

 

What also comes through from YOUR posts, no one elses, is that you have a huge chip on your shoulder over this termination. Whether you know it or not - that comes through loud and clear on an interview (if the interviewer has any skill at all). You need to lose it if you truly want to find your next position. It's really that simple, especially in your line of work. Mistakes and history are fine - but we need to accept them, learn from them and move on, not brood.

 

So let's get this straight - during business hours, your focus should be on your work, regardless of what your management says - surfing the web for any substantial length of time is a very poor use of company resources (that would be the computer as well as your time). If you get all your work done, find something else to do that will benefit the office/company/practice/etc. Star Gazer is absolutely right - almost EVERYONE has a web tracker nowadays and most of them only record when key words are entered. Trust me "Loveshack" would fall into those categories, we all know it is innocuous - but management doesn't.

 

I hope this week's interview is truly a position you want - not just an open spot. I've begun to get the sense (perhaps incorrect) that you are applying for everything even remotely applicable to your degree. Try to focus on what you really want to do and remember you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. An interview is your opportunity to see if you like the people you are meeting and if you would like to work with them (and their opportunity to do the same with you).

 

Good luck.

 

I missed this one. Great post, CNYCG.

 

And good to see you, Krytie! Great advice as well, yet again.

[Lauriebell82]

I hope this week's interview is truly a position you want - not just an open spot. I've begun to get the sense (perhaps incorrect) that you are applying for everything even remotely applicable to your degree. Try to focus on what you really want to do and remember you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. An interview is your opportunity to see if you like the people you are meeting and if you would like to work with them (and their opportunity to do the same with you).

 

Good luck.

 

Well, I need a job. Im not apply to just ANYTHING in my field but I am anxious to get back to work. This position is something I want to do. I don't want to have a huge gap in my resume and it looks bad that I keep going into interview without a job. I'm sick of getting the question "so why did you leave your old job before finding a new one?

[Odyssey]

I'm in the same boat... i feel during the interview, they kinda look down on people that's been out of work for a long time. It's getting very depressing now it's been about 5 months. How long has it been you?

[Star Gazer]

I'm sick of getting the question "so why did you leave your old job before finding a new one?

 

Maybe you should try being honest? Allina gave you the PERFECT response to use.

[Lauriebell82]

Maybe you should try being honest? Allina gave you the PERFECT response to use.

 

Yeah, that is a good response. I'm just worried that a potential employer would see me as a "problem causer" (even though it's not the case). Guess I'm just paranoid. Since I probably have less experience then most canidates who didn't even get fired, the last thing I want to do is paint myself in a bad light and give myself even more of a disadvantage.

 

I also don't want to speak ill of the agency to an employer, even though they are very unprofessional and unethical.

 

I'm in the same boat... i feel during the interview, they kinda look down on people that's been out of work for a long time. It's getting very depressing now it's been about 5 months. How long has it been you?

 

About 6 weeks. Not too bad YET, but I don't want there to be a huge gap in my resume. I will already have to explain why I was out of work for a in between jobs at future interviews, I don't want it to get worse. The bigger the gap, the harder it is to explain away.

[Star Gazer]

Yeah, that is a good response. I'm just worried that a potential employer would see me as a "problem causer" (even though it's not the case). Guess I'm just paranoid. Since I probably have less experience then most canidates who didn't even get fired, the last thing I want to do is paint myself in a bad light and give myself even more of a disadvantage.

 

But you're already painting yourself in a bad light by letting them think that you voluntarily left a job without having another one lined up. Responsible people typically don't do that.

 

I also don't want to speak ill of the agency to an employer, even though they are very unprofessional and unethical.

 

Of course you don't, and you shouldn't!!!

 

But IMO, LB, they weren't unprofessional or unethical for firing you based on what they believed was unprofessional behavior on your part, whether that's sharing personal business, surfing the internet, or arriving to counsel patients in wrinkled clothing. People have been fired for a lot less... and doing so isn't unprofessional, or unethical. For them, it's good business practice.

[Lauriebell82]

But you're already painting yourself in a bad light by letting them think that you voluntarily left a job without having another one lined up. Responsible people typically don't do that.

 

Yeah, I suppose so. People leave jobs before getting another one for unforseen circumstances all the time though. I didn't tell them either way what happened I just said I wanted to get into another area of counseling. I'm being cautious.

 

 

But IMO, LB, they weren't unprofessional or unethical for firing you based on what they believed was unprofessional behavior on your part, whether that's sharing personal business, surfing the internet, or arriving to counsel patients in wrinkled clothing. People have been fired for a lot less... and doing so isn't unprofessional, or unethical. For them, it's good business practice.

 

I'd be inclined to agree with you IF those things were true. I did not have wrinkled clothing, they blew that totally out of proportion. I know it seems difficult to believe that people at a professional agency would do something like that but they did. I wore the same exact clothing at my 6 month evaluation AND after the computer virus. But they got on my case after the computer virus. Coincidence? Probably not.

 

I didn't do anything unprofessional either, you can believe whatever you want. But let me ask you a question SG. Are you at work right now? Since it's the middle of the day even in CA I would say you are. And you are on loveshack aren't you? According to you that's unprofessional isn't it?

 

You are doing quite a bit of assuming here without knowing first hand what happened.

[Star Gazer]

I didn't do anything unprofessional either, you can believe whatever you want. But let me ask you a question SG. Are you at work right now? Since it's the middle of the day even in CA I would say you are. And you are on loveshack aren't you? According to you that's unprofessional isn't it?

 

Well no, not right now, I'm working from home. But even if I was at the office, it would be okay because I'm salaried and not paid by the hour; that's the luxury, I guess, of being exempt. I have a certain amount of work to get done, regardless if it's done at 3 a.m. or 3 p.m., here or at the office. I basically sell my time to the firm. You, on the other hand, like my assistant, are owned by your boss while you're at work. Do you see the difference?

 

That said, it's not the mere internet usage that's the problem. Like I said, if you were merely shopping online, or reading celebrity gossip, or looking for hairstyles like Allina was, I doubt anyone would really care. The problem is that you were repeatedly complaining about your work environment, calling your bosses a-holes, calling them unprofessional, unethical, etc., etc., and petulantly complaining that they, as professionals, had it "out for you." You did this while at work and from your work computer. THAT is what is unprofessional. I'd never in a million years would I post about work problems from a work computer.

 

But they got on my case after the computer virus. Coincidence? Probably not.

 

Exactly my point, LB. Your computer use and what you were posting on LS has a lot more to do with this than you care to admit to. I'm not sure why, because getting fired for doing something stupid online is a LOT better than getting fired for being incompetent. The way you're presenting yourself to future employers right now makes them assume you're out of work because of the latter, when it's probably the former. It would behoove you to admit to it.

 

I think you need to go back and re-read Allina, Curious, and Krytie's posts over and over and over again, because you really do have a huge chip on your shoulder and it's not helping you at all.

 

You are doing quite a bit of assuming here without knowing first hand what happened.

 

I read your words, LB. That's what you did. Wish you'd own up to it. It's as plain as day, right there on the computer screen, for everyone to see.

Edited October 15, 2009 by Star Gazer

[Lauriebell82]

Well no, not right now, I'm working from home. But even if I was at the office, it would be okay because I'm salaried and not paid by the hour; that's the luxury, I guess, of being exempt. I have a certain amount of work to get done, regardless if it's done at 3 a.m. or 3 p.m., here or at the office. I basically sell my time to the firm. You, on the other hand, like my assistant, are owned by your boss while you're at work. Do you see the difference?

 

No, I was an exempt employee too. I had a certain amount of work to get done and had to stay until it was done. I ALWAYS worked overtime. I got paid the same, it wasn't hourly. And despite surfing the internet I STILL got all my work done. So there isn't any difference between our jobs!!!!

 

That said, it's not the mere internet usage that's the problem. Like I said, if you were merely shopping online, or reading celebrity gossip, or looking for hairstyles like Allina was, I doubt anyone would really care. The problem is that you were repeatedly complaining about your work environment, calling your bosses a-holes, calling them unprofessional, unethical, etc., etc., and petulantly complaining that they, as professionals, had it "out for you." You did this while at work and from your work computer. THAT is what is unprofessional. I'd never in a million years would I post about work problems from a work computer.

 

Actually I started posting about my boss AFTER the computer virus happened at work. Hence why I began posting negative things, because they began treating me terribly. I never again posted on loveshack on my work computer after that. So they in no way could have even found out what I was doing because there wasn't any proof. They wouldnt have cared that I was on loveshack as long as I got my work done. They told us all that flat out. I have stated that several times already but it's like you won't listen to what I'm telling you! (or you just don't believe me, which it's probably the latter)

 

But maybe I will start saying something about the internet virus for the reason that I left instead of just letting them think I quit. You may be right that it's better then them thinking I wasn't good at my job.

[sb129]

I'm sick of getting the question "so why did you leave your old job before finding a new one?

 

I understand why you are sick of this question, but its clearly something that all your potential employers are interested in, so instead of hoping they won't ask you it, its much better to have a very good answer prepared.

 

Its a standard interview question, and they have a right to know the answer.

 

Krytie- (hi!, nice to see you) gave you some great advice.

 

We can to and fro about the internet usage, your unironed clothes, etc etc till the cows come home, but the facts are:

 

-you DID post negative stuff on here about your work and the IT guy knew you visited this site. Whether they saw it or not we'll never know.

 

-you DID get fired- and unless you make an effort to find out exactly what the reasons are, you are going to have to accept that some of it may have been your fault, and be prepared to admit that to future employers.

 

Whether you agree if it was wrongful or not is not the point- employers don't care. They want to know if they are going to have similar problems with you.

 

LB I understand this is very stressful for you, and I am sorry you are going through this. I do think it would be worth re-evaluating your approach, and perhaps swallowing a bit of humble pie to ask your old boss exactly what they thought the issues were- it may help you in the long run if you have a better idea.

[Star Gazer]

Actually I started posting about my boss AFTER the computer virus happened at work. Hence why I began posting negative things...

 

EXACTLY, LB. "Hmm, LB got a virus. What has she been looking at? Interesting site, this "Loveshack..." We should monitor where she's been going to make sure it doesn't happen again. (As time passes, they see you posting on LS...) Oh, well now... look at that! She's calling me an a-hole!!!"

 

Don't you see that??

 

I never again posted on loveshack on my work computer after that.

 

That's not true, LB. You posted on LS during work hours all the time. I don't need to do a search to prove it to you, do I?

 

SB is 100% right, LB... you're going to be asked by virtually every single interviewer why you're no longer employed. You really do need to come up with a good answer. Figure out a good answer, that's HONEST.

[Cora]

LB, I can understand how hard this must be for you. It sucks, it really does and I hope you can find a good job soon! I have been unemployed now for...gulp...a year and four months. That is very embarrassing for me to admit. I can't stand telling people that and it looks really bad to potential employers. It hurts when people ask so have you found a job yet? And I have to say the dreaded no not yet. I worked in social services for a little over a year before I was let go. I am still a little unsure as to why they let me go because like you, they were very vague with me and now the supervisor who let me go has just recently been let go himself. I'm starting to think I just don't have a very good personality and I suck at interviewing skills. I am very shy and employers don't want you if you are shy and not very outgoing. It is hurting me more than anything. I dread when interviewers ask me why I left my last job? I honestly don't know what to tell them so I've just been giving them the generic answer, that new management took over the company and they started downsizing. New management did in fact take over before I was let go. I'm not trying to make excuses, but I honestly don't know what I did wrong. I mean it must have been something.

 

Anyway, it's been tough having no income coming in. I received unemployment compensation, but that only lasted so long. I have been applying for any and everything I can. I got interviewed for a cashier position recently at Target, but I guess I screwed up the interview. I am just trying to go back to school now because a degree in Psychology doesn't get you very far. I'm learning that the hard way. It's really rough out there and I know our situations aren't exactly the same, but I do understand how frustrating it can be! I'm starting to think I'm unemployable. It's very depressing....well I'm way past depressed really. I do wish you the best of luck though! Hang in there and don't give up!

[Els]

Yep. The interviewers probably knew that. My fiance said they would probably be afraid I'd quit if something better came along (which I would.)

 

I'm sure they hired some girl with a bachelors degree straight out of school. It would be nice and interesting work but the hours were terrible too.

 

Monday off

Tuesday- 8-4

Wednesday 4-midnight

Thursday 4-midnight

Friday - 4-midnight

Saturday- 8-4

Sunday-off

 

That would have been hell!

 

Sorry to bump in, but I was curious about this.

 

Is a 40 hour week generally considered terrible in USA? Not being sarcastic, I really am interested in how working life is in various countries.

 

TBH, these sort of hours would be, like, my dream job. Early mornings two days a week only, and also two whole days off!

 

Then again, being an Asian Chinese probably skews my perception some.

[Odyssey]

I'm starting to think I'm unemployable. It's very depressing....well I'm way past depressed really

Social Services huh? You should come to england, it's about the only vacancies i keep seeing. That and teachers.

 

No one is completely unemployable, you'll just have to be less picky. I've been getting plenty of interviews for part-time jobs so far. To me, that's a good sign. I know it can feel like you're alone, but keep fighting. Well, at least we're be here to pick you up should you fall down.

[Star Gazer]

Sorry to bump in, but I was curious about this.

 

Is a 40 hour week generally considered terrible in USA? Not being sarcastic, I really am interested in how working life is in various countries.

 

TBH, these sort of hours would be, like, my dream job. Early mornings two days a week only, and also two whole days off!

 

I'd LOVE to only work 40 hours!!!

 

I think LB's expectations are of a cushy job...

[Cora]

Social Services huh? You should come to england, it's about the only vacancies i keep seeing. That and teachers.

 

No one is completely unemployable, you'll just have to be less picky. I've been getting plenty of interviews for part-time jobs so far. To me, that's a good sign. I know it can feel like you're alone, but keep fighting. Well, at least we're be here to pick you up should you fall down.

 

Actually, I would consider it. I'm about ready to move anywhere I have to just to find a job. Besides, I've always wanted to visit England. lol

 

It's definitely tough, but it's good to see I'm not alone. However, it's very rare that I see other people who have been unemployed for as long or longer than I have. Just makes me feel blah you know? The thing is I'm willing to take any job whether it be part time, full time, minimum wage etc. At this point I don't care about the type of work or that I wouldn't even make half as much as I did at my previous job. I just want to be employed again, earn a living and feel useful. I'm looking into some nanny/babysitting options now until I can find something else and just to help pay for schooling. Maybe something will come through eventually. Just can't give up right?