Employee Appreciation Day

[Audrey Levins]

Hey Grumblers!

At the shop I work at today we had what my boss fondly calls an "all-store" meeting, even though there are only seven of us....and two of us weren't there.

And since we are always griping about our crummy tape measures, he bought seven round, shiny, silver-finish tape-measures from Restoration Hardware for us....and he said they were ours and we could take them home after work if we wanted to.

I thought it was an unexpectedly nice gesture, particularly coming from my usually taciturn boss, and it made me curious as to what other employers' little "thanks for the hard work" gifts might be.

And may I also say that one cannot underestimate the value of a pretty tape-measure.
http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/biggrin.gif

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I don't care what color your sofa is.

[RonEggers]

I gave an employee a VCR before VCRs became stocking stuffers. She was a really good employee, and I tried to let her know every chance I got. The coolest thing I did, though (if I can brag, and I will anyway) was to trade out framing to good local artists so that my employees could get some very nice art.

In case you're wondering if those things can buy any kind of loyalty, the answer, sadly, is no, they can't.

Ron

[jvandy57]

I show my appreciation to my employee with long hugs and deep passionate kisses. Haven't been sued for harassment yet.

Jerry

[Janet L]

Jerry,
You must have the same setup we have. My employee loves the fringe benefits!

Janet

[Audrey Levins]

Ron--

I never said a pretty tape-measure would buy my loyalty....but it does make a lovely Framing Accessory. http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/wink.gif

Besides, you shouldn't look at employee appreciation/benefits as a way to ensure loyalty; you should look at it as a way to express your thanks for a job well done. Very few employees are permanent, and most frame shop owners were employees themselves at some point until they flew the coop to open for business themselves....the employee side of framing has never been known for its monetary perks.

And I also---HEY, JANET AND CHARLES, COOL IT OVER THERE!

http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/biggrin.gif

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I don't care what color your sofa is.

[kizmet6382]

One of my perks..for being such a loyal..dedicated employee is to have a facial once a month. We use to have a massage therapist come in to the shop, once a week for an upper body massage. He ended up changing professions. We now get to go in for a full body massage once a month, or whenever the new massage therapist decides she needs some framing done. Life is good.

[curly]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Audrey Levins:
[B]Besides, you shouldn't look at employee appreciation/benefits as a way to ensure loyalty; you should look at it as a way to express your thanks for a job well done. Very few employees are permanent, and most frame shop owners were employees themselves at some point until they flew the coop to open for business themselves....the employee side of framing has never been known for its monetary perks.
/B]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Audrey, you definately need to find a new employer or open your own shop. Your boss gave everyone a tape measure? This guy's a peach.
Your thoughts on employee appreciation/benefits are twisted after too many years with this guy. Appreciation gifts and Benefits are for both loyalty AND thanks for a job well done. Some employers do it better than others. I take great pride in the programs and benefits that I give my employees. It's one of the ways I can make the job more monetarily rewardable and thankful. Some of the perks I give are:
Medical insurance (includes $20. copay on Dr. visits and prescriptions)
Sep/Sarsep retirement plan (employee can put up to 10% away tax free, I contribute an additional 2% of their Gross.)
18 days time off (10 Vacation/ 8 personal)
Up to $500. per year for tuition on continuing education.
The highest pay I can afford. Plus commissions on sales to sales staff.
My employees are very loyal, All of them have been with me for years. (24, 18, 18, 12, 10, the rest are 4 to 9 years).
Even though I have extremely competent employees, not one has ever opened their own shop. Don't get me wrong, I have had a few that left my employ after a while, but everyone that leaves either gets married and doesn't work or changes industries, or goes back to school or some other reason. That last benefit that I give is I ALWAYS recognize a job well done AND verbalize that recognition to the employee. Maybe I make the grass so green on this side of the fence?...



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curlyframer, CPF

[framechick]

Curly, have any openings?

Actually I am quite happy where I am as I have similar benefits, including Dental coverage.

More than anything else what makes me feel appreciated has the lowest price tag for my employer - the verbal recognition. The company I work for is spread out over a few locations so I never know when one of my bosses will see a particularly intricate design that I've sold. It's great to get an email from one of them, or a note added onto a fax they're sending that says "Great sale" or "Your sales are up 12% over last August. Way to go!"

I'd love to be in a position to say that was enough but the insurance, 401K and sales commission really do make a difference. The thing I like about sales commission is that I am the only one who can limit my earning potential. In my last job where there was no commission I felt accutely that I was working like crazy and getting nowhere as a result. Here if I end up staying late I usually also end up closing a sale sizable enough to make a noticable difference in my bank account.

And my boss frequently buys lunch or iced coffees or some other treat.

Audrey I have seen and coveted those Restoration Hardware tape measures. I might just get a couple for the new store.

[Audrey Levins]

Curly--

You may have heard me mention my boss before; I have even called him a few names, much to the dismay of Artlady and, I believe, Jim Miller. (I called him a moron, if I recall correctly, which led to the discussion of my poor attitude. Several people seemed to think that it was my attitude, and not my boss's moronic tendencies, that caused me the problems I have experienced at work.) But I have always believed in calling a spade a spade, and just because I work for someone doesn't mean I can't think he's a moron....I've had quite a few moronic bosses, and several very good ones as well; just because someone owns a business doesn't mean they're a great person to work for.

So the shiny silver tape-measure, while it may seem piddly (and I do agree with you on that) was as much as surprise as if he'd given all of us a paid day off. He does offer benefits, but only for full-time employees...and he won't hire more than three at any time, which means that unless someone dies or quits, I won't get any. He also ordered pizza for the shop...once.

But he pays rather well, and he was the only shop within any reasonable distance who needed a new framer when I moved here, so here I am.

And I do intend to open my own shop at some point...and everything he does, for good or bad, gives me more pointers than any business manual I've ever run across. http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/wink.gif

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I don't care what color your sofa is.

[kizmet6382]

I'd gladly give the above mentioned perks up for insurance, commissions, annual raises....and recognition. unfortunately, its not my choice. Keep smiling. http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/smile.gif

[ArtLady]

Audrey,

Remember attitude is everything. Sometimes those thoughts you are thinking affect your perceptions of situations at work. By the way I wonder what opinions all those "spades" might have back.

Can I suggest that dispite your frustrations with other people at work that you consider adopting a team attitude like the one you would have if you owned your own shop. Also, you might try taking a step back and looking at the world from another perspective. Adversity is a part of management. Try being the team player you would like having work for you one day.

When one is a boss they can be sued for calling an employee a "moron".

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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.

[This message has been edited by ArtLady (edited August 29, 2001).]

[Slowalkintexan]

We have a rather antiquated employee appreciation day once a week......we call it PAYDAY!!

Seriously, I've never had a framer leave for another place or to start their own business.
And at least three times a month someone, usually from a competitor, calls to ask if I have an opening. I pay well, treat them right and they stay.

In one of my shops....and it's not listed on my profile..... I use only parolees. And they are the hardest working and most loyal employees I've found.

[ArtLady]

Get otta here!!! Parolees how wonderful, giving those persons a second chance. It's working out good for you, too!!!

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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.

[Jim Miller]

"...In one of my shops...I use only parolees. And they are the hardest working and most loyal employees I've found."

That makes sense, I guess. A parolee would probably keep his nose clean for the duration of his parole, anyway. What happens when that's over and the Parole Officer goes away?

I once hired an ex-con to work in the distribution warehouse I managed. He had been convicted of drug possession and served a few months in jail. He claimed he was rehabilitated and drug-free, so I decided to give him a chance. He worked about three months and then just disappeared.

A few months later he broke into our warehouse, looking for money or stuff he could fence. He didn't get much, but was afraid he'd left his fingerprints. So, he came back later that same night with a 5-gallon can of gasoline and torched the place. It was the largest fire loss in the county that year -- well over 2 million dollars, and we had to completely tear down and rebuild the 2-year-old, 75,000 SF concrete block building.

He was finally caught, convicted, and served almost 1-1/2 years of his 7-15 year sentence.

I used to think I was a pretty good judge of character. Now I take no chances.

[Slowalkintexan]

Guess I should have said ex-parolees. Everyone of them is past their probation period and doing fine. I also have used many in other business' I own. The newest one at my frame shop has been out 6 1/2 years.
When I interview them and then hire, I have a very frank and direct talk with them. Fortunately you can have that conversation or ask any questions, whether they are male or female and the talk doesn't become harassment.
Also, I know, that the other employees take them out to the parking lot and explain the facts of life to them very clearly. They don't want their lives messed up by some j...a...t....!!

[Slowalkintexan]

ArtLady:
I'm not sure how to take your post. I assume it was complimentary, not sarcastic. However, many of these people are way beyond their second chance.
Many years ago I was involved in a program with the local high school where we gave jobs to some 'troubled' student. These were mainly juniors or seniors who needed some stability in their lives. The school wanted whatever help they could get to help these students graduate. We only had one failure, he did attempt a breakin. It took alot of work and time but it paid off well. We felt we were putting something back into the community that was supporting us.
Many of those students, and our former ex-parolees come back to visit and say 'thank you'. However I think,we were the ones that got the benefit.
Some of our current ex-parolees are extremely loyal. They have repaid our trust in them many times over.
Okay, enough with the soapbox, but this is a way to get excellent employees that many overlook.

[curly]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Audrey Levins:
Curly--

...and he was the only shop within any reasonable distance who needed a new framer when I moved here, so here I am.

And I do intend to open my own shop at some point...and everything he does, for good or bad, gives me more pointers than any business manual I've ever run across. http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/wink.gif
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Audrey,
Do yourself a favor and on your next day off go to every other framer within 5 to 10 miles with your resume, clean clothing/hair and nails AND your best smile. Introduce yourself and explain that you are looking to change jobs and that you're looking for full time employment with benefits. You might just impress someone into offering you a position. If not immediately, soon. Trust me on this, I just described the way I got into framing 25 years ago. Good Luck!

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curlyframer, CPF

[ArtLady]

The was absolutely no intended sarcasm in my post. I think your program for parolees is wonderful.

I am not fond of sarcasm. I have found that making a practice of it can get you in trouble. I do not like having my "big ole foot" in my mouth.



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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.

[Slowalkintexan]

Thanks ArtLady:
I've discovered, since watching The Grumble, that I see the framing business alot different than many independent framers. But that's a different story. Anyway, thank you again for the clarification.

[Audrey Levins]

Artlady--

I am assuming, from your post, that you think that
a.) I am not a team player, and that
b.) my boss is, in fact, an excellent boss.

You do not know either of these things, and you cannot assume them because I have called my boss a moron on the privacy of this board...any more than you can assume that every Grumbler here who has ever complained about a customer's rudeness/ignorance made their feelings plain to that customer. We have all dealt with rude and ignorant customers, the same way we have worked with less-than-stellar bosses and employees. Does this mean that these customers and bosses/employees KNOW how we feel about them? Of course not. Are we still free to think what we like about them? Of course. You said yourself that an employer who called an employee a moron could get sued....but does that mean you've never had an employee or a customer you didn't like?

I doubt it.

Does that mean that they knew it?

Of course not, right?

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I don't care what color your sofa is.

[Framing Goddess]

Audrey,
I don't think this board is at all private!
Seems to me just about anyone can register and read posts. Including your boss. Or anyone's boss. Or employee.
Just a thought.
Edie the FG

[Framing Goddess]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Slowalkintexan:
I've discovered, since watching The Grumble, that I see the framing business alot different than many independent framers. But that's a different story. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Okay, SWT, you have piqued the Goddess' curiosity!
Maybe you can start a new thread with this story! (hint, hint)
E the FG

[Slowalkintexan]

Okay Edie,
I'd be glad to start a new thread about why I see the framing business differently than most independents. I'll start it this afternoon when I get a break.
Wonder what to call it???... "How to love framing and not make any money" ?? .....or..."Why I opened a frame shop because I was appalled at what existed already"?......not joking, really.
When I opened my first shop many years ago, there were 7 frame shops in that town. Only one of those is still in business and 9 others have opened and closed.
Watch for my thread. And I do expect to get flamed brutally, but I can take it........'cause I make money from the framing business.

http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/cool.gif

[ArtLady]

Dear Audrey,

At some point I learned that sometimes the best way to conduct myself was less confrontational. I learned that I do not have to have a response for every question, an opinion about every situation nor do I have to express every emotion that I feel. To take it a step further, the only reason that I would have to do that is either it makes me feel better at the expense of those around me or I want to gain support for a contrary issue. Both of these are inappropriate in the work place. There are recordings that we play in our heads and sometimes they come out of our mouths. If we don't plays those recordings in our heads they NEVER come out of our mouths at inappropriate times. I am not fond of putting my foot in my mouth so I work very hard at not thinking those thoughts that let that happen. When I started doing this I found that my whole life changed. My boss started trusting me, my coworkers started talking to me, I met and married a great new husband, I openned my own Art Gallery, my vendors started working with me, my projects starting coming to fruition and my business started growing. My highs and lows went away because I was not dealing with the regrets from the day before. I was looking for and finding solutions to issues.

I have no opinions from the comments you have made above other than to say that this is not a closed room. The whole world may enter this area of the web and read all of our comments including bosses, coworkers and other lurkers who may or may not respond or be related to people that I may know or work with. I guess I would be very uncomfortable calling anyone I know boss or otherwise a name in front of strangers. Putting a label on someone probably says more about the person labeling than it does the person being labeled. Perhaps, we could stop and think about someone we know who calls people names. How do we feel about that person? Then we realize that it might be us that we are looking at. Perhaps, we could stand back and say "Gee, I wonder why they are acting like that today?" Perhaps, we could reserve our opinions and just tell ourselves that we don't necessarily agree with some of the decisions around us. Then we could ask ourselves whether we have the relationship built or the right to question those decision. If we do not, then perhaps we could work on those areas within ourselves to develop those relationships where we will be in a position to effect those decisions.

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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.

[Audrey Levins]

Artlady--

I do sincerely appreciate your positive attitude, and I'm sure that I can learn something from you, the same way I learn every day from all the other Grumblers. http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/smile.gif And I am glad that you are experiencing such success; I'm sure you deserve it.

My point in my above post is not that a positive attitude is always a bad thing, merely that I cannot help forming opinions of the people around me, the same way they have an opinion of me. I cannot pretend in my own head to like someone I don't like, or to revise my opinion of them just because it's not favorable...nor do I have to like everybody I work with. Do I have to work with them in a peaceful and cohesive manner? Of course. And I do...but my opinions remain my own.

And for the record, my boss does not have internet access, either at work or at home.
http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/biggrin.gif

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I don't care what color your sofa is.

[ArtLady]

So what is your point? What is the point of all these opinions about the boss and coworkers?

"Moron" is a subjective word. Would you also lets us know what your perception of a "moron" is?

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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.

[Framar]

Audrey,

In December of 1981 Decor published a letter I had written to them as an article, entitled Framing Employee Speaks Out: "I Care-My Boss Doesn't!" You would certainly see yourself in what I wrote, just as I see myself in your postings. This particular article garnered the hugest response the magazine had ever seen. And it was split down the middle. Half of the people who wrote in said they would fire me on the spot and half of them said they would hire me.

I will send you the whole article when I get my scanner (and figure out how to use it) but for now, here is the first paragraph (and try not to laugh too hard):

I have been an employee in the retail picture framing business for 12 years. I began at minimum wage ($1.55 an hour), and now I am making $5.00 an hour. I get 5 vacation days a year, but there are no other benefits-no medical, no sick days, no profit sharing, no NOTHIN'. I don't want to sound too "Oh, woe is me," but there is no way I can foresee myself owning my own frame shop. I have no rich relatives; I know no wealthy investers; I have $31.95 in the bank.

Anyhow, back in 2001, I think of that article and that "me" everytime I read one of your "grumbles" and I marvel at the universe. And then I hum or sing the "Galaxy Song."

Fondly,

Mar, CPF (Certified Published Framer)

PS, less than a year after that was published I had my own shop!

[Bob Carter]

Let's hope within a year's time, Audrey has her own shop

[ArtLady]

So Audrey,

What are you doing to get your own shop?

We have not heard from Rick. How is he doing with the apartment frame shop?

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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.

[Audrey Levins]

Framar--

I would love to see that article. It is nice to know that someone with just as much money as I have in the bank http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/wink.gif came up with their own shop a year later. Good for you! And as for our resemblances...I am aware that I project a certain amount of what some might call youthful enthusiasm for my opinions...and I am almost certain that others think I place far too much importance on them. http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/wink.gif

Artlady...to answer your first post, my point was that I am a fully-functioning adult with the ability to separate what I think of someone with my need to work with them. But I don't subscribe to your idea that if I don't like somebody, it's all my problem and all in my head, and something that I need to work on.

And as for my definition of the word moron...hmmm. Let's see....a person in a position of authority who complains about my co-workers in front of me...a person who thinks that I get paid to listen to him whine about problems only HE is in a position to solve...a person who plays his employees against each other...a person who refuses to deal with angry customers and won't pick up the phone if he knows they're on that line....a person whose idea of problem-solving is to moan that maybe he's in the wrong profession...a person who makes promises to customers that he doesn't fulfill, and then tries to get his employees to cover for him instead of dealing with it himself...and perhaps most importantly, a person whose rules fluctuate wildly with his mood and the day.

That's pretty much both my definition of a moron, and the definition of my boss.

And as for Rick...he has quit framing because we were going broke--another icky side of framing is the fluctuating, undependable hours--and gone back to bartending to work up some capital while he works on his interactive framing website, which will be a service he wants to offer local artists and businesses so he can work up connections and get his/our name out there....and slowly work our way from there.

And what a happy day that will be. http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/smile.gif

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I don't care what color your sofa is.

[Framar]

Audrey, If I had the space and the money for an employee, you would be the one person I would love to hire.

My computer guy was closed today so no scanner yet. If you send me your address I will Xerox and snail mail it to you.

When I wrote the "article" it was published anonymously but I was not worried that my boss would read it (or my ex-boss, for that matter) because they never read the articles!

I guess I am no longer "anonymous" on this forum, but Kramer has long passed on and the Other Boss has sold his business and retired.

I think I'm safe. http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/smile.gif

[Audrey Levins]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Framar:
Audrey, If I had the space and the money for an employee, you would be the one person I would love to hire. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/biggrin.gif

Why thanks! I think we'd get along swimmingly. It's nice to know you made it, too; I feel like one of the Pilgrims who is still caught on the wrong side of the Atlantic. http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/wink.gif BUT SOMEBODY MADE IT, SO I CAN TOO!

I'll be e-mailing you with my address for that article; I can't WAIT to read it.

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I don't care what color your sofa is.

[This message has been edited by Audrey Levins (edited September 02, 2001).]

[kizmet6382]

oh my!! and i thought i had employer problems. i think you should get the prize..audrey. i have worked for different employers that had some of those qualities...but not one...that had ALL of them. lol. i would love to read your article, Framar. if you get your scanner up and going...put me on your list..of send to's please?
kirsty

[kizmet6382]

i'm in a bit of a quandry..in regards to my employer. its been on my mind..for days. i'd really appreciate any input. maybe i am being unfair.
the shop i work in...i do the painted bevels, french lines, marble papering...and a few other specialty things. if i didnt do them...they would not be a service that would be offered in the shop i work at. in fact..no one in town does them..except for me. the shop i am at...didnt even do them..b4 i came. we were swamped a few weeks ago...and i suggested that i take them home to do them on my own time. and of course..i'd like to be compensated for my time, as well. (i'm on salary) at first she said ok..that sounded fine. after she got some input from various family members..she decided she needed a cut of it. i am ok with that. if she wants to go to the effort of figuring it aall out and deducting it...i can live with it. (10%...not a big deal). she cant afford to give me a raise...i havent had a raise in 1.5 yrs. the way i see it is..this is a way for me to get a lil extra cash..without it coming out of her pocket. the thing that really got me was when she said..."you know kirsty...you'd never have the chance to do those thigns..if you didnt work here." i was appalled at that. i'm like..my gosh...its a service that no one would get in this town..if i didnt bring it to YOU.
am i being unreasonable in what i think is fair to both of us?? every since she said that to me...i dont sell them anymore. in fact..i ordered a black core mat...to get a 12x16 cut mat out of it. normally, i would have painted a the core myself..out of scrap. i'm really bothered by this...and i'm afraid it has affected how i feel about my worth..in this shop. i'd really like to know if i am being unreasonable on this issue. thanks...
kirsty

[Bob Carter]

I think both Audrey and you need to explore the "free agent" market. As the only framer with your skills in San Angelo, and in Audrey's case a town as large as San Antonio, there have to be shops needing people of your skills. The one thing employeers complain about is the woeful lack of skilled applicants.

I wouldn't spend another day working in a place that I was underpaid or under-appreciated. I'm dead serious when I say this. You have both complained about your employeers; it's time to do something about it. Life is too short to have to put up with the things on this thread. Shame on your employeer's (if it's anywhere near true), shame on you for staying.

[kizmet6382]

thank you for your comments. i needed to know if i was being unreasonable.
at this point in time...i dont have the choice to move out of san angelo. the other frameshops here...are not up to my standards in workmanship. very shoddy...in my opinion. i plan on moving....but it cant happen yet. trust me..if i didnt have to stay where i am..i wouldnt. unfortunatley...baby needs a new pair of shoes. and this gal has to pay for them. i could change professions...but i truly do love what i do.

Kirsty

http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/smile.gif "Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/smile.gif

[ArtLady]

There are certain ranges of salary that a frame shop can afford to pay and make a ROI (return on investment) for the owner. Realistically a framer makes what an employer can afford to pay them. If you add an extra service the employer is still the one with the money and the reputation on the line. If a business owner is not making a profit there are reasons why. Although until the owner comes to terms with those issues there will not be more resources available. When an employer hires someone, it is with the anticipation that the individual will help him achieve the ROI he is seeking. Unless there is a market for the extra skill that an employee may provide one can not expect to be compensated dollar for dollar for every extra service provided. Consider that all that is learned or all experienced provided increases the value of that individual. The market will provide the extra compensation desired if you look for it. However, that may not come according to all the expected terms, there may be a longer comute to work, one or more less benefit etc. However, if there is a relationship of trust and the unstated goal is the common dedication to the ROI for the owner then ultimately the organization will benefit and grow there may be more resources for all.

It is admirable the way all who have responded here are ambitious and dedicated to their profession. If you look for a way you will find a means to own your own organization then you will be faced with ROI, Inventory turns, profitability, new technology, leases, marketing, and yes employees.

Confrontation and demands only compound frustration for an employer. Imagine facing not only the monetary issues but employees with attitudes every day. No matter how valuable the skill set an employee can provide it may not be worth it to continue to have some individuals on the payroll. The most valuable employees have the right skills and the right realistic attitudes.

Perhaps, this response could be considered the employers side of the discussion.

There are only a few words difference between a confrontational and a PC statement. I guess I would have more respect for a statement that started "I guess I am disappointed that my boss is not interested in providing more education." Or "I guess I am disappointed that my boss has not provided more compensation for the extra services that we can now provide." However, I will continue to work in a professional manner and someday I may have my own shop or my boss will have the resources to compensate me better or perhaps another organization will consider my skills worth more.

What about goals and team spirit? Aren't these leadership qualities that will help an individual achieve their long term goals?
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.

[This message has been edited by ArtLady (edited September 02, 2001).]

[kizmet6382]

kizzy~~~~~>true grumbler. a proud moment. i get choked up, easily. i need a moment....please. lol.
actually...i did want to say how much i have enjoyed reading what other framers have to say, and to also have a place to go...when i have questions and concerns. thank you muchly, mr/ms grumble god..for being here.

Kirsty

[Audrey Levins]

Kirsty--

I think you are right in being a bit outraged at your boss's attitude; the fact that you are enhancing her reputation with services no one else can provide should earn her respect and gratitude...and if she can't compensate you monetarily, the least she can do is thank you verbally. This whole "you wouldn't get to do this if it weren't for my shop" is ####. She wouldn't be able to offer it if it weren't for you; I don't see that you owe her anything more than she owes you.

And Artlady--I think it's splitting hairs for you to say that it's not WHAT I said, but HOW I said it, that bothers you. When I come to the Grumble, I'm not worried about advancing my boss's opinion of me, or of being PC...I really couldn't care less. I don't get paid for what I do/say here, and my time here is my own. And I think it's also evident that it's not the phrasing at all, but the content, of what I said that has irritated you....and I notice that you haven't said one word about my definition of the word "moron," because it's undoubtedly a definition that suits the person in question.

And although your concern for my employer's position is readily evident, I haven't noticed you express one word/opinion/thought on my own position, as that of the "lowly employee." If a person were really so concerned about being "PC," I would expect an equal respect for the opinions of the underdog...i.e., me. But you have only defended my employer, and ignored what I have said about him, as if I made it all up.

So pardon me for being honest on a board which is called "The Grumble."

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I don't care what color your sofa is.

[Slowalkintexan]

Kirsty:
I am not taking issue with your position, but every time I see the phrase "can't afford to give a raise" it angers me. If they can't afford to give a good employee a raise than the durn fool shouldn't be in business.
I've prided myself on never(well, maybe except once or twice) having an employee ask for a raise. I try to notice when some one has consistently been doing a good job and offer them a raise.
Recently I had a situation where an employee's pay was at the max for what they were doing. I explained the situation to them and asked for a suggestion, and I was pleased and surprised that they came up with a solution to make more profit and give them a raise. They got a bonus too!

[framechick]

I have always thought myself able to clearly see both sides of the employer/employee coin. It can seem very frustrating when you're an employee in a small shop. Just because I am able to understand that the owner isn't just taking all of that money home and sorting it into big stacks in his counting room doesn't make the daycare cost any less. Of course he deserves to keep the profit, he stuck his neck out to get it. I had to start interviewing in another profession because I was not able to meet my financial obligations even though I was making pretty much top dollar for a framer in my area (which, sadly is lower than entry level dollar for many office jobs)I was fortunate enough to land in an unusual framing position - sales only with wonderful benefits. Among them is a sales commission, so if I'm not making enough money it falls to me to sell more.

How can a small shop become a well established shop without skilled, experienced eployees? How can a small shop expand in light of rising labor costs?

It's definitley a multifaceted issue. I don't think there are any cut and dried answers. I'm glad we have the Grumble as a forum to explore them.

[kizmet6382]

i dont mean to make my boss sound like she has no redeeming qualities. she is a good person and she means well. she can be very generous in some ways. she is a people person..and is very caring. her bossing and business skills need a lil work though.
i know the money isnt there. i see the books. the money could be there, if she didnt remodel her house with trade outs... through the store. or if she didnt give her son a job..because he's out of work (he has done fitting for the shop on occasion through the years). its been slow..and the work thats there, is nothing we cant handle. i'm just a peon framer..and i can see where the money goes. i dont guess she see's it though. or maybe her priorities are different than most business owners. seems to me the money should go back into the shop...if its that tight. (sarcasm) who is it that said...cant run a business like a hobby? guess maybe she missed that chapter.
yeah...i am a lil miffed about the situation..and i really dont see myself staying any longer than is necasary. i love what i do, and i'm good at it. but i think its time to move on. i have overstayed..as it is.
i try not to spend a lot of energy on negativity. makes me not like who i am..when i have that kind of energy in my life. i will try to keep my whining at a minimum. http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/smile.gif i have often said that this interent venting that we all do..can be compared to journaling. i always feel better after i have typed some of my thoughts. the problem i have...i cant shut up sometimes. lol.
thanks for the input. i really just needed to make sure i was not being overly sensitive.

Kirsty