NAN has now become one of those things that won't follow the original plan. I had 75% of it planned and ready. Hotel, what I was going to be doing and most likely who I was going to be going with. But now, back to square one. Last week we were dealt a huge blow at work. With the type of work that we do, it came with a certain title next to our specific position. This is extra title, we were allowed to earn things at a different rate than other employees. The powers that be, have decided that they want everyone to be on the same level to make it fair all the way around. AKA they want us to do the same work but for cheaper and not give us what we have been earned all along. As angry as I was about it at first, now I'm more disappointed than anything.
One of the biggest changes is that we now earn half of the vacation we used to. Which means that if I had worked every single minute I could until I left for the trip, I would have earned enough vacation time to cover all of the days I was going to be gone plus one extra day to recover at home after traveling (if I was driving). Now, working all that I normally would, I would earn about 3.6 days.Not enough time to get there, be at the show and get back. Even if I included my normal day off (Wednesdays) I still wouldn't have enough to make it work. Like I said before, disappointed.
To add to all of this they put a pay cap on all of us. After learning what is the highest I would be able to make over the next 5 years (that's how often the caps are evaluated) I wouldn't be able to afford anything really. So after about an hour or so of stewing at work, I decided I have had it. I will be leaving there by the end of the year. That place has taken enough from me in the last year that I will not let they take anymore. I have given up just about every holiday for them. I worked Christmas Eve last year and missed 2 family gatherings. I worked 4th of July when my family normally enjoys time up north and I was told to expect to work this Black Friday and Christmas Eve.
Well, they can shove off.
Deciding to leave was for the most part an easy decision. But actually getting to the point where I can leave is a whole different ball game. I have been job hunting for awhile now, and with some new leads it actually looks promising. But I will have to give up a few things to be able to leave where I am now. I use Wednesdays to get a lot of things done, including weekly appointments are help me remain a manageable person. I would get my weekends back and possibly not have to work holidays anymore. Leaving means that I will lose my health insurance for a while. 3 months to be exact. Most places won't add you to the plan until you have been there past the training period and then a short time of normal work after that. In that past you could back bill medical stuff in between coverage, but most policies don't do that anymore.
Right now there is a lot up in the air. Things tend to work out for me in the long run, but it doesn't stop me from being panicked and worried about it all right now. So as much as it pains me to say it, the NAN trip might have to be postponed. I have 4 years to get there, but I really have this feeling that this is my year. That for some reason I need to be there. I am trying to stay optimistic about everything, but it's hard doing it all the time.
So, until next time. Be thankful for what you have.