Well, where do I begin? Too many issues at work to write detailed acconts about. Suffice it to say that we work in a hostile work environment. The "boss" loves to micro-manage everyone and everything. We are all labeled as "subordinates" as employees. Parents who may have valid complaints are told "If you don't like it here (at Sunol Glen) you can leave. I have a waiting list to fill your child's vacancy." Staff who complain are threatened and forced to resign. I really wish she (the boss) would just move on quickly and let us rebuild all that has been lost at our little school. Even so, it will be too late for many. Our Pre school and child care programs are being systematically destroyed. We have been moved out of the building to portables in the back again, lost the use of our recently remodled office space, told that we have no assigned space for before and after school child care and will be sharing space "somewhere" on campus. All of our furniture, supplies, records (confidential included) are in the public auditorium in storage. Our confidential file drawer locks were even drilled out and the contents removed. Time cards have been altered and hours worked go unpaid ( a labor board issue). We have been discriminated against and refused the opportunity to rent space for the summer at our school, while another group (religious in orientation) was allowed rented space, custodial services, etc. "Someone" called in a complaint against us for trying to accomodate the few families, who could not find care elswhere, with child care. That is another interesting story. Our hours have been cut, schedules changed and changed yet again. Megan, the Director of both programs, has been directed by the "boss" to support all managerial decisions even when she can prove that the decisions made are detrimental to the families we serve and the programs Megan has worked so hard to develop. As a result Megan is resigning and moving to Utah. Amanda is looking for a job elsewhere, since her treatment at Sunol has been less than equitable. Promises were made to her to move her into the correct position and pay scale when she completed her credentialing....and then denied. She is doing the work of the pre school teacher and being compensated as a child care worker. Equity? I think not. We were all forced to take vacation days and then unemployed for the remainder of the summer. Positions changed from 12 month to 10 month employees and less hours for the Fall. That hits the pocket book and our retirement in the long run. All retaliatory actions for disagreeing with the "boss".
And me, well who wants to hire a 55 year old woman, so I am pretty stuck with where I am.
My biggest loss is that Megan, Allan and my precious Allie are moving to Utah. The hope is that they will be able to buy a home for less money there and find jobs quickly. I don't know what I will do without them near by. I am struggling with the emotions of loss and depression. The fear of another grandchild forgetting us and the closeness we once had. Miles and finances make it nearly impossible for us to keep those bonds alive and strong. Knowing who I am in a picture is not the same as knowing who I am or how much I love them. I will sorely miss them.
We too, will be facing housing issues at some point soon. The house we are renting (grandma Pearson's house) may not be available for us to live in if the new owner sells his other home that he is living in. Economic trials are forcing the sale of his home to eliminate paying two mortgages. We are trying to figure out a way to put a home on the property near our barns. However the property belongs to Lowell's mom and it is difficult to get a loan for a house that is on property you don't own. No collateral for the lender.
Yes, I know that my problems are small and insignificant compared to the trials of others but I still can't help feeling the burden weigh upon my shoulders at times. I guess this is one of those times in my life when I wish I could just set it all aside.
I have so much to be greatful for even so. I have a wonderful supportive husband, a terrific family, children who have grown up strong and faithful, grandchildren who hold special places in my heart, the gospel and all associated blessings in my life. I really have no right to complain, yet I find it difficult to remain silent.
Erin I think you would call this a pity party! Okay, I'm done now.
