James Newtons Massmind wrote:
> My old boss used to set the project deadlines on the holidays. If we got
> done early, we got extra days off (never happened) but if we were behind, 
> we
> were expected to give up the holiday to "make it happen" for the company.
> Birthdays were "a day like any other." We didn't pay bribes, we "allowed
> important people to participate in the revenue stream." We didn't attempt 
> to
> defraud the state by failing to pay sales tax, we "misunderstood the local
> regulations." We didn't spam, we "kept interested users informed of 
> products
> they would find useful." We didn't run up huge shipping and supplier bills
> and then declare bankruptcy while selling our product line to the owners
> wife and moving 5 miles down the road, we "went through a very necessary
> reorganization." And the same UPS and FedEx drivers serviced the new
> account, picking up the same product from the same warehouse manager on a
> standard account. The company was "very successful" and is still in
> business. He owned several houses out-right, drank Sam Adams after 5 at 
> work
> and drove a top end Mercedes.
>
> I didn't like myself very much when I was working for that company; the
> pressure made me into a total prick. Or I allowed myself to become.. 
> However
> you want to word it. I had a mortgage, drank rot gut coffee and drove
> Tercels and Civics. Still do.
>
> Life is better now. Well... At least until the boss retires and the bosses
> daughter takes over... She has no net worth despite a 6 figure income,
> drinks Starbucks and just purchased a top end beemer; which in my 
> experience
> is a sure sign of bad things to come. Nothing against BWM, they just seem 
> to
> be the car of choice for bad managers.

Thanks for the story, James. I even think if the company's conduct is 
immoral, and bordering on illegal, it's OK to name names. I'd hate to do 
business with such company, and I would not buy their products.

By the way, I think I have the reputation of being a Catbert, because of my 
views on free trade, outsourcing, and the emphasis on efficiency and the 
bottom line. :)

But, I also believe it makes business sense to keep employees happy. Last 
year our company has adopted a PTO policy, which includes paid holidays. In 
February, we started offering medical, dental, and life insurance benefits. 
We pay competitive wages, and I believe the employees like working here -- I 
say that in part based on our relatively high retention rate, and in part on 
the laughs and happy chatter that I hear throughout the day. Hardly ever is 
anyone asked to work overtime (although I myself put in at least 50 hours 
every week). I have never, ever, screamed at, insulted, or belittled an 
employee.

If your boss is a jerk, look for work elsewhere. I did, on at least two 
occasions (that I can remember). I understand that in certain circuimstances 
it's better to tolerate the jerk, than to be unemployed -- but just be aware 
that not all companies are evil, and don't give up the search.

Best regards,

Vitaliy

PS For the record, I drive an '06 Hyundai Sonata, which I bought used last 
year. My previous car was a '97 Sunfire. 

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