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I need to find a new job for my DM

14 replies

WitchOfEndor · 25/07/2012 17:08

My DM is nearly 65 and works in an office for the most micro-managing cow of a manager ever. Her manager throws any menial job she fancies my DMs way, regardless of whether its actually my DMs job to do it or not. The cow picks on people who won't argue back and my DM is of the 'don't want to let her see it bothers me' school of though so just puts up with it. But she is truly fed up. she was planning on reducing down to 3 days a week from 4 for another year, then retiring at 66, but the request was turned down because they didn't have the staff to cover reception/phones for the additional day DM would be off. And then about 5 weeks later they hired another girl to work on reception with DM. I have just had an email to say DM has had a big bust up with her boss and she will speak to me tonight about it. I hate thinking of DM going in everyday to sit in such a toxic environment so I'm trying to think of something else she can do. So far I've come up with dog-walking, which she thinks could be a possibility. She is fit and active, does her own gardening etc, is very presentable. Can you help me come up with suggestions so she can leave her hell-hole of an office?

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mumnosbest · 25/07/2012 17:13

does she work for the money or routine and to get out?

if its the later, what about lunchtime supervisor (dinnerlady) . my dm does it. its less than 2 hrs a day but she enjoys being with the kids and other ladies.

WitchOfEndor · 25/07/2012 17:19

She needs the money unfortunately but I will mention it to her as she does live near a primary school, thanks!

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mumnosbest · 25/07/2012 17:27

she could do that and be a crossing lady for more hrs or dog walking too. At least she'd be more flexible and could drop a job when she gets ready for retirement. maybe easier than reducing hours. She could also put an ad in local shop for home help. Weve got a lot of elderly people here and i know people do their shopping, post, collect library books etc.

Lonelylou · 25/07/2012 17:37

Perhaps start with dog walking and let the clients know she's looking for other employment too. My friend started as a gardner and does the customer's painting, changing light bulbs and other indoor stuff in winter.

NO job is worth stress like this. Life is too short!

WitchOfEndor · 25/07/2012 18:04

Thanks both, they are good suggestions, keep them coming!

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WitchOfEndor · 25/07/2012 18:08

Agree about it not being worth the stress, I can't believe anyone would take such pleasure in making someone else's life miserable in such small, mean, nit-picky ways. I've told DM she should let HR know what's been going on when she hands in her resignation!

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Lonelylou · 25/07/2012 18:11

She could write a letter from the heart to the 'abuser' and put it in her hand on the day that she leaves aswell. It may let the nasty person know how her behaviour affects others.

PurplePidjin · 25/07/2012 18:13

School transport escort?

Onthebottomwithawomansweekly · 25/07/2012 18:14

If it's really serious tell her to document everything - she might be able to claim constructive dismissal?

If she was planning to go self employed/part time in another industry, it might be worth it as she might get a nice payout to help with a nest egg.
(the reason I ask if she was planning to go self employed is that another employer might have an issue if they heard about the case)

But it can be a VERY stressful path to go down so she might be better off to just identify her exit plan, and do an honest exit interview with HR - they might have had other complaints and could possibly action it after she leaves?

WitchOfEndor · 25/07/2012 18:35

PurplePidgin what does that entail?

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WitchOfEndor · 25/07/2012 18:35

LonelyLou I don't think she would give a toss I'm afraid!

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WitchOfEndor · 25/07/2012 18:38

Onthebottom she has been documenting things but she is worried that HR wouldn't do anything, leaving her in a really awkward position. My DB has told her to go off with stress and he would phone HR in Head Office and tell then what was going on, but she's afraid that her boss will make her remaining days hell on earth.

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PurplePidjin · 25/07/2012 19:23

Sitting in a taxi at the beginning and end of the school day with children with learning difficulties :)

It would be less physically demanding than being a lollipop lady, but would fit well with being a lunchtime supervisor. Vacancies are advertised on the local council website, and there's always a few at least!

WitchOfEndor · 25/07/2012 20:38

Thanks PurplePidgin I'll get her to look on the council website to see if they need anyone.

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