Bad news :(

I guess that my workplace that I've been at for 2 years seems to think that me selling container gardens from home is a conflict of interest. They seem to think I'm screwing them. Accused me of all kinds of things I never did or ever dreamed of doing, so therefore, I guess I am going to have to leave a job I love in the plant industry to look for work elsewhere :( Though I will still have our small nursery it won't be anything like what I'm used to. I just had to share this with you guys I needed to tell someone and you guys are so supportive to me.

Katrina

I'm so sorry (((((Katrina)))))

Think before you leap.

There might still be some diplomatic way to approach this situation, without your having to leave the work you love -- especially since your boss is a good and understanding person (as I remember your saying in an earlier post). Can a compromise of some sort be worked out (for example, could you agree not to sell plants that the nursery carries)? It seems very short-sighted and disproportionate for the nursery to feel threatened by someone who has served them so well, and who simply wants to sell containers from home -- once the initial reaction has worn off, perhaps the owners would be willing to sit down and talk about this reasonably. There might even be ways that their business could potentially benefit from an association with yours. I am praying about this situation. Did your husband end up losing the job with the nursery?

Katrina, I am so sorry to hear of this development. Good luck to you.

Katrina, that just upsets me no end. How can they do that to you?!! Well, it's definitely their loss. There's plenty of other places in the area that would welcome you as an employee. Send me an e-mail when you have a chance for a few ideas...

Sorry to hear it, Katrina. Hope you do not take it too personally, they are probably thinking from a pure business point of view (unfair). You will overcome this latest obstacle, and go on to much success in your new venture! John

White rose, he is, but lately they have been doing little things that realyl make me mad. I.E. conflict in paid time off that I was told, but have nothing in writing... Things like that just over the past month or so that have made me upset before any of this. He knows I am not doing anything that our nursery does here we do nothing like it at all. Thats the thing I don't understand they have a multi million dollar nursery and I invested not even a thousand and they feel this would hurt them??? I mean I would even sell the stuff to them cheaper and he knows that. I have brought in alot of new things that have sold well plus found supplies cheaper in these past two years that have saved them thousands of dollars and now the way he talked to me is like I'm nothing at all to him. He's changed the last month I have had a feeling something funny is going on for a little bit here lately anyways before the whole nursery thing came up...

Katrina

So sorry to hear about this Katrina!
Have you by any chance been talking with customers about your own nursery ideas?? Telling them about your upcoming plans?? Maybe he has overheard you and he might feel as though you are going to be taking his customers??

I too think you should look before you leap, if this is something that you really love to do. I'd think long and hard before I left there. In fact, I would make it where he had to fire me! b/c it sounds like he is trying to make you quit for some reason or another. I would just be so easy going and go with the flow. Then if you really want to quit, you can find something while you are still working there.

Get out of there as soon as possible. Sounds like a real jerk to me! Don't sign anything when you leave! A lady here in the Gladious business, broke off from her employer, he gave her blubs and stuff to go on her own. She had to sign a paper that she wouldn't be in direct comition with him, I guess it was stay out of my area. Fine, except he moved in on her territory! Be careful & GOOD LUCK!
Bernie

It does sound as if there are some strange behind-the-scenes shenanigans going on at that nursery, and they might indeed involve the manager trying to get you to quit. Your first post gave me the idea that you loved the job, but the most recent post indicates that you haven't been happy there for some time. If you want to stay on at the nursery, I still believe that there are diplomatic options open to you; if you are unhappy there and want to leave, it seems to me that it would be worthwhile to think it over very carefully before taking that final step -- have your ducks in a row financially and a business plan firmly in place. Few things are more frightening than not having any job at all while waiting for one's own business to bloom (no pun intended).

Katrina, maybe it's time to bring that truckload of plants up here to expensive NC! You have lots of support here, and all sorts of very good advice. Hang in there, hope to IM you soon again.

Well, if I do leave it is not going to be to just do my own nursery. I will find another bookkeeping job somewhere else, and then have my nursery on the side just like I would have here. I am not leaving immediately but am thinking of taking a day off next week to call some ads, there were 20 in the paper I qualify for!!! So who knows, I will keep you all updated

Katrina

It's always easier to find a job when you have a job. But if I were in your shoes, I would definitely think about above suggestions carefully. Are you a bookkeeper there? Is there something someone is afraid you will discover in the books? This is happening so frequently these days, and it would terrify me to be in a fiduciary position with this change of atmosphere. Just this week, two women in Austin were convicted of embezzling millions from Bank of America, and the people they supervised said the women had been really hard to work for, even downright blatantly unfair. Now is appears it was to keep others intimidated and too much on the defense to notice the crimes going on under their noses. If something is going on in your situation, it would behoove you to get outta Dodge pronto, but be very careful about everything you say and do. Maybe you and your boss need to have lunch and you could ask in a sincere manner if he is unhappy with you and/or your work, and really listen to what he says and doesn't say. Watch his eyes, notice any appearance of uneasiness at what you say. If he squirms, back off and make mental notes. Later, you might be well served by observations you make now.

Aimee, per usual you have come up with some very insightful things...
The austin things sure sounds odd, how on earth could they scam the "bank of america"??? wow - the gall people have!

Aimee yes I am bookkeeper here. He specifically said he didn't care but because another person besides him knew what I was doing that it was wrong he said I should have hid it from him. Thats the thing though, I was trying to avoid later down the road trying to hide all kinds of things I think its just easier to be honest with a person rather than evasive. He wants me to tell everyone that I decided not to do the nursery even though I am. There are all kindsa wierd things that go on here, and I know some, but don't want to know more ya know what I mean??? I also wanted to mention, I didn't reply to this earlier, but I have not discussed with customers or anything my ideas and all. I said something to two of the girls I work with that I thought were friends but not sure of now. I have a Business data entry degree, know tons of computer programs, accounts payable recievable, payroll, type 80 wpm all kinds of thing so another job should not be too difficult to find. I just hope I can find one while working without taking off too much time to where its obvious what I am doing.

Katrina

Sounds like two catty women who are jealous of you have been at the bottom of it. In time, they will probably hang themselves, but it might not be worth hanging around and going through the process. Quietly looking into other employment sounds like a good idea indeed! With your qualifications, this should be a piece of cake. I wish you all the luck in the world. It saddens me every time I hear of women backstabbing other women, though. When will we learn how to be loyal?

I doubt that will ever happen Aimee although I wish it would. Actually I don't think its both I think its one and jeoulasy is at the bottom, but there were other things as I mentioned before that had me unhappy before this sordid event, but this have just put it over the top. I will keep you all informed and thanks for being here for me to talk to. I don't have any friends really locally, have mom and hubby and sometimes its nice to have friends to discuss issues with

((hugs to all of you))

Katrina

Katrina....does this change your plans for a vacation? Jo

It depends on which job I get really, if I can sit down tonight and figure out exact dates we want to go and tell them up front I have something planned that week it shouldn't affect it I don't think. What about doing it earlier maybe??? What week did we decide on last in feb or first in march??? any way to do it sooner?

Katrina

I'll email you...Jo

Whatever happens, you will be in all of our prayers -- for protection, for a better work situation, and for peace of mind.

Thank you so much whiterose you are the best

after reading all of this i personally believe you should look for another job and have your nursery too! He will learn after you are gone that he goofed not you. i just hate when people medal into someone elses business. best of luck and keep the upper chin here.

Hey, move up here we could use a good bookkeeper and you could be very busy with plants too! LOL!
Bernie

Bernie,
I think I would freeze!!! I have never seen tempatures under 20 let alone been in it for months!!! If I thought I could adapt I would soooo seriously consider it hahah!! Oh and also if my nursery wasn't here!!! I got 250 liners potted earlier this week so we are moving right along :) I have calmed down now but still plan on leaving, I am going to take 1 day off next week and fax some resumes and call around. Once again I thank you all for being here for me :)


Katrina

you Got IM

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!

Katrina, Good luck on your job search! I will be thinking and praying for you. I know something will come up for you. Keep your chin up!

Thank you vredfish I really appreciate it and am trying my hardest to do just that :)

Katrina

I would appreciate it if you all read this letter I composed for my boss. I am going to print and bring it to work tommorow, and check to see what u guys think before giving it to him. thanks so much in advance

katrina

Troy,
I just wanted to write this letter because I didn't know how to express this in person. What you said to me Friday really hurt me. I am sure you realize this, but I have spent the last year and a half of my life dedicating almost all of my time to All Seasons. Time I could have spent with my family, though I do not regret this because I believe I can be a big help to All Seasons just as All Seasons has been and will continue to be to me. I hate to think because of me starting a small nursery that you think that I wouldn't dedicate myself just as much to All Seasons. I don't know if you realize it or not, but I have spent a lot of time outside of work thinking about ways to help All Seasons make more money, looking for suppliers, thinking of ways to save more money, etc., on my own time. I have told numerous people about All Seasons who were looking for things and also told people on the Internet who had no clue where we were. I don't understand why you would think I would contribute any less effort or ability to my job now. If anything me doing this will help All Seasons by me finding new suppliers for myself outside of work. Also, by sending new customers to the nursery because we aren't going to have nearly the selection of things that All Seasons does. I can understand not mentioning this to customers, but vendors I didn't see the problem because that wasn't interfering with business being brought into All Seasons. However, I can respect your decision not to tell them. I hate thinking that after all this time and dedication, you would just think I would all of a sudden not do a good job. The only reason I said anything is because of the fact I have nothing to hide. I am not the type of person to go behind someone's back and do something. I will happily not tell anyone about this anymore if thetas what you think is best. However, I don't want to be thinking all the time that you are distrusting me. I think if I were to take one day off a week a Monday or Thursday I could complete everything I need for the new nursery. Please let me know if this would be acceptable to you. I wouldn't need it every week maybe once or twice a month. I don't want to leave this hanging in the air over my head where I am too stressed out at work and that will affect my ability to do my job. Please let me know if this would be OK. I have stressed over this all weekend and cannot handle it for much longer. If I need to look for another job, no matter how much I would hate to do it I can.


Katrina

Well written. I think the important thing will be his reaction to your letter. Good luck and Best Wishes!!! John

Go for it! Keep a copy so they can't put words in that you didn't.
Bernie

Your letter is very sincere, heartfelt and articulate and its tone is right. Can't wait to hear what the boss's response to it is.

I haven't given it yet. Kind of a chicken at the moment. I just don't want to "cut my nose off to spite my face" I don't want him to get mad at this letter and fire me and have no job...but this is truly how I feel. So everyone is in agreement to give him the letter so far correct?

Katrina

Well...my view is that IF you give him a letter, THAT would be the letter to give him. Someone once said some wise words to me: "When in doubt, don't." If you are frightened about giving your boss the letter at this point, then hold off -- there doesn't seem to be a need to rush into it. My sense is that you might want to see which way the wind blows for the next few days, and let things settle out a bit before you act. If, after a few days, you still feel that your interests would be served by giving him the letter (or at least that they wouldn't be damaged), then go ahead. You haven't written anything insulting about him in the letter, you've simply stated your position, so I don't see any real risk in giving him the letter -- but your gut-level feeling about it needs to be listened to, and if it's telling you to wait a bit, then that's what I'd do.

I agree with Whiterose...fools rush in where angels fear to tread......Jo

Ok, I didn't give the letter to them yet.. I did however contact a couple of other nurseries in the area. One sounds very promising. It is a small nursery just as mine will be, they do all their own plants from seeds/cuttings and I would be working outside not doing bookkeeping. Would be planting things, selling things of that nature. Its only about a 1 acre nursery. However, I will have to take a pay cut. I am hoping to figure out tonight whether I can afford to or not. I think I can cut a few corners here and there and make it work for my peace of mind a few dollars less is worth it. The owners also know of my nursery and think its a wonderful idea and said they encouraged their last employee to grow and sell herself (they only keep one employee at a time!!) she moved to orlando so the position is open. They have been closed but are re-opening on feb 1. So, what do you all think of this? I also called and left messages at 2 other nurseries where I know the owners to see if they could use someone.


Katrina

I am reminded of a warning given to botany students long ago: It is almost impossible to succeed in both growing and selling plants. One or the other, but not both. I don't know how true this is, but I do see very few growers who are also retailers. I think Calalily has this down to a science, though. As for the letter, it sounds really sincere, and I don't see how he could react negatively to it.

In your shoes, I believe I would wait and see if there is any response from the other two nurseries before making a commitment to the one where you would have to accept a pay cut.