Epic FU money stories

[AO1FireTo]

For me this was a case of principle and I would have taken them to court, regardless of the outcome or cost. They are a fairly big company and know how the rules work. They knowingly transgressed and played ignorant which appearently works and I figured it should stop.

On behalf of helpless and downtrodden employees everywhere, thank you.   People need to stick together.

Yes Bravo for making taking them on.  Sounds like a good use of FU money to me.

[ducky19]

Posting up my DW's story. My wife is a preschool teacher at a private center. She's been working for this place since last August, and has been miserable nearly the entire time. She has been labeled by her boss (the owner) as "confrontational". When asked why, she claimed it was because she questioned the practice of the boss sending out a group text each night with the next day's schedule, then requiring everyone in the group text to reply to the group text. They held it against her for not updating the Facebook site for months, even though she told them back in August that she didn't have admin rights and that they needed to grant those to her if they wanted her to update it (never happened). Since she is salaried, any time off had to be made up - fine. But she was only allowed to count certain hours, the majority of the extra time she put in was not considered eligible. The final straw came yesterday though when she was called into her boss' office and told she was being written up for "missing too much time". Her boss had documented all of the time she claimed my wife missed, but would not let her leave with the sheet without signing it. My wife wanted to cross reference it with her own records and refused to sign it, so they finally gave her a copy. She came home at lunch and found numerous errors/discrepancies that she produced documentation for and copied to the back of the sheet (so it couldn't be misplaced). She took it back into her boss and said, "here is the form, I've attached corrections on the back and signed it, and the sheet below it is my resignation". Her boss wouldn't even look at her and just said, "ok". My wife said, "I'll give you two weeks notice, but I will understand if you don't want it and will leave today if you prefer". Her boss, still not looking at her, said "ok". My wife said, "so.... which do you prefer?" and was finally told she'll take the two weeks. It sucks for my wife's coworkers, because the boss won't hire anyone else and will just expect them to fill in for her. She's already gotten a lot of supportive texts from her coworkers and parents, so she feels validated that not everyone thought she was doing a terrible job (even had some tears from some of her coworkers). I feel for them, but DW has to do what's right for her. She already had another job offer, but we could survive indefinitely without her pay. Just glad she finally put an end to putting up with this one's shit!

Came here for some inspiration today (after Easter Monday blah's), and realized I have an update for my DW's story. She recently interviewed for and was hired for a part time special education early childhood position at the next town over (less than ten minutes from home). She doesn't start until August, but she's been in touch with the assistant in the room and the current teacher and will go in and job shadow some this spring yet. She was super excited to find a part time position as it allows her to be available for our kids' appointments (orthodontist, etc.) and her mom's appointments (lives with us and has regular doctor visits). She will still have her summers off but be able to have her pay spread over 12 months like a normal teacher - best of both worlds! I'm super happy for her, now just need to find a replacement gig for me...  ;)

[CowboyAndIndian]

Posting up my DW's story. My wife is a preschool teacher at a private center. She's been working for this place since last August, and has been miserable nearly the entire time. She has been labeled by her boss (the owner) as "confrontational". When asked why, she claimed it was because she questioned the practice of the boss sending out a group text each night with the next day's schedule, then requiring everyone in the group text to reply to the group text. They held it against her for not updating the Facebook site for months, even though she told them back in August that she didn't have admin rights and that they needed to grant those to her if they wanted her to update it (never happened). Since she is salaried, any time off had to be made up - fine. But she was only allowed to count certain hours, the majority of the extra time she put in was not considered eligible. The final straw came yesterday though when she was called into her boss' office and told she was being written up for "missing too much time". Her boss had documented all of the time she claimed my wife missed, but would not let her leave with the sheet without signing it. My wife wanted to cross reference it with her own records and refused to sign it, so they finally gave her a copy. She came home at lunch and found numerous errors/discrepancies that she produced documentation for and copied to the back of the sheet (so it couldn't be misplaced). She took it back into her boss and said, "here is the form, I've attached corrections on the back and signed it, and the sheet below it is my resignation". Her boss wouldn't even look at her and just said, "ok". My wife said, "I'll give you two weeks notice, but I will understand if you don't want it and will leave today if you prefer". Her boss, still not looking at her, said "ok". My wife said, "so.... which do you prefer?" and was finally told she'll take the two weeks. It sucks for my wife's coworkers, because the boss won't hire anyone else and will just expect them to fill in for her. She's already gotten a lot of supportive texts from her coworkers and parents, so she feels validated that not everyone thought she was doing a terrible job (even had some tears from some of her coworkers). I feel for them, but DW has to do what's right for her. She already had another job offer, but we could survive indefinitely without her pay. Just glad she finally put an end to putting up with this one's shit!

Came here for some inspiration today (after Easter Monday blah's), and realized I have an update for my DW's story. She recently interviewed for and was hired for a part time special education early childhood position at the next town over (less than ten minutes from home). She doesn't start until August, but she's been in touch with the assistant in the room and the current teacher and will go in and job shadow some this spring yet. She was super excited to find a part time position as it allows her to be available for our kids' appointments (orthodontist, etc.) and her mom's appointments (lives with us and has regular doctor visits). She will still have her summers off but be able to have her pay spread over 12 months like a normal teacher - best of both worlds! I'm super happy for her, now just need to find a replacement gig for me...  ;)

Awesome.
FU money meant she got the better job!

[Sugaree]

It's interesting reading this stories. Does this happen because there is no social welfare? do not people receive some kind of support the first months they are jobless?

There are unemployment benefits.  But you usually don't qualify if you quit or get fired for cause.  Your former employer can and, in many cases, will fight you for it. 

[Buffaloski Boris]

Inspiring stories. But from a different perspective. They inspire me to encourage my kids to be entrepreneurs. If you work for yourself and hate your boss, then who’s to blame for that?

[RyanAtTanagra]

Inspiring stories. But from a different perspective. They inspire me to encourage my kids to be entrepreneurs. If you work for yourself and hate your boss, then who’s to blame for that?

In that case all your customers/clients are your boss, and FU money could give you the power to say it to one of them and still be able to handle the loss of business.

[SwordGuy]

Inspiring stories. But from a different perspective. They inspire me to encourage my kids to be entrepreneurs. If you work for yourself and hate your boss, then who’s to blame for that?

In that case all your customers/clients are your boss, and FU money could give you the power to say it to one of them and still be able to handle the loss of business.

Yes!!!!   This!!!!

[Unique User]

Inspiring stories. But from a different perspective. They inspire me to encourage my kids to be entrepreneurs. If you work for yourself and hate your boss, then who’s to blame for that?

In that case all your customers/clients are your boss, and FU money could give you the power to say it to one of them and still be able to handle the loss of business.

Agree!  We lived in a fancy pants ski resort several years back and owned a small catering/private chef company (mostly just us).  The first couple years were super tough, but our last couple years we turned down business.  The politician's wife that was just unpleasant and never tipped - we were busy the next couple times she called.  The very well known celebrity that called and had multiple requirements for us to be his personal chef - husband told the assistant that it sounded like too much of a hassle and to call someone else.  Anyone that called about a wedding - we'd tell them that we were sorry, but we don't cater weddings. 

[CowboyAndIndian]

Inspiring stories. But from a different perspective. They inspire me to encourage my kids to be entrepreneurs. If you work for yourself and hate your boss, then who’s to blame for that?

In that case all your customers/clients are your boss, and FU money could give you the power to say it to one of them and still be able to handle the loss of business.

Agree!  We lived in a fancy pants ski resort several years back and owned a small catering/private chef company (mostly just us).  The first couple years were super tough, but our last couple years we turned down business.  The politician's wife that was just unpleasant and never tipped - we were busy the next couple times she called.  The very well known celebrity that called and had multiple requirements for us to be his personal chef - husband told the assistant that it sounded like too much of a hassle and to call someone else.  Anyone that called about a wedding - we'd tell them that we were sorry, but we don't cater weddings.

Awesome. FU money at work!!
I like it that you told the assistant that it was too much hassle. Hopefully, it got back to the celebrity.

[Montecarlo]

Following

[Montecarlo]

Just to keep this thread going...

Background: I work in a field services organization with two corporate offices in two states.  I started working as a data bitch for the CEO at corporate office A before office B was opened near his home, where I was relocated there.  I hated the weather and increasingly disliked working for the CEO.  He is a smart guy, but prone to outbursts, easily agitated, makes vague requests and is unhappy despite multiple genuine attempts to fulfill them and multiple revisions... and I was treated better than most people there.  He also had a severely dysfunctional relationship with the CFO, and we have a new ownership group and new board of directors.


So I politic myself into getting a role leading a department where I knew the current director was about to be fired.  The guy they had slated to take over didn't want the job, so it wasn't too hard to get it and a nice raise along with it.  Most of the staff was at office A, but I would stay at office B.  I have frequently gossiped with the CFOs minion about what a nutcase the CEO is, and it must have gotten back to the CFO.  We wind up having drinks.

CFO: Won't you do a better job in office A?
Me: Yes, but CEO, I'm a wussy pants, waah waah
CFO: If you want to move to office A, I will make it happen.
Me: How?
CFO:  I'll tell CEO, Monte is moving to office A.  That's it.
Me: What if CEO flips out and wants to fire me?
CFO: I won't let that happen.

I did want to move.  Better weather (gulf summers suck, omg, give me northern winter any day over gulf summer), friends, no pyscho bosses.  But I was worried.  I thought the CFO was using me to weaken the CEO, I figured I would now be considered politically aligned with CFO and an enemy of the state.  But I also had a big stash of FU money, even though I didn't think of it that way.

I think it over a few weeks and tell CFO I want to move.  The CEOs right hand man calls me in for a chat, which was awkward but polite.  A few months later I am relocated back to office A.  Life continues, no drama or fallout.

I got a little worried when the board shot the CFO, figuring that may spell the end for me.  But then I remembered - I have an EVEN BIGGER FU stash than I had before.

So far no fallout.  I've seen the CEO a couple times since then.  He's kind of forgot about me.  If you're not in his presence on a daily basis, you basically don't exist.  Which is pretty f'ing awesome right now.  I'm flying under the radar, making tons of $$$ and stashing it.  I'm working my ass off, but my overworked boss back in office B barely has time to oversee anything I do.  I basically run autonomously and can get shit done the right way for a company that has been good to me, but also am secure that I can walk out or get shot anytime and still be okay.

[Farmgirl]

These stories are so inspirational.  Keep 'em coming!

[Candace]

Just to keep this thread going...

Background: I work in a field services organization with two corporate offices in two states.  I started working as a data bitch for the CEO at corporate office A before office B was opened near his home, where I was relocated there.  I hated the weather and increasingly disliked working for the CEO.  He is a smart guy, but prone to outbursts, easily agitated, makes vague requests and is unhappy despite multiple genuine attempts to fulfill them and multiple revisions... and I was treated better than most people there.  He also had a severely dysfunctional relationship with the CFO, and we have a new ownership group and new board of directors.


So I politic myself into getting a role leading a department where I knew the current director was about to be fired.  The guy they had slated to take over didn't want the job, so it wasn't too hard to get it and a nice raise along with it.  Most of the staff was at office A, but I would stay at office B.  I have frequently gossiped with the CFOs minion about what a nutcase the CEO is, and it must have gotten back to the CFO.  We wind up having drinks.

CFO: Won't you do a better job in office A?
Me: Yes, but CEO, I'm a wussy pants, waah waah
CFO: If you want to move to office A, I will make it happen.
Me: How?
CFO:  I'll tell CEO, Monte is moving to office A.  That's it.
Me: What if CEO flips out and wants to fire me?
CFO: I won't let that happen.

I did want to move.  Better weather (gulf summers suck, omg, give me northern winter any day over gulf summer), friends, no pyscho bosses.  But I was worried.  I thought the CFO was using me to weaken the CEO, I figured I would now be considered politically aligned with CFO and an enemy of the state.  But I also had a big stash of FU money, even though I didn't think of it that way.

I think it over a few weeks and tell CFO I want to move.  The CEOs right hand man calls me in for a chat, which was awkward but polite.  A few months later I am relocated back to office A.  Life continues, no drama or fallout.

I got a little worried when the board shot the CFO, figuring that may spell the end for me.  But then I remembered - I have an EVEN BIGGER FU stash than I had before.

So far no fallout.  I've seen the CEO a couple times since then.  He's kind of forgot about me.  If you're not in his presence on a daily basis, you basically don't exist.  Which is pretty f'ing awesome right now.  I'm flying under the radar, making tons of $$$ and stashing it.  I'm working my ass off, but my overworked boss back in office B barely has time to oversee anything I do.  I basically run autonomously and can get shit done the right way for a company that has been good to me, but also am secure that I can walk out or get shot anytime and still be okay.

This is a fantastic story. May you continue to be badass.

[MoMan]

Here’s my epic FU money story:

Over summer break during school I stayed at the college town to work and hang with friends. One of my 2 PT jobs was “barback” at a high volume night club. That meant I ran clean glassware and restocked booze for the bartenders, and they in turn were supposed to give us a cut of their tips—always a screw job. It was super crowded and we literally were given whistles to manage our way through the crowds carrying racks of glasses above our heads.

The job was shitty enough without additional BS but the two proverbial straws came when the elevators broke down. You see, when the bar closed at 2 a.m. we barbacks were responsible for rounding up all the 50-gallon trash bins full of half-empty beer, discarded appetizers, sometimes vomit, and all manner of nastiness. After 7 straight hours of 200 people slamming drinks, there would be a couple dozen of these heavily loaded, reeking containers. We would drag them down the hall and onto the freight elevator to the loading dock and empty them. We informed the boss that the elevator wasn’t working and asked if we could return the next day to finish the task, to which he agreed. Then his partner found out and reversed that decision. So we had to drag these heavy foul containers up two flights of stairs, sloshing their contents all over our clothes. I was pissed but too exhausted to protest any more.

The next evening I showed up for my scheduled shift and clocked in at 5:00 to start prepping (i.e. thawing) the crappy free appetizers for the evening crowd. The place was nearly empty because most people wouldn’t start arriving for a couple of hours. About 15 minutes into my shift, one of the owners instructs me to punch out and sit around until things pick up. Wait, so you want me clock out, sit on my ass unpaid for an hour so you can save $5? So I clock out, take a seat and wait until things get nice and busy, then clock in again. When things get to full volume I walk up to one of the deusch bags, hand him my apron and said, “I quit.”
D-Bag: “How about if you just finish your shift?”
M: “No thanks”

It felt fucking great! I lined up another job within a week or two.

As an aside: One of the other jobs we barbacks did was bathroom attendant. This place was really attempting to look like a high end venue, so we would sit on a stool and hand people towels for when they wash their hands. We also offered an array of a half-dozen colognes to use complimentary. At first glance, this seemed like an unsavory role, but I immediately realized that I got to keep all the tips that I received. It was much more lucrative, even though a lot of dicks hang out there (sorry, couldn’t resist!).

[Montecarlo]

Nice story!  I always hated bathroom attendants.  Made me feel guilty for not tipping whenever I had to take a piss.

[haflander]

+1. I had to explain this phenomenon to my gf, she didn't know it was a Thing. We went to a dueling piano and rowdy country bar with a cover and bathroom attendant. Who would think those could all be the same place??

Go to the bathroom. See that there is a bathroom attendant. Sigh. Do your business. Approach the sink. Guy turns on water...um, ok. Wet your hands. Guy points soap thing at you and squeezes it out into your hand...um, ok. Wash your hands. Guy turns off water, I guess he thinks I had enough...um, ok. Guy gives you paper towels...um, ok. Mumble "thanks" and run while avoiding eye contact and a tip.

Of course this is with 10 other guys in the bathroom shuffling around each other. Oh, and as mentioned, there's this big thing of cologne and candy to choose from.

The whole thing is cringe-worthy. Won't be going back there anytime soon. /r

[Cool Friend]

I always thought bathroom attendants existed to make sure you're not doing drugs or banging in there.

[jps]

+1. I had to explain this phenomenon to my gf, she didn't know it was a Thing. We went to a dueling piano and rowdy country bar with a cover and bathroom attendant. Who would think those could all be the same place??

Go to the bathroom. See that there is a bathroom attendant. Sigh. Do your business. Approach the sink. Guy turns on water...um, ok. Wet your hands. Guy points soap thing at you and squeezes it out into your hand...um, ok. Wash your hands. Guy turns off water, I guess he thinks I had enough...um, ok. Guy gives you paper towels...um, ok. Mumble "thanks" and run while avoiding eye contact and a tip.

Of course this is with 10 other guys in the bathroom shuffling around each other. Oh, and as mentioned, there's this big thing of cologne and candy to choose from.

The whole thing is cringe-worthy. Won't be going back there anytime soon. /r

This sounds really uncomfortable.

[Buffaloski Boris]

I think I remember reading this somewhere here but it is a great reminder to get the FU money going immediately in life. 


https://www.thebillfold.com/2016/01/a-story-of-a-fuck-off-fund/

That’s a nice story. One I might read to DD. Without the profanity; it’s a Freedom Unlimited fund after all.😁

[Montecarlo]

I think I remember reading this somewhere here but it is a great reminder to get the FU money going immediately in life. 


https://www.thebillfold.com/2016/01/a-story-of-a-fuck-off-fund/

That’s a nice story. One I might read to DD. Without the profanity; it’s a Freedom Unlimited fund after all.😁

Nice!  Every young woman needs to read that.

[Buffaloski Boris]

I think I remember reading this somewhere here but it is a great reminder to get the FU money going immediately in life. 


https://www.thebillfold.com/2016/01/a-story-of-a-fuck-off-fund/

That’s a nice story. One I might read to DD. Without the profanity; it’s a Freedom Unlimited fund after all.😁

Nice!  Every young woman needs to read that.

It’s a great story. I told it to my DD as a bedtime story, with appropriate editing of course. 😁

[AMandM]

The whole thing is cringe-worthy. Won't be going back there anytime soon. /r

OTOH, I've been to many places, mostly in Europe, where bathroom attendants are not cringe-worthy and not part of a would-be "classy" decor. The vibe is more janitor than Jeeves. They clean the toilet and wipe the sink after each customer.

But I've also been to one where part of the attendant's job was to hand each visitor a few sheets of toilet paper. I've always wondered what happens if you discover you need more....

[Sugaree]

I'm not Christian, but I didn't realize that men who wear their Christian religions on their sleeves looked down on women.  I thought that would be somehow... not Christ-like?  Fascinating

Like most faiths, a lot of what goes on in the name of "religion" is really just old tribal values propagating themselves into new generations. The actual tenets of the religion are largely forgotten in favor of the cultural norms that people grew up with, which get conflated with "good Christian¹ values" from an early age . This is a prime example of how children learn by what those around them do, more than what they say.

(¹ insert name of religion here)

Y’all are painting with broad brushes. It all depends on the Christian (or Buddhist, or Hindu, or Muslim, or what have you.) People use all sorts of reasons for excusing their misbehavior.

I’m not much into “wearing my Christianity on my sleeve” however the sort of blanket statements that Christians are sexist, misogynist, backbiting, hypocritical, or intrinsically evil really do become tedious after awhile.

Those are Christers.  There's a difference.  Sadly the Christers seem, at least vocally, to outnumber the Christians these days.

[RyanAtTanagra]

Can we please not devolve this thread into an argument about religion

[Abe Froman]

Can we please not devolve this thread into an argument about religion

-erm... AMEN Brother!

[ducky19]

The whole thing is cringe-worthy. Won't be going back there anytime soon. /r

OTOH, I've been to many places, mostly in Europe, where bathroom attendants are not cringe-worthy and not part of a would-be "classy" decor. The vibe is more janitor than Jeeves. They clean the toilet and wipe the sink after each customer.

But I've also been to one where part of the attendant's job was to hand each visitor a few sheets of toilet paper. I've always wondered what happens if you discover you need more....

I guess at that point, you choose between handing the fella a bill to get a few more squares or just wiping your ass with the bill...

[Just Joe]

If the attendant is keeping the bathroom clean then I'm all for it. If the attendant is there to turn on my water and hand me a towel - then no thanks, I can do that myself.

[DadJokes]

Minor story to keep this thread on the first page:

My wife is finishing her fifth year as an elementary teacher. She, from my biased perspective, has done a good job. Her students do well, parents don't complain about her, and she has helped to integrate more technology use in the school. When asked what she would like to do next year, she requested that she remain in the same grade, teaching the same subject. Despite this, she was told yesterday (on teacher appreciation day no less) that she will be moving grades for the third time since she has been there. She came home in tears because she felt like the principals have no confidence in her teaching abilities. In the past, administration has moved teachers around as a means to get bad teachers to quit (easier than firing). The principals specifically told her that was not the reason she was being moved, but their actions speak louder than their words to me. Add to that the fact that every time you change grades, you have to get age appropriate resources for your new classroom, often with your own money. So she spent the evening in tears, not because of something a student did or something a parent said, but because she feels that her bosses have no confidence in her abilities.

I was able to convince her to go in today and tell them how she feels. Thanks to our FU money, she doesn't have to worry about losing her job, which gave her the confidence she needed to express her feelings regarding their decision. While she will still be moving, they will be working to get her additional grants to supply her new classroom with resources, and they are aware that another move will result in my wife quitting the job (though we would wait until the end of the summer to tell them as a final FU).

I wish I could convince her to walk away now, but she is terrified of change. She actually teaches at the same elementary school that she went to as a child. The only way she will leave this job is if it is to become a stay-at-home mom. We could afford that, but I'd rather not have to stop all retirement contributions for her to do so.

[AfricanMustache]

Minor story to keep this thread on the first page:

My wife is finishing her fifth year as an elementary teacher. She, from my biased perspective, has done a good job. Her students do well, parents don't complain about her, and she has helped to integrate more technology use in the school. When asked what she would like to do next year, she requested that she remain in the same grade, teaching the same subject. Despite this, she was told yesterday (on teacher appreciation day no less) that she will be moving grades for the third time since she has been there. She came home in tears because she felt like the principals have no confidence in her teaching abilities. In the past, administration has moved teachers around as a means to get bad teachers to quit (easier than firing). The principals specifically told her that was not the reason she was being moved, but their actions speak louder than their words to me. Add to that the fact that every time you change grades, you have to get age appropriate resources for your new classroom, often with your own money. So she spent the evening in tears, not because of something a student did or something a parent said, but because she feels that her bosses have no confidence in her abilities.

I was able to convince her to go in today and tell them how she feels. Thanks to our FU money, she doesn't have to worry about losing her job, which gave her the confidence she needed to express her feelings regarding their decision. While she will still be moving, they will be working to get her additional grants to supply her new classroom with resources, and they are aware that another move will result in my wife quitting the job (though we would wait until the end of the summer to tell them as a final FU).

I wish I could convince her to walk away now, but she is terrified of change. She actually teaches at the same elementary school that she went to as a child. The only way she will leave this job is if it is to become a stay-at-home mom. We could afford that, but I'd rather not have to stop all retirement contributions for her to do so.

As they say, people don't quit their job, they quit their boss.

My wife has been coming home in tears for months, due to her boss treating her like cr@p. She was the hardest-working, most effective employee in the department since she started in her company. But her direct manager mistreated, micro-managed and abused her (in front of other colleagues) to the point where there was a complete breakdown in communication and cooperation - they didn't even greet each other in the mornings.

So a couple of months back I told her I think she should just quit. She had been working since she was 16 and couldn't quite get past the idea of feeling unproductive and putting her career on pause (work ethic can sometimes be our worst enemy). Since she was also studying towards a degree at the same time, I managed to convince her to see it as an opportunity to focus on her studies full time and be productive that way.

So she resigned last month and we're spending our first week actually together and not just seeing each other in passing due to our "hectic" work schedules. It has been bliss and we have connected like never before. And no more coming home with eyes thick from crying all day.

Although we don't yet have significant FU money in terms of savings/investments, the financial remodeling we've done on the expenses side since joining the MMM philosophy has made it possible for us to go single-income indefinitely and allowed her to upskill herself and fast-track her career when she's ready to do so.

[RyanAtTanagra]

Although we don't yet have significant FU money in terms of savings/investments, the financial remodeling we've done on the expenses side since joining the MMM philosophy has made it possible for us to go single-income indefinitely and allowed her to upskill herself and fast-track her career when she's ready to do so.

Yep!  FU money doesn't necessarily mean savings.  When I hit a 50% savings rate, even with no real savings yet, I realized I could quit and get a job making literally half what I was making and be totally fine.  And I should EASILY be able to find a job making that.  It reduced my work stress immensely and shortly thereafter did quit the unpleasant job I had previously been stuck in, and took unemployment (which paid 50% my wage) for a few months to decompress, and it was one of the best and least stressful things I've ever done.

[zolotiyeruki]

In the past, administration has moved teachers around as a means to get bad teachers to quit (easier than firing). The principals specifically told her that was not the reason she was being moved, but their actions speak louder than their words to me.

I know a few educators, and their biggest problems always stem from administration, whether it be on the school level, school district level, or state level.  The constant micromanaging and lack of trust has led many a teacher to resign.

[mm1970]

Minor story to keep this thread on the first page:

My wife is finishing her fifth year as an elementary teacher. She, from my biased perspective, has done a good job. Her students do well, parents don't complain about her, and she has helped to integrate more technology use in the school. When asked what she would like to do next year, she requested that she remain in the same grade, teaching the same subject. Despite this, she was told yesterday (on teacher appreciation day no less) that she will be moving grades for the third time since she has been there. She came home in tears because she felt like the principals have no confidence in her teaching abilities. In the past, administration has moved teachers around as a means to get bad teachers to quit (easier than firing). The principals specifically told her that was not the reason she was being moved, but their actions speak louder than their words to me. Add to that the fact that every time you change grades, you have to get age appropriate resources for your new classroom, often with your own money. So she spent the evening in tears, not because of something a student did or something a parent said, but because she feels that her bosses have no confidence in her abilities.

I was able to convince her to go in today and tell them how she feels. Thanks to our FU money, she doesn't have to worry about losing her job, which gave her the confidence she needed to express her feelings regarding their decision. While she will still be moving, they will be working to get her additional grants to supply her new classroom with resources, and they are aware that another move will result in my wife quitting the job (though we would wait until the end of the summer to tell them as a final FU).

I wish I could convince her to walk away now, but she is terrified of change. She actually teaches at the same elementary school that she went to as a child. The only way she will leave this job is if it is to become a stay-at-home mom. We could afford that, but I'd rather not have to stop all retirement contributions for her to do so.

I'm of two minds on this:
1.  It is true that this is how they get teachers to quit or retire.  We had a teacher who had been there for 40 years, and was long overdue for needing to retire.  She was ADD by then.  Luckily, my kid was very self motivated.  She also had a tough year as she took some time off to care for her ailing/dying father.  The principal decided to move her to a new grade, and she said no way.  So she retired.  I remember when the principal said she decided to retire (I'm on a committee).  I kind of rolled my eyes because I know he forced the issue.  But it was the right thing to do.  He's really good at hiring quality teachers.

2.  The other thing is that your wife is new.  The OTHER time that teachers get moved around is when they are new.  We have many veteran teachers at our elementary school, and a few newer ones (some young, some transfers).  Inevitably, when we need to reorganize because of enrollment (say, when we have one grade with 90 students, and one grade with only 40 students), the newer teachers are the ones that have to switch.

It doesn't mean they suck.  It means that, if you have a second grade with 3 classrooms of 30 students each, and a 3rd grade classroom of 2 classes with 25 students each...what happens the next year?  You need another 3rd grade teacher.  The veteran 2nd grade teachers get priority to keep their grade.  We've had several teachers move 2-3 times in the last 5 years because of this.  We've also hired 2 new teachers who have moved because they were originally subs for maternity leaves.  Then got pink slipped, but then someone retired, so they were rehired for a year, then got pink slipped, but then someone else moved into administration - so they were able to stay. 

I can think of one teacher who went from 2nd to 3rd to 2nd.  One that went from 2nd to 5th.  One that went from K to 3rd.  Two veteran teachers that basically swapped (4th/5th).  Plus we've ended up with partial classes the last 3 years - like combo K/1st or combo 5th/6th.  They try not to make the same teacher do a combo 2 years in a row, because it's hard.  It's not uncommon and doesn't mean they don't like her.  It is very stressful though.

[DadJokes]

I can think of one teacher who went from 2nd to 3rd to 2nd.  One that went from 2nd to 5th.  One that went from K to 3rd.  Two veteran teachers that basically swapped (4th/5th).  Plus we've ended up with partial classes the last 3 years - like combo K/1st or combo 5th/6th.  They try not to make the same teacher do a combo 2 years in a row, because it's hard.  It's not uncommon and doesn't mean they don't like her.  It is very stressful though.

She has gone 5th to 2nd to 5th and now back to 2nd. At five years in, she may be junior, but she isn't even the most junior person in her current grade.

[Laura33]

I can think of one teacher who went from 2nd to 3rd to 2nd.  One that went from 2nd to 5th.  One that went from K to 3rd.  Two veteran teachers that basically swapped (4th/5th).  Plus we've ended up with partial classes the last 3 years - like combo K/1st or combo 5th/6th.  They try not to make the same teacher do a combo 2 years in a row, because it's hard.  It's not uncommon and doesn't mean they don't like her.  It is very stressful though.

She has gone 5th to 2nd to 5th and now back to 2nd. At five years in, she may be junior, but she isn't even the most junior person in her current grade.

Listen to mm1970. 

When other people take actions that hurt you, there are almost always two possible interpretations:  yes, they were trying to hurt you for some reason; or no, they were thinking of their own concerns, and hurting you was just an unintended or unavoidable consequence.  Life tends to be happier when you assume option 2 until proven otherwise.  Added bonus:  that also tends to be true, as people tend to focus on what they need, not how their choice affects others.  As Dr. Phil says, you'd care a lot less about what other people think of you if you knew how infrequently they do.

Here, they are moving her back and forth between the same two grades!  That sounds very much like they need to make moves but are trying to minimize the negative impact on the teacher involved (at least she's done it before and has the materials and the syllabus and doesn't need to start from scratch, right?).  Seems like if they really wanted to make her so miserable that she leaves, they could have done a much better job of it without any additional effort.  So either they're really crappy at forcing people out, or they're not trying to.

Doesn't mean she needs to be happy about it, and she is entitled to walk at any time, for any reason.  But her decision shouldn't be driven by an unsupported assumption that is very likely not true.

[DadJokes]

I've probably characterized things incorrectly when relaying information here. Based on her conversations with the principals since then, we don't believe they are moving her in an attempt to get her to quit. As I mentioned, she has done a lot to improve the school's use of technology, which is a surefire way to create some job security.

At this point, I am not frustrated with her administration's intent so much as their inability to realize what their decision would cause. Not only is the process frustrating for my wife, but there is a stigma with any teachers that are frequently moved around, which impacts how she will be treated by other teachers in the school.

[EricL]

Eh.  It doesn't matter whether the administrators moved her out of necessity, ignorance or because they're pieces of shit.  The OP believes they had lousy motives.  You may have more teaching experience but since we're all not involved (and won't ever be) it doesn't hurt to roll with their interpretation.

In the interest of staying OT, here's a rework of a scene from The Gambler by James Collins originally done by John Goodman.  Goodman had a better delivery but Collins has better lines.

Edit: Would be a more interesting post If I actually posted the damn video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eikbQPldhPY

[Car Jack]

If you're FI, then she has the ability to go in on the first day of class and walk in to administration and give them a choice......"put me back in the grade I had or I am done right now.  You know I wanted to stay in my grade and moved me anyways.  I don't care what the logistics are....you have 5 seconds.".  And then, after 5 seconds, walk out and go home.

[Rosy]

I think I remember reading this somewhere here but it is a great reminder to get the FU money going immediately in life. 


https://www.thebillfold.com/2016/01/a-story-of-a-fuck-off-fund/

That’s a nice story. One I might read to DD. Without the profanity; it’s a Freedom Unlimited fund after all.😁

Nice!  Every young woman needs to read that.

It’s a great story. I told it to my DD as a bedtime story, with appropriate editing of course. 😁

So pleased to read a story about empowering women - we all need a freedom fund:) Interesting blog/site.

[Psychstache]

If you're FI, then she has the ability to go in on the first day of class and walk in to administration and give them a choice......"put me back in the grade I had or I am done right now.  You know I wanted to stay in my grade and moved me anyways.  I don't care what the logistics are....you have 5 seconds.".  And then, after 5 seconds, walk out and go home.

In most states, you sign a teaching contract in April/May for the upcoming school year. Breaching that contract on the 1st day of school is a violation that would allow the district to file against your teaching certificate which would be a big black mark for any future employment.

Probably best to keep this option as a fun nuclear fantasy unless you are pretty certain you have no desire to teach anymore.

[Smokystache]

... she was told yesterday (on teacher appreciation day no less) that she will be moving grades for the third time since she has been there. ...

I do not have any credible sources to back this up ... but I heard from some friends who are teachers (k-5 in the US) that if you are a new teacher to a grade then you get a "pass" if your students' average on state standardized tests was below state goals. Thus, principals in underperforming schools (due to a variety of potential reasons), would frequently switch teachers among grades in order to never get in trouble with the district/state.

No source for this, but this was one reason a co-worker's spouse believed why 90% of his elementary school's teachers were shifted to new grades every few years.

[Kitsune]

... she was told yesterday (on teacher appreciation day no less) that she will be moving grades for the third time since she has been there. ...

I do not have any credible sources to back this up ... but I heard from some friends who are teachers (k-5 in the US) that if you are a new teacher to a grade then you get a "pass" if your students' average on state standardized tests was below state goals. Thus, principals in underperforming schools (due to a variety of potential reasons), would frequently switch teachers among grades in order to never get in trouble with the district/state.

No source for this, but this was one reason a co-worker's spouse believed why 90% of his elementary school's teachers were shifted to new grades every few years.

And then teachers at 'underperforming' schools get to equip their classrooms at their own cost every few years, and therefore ensure that there are fewer resources (because what you accululate over 20 years doesn't match what you accumulate over 2 years...)... and then we wonder why, with new teachers, less funding, and fewer resources, it continues to underperform. I wonder. I have no idea. Someone run a study on this.

[Threshkin]

... she was told yesterday (on teacher appreciation day no less) that she will be moving grades for the third time since she has been there. ...

I do not have any credible sources to back this up ... but I heard from some friends who are teachers (k-5 in the US) that if you are a new teacher to a grade then you get a "pass" if your students' average on state standardized tests was below state goals. Thus, principals in underperforming schools (due to a variety of potential reasons), would frequently switch teachers among grades in order to never get in trouble with the district/state.

No source for this, but this was one reason a co-worker's spouse believed why 90% of his elementary school's teachers were shifted to new grades every few years.

And then teachers at 'underperforming' schools get to equip their classrooms at their own cost every few years, and therefore ensure that there are fewer resources (because what you accululate over 20 years doesn't match what you accumulate over 2 years...)... and then we wonder why, with new teachers, less funding, and fewer resources, it continues to underperform. I wonder. I have no idea. Someone run a study on this.

Yes!  We should divert funds from teacher salaries and classroom supplies to do this study.  Oh and we should replicate this study across multiple schools, districts, and grades to ensure we have "meaningful, representative and accurate" data.  Then we should run the study for several years to looks for trends! 

[Taran Wanderer]

I'm not sure if this is an epic FU money story or a MPP (Mustachian People Problem), but I always wanted my own FU money story, so here goes...

I've been unhappy with some things at work.  I threatened to retire early.  I was serious.  I got some things fixed and a raise.

[Alfred J Quack]

I'm not sure if this is an epic FU money story or a MPP (Mustachian People Problem), but I always wanted my own FU money story, so here goes...

I've been unhappy with some things at work.  I threatened to retire early.  I was serious.  I got some things fixed and a raise.

Regardless of classification, I'd call that Epic. Well done :)

[BicycleB]

I'm not sure if this is an epic FU money story or a MPP (Mustachian People Problem), but I always wanted my own FU money story, so here goes...

I've been unhappy with some things at work.  I threatened to retire early.  I was serious.  I got some things fixed and a raise.

Regardless of classification, I'd call that Epic. Well done :)

Agree. EPIC!!!

[alcon835]

+1 for this whole thread. I am a huge fan! It took me about a month of reading this thread a few times a week to make it all the way through, but I'm finally here!

I've got a few FU money stories that I may post here at some point in the future once I can remember the more interesting details, haha.

I learned a few years ago that even better than an FU fund (which I have) is skills and good friends. I've worked hard to make friends with the folks I work with and those relationships at my last few jobs have left me with a friends in leadership roles that want me to join their teams if I ever become available. It's definitely a different kind of FU but has opened the door for me to take certain actions and say certain things that I would never have done otherwise! This has helped a lot in HR situations where I've been able to take a stand and risk loosing my job calling out generally protected people.

[SimpleLifer]

My FU money empowered me to go to HR and report a Sr. Mgr who was insulting the women on the team, but the final straw was when he told a meek-mannered Indian woman, "don't expect to get a day off to celebrate Diwali...you're in America now!!!"

I also brought about 10-pages of notes of past events that gave insight to the overall mismanagement and toxic culture of the organization.  It is seriously a case study for the toxic masculinity of tech companies. 

That Sr. Mgr was promoted to Director of another org, my direct manager was fired, and ultimately the toxic culture continues with the other bullies who remain in their positions. 

I still work there because it's close to home, but I am saving furiously so that once I leave, I can be done for good.

[CowboyAndIndian]

My FU money empowered me to go to HR and report a Sr. Mgr who was insulting the women on the team, but the final straw was when he told a meek-mannered Indian woman, "don't expect to get a day off to celebrate Diwali...you're in America now!!!"

I also brought about 10-pages of notes of past events that gave insight to the overall mismanagement and toxic culture of the organization.  It is seriously a case study for the toxic masculinity of tech companies. 

That Sr. Mgr was promoted to Director of another org, my direct manager was fired, and ultimately the toxic culture continues with the other bullies who remain in their positions. 

I still work there because it's close to home, but I am saving furiously so that once I leave, I can be done for good.

Good for you @SimpleLifer

This is a case where they promote the incompetent. Rising to the level of the Sr. Mgr's incompetence. Another division is going be a toxic area to work.

[A Fella from Stella]

My ex-boss' son, who I will call Snotty McStuffington IV, knew I'd been cheated out of some commissions. One day he said in an email that, ".....you don't have to be a baby about it."

My written reply was, "Go fuck yourself. I mean that literally. Next time you're fucking yourself, you should know that you've earned it."

A month later I gave notice. The boss asked me to not say anything until after Christmas to prevent the other employees from worrying, and that my only job for the following 6 weeks was to secure another job if I didn't already have one.

I received a Christmas bonus, 6 weeks pay to job search, and did some "business travel" where I caught up with a buddy I'd not seen in 8 years.

Regarding Snotty McStuffington IV, we don't keep in touch.

[Padonak]

  ^Epic story right there