I was hired into a job as an assistant manager at a used car lot last Monday. I have worked my ass off all week updating the lots website, inventorying cars, making sure the lot had all of the keys, and spares cut, and ran an emissions check on every car, as well as learning how everything runs in the business. The website that I was given to work on was godawful as it was put together by his 16 year old daughter. It was Orange with a pink background, and the main page had a picture of her motorcycle on it, and the lot doesn't even sell motorcycles. There were cars on the site that were sold months ago, and only 20 of the cars on the lot were on the site. The contact information was outdated, and none of the cars had anything written about them. The site is run through an automotive sales program called Wayne Reeves, so there was little room for creativity. There were only 15 templates to use, so I picked the one that was most professional...not great, but a small lot that sells primarily to people with poor credit is not expected to have an award winning site.
The job was pretty exciting because the owner told me at the interview that he was looking for someone that was educated and quick learning enough to manage the second lot that he was planning on purchasing next month.
Well, after getting the website "completed" shortly before I left on Saturday. Feeling pretty good about life, I called to set up an appointment to look at apartments, and made plans to move my girlfriend down here.
Today, I got a call from my boss, and without explanation he said "we won't be needing you anymore", upon asking for further reasoning he claimed "I just looked at the website, and it looks awful. You graduated from college and this is the best you can come up with? Don't come in on Monday."
this is the "E36 M3" site that I have been working on all week. Again, I am not saying that it is awesome, but there was no room for creative exploration, and it is not representative of my "talents" in any way.
What do I do?
BAMF
Reader
8/16/09 7:37 p.m.
Find a new job. Why work for a loser like that?
In reply to maroon92:
Delete the site. Start looking for a new job. Be happy it happened before you moved the GF there.
obviously, but what I mean is, do I have any kind of recourse? I am probably going to call the Georgia department of labor about it, but having accepted the job under the pretense that it would be long term, and there was prospect of quick promotion, do I have any legal recourse?
I turned down three interviews because I had already been hired here.
You made his daughter look like a dork. He probably got an ear full from her and then the wife because the little princesses had her feelings hurt.
Hmmmmmm and you wonder why you got the can. Learn from it and move on.
Not a bad site by the way. The only comment I have is that there were no prices on the cars. I hate that. I only go to places that put prices on there vehicles.
I only had access to the software at work. If anyone runs a used car dealer in GA and uses Wayne Reaves, can I use your computers to delete the site? lol, jerkoff deserves it.
I was told by him to not put the prices on the cars...I hate it too.
He claims that it gets more people to call in and request prices...In my experience, it does the opposite...
I think GA is a right to hire, right to fire state. Probably no recourse. Time to start looking for another job.
WTF, The site looks nice. I second the molotov option, just dont blame me if you get cought. If I ever need to buy a car in GA, I know one place to not go.
I understand that he can fire me if "he just plain doesn't like me", but I did everything I was asked, was not given any warning, and I am sure that I was the hardest person working there for the last week.
Yeah, you COULD call him back or stop by and explain to him how HIS ignorant choice for a host has tied your hands. Then explain to him how you put a butt load of work into fixing the mess that HIS daughter created and left behind.
If you do choose to speak with him, make sure you maintain your composure and don't get into a pissing match with him. He is the big cheese and if you confront him you'll merely make him over react and you'll lose your standing with him.
Or the molotov cocktails might make a better impression on the jerk.
thats some E36M3 man, can you start blasting him on CL people do that alll here in OH?
good luck to you.
NYG95GA
SuperDork
8/16/09 8:08 p.m.
I remember that guy. He used to have a lot here in Macon. He'd stand out in front wearing a chicken suit, waving at traffic like a crazy man, which he is. A real Bob Costas.
You're better off without him.
None of his customers will care, because his clientèle is primarily illegal hispanics, and they can't get approved anywhere else...
Like I told my eldest son when he got canned from his last job with no warning.
Sometimes you're the bug, sometimes you're the windshield. Your turn at being the bug.
Life sucks, get over it and move on.
Talking to an ass like that is a waste of breath. Be glad you found this out now rather than after you had invested years working for him. In all honesty, he has done you a favor. Put it behind you, and start looking. My guess is you will find a better position with a better boss and end up being a happier person. Good luck with the search.
Luke
Dork
8/16/09 8:16 p.m.
That's a E36 M3ty situation for sure. And the boss man sounds like a complete a--hole. Has he paid you yet, for the weeks work? Be interesting to see if he keeps your wesbite anyway, or has his daughter create another tacky, myspace-style visual disaster.
I certainly hope so, I just feel used. I mean, he got me to update the website (would have cost over a thousand for an outside consulting firm), clean up his office, and operating procedures, and then drops me like a sack of...whatever.
I am mostly over it, and I am sure I will get a job somewhere eventually, but I was mainly that anyone can think this is remotely appropriate behavior, and that a business can continue to run after burning bridges thus...
my first payday was supposed to be next Friday. He said over the phone that he would send it by mail...if it isn't here by Friday, I will be contacting a lawyer.
EDIT:
My cats breath smells like cat food.
Would you really want to work for that guy, even if he hired you back after a talk? There would always be a air of distrust. Move on. That guy doesn't deserve YOU.
no, I don't want to work there again, I really don't want to talk to him either. more dissapointed than mad, I actually liked my co-workers...
carzan
Reader
8/16/09 9:59 p.m.
"Hi...is this Aztec Auto?... are you the owner? Yes, I just wanted to compliment you on your new web site! It looks soooo much better than the old one. I mean, come on, seriously...who did THAT mess? A color blind monkey? What a joke! I hope you didn't pay someone to hack up that train wreck.
But the new one is AWESOME!..."
LOL
Site looks decent to me. Not the best front page photo, but knowing that lot, there isn't a lot to work with. Functionality is good. Dunno why he's displeased.
That said, move on. Any drama will just give you gray hairs. He's being a dick, he hired you for a week to do some work, and as long as he pays you, it's all good. Move on. Wouldn't bother with lawyers, dept. of labor, etc. unless he tries to gyp you.
Thanks Dave. I think I have chilled out for the most part, but at the time, I really wanted some form of retribution...I was visibly shaking when he hung up.