Fresh Start

On this Holiday with having problems logging into filing unemployment, I decided to apply to a couple of investment houses for positions in banking that will test their equal opportunity policies because of my age.

Truthfully, banking policies and procedures might not have changed but technology has. I understand holds, cross-selling and investing of CD, IRA and money markets.

Feeling numb from the loss of my job that I kept to live despite the toxic environment, I’m starting to have a bit of hope for my future.

Admittedly, being 64 years young, I can file up to two years and then collect social security afterwards. Honestly, I look younger than my peers, active and do yoga exercises to keep my brain sharp. Not ready to stop working.

Tomorrow, I plan to file for unemployment in person since system was acting glitchy today. Starting to come around and to accept my situation as a blessing and not a curse.

Prayers appreciated.

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Elevator Music

If you could un-invent something, what would it be?

Seriously, elevator music is the most boring thing to listen to while stuck in a small box likely with strangers and hoping that you get out alive.

In Toronto Ontario Canada, I’ve been fortunate to experience downtown near Lake Ontario of the museums, shops and hotels. Although, most of them have elevators and stairs for emergency purposes only like a fire or tornado.

The music is normally the genre of, easy listening, that is middle of the road and nothing out of the ordinary. Sometimes, no vocals either. Sleeper.

My suggestion is music like Led Zeppelin, “Stairway to Heaven,” of deeper meaning of going upwards toward heaven on an elevator. Heart, “Crazy on You,” and some Rolling Stones as well. Fleetwood Mac, The Doobie Bros, Chicago, Foreigner just to name a few.

Can you imagine starting out your day and listening to some good music that energizes you instead of drains you?

Next time that you’re in an elevator and see the company that runs it, contact them about changing the genre of music.

You’re Welcome,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Leader of the Pack

What makes a good leader?

“The Leader of the Pack” is in reference to an old song from the 1950’s when groups of high school kids were hanging out together and even dressing alike to be noticed as one in school. The leader led the pack and was relied on to be successful amongst other groups.

Having worked for a few good organizations with many more bad ones, leadership was key in all of them both in Texas and in Michigan.

Honestly, the employer that I very recently lost my job with is the opposite of what “leading the pack” is. The owner/leader was never present but hiding in her office while her numerous Amazon deliveries arrived in her name. In addition, nothing was written down concerning behavior, dress code, the raises we never got, job descriptions and responsibilities and bonuses. Department managers managed but not lead. The “slow down” of business is the result of the above.

Was fortunate enough to experience great leadership for once in my life at an investment firm where everyone knew their place and knew who to follow. Every aspect of the firm and each role was documented. Plus, meetings were held as a group and individually so that everyone felt and knew the importance of his/her role to the immediate group and as an organization as a whole. The CEO and regional leadership were present and helpful to complete the mission.

As I move forward into the unknown of my future, I will seek employment with leadership that is present, that is helpful and that wants his/her people to succeed in their roles even if they find a better fit elsewhere. A leader who will define each role in writing and, with the help of others, rules and responsibilities. That person will define the mission statement and hire managers on every level to carry it out.

In closing, “The Leader of the Pack,” is important in every aspect of to an individual. If you are the leader, you must lead and let others manage.

Yours Truly,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

The Day After

After being awake for most of the night in tears, I have decided to go to bed early and apply for unemployment tomorrow morning when I’m coherent.

Today, an old friend called who I haven’t spoken to in about two years. It was nice to chat. We’ve both become more humble and accepting since.

At this point, I am numb. Second time around with different circumstances. The first was after 21 years of employment, cash out vacation pay plus six months of severance. Now, cash out of vacation included in my severance. Communicated to an attorney without second thoughts.

If you wake up feeling discombobulated and it doesn’t go away of part physical illness and part mental fogginess, please take it seriously.

Nothing in life is guaranteed. Being a free spirit, the risk increases of losing it because although the work ethic and quality of work holds, the being different doesn’t fit the mold.

Enjoy your weekend.

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Finance and Friends

Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?

On the heels of losing a job that I truly disliked but stayed because I needed to survive, the job of my longest employer is where I felt loved.

In west Michigan, I worked at an open membership credit union for 22 years which had more than its share of problems with the State examination board. The CEO who I shared a birthday with was like a Dad to me and sometimes way better than my own. Our connection of both being born on December 21st and both being from Detroit, we understood who we were and where we both were from. He cried the day I left and passed not long after. Plus, I became close to coworkers and even membership also.

The jobs I held at the credit union was teller, loan officer and A/R from payroll deductions to members shares and share draft accounts. From each, I learned more about the position that I held and I learned more in depth about a membership owned and operated business. After I lost my job, I moved my personal banking to a large federal credit union where its membership is primarily students, professors, alumni, administration and support staff of a Big Ten university in Michigan where I still belong.

As I begin my new chapter with already contacting an employment attorney about my short severance, I am not sure what God has in store for this extremely active 64 year old lady who lives life to the fullest. Prayers appreciated. I will not just survive but thrive.

Yours Truly,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Lost My Job Today

At 5:30pm, I was called to an unexpected meeting that Suprised me. I wondered what was up. My supervisor, HR and the General Manager were present to terminate my employment for, “restructuring.” The person with the lowest hourly rate, no commission and no pay raise. But, I outproduce everyone in work load.

About a year ago, the finance guy acted like he had a crush on me although instead of talking to me, he went to HR who was in on it. He kept subtle flirting with me and I just smiled while laughing in my mind. It went on for months until I mentioned it to the owners son that finance guy looks, dresses and acts like my ex husband plus even drives the same car. It ended immediately afterwards.

In December at the Christmas party, I thought that I would be in good spirits and say hello and thank to the owner. What I got was rudeness and unkindness that shocked me. Although, I remembered later about the ploy to fire me earlier that year.

Already contacted a lawyer and will apply for unemployment as well tonight. Work has slowed down which they say that they’re restructuring but they had the extravagant party.

Thanks,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

PS. Felt discombobulated before work today like something wasn’t right. Odd.

Peace Found

After establishing boundaries of an insecure coworker, I have found peace once again.

First, I relocked my primary gate to my backyard which the problem of illegal crossing onto my property wasn’t my neighbors or any wandering soul, it was her. She came by later early one morning and shook the gate. Previously, she illegally crossed to paint a downed log in my backyard white to portray dominance as my perception of her insecurities. Then, I put window cameras strategically to where I can see her by the gate and her crossing onto my property. Earlier, this week, she was banging on something down the street at her normal hour which I’m sure that she felt like a fool. Her friends are mad at me at work so my changes proved worthwhile.

Boundaries are good and necessary.

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Politics (At Work)

Whenever there’s a group of people who are together for a purpose, politics are involved for work, volunteer, siblings, sports teams and anything else that has formal set of rules and/or unwritten ones.

My coworker who keeps showing up on my street late at night now trying to avoid my security cameras and who I finally realized that she is lying to our coworkers about me. Truthfully, I can handle it but they will see her game eventually. Another coworker who is the daughter of a senior employee has become a manager from my overhearing part of the conversation. Unfortunately, it has changed the relationship with her fiancé who she lives with and who she met at work. He’s in a different department but sits not far away as my space is in between them. Yay! Not.

At my former position up north, it was crazy too but the State auditors come here often like they did up north.

What politics at work do you witness? Does it affect your morale? Or, the bottom line?

Please share.

Thanks,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

My Feline Princess Divas

What is your favorite animal?

My feline Princess divas above are Bella to the left and Luna to the right who came into my life shortly after my only trip back to Michigan when my coworker thought that I wouldn’t return to Texas with good reason.

About 3.5 months prior, my sweet Seville passed who was a short haired black cat with Burmese traits. He missed his brother, Madrid, like me. He fell ill shortly after losing him. They were my rock for many years following the loss of my Siamese mix, Adrian.

My Bella and Luna came to me underfed neglected felines full of fleas, anger and mistrust. We spent lots of time and money at the veterinarian for medical issues of being extremely underweight for their age. Once, the finally reached their normal weight and size, they both went into heat about the same time.

After the medical issues were addressed including the food/treats, the more difficult one of trusting another human with upmost fear that I would be like the previous three that neglected and abused them.

During those months, I just talked to them a lot, petted them when they let me and fed them plus went through treats. While I was at work, I gave them free rein of the house. Eventually, my queens took over our queen sized bed.

Now, Luna sleeps on top of my laundry clothes basket and Bella is under the covers of a homemade afghan to stay warm at night.

Like before with my move to Texas of being eminent, the same energy that I’ll be moving back up north with these two in tow is exciting because they will see snow looking out the window and maybe listen to the sound of the waves of Lake Michigan. Plus, experience the northern lights when the night is as bright as day from the moon and the stars. The northern hemisphere will be a new experience for them.

Bella & Luna’s Human,

Leslie Elizabeth David.