So, as we speak, DH is quitting his job. He does not have a back up job right now. He has just put applications in this week, but nothing with the promise of pay yet. I told him two weeks ago to quit the job as they are asking him to do things that are not safe and things that are not humanly possible, like having to drive well over the speed limit with a truck full of propane and working 10 hours a day 7 days a week, telling him he's NOT ALLOWED overtime, but still has to put the hours in and STILL getting berratted for not doing enough. It got the worst this weekend when I found him convincing himself to take his own life. Nothing is worth doing that over, especially a job. I had him call in sick Mon and Tues, he worked on Weds and was told that he was going to have to work even more OT to make up for the days gone. Then he really did get sick yesterday and had to call in again. He went in for 8am this morning and the CSR laid into him (she is the main reason why he's working 7 days a week. She is so unorganized, it's crazy. I've went down there to help her get more organized for free before) and he snapped and said he had it. He came home and emptied his tools out of the truck he had and I drove him down to drop off the truck and get the rest of his tools out of the other trucks. We came home and got his work shirts and the keys, cell phone, etc and he headed back down to resign and hand in his work things.
Now, I get to sit here and worry... Income tax will be put away in savings just in case there is a move in our future or he can't find work for a while. The income I make only makes up for 1/3 of the household income. I work from home so I have to have internet and phone. My phone is paid up until August, so I don't have to worry about that, but I do have to worry about the rest of the bills... Unfortunately, I am being pretty darn frugal now and we are spending what we make. I am going to have to go over my budget and see what I can cut back on. Food will probably be the first thing....
I'm sorry for my rant but some of this stuff I just can't discuss with family or friends. DH is my best friend and I can discuss this all with him, I just need a place to sound off right now as I'm so worried!
That it from me for now. Thanks for listening!

BTW, not to make my DH look like a dead beat for doing what he's doing...
He does not do this on a regular basis, he sticks with his jobs and only leaves them for advancement/higher wages and plans it out. He has been sticking with this job for 4 years of not doing good enough and working his butt off and working for free at times. This will be the first job he has not given a two week notice at in any of the jobs he's had.
Just wanted to clarify... :)

I understand.

Have him file unemployment TODAY. Even though he quit, he may still qualify because he had good cause connected with work to quit... maybe. But, it's certainly worth filing the paperwork and trying.

Does he have any documentation to back up her unreasonable demands or any co-workers that would be witnesses? If so, he needs to get that stuff ASAP. If he is awarded unemployment, they will appeal and he will need this to stand up in the appeal.

Don't panic, be calm... think positively about solutions and try not to worry (it's a waste of time anyway). You will be okay.

I'm so sorry to hear that things are hard for you right now.

You know that NO job is worth taking your life for.

I would report the company to the labor board, you are not allowed to make someone work for no pay. Not only that, it is extremely unsafe to be doing that type of job and be required to work those hours. I also believe that OSHA has requirements, maybe a call in to them too.

I am glad to see he quit.

I hope that things work out for you all.

Sending good vibes your way!! Good luck to the both of you.

momofslg has a great point about the Dept of Labor and OSHA. Also, filing these complaints will bolster his unemployment case...though, ideally he should have filed them before quitting. I think he could still make a case.

Sometimes the worst situations can bring about positive changes. Years ago, my husband quit a job that was eating away at his sense of well being. I encouraged him to quit, even though he had no other job lined up. It was a scary time for us, because we were living paycheck to paycheck. He was only out of work for two weeks...then got a job he enjoyed, with much better pay. No matter what the outcome is for you, nothing is worth the risk of losing your husband to an accident or suicide. It sounds as though he really has no choice but to quit. I have no great words of wisdom, I just wanted to tell you to hang in there and be strong. I'll pray for God's provision in your life.

Tia, I believe that it is against the law for anyone to work overtime & not be paid for it. Did you save any check stubs that could verify this? If you have, talk to a lawyer & see if you can take this company to court for ripping off their workers. I am so sorry that you have to go through this. Stay strong, I am sure something better will come along. 2 years ago we found ourselves in a similar situation. My dh's co. didn't like it that he valued his family- a supervisor went as far as to tell him that if it wasn't for his family, he would be more productive.WTH? But yet they were always bragging about his abilities. He stuck it out for 8 yrs & the co finally got rid of him & others that had families.It was a very scary time for us. You're already making plans how to weather this-you'll be okay:)

I know what you are going through *hugs*

Sorry to hear that you are going thru this. I don't have any great advice that hasn't been said already except that my dh went thru a similar experience at his last job. He was making excellent money (I didn't have to work), but he was being asked to install phone-tapping systems on certain phones in the building, getting calls all hours of the night and weekend and HAD to go in and fix their computers even though they shouldn't be there working to begin with.......this job was 45 minutes away and sometimes we would go w/ him to help him out, and so many other things I'd rather not print. Anyway, he finally had it and so did our family since he was very depressed for a few years due to this job, we discussed about him getting another job. He did wind up working for a different company and taking about a 40% paycut but after a year, he's moving to a different position and getting a great raise, but most of all he's happy, he's treated w/ respect, enjoys what he does, and he works only a few miles from home. I guess what I'm trying to say is that sometimes we don't know why certain things happen and it can be upsetting and scarey, but in the end it works out the way it should be. I wish you and your dh much peace, happiness, and strength.

Tia, your dh does NOT sound like a deadbeat!

My dh was in a job (years ago, he is retired now) where their goal was to mess with everybody's head. It was really getting to him, and thank God they laid him off permanently before he had to go and quit. He was very depressed by that time. They also made them do things that almost anyone would call unethical and immoral.

I hope he gets something soon that will be good for his well being and your bank account.

I believe he is doing the right thing by quiting. I am amazed he stuck with it for four yrs. And you did the right thing by encouraging him to do so.

i'm sorry to hear about this happening to you.

:hugs2::hugs2::hugs2:

I ran a National Job Problem Hotline and here is what I would tell a caller about this situation.

1. Illegal overtime - Dept. of Labor, Division of Wage and Hour, it is a violation of federal law.
2. File for unemployment because of a "constructive discharge". This means that the employer made it impossible for him to do his job.
3. National Transportation Safety Board handles regulations for truck drivers in regards to hours, miles etc. It also sounds like this company is violating these federal laws also.

Your husband was being abused. It was an untenable situation and he is saving his life.

Good luck to the two you - there will be a better road ahead.

It sounds like you made the right choice. I will be praying for you and I hope he finds a new, better job quickly. I agree with everyone one about contacting the labor board. I did this once with an employer who was making us clock out an keep working. About 6 months later I got a check for back overtime out of the blue. Apparently they were investigated by the labor department because of my phone call and made to pay everyone their owed overtime.

Christine

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement! I so appreciate it, so does DH.
We've talked a little more and I am so happy he is already on board with frugality and willing to take it to another step if need be. Income tax will be put away in the EF, just in case. We should be eligible for tribal (native american) commodities now as well, so that will help out. Luckily we still have tribal healthcare as well, so doctor's, dental, and vision are being taken care of as well with minimal co-pays.
As for the paperwork, there is none. The boss is very good at conveniently not having that handy. The only other person he worked directly with was the CSR that was causing the majority of the problems. I'm glad he's out of there, and I don't care to even pursue taking action. It's just time to move on.
On the other hand, I do feel bad about the people and businesses that are out of gas (propane) right now. We live in such a rural area that most of the residences that he delivered to don't even have street names/signs and are impossible to find. A friend of ours actually puts a pair of shoes in the tree at the end of the road by the highway so that people can tell what road is their’s and where to turn! LOL I feel for the people, but as for the company, they are actually in trouble because no one knows where these places are but the driver and DH was the only driver for this area.
We're waiting on a call from a place that is going to give him a response today of whether he got that job or not. It's going to be quite a pay cut also, but it's at least something with opportunities to move up in the company, which is hopeful :)
I love the support I get from everyone here! Thank you all again!

I am so sorry to hear about the problems with your DH's employer. I am sure that things will all work out for the best. We are all here for you if you need a shoulder to lean on or an ear to vent to. :hugz:

So good to hear about your health care being taken care of. Also think it is great you told your husband to quit. I would be reporting the situation to all the appropriate government places. Especially OSHA. How he stuck it out for 4 years is unbelievable in those conditions.

Will be sending you positive thoughts that everything works out soon!!

I don't think badly of him at all. No job is worth the risk to one's health. Things will look up.

From what it sounds like he's in the Trucking Industry? What does his UNION have to say about all this working OT and not being paid for it? Also there are Federal Laws that regulate how many hours/days Truckers can work. I would seriously look into all that and file a grievance against the company if they violated any of the laws if need be. Hey, 1 good turn deserves another I say.

Wow, already another job prospect.........that is super!! I will be keeping my fingers crossed that he gets this job or another job really soon, please let us know!!

I'm so sorry for this. I would report the company, too. Who is this person's boss? I would go straight to the top, unless they're all like this. Good luck.

I ran a National Job Problem Hotline and here is what I would tell a caller about this situation.

1. Illegal overtime - Dept. of Labor, Division of Wage and Hour, it is a violation of federal law.
2. File for unemployment because of a "constructive discharge". This means that the employer made it impossible for him to do his job.
3. National Transportation Safety Board handles regulations for truck drivers in regards to hours, miles etc. It also sounds like this company is violating these federal laws also.

Your husband was being abused. It was an untenable situation and he is saving his life.

Good luck to the two you - there will be a better road ahead.




Also where someone said to contact the owner or higher ups. If you have others who can attest also that will help...we know he can't be the only one.
OSHA does have strict rules-contact them they will do an investigation...and unfortunately just because he's in a certain industry does not mean there is a Union...but if there is contact his rep.
Also check here for a job listing maybe this will help

http://www.usajobs.gov/

I had someone tell me to check it out,but I'm getting ready to go to school and trying to be careful what I do first since I'm not sure what my schedule will be like....but I know it can't hurt.

That sounds horrible what your husband went through.

He'll find a better, less stressful job now :)

Sending good vibes your way and hoping things turn out for the best for you and your family. Another thing is NO job is worth your life. :hugz:

I am sorry you are going through this. God luck, I am sure he will find something better

I agree with everyone else that no job is worth forfeiting your family or mental health. I admire your husband for having the courage to quit. :cheer4:
God Bless!!

You all really make me feel better about the decision we made. The difference in DH just since Friday is unbelivable! I have my old Brad back instead of the wreck he was becoming. A lot of the family doesn't seem to back this decision up, but it isn't their's to make. They also don't take my work at home job into consideration as an income, I found out as they wanted to know what we were going to do with no income coming in. I may not have brought in the majority of the income, but I brought in one third of it. The people who are questioning it also aren't into being frugal either and don't understand what it means to live within and below your means. All will be fine, tough times ahead and all. I have more confidence in that now than I ever did in all my life. I thank you all for being a part of this board, hence coming into my life to enrich my family with your knowlege and support. It is truely worth so much more than anyone can imagine!

It sounds like you are doing the right thing, no job is worth your life. We went through a similar situation when we decided to pack up and move 1200 miles without having a full-time job lined up for my DH. We loved the area we were living in, but housing costs were putting us in the negative every month, my DH had been working without a contract for 3 years (Teacher), the schools were terrible and we just couldn't afford to live there anymore. We packed up and everyone thought we were crazy, but we did it. My DH had a part time job when we got here, had a full-time one in 2 weeks and we bought a house last Feb. and the schools are wonderful here. Best decision we ever made.

I applaud you and your DH for making the decision you did. I'm sure it was scary to act on what you knew to be right, but I'm thankful you did. To think that your DH's employer would push the limits as far as they have is frightening.

Your DH put his life in danger every day AND on top of that, they did not pay him for time worked. I do not know your DH, but to think that he may have ended his life to end the madness has brought tears to my eyes and I am SOOOOOO thankful that he chose this route instead.

The advice you've received by the previous posters is wonderful. Please follow up with those agencies.

Is there no other company that can deliver propane to DH's previous clients?

I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted. Your wise decision will be rewarded.

I'm sorry to hear that you and your husband are going through rough times.

Here we go with the funniest part of this story so far. The employment agency just called DH to tell him that his old propane companies competitor called looking for a driver. The lady at the office said DH was just in there and they want to meet with him ASAP. So, DH is going in today to meet with them. I did tell him that he better make sure that all issues he had previously are addressed so we don't get into the same boat. Keeping my fingers crossed that, not only does he get the job, but that it works out as a good thing and not the same BS he was going through. We'll see!

Wow, that is amazing! I will be keeping my fingers crossed that this company would be a MUCH better company to work for and that all the people are happy to be employed there (and of course he gets the job if he likes it!). Please keep us updated as we have been wondering how you all have been doing.

We've both been down with a nasty virus. DH's turned into a sinus infection. Yesterday was my birthday and the highlight to it was sitting at the walk-in clinic. I have decided to officially postpone my birthday until I feel better LMAO!
Thank again to everyone for all your support. I will update more when I'm feeling better!

I hope you are feeling better soon. I don't blame you for putting your b-day off until later. LOL

Keeping my fingers crossed for your DH. Let us know how it goes.

Tia, you have brought me to tears. Isn't it crazy how we panic at times? God's orchestration is just so AWESOME!!

Hang in there dear sister, many hugs/love coming your way.

((((hugs to you & yours)))) I always like to think that when one door closes, another door opens and something better will be through the new door. Best of luck!!!

That's great! I hope he gets it!

Tia, you have brought me to tears. Isn't it crazy how we panic at times? God's orchestration is just so AWESOME!!

Hang in there dear sister, many hugs/love coming your way.

I WILL GIVE AN AMEN TO THAT!!!!:yippee:

TiaJean, please reconsider contacting the agencies. I understand that you want to move on, and since he is out of it you may feel less concern that when he was working for him BUT (that is a loud "but"), as long as they are working anyone that way, they are creating a hazardous condition for anyone in the area. What would you think if several months from now one of their overworked and overstressed drivers has a wreck an people are hurt? There is a reason those regulations exist, and it isn't just for the employees' well being. Pleas do what you can to call the situation to the attention of the agencies who are responsible for putting a stop to it.

And I'm praying that the new job is great and that they hire Brad immediately!

Best Wishes and Sending Good vibes your way for a great job for DH!! :yippee:

Absolutely he did the right thing! No job is worth your health or life! Congrats to him and you for the courage to do what needed to be done. Life will have a chance to be much sweeter now. Good luck on the job hunt!

Wow, just saw your last post and all I can say is Wow! :)

:tay:Great News! As of tomorrow, DH is employed by the new propane company!
He starts tomorrow. He told the guy about the other company's practices and was told they do not do anything of the sort. The pay is even a little better too! Thanks to our income tax, the two weeks he is going to be without pay, we can cover easily.
I am still on DH about reporting the other company and I'm thinking that he may consider it, finally. Thanks to all of you who gave us words of support through this short ordeal (thankfully it was short!), I think we would have been in a much darker place had I not had some back up and venting space.:yippee:

Awesome!! I'm so happy for you. :cheer4:

Great news!

OMG, that is terrific..........CONGRATULATIONS, I am so happy for your and your family! :applause:

Wow! I am just reading this thread now.

I am so happy to hear that everything is falling into place for you and your family. Right now I am pretty much in the same boat as you "were" but like you, my family will also get through it.

Hugs and best wishes :hugz:

I am SO happy for you both. Glad he found a better job, for physical and emotional reasons!

Again, I want to thank everyone who helped me get through an emotionally horrible time. I don't think I could have gotten through it thinking straight enough for us to get through it all.
It's been two months, today, since DH quite his job at the other company. He did report the company for the horrible practices. At the same time, customers of theirs were reporting them also for a bunch of bad practices they were doing. The waterfall of karma hit them like a brick wall and they are in a heap of red tape gallor! DH's boss from that job quit two weeks after DH quit, and another driver is going to be quitting in the next month. They are in deep!
Then, a new twist hit us two weeks after DH got the new propane job...
The owner announced he was closing the doors to his business completely...
OKAY, I was so mad about this as DH had actually turned down another job (not one he wanted, but still!) to go with this job. I was so low at that point, I didn't post or really get online, we were devistated. DH was told that the owner was selling the company to another competitor and that he could apply with them and possibly get the job, but that it wasn't a firm deal that he had the job. Only thing that we knew is that he had the job for one more week at least... ARGH!!!!
WELL.... DH went through the interview process for a week. (Now, this company is actually the company DH has been wanting to work for since the very beginning when he got the job with the crap company with no morals). Come to find out, they never even interviewed anyone else, and they wanted him so bad that they actually had him stop working for the other guy before his time was up to work for them. They have been treating both of us WONDERFULLY! I was actually holding my breath still about it until today. The current guy working there doesn't know where all of the customers are and I thought maybe once DH showed him where they were, they would let go of him. BUT, today he came home with uniforms with his name on them as well as two pairs of work boots. I know that may seem like a silly thing to feel relieved to see, but I don't think they are going to spend a ton of money on someone they are going to have there temporarily. It's amazing at the difference of how this company treats their employees. They paid for his physical, drug test, his CDL license, finger printing (have to have with Hazmat CDL), AND gave him $100.00 gas cards to drive out of town to get those things done!!!! They even gave him a pizza party to welcome him and took him around to the three offices to introduce him to everyone. The pay is also going to be much better as the owner told DH that what he was getting paid was way under what any of his other drivers make. The other thing I am loving is that the turn over there is 0%, the only people that have left either retired or died.
It's just amazing that two months ago I was so scared as to what we were going to do and how now things are falling into place just as you all had said. One door closes so another can open. I cannot thank you all enough for making me see that what DH was doing was such a good thing!
THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU!!!!

Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad to know that everything is working out for you. It'll be nice to see a bigger paycheck too!