Figured since I share all the good I'll share the bad with you as well!

Matt quit his job the first night! They didn't give him any training just showed him how the computer worked once and put him right on the phones.He said he felt like such an idiot he had no clue what he was doing and they wouldn't or couldn't take the time to train him right then.They also had him making food which he was told when hired he wouldn't have to do until his arm and hand were healed,he said he had no business making food as his bandages were all wet and soggy and kept coming off and he thought it was gross to be touching something someone would put in their mouth with his burned hand so he said "Sorry can't do this" after three hours and left.

I do understand somewhat were he is coming from as he had never used a computer before and it is just rotten and probably very overwhelming to someone just out of prison to be thrown into a cust. service job with no training.

I have to admit though my first instinct was anger and some tears as well as the thoughts "Someone gave you a chance two weeks out and you f'd it up!" and "Oh god is this the beginning of it?" as far as bad attitude,not wanting to work etc. goes. I didn't show him my fear or anger I just asked him why and did he really believe they wouldn't of trained him more if he would of told them that he needed help? He said he did and they didn't seem to care,it was more like he was a burden to them at that point.I think he should have given it more of a chance but I can't really say as I wasn't put in that posistion.
A girlfriend at work told me "Imagine how you after working all your life would feel being thrown out there with no training like that it would be horrible for you now imagine someone confined to a cell with no social interaction for years just getting home being put in that spot"

I am not going to let this get to me I have to believe it was a set back,a job not meant to be and that he will continue his job search and his positive attitude and keep doing all the good things he is doing.It is hard though when I think of how difficult it is for ex felons to find work that he gave up so fast.

I can only believe in him and wish for the best which is what I am doing

Other then that things are still going unbelievably well! here is to hoping it continues

No sane person would want to stick their unhealed wound in people's food! I think the not meant to be part applies...

I know what you mean. Under normal circumstances, you wouldn't realy blame a person for walking out of a bad situation before it got worse, but when you're on eggshells because you're afraid it's a sign of screwing up and not handling things maturely (not to mention you probably need the money and if he's on paper, he NEEDS to keep a job), it scares the crap out of you. Well, I'm glad he didn't make any food for me :eek:, and for your sake I hope he charges right out and gets another job and KEEPS it! Mine had 3 idifferent jobs the first 2 weeks was out- 2 of them the halfway house decided were unnacceptable, the third he was hired by a manager but the owner saw his record and fired him. The fourth one stuck. He's been at it a couple of months and is doing great, but don't think I wasn't sweating bullets! Just try to stay calm and see how it goes- job hunting is miserable anyway, more so with a record.

Okay this might sound dumb but even though I know my way around a computer I have always stayed away from retail jobs because the thought of running a cash register completely freaks me out. I told you it would sound dumb. I mean obviously I could be trained to run a cash register and the reality is I'd probably pick it up very quick but the thought makes my head hurt. Enough about me...

Matt was thrown into a bad situation made worse by his and your expectation, a lack of experience and his recent incarceration, is it any wonder he was having a difficult time. He showed much compassion thinking of others by not wanted to contaminate their food not to mention that wouldn't be any good for his healing process either. Shame on them for not giving him the proper training. It's their loss.

On the relationship aspect of this I can completely relate to the thoughts running through your head about his sticking it out because he was given the opportunity but would you feel the same if he had stable employment for many years and found himself in a position to say take a second job of this sort and was treated as he was?

Things happen for a reason honey, it'll all come together in good time. Sebastian is still trying to get a job 4 months after getting out. It's frustrating for both of us but we have to just keep plugging along.

Best of luck,
Patty

I'm sorry things didn't work out with his job but I think you handled it very well. And I think that in that same situaiton I would have done what he did. But everything should work out as long as he keeps looking and doesn't give up or get too discouraged!
Andrea

Well since I am a nurse I think he made the right choice. But I totally understand how you feel. How is the temp agency search going? He will find more work, it may take time but he knows what he has to do. Continue to encourage him and things will be fine!!

Merry Christmas
ONE

Hey Cali Sunshine,

It doesn't sound like a set back just not the right place for him. So the job search will continue, I guess it is a part of getting back into the swing of things. How many of us took a job that we didn't really want but just because it was offered. I know having a record may make it challenging to find a decent job, but there are some out there. Good luck with the new search, and hope your man's hands heal well. Happy holidays.

Cali, I'm so sorry to hear that his job didn't work out. I do worry when I dine out about who prepared my food, is this person clean, etc. I truly believe he made the right decision. And no extensive training on the computer? I still ask questions about what I do on the computer and I've been doing my job for almost 5 years.
2005 will be better. I promise :grouphug:

Happy Holidays to you and Matt.
Tell Matt "Best of Luck in his New Job Search"

Others have said it all. I understand your frustration but hopefully it will all work out soon. Good luck and a Hug for you both. May 2005 be your best year ever and may all your best dreams come true.

I think I would be frusterated to, but at the same time I can understand where he was coming from. You know better then we do what his arm and bandages look like. Is it bad enough that if you went into a place of business and saw him handling your food you would complain?

I think that knowing he has to get and keep a job in order to get his kids this was probably something that he felt strong about. I know how hard he has worked to get his kids so I dont think he would just quit unless it really was as bad as he said.

((((((HUGS)))))) to both of you

Cali, You handled this like a pro. Right now this was not the right job for him. Ask Gid to bring him to the right job. It may take some set backs b4 you see progress. Keep on keeping on.

Cali I'm sorry it didnt work out - but you definitley have the right attitude...it is only a set back. I can tell that Matt wants to do well and right in this world and he only needs the chance to prove himself. I can't imagine how he felt on the computer...but I do watch my dad type with one finger (oh, it is painful, LOL :D ) and copying and pasting for him makes me look like a goddess!! I dont know if Matt uses the puter at home or not, but I am sure that you guys could work together on teaching him the basics and if he uses it on his own free time he will be more confident on it. Everything takes time sweetie, it wont happen over night. I am really proud of you and Matt for having such a positive attitude and not giving up so easily!! I hope you guys have an awesome Christmas and once the New Year starts he will be able to take on new endevors (and be able to rest up that arm so it can heal well). HUGS girlie!!

I'd report the place to the boared of health, its absolutely against the law to work with food and open wounds...and thats EVERYWHERE!!!

This is just one step back!!! Think about all the steps forward you two have made. It will smooth out eventually, patience. I'm glad to hear everything else is going well for you though.

I am sorry the job didn't work out. However, it is VERY important for him to have a support base. I know you wanted to ask the question, "Are you crazy?!!", but his PO will take care of that aspect, trust me on that one. It is disappointing I know, but hang in there. If he really wants it, he will make it work. He may have to start at a lower paying job until he can attain a better one, but that's ok - we all do that. There are places out there who will give people a chance, regardless of their records... Bus has been out since 97 and is having a hard time now finding a job. It is one of those things you have to deal with. Just have some faith..

Thanks everyone :) I do think he made the right choice in leaving I was just shocked at first and a bit scared and wanted to share with you all the troubles and well as the triumphs but the fears are at bay now and I KNOW he will continue to do what he needs to do to succeed!

Sounds like he made the right choice, Cali....I know I could never work around food with my arm like that, out of concern for others. I'd hate to touch food with the possibility of infection to my arm, too!

Things will work out, sweetie...he'll find something better, you'll see ;)

Hugs,
Sue

I know it's against health regulations in some places to even have a band-aid if you are working with food so he made the right decision. It must have been more than a little scary to be shown a computer and told to get on with it without being trained. Are there any free computer training courses he would be eligible for? I know he will find something soon - he has already accomplished so much in the few weeks he has been out! Please keep us posted - sending you both lots of positive thoughts and keep showing how much confidence you have in him !

Cali..You are a great person and I know you will continue to give Matt the support he needs....all of us would have been a little upset, but you took a step back and realized that he was in a hard spot....I know it must be hard on him, and you are a wonderful person that is gonna see him through this transition. I hope he finds something he can do and like soon....Hang in there honey!
~Katie

After all the progress he has made I wouldn't let this upset you. He has done such a great job so far I think he deserves a better job anyway. Happy Holidays to you both.