Full Version: The Return of Sei
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1]
4 Oct 2006
To: Sei (SEIMA) 4 Oct 2006
I couldn't believe my eyes, when I saw your post, in response to a font search message.
People have asked where you were and I tried to email, to see how you're doing.
Still working in the same place?
From: Sei (SEIMA) [#2]
4 Oct 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 4 Oct 2006
It's good to be back. I don't know how much help I'll be able to offer for a while as currently I have no access to materials or equipment.
That said, nope, not in the same place. I had a falling out with my previous employers. They were making promises and not keeping them, particularly in regard to a profit sharing incentive program. After two years without a raise or this mythical profit sharing kicking in I was getting a little tired (especially since I live over 30 miles from their shop and my gas bill about doubled in that time).
In April I was told I would get a review and we'd talk about profit sharing again the first of May. By the end of May it had never been mentioned again.
Add to that the owners decided to sue one of their former employes, and my closest friend, under their non-compete agreement. He was working for a health club as their marketing director. Part of this job involved coordinating signage (and funneling thousands of dollars of work into the company through me). Apparently since he was dealing with signs in any capacity this was a violation of his agreement with them.
So with that and the aforementioned pay rate issue I gave a 6 week notice in protest. I gave such a long time because I didn't want the department I'd worked so hard to build over the years to crumble, and because I hadn't found a replacement job.
They accepted the notice immediately and threatened to sue me under the non-compete as well. Apparently I had plans to go and work for the same health club. News to me. I also "stole" files by sending drawings to my friend. Drawings that were originally provided to us by the health club's marketing department.
And violation of non-disclosure for telling my friend that they intended to take him to court. That I can see a case for. Of course, they announced they planned to sue him in a public meeting open to all employees in our front lobby.
The next day they called asking me to come in and train my old employee. I got them to agree to drop all charges against me and give me two weeks serverance in exhange for three 8 hour training sessions.
Since then I've been bouncing from place to place, working odd jobs while I wait for my non-compete terms to run out. Luckily I might have an opportunity outside the 50 mile scope of the agreement as mentioned in my post to Laser Engraving.
So, that's my recent life in a nutshell. How have things been here? :)
Sei
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#3]
4 Oct 2006
To: Sei (SEIMA) [#2] 4 Oct 2006
Sei,
I'm happy to hear you're opening up your options.
It never sounded as if you were very happy, or appreciated, in your previous job. Your update underscores that sentiment.
I hope you don't get sued for mentioning your story in public. :P
Things around here are fine. Rarely a dull moment. Topics have covered the gamut of industry-related and wild and wooly topics outside of the industry.
Perfect! :-)
Good luck in finding a new position in the industry. You'll be an asset, wherever you end up.
EDITED: 4 Oct 2006 by DGL
From: Jim (PUZZLEHEAD) [#4]
4 Oct 2006
To: Sei (SEIMA) [#2] 4 Oct 2006
Hi Sei,
Great to see you back on the forum. If you would consider relocating, I am sure there are a few folks here who would be interested in hiring you. Let us know if you want to discuss employment possibilities or write to me off forum at Jim Jarecki at america online .com (Of course no spaces in the name and aol instead of america online.)
Jim
From: Sei (SEIMA) [#5]
4 Oct 2006
To: Jim (PUZZLEHEAD) [#4] 4 Oct 2006
Unfortunately one result of believing in the promises of my former employer was that when the lease on my apartment ran out I opted to stay in this area and purchase a home.
To do so I needed to secure an FHA loan, and part of the requirements of the loan state that I cannot sell the home and it must be my primary residence for at least three years from date of purchase. At this point I have just a scratch under a year left to go.
But I very much appreciate the kind offer. Were circumstances different it would be a thrill and a great oppertunity to expand my skills to find employment with any of the members of our fine forum.
Thank you,
Sei
From: Sei (SEIMA) [#6]
4 Oct 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#3] 4 Oct 2006
Thank you for the kind vote of confidence and support. I know I'll land on my feet eventually.
If the opportunity I'd mentioned in the "Which Laser?" post doesn't pan out what I might do is bide my time until the non-compete expires. Then it'll be time to get my own laser and see if I can't show the people I used to work for how a sucessful signs and awards shop is run.
Sei
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#7]
4 Oct 2006
To: Sei (SEIMA) [#6] 4 Oct 2006
As Jim Jarecki said, I'm sure you could find a job with many of the forum members.
It seems you're finally coming to realize that "doing your own thing" is where your greatest opportunities lie.
From: UncleSteve [#8]
4 Oct 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#7] 4 Oct 2006
*always wear your safety glasses when lasering!
From: JHayes55 [#9]
6 Oct 2006
To: Sei (SEIMA) [#6] 6 Oct 2006