After 3+ years, I got fired

[TheGreatSatan]

I worked at Office Depot for about 3 1/2 years and finally got fired. I knew it would happen eventually, because I would always go the extra mile for customers regardless of what we were charging. We would do $30 setups on new PC's where we would remove all the junk programs, files, and games and tweak the OS to top speed. I would also install Advanced System Care (a FREE program) and sometimes Avast or Avira (Also FREE).

Normally you would charge $30 per software install, but since they were free and it would only take a couple of seconds to do, I would just do it. After several hundred computers sold and several hundred installs it finally caught up to me.

The manager never cared and everyone I worked with did it too, but the Loss Prevention District Manager (LPDM) who did our audits didn't like it so he fired me.

So the job hunt begins. I always loved working on computers there and the general feel of the place so finding something new will be annoying. I already have 3 interviews set up, but for places I don't see myself staying at.

Do I qualify for Unemployment? Or only if I hadn't been fired. . . .?

[Airbozo]

I worked at Office Depot for about 3 1/2 years and finally got fired. I knew it would happen eventually, because I would always go the extra mile for customers regardless of what we were charging. We would do $30 setups on new PC's where we would remove all the junk programs, files, and games and tweak the OS to top speed. I would also install Advanced System Care (a FREE program) and sometimes Avast or Avira (Also FREE).

Normally you would charge $30 per software install, but since they were free and it would only take a couple of seconds to do, I would just do it. After several hundred computers sold and several hundred installs it finally caught up to me.

The manager never cared and everyone I worked with did it too, but the Loss Prevention District Manager (LPDM) who did our audits didn't like it so he fired me.

So the job hunt begins. I always loved working on computers there and the general feel of the place so finding something new will be annoying. I already have 3 interviews set up, but for places I don't see myself staying at.

Do I qualify for Unemployment? Or only if I hadn't been fired. . . .?

I would file for unemployment and make Office Depot dispute the claim. They have to give some valid reason for firing you in order for them to deny the claim. If you have never had an bad reviews, it will be hard for them to deny any way..

[x88x]

/\ This. Let them come out and tell a judge that they fired you for providing their customers with too good service. -_^

Sucks about you being fired though. Good luck on the search.

[Diamon]

If you're going the extra mile for free wouldn't that mean customers will keep coming back to your company allowing it to make more money in the long run?

[Luke122]

Sorry to hear it, I know exactly what that feels like. Most likely they let you go so they can bring in someone at minimum wage. Loss prevention my ass.

I agree with Airbozo, go for unemployment right now while you job hunt.. it will at least fill the gap until you get another job.

Diamon: +1 on that. Happy customers will always come back, and will tell others that they are happy too.

[rendermandan]

kinda makes me want to never go there for anything ever again. THere are too many other stores to buy office supply products at for them to treat their loyal employees like that.

Good luck with the jobsearch!

[diluzio91]

if it makes you feel better, I worked at officeMax for 3 years, went through the restructuring, and as a minimum wage worker essentially trained all the new managers. when i went off to college i declined the boss's offer to transfer. He scheduled me a week beyond my 2 weeks notice and said i didnt show up for work those days. So now im on their do not rehire list... If i wanted that job back i would be pissed... Also, i list my ASM as the manager on jobs now... He actually liked me

[Luthien]

I'm sorry this happened to you. I know someone else who Office Depot screwed over. They really are about saving themselves money and not about customer service. It's a shame that big companies care more about making money than about keeping the good employees who make customers want to return to the store. You should definitely file for unemployment. Office Depot will probably try to challenge it, but since they can't provide a valid reason for firing you, the odds are in your favor.

[Ichbin]

I work as a tech at office depot now. Needless to say, I don't think you lost much. It's a pretty terrible job I'm finding.

[TheGreatSatan]

It was great when we weren't forced into providing an inferior service. When the manager was backing our actions and not letting higher end pricks get in the way of our sales. I would normally do $3000 a month in plans and services alone. The store as a whole would do about $7000. Needless to say this will affect them a lot too.

If I had the money, I would start my own PC repair business so fast. . . . . . . . and right next door to them

[BuzzKillington]

That would be epic. They'd definitely lose business once people caught on that you were the elite tech that used to work next door and are now offering the same if not better service for half the price.

I still don't get how geeksquad and the other major ones sucker people in to paying outrageous prices when there are so many PC shops out there that would do it for way less.

[TheGreatSatan]

Because a vast majority of people (who are not Enthusiasts) automatically think of Best Buy when their computers break. When they see the little cars and guys with ties they feel a sense of warth come over them.

[artoodeeto]

exactly. the vast majority of people out there don't want to think about their computer much, so when it breaks they go to the place that does the best advertising job. So much of the time stores can get away with saying things like "cheaper than the competition" even if it's not really true because if the competition doesn't advertise as much or at all, most people will never figure out the big store is ripping them off.

I remember when I was working at Micro Center, hearing about CompUSA and their commission restructuring. They make Office Depot look like a warm bag of sunshine. apparently CompUSA decided on all these quotas their salespeople had to meet (like, the customer had to buy at least...what was it...3 items I think), with the goal of boosting sales. See, this is where Harvard MBA's really should have some real-world experience before being put in charge. Real world in this case means working or observing day-to-day sales at the store level.

The result of this new structure was that salespeople would totally ignore customers who weren't interesting in buying several things. And really, who can blame those guys? If you're going to be punished for helping someone and not pushing product on them when they don't want it or need it? CompUSA ended up losing the majority of their experienced salespeople either due to being fired b/c of violating the new policies or quitting because it was such a terrible place to work, and the replacement salespeople typically had no idea what they were talking about. And of course, ultimately CompUSA ended up out of business. Death by lack of forethought and unrealistic expectations, both of employees and of customers.

All this was garnered both from coworkers and customers in my store at the time...

[x88x]

If I had the money, I would start my own PC repair business so fast. . . . . . . . and right next door to them
Were there any techs that you knew well/were good/etc at Office Depot? Maybe they might be interested in going in with you on something like that? I'm sure the company would love to see more of their expensive talent leave. :P On another note, I would love to hear the store manager explaining to the LPDM why sales are down so much. :D


@artoo, when you were working there, did Microcenter have any quotas? That's one of the things I love about shopping at Microcenter; none of the employees ever try and push product on me. ..of course, I rarely ask them for help since I know more about the products there than a lot of them... :whistler:

[Kayin]

OD did it to me too, but after I was injured on the job, as well. I'm still fighting for that workman's comp.

I did file for unemployment, they contested and lost. I'm paying part of the legal fees (standard) but my determination says that I did not defraud them-they were just asses. Apparently, they're not winning any of the cases.

I'm permanently handicapped, thanks to that outfit, but suing a dying company doesn't make financial sense. I drove them nuts, now I can watch them burn.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, bro. I placed top ten in REGION in sales, and they did that to me. Oh well, enjoy your suck.

[artoodeeto]

@ X88X - Micro Center sort of required quotas, but only for (as I was) computer system sales people. We had to sell a certain number of profit dollars with each computer system, because typically the store sold the computer systems at a loss. When I was there we had to average $120 of profit on each sale. Basically that meant we could sell systems by themselves here and there, but most we had to sell, say a screen, speakers, printer, software, etc etc along with the computer. For a long time I was the only sales guy in the store who was meeting those goals, and my customers loved me :) it was a good combination. I firmly believe in not pushing stuff on people that don't want it, but I got good at finding out what people needed or other things they wanted, and getting them set up with that.
As far as the other departments, my guess is you're in Peripherals most of the time, and I think (not sure) that they have similar quotas but only when selling something like a camera or printer. If you're in there for computer parts, unless you're building a Zeus replacement, they won't have any incentive to push things on you. But the culture there was one that discouraged selling things to people who didn't want them - MC is smart enough to realize that that doesn't often make for a happy customer.

[x88x]

Nice. That makes me like them a lot more. :D I keep hoping that the old empty CompUSA building near me is gonna get turned into a Microcenter...though I'm a little afraid how much money I would spend there if I didn't have to drive 40-60 minutes to get there... :whistler: Also, fwiw, I'm normally in the, what do they call it, the 'BYO' department? The back 1/8th or so of the store that's dedicated to computer components, modding materials, and tools. Have I mentioned they have a watercooling aisle? ..They have a watercooling aisle. :D

[Luthien]

There are no Micro Center stores around here. It's a shame because I'm the type of person who doesn't get pushed into buying things and it sounds like they aren't too pushy there. If I go in a store, and the sales person is helpful, and not pushy, I'm much more willing to buy something. I have actually walked out of stores in the past that I had intended to buy something from because sales people told me what I "really" needed. Big corporations want money and they do not care if the customers actually need the product or not. Individual sales people who provide true customer service rather than pushing an unnecessary product are the kind of people I want to buy from. Unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer quality sales people because they lose their jobs over providing real customer service.

[TheGreatSatan]

At OD they wanted attachments too. Generally stores make nothing on PC's or printers or cameras.

Each item must go out with 100% attachments. Each attachment is 25%, 4 attachments = 100%

-With a printer they want you to attach ink, USB cable, paper, and a warranty.
-A camera has to go out with a camera bag, memory, batteries, and a warranty too.
-Desktop attachments are worth 33% each and are supposed to go out with printers (and all of it's attachments), power strips, and a warranty.

I was tipically #1 every month, but that was also running against me. I was very good with computers and I was probably going to be stuck there. I'd already been passed for a promotion to dept head because of my ability to sell and service Computers. They put a lower guy ahead of me.

I have an interview tomorrow for a Radio Shack Assistant Manager job :up::eek:

[Okele]

I'd say file for the unemployment, but here's something to keep in mind. You have more then likely been fired for stealing company assets, even though they were free programs, and took little time to install. Company policy probably states that they have the 30.00 markup which would be total profit. It sucks, but you may not win an unemployment case. Really the only way that you could possibly win is if the Unemployment councelor agrees with the idea that, if it's free it should be free.

Hate to be the naysayer, but as I work for the largest retail company in the world I have seen all kinds of things transpire like this. And usually the company has some loop hole, that if they want to fight the claim they usually win. It's not 100% so you may get lucky and get a sympathetic claims person.

Good luck and good luck with your interview.

[TheGreatSatan]

I'd rather be working soon and cancel the unemployment anyway. I really don't want to leech from the gov't any how.

[Airbozo]

I'd rather be working soon and cancel the unemployment anyway. I really don't want to leech from the gov't any how.

Unemployment is NOT leaching. One of the benefits of working full time is unemployment insurance. The company is required to pay a certain amount into it and that is figured as part of your wage. This is why companies have a veto vote in your unemployment compensation.

Unemployment insurance is not like welfare.

[Kayin]

This, like Social Security, is part of what's cut from each check. You paid in, don't feel bad about using it.

I worked for 12 years, now I'm disabled. I paid into Social Security, I'm not gonna feel too bad about getting some back out.

[TheGreatSatan]

Like Social Security, Unemployment pays a lot more out than you ever put in. So yes, it's leeching

[Airbozo]

Like Social Security, Unemployment pays a lot more out than you ever put in. So yes, it's leeching

Sort of. I personally think it depends on how you use or abuse the system. If you file for unemployment to help with the bills while you find a job, that is one thing. If you file for unemployment to help with the bills while you spend the next 6 moths playing video games, that is another thing altogether.

I have been in a situation where I truly needed the money to pay bills and another time I knew I was going to be employed in a couple of months, so I didn't collect.

But in the end it is a personal choice.

Just your attitude concerning Unemployment shows me what sort of person you are. (not in a bad way)

[Luthien]

Like Social Security, Unemployment pays a lot more out than you ever put in. So yes, it's leeching

I worked my *** off for years and years and last year I got forced into disability. (Literally forced, as in the doctors refused to release me to go back to work after my last time in the hospital and told me to file for Disability.)

Do I like it? Absolutely not. I miss working. If I was capable of returning to work, I'd definitely do so.

Can I help it? Again, absolutely not. I'm sick, and can't help it.

Do I feel like I'm a leech on the government? Not really. I paid in the whole time I worked and I did not choose to be disabled. Also, the government doesn't give me that much money

Anyway, just wanted to provide a little food for thought.

Good luck with getting a job.

[Kayin]

If I claimed it for a reason such as "depression" or "ADHD" I'd agree with mooching.

This hasn't left staff, but I might as well come out with it. I'm currently looking at disability because I have a terminal genetic condition known as Marfan's syndrome, and between the ravages of the disease and the medication they give me to control the worst of it, I'm absolutely worthless as a worker now. I've been told by multiple doctors my days of working are at an end, and no job in the world would keep me through all the doctor's visits necessary to keep me running.

Now, as to leeching, then if you use insurance, you're a leech. You didn't pay into insurance what you get out, so using your own logic, that makes you a leech. Of course, that isn't a true statement, though logical. The system exists that we all pay in, so that if someone has to take out, the money is there. Insurance is the same thing, only privatized. The mechanism is entirely the same, and it exists to help those in situations like yours where they're being morons and firing people without just cause.

That said, I wish you all luck with your interview, and if you don't have to use it, then by all means don't. If it's easier on your conscience, and you have the savings necessary to get by, it's not a requirement you use it. But mooching off the government is an issue of intent, not of payout. I don't believe you'd ever intend to mooch, and would use the money to stabilize yourself while you sought a job you're actually qualified for.

My two cents. Need to lay back down, bad day today.

[OvRiDe]

Like Social Security, Unemployment pays a lot more out than you ever put in. So yes, it's leeching

Actually you as an employee do not pay anything into the Unemployment system. The company you work for does. They pay a percentage per check up to the first $7000 dollars you make PER CALENDAR YEAR. They pay a percentage to both Federal and State programs. Companies also pay for Unemployment insurance as well, which is why they fight it so much, the more they pay out, the more their insurance costs them. So if you worked for them for say 3.5 years.. they paid a percentage of $28,000 into the system on your behalf. If you need it.. its your not leeching. Its those that take advantage of it when they could be working that do.

[TheGreatSatan]

Regardless. I think I'm gonna call them and cancel my request. I don't need it that bad and I don't need my old job contesting and winning (rubbing it in my face). I've had 4 interviews in the 5 days since I lost my job, something will hit soon enough. Radio Shack basically told me that I could be managing my own store in a few years. I don't picture myself running a store, because I'm just not that motivated or ambitious

[LiTHiUM0XiD3]

If I claimed it for a reason such as "depression" or "ADHD" I'd agree with mooching.

This hasn't left staff, but I might as well come out with it. I'm currently looking at disability because I have a terminal genetic condition known as Marfan's syndrome, and between the ravages of the disease and the medication they give me to control the worst of it, I'm absolutely worthless as a worker now. I've been told by multiple doctors my days of working are at an end, and no job in the world would keep me through all the doctor's visits necessary to keep me running.

Now, as to leeching, then if you use insurance, you're a leech. You didn't pay into insurance what you get out, so using your own logic, that makes you a leech. Of course, that isn't a true statement, though logical. The system exists that we all pay in, so that if someone has to take out, the money is there. Insurance is the same thing, only privatized. The mechanism is entirely the same, and it exists to help those in situations like yours where they're being morons and firing people without just cause.

That said, I wish you all luck with your interview, and if you don't have to use it, then by all means don't. If it's easier on your conscience, and you have the savings necessary to get by, it's not a requirement you use it. But mooching off the government is an issue of intent, not of payout. I don't believe you'd ever intend to mooch, and would use the money to stabilize yourself while you sought a job you're actually qualified for.

My two cents. Need to lay back down, bad day today.



ive noticed alot of ppl have been using things like ADHD and depression to get disability here in canada.. it sickens me... ive been on support a few times.. but i like everyone it apears.. feels like a leech... i feel horrible.. i'd rather be working... but this.. "hey lets jump on disability with BS for money" thing is goin too far... and the ppl in public housing... they get a nice place.. dirty cheap... (think like $300 a month) and they never leave.. never givin that oppertunity to ppl who need it (public housing has a line of about 20 yrs right now) and on top of that.. ppl who have kids on wellfare for the money.. i know a chick.. who gets knocked up every 4 years just so she can continue to recieve money from wellfare... and collect on the baby bonuses... oh and guess what.. she also has public housing that she hasnt let go of for YEARS!


these ppl r the low ones... u guys takin maybe a month or 2 on unemployment r ok.... u guys takin disability because you r actually DISABLED... u guys r cool...
ADHD cant even remotely be a reason... guess what.. i "have" it...
like every other hyper child (when i was like 8) i was diagnosed with it...
why.... so my doctor could push pills on me to make me more manage-able
(dont even get me started on how lazy the educational system has gotten)
ARGH!!! mini rant over.... dont feel bad about it man.. the ppl ive listed.. they should feel bad...

[TheGreatSatan]

I called their number and it just says that if you don't certify your unemployment it will drop off. That's what I'll do.

[DaveW]

ive noticed alot of ppl have been using things like ADHD and depression to get disability here in canada.. it sickens me...

Don't tar everyone with the same brush. These are mental disorders that manifest different symptoms and severity from person to person. Suicide is one of the biggest 'killers' of young men in the UK (http://www.theglaswegian.co.uk/glasgow-news/news/2010/04/08/ad-bid-to-fight-the-menace-of-suicide-102692-22170682/), and a lot of studies have suggested this is because young men aren't willing to talk about their problems. Understandable if the potential reactions include "you sicken me".

There are a lot of leaches in the world, but leaches will use any reason they can. To say;


ADHD cant even remotely be a reason... guess what.. i "have" it...

Is entirely unfair; ADHD is not well understood, and there are a lot of misdiagnoses. ADHD does not mean that you are hyper, although that is a common misconception (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention-deficit_hyperactivity_disorder); the 'hyperactivity' in the name refers to hyperactive parts of the brain that prevent a person from retaining focus. It's entirely reasonable that someone with severe ADHD would find it extremely difficult to work, so it can be a reason. You cannot hold yourself as an example, as you may have mild symptoms, or maybe you only manifest the 'hyperactive' symptoms, and not the 'inattentive' symptoms.

It's very, very easy to pigeon-hole people like this, but it's not fair to them. A lot of people think mental disorders aren't 'real problems', especially depression and ADHD, because tens of thousands of people think that depression is the same as feeling bad after you get dumped, or that ADHD means you were a hyper child. There's a lot more to it than that.

-Dave

[Trace]

Amen to what Dave said. I'm living with 2 bipolar people and have seen first hand what these mental disorders can do.

[Luthien]

Amen to what Dave said. I'm living with 2 bipolar people and have seen first hand what these mental disorders can do.

I understand that one. My ex was bipolar. He decided to stop medicating and then he got drunk. I won't elaborate, but I will say the results were beyond unpleasant.

[crenn]

I understand that one. My ex was bipolar. He decided to stop medicating and then he got drunk. I won't elaborate, but I will say the results were beyond unpleasant.
I can see where you're going with that, but the only input I have to say is that not all bipolars are like that, there are always different circumstances, but that's more the person themselves, not really their condition.

[Luthien]

I can see where you're going with that, but the only input I have to say is that not all bipolars are like that, there are always different circumstances, but that's more the person themselves, not really their condition.

You're right. It does vary from person to person. I just wanted to illustrate the point that sometimes a mental illness can be worse than other times. It was partially him, but a part of who he was involved having bipolar disorder. I never meant to imply that all people with bipolar disorder are like he was, and I apologize if it sounded like that's what I meant.

[TheGreatSatan]

I'm closing this.

[TheGreatSatan]

I've been out of work for nine days now.

I went to an informal interview at Radio Shack. They had all the applicants in one room in side-by-side chairs and a bunch of managers across from them. It feels like you can't get your point across when you hear the guy next to you answering too.

Must've been OK, because they called me for a second interview on Monday. I'll probably really have to screw it up to not get hired.:banana:

[Luthien]

Good luck!

[x88x]

They had all the applicants in one room in side-by-side chairs and a bunch of managers across from them.

-_^ I can't think of a single way that this is a good idea...

Good luck. Here's hoping those 9 days don't keep adding up.

[simon275]

It is called a panel interview. Normally they make you do group acitivies and presentations and such not interview at you.

[TheGreatSatan]

Nope, no presentations. My interviewer did ask me to go through a typical sale. I can sell a broken laptop and make it sound like a good deal

[OvRiDe]

I can sell a broken laptop and make it sound like a good deal

http://misspinkslip.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/used-car-salesman.jpg
Hello My name is Ken, and boy do I have a sweet deal for you!


LOL.. I just couldn't resist.

Good luck, hopefully something will shake free for you soon.

[TheGreatSatan]

Turns out I qualify for about $1000 per month in unemployment! I'd rather work though...