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HauteMama · Oct 22nd, 2009, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by Vegas Long Legs

I'm finding it disturbing that there doesn't seem to be a connection that something was done wrong other than blaming the business. And now looking for an attorney?

I agree. And people who value their jobs generally DO their jobs while on the clock, especially in this economy. OP, this isn't anyone else's fault, including your employer's.

friponne · Oct 22nd, 2009, 06:50 PM

Can't comment on the company-issue, as I'm self-employed (and I have very slack work-ethics, sometimes just staring at the clouds for hours, but at least that's my own time wasted.) Losing a job must be traumatic though, I'm sorry about that.
The positive outcome of this saga is that now hopefully there will be slightly shorter waitlists / more available bags (at retail price!) in the Paris & UK stores. Good news for many fellow tPFers! See, there's always a silver lining...

Mimster · Oct 22nd, 2009, 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by friponne

The positive outcome of this saga is that now hopefully there will be slightly shorter waitlists / more available bags (at retail price!) in the Paris & UK stores. Good news for many fellow tPFers! See, there's always a silver lining...

lol

OP, I think that it is unfortunate that you lost your job but I don't think that your company did anything wrong by dismissing you. Hiring a lawyer will only be fruitless. Good luck with starting a new career.

bagnshoofetish · Oct 22nd, 2009, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by MissTiss

Am I the only one disturbed by this?

I was a little bit. I went from feeling a little bad for OP to feeling like the OP was rather ungrateful for being fortunate enough to have a job in this economy that paid 6 figures. And the OP trying to make the company look like they were forcing slave labor on her, ridiculous. (they didn't "cage you from your passion". you chose to work for them no?)
Sorry OP. Take this opportunity to pursue what it is you want to do but your'e gonna lose peoples support if you continue not to see how wrong you were to be doing what you were doing on company time.

love2shop_26 · Oct 22nd, 2009, 07:53 PM

Sorry to hear this OP. But here in the states, the jobs I've had were 'at-will', so I could literally get fired for no reason!

At my current job they've done a really good job at explaining the do's and dont's. For example, if I were conducting ebay business on the job, I'd get fired right then. We can't use any company-owned properties, not even paper to make copies or print our personal stuff on!

Anyway, I wish you luck.

dell · Oct 22nd, 2009, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by Charles

For people, though, when he closes the door, they're too busy to pay attention and they run smack into it.

And some people deserve to be smacked by that door!!

Four Tails · Oct 22nd, 2009, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by India

I guess it's my age, but I always thought I was supposed to be WORKING when I was at work being paid to do so. When I was in my 20's and working (that would be over 40 years ago), making a personal phone call from ones desk was a firing offense - one was to use a pay phone on ones break time. That would be extreme today, but there is altogether too much time being spent playing around on the computer in most businesses. No wonder people have to work later hours - they waste 2-3 hrs a day doing other stuff on their computer.

You clearly still don't see that you were a less than "ideal" employ. Personally, I wouldn't hire you to do anything - you are not a dedicated, committed, ethical person.

As far as the re-selling of Hermes is concerned, while it is NOT illegal, it is really wrong. When re-sellers build up relationships with SA's and have a fleet of buyers, then regular people cannot get these bags, especially the most desirable ones. If they want them, they have to buy them from a re-seller. Frankly, I think it should fall into the same category as ticket-scalpers, and that IS illegal in many states.

What you did was wrong and I think you are now using tpf to try to give your re-selling business a boost. Wrong, wrong, wrong!!!

Bravo to your entire post. I couldn't agree more.

plain jane doe · Oct 22nd, 2009, 09:24 PM

Somebody didn't learn jack . . .

Ellie Mae · Oct 22nd, 2009, 09:43 PM

OP.. I am afraid I have to agree w/ most others. Someone at your corporate level certainly should have been aware of company policy, should have known emails could be read, should have known that use of company time and company contacts to further personal endeavors, could all lead to termination of employment ..... IF CAUGHT.

Your indignation somewhat bewilders me. You used your employment position for personal gain. That in itself is worthy of termination. And a risk you chose to take.

I am sorry that you lost your job. But the employer is not the one in the wrong here.

chinahopes · Oct 22nd, 2009, 09:53 PM

Honestly, can you blame the company? Would you not fire someone who was using your time and resources to pursue their own endeavors? I would.

Good luck.

fashionistaO · Oct 22nd, 2009, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by India

I guess it's my age, but I always thought I was supposed to be WORKING when I was at work being paid to do so. When I was in my 20's and working (that would be over 40 years ago), making a personal phone call from ones desk was a firing offense - one was to use a pay phone on ones break time. That would be extreme today, but there is altogether too much time being spent playing around on the computer in most businesses. No wonder people have to work later hours - they waste 2-3 hrs a day doing other stuff on their computer.

You clearly still don't see that you were a less than "ideal" employ. Personally, I wouldn't hire you to do anything - you are not a dedicated, committed, ethical person.

As far as the re-selling of Hermes is concerned, while it is NOT illegal, it is really wrong. When re-sellers build up relationships with SA's and have a fleet of buyers, then regular people cannot get these bags, especially the most desirable ones. If they want them, they have to buy them from a re-seller. Frankly, I think it should fall into the same category as ticket-scalpers, and that IS illegal in many states.

What you did was wrong and I think you are now using tpf to try to give your re-selling business a boost. Wrong, wrong, wrong!!!

INDIA, you are a lady of wisdom, seeing pass and reading between the line. This is food for thought. To err is human, so OP don't make the same mistake twice, learn from your mistake and GL.

xlana · Oct 22nd, 2009, 10:37 PM

Sorry about losing your job OP, it really does suck in this kind of economy, but you could have 100% prevented this.

Using company property to look at inappropriate sites, and/or to surf sites that the company prohibits while you're on the clock is a very real and serious fireable offense. My dad is a director/manager at AT&T, and he fired an employee because he watched porno while on the clock and used the laptop the company assigned him to stream porn while he was at home. I know yours may not be as obviously condemning as my dad's employee, but like him you were still using their property and their resources to do your own personal bidding. Perhaps you can take this as a lesson that some rules must be followed or you will face the consequences.

You don't have much of a case here, I'm not sure what an attorney could do for you. Even if you were an efficient employee who got your work done, you clearly violated rules in which you in all likelihood were aware that existed.

KatsBags · Oct 22nd, 2009, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by India

I guess it's my age, but I always thought I was supposed to be WORKING when I was at work being paid to do so. When I was in my 20's and working (that would be over 40 years ago), making a personal phone call from ones desk was a firing offense - one was to use a pay phone on ones break time. That would be extreme today, but there is altogether too much time being spent playing around on the computer in most businesses. No wonder people have to work later hours - they waste 2-3 hrs a day doing other stuff on their computer.

You clearly still don't see that you were a less than "ideal" employ. Personally, I wouldn't hire you to do anything - you are not a dedicated, committed, ethical person.

As far as the re-selling of Hermes is concerned, while it is NOT illegal, it is really wrong. When re-sellers build up relationships with SA's and have a fleet of buyers, then regular people cannot get these bags, especially the most desirable ones. If they want them, they have to buy them from a re-seller. Frankly, I think it should fall into the same category as ticket-scalpers, and that IS illegal in many states.

What you did was wrong and I think you are now using tpf to try to give your re-selling business a boost. Wrong, wrong, wrong!!!

I completely agree, India! Great post.

It's nobody's fault but your own, OP. Accept that responsibility and move on. There's absolutely no reason to see a lawyer...you brought this upon yourself.

Yes, it's a bitter pill to swallow but you will, hopefully, not make the same mistake twice.

AmourCouture · Oct 22nd, 2009, 11:26 PM

Opportunism often bites one in the REAR. I'm not sure if that is the case, but you sure do present it that way.

I am sorry you lost your job, but it sounds like you understand WHY but haven't come to terms with where the responsibility lies. It sounds like you are only sorry that you were caught.

I hope you find a new job. Perhaps you should consider starting your own company (not recommended you continue to poach Hermes) and be self employed.

SunnyFreckles · Oct 23rd, 2009, 01:09 AM

Originally Posted by MissTiss

Am I the only one disturbed by this?

I'm sorry you lost your job, but to blame your former employer for keeping you away from your "passion" - something you did on THEIR TIME is, quite frankly, asinine. Unless you were literally shackled to your desk 24/7, I can't imagine that you couldn't have handled your bag-business on your own time and not during business hours. If it were me, I'd drop this silly situation. Live, learn, and move on.

Good luck in your search for a new job, I hope you find something that you are passionate about.

Yeah, I do agree.

I send some emails back and forth for a private school fundraiser that I do...as she refers to "the Bank" it makes me wonder who she worked for...I know for sure that if I didn't learn my lesson before, I am done now! And I am not doing something for a profit for ME...

Wow...I read the previous thread, too, and at the end of the day, companies have rules for a reason. Period. You don't follow, you don't stay.

I do, too, wish the OP luck. But in all honesty, I would not EVER use work to do anything PERSONAL ever again.

Oct 22nd, 2009, 06:50 PM	#32
friponne Brugse Zot Joined: Jul 2006 Location: le jardin d'ivresse Posts: 951	Can't comment on the company-issue, as I'm self-employed (and I have very slack work-ethics, sometimes just staring at the clouds for hours, but at least that's my own time wasted.) Losing a job must be traumatic though, I'm sorry about that. The positive outcome of this saga is that now hopefully there will be slightly shorter waitlists / more available bags (at retail price!) in the Paris & UK stores. Good news for many fellow tPFers! See, there's always a silver lining...
	__________________ it's always night, or we wouldn't need light (Thelonious Monk) Last edited by friponne; Oct 22nd, 2009 at 06:54 PM. Reason: grammatical error

Oct 22nd, 2009, 07:53 PM	#35
love2shop_26 Member Joined: Aug 2006 Location: ♥In my own little world♥ Posts: 2,938	Sorry to hear this OP. But here in the states, the jobs I've had were 'at-will', so I could literally get fired for no reason! At my current job they've done a really good job at explaining the do's and dont's. For example, if I were conducting ebay business on the job, I'd get fired right then. We can't use any company-owned properties, not even paper to make copies or print our personal stuff on! Anyway, I wish you luck.
	__________________ shamelessly shoppertunistic

Oct 22nd, 2009, 09:24 PM	#38
plain jane doe Member Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 1,584	Somebody didn't learn jack . . .
plain jane doe Member Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 1,584

Oct 22nd, 2009, 09:43 PM	#39
Ellie Mae KIABCRS Joined: May 2008 Posts: 8,331	OP.. I am afraid I have to agree w/ most others. Someone at your corporate level certainly should have been aware of company policy, should have known emails could be read, should have known that use of company time and company contacts to further personal endeavors, could all lead to termination of employment ..... IF CAUGHT. Your indignation somewhat bewilders me. You used your employment position for personal gain. That in itself is worthy of termination. And a risk you chose to take. I am sorry that you lost your job. But the employer is not the one in the wrong here.
Ellie Mae KIABCRS Joined: May 2008 Posts: 8,331	__________________ *http://scams-n-shams.blogspot.com*

Oct 22nd, 2009, 10:37 PM	#42
xlana Gizmo Loves RM Too! Joined: Sep 2006 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 3,965	Sorry about losing your job OP, it really does suck in this kind of economy, but you could have 100% prevented this. Using company property to look at inappropriate sites, and/or to surf sites that the company prohibits while you're on the clock is a very real and serious fireable offense. My dad is a director/manager at AT&T, and he fired an employee because he watched porno while on the clock and used the laptop the company assigned him to stream porn while he was at home. I know yours may not be as obviously condemning as my dad's employee, but like him you were still using their property and their resources to do your own personal bidding. Perhaps you can take this as a lesson that some rules must be followed or you will face the consequences. You don't have much of a case here, I'm not sure what an attorney could do for you. Even if you were an efficient employee who got your work done, you clearly violated rules in which you in all likelihood were aware that existed.
	__________________ Click on the banner to visit my Etsy shop! -Holiday Specials have begun at the shop!- >>> Twitter <<< >>> Tumblr <<< the WISHLIST: LV Strap [ ], RM Pepper Rocker w/ Gold Studs [x], RM Easy Rider Date clutch [ ] Last edited by xlana; Oct 22nd, 2009 at 10:40 PM.

Oct 22nd, 2009, 09:53 PM	#40
chinahopes Luckiest. Joined: Oct 2008 Location: the Beach, SC Posts: 1,005	Honestly, can you blame the company? Would you not fire someone who was using your time and resources to pursue their own endeavors? I would. Good luck.

Oct 22nd, 2009, 11:26 PM	#44
AmourCouture Vintage Chic Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 3,983	Opportunism often bites one in the REAR. I'm not sure if that is the case, but you sure do present it that way. I am sorry you lost your job, but it sounds like you understand WHY but haven't come to terms with where the responsibility lies. It sounds like you are only sorry that you were caught. I hope you find a new job. Perhaps you should consider starting your own company (not recommended you continue to poach Hermes) and be self employed.
AmourCouture Vintage Chic Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 3,983	__________________ Luxury Goods ~ Consignment ~ Trunks & Luggage

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