The Mass Walkout....

[doxielady5569128]

I went into work as scheduled last night expecting to get called into the office for missing Tuesday.   My bosses called me in and aksed for my keys (they are lucky I had them with me, I almost left them at home!)   Then tey informed me that they were firing me.  DUH!!    I did not say much and handed them my keys.   When I went up front to grab my purse, I said nothing to my co-workers, grabbed my coat and walked out the front door.   Just as I was closing the door, a member came up and said, "Wait, you were supposed to help me with my workout tonight." 

I informed her that I had been fired and she wanted to know why.  After I told her it was because I got snowed in and because my car broke down she kinda just stood there.   I told her goodbye and walked to my car. 

When I get home, there is a message for me on my cell phone.  I listen to it and i says, "While we understand your upset about being fired, we can not understand why or how you have gotten 50 members to cancel within the last 20 minutes! We are quite disappointed with this. Everytime we asked the cancelling member their reason for quitting they informed us that if we hire you back they will come back."
Let me tell you, when I got that message I was floored!  I had not and never would ask any of the members to quit on my behalf.   So...I sat wondering how everyone found out so quickly.   

Then my phone rings, I didn't recognize the number but I answered it anyway.  It was the member who had come out to talk to me as I was leaving.  She said, "I hope you know I went back into the building and yelled all over the circuit that you were fired and why.  Then I called everyone I could think of that goes there and told them about it."   She said all of the cancelling members were calling people as well.   I didn't really know what to say.   

So...apparently my bosses are running around like crazy trying to prevent anyone else cancelling.  For a club of 400 people a 50 people walkout is HUGE!   I'm in such shock, I don't even know how I should react.  I received calls from members in tears asking if they could do anything to help me out.   

I am angry and hurt that I was fired for my car breaking down, but knowing I have such huge support behind me just lessens the blow that much more.   On the brighter side, at least I can have more time with Porky Pie.   

[Mike]

Wow, that quite a testimonial to the work you do.  It's a shame the management didn't see this until too late.   Could the person who started the snowball inform the club that she was responsible for the walkout.  It might help any further fallout you might reap down the road with trying to find other employement?

Could this door closing be an opportunity to open another as in starting your own business with those who left?  Maybe a well-disguised Christmas gift....

[MimisMomma]

OK so it is official, you boss in not human. I am glad that the members backed you up. Hopefully more will do so. I am sure the owners would bring you back before loosing the business all together. And right before Christmas too. Talk about a real life Scrooge!! I am so sorry your going through this. It is not like you don't have any other stress right now! I am here for you if you need anything. What you are going through makes what I am going through a tiny little annoyance!! Please keep us posted and let me know if I can do anything.

Mel

[Rich]

A real tribute to your work from people that really matter, your clients! It will be interesting to see how this develops. I would say you are in a good position to start your own business if you could find a facility. It's got to be tough for this to happen just before Christmas, but the support of the membership has to feel good.  Keep us posted and try to stay optimistic.

[sollysmom]

I think that is great!  The support you got from you clients tells plenty.  Do not get too depressed, I understand how you feel.  This past August I lost my job of 29 years.  They simply did away with my  job.  Keep the faith that something better will come of this.   :xfinger:

Darcel

[Sandishooligans]

Good grief!  Well, I'm with the folks here who suggested you should start your own club.  Take those lemons and make lemonade!  Hopefully something will turn up soon for you.  In the meantime, snuggle up that cute li'l Porky Pie.

[Leslie]

between you me and thas lampost, you'de better get yer a** behind a lawyer.  I don't think it's technically legal to disclose employment information (you were fired and why) to clients.  Just MHO.

[Jeri]

Leslie, I think she can tell anyone why she was fired.  Her boss can't.

I am just stunned--both by the firing and the walk out.  I know your former employer was struggling and the thefts almost did her in.  It seems so foolish to get rid of a key employee at a time when she is trying to recover her losses.  If she continues to make such foolish decisions, that place is a sinking ship.

[MimisMomma]

Doesn't it make you wonder how many clients couldn't make it in due to the snow? Did she call all of them and tell them they are no longer members of the club because they couldn't show up?

If you had the resources to start your own club (of course with Porkey Pie bening the mascot!!) would you? Is that something that you would like and enjoy? If so then there are tons of ways you can go about it. From what you said before there is only one other club there and that is the YMCA. So I am pretty sure the town can support two clubs. (that is if you former employer stays open after all this) The last time I was in the area it was pretty good size. So I am thinking that two clubs would be no problem.

And you know, I am really only a days drive away. If you need help you just let me know and I am there!!

Mel

[cheryl186]

I hope your employer realizes the mistake they just made....I too think it is wonderful how your clients backed you up...I hope 100 people cancel their membership.....It sounds like you are excellent at what you do...is there any way at all that you could start your own business????  Could you start it in your home or rent a small place to start it???  Actually I too am stunned that they actually fired you...that is just horrible because your reasons for not making it into work were legit....With your work record and only missing a couple of days due to being snowed in and your car not starting, couldn't a lawyer get your job back for you???  This IS probably a blessing in disguise...your work will find out these people walked out on their own and you did not call them to do so....they will see what a mistake they made...in the meantime....I agree with everyone else, snuggle with that little Porky Pie and I do believe something better will come along!!!!

[PattyInAK]

    WWWWHOOOOOAAAAA NELLY!!!  You are SH*TTING me!  This is great, this is GREAT.   WOOOOOO-HOOOOOO, I thought stuff like this only happened in fairy tales.  WOW, COOL, 'WAY TO GO!!!!  There IS justice in the world.  As far as what you should do...........nothing, your faithful followers are doing it for you.  Just sit back, and smile.