Whatcha Doin' - 2022 Showing 801-850 of 1,312

[Janice, Moderator]

Funny, the same friends who encourage me to take my laptop to do payroll are the same ones who think I work too hard. I wonder if they're aware the irony in that.

[Saar The Book owl]

@Sarah: I will! It's the 3rd time I'm going to see them, but who knows it will be the last time.

@Janice: I always take 3 weeks off, but I realize that this isn't always possible in other jobs. Now, I start to enjoy more and I try to be less iritated. How is that a holiday if you've got your phone/laptop always with you? It's not respectful to the others who you have holiday with.

[Peggy]

I think it's super important to really get away from work for a bit. The good thing about teaching is that holidays are the same for everyone, so there's nothing happening and no getting behind. I used to have the urge to check email anyway in previous jobs, but not now.

I also encourage my students to really take at least 3 weeks off, as they tend to continue working on their graduation assignments during summer to catch up if they've fallen behind. They have 6 or 7 weeks off so using a couple of weeks to catch up is fine, but I want them to really drop everything school related for a few weeks. I tell them dozens of times, I hope they listen.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Sarah wrote: "I had a lovely day in Avebury yesterday, wandering around the stone circle and out to the long barrow. Rusalka, you and Lexx sprung to mind often whilst I was there!"

Nawww! I hope you had a lovely day, and that every mole hill you saw made you think of the stupid Aussies :P

I have a picture of the Circle from our visit on rotation as my work desktop background and my zoom and teams backgrounds. Since we can't go travelling, little things keep me sane and smile.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Nope. Holidays are really important as people have said, and I get really annoyed at people who send me emails when I know they are on leave. In Australia, you also need to make sure people take leave pretty regularly other wise your workers compensation insurance goes up. So I figure if you are saving your work money, then they can very much deal without you for a week or two.

Same with sick leave. My team knows I will tell them off something chronic if they do more than a quick email or two if it's absolutely urgent or to cancel meetings/let ppl know they are away. Otherwise you rest up and heal up.

[Peggy]

In my previous job I remember my professor going on holiday with her family (husband and 3 kids). She also had a grant proposal to write. So she worked in the mornings during her holiday in Italy while her husband (who worked at the same university but as an associate professor) went out with the kids. In the afternoons she joined them.

Worst is when that kind of behaviour is also expected of your employees. When one of my colleagues there was pregnant and wanted to work 4 instead of 5 days a week after the baby was born, it was strongly suggested she should keep working 40 hours a week. She could have a day off during the week, but then should catch up on those hours in the evenings or weekends.

[Peggy]

In my current job we have a thing I guess translates to 'sustainable employability'. It's 40 hours a year (you have a right to it after 3 years of working there) that you can use in whatever way you like to make sure you'll be able to do your job in a healthy way. So you could do a course to develop yourself professionally (like statistics) or personally (like mindfulness), but also for example have an afternoon off for 10 weeks to spend on a hobby that you otherwise don't have time for, and I even know of people who used it to travel.

They actually keep track of whether you use it every year, and if not, your manager will invite you for a meeting to discuss how you're going to spend those hours.

[Kristie, Moderator]

That's excellent, Peggy. I wish all employers were like that. I find that most employers, at least here, lean in the opposite direction and make you aware that they are put out when you take time off. They seem to discourage it even when you've earned it.

[Janice, Moderator]

My son has been working overtime to cover co-workers' shifts while they are on holiday. But each time he requests to take his, he gets denied. Apparently, a single guy doesn't need holidays in the summer because he doesn't have young children. He can't carry them over to the next year, and they won't pay him out so he's feeling really frustrated.

When I was employed, our holidays were based on seniority. The longer you worked there, the more holidays you had so it might not have been the best solution either. When I left there to be self-employed, I had 5 weeks a year built up. It was hard to give up. But even though I get less holidays now, I have way more flexibility. So pros and cons balance each other.

[Peggy]

Your son's situation sounds frustrating indeed! It shouldn't matter whether he has (young) kids or not..

[Prosenjit]

oh wow!! i enjoyed reading about the discussion about holidays and working!! In India specially if you are working in the Infotech industry, it is expected that you are connected over the phone even if you are on holiday. many companies mandate that you leave your phone number and be available on phone if folks actually call you. till date i have only had one boss (and she was a German) who ensured that i got no calls during a holiday. just a different perspective from a "bangalored" indian guy here :-)

[Janice, Moderator]

Prosenjit wrote: "oh wow!! i enjoyed reading about the discussion about holidays and working!! In India specially if you are working in the Infotech industry, it is expected that you are connected over the phone eve..."

To me, that is just not right Prosenjit.

We have laws here that set up minimum standards for things like that - hours of work, overtime, breaks, statuatory and general holidays. An employee can file a claim if an employer abuses the standard.

[Kristie, Moderator]

Oh, Janice. That is so unfair. It sounds like it should be illegal. I don't know how employers get away with not approving any vacation time when it has been earned.

Just spoke with my husband about our mini-vacation we are leaving tomorrow and returning on Wednesday. I asked him if he took the three days out of work and he said yes. I said, so you're not working then right? And he said well.... not too much. Ugh

[Janice, Moderator]

I hope he doesn't spend too much time working, Kristie. As much as I dislike the idea, I understand. That's why I refuse to take my laptop because I wouldn't be able to resist. I was working while in the hospital.

Enjoy your time with your grandson. Have you decided what to listen to?

[Kristie, Moderator]

I understand too. I will just have have to remind him not to do any more than he absolutely has to.

I think it may be Steelheart. It seems like something he'd be interested in and something Craig would be ok with too, but I downloaded a few and I'll have him look through the book pages in the am.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Janice wrote: "Apparently, a single guy doesn't need holidays in the summer because he doesn't have young children."

He could take them to the Fair Work Commission here for discrimination.

It's none of their business what his family situation is, and they cannot deny him his employment rights due anything personal. They can request that everyone schedules leave in order to ensure the workplace can be covered, but otherwise... nope.

I know people don't like going down this path, but it may be worth him checking in with a Union or if there is an equivalent gov agency there like our Fair Work Comm just for advice. He has an employment contract that gives him these entitlements, he should be able to claim them. If not, the employer is not honouring the contract.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Ah Peggy, academics are another kettle of fish when it comes to leave. I think it's the problem when your work is your life's passion and you care so much for it.

But also things like grants and publications that make or break your career can't be delayed or extended.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Hopefully this thread just inspires everyone to put the phone/laptop down and have a break when you can :D

[Peggy]

Definitely true Rus. I guess it also depends how often it happens and whether doing work stuff during holidays is something you choose or are/feel forced to do.

[Sarah]

I have 2 viewings on the boat this evening. I feel a bit more prepared for those.

[Jayme, Moderator]

Peggy - I really like the idea of 'sustainable employability'. I met up with several friends/former colleagues (I retired from teaching in 2019) and they said that our school district has added two new days of leave called "Wellness Days" and it is mandatory that you take them sometime during the school year no questions asked and you can't bank them. It's a start.
The COVID years have really hit the teaching profession hard. The school that I taught at lost 27 teachers this year and the elementary school lost 52 teachers. That's even with a 10% pay rise. A good work environment matters.

[Janice, Moderator]

Oh I hope the viewings go well Sarah!

[Peggy]

That sounds great Jayme! Just that they introduce it hopefully means they're understanding of employee's needs and also show support when needed.

Were all those teachers lost because of illness or work load? That is a lot.. we have a lot of sick leave where I work, not only physically but also mentally. It was at 9 or 10% at the end of the school year, but I think it's been around that number all year.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Hope all your viewing go well, Sarah!!

[Peggy]

Fingers crossed for you Sarah!

[Jayme, Moderator]

Peggy wrote: "That sounds great Jayme! Just that they introduce it hopefully means they're understanding of employee's needs and also show support when needed.

Were all those teachers lost because of illness or..."

It was workload. Those that can are retiring or going to different districts and because they don't have enough teachers to fill the jobs they are increasing class sizes again and reducing the number of teams on grade levels. The elementary school had a new principal who was not teacher empathic, so they all bailed. Teachers used to be afraid to walk, but not anymore.

[Peggy]

It's so easy to see that things will not work this way..

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Been a full on 24 hours here. Mum moved at right at the end of 2020 and has been joking about the new neighbours. There is a house who has frequent visits from the police, whom they joke about being a drug lab, and the rental across the road where the ranger comes often.

Yesterday Mum came out to take our family Cattle Dog, Mia, for a walk in the afternoon unusually. The ranger house were out gardening in their yard, and had their German Shepherd tied up with them. Mum and Mia stepped on to her driveway, and the shepherd broke it's leash, ran straight across the road and attacked our dog. Mia went to ground, and this dog chucked her around by her neck, while Mum screamed and it's owners and my stepfather ran over/out to help. It then moved to her tail, and the owners had to pry the Shepherd's jaws apart off her. Mia wasn't bleeding and Mum said it wasn't her finest hour as she stopped screaming and yelled at them she was calling the ranger, and they went inside and she did.

But while on the phone, it became obvious Mia was hurt and started bleeding. So they rushed her to the vet, then into emergency surgery. She's now mainly shaved, has stitches all over her throat, and full of multiple drains (and worth several more thousands of dollars). Dog's been reported by Mum again and the vet - vet staff were so traumatised, that one of the nurses went home and debriefed to her husband all about it, who went to work and told everyone all about this horrible dog attack, and one of my brothers went "Oh, that's my dog". Mum is so terrified, not only for her dog, half the week it's my 3 and 7 year old nephews with her who are smaller than the dog. Found out this afternoon the owners have surrendered the dog to the pound but not sure what happens now.

Mia was eating this arvo, and has now discovered the drains, so that's a good sign. They need to keep the drains in for a few more days though (no cone of shame as the stitches are all around her neck) so another level of stress. But the damage is pretty full on and it will still be touch and go. And also now, Mum isn't sleeping.

I absolutely love dogs, but you have to train them and absolutely have to be able to control them. We now have to resocialise our gorgeous little rescue dog and get her to trust again. I'm feeling my own guilt about being glad it got our dog instead of Mum, but also complete and utter incandescent rage that Mum no longer feels safe in her home.

[Peggy]

Oh no Rus, that's horrific. So sorry you all had this happen, especially your mum and Mia. What a scare! I'm glad you all seem to be doing okay given the circumstances though. Big hug!

And completely agree with you on that last part.

[Sandra, Moderator]

That sounds awful, Rusalka. Poor Mia. I'm glad she seems to be recovering, though, and I hope your mum slowly settles down. It is a traumatic experience, for sure.

[Jenn]

Omg that is horrible Rusalka 🤬 and I will admit, one of my worst fears. In our first agility classes there were two BIG dogs that didn’t like each other, Gus was wary but fine, but it makes you jumpy all the same which doesn’t teach Gus anything good either 🤦‍♀️

[Janice, Moderator]

That is so traumatic Rus! I hope it all settles and that everyone recovers quickly.

[Odette]

That's terrible, Rusalka. Hope you are all OK,

[Kristie, Moderator]

Oh. Rus! That's horrible your poor mum and pup. That sounds so traumatic. I completely understand being relieved that it wasn't your mum or one of your nephews. I hope your pup is ok and so sorry that your mum had to go through that too.

[Kristie, Moderator]

We were able to go white water rafting today and the weather was perfect! So happy. We all had a great time. We are hoping for another good weather day tomorrow for ziplining, though the weather report is not promising.

[Shirley]

Oh no. Every dog owner's nightmare. And it happens way too often. The trauma for you all including Mia will take some time to work through. Hugs to all.

[Cherie]

Hugs to your Mum and Mia, Rusalka. Such a horrible experience to go through. I hope Mia recovers ok. It is hard when a smaller dog goes through something like that kind of attack.
I had a Corgi terrier mix that got attack by a dog that apparently jumped over our 4ft fence one night. We did not know it had happened, but in the morning, she kept yelping every time the girls touched her. I could tell her leg hurt, so I took her to the vet’s office. When he examined her, he found bite marks all over her neck and back and on her leg. I remember all of the drains and stitches she came home with.

[Prosenjit]

Janice wrote: "Prosenjit wrote: "oh wow!! i enjoyed reading about the discussion about holidays and working!! In India specially if you are working in the Infotech industry, it is expected that you are connected ..."

Janice- there are laws in India as well. However no one follows them :-) Just like almost no one in India follows traffic rules [You will know its true if you have ever been here ;-) - dont get me wrong- i am a proud indian ]

[Prosenjit]

its a long weeekend in bangalore india. today there is a holiday for a festival in honour of one of the 330 million gods we have in the Hindu religion....and even though I am a humanist/atheist- i am thankful for that!!! However, will have to put in two three hours at work as we work for international clients and they are working. But its not too bad!! Collecting books for a children's charity school this weeekend...the collection has been great due to the generosity of our supporters...lots of roald dahls/enid blytons/etc in the bag..so the kids will be super happy and i am happy as well!!! yayyyy!!!

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Thanks everyone. Sorry, needed a forum to mouth off to about it, and you guys are always the best one. Thanks for being supportive and sympathetic as always! Sorry to hear you went through the same thing, Cherie. It is really not fun at all.

Mum managed to sleep last night and the patient is reportedly "incredibly spritely". Which I think means that both parental units have spent the day trying to get Mia to sit still and not rip out her drains.

Apparently other neighbours have told Mum today that the Shepherd attacked another dog on the street a couple of months ago, hence the ranger visits. Makes me even angrier that they had that dog outside their backyard when they knew it had form.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Glad the weather held out Kristie, and you had an amazing day!

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Sounds like a lovely long weekend, Prosenjit. Collecting things you love for kids who will incredibly appreciate it sounds great. Hope you manage to have a break away from work for a bit, sounds like you have earned it!!

[Janice, Moderator]

Your white water rafting sounded fun, Krisitie. I hope the weather cooperates and you can go ziplining today.

Glad you hear you mom and Mia are recovering, Rusalka.

[Sandra, Moderator]

Kristie wrote: "We were able to go white water rafting today and the weather was perfect! So happy. We all had a great time. We are hoping for another good weather day tomorrow for ziplining, though the weather re..."

Nice, Kristie! Enjoy!

[Sandra, Moderator]

Rusalka wrote: "Thanks everyone. Sorry, needed a forum to mouth off to about it, and you guys are always the best one. Thanks for being supportive and sympathetic as always! Sorry to hear you went through the same..."

Glad to hear Mia is doing better, poor little thing...

[Sandra, Moderator]

I am right now teaching how to drive to my 17 years old and 20 years old sons, and I can't remember anything more stressing than this. I've done 2 hours with one and 8 with another, so I guess the worst is almost done.

[Prosenjit]

Rusalka wrote: "Sounds like a lovely long weekend, Prosenjit. Collecting things you love for kids who will incredibly appreciate it sounds great. Hope you manage to have a break away from work for a bit, sounds li..."

yes!!! its been a good break!! we collected close to 200+ books, and tomorrow am off to distribute some of the books to one of our Teach For India supported schools...so that is going to be mega fun day with the kids!! They are super excited to get new books to read!!

[Kristie, Moderator]

I remember those days, Sandra. Good luck with your lessons.

[Esther]

Rusalka wrote: "Been a full on 24 hours here. Mum moved at right at the end of 2020 and has been joking about the new neighbours. There is a house who has frequent visits from the police, whom they joke about bein..."

OMG. This is awful, I wish dog owners were more aware and responsible. a few years ago a took a course to become behaviour consultant/ trainer. ( i really do not recommend an intense 15 weekends course onto top pf your "at least 40hours/week" job). I can tell who are clueless about their dog and there are too many.

[Shirley]

Sandra wrote: "I am right now teaching how to drive to my 17 years old and 20 years old sons, and I can't remember anything more stressing than this. I've done 2 hours with one and 8 with another, so I guess the ..."
You are brave. We hope to “outsource” Harrison’s learn-to-drive lessons to someone else.