When We Rule

There should be no time like the present in which we people of color should be excited about ruling (i.e. running the show, leading a department, heading up a team, etc.).  After all we do have a black President what better example to set that we can do it all.  Yet the question nags at me like a bad mosquito bite, can we really do it all? Can we rule effectively? Can we keep our color or better yet their color out of the way?

The past 20 years or so Corporate America has been a harbor of colonial racism.  It is clear that most corporate leaders are still white males and most people of color are still working their way up, whether from the mailroom, secretary, to a “team lead” (which seems to be new buzz word replacing Manager or Supervisor).  However, tides are changing a bit where we are seeing people of color rise even further and running the show.  Look at Herman Cain, despite his ridiculous attempt to run President, let us not forget he was CEO of Godfather Pizza.  As we start to move our way up and begin to rule, there are clearly some issues that still reside with color and for once I will not be writing about injustice on people of color, but how about some of us just lose our damm minds when get to the top of that hill!

In the trenches of contracting I come across many interesting people.  The latest of this long line of interest is my current boss.  She’s around 10 years younger than me, African American, bright, no-nonsense, a huge go-getter, basically she makes Momma proud.  However, she has problems running our team or should I say managing the “white folks”.  To best describe her actions I’ll lay out an actual scenario between Blacktina, Boss Lady and a “Heather”

Boss Lady – Blacktina you NEED to complete your project

Blacktina – My project is complete

Boss Lady – Heather where do you stand with your project

Heather – I’ve been so busy with such and such and I didn’t have the time to finish (Background, project was given on a Thursday with a completion date the following Friday; it is now the following Wednesday.  Heather had a week plus 2 days to complete)

Boss Lady – Blacktina since you’re done I want you to take some of Heather’s components and wrap it up.

At this point Blacktina is doing the Scooby Doo screech like “huh”.  First of all my workload is just as heavy if not more.  I was given the same deadline, the same amount of work, yet because of the severity I worked over the weekend to complete this and make sure it was done.  Not one did Boss Lady say, great job Blacktina for completing.  All she did was look at the fact that I was done and gave me “Heather’s” work.  Now it could be me but I thought I was being penalized for being efficient.  Yet I understand Boss Lady is trying to manage an initiative and make sure it gets done, however, she wasn’t managing her employees properly.  Not once was Heather told she must complete her project.  Notice my conversation started with “Blacktina you NEED to complete your project” Heather was asked, “where does she stand”, clearly two different approaches to the same topic.

Some may think I might have been a bit sensitive, however, this isn’t the only the incident. There have been other incidents in which the white people are clearly out of line with their responses, similar to what President Obama goes through with Congress.  My white colleagues will go off on Boss Lady without hesitation.  One actually called her a liar on a conference call, (very Republican like, hmmm…..).  And almost like President Obama my boss did not defend herself she just pleaded for a chance to clarify.  Yet if one of us speaks up it’s met with a boss who all of a sudden knows how to rule.   These actions have not gone unnoticed, as there clearly is chatter within the plantation among the folks and her comparison to that of a field slave who was promoted to overseer and will do anything to please Massa. Except in this case she’s Massa and she shouldn’t have to work so damm hard on pleasing those of Massa’s color!

Corporate America should have a therapist on hand all the time.  Being a person of color we have to deal so many varieties of shit.  First from the “others” who don’t know how to treat us and then unfortunately from our own selves!  It’s quite sad that some of us in charge feel we can’t exercise equality.  We can’t be fair to our own people without being labeled as “looking out” for our own.  Yet white people do it all the time it’s called “networking”.  They look out for each other and don’t think twice about it.  Please don’t get me wrong I’m not saying hook me up cause I’m black.  I’m saying give me a fair chance like you do the others.  It’s bad enough I have to deal with this new form of secretive racism but it’s even more of a shame that I have to deal with inner racism.

Keep ya head up folks!

Peace Out,
Blacktina

When Heather Met Tyrone (the Harry met Sally remix)

Aw the beauty of racial inclusion! We have black and white marriages all over America and although a personal taboo to some it is more a societal proscription to be outraged and outspoken against interracial coupling.  So with “all this love” (Debarge theme), how are we as individuals who interact with half of these spouses affected as it pertains to our everyday life in corporate America?

Whenever I meet a white woman who is clearly proud of her black husband and bi-racial children as evidenced by the pictures on her cubicle’s wall of fame, the first thing I assume is “she must be cool” or “she must be down”.  I am here to tell you in the words of Felix Unger from the Odd Couple, never assume, cause you make an Ass out of U and Me!  No mantra has even been proven more correctly as it is in this situation.   My experiences with white women who are married to black men have been disappointing and downright frustrating.  The very idea of them being cool is trumped by their stares, condensing tones, and their unfriendliness.

I consider myself a woman of thick skin and have no problems if someone doesn’t want to befriend me.  But in my encounters with these particular white women the disdain of friendliness towards me was so obvious you could almost see smoke coming out their ears each time they had to approach me.  Another factor that has troubled me were the stares.  The stares are clearly not of admiration and they’re also not in the “this chick is ghetto look” category, cause I’m not but more like I hate you, why do you exist stare! And the tone when asking me a question or responding to a request, it’s almost as if they worked on rehearsing shooting me down or work real hard at embarrassing me; but because I know my shit they always seem to fail! Now I know I’m generalizing and some of this may sound trivial like I could of caused something but trust me I didn’t.  What I do know that although interracial coupling is widely accepted there’s something going on internally within these relationships that’s causing these Heathers’ who are married to Tyrones’ to lose their damm minds when it comes to Sistahs!

Well fortunately I may have one of the answers and guess what it’s all about Tyrone!  Almost like the Tyrone in Eryka Badu’s famous song.  Tyrone can be trifling and can’t handle a Sistah! Yeah I know we heard these excuses before but hear me out.  It is typically known that brothers who fall for Snow White do so cause they can’t handle strong black women.  Even if a brother tells you that’s bullshit, you tell him no “you’re Bull Shit” cause it’s true.  Your mama is a Sistah, your sister is a Sistah, your Big Momma is a Sistah and you get with a Heather, why??? The “why” is because Heather will take your shit, make you feel like Mandingo all the time, but more importantly Tyrone will treat Heather like gold or better yet his white diamond!  But have we ever asked ourselves what does Tyrone tell Heather about why he doesn’t date black women?  Before I go on I would like to say I know some Tyrones’ who are married to Heathers’ and still love their black women but out of pure LOVE married their Heather; and I’m not mad at you.  However, these numbers are very low compared to the typical Tyrone.  Now back to what Tyrone tells Heather; have we ever thought if Tyrone has such a low perception of us, what does he tell his wife???

While working with the last “Heather” I had the accidental privilege of meeting her Tyrone. First of all he looked like Magilla Gorilla, yes I know we shouldn’t compare our peeps to primates, but trust me he had a striking resemblance.  When I met Magilla oops I mean Tyrone, he was aloof, somewhat rude, and had none of the brotha to sistah connections we kind of share. What made it worst is this Tyrone was from the Bronx my hometown and not from uppity Bronx like Riverdale, nope, straight hood like yours truly.  His treatment of me confirmed 1) Tyrone truly has problems being in relationship of any manner with a woman who shares his same racial makeup and 2) the manner in which he treated me was the same way his wife treated me, hmmm…..could it be that Tyrone tells Heather we are trifling, don’t trust us, we’re abrasive therefore she has to be rude with sistahs.  In other words, what the hell is Tyrone feeding Heather for her treat her black subordinates or counter parts in certain ways?  Whatever it is Heather needs to chill.  One day Heather is going to push too far and find out what abrasive really means and in hood terms that means busting your ass.  Never underestimate a Sistah, some of us will still meet you at your car for the infamous beat down, LOL.  OK, I’m digressing and I don’t want to prove Tyrone right.  However, it’s incredible to me that our relationships with white women who marry black men are so troubled.

For a quick minute I also thought of another aspect as to why Heather could be upset with us and it could be dare I say US! You know how we do; we see a brotha with a white girl and the stares and snickering will ensue.  So maybe Heather is on her guard and treats us all the same.  However, if that is so then isn’t Heather stereotyping all of us without judging us individually?? But hey isn’t that what racism is, grouping and treating us as one.

Regardless of the excuses/reasoning I have learned that when I come across the Heather/Tyrone mix to stay on my guard.  Let me see where Heather is going with this.  I’m not sure if she’s been tainted by Tyrone or scarred by Sistahs.  Whatever it is I’ll remain neutral for the protection of both our lives .  If any Heather’s are reading this, first of all let me apologize for calling you Heather, that seems to be stapled name in your race, but if you are reading this, don’t take away any of the insults, take away with you that we shouldn’t be judged collectively regardless of what your man has told you.  Treat us individually and you may get a new BFF.  And hey if we act shady towards you then do what you do and throw shade right back but don’t and please DON’T just ASSUME we’re all the same regardless of what you hear or see!

Peace Out,
Blacktina

You Ain’t Got Anything on Me!

I find it hilarious when in actuality I should find it annoying when someone always tries to have something on you. Of course ladies and gents you know what I’m talking about and as you are most aware of being a person of color we forever have our guard up! As much as I wanted a new gig or as I like to call it a place where I can gossip about I’m still surprised at how much of the same old shit happens in a new place. The only difference is the players not to be confused with playas. The ensemble cast at this place is amusing to say the least, what I’m most surprised at is what they thought they “had” on me. Just when you think you’ve seen it all! All I can say is get ready for this new dose of ridiculousness.

Being a newbie sometimes feels like an initiation. There are clicks, you have to learn their lingo, you have to learn who’s who, who’s a pain in the ass, who keeps to themselves and who wants to set you up for failure. Personally I think it’s a punk move to hire someone and then do all you can to see them fail, like holding out on communication and then expect that person to know everything as if they had telekinetic powers. The other day I received an email that was part of a chain of emails. The first thing I saw on the email was my name in the body of the message stating I was responsible for fixing a certain problem. First of all I had no idea of the problem. Secondly, I had no idea how to fix anything. And finally I never even heard of the issue. As I was reading the complete email I noticed as time went on the email chain had become a bit heated! I guess to cool it down my name was put out there as the resolution. Shortly thereafter, I directly started receiving emails that I NEED to get on this asap, oh and dare I say they were of the HEATED nature.

In my attempt to try and be a good corporate citizen I reached out to the person who put name as the person in charge of this unfinished task. She informed me that a meeting had taken place and it was decided to give me the task. I explained I knew nothing of it and if someone can get me up to date. After countless emails I didn’t hear a thing!

Here’s the gotcha, I was invited by my boss for the usual status meeting of how I’m doing. At this typical meeting she went on to inform me that 1) I hadn’t completed the task and 2) I seemed tense in my emails regarding the follow up of this task. As I caught my breath and battled with an internal turret syndrome episode, I kindly told her that I have no idea where to begin, I reached out countless times, I even tried to do research and I have yet to receive a response. Her response was Yes I know you didn’t know about the project and no one has contacted you, we’re very busy, but the way we do things around here is by chipping in. She went on further to tell me that my constant follow up emails had taken on a negative tone and that I should learn to include smiley faces!

Again the battle with my inner turret syndrome pursued! As I finally caught calmed down the expletives in my voice and knew OK gurllll now you’re able to speak, I proceeded to break down this bullshit (turret, my bad) she was feeding me. This was so good I had to break it down using a List numbering scenario.

1. Why am I included in rectifying an issue I know nothing about? And only after the fact it has been escalated. Chipping in is fine, I’m all for that but the magnitude of this issue doesn’t require a chipping it requires a pounding of someone who knows what they’re doing. There’s a thin line between chipping in and being thrown under the bus. This scenario does not look like chipping in to me!

2. Again chipping in is fine, with that being said how come there is nobody who can chip in and get me up to speed. Is “chipping in” a one directional initiative at this location?

3. Email tone – I did not include a larger font, bold, caps, red face nothing to indicate yelling. I included the severity of the issue and the importance of the help needed proceeded with Please and followed with Thank you. To include a smiley face would promote an intention of diffusing the situation. Apparently with this being the focus of this meeting it is obviously a great concern, therefore my diffusing the situation would not have helped.

4. How important is the completion of the project to you and your Leadership team? Her response was extremely important. I then replied how come you and your colleagues do not respect the task or the process. If indeed it was respected we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Any other task that has been handed to me has been completed satisfactorily and in record timing. How am I expected to complete something I never even heard of? My final question was, is this a recipe for failure?

One thing you must know about those “other” people is if you throw out 2 key phrases they get nervous as all hell. If you say anything about race or setting me up, they become another person. I swear they must be briefed in their all white meetings on how to deal with a sistah and/or brotha LOL. Anywho when I said this she responded but made it a point of telling me it was “off the record”. She went on to say the group receives 500 to 600 emails a day and that perhaps they didn’t pay attention to mines. I then told her well it’s obvious that you’re paying attention to the situation but I’m perplexed how you’re not paying attention to my diligence in following up. Digressing just a little bit, I just wanted to kiss myself when I said this, but y’all know Blacktina remained calm and let this soak in. She responded by telling me she’s been managing this dept. for 2 years and have whipped them into shape but there’s still more she has to do. I’m here wondering and what does this have to do with me??? She then wanted to conclude the meeting and finished it with just try to be nicer in your emails; a smiley face never hurt anyone. First of all we’re not in Middle School, we’re adults, shit needs to get done, let’s get it done. Who has time to placate someone with a smiley face? You honestly think that’s professional??? (That was inner turret speaking)

Thank goodness this atrocity of a meeting came to an end. I left with the feeling of freak this place! I was so upset that 1) my time was wasted and 2) you think I’m stupid, smh.

The most interesting part of this whole drama was the next morning. Yep peeps there’s a part 2 The next morning my inbox was flooded with responses from my initial emails regarding the “chipping” in issue. All I could do was crack up. Trust me she will NEVER tell me I was in the right. And trust me it’s not about being right or wrong, it’s about taking advantage, it’s about scapegoating.

One thing about “us” as a people we’ve had our share of being taking advantage of, in all forms at that! The one thing I will not tolerate regardless of what you’re paying me is the smearing of my good name. I come from a line of people that engrained in me the following, “we may not have much but we have our name.” In this lifetime I refuse to allow someone to use my good name accompanied with incompleteness or failure. My drive for passionately addressing this situation was not the right or wrong but the need to prove my worthiness and I am not one with to be messed with. Basically when you come to me come correct as I would do to you!

At the end of this saga I was able to complete my task in my usual efficient manner. I also sent an email thanking everyone for their assistance and even put a smiley face, where it was actually needed! LOL

Peace Out,
Blacktina

Dealing with Boohoo Sally

OK peep it’s been awhile since Blacktina’s been on here. I’ve actually did get on my grind and secured a new gig. Of course with a new a gig comes new material to write about. First all I’m no longer considering a job an occupation or a career but rather a place with ISSUES. I have come to the realization that every place I work at has issues or maybe it could be me. But hell they keep hiring me so maybe not

The issue I would like to address today is Boohoo Sally. Let me explain who/what is Boohoo Sally. Boohoo Sally is the white successful corporate America female who is regarded as being tough, smart, no-nonsense and respected. Boohoo Sally will often offer her contribution, use elaborate words, and go out of her way to make everyone around her seem stupid. I think we all have come across a Boohoo Sally. You would think that with all this bravado Ms. Sally can take it as well as she dishes it out. Well folks, here’s the problem with Boohoo Sally, she can’t take shit. See Boohoo Sally has no problem telling you off but when the favor is returned Sally will typically go into a crying a fit and would act as if she’s extremely hurt. In the past two weeks I’ve heard and experienced some real class act Boohoo Sally episodes that I would just love to share with you!

Boohoo Sally Episode 1
Imagine a big recognition meeting with food and drinks (Margarita machine included) celebrating a quarterly award that recognizes above and beyond exceptional contribution. The winner is selected by a special committee. The committee consists of five individuals and is headed by an executive who happens to be Black (yes brace yourself ). Unfortunately for this particular meeting the committee was unable to reach a decision therefore there weren’t any winners. Of course during an economic depression and everyone short staffed you would think everyone is operating at above and beyond. You can only imagine the reaction of being told, “Hey guys you are all average, but have a drink” While I agree the operation of it all was shady, nevertheless the decision should be respected and everyone should just move on. Well everyone did except Boohoo Sally who is part of the committee.
While the head of the committee was explaining the “no winner” situation, Boohoo Sally rudely interrupted him, trust me she did not wait for him to finish. She abruptly told him in front of the crowd he was WRONG and proceeded to tell everyone what “really” happened , which highlighted her opinion of the inefficiency of the group and how it was managed (mind you Brother is running the show!!). As the uncomfortable silence overwhelmed the room the so-called festivities took place aka that Margarita machine got tore up LOL. However in the midst of all the festivities the typical office gossip took off and we all know it was on. The biggest thing I heard was from other executives who were appalled at Boohoo Sally’s rant, so much that they told the Black Executive “you shouldn’t take that shit and you should confront her”. Black Executive contacted Boohoo, called her into his office and had a private conversation. Boohoo Sally came out crying and told every and anyone who would listen how he made her feel so bad. First of all Ms. Sally you were the one who started the shit. Why are you crying now and folks I’m not talking about a teary eye, a lump in the throat, NOOOOO I’m talking get the box of Kleenex, I’m so distraught crying. It was actually pathetic. However what was worst was all the defense that came her way. The rhetoric that was geared to how the Executive abused his status, which he did NOT; to how Sally is really a sensitive soul, oh really??? She didn’t seem sensitive when she put him on blast like that!!

The behavior of this Sally irks the hell out of me. You can dish it out but when it comes back at you it becomes angry black man yelling at you. Yet you can tell him PUBLICLY what you think of him which was unfavorable but he can’t say shit to you in PRIVATE!!! WTF.

The other assessment I have of this is, would Boohoo Sally have acted this way if the Executive were white? I’m inclined to think not. See we as folks at least some of us when we get into positions we don’t let it go to our heads. Due to our treat everyone equal nature (some of us really do honor that code), Boohoo Sally and those like her misinterpret that as our punkness or our “be careful blackness” status, which it’s neither. It’s actually called manners, respect, equality, stuff our parents thought us! But you know sometimes I think white people still have raise their children as if they’re living in cavemen times. You do realize you never see a Black caveman; there’s a reason for that, there are NO Black cavemen and never will be!

Boohoo Sally Episode 2
This Sally loves to try and catch your mistake and let the whole world know. I had the fortunate (wink, wink) experience of dealing with this Sally yesterday. Here’s the scenario, feedback was needed from a group of Procrastinators oops I meant Project Manager (my bad ). Request for feedback had been sent on Friday, a reminder on Monday, additional reminders throughout Monday. The publication needed to be published by Monday end of business day. At 4:45pm feedback came pouring in. Folks I leave at 6:00 and don’t enjoy overtime. This particular Sally didn’t get her stuff in till 5:50. I added her feedback to the publication and emailed the draft. Ms. Sally had additional corrections and went on to say I was missing something and how important it was to get this out. Y’all know I was about to BREAK and yes I did break but in a “black woman take a breather talk white self” way. I went on to tell her I agree how important it is to get this out, so important that I’ve sent 5 emails reminding them for feedback as of Friday and today is Monday due date. I also attached the emails and noted responses did not come in till 4:45, hers in particularly till 5:50. Finally I stated, since it is vital that this publication be distributed in a timely manner, I trust in the future a timely response will be granted. Sally was pissst and started the Boohoo bullshit. She went on to say how her day was soooo busy, mind you she works from home (not to undermine working from home, but with this chick she’s more like bullshitting from home!) and that she shouldn’t be criticize when she’s trying to get so much done and that I needed to have more respect for the process. I responded because of the very respect she’s talking about is the reason why I’m adamant about the process and will bring to the attention practices that defy the process and it’s outcome such as the lack of timely feedback! I also said I do not expect further communication since the publication is now being produced but do expect a timely response in the future. Let’s put it this way guys Sally now HATES me and guess what that’s OK, I HATE her too Well maybe not hate but I refuse to let you try to publicly undermine me especially when you’re wrong and throw out the Busy card.

Corporate America is full of Boohoo Sallys but quite frankly their outburst is phony and regardless of the cry and whine WE shouldn’t care. That crying crap doesn’t work with me. I’m not sympathetic nor am I intimated. As my mother would say crying is for babies and since Boohoo Sally isn’t one then I have no intention of giving these antics any attention. I’m more interested in being respected and teaching Ms. Boohoo not to fuck with me; basically I ain’t the one! You could take the girl out the hood but you can’t take the hood out the girl. This is something Boohoo Sally doesn’t know and it’s a shame when she has to experience it cause it’s obvious that Ms. Boohoo doesn’t know what to do when the “oh poor Sally” response doesn’t come her way.

For those of you who have deal with a Boohoo Sally and trust me many of you will, all I can say is Good Luck! Just remember when Ms. Boohoo Sally acts up don’t be afraid to just check the Biatch every now and then! Embrace your inner hood and let GO!!!

Peace Out,
Blacktina

Here We Go, Here We Go, Here We Go, Go!!!

This Run DMC mantra is something I’ve been saying to myself lately as I embark on the interviewing train. As stated in my last post for provocation I’m starting the interview process but this time unlike many others I’m going to be me, mind you I’m still employed but I just want to test the waters. Well folks, interviewing in 2010 has been a trip with lost luggage and long unnecessary delays. Because the 2010 interview field is so different I decided to post this article in a list format. Again to quote the brothers from Hollis, Queens, Here We Go!

The 5 Part Interview Process – Yep you heard me right! I had a 5-part interview with the paint company Valspar. Normally I wouldn’t put someone on a blast but after what they put me through they deserve it.

1) First Interview – About 3 months ago I had a phone interview that was dry as hell with the HR rep. Due to the lack of emotion presented on the phone by the interviewer I swore I would never hear from them again. But I did…..

2) Second Interview – I was called in for a 2nd interview to meet with the HR rep and the Departmental Manager. The interview went very well. She wasn’t as dry as she was on the phone and the departmental manager had sort of an Oppie feel. I felt damm please tell me I’m not working for someone damm near 10 years younger than me, talk about a depress moment. Because the interview went well I was called to further proceed.

3) Psychiatric Evaluation – Yes, folks, you’re hearing me right LOL. The 3rd part of the process was taking a 3 hour, yes 3 hour Psychiatric Evaluation. Basically do I have feelings of killing myself or others. Trust me after 3 hours I could of killed anyone who came my way after dealing with that bullshit.

4) Portfolio – In my line of work proof is in the pudding. I was asked to submit a portfolio of my work. However, my portfolio could not contain anything of the proprietary nature from my current company. That means I had to create a brand new portfolio just for Valspar. I worked on this portfolio all weekend, mind you we’re in the summer. The good part is I now have an official body of work, in case this comes up again.

5) Third and Final Interview – Yes, like you I said about time! This interview was conducted in a panel format. Just think Sonia Sotomayor; they even gave me water LOL. I had to meet with 3 people and go through an inquisition. I thought I did very well. Not one question went unanswered and the typical trip questions were answered adequately.

After the panel interview I was told that a decision will be made shortly during that week between myself and another candidate. The inquisition was on a Wednesday, a month ago. I haven’t heard a thing and this point I’m not stupid I know I didn’t get it and I’m alright with that. The commute was 45 minutes whereas my current commute is 25 minutes. I wasn’t feeling the long commute, however, wtf, can you at least send the “We regret to inform” you letter or something. After 5 freaking attempts at bullshit the least you can do is inform a chick. I’m not upset about not getting the job, I did my best. I do commend the other applicant cause you must of really bust your ass. But I do think Valspar was totally unprofessional. Check this out I took a day off work for the panel interview, half of day for the first interview, 3 hours from my workday for some bullshit psycho exam, and gave up a weekend for the portfolio. The least you can do is call or email, do something, but nothing. All this shows me is that employers have lost their freaking minds.

I had another phone interview today, which was actually a 3rd interview from this other company. As the woman was talking shit on the phone, no really she was talking shit, I said to myself I really don’t give a shit.; it was totally a shit moment LOL She was asking some of the most ridiculous questions and all I could think is does this broad really think I care about some engagement governance and honestly what the hell is that? LOL. I thought how sad this lady must be to exert all this effort into a company. A company that is not even yours. I realized I don’t have that in me. I never did and never will!!! I refuse to bust my ass, sacrifice my emotions and take shit from another company ever again. Aw hell NO!!!!!

Few things I learned about interviewing in 2010 it’s a horrible world out there. These employers will try their best to suck you dry. They’ll suck you harder than Bill sucked Sookie (True Blood) this weekend when he damm near almost killed her. Advantage, exploitation, gullible all words to describe employers of 2010. I may sound disgruntled or maybe I’m just aware, hmm…. One thing about the multiple interview saga that I realize, is no more multiple interviews. I will be telling the first interviewer or HR person that I am not willing to do no more than 2 interviews and that includes phone. Really c’mon with the c’mon. If it takes more than 2 times to figure me out then you must be slower than constipated shit and really I don’t want to work for or with you!

Remember people as you interview don’t sell yourself short this not only pertains to your compensation but also to your time. If you let them jerk you now just imagine how they’ll treat you when you’re with them on a permanent basis. Signs are everything and please take notice. Although the economy continues to tank, don’t let anyone tank your self-esteem. When they start their shit just shake your head and say to yourself “Here We Go……”