by "Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
Published 12/17/2017 at 13:55
by "Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
Published 12/17/2017 at 13:55
No Tags
STARS: 10
A lot of you made prior replies to the post about my manager at work who got my direct supervisor of the past 8 yrs fired. I finally left the dealership. I was subjected to subtle harassment by more than one remaining staff member after that. I had been told by more than one person that I was one of the people the manager also wanted out. He got his wish. Being talked down to and spoken to like I was a child was at times both demeaning and infuriating plus I can come up with a few other choice words. After 4 months and being called into the office twice for things that were really nothing I quit my job without anything in the near future. What it came down to was 3 anxiety attacks in the last two weeks. When I got to work for days I had trouble breathing , followed by an uncontrollable feeling of unrest. The stress got to the point that several days my hands shook as I got out my keys to open the shop. After my manager arrived Tuesday AM he had a pissy attitude all morning and anything I did seemed to make him bark at me. After a couple of exchanges I was working at the computer and noticed my hands shaking. Not sure if it was anger, stress or whatever. At that point I’d had it and quickly typed up my resignation. They stood there with mouths open after I handed it to them as I walked out.
Fortunately I have some money banked, a 401k and a LOT of good friends online and IRL. Sorry to let O.C. the Torque Dork know that I’ll no longer be able to research old Chevy Van info for him or help a bunch of my customers in the same way with restoration projects. This customer group includes part of the staff at Summit Racing in Tallmadge who called me about stuff semi-regualarly. I’m trying to find a job outside of dealerships now as they all seem to be turning into “stealerships” and don’t have the integrity I was used to for 30 years in the industry. Back 9 years ago I was one of the last people to attend a GM awards event as a GM Top Performer, so I wasn’t just your average counter guy. They will never be able to replace the experience they are eliminating by forcing us older guys out to reduce payroll. I could try to sue them for age discrimination but they have high priced lawyers and I just need to get on with my life. My past 5 days have been filled with online job apps and searches on 5 different job sites. Wish me luck.
And I guess I’ll no longer be posting any good tales from the parts counter.
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/10/2017 at 19:29, STARS: 2
If you want to move to San Luis Obispo we could probably use a new parts guy GM, Subaru, and Hyundai.
But that seriously sucks! How can he go about doing that to people? I understand replacing shitty people, but all of those departments? How does your service manager get parts people fired? Our dealership my parts manager would have told him to fuck off and so would the owners because they wouldn’t get rid of my manager for anything the service manager could say.
"crowmolly" (crowmolly)
10/10/2017 at 19:37, STARS: 11
Ship is sinking. I’d look for another job now. Don’t ask, don’t quit. I am not an employment lawyer but your terms of departure can/will matter.
"yitznewton" (yitznewton)
10/10/2017 at 19:39, STARS: 0
Ditto this. Buff up your résumé and look aggressively. Sucks, but it sounds like there’s no productive action you can take in terms of talking to the boss or other people in your current place.
"XJDano" (xjdano)
10/10/2017 at 19:41, STARS: 1
Make sure you have shit in a brown paper bag on hand to leave in the refrigerator. You can put your name on it or the service manager.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/10/2017 at 19:41, STARS: 0
Our parts manager has fought him on many stupid things but the management is wimpy and can’t see that my manager had the dealership’s best interest in mind. The service manager got two bodyshop people who had run ins with my former boss over policy and procedures to sign a statement saying he was uncooperative. He has twisted thngs around for his benefit. Some of the people who contacted me said he did it when they worked with him before. He was fired at one shop by owners/management who could see what bullshit was going on. I might call one of our auto group owners about this before the axe falls on me. This same idiot is trying to have us repair medium duty trucks in a shop without proper equipment and tools to do the jobs. We also have to contact medium duty parts suppliers sometimes 4-7 times a day trying get correct parts which we can’t look up because we don’t have that francise. Without the parts catalogs we struggle and it takes away from us servicing other cars in the shop or outside parts sales. The more I think about it the more mad I get.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/10/2017 at 19:43, STARS: 0
I’ve never been fired before. In past 31 years every dealership owner wanted me on board when the dealerships changed hands.
"Monkey B" (monkeyb)
10/10/2017 at 19:45, STARS: 3
say not one word until you find a new job.
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/10/2017 at 19:45, STARS: 1
Yeah, doesn’t he know GM sold off the work horse line and that you can’t look up parts for it? That is a stupid waste of time and will probably hurt your GM sales and purchase loyalty? God he sounds like a total ass that should be blacklisted by all dealers.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/10/2017 at 19:48, STARS: 1
He even has us trying to fix Isuzu and Fords bigger trucks. Its insane.
"Quadradeuce" (quadradeuce)
10/10/2017 at 19:56, STARS: 2
Don’t quit, get fired. That way you can get unemployment benefits. In the meantime, look for a new job and jump ship as soon as a good opportunity pops up.
"someassemblyrequired" (someassemblyrequired)
10/10/2017 at 19:57, STARS: 1
Find something else now, then give appropriate notice when you have something in hand, and don’t be surprised if the guy terminates you on the spot when you give notice. Not sure if you can get out from under him by transferring within your dealer group, but I’d be calling my contacts and looking for something else.
"lone_liberal" (token-liberal)
10/10/2017 at 19:59, STARS: 1
If it was me I’d line up a new gig as quietly as I could and then give notice as soon as something came through. It’s tough to motivate yourself to really look for a job when you have one but better that than wait for the inevitable.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/10/2017 at 20:02, STARS: 0
It’s really nice to know I’m liked. In a city of 250K word got around quick and one of the guys who was offered my job didn’t take it because he knows me. I’ve had one sorta offer that I’m going to check out. Somebody sent word to me that their dealership was looking for another experienced person.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
10/10/2017 at 20:05, STARS: 3
Hey man. Last year — I’m a teacher, remember — the union rep at the site where I worked broke the contract in order to screw with me, as a means to screw with the principal. Since this was the union rep, the union president ran cover for her because the principal was a grander prize. So Ollie gets thrown under the bus. By the union president. I called the regional executive of the state-level union and he as much as admitted to me over the phone that this was all extra-shady, but would do nothing to back me up. The union rep went so far as to get a parent to come in and bear false witness against me and I wound up being on an 8-week paid administrative leave of absence while my computer was scoured — yes, they made those kind of allegations as well — and I was ultimately 100% exonerated. And now I am having the best year of my career.
Granted, this has little to do with parts, but as a lady at church once said, “If life gets to where you can’t stand it, you have to roll with it.”
I would advise strongly against confronting the manager who is practicing the secret combinations. Not in any way. Smile every time and say, “Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full!” He may hold the stronger hand, but if you confront him you show him your hand. There is no upside to it whatsoever.
And it doesn’t help that you’re not 30 any more (I’m assuming).
If you went ahead and retired, you could cast about for something else.
As long as your motivations are, and remain, pure, you will most likely wind up further ahead than you are now. If I were to speak to any of those who tormented me last year, I would tell them that the only thing they accomplished was to provide me with opportunities for growth, both professional and spiritual.
Whatever happens,
please
stay in touch. You’re a good dude.
"crowmolly" (crowmolly)
10/10/2017 at 20:15, STARS: 0
Granted, I am a random clown on the Internet who does not know the situation firsthand.
But the service manager is toxic. According to the other post you made he’s playing games. Your boss, with 20 years in service, was just canned. You said there’s a target on your back and you received warnings from seven other people. Is it only the most senior people being let go?
It sure looks to me like any loyalty that the organization has to you is gone.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/10/2017 at 20:16, STARS: 1
Thanks for the encouragement. You can be assured I’ll still be here. I’m trying to keep my temper down which is tough. I’m a guy with a long fuse and when I get cornered I snap. Hoping I can control my anger whenever this comes to a boiling point. I’m the better person and I have to keep reminding myself to take the high road.
BTW. I’m 62 , a former surfer and used to be an avid cyclist. Still healthy at 5'10" 195lbs with a non-dad bod. No overhang. I have been thinking that if I’m fired I can work out more but I’ll lose my employer paid gym membership.
"OPPOsaurus WRX" (opposaurus)
10/10/2017 at 20:19, STARS: 2
Find another job and tell that guy to go blow a goat
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/10/2017 at 20:22, STARS: 0
Only one has been a senior employee. He is the same age as me and another who is in his 50's was canned. He had health issues but did a good job. The word toxic is perfect for this mess.
"gettingoldercarguy" (gettingoldercarguy)
10/10/2017 at 20:25, STARS: 0
Schedule a one on one for a performance review. Document it, then cc him and his manager on the notes.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/10/2017 at 20:27, STARS: 0
Knowing him he’d likely get rid of me on the spot. I don’t think thats the right move. I’m pretty certain he is trying to make up some lies about me. At least I have it going for me that lots of people at work get along with me. I don’t know of anyone who has it in for me except him.
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/10/2017 at 20:28, STARS: 0
What? Why? How are the owners ok with this BS? Do I need to call and complain? ;)
"gettingoldercarguy" (gettingoldercarguy)
10/10/2017 at 20:30, STARS: 1
If he has something else already lined up or people can fill in for you, yes. If not, he’ll have to hold on to you until your replacement is brought up to speed.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/10/2017 at 20:31, STARS: 1
We have too many chiefs and one is an owners son who is absent most days. He seldom comes in the shop and I’m not sure if his dad knew about any of my manager being fired until it was all over.
"TysMagic" (twjeffery)
10/10/2017 at 20:33, STARS: 0
I needed to read this and didn’t even know it. Thanks!
"nermal" (nermal)
10/10/2017 at 20:37, STARS: 1
If you have connections at other dealerships, start looking now. Better to have a job offer an not need it, then to need one and not have it.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/10/2017 at 20:38, STARS: 0
Trying not to brag but I have guys at Summit Racing and some restoration shops who call me for old car parts info for 60-90s and performance parts info. The guy who contacted me about him being offered my job is in his 20s. Once I leave there will be a void. I don’t even know where I’d start if I wanted to teach somebody to follow in my footsteps.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
10/10/2017 at 20:39, STARS: 1
Given the physical description you give of yourself, you are probably perceived as an existential threat by Manager Dude. Confident, robust, the picture, probably, of what he is not. Add pure motivations to that, and a fulfilling life, and you may as well paint a bulls-eye on your back.
People have no inner life and turn to their work, their politics and other meaningless things in a quest for relevance through power and gain. Powerless people on power trips.
Honestly? At 62, I’d take a hard look at retirement if it were an option, and leave on my own terms. I mean, hey: you’d be a big hit at an Amazon fulfillment center with your mad computer skills, your wisdom and maturity and, frankly, your body. (When you’re done throwing up in your mouth, please realize that I am absolutely serious.)
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/10/2017 at 20:47, STARS: 0
Thanks for the complements. And I think you may have nailed his mental and physical conditions that have inspired his actions.
An Amazon facility is going in near us but its two years from completion. I don’t think I’ll have that much time to wait ( attempt at humor) for him to break out the knife.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
10/10/2017 at 21:13, STARS: 1
I am flattered. Thank you for the feedback and I’m glad it helped.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
10/10/2017 at 21:20, STARS: 0
And I have to thank
you
for reminding me why I come here.
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/10/2017 at 21:25, STARS: 0
That is wild to hear. Our dealership is very actively run by the two owners. 1 is here almost everyday and the other splits his time between our store and the other store he owns. It’s a very nice place to work. There has been a lot of change recently which sucks cause you have to fight for the better way things work etc. But we usually are able to get the right thing done.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/10/2017 at 21:35, STARS: 0
We grew from a few dealerships to an auto group with multiple partnerships. Several of our group partners have other deals on the outside with partial ownerships other than with us. They all have so much going on that they can’t focus on whats really happening. We aren’t one of the bigger showboat locations in the company so we don’t warrant any attention. They will just start to be concerned if things start to go to hell. When the parts department can’t get bodyshop orders done because an inadequate staff is when I think it might matter to them. The groups top bodyshop guy will then come in to see what the issue is. But until then as long as things plug along they will just assume things are fine.
"duurtlang" (duurtlang)
10/11/2017 at 04:27, STARS: 1
You could even be a bit more aggressive. Ask for a conversation at shops that know you. They might have something for you or know of a spot somewhere else you haven’t thought about before. People generally want to help, especially if they know what’s going on at your current employer.
"pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
10/11/2017 at 05:26, STARS: 1
start looking for the exit, and start hunting for a new job by the sound of it
"You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much" (youcantellafinn)
10/11/2017 at 08:26, STARS: 1
I’ll echo what others are saying. Get your resume together and start looking for a new job. Do it quietly, and don’t say anything at your current employer unless you have accepted a job offer somewhere else. If you accept a job offer, let them know that you intend to give two weeks notice at your current job, but also let them know that you may be able to start immediately if they escort you out the door at the current place. Or take advantage of that and have yourself a couple weeks of vacation to unwind.
The service manager is clearly toxic. Confronting him will do you no good, it will just give him cause to get you fired. I’m not sure how your state works and I’m not a lawyer, but in some states I believe if you are fired “for cause” you may not be able to collect unemployment benefits if you need to.
If you’ve had people from other dealers in town calling you to give you a heads up it sounds like you’ve got some connections and could line something up. Talk to those people, see if there is a job out there. If there is, take it and put in your notice at your current place.
As satisfying as it would be to walk into the service managers office and shit all over his desk it’s not worth it. Don’t burn bridges. If he does, that is his problem and the dealers problem. You are always better to take the high road and just walk away clean than to make a statement on your way out the door.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
10/17/2017 at 21:16, STARS: 0
Hey Dave, I need to locate a turn signal switch for my ‘71 Vandura. There are several available at Rock Auto, including one from Standard Motor Products, but do you think you could find me a GM part number so I can search it?
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/17/2017 at 22:07, STARS: 1
I’ll let you know. I think they are all the same type and Rockauto sells the OE Delco.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
10/17/2017 at 23:03, STARS: 0
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/18/2017 at 18:15, STARS: 0
Looking at listings in old paper catalog showed tilt columns taking the Delco # D6216 and non-tilt using a #D6217. However there is a GM note that specifies both had a common earlier number in the 60's which required an adapter harness that was the same for each. I’m pretty certain they would be interchangeable. RockAuto lists the D6217 if you do a number search at top of page. They look identical. RockAuto lists just the D6216 without notes for tilt or non-tilt so my suggestion is check your best local parts stores first and find someplace with both equivalents so you can compare your original to them.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
10/18/2017 at 18:28, STARS: 1
Thank you very much! I have mine removed, so I can also study any pictures I can find.
I had some paint fun today. I initiated a couple of posts today about paint and considered some rattle can stuff that matches the GM Medium Blue 5190 (which color I have come to like very much...). $31 for a can with shipping and tax. I’m descaling the paint on the exterior, but more concerned with rust on the interior. The van was parked for many years and leaked and there are rust spots on the floor. Nothing close to rust-through that I’ve identified, though. My plan is to sand blast those places and prime and paint, as we’ve discussed.
Anyhow , I called the company that was offering the paint to ask them what primer I should use on bare metal. The lady who answered said self-etching and NOT Rustoleum. She suggested Dupli-Color. I went to O’Reilley and they had an engine paint by Dupli-Color that they called G.M. Blue and is very similar to the Medium Blue and $6.99 a can, same for the Dupli-Color self-etching primer. So that’s what we’ll do. I’m in no way trying to detail this van, only to make it mechanically sound and presentable , like somebody cares about it.
Steering column is out and disassembled. The shift lever was steadfast and immovable in one of its axes. 45-year-old grease had turned to gum and provided plenty of friction in a sleeve at the top end. I bought a shop manual for that year and it shows an exploded view of the column for reassembly.
COOL STUFF.
Things settled down any at work?
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/18/2017 at 18:34, STARS: 0
Things settled down. I had a meeting with two managers and its much better now.
The Dupli-Color company makes GM OE touch-up paints. I’ve bought paint twice from AutomotiveTouchUp before and the spray can was only close in color. The bottled stuff was much better.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
10/18/2017 at 18:51, STARS: 1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/291561847000
Got it for $40 with shipping.
I swear: I will track you down some day and buy you breakfast.
In comparing the existing part to the pictured part, mine is clearly very heavily worn. And broken...
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
10/18/2017 at 19:16, STARS: 0
I’m happy for you that things have settled down. What gave?
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/18/2017 at 19:19, STARS: 0
A few phone calls to the right people and being honest that I was ready to leave if I didn’t have some reassurances.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
10/18/2017 at 19:25, STARS: 1
So you had the stronger hand. Did you decide to spell out some of the problems, such as soliciting work that the shop wasn’t equipped to perform?
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
10/18/2017 at 22:10, STARS: 1
Didn’t go there. I’m wondering if GM may do something since its not under our francise to perform heavier vehicle work..
"The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes)
12/17/2017 at 14:29, STARS: 0
I was in the same situation. My (old) manager was asshole, & treated us like shit. If one of us called in sick, & would threaten to fire us. Then in august a co-worker had his kids for the weekend, so he had that weekend off. Anther co-worker called in sick, so the (old) manager called him to see if he could cover his shift. He refused, and he told him he fire him. That co-worker complained to his boss (the owner), the next business day the owner came up & fired his ass. It’s so much better now.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
12/17/2017 at 14:44, STARS: 0
Nice to hear that things turned out well for you. Nobody should have to work under those type of conditions. When you are sick its something they should understand not threaten you about.
I’m getting a few calls and text by friends as support. Just hoping something turns up soon. I’m a hard worker and the last time (30 yrs ago) I changed jobs I had only 2 days between them. The moment another shop found I was available they hired me. Three dealer owner changes and I’m now unemployed and felling better. Can breath now and the unsettled stressed feeling is slowly leaving me.
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
12/17/2017 at 14:48, STARS: 0
Are you employed again?
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
12/17/2017 at 14:51, STARS: 1
Nope. On the open market and all the good opportunities want me to move. It sucks so far and its less than a week. I’m certain I’ll find something since I’m not your typical guy originally from the south. I’m a get up at 6 am and get to work type of guy, not the relaxed I’m blowing off work to go fishing sort.
"R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet" (r-saldana)
12/17/2017 at 15:25, STARS: 0
Got any mid level supervisory experience and/or construction management experience? Willing to travel CONUS and OCONUS? I need superintendents for a few multimillion dollar perimeter security jobs.
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
12/17/2017 at 15:26, STARS: 0
Good luck man, I’m sure you will and a good job soon.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
12/17/2017 at 15:35, STARS: 0
None , my best supervisory experience was the years I worked offshore for Teledyne doing Marine Geophysical survey. I have pretty good construction knowledge because my father was a carpenter in his younger years but nothing past how to do my own home remodeling.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
12/17/2017 at 15:37, STARS: 0
Yep but not near what I was making. It wasn’t a spur of the moment decision. Wife encouraged whatever I thought was right. We had discussed me getting stress and sleeping meds but for what? I’d have just been masking issues caused by a source that wasn’t going away.
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
12/17/2017 at 15:52, STARS: 1
I had a super stressful job a few years ago I got out at the end of the year after a summer of high anxiety and not knowing if I was going to have a job the next day. Getting out was the best thing I did.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
12/17/2017 at 16:06, STARS: 1
Better sane and healthy than the alternative.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
12/17/2017 at 19:20, STARS: 1
Good luck man! I’m sure you’ll find something.
"R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet" (r-saldana)
12/17/2017 at 21:10, STARS: 0
If you’re interested in supervising an install crew or subcontractor install crews send me your resume, worst I can do is look and see what my c-level think.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
12/17/2017 at 23:14, STARS: 0
I’m up for it but wife isn’t. Let me have some time to think about this.
"pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
12/18/2017 at 05:31, STARS: 1
your health is the most important thing
"ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback" (armadaexpress)
12/19/2017 at 10:36, STARS: 1
I don’t know you, but I am pulling for you. Really hope this all works out for you. I can’t imagine being in a job that causes you that kind of stress. Sounds like you made the right choice to get out of there.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
12/19/2017 at 10:42, STARS: 0
Thanks for the support. It was a week today since I left and last night was the first time I’ve slept pretty well in a few months. I know something will happen for me, its just a matter of time and how much of our savings we will blast through.