<begin rant> After six long and very stressful months, hubby's time of unemployment is over. He started his new job today - exactly 6 months to the day from when he got laid off from the hell hole known as the Kittery Trading Post.
Yep, I'm naming names now. I've wanted to let everyone know which company laid him off and how they treated their employees since the beginning, but was afraid it'd come back to bite us. I know there are a lot of people out there who care about how the companies they support treat their employees; if you're one of them, this is definitely not a company you want to support. Try Cabela'sor LL Bean instead. It's my hope that the combination of these two businesses being in Southern Maine will put the KTP out of business.
It's not just that they laid him off that pisses me off; it's the way they did it and the lack of appreciation for the 25 years of loyal service he gave to them. It wasn't just him either; there were several long-time employees laid off with NO severance package at all. I guess hubby should feel grateful for the three weeks severance he got. There's a lot more too; stuff that has just happened in the last week or so, but I won't get into that. Suffice it to say that if they're run out of business, that won't be enough justice in my book.
Can you tell that I'm still angry after all this time? If you knew the amount of stress we've endured over the last six months, you'd understand. The financial aspect was the least of it; the emotional roller coaster ride has been very hard for all of us.
The recent lack of support from certain family members has only added to the stress. </end rant>
The support of other family members (especially Dad & CJ), along with that of my very good friends (both in real life and here in Blogland) has helped tremendously, and for that I am very grateful. Thank you all so much.
I owe an extra special thank you to Patti and Roger, who listened to me and gave me support whenever I needed it. Without their friendship, I think I'd have gone stark raving mad (although at times, I think Patti thought I already had). Thanks guys, I love ya!
Now on a completely different note; a reminder:
You still have time to enter my contest; just leave your entry on the contest post before midnight on Thursday, the 24th and you could win a prize. I will reveal what the prizes will be tomorrow or Wednesday and choose and reveal the winners on Friday.
How frustrating, during an already frustrating time. I'm glad he's employed now!!
Posted by: Chris | Jul 21, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Aw, congrats to hubby on finding a new opportunity. I'm sorry to hear about KTP, they've been in business a long time, but won't be much longer if they are treating employees like that! I will be sure to put my business elsewhere, as I don't like to support people that don't support me or my friends!
I hope your stress diminishes.
Posted by: Amanda | Jul 21, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Yeah new job!!!! whoot! I bet that feels good for everybody. and now we know NEVER to buy from KTP. bah on them
Posted by: Colleen | Jul 21, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Geesh! So glad I don't frequent that place on our trips home, never have and definately never will!
((hugs)) So happy he's got a new job and hoping things keep looking up!!
Posted by: Zonda | Jul 21, 2008 at 05:33 PM
Having never even heard of KTP before he got laid off... well, they'll never see a penny or anything else from me... ever... and I'll be happy to spread the word (wonder how many folks in Oklahoma know about KTP?) I'm sorry to hear 'certain members, whoever they may be' weren't as helpful and supportive as they could've/should've been... that sucks. Yes, I said 'sucks'. and it does.
I hope Chris loves his new job.
XOXOX
Posted by: marianne | Jul 21, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Good for you for putting it out there. I think more people should be aware of how employees are treated. I haven't gone there often, and I'm sure not to go there again.
Posted by: Brenda | Jul 21, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I'm so glad Chris got a new job! I haven't liked KTP since they expanded and such. I'd rather go to L.L. Bean.
Posted by: Carole | Jul 21, 2008 at 06:00 PM
Oh Julie that IS great news!!! I hope hubby is happy and treated well in his new job :-)
Posted by: Melissa | Jul 21, 2008 at 07:40 PM
I'm so happy for you. Unfortunately I know all too well what you've been going through but I'm so encouraged to hear that Chris is back to work. I've never dealth with KTP in the past and I won't in the future.
Posted by: Hillary | Jul 21, 2008 at 07:43 PM
There's just no excuse for the way some companies treat their employees. Rest assured, I have not shopped at "that place" since hubby's bad deal and I never will again. I hope that his first day back to work went well!
Posted by: Sheepish Annie | Jul 21, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Julie, I'm so happy for you guys! You've stuck it out together really well, I'm proud of you! :0)
Posted by: Charity | Jul 22, 2008 at 12:25 AM
great news - hoping the rollercoaster has ended and the family can have some much needed emotional rest!
Posted by: kristi and otis | Jul 22, 2008 at 09:23 AM
I'm glad to here that things are turning around and lookin gup now. It is completely crappy for a company to treat employeees that way. I always wonder how those poeple can even sleep at night after doing stuff like that. Anyway, hubby will be onto bigger and brighter things now!
Posted by: Shannon | Jul 22, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Wow, that is sadly suprising. I have not shopped at KTP for almost 20 years (since i moved away) but what a load of crap to treat folk, family really after 25 years. shocking. Glad to see you and your fam are moving past this and things are back on track. Good riddence (spelling?) really!
Posted by: Tanya | Jul 22, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Despite the ridiculous amount of outdoors-person stuff accumulated around here I have never heard of KTP....but will spread the word to the accumulators. We are big fans of Cabela's around here...
Congrats on the new job!
Posted by: cursingmama | Jul 22, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Congrats on the new job! Never been to KTP nor will I in the future. Good for you for naming names!
Posted by: Manise | Jul 22, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I have never really liked them, and think I've only ever bought one thing there... Glad he's back on the payrolls!
Posted by: lisa | Jul 22, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Sometimes ya just gotta let it out. :)
Lucky for Chris that he doesn't have to spend his days with people that don't appreciate him anymore.
Posted by: Amy | Jul 22, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Yay! A job is good! (I started my new job yesterday)
Posted by: Jeanne | Jul 22, 2008 at 07:11 PM
Congratulations on the new job for DH! Never heard of KTP before, no danger I will ever shop there now. I'm especially sorry to hear about lack of support by some family members -- I know a tiny bit about that (sigh), but luckily for me, only a tiny bit.
Best wishes,
Ann
Posted by: AuntieAnn | Jul 22, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Oh - what good news about the new job. Isn't it odd that finding one usually takes 6 months? We went thru that in late 2004 when M got laid off. Won't buy from KTP...but then, had never heard of it before.
Posted by: Cathy | Jul 23, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Oh, Julie, I'm SO glad that hubby has found a job! What great news! And I can't believe how horrible KTP treated your husband (and your whole family). What a terrible place.
Posted by: Gina aka SleepyEyes | Jul 23, 2008 at 04:01 PM
The same thing happened to my dh last month. Companies do not realize their employees, a good employee is an asset. It's frightening what they can do to a person, a family and the lives of so many. Your post gives me hope, too.
Posted by: margene | Jul 25, 2008 at 09:51 AM