Whoa, time flies.
So, why the title?
Nope, not fighting with Olivier, everything is ok on that side, and getting better.
Not fighting with my family either.
Not with my friends.
Who then ?
My boss.
My boss wants me to learn a new hair removal treatment, but I do not wish to.
Most of my colleagues already give the treatment to clients, and they complain about it (back pains, migraines, fatigue etc), so it's not something that appeals to me, bizarrely.
So since there are a few girls who are allowed to choose not to learn the treatment, I figured I had that right too. To make it simple, let's call the treatment "zapping".
So last Saturday I spoke with my boss and she told me that I didn't have a choice because everyone has to learn it eventually. I gave her my arguments, saying that I don't want to zap hairs all day long - something that almost every girl having learned to zap does. I wish to concentrate on permanent make-up, lash extensions, facials, waxings etc. But I don't have the choice.
So we spoke in a normal tone, all was good.
Monday I went to see her again, for another matter.
On my pay checks since January, it's written that I'm on a short period contract, which is not true. So I asked for the correct versions and for my demand on changing my off days. She had changed the days so I was happy
So we spoke again about zapping, I again told her my opinions and my fears, and she still said I had no choice.
Later that day, my superior D spoke to me and asked if I was angry because of zapping.
I said no, I wasn't angry at all, just not comfortable with the idea of learning it.
We spoke a bit, I told her everything I had said to the boss and at one point, Sandy, a colleague of mine came to join the conversation. She's one that has the right to not learn it.
So she pointed out that she wouldn't be comfortable learning it due to legal reasons, but D said that it's written in our contracts. I said that sure, but no contract is above the law and that is why we'd have the right to choose.
So still later that evening, my boss beckons me to come speak with her in one of the rooms. She sits down and starts to yell at me (I at that point understand that D had spoken to her), saying that I would be creating problems for her, for our work place and for the team. I was calm the whole time, quietly replying to her accusations and her threats (when I say quietly it's because I have a pharyngitis and have since almost completely lost my voice).
She said she no longer trusts me, that no one except her does any effort for the place. She claims that the fact that my "researches for information will put everyone at risk" and "is we have a control, we know who's fault it is". I never did any real researches, everyone in my team knows what could happen because of zapping. And I know the law that surrounds it.
So she screams at me, saying that next Saturday we'd be having a reunion and that everyone would know what their "efforts" are worth and more precisely, what they are NOT worth. Apparently 2 girls had asked for a raise and when I inquired if learning zapping would change my wages in any ways, I was given a ice cold "are you kidding me?". I must precise that I - apart my boss - am the only person capable of doing permanent make-up. Apparently it counts for naught. Always glad to be appreciated.
So then she makes the most incomprehensible threat I have ever heard.
"You know, it's give and receive! If you refuse to learn zapping, I will no longer let you do permanent make-up!!"
I just kind of looked at her in a "so what would you have me do then, seeing that permanent make-up and zapping bring in the big bucks" buuut I just kind of shrugged and said that she should do as she sees fit.
I also reminded her that if I really didn't like my work or respect her or the company, I would never have come to work when I had broken my toe, then burned my ankle and then hurt my arm. I would've stayed at home like the doctors ordered. But she only takes it for granted.
Oh well.
Her words didn't really do anything to me, I just found her reaction very incorrect, unboss-like and childish.
After work I went for a drink with Kitty (she's resigning, the has 1 month left of work and she as well is battling it out with our boss) and we talked for a bit more than an hour. It was good.
So yesterday I was really in a miserable state, my pharyngitis getting worse.
I had suffered from fever, head aches, joint aches and to top it off for a burning throat, but I still dragged myself to work.
I told D that I would see a doctor that evening and that we'd better call the clients to let them know, but she told me that she needed to get my doctors opinion first. I found that silly because I was seeing the doctor after work and if she wanted to call the clients after that, she'd have to wait till the next morning.... .... yeah, logic. I didn't insist and let it be.
So my boss was pretty frosty with me just saying "Bonjour Laura" in an accusatory tone (believe me, she can do that). I whispered my hellos.
So later that evening, I sent D a message saying that the following day I wouldn't be coming to work.
My boss sent me a text not long after, saying
"The next time you anticipate to not come to work, have the respect towards your clients and the common courtesy to let us know so that we can organize the planning in a correct way. Thank you. Boss"
I just stared at that message. I wanted to answer something like this :
"Hello, thank you for your message, I'm sure rest is all I need. I was thinking is being sick in two weeks, how would Thursday work for you? Oh and I did ask to call my clients, but apparently it was only 2 o'clock so it was too early. It was thought best to wait for after the working hours and after I had seen the doctor. I guess my "I don't think I can work today, I have a fever, and my headaches make it hard to see" was taken as a joke. Oh and I think the doctor is going to let me rest until next weeks Wednesday when I leave to Finland. But you don't mind, like you often say, I seldom do anything at work. Even when fully booked. Have a great evening!"
Instead I wrote this:
"Bonsoir,
I am sorry to answer your msg this late, and I hope am not disturbing!
I apologize for falling ill, it was neither planned nor wanted. I am healing myself in order to regain my health and to offer my clients treatments that are correctly executed. Again, I am sorry.
Bonne soirée.
Laura"
I hope that message showed her that a) I was not afraid of her b) I respect my clients thus not wanting them to be disappointed with the treatments I offer c) I am polite when she is not d) I keep my cool when she does not e) Try me bitch, take me for a fool and you'll regret it.
So yeah.
Today, I receive a text message from my boss :
"We can't seem to reach your clients starting from 15h... and your last client is leaving on holiday and is creating a scandal...what do you propose to do about it....."
Again, I just stared at the message.
I just realized she thinks I'm faking my illness. I admit, I fell it at the worst possible time.
But this is outrageous.
This is harassment.
So I saw my doctor, he wanted to let me rest until Sunday, but I explained my situation and he called my boss a great big bitch. That made me smile. :)
After having pondered about what to say to boss for quite some time, I decided to call my work. D answered and seemed almost nice. I told her what I had (she did hear my voice) and that I could not come to work because I was not faking my sickness.
She told me not to worry and hoped I got well soon.
Click.
Now I'm just waiting for boss to send me other messages.
I'll keep them all and cherish em.
I think I'll record the reunion, so that I won't miss anything.
Oh and I've developed psoriasis.
I'll need to change my eating habits....................
Oi wei...
