I've patched a hole.

[opabinia]

I had no Raytheon reference. Things didn't go so great there. I underemphasized that experience to get this NEMC job (I told them I got canned, and I told them why, but quickly returned to discussing laboratory work). It's never good to have a hole in your references. Makes people doubt you.

I looked up and phoned my supervisor from Raytheon. She's still on maternity leave, because she decided to make another baby while she was out. My ass got canned while she was out with the first kid, and I figured she'd feel at least a little responsible for never training me on anything that could have saved my skin without a clearance. I put aside the grudge I bear, I addressed her cheerfully, I asked her about her kid... She refused to give me a reference, because "we hardly got to work together." Um, that's because you didn't spend any time with me, remember? That's why I lost my job, remember? I didn't say anything. I said thanks and goodbye.

Options:

1) Get really pissed off at the unfairness of the Universe. Whip up the hatred. Lose lots of time and energy.
2) Call someone else.

I called her boss. This is the man who shook my hand when I finished packing up my cubicle to go home.

I acted like nothing had happened. Happy voice, polite conversation. Alluded to my previous supervisor and her kids. Made sure the guy was smiling when I asked for a reference. Hey, I know I wasn't the best engineer you ever had -- I never really got a chance, with the whole clearance thing--

He interrupted me. "Hey, listen, I understand. I'd be happy to do that."

I paused for a sec. He was sincere, right?

He continued, "I'm in and out of town for the next few weeks. When will they call? Have them try my email..."

Neat. :)

Comments

[rojagato.livejournal.com]

*whew*

[hysterikal.livejournal.com]

Good deal!

[sbazzy.livejournal.com]

i thought all anyone used references for was to verify that you had actually worked there. it would've been no problem at all for the bitch to give you a reference.

[lepidosiren.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's the point -- she didn't even offer to confirm that I'd been there. (I suspect that's all that Raytheon does, anyway. Big companies do the darnedest things to prevent lawsuits, frivolous or legitimate.) I could either flip my shit about that, or try again. It just happened to work the second time around, despite the sub-optimal chances, and I'm relieved.

[atalanta.livejournal.com]

surprising, but cool.

[shnells.livejournal.com]

you know, i really hate to say this, but i am becoming more and more convinced that it's hell to have a female boss and much better to work under a bloke. unless he has machismo issues. or pent up agressions. hell, it ain't good to work under anyone.
iu'm glad you got the nice side of humanity.

[debbie.livejournal.com]

Yayayay!!!!!

I was having this problem with Bose. But it's my own damn fault, too.

Happy for you!

[bottleimp.livejournal.com]

That's absurd, considering that they probably will just say "He worked here from X to Y. His job description was AB." That's the official one. On the other hand, your boss's boss might want to say other, positive things.

[halo.livejournal.com]

wow, cool! it's always so nice when people fail to suck.