I ve became an uncle

Corvus

Dagobah Resident
My sister gave birth in Friday and now I am an uncle but I am passive about it, nothing special for me in a way. I gave her advice prior her pregnancy that it is not a very wise thing to have baby in this times but people want to live their lives like nothing is happening and everything is ok, but of course it is their choice and I keep my views for myself so I congratulated and that was it. Yesterday there was a gathering of family members and their friends, most from husband side because he has big family. Standard gathering, lots of alcohol and food, someone of their friends commenting that I was being passive for an uncle by not being to much delighted like everybody else. I stayed a little bit then left because this type of events are not really of my taste seeing all the two- facenes and acting by all the people in there, refusing all the drinks just drinking standard water which seems peculiar for people. Seems like different world in a way, probably because of life experiences and everybody living in a lala land. Husband father who is more materialistic in a way saying what is happening failed student, that is polite way of saying what a shitt. job you have while my son got a good job recently in his profession(electrical engineer) while working with him in his plumb firm until recently not being listed as employee so not to pay tax, paying to his son some little money, husband saying that he has to repay himself for them paying for his college. But I just brushed it under the rug like most times in such cases, but I do not see it as shitt. but respect it as every other job, even more so because there is something respectable in it at least.

Sister gave birth to child almost all day for 11 hours so respect to her, men would probably die in a half way through it. On that day I was on work and prior to that had argument with mom and her because I was fed with some things. Child had difficulty getting out, like it did not want to get out, maybe knowing what is coming. In work it is standard as usual, getting disgusted by people rottenest every day. Recently there was one older lady who came to the state bank to late when there was closing, that is few seconds prior to closing so I told her that is closed, employees said to close it because there were other people inside who were not finished yet. She started rebelling and try to slip through but I blocked her entrance saying it is closed(I also do not understand this people coming in the last seconds prior to closing). Then she said this job should not be done by scumbags but by educated people on what I replied sarcastically that they employ scumbags for this jobs and that I am one of the lowest kind and started laughing. On that she became even more pissed and said she will go to television, etc... and went away.

Next day while I had free day she came to appeal to bank manager who as I said before is also case for herself. She said to other officer that I closed five minutes earlier and went to manager to appeal. Next day on work she did not summon me (bank manager), but when I came to write in hours she said she thought I would tell her what happened. I said it is not truth that I closed it five minutes earlier(she looked at cameras and seen that it was 15 s left, my watch goes 15 s early). She said that that lady did not said that but that she was some 200 hundred meters from me 5 min to closing which was not truth and I can not read peoples minds where they are going on a busy walkway. She said it was not nice to close to older women and to let people in if they come at last minute and that I was insulting her which was not the case, it was other way around. Women(she said she was 85) laying through her teeth, while probably being some religious zealot, I would not be surprised(even we had cases with that people starting to pray in front of us) I said I did not know to let people in at last second. Even if I did probably she would say why I did it, she has bias against me because she likes to have everything like she wants. Robot men - everything has to be by the book. Do not know for what this people live for constantly fearing for every tiny detail. I was wearing also once cap so she in an instant saw it on camera and said to put it down. Second time she saw it on camera while I was wearing it(when she leaves we gave ourselves a little bit of relief and can do some normal things which she sees as non normal). For this second time I said the firm gave me approval to wear it but she said she does not care she wants to be it as she wants. she also caught me two times while reading a book and having tablet so said that to the controller.

So now I read it when she goes away because she has shorter working hours - 8 hours, not like we that work 12, 5 hours. Sometimes one that works shorter shift goes earlier, it is not allowed but nobody knows. One college was once caught but nothing happened because there were less workers, they needed workers. Maybe there would be a day when someone starts slamming her head on the desk and I will be standing by and saying this is what happens when you do not show people who protect you some respect because they would not end up protecting you. I would of course not be idle but help her because I would sorry her but I have to be honest that it sometimes crossed my mind.There was and one case when one women who has money came and started verbally abusing employee that is a nice women, she made mistake so this women who thinks she can do as she pleases started harassing her and as this employee backed more she attacked more then I steeped in and she got in a bit argument with me and then continued and left. Employee later thanked me and said that that women called her twice so that she-employee apologize for her mistake and she said she wanted also public apology from me and that her husband will came next day. Some poor scare tactics. This sounded like there would be some fun next day but I was unfortunately free that day but work colleagues said she came alone and looked for me and when she did not see me she started crying like a kid who is used to get everything he wants, and probably does most of times. Now I see her regularly and she did not say anything to me.

There were and cases when these women and men tried to get through line so I stop them. There were often cases when women were strongly projecting saying we let everyone but not them on which I said yes, we have a grudge on you on which they get even more pissed and leave. I let through line invalids, women with kids and people with crutches and dire condition and open door for them or write something for them if they do not see well so they thank you often for that. Some in other hand start rebelling because of that, when there was a women with kid I tried to get her through the line but one men said I also have kid in car so she said she did not want to go through line if people rebel. I was thinking because it was summer then she at least took it with her not left it to boil in the car. i was thinking this women has kid for sake,. Some on the other hand maybe take kids to go through line and take crutches but when you see them leaving they are practically running. Slimy people. That is really disgusting, seeing old people doing that practically at they deathbed. some get through because you can not pay attention all the time, in the morning it is ok, latter in the day you just want to finish and get home.

I also found out that this one guy I work with is a pathological liar, he promised twice some things and did not kept it and did not answer phone calls after that while talking about that being the sign of not respecting prior to that, while after that making same lame excuses and talking behind people backs. He is an actor saying what you want to hear but not sharing same opinion. This week he did not go to work and called to say he ended up puking in hospital and on infusion, prior to that he said his father ended up in hospital also puking so he could not keep a promise, and as far as I know you do not get infusion for puking. He said he was sick but came to job to send doctor report via fax while he did not go to firm so he could not be seen as not being sick and he called me to say to firm he was sick while not answering firm calls saying his mobile was not on. If it was not on they could not get it to ring which they did. Then he also said that he did not have money on mobile phone for call but could call me to do him favor and call the firm to ask for fax. When other guy I work with asked about what did he eat to start puking he did not tell. He thinks obviously that we are retards while he is that which is being exposed lightly. Probably the best thing to keep him at distance because either way I do not trust much of what he is saying. There was also incident when he threatened one women. She is a painter, one Russian women, seems nice from talk with her(gave also free picture to this other work colleague that is good guy) that has her pictures in bank for selling. One women bought the picture but from I understood he took the money and said to give her back soon.

From what I understood he waited for paycheck but it was late so this women came to bank manager which was shocked but he paid back and balanced the situation with lies and nice talk(he is convincing). He also said to us that she was not normal that he said to her that he will pay it as soon as possible but she wanted it now so he got pissed and did not want to pay it. but I asked her to show us text messages with him and it showed that he took the money going with that old story my father is in a hospital I need money but she did not want it asap but waited for it a week. Problem is that she did not show this messages to the meager so he get away with it. he is also involved in other murky businesses from what I understood. He wants to go to be mercenary on a ship, that is that ships that sail at the coast of Somalia, paycheck is big- about almost 4000 euros while this we have is 400 euros. We explained to him, other work colleague(which also reads alternative news and is open minded) and I the situation for Somali people but it seems only thing he wants is money. He came with this excuse of being sick because if you work more then standard 180 hours a month you do not get paid for overtime, that is if you get more work hours over the limit your pay per hour decreases so you got lower wage then those who have below standard or in line with it like I got for previous month little less wage then this two guys who work with me while having 20-30 hours more then them. This is real apsurdistan. He knew that and also said that he will do that but hiss memory is obviously not the stronger side and I can expect this next week some stories of him "ending" in hospital but never mind when he called me being in hospital I heard him walking. Either way, now there iare surplus workers who are going to get probably fired so if he keep going like that he ll get what he wanted.

I am tired and sick of this kind of people and had it enough and gladly await comets to zero the field and end this decadence for the sake of seeing at least some bit of justice in this corrupt and rotten world. They deserve no more then fire.
 
Congrats Uncle!!! In my part of the world, "we" say it takes a village to raise a child and so Uncle you are doing the work so maybe you will be a positive force in this child's life even through difficult times. I have nieces & nephews that I love dearly, but I love it even more when it's time for them to go home. I happen to share your view about it not being a good time for parents or children, but we are here. At least they have you.
 
Congrats Uncle!!! In my part of the world, "we" say it takes a village to raise a child and so Uncle you are doing the work so maybe you will be a positive force in this child's life even through difficult times.

Thanks, I am not very optimistic in that matter but time will tell.
 
I happen to share your view about it not being a good time for parents or children, but we are here. At least they have you.

I want to add that no matter how indifferent or ambivalent you may feel about the baby's birth, your relationship with your sister will definitely evolve. You probably have grown up together and then got used to going your separate ways. But now, you are the child's next of kin, and have a responsibility to him/her should something untoward happen to your sister and her husband both. It would be great if you could show her somehow that you would be up to it. That would lead to more trust and closeness that is beneficial to all members of the family.
 
I want to add that no matter how indifferent or ambivalent you may feel about the baby's birth, your relationship with your sister will definitely evolve. You probably have grown up together and then got used to going your separate ways. But now, you are the child's next of kin, and have a responsibility to him/her should something untoward happen to your sister and her husband both. It would be great if you could show her somehow that you would be up to it. That would lead to more trust and closeness that is beneficial to all members of the family.

Today she came home and I saw baby for the first time, the baby was sleeping. It is very cute and I can understand in a way from where this mother protective feeling comes when child is in question. It has sister s blue eyes, nose and chin. After day at work again taking shite as usual this was one thing that brings some hope in a a way, one thing worth fighting for - children of the future, something worth living and dying for, something beyond everyday existential life. I remember one dream I had year or more ago, I do not know if it is related but I know I was alone in the house with a child and sensed or saw ufo coming so I took the child and started running with it, then I wake up. Maybe it is nothing but an idea of something happening to that child is in itself emotionally and soul shattering. Makes you think how did that afghan i, Palestinian, Iraqi, Syrian mother or father felt after losing their child or loved ones. Do not even want to go there because only thing I can feel is despair and rage. That was the reason I was not fond of having baby - it would destroy emotionally every member of family, especially mother and father, so in a way I am fearful of that. One event that stayed in my memory was one case of father losing his child by the nato bombs in Serbia in 1999 during Kosovo war. He lost his small girl which was 10-15 years old or less while she was in bathroom and it was Easter. It put tears on my eyes and anger. On bombs there was saying happy Easter in native language. Sometimes death of family member can connect more family and finish those everyday trivial, petty arguments and people grow much from that kind of experience as is the case in my family. Never the less my parents are in essence good people as is sister and her husband and I am sorry when being sometimes to emotional in disputes. that is what emotions do when not controlled, you feel sorry later for words you said and pain caused. I understand my father more and more, I did not when I was child why he was all the time angry but seeing that this is due largely loosing nerves to injustice I came to understanding. at firsdt there was some tensions between mine family members and sister husbands because some of his family were in war on croat side and were a bit nationalistic while my father is Serb. There is still some hypocrisy beyond surface I think based more on social status and materialism but things seem good so far and connections are stronger in a way because of child.

Either way I have to buy something for a baby, some clothes maybe with next pay. Most of the money I spent on food, on meat for drying (70 kg so far), some cans, winter clothes and have to buy other things like lighters, candles, flashlights, sugar, etc... that could be used as trade in near future when the collapse comes. Have also military tactical gear and ski masks, I am waiting for antibiotics and some bandages and first aid(they are fish antibiotics but are no different then those for humans, I am not buying them primary for myself but for family members but do not know if it will be of help because of bad diet for them) to arrive and looking for "bulletproof" vest. I ordered many things from ebay and there are lots of things I found there. Automatic arms are illegal in my country, even if you have legal semi-automatic arms you are on such a scrutiny that it is not recommended to have it in that way(you miss your health testing and you lose it, no money refund, they just take it. If it is not in a locked metal box you pay fine of 1500 euros which is same as is if you have it illegally), Many people still have arms from wars in ex Yugoslavia. Problem is that I have to do all the preparation with my low paycheck while other family members think I am nuts in a way for buying that stuff and preparing, only sister husband understands in a way. Also I send some money to one friend that is in need but have to find another way because they steal money you send in post office. We live in village which is advantage, we have water from ground and use woods as energy and there is forest close by.

Tooday I have to go to firm for disciplinary commission, you can not believe what shite we have to take for this low pay. I do not understand why I am summoned but director of firm that came today at work said something for not being shaved today and other things. Which things I am not sure but maybe the bank manager had some appeals but I have to wait and see. Probably want to scare us that are bit rebellious because yesterday this work colleague was there and they threaten him with firing but he got in argument with them and said to give him his papers and then they said he would be relocated to town far away but he is still here(as a punishment because you travel long way but he said he ll never go there). He said there was firm owner with two secretaries that were literally licking his ass for every word he said and nodding their heads. He said something about former director and prior to his explanation they started saying he was good thinking he wanted to praise him but then he said that he was not and they changed words accordingly very fast. He said it was so empty, spineless and disgusting, can not agree more. Have to wait, smile and see, at least until I get stuff I need. At least there is some good of it because I have free day because of it.
 
I got fired today, nice, very nice indeed. Director said he "was sorry" because I am young. I said no you are not, you are just looking for your own interest(he does not know the meaning of it at all) and asked him if it was because of manager complaints and said yes but did not want to go into details. I also asked him if it was because of beard but he said he did not again want to explain so it seems it was not because of that things because he really can not give you lay off because of that but probably because there is surplus in work force because I heard 20 guys want on paid leave. Went to get my uniform to turn it back and colleagues could not believe also saying it is not matter how good you work but to be blindly obedient as usual. Another work colleague is going tomorrow on "conversation" so he is going to get lay off probably. There are no jobs either in other firms so situation looks dire. Now I am Peter Pan again, and mother as usual blames me, it is always my"fault", never those of system that made crisis 20 years ago and with this economic crisis it became even worse. I said to work colleague to say thank you very much to manager and that I know when she is leaving home from job("joke?")(I ve seen yesterday that she was looking at me strangely and today colleagues said she was looking strangely at them.). All I can say without blood and death there is no change for better. All I can say is thank you to all of them as was the case through all my life when I gave all and got always fat end(like it was with education and sport, and now this. Makes you ask yourself What is the point today of honest labor? And when you act violently then you are "madmen").
 
Corvinus said:
I got fired today, nice, very nice indeed. Director said he "was sorry" because I am young. I said no you are not, you are just looking for your own interest(he does not know the meaning of it at all) and asked him if it was because of manager complaints and said yes but did not want to go into details. I also asked him if it was because of beard but he said he did not again want to explain so it seems it was not because of that things because he really can not give you lay off because of that but probably because there is surplus in work force because I heard 20 guys want on paid leave. Went to get my uniform to turn it back and colleagues could not believe also saying it is not matter how good you work but to be blindly obedient as usual. Another work colleague is going tomorrow on "conversation" so he is going to get lay off probably. There are no jobs either in other firms so situation looks dire. Now I am Peter Pan again, and mother as usual blames me, it is always my"fault", never those of system that made crisis 20 years ago and with this economic crisis it became even worse. I said to work colleague to say thank you very much to manager and that I know when she is leaving home from job("joke?")(I ve seen yesterday that she was looking at me strangely and today colleagues said she was looking strangely at them.). All I can say without blood and death there is no change for better. All I can say is thank you to all of them as was the case through all my life when I gave all and got always fat end(like it was with education and sport, and now this. Makes you ask yourself What is the point today of honest labor? And when you act violently then you are "madmen").

Sorry to hear your news Corvinus, never great losing a job.

You may not want to hear this but it could represent a good learning opportunity for you. You could step back and take an honest look at whether there were things you could have done at the time that would have given you a better chance of keeping your job. Yes the economic environment is tough at the moment but even small changes to appearance and attitude can make the different between job and no job. For instance you allude to a few things that sound like you could have worked harder on: Why were there complaints? What could you have done differently? If you were aware not having a beard would create a better impression, why keep it? (there's some external consideration elements to that). When I've gone through similar it was very easy to put the blame onto others without addressing to what extent my own action was responsible. It is rather humbling but beneficial in the long run to rectify attitudes and behaviour that employers don't warm to. I can see it is hard for you by the way you express yourself on this but sadly it's a climate where we really are under pressure to 'walk the line'.

Sounds like it will be tough for you to quickly find new work opportunities locally but I wish you all the best of fortune in finding one.
 
Sorry to hear your news Corvinus, never great losing a job.

You may not want to hear this but it could represent a good learning opportunity for you. You could step back and take an honest look at whether there were things you could have done at the time that would have given you a better chance of keeping your job. Yes the economic environment is tough at the moment but even small changes to appearance and attitude can make the different between job and no job. For instance you allude to a few things that sound like you could have worked harder on: Why were there complaints? What could you have done differently? If you were aware not having a beard would create a better impression, why keep it? (there's some external consideration elements to that). When I've gone through similar it was very easy to put the blame onto others without addressing to what extent my own action was responsible. It is rather humbling but beneficial in the long run to rectify attitudes and behaviour that employers don't warm to. I can see it is hard for you by the way you express yourself on this but sadly it's a climate where we really are under pressure to 'walk the line'.

Today the other colleague I worked with got fired and third one said he is working now every day(that is overtime is not paid) and that the paycheck will go down. He asked if he will also lose job and they said he is secured until those on leave return back so he is also looking for job in other firms(not primary because of possible loss of job but because of work conditions). Either way it seems the firm will go bankrupt soon because it will lose many objects. I got lay off because of surplus work force because he can not give you legally lay off because of "beard" that is 3 days old and other minor details not mentioning that other employees also had it. We were practically new workers and of course we got fired because those working for years in firm had advantage. Director could not really explain why he fired me but only said that he did not want to go into details(of course he did not want because there were none), he thought probably I was stupid. He did not even write it was because of surplus work force because if they continue that way work market would not send any more workers to their firm. Bank manager probably did not know we would be fired because she once said we were doing good job but is obsessed with details because her urge to control, fears and no brain. Other bank employees also said they did not understand why we got fired and that they never felt so secured. So yes you are right in a way that I do not have ears to hear someone saying that it was mine colleagues and mine fault. There is lack of understanding of situation probably. Spoiled people in the west think they are having hard times with these crisis while eastern countries had crises for decades. I hardly find any similarities through that situation because you do not live in this country and did not work here and in this job, you can maybe have some assumptions but that is what it is and makes it different from experience like I do not know how is it to live in your country and do your job. Even if it was legal to get fired for minor details I am not a type of person who would conform to wishes of others and jump on all fours and bark for his master and for miserable paycheck and exploitation because I have some human dignity left(that is unknown thing today like it is alien). Do you? Or you would just nod your head and put it down in front of anyone who wants to put his boots on your neck? Go ahead mister, it was all my fault, you should stick that boot deeper in my ass you are such a good master and I will also lick you boots for some leftover bones after you stick it in my ass.
 
Corvinus, your reply to POB was vulgar and insulting. Please read the forum guidelines. That reply is a clear violation of them and could get you banned.

If this is how you react to someone who took the time to sympathize with your problem and offer constructive advice, I'm not surprised you got fired from your job.
 
Corvinus, you are understandably upset and in an emotional state after losing your job and taking blame from family. I would suggest that you take time and do some pipe breathing. Pob's post has good advice which you may appreciate once you get over the current state of anger and frustration. Also please keep in mind that while being upset is natural in such a situation, giving a rude and insulting response to someone who was trying to help you is against the spirit of the forum and networking.
 
I also agree with Pob here, Corvinus.

Yes you are correct, the situation in your country sounds awful, and no, most of us have not seen it first hand. However, this situation is out of your control and there is nothing you can do about the state of your country. What you have actually done is used this widespread problem as an excuse for losing control over things in your life that you still actually had a great deal of control over, such as keeping your job. You let pride get in the way of doing what is necessary to keep the money coming in and keep supporting yourself.
It's an understandable reaction, and one that I've experienced in the past, but it doesn't suit your aims.

You may wish to read about:


Conscious Suffering,
Petty Tyrants,
And what it means to be a Warrior

A warrior is one who uses external circumstances - no matter how dire - to his advantage, and learns and grows through suffering under ignorant fools, instead of throwing things away out of self importance.


What also comes through in your posts is a great deal of contempt for people at large; you seem to live with a lot of anger that still has not been processed as of yet. Have you tried the EE program yet?
 
Corvinus, when I posted this I thought you were telling POB to stick it in his .... Rereading it I see it's possible you were referring to your boss, in which case it wouldn't be as bad of a violation of guidelines (only the rule against profanity. So if I misinterpreted it I apologize for the harshness of my post.

But you may find it more helpful for your growth once you calm down to look at how your own behavior contributed to your losing your job even though we know that the bad economy and a ponerized society always plays a role in these things. Practicing external consideration on the job is always good practice.

Mr. Premise said:
Corvinus, your reply to POB was vulgar and insulting. Please read the forum guidelines. That reply is a clear violation of them and could get you banned.

If this is how you react to someone who took the time to sympathize with your problem and offer constructive advice, I'm not surprised you got fired from your job.
 
It might also be useful to read "Meetings With Remarkable Men" by Gurdjieff for insight as to how to take a situation and turn it to your advantage.
 
Corvinus said:
There is lack of understanding of situation probably. Spoiled people in the west think they are having hard times with these crisis while eastern countries had crises for decades. I hardly find any similarities through that situation because you do not live in this country and did not work here and in this job, you can maybe have some assumptions but that is what it is and makes it different from experience like I do not know how is it to live in your country and do your job.

Thanks for explaining the situation further Corvinus. I agree with you that we are spoiled in the west in that regard: Unfair dismissal cases and employment tribunals are regularly in the newspapers. Employers are fearful of bad publicity and employee rights are still strongly believed in. Gradually these rights and job security are being eroded but not to the extent that you describe.

Even if it was legal to get fired for minor details I am not a type of person who would conform to wishes of others and jump on all fours and bark for his master and for miserable paycheck and exploitation because I have some human dignity left(that is unknown thing today like it is alien). Do you? Or you would just nod your head and put it down in front of anyone who wants to put his boots on your neck?

I see what you mean. There are levels to what one accepts and a point at which it does become undignified. Depends on the circumstances, situation and ones character.

I can see this is an upsetting and frustrating time for you. Laura's suggested reading is a good one. We do learn a great deal when situations are tough. It probably isn't very comforting at the time but I hope you can turn this situation into something positive. Take care.
 
Corvinus said:
Spoiled people in the west think they are having hard times with these crisis while eastern countries had crises for decades. I hardly find any similarities through that situation because you do not live in this country and did not work here and in this job, you can maybe have some assumptions but that is what it is and makes it different from experience like I do not know how is it to live in your country and do your job. Even if it was legal to get fired for minor details I am not a type of person who would conform to wishes of others and jump on all fours and bark for his master and for miserable paycheck and exploitation because I have some human dignity left(that is unknown thing today like it is alien). Do you? Or you would just nod your head and put it down in front of anyone who wants to put his boots on your neck? Go ahead mister, it was all my fault, you should stick that boot deeper in my ass you are such a good master and I will also lick you boots for some leftover bones after you stick it in my ass.

I understand how hard it may be, as I live in Belarus, and can see how people struggle to survive on small salaries, not to mention ridiculously low pensions (120$). I often half-joke, then when the global crisis and food shortage will strike, Belorussians won't notice it because they are use
to living in the constant crisis, so it will be like another day/year for them. But it's not always a positive thing, because it gives rise to all kind of ponerized and pathological behaviors, and also it affects people's mood and way of looking at the world. They don't smile here as often as in other countries (not that there are many reasons for smiling while seeing what happens around us, but you get the point). They are more cynical, more serious.

Of course it depends on the person, and there ARE bitter and inflexible people, who complain, blame others for their misfortunes instead of finding new ways out of the situation, but I also personally know people who despite all the hardships of life maintain a responsible and pro-active approach toward life. They can clearly see the situation, understand that currently there is no way out of it, so instead of concentrating on how unfair and unjust it is (and it is so unfair and unjust!), they look for possible solutions that will allow them to survive AND still have some human dignity left. In many cases, if not most of them, it has to do with networking. Being part of the human network, where one can exchange goods and services, hear about a job opportunity, cheaper commodities, etc. Well, I am sure you are familiar with that concept.

And in order to be part of the network, one surely has to maintain a certain level of civility and yes - conformity, at least outwardly for strategic purposes. There are all kind of people, and most of them may not agree with us, but we don't really need them to. We need to maintain a certain level of cooperation, especially in difficult situations, so it's our responsibility to maintain it on their level, so it will be easier for us and them. Being flexible up to certain point, without falling in confluence, of course. So not sure how it would apply in your case, but perhaps it would be possible to improve your situation by looking for such a network and working on being part of it?
 
Back
Top Bottom