tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post2152074245803408903..comments2023-10-31T12:58:36.729+01:00Comments on Evil HR Lady: A Friendly Warning from the Grim ReaperSuzanne Lucashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07129772885673695447noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-51925094484116862112009-02-24T14:33:00.000+01:002009-02-24T14:33:00.000+01:00I had to comment, even though this is an older pos...I had to comment, even though this is an older post. <BR/><BR/>Love your words and your dry sarcasm. <BR/><BR/>I know from my experience as an HR Professional...sometimes you need to laugh or else you will cry! There is nothing in between.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your humor. It made me laugh out loud.Arianahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04202921488773429248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-92150941817148232002009-01-20T20:00:00.000+01:002009-01-20T20:00:00.000+01:00Even if you honest to G-d have no way of saving ev...Even if you honest to G-d have no way of saving even a penny a month there is no reason to be offended by this post. Evil HR Lady hasn't said anything that isn't true. You are going to be SOL if you get fired or laid off and don't have any savings. The fact that you couldn't save any money won't change that.<BR/><BR/>If the advice doesn't apply to you, fine. But that doesn't make it bad advice. Anyone that can save should do so and anyone that thinks they can't should make sure they can't cut back somewhere before giving up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-17171562333538366542009-01-11T20:03:00.000+01:002009-01-11T20:03:00.000+01:00Class-factotum, right you are. We're comfortable ...Class-factotum, right you are. We're comfortable now, but I still buy all my clothes and my children's clothes from either the clearance racks or the thrift store.<BR/><BR/>My car has 260,000 miles on it, and my husband's has 130,000. We would drive them until they die, but we're moving overseas and have to sell.<BR/><BR/>The only prepared foods I buy are cold cereals and stuff for offspring #1's school snack--but that's because I'm lazy and we can afford it. <BR/><BR/>I'm not as dedicated as you are, but I tell you what, I've been in debt and I never intend to do that again, if I can at all help it.Evil HR Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14506069540151526951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-61748460287218293452009-01-11T18:30:00.000+01:002009-01-11T18:30:00.000+01:00Anon 5:00 am, listen to Dave Ramsey before you dis...Anon 5:00 am, listen to Dave Ramsey before you dismiss him. I saved money as a Peace Corps volunteer. Yes. $650/month stipend and I still saved money. <BR/><BR/>I made it through grad school just on work savings from my five years of post-college work. (That money also paid my $12,000 in college loans.) It would shock me to go through the grocery line with my beans and rice and hambone and see the woman in front of me buying steak, individually-packed puddings and applesauce, and soda with food stamps. <BR/><BR/>Don't whine about not having enough money when you are wasting it on processed food. (This might not be you, but it is some people.) Learn to cook. Buy your clothes at Goodwill (jeans are $5/pair). Get books and movies at the library. There are lots of places to cut back.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-54115672762298861242009-01-11T11:00:00.000+01:002009-01-11T11:00:00.000+01:00Sorry--this post really irritated me.I have been a...Sorry--this post really irritated me.<BR/><BR/>I have been a pretty good steward of the household finances, and have a few months' worth of (net) pay in the bank.<BR/><BR/>That said, I've been poor (much of my adult life) and I've been comfortable (now). For a lot of my life, I was too hard-pressed to pay for necessities to build a cash cushion.<BR/><BR/>Sorry, but this post smacks of having been written by someone who's never had to struggle for a living. Not everyone works part-time, stays home with their kids, and gets to go on posh European trips with their husband.<BR/><BR/>Try *really* having to struggle--on your own, without family to help you--and then tell us how Dave Ramsey can help.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-71992170194520905622009-01-05T08:11:00.000+01:002009-01-05T08:11:00.000+01:00I agree with Evil HR Lady. I worked in HR for four...I agree with Evil HR Lady. I worked in HR for four years before staying at home with my kids. That type of phone call was the one that I dreaded getting on any given day. The particular type being where I had to sit on the phone line while the person (employee) on the other end expected for me to perform some kind of Godly event to fix their life problem at that moment for which I had no control over. Sure, because I was professional, I sympothized with them and told them so. But seriously, when I had done all I could do to help, that should have been the end of the telephone conversation(s). Evil, you are not heartless, and I understand exactly where you are coming from.(Humor and all) This person was in financial trouble way before she checked her mail that day. The burden is hers, not HR's.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-39005056132283542792008-12-24T16:55:00.000+01:002008-12-24T16:55:00.000+01:00anon--you are exactly the type of person I am talk...anon--you are exactly the type of person I am talking to. If you are living on the edge now how much worse would it be if you got Laid off? A lot of people are in situations similar to yours. When determing who to terminate companies do not look at your single parent status and say "we won't terminate shelly, she's single with three kids. We'll terminate Bob instead. He's married and his wife is a vp at Acme." <BR/><BR/>No, they look at who is most valuable to the business. And if you think your status can protect you, you are mistaken. <BR/><BR/>I've known people that make $30,000 a year who have no debt and savings accounts and I've seen people making $200,000 living paycheck to paycheck. <BR/><BR/>Check out Dave Ramsey--really. He really can help.Evil HR Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14506069540151526951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-65859510318274426832008-12-23T20:50:00.000+01:002008-12-23T20:50:00.000+01:00As a single mom with three kids and a deadbeat ex-...As a single mom with three kids and a deadbeat ex-, saving isn't a matter of giving up luxuries. I pay my rent, insurance, electric, etc each month...no cable, no vacations, essentially no new clothes for me, not even internet access at home. Your post is nice for those who make extra -- cruel and heartless for those who are struggling every month with the basics.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-32817536116940974102008-12-22T19:11:00.000+01:002008-12-22T19:11:00.000+01:00Of course payroll can direct deposit if they want....Of course payroll can direct deposit if they want... but most don't just for control factor. How many times has my payroll person forgotten to cancel direct deposit and terminated employees continue to get paid? That is so much fun!<BR/><BR/>Also, I share your hatred of the US postal service. If I were that individual, and lived literally paycheck to paycheck, I'd ask if I could pick up my sev checks. Even if I didn't have such an urgent need as your former employee has, I'd still request to pick up the checks. <BR/><BR/>But again... another issue beyond our control that becomes HR's problem. I'm surprised to see you weren't ordered to have payroll/finance recut the check for her to pick up immediately...Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18402583690994998428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-61345930041914496082008-12-20T01:33:00.000+01:002008-12-20T01:33:00.000+01:00There is nothing finer when facing a layoff than o...There is nothing finer when facing a layoff than one year's take home pay sitting in the bank.<BR/><BR/>Don't want to panic? Don't want to take any job that comes along? <BR/><BR/>One year's take home pay in old cash, in the bank is the great equalizer.<BR/><BR/>Start now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-89085817205984805242008-12-19T16:47:00.000+01:002008-12-19T16:47:00.000+01:00I wish I had gotten this advice 2 years ago. I was...I wish I had gotten this advice 2 years ago. I was laid off from a job as a teacher after 12 years. And yes, you can get laid off even though you have tenure. My pay at my new job, in HR, is half what I was making. And somehow even though my husband and I have had to cut back severely , we are making it. I realized how spoiled my children are and am thankful our 2 youngest are getting a lesson our oldest daughter unfortunately did not. You do what you can to survive!You do not need the cell phones for your 13 year old, etc. From the looks of it times will get even tougher but I know I have learned some valuable lessons. Though your message seems harsh, it is right on!Breezyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03914345201237051635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-65333635163411606342008-12-18T15:16:00.000+01:002008-12-18T15:16:00.000+01:00Many states require you to pay all owed wages on t...Many states require you to pay all owed wages on the day of termination (including MA where I work). I thought we were talking about severance payments, which is an entirely different thing. These are payments we pay to laid off employees to help them through the transition. Some companies do pay these out as lump sums, while most companies I've worked for choose to pay them through the regular pay cycles. We would not hand these out the day the employee leaves, as assuming we're getting a release agreement from the employee in exchange for severance, you must wait an XX number of days [depends on age] in case the employee changes his/her mind.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-52577326870404203742008-12-18T05:11:00.000+01:002008-12-18T05:11:00.000+01:00In California, the "we'll mail the check" thing at...In California, the "we'll mail the check" thing at termination won't work.. You have to pay them all monies due within some small time, cash on the barrelhead, check cashable at a local bank with no fee, etc. No hold backs, deposits, etc.<BR/><BR/>"An employee who is discharged must be paid all of his or her wages, including accrued vacation, immediately at the time of termination."<BR/><BR/>There might be some exception for certain industries, etc.<BR/><BR/>There's some special rules for folks with a contract of determinate length, and in certain layoffs, or if you give at least 72 hours notice. There's also special rules for autodeposit (autodeposit has to be cancelled immediately upon termination, so you either make that final wage payment and then terminate, or give them a check)<BR/><BR/>If you give them a check, they essentially have to be able to walk out the door and cash it at a local bank, instantly.. No holds, no fees, etc.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-18672012043153012762008-12-17T03:27:00.000+01:002008-12-17T03:27:00.000+01:00Great advice Evil! I just discovered the website ...Great advice Evil! I just discovered the website http://spendster.org/ today. It's pretty funny, yet at the same time tries to help people realize ways we foolishly spend money. Watch some of the videos and discover ways you could be saving money for emergencies or layoffs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-74631019988656267462008-12-16T23:40:00.000+01:002008-12-16T23:40:00.000+01:00Why would her car be repossessed if a check is one...Why would her car be repossessed if a check is one day late? Wouldn't that imply she's several months behind on payments.Productivity Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15336261434215987493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-64849474412050044202008-12-16T21:53:00.000+01:002008-12-16T21:53:00.000+01:00When we term or lay off someone, we also do live c...When we term or lay off someone, we also do live checks, but, we get them beforehand, and they get it as part of the final meeting, unless of course they have company uniforms/equipment/keys they still need to turn in. Then they have to exchange the company equipment for the final check.Katherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04160618906962839764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-35416970101471462912008-12-16T15:56:00.000+01:002008-12-16T15:56:00.000+01:00I've worked for 3 companies, and all provided dire...I've worked for 3 companies, and all provided direct deposit for severance payments, so yes, your Finance dept is totally BS'ing you. If someone changes bank accounts and doesn't care to update payroll on where to send the money, then that should be the ex-employee's fault.<BR/><BR/>I do know of some who really have to live paycheck to paycheck, so I emphathize, but way more do not make the right financial decisions. Suze Orman says you need to have a rainy day fund to cover your monthly expenses for 6 months, in case of layoff or other emergency. I wonder how many Americans actually do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-50598089015227222642008-12-16T11:58:00.000+01:002008-12-16T11:58:00.000+01:00Engineer--I'm a Dave Ramsey fan myself, but I do k...Engineer--I'm a Dave Ramsey fan myself, but I do keep one credit card. It's paid off in full each month, but I just can't make the jump to no credit cards. I don't want to either.<BR/><BR/>And it's true that one late payment does not result in a car repossession. <BR/><BR/>As for direct deposit, one finance person said that when people terminate they often move and close bank accounts and then don't update the former company with the new account, which is why they do live checks. I don't buy it.Evil HR Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14506069540151526951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-80915701401461731022008-12-16T06:21:00.000+01:002008-12-16T06:21:00.000+01:00I totally agree with the “Here I come to your desk...I totally agree with the “Here I come to your desk” thing. I’ve had the unfortunate luck of having to lay-off a lot of people over the years. Each time I’ve had the same fight with the finance team about direct deposits! Same result – a big NO from them! Without any logic! <BR/><BR/>Employees have literally cried their heart out during our talk – a wedding that got postponed, housing loans that got defaulted, surgery on-hold and the list just goes on. Your last line just summed up my current mood.<BR/><BR/>Save for a rainy day!The HR Storehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04669889377658306676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-58553317885049342802008-12-16T00:25:00.000+01:002008-12-16T00:25:00.000+01:00I generally feel the same (If a check being one da...I generally feel the same (If a check being one day late will be the death of you financially, you need to get control over your financial life.)<BR/><BR/>At the same time, as a person who grew up in and continues to live a priviledged life, it's easy for me to say that. I don't make poverty or below poverty level wages for the size of my household.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-56173343667945380352008-12-15T23:38:00.000+01:002008-12-15T23:38:00.000+01:00Dear Evil HR Lady,I discovered your informative an...Dear Evil HR Lady,<BR/>I discovered your informative and humorous blog earlier this year and have become quite a fan. I would like to chime in at this time to say that this post is a much needed one and agree with Anonymous 4:32pm that if more folks saved perhaps the country as a whole would not be finding itself in such financial difficulties...<BR/><BR/>I can say as someone who doesn't make a high figure salary I was able to save a little bit (much of it tax refund/stimulus $) which came in handy for car repairs totalling over $1000 a few months ago - and this is with a car loan and credit card debt that I'm whittling down!<BR/><BR/>Your advice, while perhaps difficult to hear at this time of year and in these difficult times, is valuable, in my humble opinion.<BR/>Thanks for the info, the advice and the humour and may it continue into the New Year!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-52296798325494002482008-12-15T22:32:00.000+01:002008-12-15T22:32:00.000+01:00if folks had heeded this sort of advice over the p...if folks had heeded this sort of advice over the past year or so, we likely wouldn't be in the mess we're in today. Good job!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-87369618741352995452008-12-15T22:13:00.000+01:002008-12-15T22:13:00.000+01:00I am currently a Stay at Home Mom, but worked in H...I am currently a Stay at Home Mom, but worked in HR for 5 years previous. I also worked for an auto financing division in the repossession department. You will not have your car repossessed for one payment off, let alone a payment a day or two late. So, this lady is having problems that go far beyond getting her check a day or two late. I agree with you, and I'm sorry if I sound heartless, but you should be financially sound enough that if you get a late check or get laid off, you won't be losing your car/house, etc within that month. I agree with a previous poster, perhaps she can start listening to Dave Ramsey on the radio for some help?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-5848945027028457642008-12-15T20:43:00.000+01:002008-12-15T20:43:00.000+01:00Thank you EHRL! This post is by no means heartles...Thank you EHRL! This post is by no means heartless. I'll remind readers that severance is not legally required during a layoff, and layoffs are unfortunately a fact of life. The fact that this woman's car was going to be repossessed means that she was several months behind on her payments, and that is no one's fault but her own.<BR/><BR/>When I graduated college, my family pounded into me how important it was to save even $10 dollars per paycheck. When I had to get unexpected work on my car, I appreciated their lesson. Now, I'm able to put more than $10 aside for a rainy day, and while I don't by a long stretch have a year's worth of salary saved, I know if I get fired tomorrow, I will be okay at least until unemployment kicks in.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33004692.post-1201579139978142722008-12-15T20:10:00.000+01:002008-12-15T20:10:00.000+01:00I can't see where this post is "heartless." It's ...I can't see where this post is "heartless." It's common sense to save, although I know it's easier said than done. Layoffs are sometimes an unfortunate side-effect of doing business in this economy. Saving a little here and there is a way to perhaps soften the blow a little bit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com