Multiple Threads
This blog covers at least three topics: 1) Decy’s & Thasya’s departure for the US, 2) feedback on my salary treatment, 3) theft at Decy’s shop. So read on.
First, Decy and Thasya left for the US this morning (our Sunday; Sat PM in US). Their plane was on time and Decy didn’t indicate any issues upon her arrival in Singapore. They checked into the Holiday Inn (using my frequent stayer points) and were upgraded to a suite. Guess Thasya is thrilled with that – given that she has some extra space. The two of them took in some lunch and wandered around. It will be an early night for them as their flight leaves Singapore at about 630am. And – Decy and I were up late last night and up very early this morning. All going well, the two of them will be in Tampa around 8pm local time on Monday.
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About my raise …. I visited with my executive contact in Houston regarding my recent salary treatment. Based on what I was told, the driver for the disappointing raise was “economics”. With the falling oil/gas prices, lower demand, etc., the company slashed their salary increases. As a result, I got caught in the down draft – timing is everything – and I was on the wrong side of the timing, this time. Had I received my raise just a few months earlier I might have had a different treatment. During the conversation, I took some time to get some feedback regarding my performance (being as my local manager does not do that very well). I was assured that my peformance was perceived as strong and that there were no complaints or concerns from Houston. I was also advised that even more Sr. level executives were aware of my work and were pleased with it. Thus, at this point, I will just close the book on the disappointing news and will move forward.
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Decy has a small business that she is building with her family. Right now, the business primarily sells cellular phone numbers and “top off” vouchers. In the near future, the plan is to expand to include a small beauty salon. The shop they use is a two-story shop – the salon will be on the top floor. Sadly, somebody broke into the shop last night. They stole many (all ?) of the phone numbers that were for sale, stole the computer, printer, and laminating machine. Not sure what else they stole. Thankfully, the family takes the vouchers home at night – otherwise, those would have been stolen too. In total, the loss is estimated at about 15,000,000 Rupiah or $1,500. While that might not sound like a lot – it is devastating to Decy and the family. The family members that work there only earn a few million rupiah / month … so this is like having ~6 months salary stolen. While the computer was quite old – replacing it will not be painless. Plus, the printer and laminator were brand new. Also, the loss of the phone numbers now means they have lost their “working capital / inventory” and will need to buy more supplies to begin selling again. I’m not sure that they have the money to even buy more supplies.
At the shop there was a lock on the door – and there was also a locked security door. Further, there was an (apparently worthless) security guard nearby. Every month Decy and the family pay for “security” which appears to be a waste of money. Filing a police report won’t achieve a lot – they will want money if we expect them to investigate – and the likelihood of them finding the thieves is incredibly low.
Decy heard the news of the theft while we were at the airport. She had just checked in and we were having a cup of coffee. There were many frantic moments talking to the family and I understand that Dolly (Decy’s sister) was in tears. Afterward the phone calls, Decy tried to be strong – but after a bit the tears started. She was broken hearted. All I could do is put my arm around her. Decy is trying so hard to do something positive for herself and the family and to do that without being a financial burden on me. Now – she has to rebuild … and (nervously) the clock is ticking. They have a 1 year pre-paid lease … and they need to get the business profitable before the renewal comes up.
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Well, there are a few other things I could blog about, but I think I will close this. I have a number of things I need to take care of.
ciao ciao.
