So a little backstory to this long ordeal. This problem job came from a family friend who was OM. The position I (25F) took was her boyfriends (coworker/CW), who had to leave because of a DUI. Before he left he was in this position as full time and we got paid the same $13. HQ was in Taiwan, US office in Texas and only 9 people worked in office the other 5/6 were sales reps and worked from home throughout US. We had GM, OM, 2 techs, 2 finance, 1 warehouse (me) and 2 repair.
Also my fast food job before this I made about $11.50. Next step for me was to be shift manager which I didn’t want and they were ok with it. I was nearing 3 years there which would have given me benefits since I was full time already. Since fast food has such high turnovers this company offered 2 raises a year, max increase $.50 which I always got. Anything outside your regular job got you a raise: become cross trained, trainer, food specialist. I did everything and got paid for that! So kudos to that job.
I worked at problem job for 2 years and 10 months. Started in October 2018 so by beginning of January 2019 I should’ve been hired on as a full-time employee, which they didn’t do. Throughout the next 2 years my OM repeatedly asked when I would be full time which GM said kept saying no. OM also pushed because after 6 months or so, CW came back to work in repair and GM hired him as contractor not full time like he was before.
COVID hit in 2020 and with people losing jobs I knew this was reliable and didn’t leave. In 2021 Texas got hit with the winter storm that put most of us out of work for 2 weeks. That’s 2 weeks of no pay for me. OM asked GM if he would pay me and CW since other workers had sick or vacation days they could use, he said no.
I had made the comment of finding a different job previously after that first year but after the storm I made it clear that I was looking. At this point I would’ve been better off staying at my fast food job. Who would willingly take a job listed as a contractor with no benefits and NO RAISES vs full time with benefits and guaranteed $1 raise each year????
Anyway our good tech in May 2021 decided he was done and left mid June. At that point I told OM again I’m seriously looking for another job. Another convo is had between GM and OM. Low and behold 2 days later CW and me have an email with paperwork to sign to become full time.
I was furious! The office was down to 7 people and I know GM did it just because he didn’t want us to leave. Repair was constantly backed up and I was the only warehouse worker (it was slow and easy). At the end of the week I told OM I would be starting my last 2 weeks the following Monday. GM tried to talk me into staying but I had enough, it’s too little too late. I told him I’m already doing a favor extending my 2 weeks to a month because OM is friend and she asked for time to find someone to replace me before I leave.
Cut to after leaving. I had sent paperwork into IRS to get a federal determination of the work I did, contractor or employee. They determined employee! Nothing I did fit the bill of contractor.
Took company to small claims for 12k in benefits not given. Judge the entire time didn’t believe anything GM said. We had no contract, job posting said full time with benefits, etc. Judge ruled in my favor but sadly didn’t give me money for medical insurance I had to pay which I though was stupid. If I pay $125 a month because company didn’t, why does it matter what they pay? If company pays less than $125 to insurance it makes sense that they owe me full amount because I was supposed to be employee. If they paid more like $300 and I’m entitled to that, I’m still just asking for compensation for what I paid – the $125.
Either way, today I got a check for the 4k judge determined I was entitled to! It was for holidays, vacation and sick days I should’ve gotten.
I’ve realized that I let people take advantage of me because I’m so nice and willing to help with anything. I know my worth, I just have to keep telling myself and not settle for less. Make sure you know yours as well!