Thursday, November 10, 2005

November 10, 2005

The Ozark Mind Set

From our show today I think values play a role in Motivation and Ambition in that they direct it...toward job or family. However sometimes that can be an excuse not to get involved. There is another explaination as laid out in this email


I listen to you everyday when I wake up for awhile and when I drive to work, total of about 30 minutes or so. I have been here since 1997 and had worked in the pest control industry until 2000. I came in contact with business owners and they have asked me if I know anyone they could hire because they just can't find anyone who is honest and/or reliable. Different kinds of business but always the same complaint. I always asked what they were paying and it was always low pay. I told them to pay more and they will get someone of the quality they want. Of course they don't and they struggle with the issue of hiring someone good.
I have worked for FIRSTUSA, BANKONE AND NOW CHASE since the latest merger. I will have been there six years in May 2006. In 2005 I make less money than I made in 2002. I am good at the job and a mentor to new people. I don't get the recognition in pay, I have not had a raise since May of 2003. It drives me nuts to see the people of Springfield put up with this manipulation. I have talked to other advisors like myself. They know jobs are limited at the pay we have and don't want to jeopardize their positions. Nothing happens and every year the company takes away more.This is the first strike against this town.
I am originally from California and grew up in Europe. My dad was in the Air Force.Culture is almost non-existent here. My daughter and I go to live plays in town and travel to St Louis often to enjoy entertainment, Zoo, Science Center etc....Second strike, no culture.
I went through a divorce, took three years and around $30,000. Talk about the good ol' boy system. I had a guardian ad litem, which helped, but was made to do things which really benefited the system of lawyers, counselors etc......I have had alot of contact with Springfields' finest at the police dept. I have been assaulted by the ex-wifes boyfriend three major times. I now have a restraining order against him. My daughter lives with me 50% of the time and the other half with her mom. Every other week basically. The boyfriend was arrested for selling LSD to an undercover cop in 1993. After many continuances he got probation. My daughter now is around this loser every other week and he allows no phone contact during the week. My daughter wants to live with me fulltime. Now I will have to get involved in the court system again and start the engine of legal fighting, which as you know is fueled by money.
Springfield doesn't want to change, we are the third largest city in Missouri. I have met some nice people but can't wait to get out of here. I will stay here because of my daughter but as soon as I can I will go West! I would like to get involved in something meaningful to change this town but it seems so overwhelming. Where do we start? I referee soccer at Lake Country and really enjoy it. I do appreciate your efforts and passion and would like this to be a progressive city. Not happening with all these good ol' boys.


See ya on the radio!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

While I can sympathize because the write clearly does not like it here, I have to tell him that we do not WANT to become like the west coast, if that is what he means by progressive. "Progressive" is what the city council had in mind when they came up with the early childhood development center.

My mom lives in Arizona. She tells me that half the people she meets are from California. Sane people are abandoning that "progressive" state and moving to Arizona and beyond.

I would agree that employers in Springfield expect a heck of a lot for peanuts. I'm fortunate in that I have a pretty well-paid position (for Springfield)and shudder to think what it would be like to have to find another job. I'd probably be looking at moving.