I spoke to a friend of mine last week who works at a place that earns government bonuses for excellent management of their apprentices, which led me to check the Australian Government's Australian Apprenticeships website. Turns out there are rules and regulations for the employers of apprentices, which include having proper training plans for them, and mentors. So I got a bit fired up and said Fixit ought to have the day off on Friday and we'd follow up on a few things, like contacting his mate at another prominent airline maintenance employer and asking him for any help in maybe getting Fixit a job there, as well as ringing up the apprentice support centre. But I also wanted him to have it as a mental health day so we rang our GP and she arranged a Monday morning appointment. And that was this morning and Fixit ended up having a bit of a breakdown there and the upshot is that he'll be trying to see if some gentle medication won't help him manage, because having anxiety and depression is a bit of a double-whammy.
On the weekend we took the kids to the Diamond Valley Miniature Railway as a reward for them letting us sleep in till midday.
So on some levels we are just fine....
... and on others it's still pretty crappy.
Let you sleep in until midday - what good boys you have.
ReplyDeleteI think the trip to the doc sounds like it was worthwhile, nothing wrong with accepting help - in whatever form that happens to be.
It sounds like a very useful visit, and I am glad you are able to do so much to help. Re medication, if you have a broken leg, you use crutches, and in this case the medication is the equivalent. Love to all.
ReplyDeleteYou are becoming quite the photographer!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with everything, I hope it sorts itself out soon. It sucks when you are unhappy at work, it's such a huge part of your life. Not to mention the amount of time you spend there!
The crappy bit is awful ... especially when I remember the excitement of the new job and how Fixit was so looking forward to his new career. I really hope things get better and my advice (from a former union rep) is to NEVER be too afraid or embarassed to demand your rights. People fought long and hard to get those rights and you are doing everyone - workers in the past, present, and future - a favour by claiming them as your due. That's the end of my political speech. Good luck and I hope the good starts to outweight the bad :)
ReplyDeleteEven the crappy bits will be fine because you have each other and a plan. There are enormous therapeutic benefits to be found in a cuddle from tiny arms. I know you have some very cuddly arms in your home!
ReplyDeletePS know your rights - information is POWER. Some Billy Bragg right now might be appropriate.
Your rights (or fix-its ) are just that- Yours by right. They cannot be argued and no-one should have to put up with this amount of shit.
ReplyDeleteTell him to send me a list and I'll pop down on the train and kneecap a few people for him!
It sounds like you are finding things to help though, so that's good.
ReplyDeleteI like Tracey's suggestion - some Billy Bragg!
ps. word verif just then was 'persu'.
ReplyDeleteWhich you are. Go you!
Yep, what everyone else has said. And the best way to keep our precious rights is to insist on them! Sounds like you are on the right track.
ReplyDeleteSounds like things are swooping towards betterment!
ReplyDeleteDon't take this the wrong way, but I just adore your Mr. Fixit and feel awful that he is going through such a rough time. My DH went through some similar job stuff in the early years of our marriage and I hate to think of you all having to deal with that. I really do hope things get better for him soon, and good on you for being so proactive about it!
ReplyDeleteLike PP, I like information! Without it, I'm a floundering mess. You DO have a great action plan and whilst the road might remain a bit dark, the light at the end of that tunnel is the perfect metaphor for your journey.
ReplyDeleteThose gorgeous kids are certainly a help I imagine. Such happy faces.
Anxiety and depression are double doozies. I hope he gets some relief soon.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the train visit was a success. Nothing like pushing your way through it to have some quality family time.
Hang in there.
What everyone else said about the crappy bits, and a plan is important.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that miniature railway!
I'm really pleased that you are so proactive about Fixit's situation.
ReplyDeleteStick it to the man, Stomper!
Good on you for not just accepting the crap. If you can improve things it is not just you who will benefit but all those other Fixits out there. Go Billy Bragg.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've got onto the apprentice website. Mentoring is so important. Mind you my company employs LOADS of apprentices and we have only just started to implement a mentoring system. Good on you for being proactive.
ReplyDeletePoor bugger. It's just shit really. Good on you for the encouragement to fight for his cause, and for your family cause. Sending you lots of *GOOD LUCK* thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWow, I'd like a sleep-in 'til midday. Maybe I could trade you?
ReplyDeletePoor Fixit. I hope that some meds help him see the light at the end of the tunnel and that he is able to change some other aspects the apprenticeship to make things more bearable for him. Good on him (and you) for seeking help for him.
My situation mirrors Badgers, and it was a really rough, not-nice, scary time.
ReplyDeleteYour boys are real troopers, and so are you & Fixit.
xx to you all. Pursue, Pursue..
Hugs, & what your mother said.XX
ReplyDeleteI can vouch for medication.
ReplyDeleteBut it truly shits me that you are having to go through this.
So sorry about the crappitude. My son-in-law has been through similar and it's not fun for anyone. Hope you get it sorted out. It shouldn't happen to nice people (or anyone else of course).
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering though if all of the anxiety and depression are being derived from his workplace, if it is the workplace that shouldn't be removed? I know, in an ideal world and all that. I hope he finds some relief. It's so hard to be in such a heavy situation!
ReplyDeletemy best,
xo