Employment Agency Conundrum

It may not be the best decision to speak out about this, as a backlash from the employment community may ensue.  However, I believe "our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter" as stated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  I recently found that I was "ineligible for rehire" by Keepers Staffing Agency.  Is that even legal?  A staffing agency!!!  I've never skipped on assignment, why would they not want to rehire me?  Instead of creating feelings of self-doubt or insecurities about my skills and abilities, this news stirred an uprising in my pen.  Time out for being nice -- they are neither the only agency in town nor the only ones playing the "you didn't let ME find you a job so I'm going to make this hard for you" card.  I'm not sure what can be done to curb this type of activity, especially since the majority of leads found on sites like Indeed, SimplyHired, and Monster are agencies.  Hopefully, exposure is step one.

If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.

I've heard this repeatedly, even found it to be true and it hurts every time I relive it.  The most recent lesson was taught by Keepers, a staffing agency.  Most agencies offer to find jobs, usually at no fee to me.  Of course, the companies I've worked with are charged a finder's fee, so to speak and if I'm hired full-time as an employee, they pay a hefty fee to the agency.  Sadly, things have changed significantly over the years since companies want to weed through resumes, taking placement a little longer.  It's rather ridiculous for short term temporary assignments but an unavoidable measure.  Keepers is one agency, rather local, that requires exclusivity.  According to the contract, you aren't allowed to work with other agencies or work anywhere else for that matter.  They guarantee, yes guarantee, to keep you working 30 hours per week while they find you a permanent job.  Sounds too good to be true, right?  I signed up.

November 2006.  Unfortunately, I'd already registered with other agencies and other, more lucrative opportunities were presented.  I terminated my employment with Keepers to pursue these avenues. On a recent job search (2013), I reached out to all of my contacts for job leads, then re-activated my registrations with agencies. Now, a few have neglected to respond to emails and voicemail messages and I'm hoping it's because they don't have anything that fits my skillset.  This situation was quite different.  I'm not the only one who's experienced this as I've found reviews about the company that read similarly.  I'm just finding it hard to understand why the attainment of a permanent job (poor choice in terms for today's employment culture) is not applauded. 

Even though I've realized that agencies are optimal for entry level workers and those who don't wish to work full time for whatever reason, I still register.  But for those of us who require a salary, benefits, vacation time, some semblance of stability and maybe, just maybe, a permanent job, agencies are just not the answer.  Though posting this has been a hard decision, "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."  

Helpful links:
http://www.keepersonline.net/home.htm http://business.reachlocal.com/search/career-employment/recruiters-agencies/DC/Washington/Keepers/283bb0e/ http://www.jobitorial.com/keepers-inc--job-reviews-C4973 http://www.manta.com/c/mtw1f3x/keepers

Women Leading the Future

Washington, DC -- a town of constant activity.  Usually politically motivated, natives and transplants have many other issues that resonate deep within and fuel their the passions that encourage change. Along with health and wellness, financial stability and career success, women's issues are very high on this list.  And today, against the backdrop of races and talks and tourism, Ladies DC teamed with the UN Foundation to host its first Women's Conference.

Some impressive and powerful women were requisitioned to encourage the ranks of optimistic and ambitious women who look to follow and/or trail-blaze in the fast-approaching future.  In attendance were Joan Amble of American Express, Noura Salmon of Interactive Computer Training, Jessie Hrivnak of VisionQuest Health, Margie Warrell an Author and Executive Life Coach, Katherine Tallmadge of Personalized Nutrition, Pat Mitchell of PBS, Liz Chadderdon, Paula Jagemann, Becky Lee, Hope Gibbs, Joanna Robinson, Jean Marie Davis, Shira Toeplitz, Elizabeth Gore, Selina Hayes, and Nicola Green.

Recurring themes throughout the day included courage and confidence, passion, the importance of relationships, speaking up "with bravado" and helping other women, which is the motivating mantra of Ladies DC -- women helping women. The entire day had a sisterly vibe -- older sisters giving advice to their starry-eyed younger sisters, acting as role models eager to help with growth and development in several key areas.  These younger sisters not only wish to follow in their footsteps but also look up to them and even get emotional during introductions as did Lindsey Mask, Ladies DC founder, while speaking about Pat Mitchell who stated that Joan Amble had previously given her speech and proceeded with off-the-cuff remarks.

All in all, this was an awesome experience for me, the DC native with a book of unused ideas, on the cusp of my annual 30 days of self reflection.  The one best piece of advice for me -- Unyielding Integrity: don't compromise who you are to get what you want.  I feel empowered, encouraged, confident and capable of conquering the world and I hope to help other women along the way.

Teaism -- two lumps of courtesy please

It seems that lately everything related to the nation's capital is unsavory. Are we losing our distinct label of class and conservatism? Before I get too far away, let me clue you in on a situtation. Beware: you will be privy to as many details as I have and left to jump to your own, informed, conclusion.

Teaism is a "teahouse" in DC with several locations. I have nicknamed them the "Starbucks of Tea." It's a tea lover's dream store. You can purchase teas and snacks and ... sorry, I'm drooling on the keyboard. I can sum it up with -- I really like this place. Or, at least I did.

MeetUp is a website that helps you meet people so that you can get off the internet (novel idea for all those laptop potatoes out there). There are literally thousands of groups in every hobby/interest area imaginable and most regularly hold "meetups" (events) in and around the area. Depending on the group, some are outdoors or potluck, the location may vary. But for many groups including knitters and book clubs, they tend to choose quiet settings with good food and drink. Many have partnered with Teaism.

According to Teaism's website in the Events section, "We host meetings and gatherings for many groups: board meetings for volunteer groups, networking gatherings, training meetings, speed dating sessions, panel discussions for professional associations. If you have a group that needs a location for a gathering, or if you would like Teaism to cater your next special event, please call..."

I've always known them to be accomodating and extremely helpful whenever I've attended functions there or stopped in for a quick cup of "Jill" (my tea alternative to "joe" for coffee...ok, it's lame but so what).  Anywho...I was surprised, disturbed, dismayed and a host of other unhappy adjectives when I read the following email from the Co-owner of Teaism to a MeetUp group owner.

"I have nothing different to say than what I told you when you brought your group to Teaism for a three hour lunch.  Meet-ups have overwhelmed our restaurant.  We do not want Meet-ups or any groups visiting our restarant with the focus of meeting and not dining.  We are a restaurant.  I'm sure there are restaurants that are suffering and need your groups $100.  I'm sorry if you don't get it.  When you own your restaurant and are forced to make these decisions you may make them based on your sense of what good service is.  I am running a business and make business decisions.  And you can believe that I know how to do the math.  I appreciate that you have alerted the Meet-Up List to our dilemma.  It may reduce the pressure of my managers to micro-manage each and every group having "meetings" in my restaurant.  I can understand your indignation, but Teaism has been dealing with "Meet-Ups" for years now.  We are clear about how this all works."

After reading this, I was outraged.  Besides wanting to tear each sentence apart and make her severely eat her words, I also wanted to point out some very poor business habits that are surfacing early on in the life of her "restaurant."   Teaism has only been open since 1996, don't go thinking you're a DC staple just yet.  The only thing I really wish to address via this blog, besides her clear lack of customer service skills, is her lack of business-savvy.  You have not only put your feelings in writing but you've sent it electronically.  Does she not know her history -- the number of businessmen who have been brought down due to an email or memo?  Tsk, tsk, tsk...

What's next for Teaism?  What's next for MeetUp?  What's next for my blog?

Stay safe...until next time.