Land of Opportunity!

[midnightgirl]

Hello Everybody,
I know I was not been posting here much lately but had been reading all the post everyday and never made any comment but now i have something to share my experienced here in America  which is about on my job. I was working here in a meat processing in Minnesota for a about a year now which i got paid almost $11.00 dollars an hour. Mostly the workers there were Mexicans, Vietnamese and Americans and I am the only Filipina who worked there since my husband worked there too. It was not hard for me to adjust for the first time on my  work nor the culture but the only thing i could not take is that there were some Americans and Mexicans were so very mean, they like a "B$TCH". When i was on my 3 months under observation it was still good but after that i could really seen the different attitude/character of the people there. People speaks nasty words, easily got mad or very hot tempered even shouted each other especially the white men or women with the older ones, alot of gossips,jealousy. Before i was not used to say nasty words but now i am. I used to cry everytime, when somebody is so mean to me, i easily cried and when were about to off work since were in a different department , then when we were in the car i'd cried a lot , my heart was almost bursting with hurt, pain  and regrets for why i came here in America since i never experienced this for my entire life that nobody was never mean to me . Sometimes i would said to my husband to return me back to the Philippines, but he would cry too so now I am started  how to fight back and talked nasty words in them, i guess learning to be brave and stand by my own feet since I am far from my family. I've been to some countries but never been treated so mean with people.
I could say that "America" is only the land of opportunity but to live for the rest of my life , i don't think so co'z for me ........IT IS SO S^CKS HERE..........!!!!!! In fact i am afraid if i would have a baby and be grow up  here .
There is no place like home.

[Joseph 1]

... in response to Land of Opportunity!, posted by midnightgirl on May 18, 2001

Hello Midnightgirl,                                         I understand there are some ungreatful folks at your jobsite. Some people bring there baggage to work and do not clean them out before hand. I bet some of them have a drug or alcohol problem. Just have to prove it.Because of this it effects the ability to stay in a continuity staying on the same page with people that have good intensions.  Your husband is your prince and you are his princess. Do not stupe down to there level because most likely that's were they want you. Of course you may know this.I hope these are'nt the people that are writing your checks from payroll. If not, don't let these problem children get under you skin. What ever rolls off the tip of there tongue's could probably kill and burn bridges if said to the wrong person. Raise above these situations and do not let people tell you what you can't do. Stay on course  for a positive future and goals to navigate for what you and your soulmate need's for a happy relationship.  Because right now, it's the best you could have dispite what is going on in the work place. This is still the land of opportunity just don't let them steal it away from you. Now that is another crime. You also have the opportunity to be a good example and a role model. Believe me people will take notice. And the bad folks usually don't sign your checks!!!

[may10]

... in response to Land of Opportunity!, posted by midnightgirl on May 18, 2001

It is sad to hear of things that you have written about but what others have also said are true.  These things do happen everywhere.

The difference and more hurting in your case maybe the fact that, coupled with the nasty behaviour,  is the feeling of being alone amongst these  "other people".

What someone wrote in another post was right,  your husband fell in love with what YOU are and this you must never forget.  YOU were raised by your parents to become what you are and the values we have been raised with must always transcend any of these things now.

Yes...there are still opportunities for you.  The opportunity to show your real worth as a person and employee even in this most difficult work environment you are in now.  The opportunity to find even AT LEAST  1 (or 2) real friend/s  from amongst them and most importantly, the opportunity to make the difference, even in the smallest way possible.

Remember, at the end of the day, just about that time when we close our eyes to sleep,  isn't it much better knowing that we have not done any wrong against another?  *S*

Hang in there, filipinas are strong, di ba?  ....  (iyakin nga lang....gaya ko rin....*S*).

God bless.

[kevin]

... in response to Re: Land of Opportunity!, posted by may10 on May 19, 2001

Well said May.  This strikes a chord too in my personal situation.  I live in a condominium.  In my part of the USA, the weather is getting nicer, and I'm out of school for the time being too.  I decided to wash and wax my car.  I also took off my hubcaps to wash them.

Well, this evening, as I'm putting back on the first of four hubcaps, I'm pounding the hubcap onto the wheel with my fist, a guy comes out of his unit and gives me a hard time.  He protested that his two-year-old daughter was trying to sleep.  But he came about it in a very hostile way.

Well, I aplogized to him for my "offense".  I also stood up to myself and my dignity. As I was minding my own businesss and I did not intend any harm.  I really hate it when somebody tries to s*** on somebody who means no harm, whether myself or somebody else.

I told that guy that I expected an apology because of the way he came about the issue.  It irks me. What did I do to him?!  Well, he threatened me with bodily harm.

I ended up not reinstalling my other three hubcaps.  I can do that elsewhere (maybe the church parkinglot tomorrow).  I am really angry about this matter to put it nicely.  But, I should "play my cards right" so I don't get hurt either.  I almost wanted to call the cops, but I don't think such an incidence is significant enough.

Instead, during business hours, on Monday, I shall report this incidence to the condo association.  I can not rest until I do it.  There's no reason to have to live with such threats.  I was minding my own business to begin with.  I guess such a guy had better never go to the Philippines.  Afterall, how about all the perpetual noises such as pigs squealing, roosters crowing, and tricycle motors.  Moot point anyway.

But I should have the fundamental right to wash, wax, and maintain my car where I live.  That guy just infuriates me.  I must handle this civilly for my own benefit.  The best I can do is report him to the condo association ASAP during business hours.  I cannot rest under such circumstances.

As I think of Midnight Girl, I'm sure similar things anger her too.  There are alot of jerks in America, and alot of jerks in this whole world too.

- Kevin

[may10]

... in response to Re: Re: Land of Opportunity!, posted by kevin on May 20, 2001

put on some music, think of something beautiful....for me, imagining myself up there in Baguio or on the beach ...for you, maybe, your mahal and how one day soon you'll be together.

I think you're still up and if you are, make sure you do as you intend in the morning about reporting this incident to the association and maybe, the threats (if he did), too.

On a lighter note,  I can feel from your post that you are just like me.  I cannot rest and fall asleep if something like what happened to you happened to me.  It would take me hours and hours to sleep, maybe, not even.  I guess, it is because, situations like that affect our equilibrium as peace-loving persons.

Pls. take care of yourself.  As you said, there are indeed  "j*rks"  everywhere.  I just hope this one doesn't meet another of his kind or we'd be reading of 2 of their kind doing harm to each other.

Hope you still have a goodnight.  *S*

[cc]

... in response to Re: Land of Opportunity!, posted by may10 on May 19, 2001

Yes - very well said, much better than I could. Shame the others with your niceness and kindness instead of stuping down to their level...

[may10]

... in response to Re: Re: Land of Opportunity!, posted by cc on May 20, 2001

*

[Carrisse]

... in response to Land of Opportunity!, posted by midnightgirl on May 18, 2001

The only difference is that mean people can dress nicely.  Before I moved to my HR position here at work, I was a computer help desk analyst. I deal with some 45,000 computer users with all kinds of problems.  They're all okay except the people in my group.  They are the most backbiting people I've ever encountered.  And sad to say, I find that most women are like this.  So I told my boss that I'd rather work with another group (mostly men).  He put me in their team and everything went well.  I also found out after moving to the all-men group, the women in my group told these men to be wary of me.  Since these men know me from past dealings, they just shrugged it off.

When I moved to HR, I sent these women a card I made myself. I bought those small plastic knives used in hors' douerves (sp?) and taped them on the card that says:

"Here are the knives you forgot to take from my back, you may have to use them again.  Goodbye."

From then on, I never looked back.  I like my job now but there are still mean people.  I just don't mind.  I really don't want to stoop to their level.

Don't be like them, be yourself.  If you must earn their respect, you must do it by being yourself.

[kevin]

... in response to Office work is not much different, posted by Carrisse on May 19, 2001

Now did Ann Landers influence you?  Remember too, "mean people suck"!

This evening I had an encounter with a mean person while I was only minding my own business. (Please read the post somewhere up above).

As I think of this incident, I remember the gun string not too long ago.  But I didn't provide any input.  Well, whith my condo association bylaws, posession of guns are prohibited on the condo premises.  In a civil society, ordinary citizens shouldn't need guns.

Tonight, I felt physically threatened by some real jerk who lives in the same building.  I never had a personal encounter, never mind a confrontation that he started, before.  Well, that jerk threatened me with bodily harm.  (Dave H., that's not the guy Chuck whom I told you about.  This guy makes Chuck look like a saint.)

I wouldn't be surprised if a character like this posesses a gun on these premises.  On the other hand, I'm beginning to think I might need a gun for my own protection.  Afterall, I never know whom I might irreconcibly offend. But I'm not going to take crap from anybody within reason.  In a society like the USA, try to be civil as a rule of thumb.\

Peace,

Kevin

[midnightgirl]

... in response to Office work is not much different, posted by Carrisse on May 19, 2001

Carrisse,

Thanks for the  adviced.

[Bear]

... in response to Land of Opportunity!, posted by midnightgirl on May 18, 2001

My ex had a similar problem at Texaco.  She was working for a girl with a diasgmosed hormone problem, especially during "that time of the month"!  It seemed she didn't like the "ex" (I wonder why? - hehehe) so every chance she got she cursed her up one end and down the other.  She tried going through channels to resolve the problem but instead was threatened by her supervisors for causing problems.  She had to be cauious because she was still just a temp.

So I bought her a small cassette recorder.   She recorded everything.  She made sure she got everyone to say there names or answer her when she call their names.  She stated the time and date and for two days got everything.  Then she typed it all down on paper and had it notorized (its illegal to record people without their knowledge).  Seems once something is notorized or witnessed then it is fact and the opposite side must disprove it in court.  Even thought the evidence was gotten illegally the lawyer intended to argue she was forced due to lack of help from her supervisors (she recorded them too).

She then went to her supervisor's supervisor with a copy and suggested that they get the girl medical help.  Amazing how willing they were to work with her.  Even put out company policies of getting along with employees and how to get help when someone is being abusive to you.  Even gave her a raise and mad her permanent?  I hear she's inlne for a promotion now.

Bear

[Peaches]

... in response to Land of Opportunity!, posted by midnightgirl on May 18, 2001

I worked in Cebu City for about 4 years but I am from
the City of Golden Friendship. Hmmm, I am so touched
with your message. I can imagine how  you feel about it
but..... as all the people said here...America is not really
like that at all.  Chances are still very wide, long and
narrow. Don't give up sweetie. It's just one of the
scenery and trials that you will experience. I am new
here in US too and I heard bad words a lot from my
American friends (I've got American friends now), I just
swallow it hehehehe. And I am learning  in saying it
too...oh they are very influencial. I only say it to my
husband though when I'm mad hehehehehe. The only
thing you have to have is courage and fighting spirit so
they won't knock you down. And remember this : YES
THE FILIPINO CAN!

Goodluck!

[Mog]

... in response to Land of Opportunity!, posted by midnightgirl on May 18, 2001

Midnightgirl, since I grew up  and live in the Twin Cities I know what you are talking about, that G*I meatpacking place has always been like that, the last resort for people looking for jobs, so dont worry about it too much.
The job market is very tight in the Twin Cities in the summer, a lots of kids are out of school so they want summer work and I have never seen such an influx of illegal aliens from Mexico as in the last year.
Ive been to the Philippines twice now,Luzon, Visayas and Mindinao and I have many Filipino
friends there, I totally like Filipino people and culture so you have a friend here in this city, dont feel so bad OK?
In a couple of months Ill be hiring a lot of people for the busy fall season so If you like, stay in touch and maybe Ill hook you up with a better paying and nicer job.
Some of the applications Ive seen lately (mostly Mexicans) also list that G*I plant as past jobs.
You gonna be OK and like it here, Minneapolis /St paul is a lot of fun and its a beautiful place.
Im hoping to go back to the Philippines at the end of July or August to see one of my girlfriends and take her for a couple weeks of fun in Boracay and Cebu. Ive never been to Boracay, but drove thru Cebu for about 15 minutes after a fast ferry ride from Surigao on my way back to get to Manila before the next morning, and Cebu looks so cool and fun.
I want to get married this year if I can , and If I can , it would be really cool if she had  Filipine friends in Minneapolis, One is from Leyte the other from Butuan City.
Stay in touch and good luck.

[Dave H2O]

... in response to Re: Land of Opportunity!/midnightgirl, posted by Mog on May 19, 2001

Hey Mog,

Butuan City? Man...you better not be talking about my girl! ;o))) I will probably just miss you, because I am planning to go the first 3 weeks of July. I'd better work fast. ;o)) Just joking Baby, if you read this. ;o)

We have tons of illegals in South Florida too. I can't help but believe that they are jamming up the INS gears throughout the country, slowing things down for those of us involved in the Fiance(e)/Spousal Visa process. 120-150 days just for NOA! That would make a Fiance(e) Visa 9-12 months. What is a Spousal Visa going to take, 18-24 months? You can forget about the new K Spousal Visa being any faster than the old. Maybe 9-12 months if lucky, but still better than those currently stuck waiting on Spousal Visa approval. I am certain that much INS resources are being diverted to deal with what is believed to be the greatest immediate need. Dealing with the problem that already exists, illegal immigrants on US soil. Just venting. Ray...slap me!

Good luck! Maybe I will see you in Butuan.

Dave "Versus the Volcano" H.

[midnightgirl]

... in response to Re: Land of Opportunity!/midnightgirl, posted by Mog on May 19, 2001

Mog,

Thanks but anyways i don't live in the twin cities . I live in Northwood, Iowa which in the border of Minnesota. My husband and I worked in QPP (Quality Pork Processors) which owned by Hormel located in HOrmel Plant too.

By the  way, i wish everything good luck from you and your fiance. I bet she is wonderful and pretty.
You're right Cebu is cool and fun co'z i am from there and i really missed a lot there especially my family and friends.People there are very nice, warmth and friendly.

So you live  in Minneapolis, that is cool, i really like there and i've been there 5 times especially in Rochester. Last year, we went to Mall of America together with my sister's family (lives in Indiana) who came to visit me, my husband and I went also to Valley fair, it is so wonderful then we watched the basketball which the Timberwolves played in Targetcenter and maybe one of these days we might go to Metrodome to watch the baseball.