Monday, May 31, 2010

What the Heck?!

I just got some shocking news from work. In a last minute emergency meeting a couple of days ago, it was announced that everyone's cost of doing business there is going up -- get this -- June 1st -- that's tomorrow. There is a lot of speculation as to why the owners are so cash strapped.

We have been given sheets with the new rent rates with no potential of negotiation. Is that even legal? For a second there, I had to ask myself if I was still living in Canada. I spent hours yesterday fielding phone calls from my co-workers, brainstorming about options etc.

Some of my co-workers do not have a lot of assets and are in a tight spot. I feel for them but I need a plan for myself first before I can decide if I would be willing to sign a new lease for everyone in the group.

The bottom line is I need an exit strategy fairly quick as the idea of paying $1400/month extra in rent when I'm already paying around $4000/month isn't sitting well. One of my co-worker's has a family member who is a lawyer and they are looking into that aspect.

Either way, the planning needs to move ahead swiftly. And the owners have now made it OK to give 10 people/business owners 2 days notice...

First D a couple of months ago, and now me. Are there extra full moons this year? I'm doing my best to focus. The positive thing is that I haven't lost my job, just my costs have gone up significantly. I don't want to rush a decision nor do I want to dawdle.

6 comments:

  1. That cant be legal. It does sounds like it might be what you need to move the business to home though. Presumably your clients can come with you?
    Good luck
    Lizzie

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  2. I'm with Lizzie--aren't there requirements of at least 30 days notice? That's not much, but it would save you $1400 while you figure out the logistics of moving.

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  3. lSeriously is that even legal? Maybe this is finally the straw that broke the camels back so to speak and just what was needed for you to move to the next phase of your life. I do believe that things happen for a reason and good things happen to good people. Set your plan in action!

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  4. Hi Lizzie, Grace & Sue!

    The law saids we must be given a "reasonable provision of notice" which usually means 60 days or is consistent with how the business relationship has been run.

    New news from yesterday, is that once the above was presented to them, they have now changed their stance and is giving 30 days notice -- some breathing room.

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  5. Well, that's a lot more/month that they're asking for! The home office sounds like a great plan. If your home isn't far from your current work place and you can rearrange your furnitures around to make an office by the door then you're all set. =)

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  6. Hi Sandra!

    I think so and so do the others. Hopefully my co-workers have started to find good exit plans.

    My house is in a good location and it has a great layout for a home business as the last owner was a lawyer who operated his business out of it.

    My current concern is about liability ie. making sure snow is cleared in winter, slippage inside the house etc. etc. so I've been getting quotes on increasing my home insurance coverage.

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