I work at a dealership in Santa Monica. About a month ago, I got promoted - from working as a product specialist on the floor to working as an Internet specialist in the Internet department. My pay plan completely changed. I tell other people's customers how their cars worked instead of my own, and I make appointments for other salespeople instead of myself. Sure, I can still do some of my own stuff - but on the side, and ain't nobody got time for that anymore, because I'm already working 65-70 hours a week.
I love it. I love everyone in my department. I calculated my next pay check and I love that. I love my new relationships with old bosses. I love going to work - I just wish I didn't always have to stay so long, but even that I don't even mind because I'm making money and I'm learning a lot.
Today I signed off on my new pay plan officially. But my pay plan wasn't the only one to change.
The other guys in the department - the people I'm paid to help - got their pay plans too, and it's less than it used to be.
And it is directly related to the fact that I've been moved here.
On the one hand, it's definitely not my fault that their pay plan went down. And they know that. On the other hand, they're not exactly happy about it, and it IS directly related to my presence.
Doug is in his 30s with a kid he pays child support for. Paul is in his mid-60s.
"Complaining won't do anything about it," Paul tells Doug. "You'll just antagonize the managers. This is the powers that be that decided on this."
"The pre-owned part is what I hate the most. That's how I make my money. I'm a used car guy. This is the sixth time in one year and eight months I've had my pay plan changed."
"Stop bitching about it. That changes nothing."
"I'm not bitching about it. I'm bitching to you and Caitlin."
"Well that's fine. Just don't bitch to anyone else."
"Is it really that much worse?" I ask.
"No. In some ways it's better," Paul tells me.
"Are you happy with it?"
"No, I'm not happy! I work weekends and holidays - I never get to see my family. I'm going to be 65 this year, it's too late for me to do anything about it. I'm stuck. For years I wanted to be something here, and it never happened. You" (he's referring to Doug) "have your whole life ahead of you. You can do whatever you want."
"I know that," Doug says.
"If they paid us for hourly on top of commission, I'd be fine," Paul explains. "I'm going to ask for that."
Paul is one of the nicest guys in the dealership. He works hard and is consistently one of the top salesmen. He's the easiest person in the department to work with - he gives great advice, he remains calm, and he genuinely loves the product he sells. His excitement is infectious, and his customers across the board love him.
He could have been a great manager. And before he said anything tonight, I just assumed he wasn't interested. Well, of course he was - he was just never given the opportunity.
Not to mention - Doug has his whole life ahead of him? He's 34. They're right, though. 34 - you have your whole life ahead of you.
I know I can't worry about it, or I'll always be worrying about shit like this. All that's left for me is to do the best I can and be nice to everyone else.
I just wish everyone was happy and nobody ever died or got old and high fives were a form of currency.
I'd be so rich.
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