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To the $%$#%#$ debt collectrolls: I'm laid off, so LAY OFF!

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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:10 PM
Original message
To the $%$#%#$ debt collectrolls: I'm laid off, so LAY OFF!
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!! It's bad enough that my boss decided to bring his old legal secretary back (after she told him distortions and outright lies about me) and that he thought it would be ever so easy for me to just find another job and in the meantime he could give me legal research projects to do (yeah, he gets maybe two a year!).

It's bad enough that I haven't had any offers (just heard a "after reviewing your file, we're pursuing other candidates" from an interviewer at a publishing company where I thought I'd done very well in the interview, and a "she's very bright with many good skills but with too strong a presence for a larger firm" from another interview at a law firm, again where I thought I'd done very well), and that I'm getting barely a nibble from any resumes, not even from the useless employment agencies, which have never done me any good, even though I have a B.A. AND a paralegal certificate AND years of experience.

It's bad enough that my last paycheck was over a hundred bucks short and it turns out that it's correct, they hadn't made a mistake, and that I'm not getting the vacation pay I thought I was because I misunderstood the policy, which means I'm really screwed when it comes to money (and, as a single parent, I can't be screwed for long, I just can't).

It's bad enough that I never thought my boss would do this to me, that I never wanted to leave or work anywhere else, and that I have to watch that conniving, devious, deceptive, two-faced bitch work in MY office everyday knowing that she could have had any other job she wanted, but she had to horn in on mine and tell lies about me to get it, while I'm banished to an office in the back that doesn't even have a fucking window (so I can start my legal research company with help from my boss, but that takes time to develop and I ain't got that kind of time moneywise, nor do I believe I have what it takes to be self-employed, I need the security of a steady income that I KNOW will be coming, like in regular paychecks).

It's bad enough that my boss (ex-boss?) had no idea, in his eagerness to bring the bitch back, just how difficult and time-consuming ANY job search is, that it usually takes months, if not longer, to find something. I can't go through another job search and nothing but constant rejections over and over and over, no matter how positive you try to be, I just can't deal with it again, and I tried to tell him that, to have him at least wait until I had another job. But he hasn't had to look for a job in about thirty years, so he has no idea. He thought with experience and a good reference, it'd be a cakewalk, which is bullshit, and I TRIED TO TELL HIM THAT! I just CANNOT DEAL WITH IT AGAIN. I'd rather drive my car off of a fucking cliff than deal with that again.

And NightTrain and I were supposed to have finally met halfway between our states in March, but we both discovered we were losing our jobs about the same time and now it's all up in the air because of money (EVERYTHING comes back to goddamn money, and I'm sick of it!), and I don't know when we can meet now and I'm gonna go crazy if we don't, soon.

No, all of that is bad enough. But what really, really, REALLY frosts my cookies is the goddamned fucking ruthless heartless bloodsucking inhuman inhumane uncaring repuke freeper debt collectrolls who've started to harass me in earnest for money I don't have (even unemployment will be less than half of my salary, and that won't start for a few more weeks), not giving a shit that I don't have any fucking money, giving me the attitude that I must have the money, I'm just an irresponsible, no-good deadbeat who's sitting on a pile of money I'm refusing to give them so they can make their fancy commission off of the misery and misfortune of others.

Most collectrolls make tons of money, much more than those they harass, by harassing people who don't have any money, who are sick or unemployed and unable to find something else, etc., etc. I've written before about how the medical collectrolls are harassing my aunt and uncle, who has what is probably terminal cancer, and how they're afraid of losing their house, as well as others I know. Oh, sure, you can write them and tell them not to contact you by phone anymore in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Act, but it's a never-ending game of whack-a-mole, get rid of one, another one pops up to take its place.

And you think they'd get the fucking hint that calling me six times in eight hours in ONE FUCKING DAY (we have caller ID and just let the answering machine get it) isn't going to work. Or leaving messages for me saying that "this is nicki hayes" or some such shit, and nothing else, which is supposed to make me think it's a personal call, that ain't gonna work either. And so many others I know who are going through a hard time have to deal with this shit from them as well, especially the goddamn medical debt collectrolls. Gotta keep those doctors and hospital CEOs in their BMS's, I guess. Line these fuckers all up against a wall and shoot them all!!!!!:puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :argh: :argh: :argh: :argh: :argh: :argh: :argh: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:
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XanaDUer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:15 PM
Response to Original message
1. I am so sorry to hear this!
When it rains, it pours, huh?

Sending good thoughts of employment your way! :hug:

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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:20 PM
Response to Reply #1
4. Thanks, LC.
Yeah, that's for sure about when it rains it pours, because at this point, the blows just keep coming every day.
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NightTrain Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:17 PM
Response to Original message
2. Hey, cherie! Sounds like your week is going about as well as mine.
Edited on Tue Apr-20-04 08:20 PM by NightTrain
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:27 PM
Response to Reply #2
10. Hi, babe!
:loveya: :loveya: Boy, we're really a couple of characters, aren't we? Maybe at least ONE of us will get at least ONE bit of good news soon!
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NightTrain Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:31 PM
Response to Reply #10
12. Maybe you'll get a smile or two out of this....
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:54 PM
Response to Reply #12
18. I sure did get a smile out of it, more than
Edited on Tue Apr-20-04 08:57 PM by liberalhistorian
one, actually, thanks honey! Of course, now that you've found out about my irrational love for Barry Manilow, are we still, ahem, an "item?" Do you think you could ever get past that?:evilgrin: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:
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Feanorcurufinwe Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:18 PM
Response to Original message
3. Typical phone call.
Edited on Tue Apr-20-04 08:20 PM by Feanorcurufinwe
Troll: Is Feanor there?

Feanor: Would you like to leave a message?

Troll: Does he have a wife I can talk to?

Feanor: Would you like to leave a message?

Troll: Have him call Nicky at 1-800-PAY-BILL
-or-
Troll: No message.

Feanor: OK, bye.



I stopped letting it bother me.
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 09:39 PM
Response to Reply #3
25. LOL!
That's the way to do it.
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matcom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:22 PM
Response to Original message
5. i am very sorry
truly i am

must warn you. you said 'bitch' in your post. be prepared.

or is it ok in this instance? :shrug:

where do you live? maybe i know someone??? let us know how you are doing!!

:loveya:
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 09:41 PM
Response to Reply #5
26. I live near Cleveland.
You live in Boston, right? Do you know what the paralegal market there is?
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southerngirlwriter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:22 PM
Response to Original message
6. I hear you. Going through the same thing myself.
I got one on tape calling me a stupid bitch, a fucking loser, and several other choice words, and my lawyer (who is a personal friend and represents me pro bono) helped me craft (as I'm a better writer than he is) and then signed a very scary letter with a transcript of the tape included. It ended:

"Miss (my last name) has always wanted to own a small collections agency in Missouri. If you keep this up, I guarantee you that soon, she will!" :evilgrin:

Haven't heard a thing since.

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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 09:42 PM
Response to Reply #6
27. LOL!
Good for you! It's amazing what they think they can get away with, isn't it?
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papau Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:22 PM
Response to Original message
7. I am so sorry to hear of NightTrain and your job loses. Sending good
thoughts - and prayers - your way.

Your Boss may have to get on the phone and place you, or perhaps your boss should invest the equivalent of 6 months of your salary into an ownership interest in your new firm so that he is incented to help you get clients?

Good luck.

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brokensymmetry Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:23 PM
Response to Original message
8. I'm sorry to hear it.
I hope things improve for you soon.
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MikeG Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:26 PM
Response to Original message
9. This is an attempt to collect a debt.
This post may be recorded for quality control.
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Apr-21-04 09:20 AM
Response to Reply #9
33. LOL!
And half the time the fuckers don't even tell you you're being recorded, like they're supposed to do.
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LynzM Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:28 PM
Response to Original message
11. Dude, I'm really sorry to hear that
That all sucks in *so* many ways... Sending lots of hugs and good job vibes your way :hug: I hope that a good job shows up for you. I hate it when you think you did well and turns out they don't want you, it's such a letdown. Does the line about 'too strong a presence' just mean that you're too opinionated/outspoken for them? Although that sucks job-wise, I'd take it as a compliment! :D

Stupid collections people... Want me to come play whack-a-mole and answer the phone for you for a while? :bounce: Pretty please?!?!

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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 09:44 PM
Response to Reply #11
28. What they meant by
"too strong a presence for a large firm" is that, because I had worked for a solo attorney for three years, I was used to being in charge of everything and they didn't think that'd be a good fit with a large firm.
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MikeG Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:33 PM
Response to Original message
13. A suggestion. Try applying at Chapter 13 Trustees offices.
They are always hiring. Thanks to W bankruptcy filings have soared.
I'm a bankruptcy lawyer in Pa. I know Ohio can't be any better.
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:44 PM
Response to Reply #13
16. If you're a lawyer, you wouldn't
Edited on Tue Apr-20-04 08:46 PM by liberalhistorian
happen to need a paralegal or know of any openings, would you? (End of shameless self-promotion). I'm open to relocation, single parent or no single parent, 'cause there sure isn't much around here!

That's an interesting suggestion about bankruptcy trustees, don't you have to be a lawyer to do that, though? I do know an awful lot about bankruptcy law.

On edit: If you need any legal research or memorandums or briefs/pleadings drafted, let me know, that's my specialty. I named my "company" (if you can call it that, with just one client) Premier Paralegal Research, btw.
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NightTrain Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:53 PM
Response to Reply #16
17. Should I keep my eyes peeled for paralegal jobs in Greater Hartford?
Just say the word!
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:59 PM
Response to Reply #17
20. Well, sure, Dean, that is,
if you still want me now that you've discovered my obsessive love for Barry Manilow! :evilgrin:
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MikeG Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:55 PM
Response to Reply #16
19. They rely on paralegals to process their cases.
I myself am a sole practicioner with one secretary that I've had for fifteen years. If I hear of anything here, I'll let you know.
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MikeG Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 09:00 PM
Response to Reply #16
22. Try www.13network.com
There are dozens of Trustee's Offices on that site.
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 09:34 PM
Response to Reply #22
23. Okay, thanks!
eom
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Norbert Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:35 PM
Response to Original message
14. Sorry Liberalhistorian and Nighttrain
Been there, done that (at least some of that) and it about drove me crazy. It doesn't last forever though.

I will be pulling for the both of you as will other good people on this board.
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leftyandproud Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:36 PM
Response to Original message
15. simple solution
*ring*

pickup

*click*
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opiate69 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 08:59 PM
Response to Original message
21. I'm not sure what the laws in Ohio are like..
but here in Washington, they consider colletors calling 6 times a day harassment. Not to mention, calling at work can be considered harassment also. You might want to check that out.
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 09:39 PM
Response to Reply #21
24. Collectrolls and their agencies
rely on most people not knowing their rights as far as collections law is concerned, and, unfortunately, they're right, for the most part.

I'm always telling friends and family what the law is and the rules are and what collectors can and cannot do or say. A lot of times, they'll threaten you or lie because they know you're already in a down-and-out position and it's just another way to make you feel afraid and upset. They are SCUM! Scum, scum, scum, scum, scum, scum, SCUM!
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opiate69 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Apr-21-04 09:53 PM
Response to Reply #24
38. Agreed..
unfortunately for them, when I moved to Washington State, I made it a point to drop by the Attorney General's office and picked up a boat-load of brochures on all kinds of consumer law...I love smacking the pricks down.
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TOhioLiberal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 09:51 PM
Response to Original message
29. Oh, I feel your pain....
:hug: :pals: :hug: :pals: :hug: :pals:

I am in a similar situation; unemployed and getting those calls. Thank God for caller ID and an answering machine! Sending good thoughts and more hugs your way.

Your neighbor to the West (Toledo to be exact)
Trekkerlass
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 10:01 PM
Response to Reply #29
30. Ouch, Toledo, they're in
not-so-great shape economically. All my family lives in the Toledo area and I could make the drive from Cleveland asleep and blindfolded, lol! Good luck!
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blondeatlast Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 10:10 PM
Response to Original message
31. Been there and I sympathize.
How can ANYONE do that for a living, unless they are sadistic?

I'm sorry, but anyone who does that is morally deficient, IMHO.

We're with you and that smart little guy of yours.

Take care.
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Apr-20-04 10:13 PM
Response to Reply #31
32. Thanks, and I've always
wondered myself how anyone could have that job and still live with themselves. The greatest poetic justice in the world would be for them to lose THEIR job, be unable to get another one for awhile, and get harassed themselves!
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ewagner Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Apr-21-04 09:30 AM
Response to Original message
34. Sorry both of you are going thru tough times
About all I can do is send good vibes and best wishes to you both....and keep with you in spirit by streaming in Nighttrain's show.....sort of keeps you guys close

In the meantime :hug:
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Apr-21-04 09:38 AM
Response to Reply #34
35. Thanks, I could use all the
hugs and good vibes I can get. And Dean's (NightTrain) show is really great, isn't it?
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cap Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Apr-21-04 09:57 AM
Response to Original message
36. find out what the law is about taping conversations in your state
you're a paralegal, this should be easy for you.

If you can tape, just tell the bill collector "I have just turned on my tape recorder" and make a clicking noise. Then ask for their name and phone number. I guarantee you any further conversation will be quite professional.
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Apr-21-04 09:50 PM
Response to Reply #36
37. Yes, they definitely
do NOT like it when people actually know their rights under the Fair Debt Collection Act and are not afraid to demand those rights! They count on people being unaware of what collectrolls can and cannot do, and are able to really harass them that way.
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