Niall's Adventure

[Niall-CorollaLiving]

I guess this will be a place where I can do general updates as I please, instead of posting a new topic every time. Plus I figure keeping a diary will give me something to do and maybe be useful for others.<br><br>Still living in my Corolla, made a <strong>few changes in the sleeping arrangement for comfort</strong>. I still sleep with my legs in the trunk, but at a diagonally now. I added more pillows for comfort and keep both front seats in there driving positions, so as to draw less attention. Doing this has improved comfort greatly! I can sleep without waking up in pain. I have pictures on my iPhone and once I figure out how to upload them, I will post them!<br><br><strong>I was fired from the small pizza joint delivering pizza</strong>, from 12/21/12 -1/11/13. But get this, I was fired for demanding my paycheck that was due on the 5th. I asked for a week street nicely, kept getting oh we will work it out. At 1/11/13 I worked with the condescending big boss, who just kept cutting me down and talking to me like a stupid dog. He's the type who will call your name and whistle, then start to degrade your work. When he done this, I looked him in the eyes and said,"If you treat me like a dog, I will bite like a dog. Show me the respect, I show you." He looked at me and apologized stating I am the one of the "best" new drivers, he just wants to see me do better. I asked him about getting paid, since I worked four weeks with out a paycheck! He told me,"We will work that out around 1-2 PM, after the lunch rush." That's reasonable I think to myself, I can wait. I take the next delivery and when I get back, he left for the day! I am boiling pissed at the moment. I don't know how or why I completed my shift. But I did the minimum amount of work and just sat by the dishwasher looking around, not really saying anything. One of the girls who works in the front asked kept asking me what's wrong, but I just kept saying "nothing". My shift ended at 5:00 PM, I cash out and ask if my paycheck was in (they keep them under the money tray). She looks and says no, I ask for Johnny's cell phone number and they give it to me.<br><br>The next morning (1/12/13) before my shift, I send him a text message. Pretty much saying if I do not get my check in a timely matter; he will be looking for a new driver, I will report the matter to the U.S. Department of Labor, Fox 35 Problem Solvers, Better Business Bureau, and my attorney. I also reminded him, it is within state and federal law to withhold or delay someones paycheck; with out consent. He called back a couple hours later extremely pissed and terminated me over the phone. Shocked, I did not expect to be fired! I felt I was a very good worker. I did more then just deliver pizza and do dishes. I would prep food, bus tables, and even cook small items. I am also pretty sure it's a violation to fire someone for seeking a paycheck, for hours worked. But after a while he text me asking for my hours. I give it to him and was able to get my paycheck on 1/14/13. But I am still fired. The funny part is when I picked up my check, he did not come in. Everyone was shocked that he fired me.<br><br>I still may contact an attorney just for the principle of it and see what my options are. There is still a good chance I will report them to the U.S. Department of Labor. But these decisions will be made today.<br><br><strong>But the job search begins!</strong> I decided to take this semester off to try and work as much as possible. To also let me travel within Florida, if needed. This is mostly to help get me back on my feet. I figure I may try Labor Ready again, but I never had much luck in the past. Selling plasma is an option. But for now, apply for jobs and look for temporary work on sites like Craigslist.<br><br><strong>Things I need:</strong><br>Two more tires<br>Window Tint<br>Plastic Rain Window Guards (So I can crack windows at night)<br>Cooling (It's getting warm at night)<br>Windshield Shade<br>Food Storage<br>Ignition Switch<br>Oil Change<br>Local Gym Membership (Cold showers at the school sucks)<br>Cooking Items<br><br>Stay safe,<br>Niall

 

[yesican]

No doubt your former boss has done this to many of his drivers.&nbsp; Report him!!! You'll be helping someone not as strong as you.&nbsp; If I were you, I'd try another pizza joint, or become a waiter...they usually make great tips.&nbsp; I did that in college on the weekends and it got me through.&nbsp; You sound like a tough kid with a good head on your shoulders...Good luck to you in your adventerous life!<br><br>Rae

 

[Kevin H]

<p>I'd contact the Department of Labor for your state as well as the Attorney General's Office. &nbsp;Don't let this creep (i'm being nice) get away with this.&nbsp;</p>

 

[Niall-CorollaLiving]

<strong>I contacted a couple of attorneys</strong> to see what my options are. Not that I am expecting to get rich from this, but I mostly don't want this to happen to someone else... Well as I was typing this, Morgan &amp; Morgan, P.A. called me moments after sending a email. I went over a bit on the phone and they said they would not take my case. But they said I probably have a case and contact the Florida Bar to direct me to a lawyer who will. I will be contacting a few lawyers in the area, but we will see what happens. If nothing, I will just report them to the Department of Labor. But if a lawyer does take interest, I will leave that decision up to them.<br><br>Edit: Morgan failed to tell me I need to contact the Orange County Bar Association, not the Florida Bar.<br><br><strong>Bought some needed items</strong> at Target. When did stuff get so damn pricey? I bought mostly hygiene stuff. Such as toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, toothbrush (items I buy quality names). Then a few off brand items like anti-bacterial soap, spray bottle, toothbrush holder, vinegar. I also bought another Thermos, 16 oz food with metal spoon. A bit pricey and still don't have a way to cook anything. But I will cook something at friends houses so I can have a warm meal later. So now I have a way to store cold water and a warm meal!<br><br>I also stopped by Dick's Sporting Goods, I can see how they got the name with there prices. But I found a few items that would be neat and make life easier.<br><br>Stay safe out there,<br>Niall

 

[yesican]

Sounds like its a good thing Morgan didn't take the case...Not very through.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do you have a cigarette lighter in your vehicle?&nbsp; Can you get an appliance to plug into it that may allow you to heat water?&nbsp; Cook meals on your engine.&nbsp; Get a solar oven...Make a rocket stove...just some ideas for cooking.&nbsp;<br><br>Rae

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

I don't think you will get much traction out of that situation in court, since he did pay you.&nbsp; If you had actually lodged a complaint with labor about him not paying you and then he fired you, you could have a retaliation suit.&nbsp;

 

[Lifemagician]

Don't you have 'unfair dismissal' legislation?<br><br>Lifey

 

[Niall-CorollaLiving]

<strong>One attorney says I have a case</strong>, but I need to pay $300 to meet with her... As much as I like to pursue this case and make sure this does not happen to anyone else. I have better things to spend $300 on, and $300 may as well be $3,000 at the moment! I think I learned enough from classes and bit of research, along with everything I have in text. I could easily prove a retaliation in small claims, if I wanted. But I am probably going to report them to the Department of Labor and close the book on this.<br><br>While I am angry at the situation, I just want to get on with my life. This was just another obstacle, that I do not need to dwell on... He will get what comes to him. Either he will piss of someone with a family, who would pursue them in court (I hope) or some punk will punch him in his condescending mouth.<br><br><strong>Yesterday morning my card started to idle rough and then turned off in traffic.</strong> I pushed it out of the road, with the help of a homeless man. I will admit he made nervous at first, being that I never really been around the homeless. But we had a nice conversation, while I try to figure out what was wrong with the car. He seemed like an honest guy, who was down on his luck (nor did he seem to have drug problems).<br><br>But with my limited knowledge and after 45 minutes of getting no where with car. I called my step-father, previously he said to call and he would pick up if mom was not around... So I call and he was in Orlando, picking up something for his airplane. He came over within the hour and looked at the car. But he did not have any tools, so we rode out to the hanger. Stopping to grab a bite to eat on the way. We talked and he said he knows I'm sleeping in my car, it's obvious. I did not really say anything, but nodded my head. He told me if it was up to him, I could move in till I finish college. He then tells me a bit about mother and apparently she has a tumor on her pituitary gland; but it's clearing up. He also tells me a bit about the website, www.GoFundMe.com . Apparently he uses that site to take donations, to cover the expenses of his volunteer work with animal shelters (He transports animals, via car or airplane).<br><br>But we get the tools and get back to the car, he does some test and narrows it down to the alternator. So we head to Advance Auto and as I was about to buy the part, he pushed my hand away and said it's on him. We then get back to the car and he installs it. But he also seemed puzzled about the old alternator, since it was relatively new. Then we jump the car and it runs good, so I say thank you. But as I was leaving he followed me for a bit thankfully, and the belt snaps... So he helps me replace it. He seems shocked as he never had that happen, tells me I need to get rid of this heap of junk as soon as possible.<br><br>I am very thankful for what my step-father has done for me these past few weeks. It has been a huge help and again, very thankful. But I hope, need this car to be reliable. I can't always call on him, with mother and the fact he travels for work.<br><br><strong>But I am going to sign off and donate some plasma for money</strong>, I will report back latter today on how that goes.<br><br>Thanks for reading,<br>Niall<br><br><br>

 

[offroad]

1) &nbsp;Do not pay for an attorney. &nbsp;if they can not do it, with no money up front, they expect to loose the case. &nbsp;$300 is rediculous for a person with no money. &nbsp;You might be able to file a SMALL CLAIMS lawsuit yourself, PRO SE with no attorney, but that costs $100 to start, and you need an address to work it for a year for the court case. &nbsp;<br><br>2) &nbsp;Contact the labor department directly and file a complaint. &nbsp;Most states at AT WILL states where employers can fire upon any random desire, for anything. &nbsp;If it was not the complaint of not being paid, it would be because you talked back (no witness required). &nbsp;Labor department can ask for records of time keeping, and records of checks being cut, and if they do not match up, well that is an issue. &nbsp;You still loose the job, but maybe the next guy who gets fired can have labor department fine them.<br><br>Next time, tell the boss you are literally starving, that your sick mom is starving, that you dont have enough gasolene to go shopping for food. &nbsp;That you dont have money for pain killers for your sore shoulder. &nbsp;if paychecks are delayed much beyond one month, be prepared to quit, as they cant run the business. &nbsp;If you are smart enough to threaten labor department, they dont want you working there any way. &nbsp;<br><br>Best strategy, &nbsp;keep the job. &nbsp;say nothing. &nbsp;get a new job offer first. &nbsp;file a complaint with labor department. &nbsp;quit first job, and start second one. &nbsp;you have no time or emotional resources to pursue a court battle with this jerk of a company. &nbsp;<br><br><br>

 

[bk2valve]

Welcome to a time where we have broken most unions and taken the power from those that exist. Now, officially you have absolutely zero power and zero representation and you are basically just another used tool. <br><br>The bosses have effectively gotten even the lowest wage earners to become anti-union, a position they love you to be in so they can continue to use and abuse.<br><br>I am always astonished when I see a person who is working three minimum wage part-time jobs to barely exist, state how they are anti-union....<br><br>It seems as though we are wishing ourselves down the tubes...<br><br>All due to propaganda. I am a Wobbly, a dues paying, card carrying member of the IWW Industrial Workers of the World and we are beginning to organize Walmart and Starbucks and other large and small companies around the world....when one is in pain, we all are..<br><br>You can join too....no matter if you are in another union or no union at all.&nbsp; You can find support there.<br><br>http://www.iww.org/<br><br>Best of luck...until then you are shooting in the dark....no one has your back.<br>Bri

 

[RAILROADGREEN]

well said bri, as a menber of the u.t.u. railroad union i support you all the way bro. buy from the made usa. unions stop this kind of crap from happen in the first place. fellow traveler gary&nbsp;

 

[Kevin H]

Niall - This is in reference to your car, not your job issue.<br><br>I replaced an alternator one time just to begin blowing fan belts like you did. &nbsp;After a couple new and blown belts I realized that the belt pulley on the new alternator was the wrong size - too narrow. &nbsp;The edges of the pulley were eating through the belt.<br><br>Fixed the pulley and all is fine many 1000s of miles later. &nbsp;This may be what is happening to you.<br><br>Hope this helps.<br><br>-- &nbsp;Kevin

 

[Niall-CorollaLiving]

<strong>I am not going to pursue them legally</strong>, unless one of the few other lawyers wants to take the case on. I am just going to report them to the Department of Labor and close the book on that chapter. It was a crappy job and the tips was just enough for gas. It was also very hard on the car. By getting that crappy paycheck, I was able to pay my auto insurance and purchase some needed items.<br><br><strong>The alternator was the exact replacement for the car</strong>, unless the computer was wrong. But bother parts was exactly the same. My step-father thinks maybe he did not put enough tension on the belt (he left as much slack as he did on his other vehicles). But the power steering belt was really tight. All has been good so far with the alternator and belt, so it better stay that way <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">.<br><br><strong>Donating plasma did not work out today</strong>. I entered the building and it was packed with mostly the same people I see begging for money on the streets. Lots of them look dirty and the workers look annoyed with there jobs. I did not feel the $30-40 was worth the risk of hepatitis or something worse.<br><br><strong>So I cleaned my car out at a friends during the day</strong>. Was really glad to wash the outside, it was starting to look bad. I even snapped some pictures of my setup. I cooked up some noodles and put it my new Thermos, see how the works out. I then took a nice WARM shower and shaved. Then we enjoyed some TV... But I need a way to make some income and fast. I will probably post some ads on Craigslist looking for some work, can't hurt. <br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q778/NiallAdventure/photo_zps4f968e2f.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q778/NiallAdventure/photo_zps63322199.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q778/NiallAdventure/photo_zpsbb5507df.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q778/NiallAdventure/photo_zpsa94526f4.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q778/NiallAdventure/photo_zps1d7f7a38.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q778/NiallAdventure/photo_zps909415a0.jpg" class="bbc_img">

 

[Niall-CorollaLiving]

<strong>I broke down and sold some plasma this morning</strong>. I just went in as soon as they opened. The employees are really nice and the process was simple. They provide snacks and juice, along with whatever movie is on FX. Once you're done being processed and lectured on AIDS to see if your high risk. You can then "donate" plasma if you pass a simple physical. They then take you back to this extremely cold plasma sucking factory. They hook you up to this machine that separates the plasma, from the blood. I suggest watching them and make sure they open everything up in front of you. The needle is HUGE, it hurts a bit more then giving blood at your doctors for a checkup. But my left arm kept stopping the machine for some reason, so they switched arms and it was smooth sailing. It's amazing how much plasma they take from you.<br><br>When all was set and done, I had to sit up for five minutes before I could go. Before you leave, they hand you a Citi Prepaid Visa that is connected to your account. The major downside with this card, is you only get one free transaction per donation (Citi will charge $0.50 for the others). This sucks because the pay is horrible at $20 + $2 for the "bonus" needle prick. You get more money the more you come... They know you will come back, located between two major colleges.<br><br>I noticed something when watching them for my 1.5 hour sucking section. They do NOT change gloves between patients. Seems odd, but the Big Red blood bus that comes to campus does not either... I think next time, I will ask them to do that before handling anything the enters my body.<strong><br><br>Last night I broke away from Wal Mart</strong>. Besides being a cold night, I slept really well. I parked on a public street by a lake, it has no time limit after 6:00 P.M. and till 8:00 A.M. The downside there's no other parked cars at night. It's in a very good area, an area I last to live near. No houses, just a bike path and a two lane road. You can see downtown Orlando on the other side of the lake. The other downside is a private school directly on the other side of the lake. But no one bothered me, no police or anything.<br><br>I wonder if I could permanently sleep there? It's a public street and as far as I can tell, legal parking. It's the safest area within the city I can think about. More importantly to my knowledge, there is no city ordinance on sleeping in a vehicle. But I am pretty sure if a cop was to come by, I would receive a "wellness" check. I guess after this happens a couple of times and be honest; by telling them I am a college student down on his luck, looking for a safe place to sleep. That they may allow me to sleep every night, as long as I do not bother anyone and clean up after myself? Maybe they would drive by and make sure I am safe (not being prayed on)? But this maybe wishful thinking...<br><br>Thanks for reading,<br>Niall

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

It sounds like a nice place, but if I would you i would look for a couple such places and rotate them, and try not to be there much during the day (go to a library or something instead until you find work).<br><br>One place you may want to try to find work are at warehouses.&nbsp; The one (clothing department store) i used to work at was constantly hiring temps (you could try this too...) and people.&nbsp; There was no advertising, I just went in to the security desk and asked for an application and was hired within a week.&nbsp; No experience, though they did a background check and a brief interview.&nbsp; It was a phycially demanding job but after a while I got to like it and started to lose some pudge <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="bbc_img">&nbsp; You work out a lot so that probably won't be a prob for you.<br><br>As for temp work, it is in high demand now, they dont want to hire full time employees anymore.&nbsp; I don't know if you have them down there, but randstad treated me well, landed me a gig at a mortgage company for a few months paying 12 bucks an hour as an office manager (they offered me a perm position making 45k a year but the ex-wife didnt want me to commute...).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I had no real office experience (tho i was very computer saavy).&nbsp; Manpower is successful for some people but they treat you like crap, and are badly organized (they lost my application, twice, and my ex found out their officies dont even communicate/share info).

 

[Niall-CorollaLiving]

That location is a great spot, no one seems to care. I would like to locate, a couple of other similar spots to rotate around... But for now this will be my main place, since I have had great luck there.<br><br>I also came to my senses and sold my last two bikes for next to nothing (But the money was a HUGE help)... Probably sold $3,000 worth of gear, for a fast $1,050. This was a hard decision, I really did not want to sell my bikes (as cycling is a passion). Buy at the moment, storing was coming to be a problem and I have not rode them in months. I finally have my phone payments up to date and paid off my auto insurance till May. So currently, my only set monthly expenses is my cell phone. I also had my windows tinted 35% Front, 15% Rear and 15% Windshield strip. Nice to have some privacy! Filled my tank and bought a couple of lottery tickets (don't usually play, but always here people down on there luck winning). After all the spending, I have $355 left to my name. I will buy the ignition switch next, get an oil change, and look into some tires.<br><br>Tires are my big concern... The used tires I bought, are already bald (even though they looked alright when I bought them). I can't afford new ones, but none of my tires are acceptable. I also need new struts really bad (looks like originals). I am unsure if the worn struts are eating through the tires? But I guess for now a set of cheap used tires will get me buy until I get my tax return. Then I could get new struts, alignment, five new tires, A/C fixed, transmission fluid change, and a radio.<br><br>But I still have a couple of items to sell. Garmin Edge 800 (no longer need it, no bikes and no pizza job) and my Oster Classic 76 clippers... I can officially say, everything I own either on me or in my car.<br><br>Thanks for the support,<br>Niall

 

[DarthMuerte]

Hi Niall. Sorry to hear about you having so much trouble. As I mentioned in the PM that place just south of downtown is pretty quiet, except for 1 train usually around 4 am, and usually 2-3 other vehicles park there. Friday nights are the only night to avoid as the clubbers park there after the bars close. Aside from Fridays, I park there every night. If you need a job, I know the managers, and the district managers for Panera bread. I just checked and the one where I usually hang is hiring. If you are interested, I would gladly put in a good word for you. Also, MDT personnel is always hiring auction drivers. It is like 4-5 hours on a Tuesday, but it is easy money.
Regarding showers. Have you looked into the Orange county rec centers? It cost me $65 for a one year membership. The water pressure isn't great, but the showers are very warm. Plus it is a good place to exercise and/or swim(the pool is extra, I will only pay for that if I am still here come the warm weather).
Where is this plasma place? I hate needles, and am not that desperate yet, but it would be good to know just in case. Located between 2 major colleges? You mean between UCF and Rollins?

 

[Niall-CorollaLiving]

I been meaning to do an update for some time. I started a job with a start up company; get paid by the peace, plus commission. But there's no more work at the moment, maybe a while. It's an general aviation company, that does mostly interior (cars also, just done an Jaguar XK8 and a Piper Warrior).

But I was able to make enough to buy a very lovely 2000 Volvo V70, with 145,500 miles (One Owner). Just got it yesterday and my first night was wonderful. Love this car, feels like a mansion. The mechanicals are very solid. Unfortunately one of the window regulators broke and the passenger door does not open from the out side. Interior is in very good shape, but I am going to redo the leather this summer. Along with Volvo's 90K Service with timing belt and water pump, mostly for preventive (DIY to save money).

The Toyota Corolla is going up for sale with just under 206,000 miles... Powersteering pump is dead, weather stripping leaks in the trunk, ignition switch is gone... So I hope I sell it soon, the money would be nice.

Thanks,
Niall

 

[Seraphim]

Good to hear from you. Hope things keep improving.

 

[Niall-CorollaLiving]

Sold the Toyota for $860... Bit of a lost, but fair price considering it had a dead powersteering pump and faulty ignition switch. It's the kids first car and he was thrilled. I also switched over my insurance to the Volvo and added compreshive coverage. Even with the added coverage, my premium droped $31 a month.

The Volvo V70 is a great car. Great fuel economy with an average of 23.125 MPG (Mostly City) on premium. Lots of room and storage. It's also very safe and drives better then a van. I purchased proper storage for my clothes and personal hygiene products. Sleeping bag and the greatest product ever a Thermarest. I no longer wake up sore or feeling claustrophobic. I also took it to a local Volvo specialist to get the timing belt changed, he opened it up and said there's no need (I can wait to the end of the year). But we went ahead and replaced the ignition coils (functional, but lots of cracking) and plugs. The car ran great before, it seems to run the same; but starts faster. I still need replace the tie rods and an engine mount before they fail. Overall he confirmed my thoughts on a very nice solid Volvo.

My stepfather called with bad news, stating my health insurance will be canceled by the end of next month. So I made an appointment with a dentist and got a cleaning. Had a couple of cavities, so I am getting them fixed next week. Trying to get enough together to get my wisdom teeth removed (as they cause a lot of pain). Then getting enough together for glasses.

Sorry I have not been on much, all I have is an iPhone and with busted glasses it sucks browse the forum. I have not been at school much to use the computers. I am doing what I can now for money; so when I start classes again this summer, I won't be finically strapped.
But work at the startup is slow, there moving away from the airport to save money. So I been working at Labor Ready. I am not bothered by the physical part of the whatever job I get, but everyone just assumes your a druggie is very stressing.

Thanks,
Niall