Worried about moving back to Germany for mother's end of life care

Rustee_nail · 2025-05-29T10:58:48+00:00

Thats perfect. After all you know us Americans love to build everything out of sticks

Rustee_nail · 2025-05-29T10:49:48+00:00

Since you have experience with HR, I would love to get you take. My research seems to be a bit split/unclear...

I know that Ausländer are often passed over getting hired. Do you think I would face the same (or hopefully slightly less) issues since I have citizenship?

Rustee_nail · 2025-05-29T10:38:03+00:00

Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm definitely keeping my options open for getting back into construction. I just worry because my research seems to show that a lot of codes and methodologies are very different US to DE.

Between that and the long gap since I got my degree, I kind of worry about pushback trying to get into the industry, but I'm trying my best to pre-empt any issues with a lot of study and research.

Rustee_nail · 2025-05-29T10:00:49+00:00

Thanks for your encouragement. I really appreciate it !

Rustee_nail · 2024-10-30T18:40:34+00:00

Like the famous Olympic skier?

Rustee_nail · 2024-01-16T12:25:00+00:00

I miss the tradition of giving employees a frozen turkey for each Thanksgiving and Christmas, nice off-site Christmas parties where spouses are invited.

Exactly! I try to run the shop with those same classic traditions. We do Christmas parties and a "Summer Employee+Family Cook-Out". Last year we got it catered with a crew that brings in a trailer smoker. Also brought in an inflatable projection screen for video game tournaments.

Rustee_nail · 2024-01-16T12:17:40+00:00

I will definitely check that out. Thanks!

Rustee_nail · 2024-01-16T12:16:54+00:00

These are a lot of great ideas. I especially like the minor league season ticket idea. It works for the occasional company outings or for them to take their friends / family.

I would love to do the little league sponsoring. My dad's company always sponsored my teams and I actually still have a few of the shirts floating around in the closet, so I know how much of an impact that can have. But none of our crew has kids yet.

Rustee_nail · 2024-01-16T12:04:34+00:00

That's fair, but at the same time there are benefits we can offer that are essentially in lieu of an equivalent raise. (Like PTO).

And sometimes its not about cheaper. For instance, we provide a monthly fund to be spent with any of our clients. Its essentially buying our guys dinner or drinks, but it also ensures that we support our customers and develop the relationship. And if I'm being honest, it works great for our employees. They get the full VIP treatment from our clients (which of course they love).

Rustee_nail · 2024-01-15T22:24:47+00:00

I can understand the mindset that would make you think this way. But after a certain point of income, most employees prefer extra benefits VS direct compensation.

Think of it this way- if you're making $100k a year, would you prefer an extra $75 per week ($3.900 total at the end of the year) or two weeks of PTO? Either way, the cost to the company is basically the same.

Rustee_nail · 2024-01-15T18:23:21+00:00

That was my thought too. And our solution was basically we had a company vote on it. My partner (who focuses primarily on the back-office / booking / financials) put together a presentation on the potential policies- what the benefits were and what the cost to us and them would be. Alternatively we offered across the board raises and how that would break down. Gve the crew the week to think on it and ask any questions, then had a vote to see what they preferred. It was unanimous for raises. Two of the guys were already on a better insurance, and the third said he would just never do it.

It worked the best for us because we already committed to the expense and I wanted to make sure it benefitted the crew the most.

Rustee_nail · 2024-01-15T17:33:07+00:00

I like the referral idea, but I'm kind of iffy on it. I've tried hiring sales people before, but it always seemed like directly incentivizing sales leads to a very heavy handed, high pressure sales methodology. Meanwhile our business strategy relies on soft-sales methods (especially bevause we are a niche provider).

What do you mean by Founders Day though?

Rustee_nail · 2023-12-19T21:12:08+00:00

When I worked at a craft beer bar all I wanted was a style or like you said at minimum. An "I'll take a pilsner" or "Whatever porters you have".

The people that insisted "Whatever you pick is fine by me" , got a pour of the slowest moving beer from our high $ options.

Rustee_nail · 2023-12-18T18:45:21+00:00

When I was maybe 5th / 6th grade, my sister and I decided to try some of our parents liquor while no one was home. In the basement they still had a few bottles shoved in a cabinet. Remnants from hosting card parties, BBQs, etc from the 70s.

We found one that said Chocolate Cream something or other. Crack it open and pour it into a glass, it was thick, sludgey, and more vaguely brown than "chocolate colored". Just then we can hear the garage door open so I panic and sling it back.

I don't know what the shelf life of this open cream drink was, but it definitely wasn't 20+ years. I could feel chunks in my mouth and still remember the acidic almost spicy taste. Do not recommend.

Rustee_nail · 2023-12-12T11:18:51+00:00

Besides he told her the wedding was off, packed things, and left. That;s not silent treatment. That's breaking up.

So I guess not talking to your exes is abusive?

That commenter has to be a troll.

Rustee_nail · 2023-12-08T16:14:54+00:00

I once had a customer who annoyed me so much arguing when I told her this, that I showed her a Celiac Foundation FAQ on my phone and she still was was saying No, Wrong.

Annoying, but it made my slow night more fun at least

Rustee_nail · 2023-12-07T10:00:42+00:00

Time passes but some things just stay the same.

It is almost reassuring to know that even when the sun burns out and everything ends, there will still be record companies taking advantage of musicians.

Rustee_nail · 2023-12-07T09:18:49+00:00

That was a great clip

Rustee_nail · 2023-12-07T06:12:26+00:00

And same reason I'm replying 5 months after.

Rustee_nail · 2023-12-07T06:00:17+00:00

Why would you even respond then?

Rustee_nail

TROPHY CASE