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I really must get my hair cut more often. It's amazing what information can be gained while the length of one's hair is being shortened. I know that I ended last week's column by stating that there would be no story this week, but while getting a haircut, in preparation for my trip, I picked up some interesting gossip.

When I left my employer six weeks ago, I thought that perhaps things would improve there and then I would regret having left. Well, I don't have any regrets now. Rumor has it that had I stayed, I would still be getting jerked around. I'm more convinced than ever that I made the right move.

They brought back my former supervisor and replaced the person who filled her shoes when they let her go a couple of years ago. Rather than pay those who remained after I left what they deserve, management went behind their backs and brought in a replacement.

Sneaky, underhanded bastards. Why is it so hard for that company to treat their employees with the respect and recognition that they deserve? It would have been cheaper than what it will ultimately cost them but I guess they'd rather do that than give the impression that they gave in to an implied threat of a walk-out.

They are no closer to a successful conversion of their computer system now than when I left, which was no closer than they were at the beginning of the year. And I don't think that new system is going to work either. I've been saying that for well over a year now and it is all due to back-room deals, lies, and incompetence.

Those in positions of any power at all are doing and saying what is in their own interest rather than what is in the interest of the company. When that company goes out of business, it won't be because of market conditions or lack of sales -- although that will be the symptom that forces them to close the doors -- it will really be because of certain individuals who don't care about the 2400 jobs that will be lost. The people who cause the collapse of what was -- and still could be -- a viable company, are watching out for themselves and will not be hurt by the demise of the company. In fact, they will probably profit by it.

You may be wondering why I even care at this point. I'm out of there, right? As I stated in a past column, I made a deal to stay that last 60 days to train two new employees before leaving. I did that because I cared about the two co-workers that I was leaving behind. I didn't want to leave them short-handed. Now, because of this latest bone-headed maneuver, they are leaving. Not entirely by their choice, although it appears that way. There is only so much gulling one can stand before saying enough.

When the company's parent company was purchased by another company, I really thought that things could change. I guess that maybe I'm still deceiving myself that a business can treat it's employees with respect. I was hoping that the new owners would turn things around. But now, I think that they want the company to fail. They certainly don't care about morale.. Only the employees will be hurt if the doors are closed, while those who let it happen will act surprised.

What bothers me most about this is that it is so unnecessary. There is no reason for the management to be so tyrannical. In the eight years I was there I saw so many good people used, abused, and thrown away. What a waste of human resources. I wasn't going to mention this but as long as I'm on the subject: I've been watching the area job listings and my former employer has several openings . . . I wonder if they even know why they are having such trouble filling them.

Well, enough of that now. I have to finish packing for my trip. This will be my first report to be filed remotely from another location. Although it is now Tuesday, I will be copying the files to their proper location this weekend from New Orleans.

Be sure to check back next week to read all about my excursion.