I am 35 years old. I have been at my current job for just about 16 years. Long time - I know. In the last year, our company has taken 5% of our wage away, changed the way salary people use time off to manditory "paid time off", and do not pay for holidays, not to mention, we can't even use our paid time off for holidays. The only perk to be ing salary for me was if I was sick - I did not have to use one of my days. That is now gone also. Our office also moved from one side of town to the other increasing my drive to and from by more than a half hour from what it was.
When I stared, it was owned by one man. He sold it to 5 managers. Things have since changed including all of the things above.
All this being said, I think I have reached my limit. I have a ton of industry in the town I live in, but have stuck it out here becuase I know what to expect. And I have to admit I was always afraid to leave. That has changed. I am now ready to go.
So, my problem lies in that number 1. I don't have any school under my belt other than high school, and number 2 have worked here so long, don't I have any refrences to use.
Any suggestions for the refrences part? I know people here think I do a good job, but of course I don't want them to know I am looking for a new job. So I can't use any of them. Being here so long, I don't have really any other work experience.
If I explain that to possible future employers would they take that into consideration?
I have to get out of here!