A Sad State of Affairs

Hopefully, some will know a little about me from previous posts. After US Army, wife and I took over some apartment complexes to fill in some time and have something to do. About ten years later, we decided to fully retire and enjoy life.
Our first retirement from the complex was in March, 2010. We shot for 01 January, but it took three months to actually locate a couple to replace us. This was a young couple, seemingly capable and enthused about it, but they could not cope with it, and wound up being let go in October, 2011. There is a long story somewhere on here about that ordeal, that I have previously posted. In late October, 2011, I took the complex back over "until" PMC could hire another couple. It took until May, 2012 to find someone,(after copious foot dragging on PMC's part) although they were not the ideal situation for the job, but we really did want to get some on board managers so we (PMC) took a chance. Short story long, the woman was arrogant and self centered, hated the tenants, and locked the office door making them knock to come in and see her. The male of the team was competent with the lawn once I showed him how to do it, but was minimal on repairs and maintenance. I was not in favor of them, but the PMC agent went ahead and took the hire chance on them.
In January of 2013, the managing agent called me at home and asked me to meet her at the complex. When I walked in the managers were in the office and she formally fired them. She then asked me to go and change the locks on the Office, community room, laundry, maintenance room and storage rooms. This left them with the manager's apartment keys only, and and she gave them the standard company policy of 14 days to get out. She then handed me the keys to the changed locks and asked me if I could "hold" those and watch the office (at least) until she could think what to do next. The fired managers went into their apartment and stayed there. I then came back and met the managing agent the next day, and did an inventory. All this firing was done by a shock and awe tactic as the managing agent suspected retaliation in some way by the fired people.
Now I have the keys again for the third time in as many years. It is very sad that no one seems to be able to pony up and do the job. Noted, it is not a get rich job but it is a living in these hard times for someone needing a job, or as I said above, making this fit your current situation. This is very brief and there is a lot more to it, but I am rather disappointed now in people in general. Cheering up gratefully accepted if you wish!!!!

I don't know if I can cheer you up, Herb, but I'll try.

I had high expectations of people because of the way I was brought up. Military step-father and perfectionist mother. At first, it was difficult for me not to be judgemental about the way people live their lives. But, I've had to overcome that for my own sanity and my high blood pressure.

When I think back on the applications I have looked at over the last 10 years in this business, it is uncommon to see a job history of more than 1-2 years at the same place, at least in my area of the country. Society has changed.

A position like this would be even more difficult than just a job. It's a lifestyle and a career, not just a job. It's hard enough to just be a couple who can get along living together. It would take a special couple to take this on and I think they would be hard to find.

Being a couple that can work together would be the hardest part. Then, who's in charge at work may not be who's in charge at home. Wow! I can see counseling needed here!!!

In my opinion, this position would be hard to fill. You might have to do a state-wide or country-wide search for the right pair.

I remember when everyone I knew had ridden a horse. Ask anyone under 30 today if they have ever ridden a horse. I'll bet they would be hard to find, too. :laugh:

Sandy thanks for your words and you always seem to know what to say. This complex in topic is a little different than most as it is an Elderly and Handicapped complex, USDA-RD funded, and has always been kept at top of mark since it's opening. While I spent 10 years there and then decided to retire, it had become "my" complex. There are/were many special needs of this complex that I and wife catered to, and my first and foremost goal was keeping it at 110% appearance and operation. To see it "drop" is a great disappointment to me. You know the drill on this I am sure. Firstly for the tenants living there, second for our city, and finally for my obsessive compulsive (disorder?) of keeping it that way.

Your right----they (whoever "they" are supposed to be) just aren't out there anymore. Is welfare too easy so why work? Is the work ethic and attitude and lack of pride that far down? Are there no more goal oriented people who would love a challenge? Has the drug culture completely ridden roughshod on our population? Doe no one want to climb the ladder to success anymore?

Thanks again for your words and I guess I have ranted my limit on this.

Maybe you should re-think the whole "Hire a couple to manage your property"? I've been in property management for the last 25 years. It's tricky when you want two people as a couple to line up their values with you and your wife. It's rare. I see a lot of advertisement for Holiday retirment. I have to wonder if...They have a revolving door, since the ads are so numerous...or...are they that successful that they are increasing the number of properties they own and manage.

Sucess comes in many faces. Consider hiring an experienced Manager and hiring an equally experienced maintenance tech. Less drama, less conflict of interest, and straight forward expectations.

Good luck in your retirement. I hope you find somone.