That sucks. I am assuming private industry and not military?
With that... shoestring or steak fries? Me? I am a steak fried kind of guy.
Private, yes. Oh and 'a-grautin'... I like my potatoes bathing in cheddar.
Do you have some dull news to share?
That sucks. Sorry to hear it! Companies are not loyal and that's why people should not be loyal to companies! There are rare exceptions, but those are very, very rare in this day and age! I don't know what she does, but the good thing for her is that it is an employee's market if she wants to look elsewhere. I'd be job searching immediately if I got demoted and it was no fault of mine.
Thanks, man. Indeed... no loyalty is an understatement. And beyond unfair... this coming from a guy who always tries to see both sides unbiased. This was outright sabotage imo. She's ( my biased opinion now) the best and most dedicated employee that this company has ever had... at least at this particular location. They brought someone in six years ago and this c#nt has had it out for my wife since day one. Again... I won't get into details right now but there's been a distinctive pattern of maliciousness, intimidation, favoritism, etc from the get go.
Problem is that this company doesn't interact with it's stores individually.. essentially they allow their stores to police themselves. There have been some red-flags over the past couple years but whenever I've suggested that she go to corporate, she's always said "I can handle things myself". And I'm proud of her for that... She's the type that sucks it up and takes keeps going. But now... ugh.
Second part of that problem is that they have a fox guarding the hen-house. My wife isn't the only one in recent years that's been unfairly terminated or demoted. Unfortunately there is no accountability so as long as the company's bottom line looks good... it's just business as usual. Anytime that you mention this company to anyone here in town, their immediate reaction is ALWAYS the same "OH... No way I could work there!". They have a history of unrealistic demands of their employees and that's on a good day. Folks around here know that this is about the most ball-busting company that someone could work for.
I'll know more tonight and as much as I can say "this is what I'd do..." it's going to be her call as to how she feels best to proceed. Bad thing as it stands right now thing is that she makes ( made... sigh) better money here than she would ever be able to anywhere else remotely close to us. This is 12 years of pay raises as well and she'd need a degree to make this kinda money elsewhere. Companies around here aren't gonna match what she's making... not to anyone coming in on the ground level. Other opportunities I'm sure exist but things are just now unfolding so it's hard to see too far out the lay of the land.
To close out this post, I will say that I have no choice but to remain as positive as I can and to continue being her "rock". When I signed up for this ride ( marriage) it was truly for better or worse and I'll never abandon my commitment to her and I'll do everything that I can. Already talked to a past employer of mine and things ( part time) look promising on that front.
And on that continued note of trying to remain upbeat as I can... The demands put upon her shoulders for 50+ hrs a week have taken an immense mental and physical toll so at least short term, I have to consider that there may be a beneficial trade-off. And we thankfully do have some savings to be able to at least temporarily help with the lean times and uncertainty. We just need to go over our budget and figure out where we can make some changes, figure out what our discrepancy will be, and then try to stop the hemorrhaging.
I've lived a tough life. We'll get through this.
yeah ... nah 
All the best to you both 
