What is Your Employment Situation?

[theoddz]

I'm happy to say that I am RETIRED now. I completed 20 years of federal civil service 2 years ago, and it was about then that my knees started giving me problems again. I had total joint replacement in '07 and '08, and now they're telling me that I need to have both kneecaps replaced, too.

So I got to thinking, WHY am I killing myself and putting my body through so much pain?? I already have 100% disability compensation from the military, with full benefits, and I could survive nicely on just that. So, I put in for FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) retirement with 20 years' service, and put in my application for Social Security Disability (a requirement for FERS disability retirement). Surprisingly, I got SSDI right away, on my first application, and that started within a couple of months!!! This was a HUGE surprise, because we've all heard how hard it is to get that, and most folks have to apply a LOT of times, before it's granted. Being a FERS retiree, I kept my federal health insurance for my wife and myself, and this past July1, I started getting additional healthcare bennies with Medicare coverage (Medicare requires a 24 month wait, from the time you receive your first SSDI check, before your Medicare becomes effective). This was always important to me, as I don't want to have to rely on the military/VA health care systems, and I can go to any doctor I want with very little to no copays. This is HELLA important, because when a person retires, healthcare is a huge financial wildcard. If your health is bad and your insurance is not good, or limited, you can really get yourself into a financial hole VERY QUICKLY.......and that can totally f*ck up an otherwise successful retirement.

So, right now, I'm in a very good, stable position to enjoy my retirement, and the wife and I have been doing just that. I am so grateful that, at this time, I have the extra time to spend with my mother, who won't be here with us for very much longer. She's 94, has dementia is is in a local group home. I am blessed and not a day goes by that I don't thank the good Lord for all of my many blessings.

~Theo~

[C0LLETTE]

I've earned my living as a filthy Capitalist for about 50 years now and there is no rest for the filthy weary Capitalist.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by theoddz

I'm happy to say that I am RETIRED now. I completed 20 years of federal civil service 2 years ago, and it was about then that my knees started giving me problems again. I had total joint replacement in '07 and '08, and now they're telling me that I need to have both kneecaps replaced, too.

So I got to thinking, WHY am I killing myself and putting my body through so much pain?? I already have 100% disability compensation from the military, with full benefits, and I could survive nicely on just that. So, I put in for FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) retirement with 20 years' service, and put in my application for Social Security Disability (a requirement for FERS disability retirement). Surprisingly, I got SSDI right away, on my first application, and that started within a couple of months!!! This was a HUGE surprise, because we've all heard how hard it is to get that, and most folks have to apply a LOT of times, before it's granted. Being a FERS retiree, I kept my federal health insurance for my wife and myself, and this past July1, I started getting additional healthcare bennies with Medicare coverage (Medicare requires a 24 month wait, from the time you receive your first SSDI check, before your Medicare becomes effective). This was always important to me, as I don't want to have to rely on the military/VA health care systems, and I can go to any doctor I want with very little to no copays. This is HELLA important, because when a person retires, healthcare is a huge financial wildcard. If your health is bad and your insurance is not good, or limited, you can really get yourself into a financial hole VERY QUICKLY.......and that can totally f*ck up an otherwise successful retirement.

So, right now, I'm in a very good, stable position to enjoy my retirement, and the wife and I have been doing just that. I am so grateful that, at this time, I have the extra time to spend with my mother, who won't be here with us for very much longer. She's 94, has dementia is is in a local group home. I am blessed and not a day goes by that I don't thank the good Lord for all of my many blessings.

~Theo~

Congrats, Theo!

[catlady]

I'm unfortunately unemployed (I do make spare money in my Etsy shop but it's not a real full-time job to me), but it's common for recent college graduates especially in this time. I received my BS degree in geology a few months ago and applied to over 50 jobs so far. I'm going for the 100th job application! I'm really hoping to get a job by the end of this year... because if I don't, I'll have to apply to graduate school.

[nycfem]

Can you remind us your etsy link so we can check it out?

Originally Posted by catlady

I'm unfortunately unemployed (I do make spare money in my Etsy shop but it's not a real full-time job to me), but it's common for recent college graduates especially in this time. I received my BS degree in geology a few months ago and applied to over 50 jobs so far. I'm going for the 100th job application! I'm really hoping to get a job by the end of this year... because if I don't, I'll have to apply to graduate school.

[catlady]

Originally Posted by nycfem

Can you remind us your etsy link so we can check it out?

I have 2 shops haha. My main shop Crafts of Little Kitty is focused on Pagan/Nature-inspired crafts:
www.etsy.com/shop/CraftsofLittleKitty

It's currently closed though because I'm staying at my fiancée's parents place. But I'm coming back home on 9/7, so it'll be reopen again soon.

My other new shop Mao Mao Galaxie sells handmade kawaii accessories and stationary. Shop link

I do the selling at her place since we make some of the stuff together, so that one is opened.

[catlady]

Just a little update about my employment status.

I was luckily hired by my cousin's previous boss also his childhood friend to work for his electronic business as an ecommerce technician. I had experience selling online on Etsy/Ebay, so I was hired on the spot without a job interview. It's been almost a week and a 1/2 I've been working there, but the boss has a lot of unrealistic expectations for me. He wants me to make 20k in 3 months on Amazon, Ebay, and his website.

The thing is this ecommerce business is a new thing, so he can't expect immediate progress. It can take almost a year for an online business to be successful.

Anyway, this week my dream job location has three positions opened. My dream has always been working in a museum as a scientific assistant. I got my degree in geology, so I wanted to do Earth-science related work. Just applied and wishing for the best *_* I was a former 2 year volunteer at the museum, so I hope I at least get an interview.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by catlady

Just a little update about my employment status.

I was luckily hired by my cousin's previous boss also his childhood friend to work for his electronic business as an ecommerce technician. I had experience selling online on Etsy/Ebay, so I was hired on the spot without a job interview. It's been almost a week and a 1/2 I've been working there, but the boss has a lot of unrealistic expectations for me. He wants me to make 20k in 3 months on Amazon, Ebay, and his website.

The thing is this ecommerce business is a new thing, so he can't expect immediate progress. It can take almost a year for an online business to be successful.

Anyway, this week my dream job location has three positions opened. My dream has always been working in a museum as a scientific assistant. I got my degree in geology, so I wanted to do Earth-science related work. Just applied and wishing for the best *_* I was a former 2 year volunteer at the museum, so I hope I at least get an interview.

Good luck!

[catlady]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Good luck!

Thank you!

[JDeere]

Unemployed/job hunting again.

It is way tough when you don't have all the experience or education needed for certain jobs, I miss the days where they would train you and train you good.

[Sparkle]

I thought for sure I would have posted in this thread years ago. If I had - I would have said I was chronically under-employed (after the crash in 2008.) I had two part time jobs and juggled freelance work whenever I could get it. It was miserable and stressful and destabilizing. That lasted five!! long years.

But now - I'm nearly three years into my "new" job and I still love it.
I like going to work in the morning; I like being so busy that I don't have a moment to look at my phone or my facebook; I'm like doing work that is personally meaningful; and i love that every day is different - it's always changing. As a bonus - I work with people who are pretty fun, and truly believe in what we are doing.

Back then I didn't think I would ever have a job I loved again.

I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have now. Things can turn around!

[catlady]

Originally Posted by JDeere

Unemployed/job hunting again.

It is way tough when you don't have all the experience or education needed for certain jobs, I miss the days where they would train you and train you good.

Good luck on the search I hope you find a job soon.

I agree back then was probably easier to find a job. I sometimes wished I was born at the "right time" haha.

[JDeere]

Originally Posted by catlady

Good luck on the search I hope you find a job soon.

I agree back then was probably easier to find a job. I sometimes wished I was born at the "right time" haha.

Thank you catlady, I appreciate it.

lol at the right time!

[Soon]

I took a leave of absence from my Dept Head/English teaching job back in Canada until January. I am spending four weeks travelling in Europe (Netherlands, London, Portugal) and then have a two month contract teaching in Germany beginning in mid October.

It seems like every ten years, I force myself to get out of my 'comfort zone'. I hope I learn a lot from my experiences and grow as an educator and person.

[Gayandgray]

I'm just curious if anyone on here has their own or knows someone who has their own cleaning business? I have been talking to a family friend who used to clean both for a company and privately before retiring due to illness. I want to get different ideas/opinions about it.

[Kätzchen]

I've held several roles on the campus where I work.... the latest role I've only been in for about 2 and a half months. But I've had my eye on another position, with better pay and benefits, so I applied for it today. If I'm recruited into this new role, I'll start my new job, sometime after the first of December. I'm filled with excitement and a bit anxious, but I'll know soon if I go on board in my new role.

[imperfect_cupcake]

Other: Self Employed. I rent my practice space in a medical building.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by imperfect_cupcake

Other: Self Employed. I rent my practice space in a medical building.

So, you're up and running?? Congrats on making it through your tough program and now working as a professional! Are you in your own practice, or with a few other people? Exciting! I am happy for you!

[imperfect_cupcake]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

So, you're up and running?? Congrats on making it through your tough program and now working as a professional! Are you in your own practice, or with a few other people? Exciting! I am happy for you!

Yup! I'm ve been working since May. I was asked if I wanted to join a very well established clinic that is run by one of my outreach instructors: my outreach at the HIV support clinic. He runs the highest rated clinic in my city, and also teaches students at the HIV clinic to give back to the community.

So, I have an incredible start. All that bone crushing hard work has paid off with an incredible placement offer. I'm doing well. I love my patients. It took 6 weeks to stop being really fucking sore and exhausted after I started, as I can burn up to 3,500 calories in a day at work. So I have to take very good care of myself. I got myself a cleaner so I'm not bogged down at home with extra work, kicked out my flatmates so I have a place on my own finally, and I just adopted a very lovely cat.

I need rest and low stress on my days off. So I'm not going to be busting my tits looking after someone. So, either it's someone fun and easy going with no drug and alcohol problems, or I stay single till I'm in my grave lol

[FireSignFemme]

Originally Posted by Gayandgray

I'm just curious if anyone on here has their own or knows someone who has their own cleaning business? I have been talking to a family friend who used to clean both for a company and privately before retiring due to illness. I want to get different ideas/opinions about it.

I did housekeeping when I was younger first through agencies and later for myself. When I began I kept the full time job I had and only worked as a housekeeper on my days off to see if I would like it well enough, and they could keep me busy enough, for me to quit my full time job. With work I always like to test the waters, try something out first before quitting my steady job and on a wing and a prayer immediately full force flinging myself into something new. If you want to know anything more about my experience with it, have any questions or anything you can PM me any time. Good luck with whatever you decide.