UPDATE 7/16 TR Link Posted! The "I-Must-Be-Crazy" PTR - July 2012

[Simba22]

Sorry I have been kind of neglecting my PTR! Although I'm sure the 4 of you reading don't mind

I've been really nervous about my job situation lately so I've been focusing a lot on that. Lumar was laid off in February and has applied to probably 50 jobs but still hasn't found anything. I'm supposedly not getting laid off until March - at which point I would get a very nice severance package equivalent to 6 months of pay in a lump sum.... but at this point I would much rather have the job stability. What if I wait it out and then don't find a job and we burn through the severance pay, you know??

So I've been focusing on looking for jobs and even if I have to give up my lump sum, I would much rather have a stable job with steady income.

I have tomorrow off from work (yay me!) so hopefully tonight I can do another update on our tentative plans!

 

[KatMark]

Sorry I have been kind of neglecting my PTR! Although I'm sure the 4 of you reading don't mind

I've been really nervous about my job situation lately so I've been focusing a lot on that. Lumar was laid off in February and has applied to probably 50 jobs but still hasn't found anything. I'm supposedly not getting laid off until March - at which point I would get a very nice severance package equivalent to 6 months of pay in a lump sum.... but at this point I would much rather have the job stability. What if I wait it out and then don't find a job and we burn through the severance pay, you know??

So I've been focusing on looking for jobs and even if I have to give up my lump sum, I would much rather have a stable job with steady income.

I have tomorrow off from work (yay me!) so hopefully tonight I can do another update on our tentative plans!

I for one am glad you haven't updated. Only because we were out of town over the weekend and I've been sick since we got home.

I can understand your worrying about the job (my brother has been looking for 18 months!). I hope something works out soon for both you and Lumar. I'll be sending lots of your way.

 

[jenbear123]

Finding job stability is much more important than keeping a PTR up to date. I really hope you get things sorted out. Maybe you could stick out with your current job, get the severance pay but in the mean time find another job so you can start that once you finish your current one. Then you'll have a nice severance pay with another job lined up to keep giving you steady income. I hope you find something. I also send some pixie dust your way for Lumar to find a job too! Applying to 50 jobs and still not getting any bites is really tough

 

[DisneyFirefly]

Applying to 50 jobs and still not getting any bites is really tough

Unfortunately, that's the nature of the economy right now. I've been out of work since late March or early April and have had a handful of interviews... out of well over 2000 applications. I have another interview in about an hour and a half, but it's only a seasonal job (at a Halloween store).

 

[Simba22]

I for one am glad you haven't updated. Only because we were out of town over the weekend and I've been sick since we got home.

I can understand your worrying about the job (my brother has been looking for 18 months!). I hope something works out soon for both you and Lumar. I'll be sending lots of your way.

Thanks, Kath! I actually stopped by your PTR briefly last night and saw that you are still not feeling well but the laptop battery died while I was mid reply so sorry about that! I'll stop by in a few minutes

Finding job stability is much more important than keeping a PTR up to date. I really hope you get things sorted out. Maybe you could stick out with your current job, get the severance pay but in the mean time find another job so you can start that once you finish your current one. Then you'll have a nice severance pay with another job lined up to keep giving you steady income. I hope you find something. I also send some pixie dust your way for Lumar to find a job too! Applying to 50 jobs and still not getting any bites is really tough

Thanks, Jen! In a perfect world, that would be best...get my severance package and be able to start a new job right away as well. But with Lumar having so much trouble, I'm just terrified it won't work out that way. Lumar has been on 2 interviews (TWO! Out of 50+ applications!)....one was actually at the company my step mom works for doing basic grunt work but the hiring manager thought it would be a conflict of interest since my step mom works in payroll (like she would just suddenly go blabbing to us about what everyone makes ) and now they hate the guy they hired for the job. The other one he applied for was for an assistant store manager job at some place in the mall but it was just a mess from his first conversation with them so that one didn't pan out either. It really sucks out there...and now there are all kinds of stories floating around about companies not even reviewing your resume if you aren't currently employed!

Thanks for pixie dust ladies! We can sure use it!

 

[Simba22]

Unfortunately, that's the nature of the economy right now. I've been out of work since late March or early April and have had a handful of interviews... out of well over 2000 applications. I have another interview in about an hour and a half, but it's only a seasonal job (at a Halloween store).

It's awful out there! That's why I can't wait to get laid off...I'm not comfortable with only giving myself 60 days (we get 60 days notice when our position is being eliminated) to find something else. Screw the lump sum, at this point! I'd much rather have steady income!

Good luck at your interview! At least it's something!

 

[KatMark]

Ali, right after I responded to you, my brother called and he got a job today. It is only part-time...20 hours a week...but it is a start. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

 

[DisneyFirefly]

It's awful out there! That's why I can't wait to get laid off...I'm not comfortable with only giving myself 60 days (we get 60 days notice when our position is being eliminated) to find something else. Screw the lump sum, at this point! I'd much rather have steady income!

Good luck at your interview! At least it's something!

Yeah, no kidding I did just get another call for another interview, but I was on the phone at the time, so I had to email them (they wanted me to come in today, but I can't make it because of the other interview) and ask if I can come in at another time.

Thanks! I hope something works out for the two of you

 

[Simba22]

Ali, right after I responded to you, my brother called and he got a job today. It is only part-time...20 hours a week...but it is a start. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Wow!! Hooray for your brother!! That does give me hope so thank you!
I found out today that my dream job is hiring but the problem is that it's in NYC and I'm terrified to take the subway! I've never done it before and people make it sound so scary! If I get the job though, I'd take the train into the city but then I'd have to take the subway the rest of the way because the job location is 50 blocks from the train station! For this job though...I'd do what I need to! Here's hoping!

 

[Nermel9]

Wow!! Hooray for your brother!! That does give me hope so thank you!
I found out today that my dream job is hiring but the problem is that it's in NYC and I'm terrified to take the subway! I've never done it before and people make it sound so scary! If I get the job though, I'd take the train into the city but then I'd have to take the subway the rest of the way because the job location is 50 blocks from the train station! For this job though...I'd do what I need to! Here's hoping!

What's your dream job? There's no way I could deal with commuting to NYC from CT every day. I get so aggravated taking the train there, then going on the stupid subway, which I'm sorry, is the most confusing subway I've ever been on, and then still having to walk to wherever I'm going!

But I suppose if it was for a dream job, I'd consider it!

I gotta start looking for a new job. I'd love to get some kind of office job, but I have no experience. I'm happy that there's pretty much no chance of me ever losing my job, but...it's a crappy job to begin with so I'd like to be making more money.

 

[Merida]

Aw, I really like subways and have a sizable collection of subway cards from various places. Don't let that keep you from your dream job (says the person who skipped job hunting to go straight to grad school and has a career plan of 'ask my advisor to find me a job'). I had a lot of friends move to NYC after college and the subway seems to be something to kvetch about instead of the weather.

Having six months' worth of salary would be so tempting for me - so much money! So many fun things to buy! Hope you find a new (better) job soon!

 

[KatMark]

Wow!! Hooray for your brother!! That does give me hope so thank you!
I found out today that my dream job is hiring but the problem is that it's in NYC and I'm terrified to take the subway! I've never done it before and people make it sound so scary! If I get the job though, I'd take the train into the city but then I'd have to take the subway the rest of the way because the job location is 50 blocks from the train station! For this job though...I'd do what I need to! Here's hoping!

I have been at my job for 36 years. For 18 years, I took the subway and the last 18 years I've taken the train when we moved out to the suburbs. I know it is not New York, but Chicago subways are not great by any means. But you learn to deal with it and what to watch for, etc.

I say go for that dream job and I think if you get it, you'll be fine.

 

[Simba22]

What's your dream job? There's no way I could deal with commuting to NYC from CT every day. I get so aggravated taking the train there, then going on the stupid subway, which I'm sorry, is the most confusing subway I've ever been on, and then still having to walk to wherever I'm going!

But I suppose if it was for a dream job, I'd consider it!

I gotta start looking for a new job. I'd love to get some kind of office job, but I have no experience. I'm happy that there's pretty much no chance of me ever losing my job, but...it's a crappy job to begin with so I'd like to be making more money.

It's a job as a behavior enrichment coordinator at Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital I don't mind taking the train but I've never taken the subway before and everyone makes it sound so terrifying!

I've been working in an office since 2001 to some capacity...It was a small office from 2001 - 2005, then I left to go work as a receptionist at a vet's office and I really actually liked that job but the other girls who worked there were so mean I literally cried every day for a week and then I quit after 2 months. Then I started my current job and in November it will be 6 years I've been there. I don't MIND doing it, but I paid a lot of money to take my dog training course so I think I should probably put it to good use...although if it comes down to going to another office job, I'd definitely rather go to a vet's office.

Aw, I really like subways and have a sizable collection of subway cards from various places. Don't let that keep you from your dream job (says the person who skipped job hunting to go straight to grad school and has a career plan of 'ask my advisor to find me a job'). I had a lot of friends move to NYC after college and the subway seems to be something to kvetch about instead of the weather.

Having six months' worth of salary would be so tempting for me - so much money! So many fun things to buy! Hope you find a new (better) job soon!

Trust me, that 6 months worth of pay would be GREAT...we could pay off the loan on our car AND buy another one...but the fact that so many people have been out of work for so long makes me feel like I need to get a head start. We are barely making ends meet with Lumar being on unemployment so I'm really afraid to think about what would happen if we BOTH had to rely on it.

Thank you for making me feel better about taking the subway! When we go to NYC, we always walk everywhere, but we've never walked farther than 13 blocks. If I were to get this job, it would be 50 blocks one way so I'd definitely have to take the subway to get there!

I have been at my job for 36 years. For 18 years, I took the subway and the last 18 years I've taken the train when we moved out to the suburbs. I know it is not New York, but Chicago subways are not great by any means. But you learn to deal with it and what to watch for, etc.

I say go for that dream job and I think if you get it, you'll be fine.

Thanks Kathy! I applied yesterday....you guys will definitely hear about it if I get it! And yes, after a while I would get used to the strange things but those first few trips would be interesting...to say the least!

 

[Merida]

Trust me, that 6 months worth of pay would be GREAT...we could pay off the loan on our car AND buy another one...but the fact that so many people have been out of work for so long makes me feel like I need to get a head start. We are barely making ends meet with Lumar being on unemployment so I'm really afraid to think about what would happen if we BOTH had to rely on it.

Thank you for making me feel better about taking the subway! When we go to NYC, we always walk everywhere, but we've never walked farther than 13 blocks. If I were to get this job, it would be 50 blocks one way so I'd definitely have to take the subway to get there!

Ugh, being an adult is just so hard sometimes! We're both really lucky to be in a small, well-funded field so we get paid decently during grad school (no more loans! Too bad I have so many from undergrad...) but it's going to be terrible to find jobs in the same location utilizing our degrees later. Always some sort of trade off, I guess. I'm trying to save up as much as possible now because I know there's going to be a period there where one of us won't have a job. All the more reason to vacation now, while we have a guaranteed income!

I once took the Boston T to and from a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. I now feel invincible! Now I'm lazy and have my boyfriend drive us into the office (we work in the same place). I do miss getting to pick my own music, though. My undergrad had a HUGE campus so I walked for miles every day and went through so much music.

 

[DisneyFirefly]

Maybe I'm just used to taking public transit I've been taking it for thirteen years

 

[Simba22]

Hey everyone!

I have been REALLY neglectful with this PTR and I apologize! Things have been getting crazy around here!

I'll definitely do an update either tonight or tomorrow!

 

[KatMark]

Hey everyone!

I have been REALLY neglectful with this PTR and I apologize! Things have been getting crazy around here!

I'll definitely do an update either tonight or tomorrow!

Hey there, girlfriend. I've been missing you. Any luck on the job front?

 

[Simba22]

Hey there, girlfriend. I've been missing you. Any luck on the job front?

Possibly...there are a couple of things that Lumar has interviewed for and he went to a Job Fair last Monday where he put applications in for a few things, so fingers crossed!

 

[Nermel9]

Hey everyone!

I have been REALLY neglectful with this PTR and I apologize! Things have been getting crazy around here!

I'll definitely do an update either tonight or tomorrow!

I was wondering where you have been! Come join my new TR when you get a chance!

 

[Simba22]

I was wondering where you have been! Come join my new TR when you get a chance!

I promise I will get caught up today! I'm so behind on TRs and PTRs...including my own!


***Mini Update***

OK so before I get into the trip aspect, here's a little life update:

Lumar went to a job fair on the 10th and submitted his resume to a few different places. One of them was something he was really interested in, so he was really excited to get a call back from them on Wednesday morning. They told him they really liked him and they were interested in having him come in for an interview...but they had one question. Apparently, when he filled out the application at the job fair, he checked off that he had been convicted of a felony. So they wanted to know what it was. He said even though he was by himself at home when he got the call, he turned bright red and told the woman that he was really embarassed because he was never convicted of a felony and he ever triple checked the application before turning it in. So, they set up an interview and he went in and met with them on the 14th. They told him that they have to do a background check and he has to take a physical (the job is physically demanding) before they can officially offer him a job. We know the background check will be OK and he did P90x over the summer so I think he'll be OK with the physical too...it's just a waiting game right now. So fingers crossed!!!!

If he gets this job, it will take A LOT of pressure off of me. I really want to stick it out at my current job until the last day so I can get my severance package (6 months worth of paid insurance and 6 months worth of pay). I did apply for a job at a veterinary hospital last week, but they never called me back. I was going to call them to follow up, but since Lumar has a promising lead, I told him I was going to hold off and see if I can stick it out to the end here.

Speaking of "the end", they told us yesterday that we will be closing on March 2, 2012. I'll get my 60-days notice on January 3rd. I was thinking about creating a ticker for it....

In trip related news...
There are 261 days to go! I was really excited to read in the All Ears newsletter on Tuesday that several resorts, including OKW, now offer FREE WIFI!!

I also read, however, that a lot of restaurants are now requiring you to leave a credit card number on file when you make ADRs and if you cancel less than 24 hours in advance or don't show up, they charge your card $10 per person. Lumar and I are notorious for making ADRs and then deciding last minute to skip it so we definitely have to stop doing that!

My cousin Karla and her friend Kathy still keep telling me that they're going, but they haven't given me any money towards their room (which I paid for in full on my credit card). I know Karla is really overwhelmed with school (she just started her first year of college) but I'm getting nervous. I told her that if Kathy bails on her, I will see if I can cancel the extra room and she can bunk with me and Lumar (not ideal but better than her not going at all).

My sister and her BF have moved to South Carolina, and Dr. Rob started his new job last Monday. He worked 16 hours of overtime in his first week. Needless to say, they are really excited to finally have some money coming in, and my sister told me she'll be sending me money for their part of the room ASAP.

ETA: Oh, and my brother hasn't given me any money either...

My cousin Tommy is paid in full, and my cousin Toni and her BF Josh are paid in full.

Of course, Lumar and I have applied a whopping $60 towards our own room

So that's pretty much it for now... I'm going to go and try to get caught up on everyone else's TRs!