OldCoyote
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Joined: Dec 21, 2010 10:34:48 GMT -5
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Post by OldCoyote on Sept 26, 2019 23:57:45 GMT -5
It's especially frustrating because we are so close to being able to have him just stop working (if he wants) or take a fun job doing something different like park ranger (or whatever). And with DS5 in HS we are in a spot for a few years where we should try to earn as much as possible now, and pull way back when our tax returns will hit on DS5's FAFSA (2021-25). Seriously, Hon, can't this wait one more year? I'd rather DH ease into serious hiking, rather than throw himself in sink-or-swim style with no prep. Try a shorter term hike, to see how it goes, work out the kinks, figure out what equipment you need/want/prefer. Then a somewhat longer, more challenging one. THEN the AT.He's out of his mind. I just finished up hiking a section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) last week from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite. It was about 150 miles with 13 days on the trail. Carrying a bear cannister is mandatory on sections of the trail and I assume is the case with the AT. That adds weight and forces resupplies to every week...and I don't eat that much when I hike. My full pack with water and food is 45lbs.
He absolutely needs to train and learn how to use his equipment. Also, what is his response to altitude? While the AT is considerably lower than either the PCT or the John Muir Trail there are changes to elevation. I was surprised that in contrast to my other hikes, this year I had some elevation issues the first few days.
I have been doing my through hikes solo; the Tahoe to Yosemite Trail (section of PCT), the Tahoe Rim Trail and the John Muir Trail but in order to calm my husband the non hiker, I agreed to buy a DeLorme Inreach Satellite communicator. It can track my location at 10 minute intervals and I would send a text every night letting DH I was safe and at my planned camp. Mine cost $400 four years ago.
I would have loved to have hiked the PCT in its entirety but it's not practical. It's 2700 miles and would take me about six months assuming I hit perfect weather. I would not be married if I tried to pull that off!
I was waiting for you to tell it like it is!!
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Miss Tequila
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 10:13:45 GMT -5
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Post by Miss Tequila on Sept 27, 2019 5:18:39 GMT -5
I’ve thought about it too. As an aide I could work directly with kids and not have any of the responsibilities that take up hours outside school. Flexibility is worth more to me at the moment however, and since the pay is nice but not strictly necessary, I’m volunteering tutoring most of the time. If insurance changes though... maybe. The money in my current tutor gig is nice, but I’m dragging to finish up the last 3 days... I’m tired of it frankly. I did consider going back to school for teaching (I think I even started a thread a couple of years ago) but that doesn’t make financial sense to me.
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oped
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 20, 2018 20:49:12 GMT -5
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Post by oped on Sept 27, 2019 5:38:01 GMT -5
Our local IU has a program to help certify other degrees individuals as substitute teachers, but only long term subs get benefits in pa. Much better pay though. Some colleges also have abbreviated programs to certify other degrees persons. The iu would know that too. Here that is, can’t remember your state, so much of teaching is state specific.
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Miss Tequila
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 10:13:45 GMT -5
Posts: 20,602
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Post by Miss Tequila on Sept 27, 2019 6:04:19 GMT -5
Our local IU has a program to help certify other degrees individuals as substitute teachers, but only long term subs get benefits in pa. Much better pay though. Some colleges also have abbreviated programs to certify other degrees persons. The iu would know that too. Here that is, can’t remember your state, so much of teaching is state specific. I’m in the same state as you.
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plugginaway22
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Joined: Jan 2, 2011 10:18:42 GMT -5
Posts: 1,650
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Post by plugginaway22 on Sept 27, 2019 6:39:29 GMT -5
Another vote for no on the hike. My 22 year old nephew physically and mentally prepared for 4 years during college. He made it from the southern start point up into central VA. I forget how long it took, but way more than anyone expected. What an experience though!
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Artemis Windsong
Senior Associate
The love in me salutes the love in you. M. Williamson
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:32:12 GMT -5
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Sept 27, 2019 7:44:44 GMT -5
Hubs does not have to do the FULL AT at one time. He can do it in segments that would fit with his time off after summer school. I have friends planning to do the AT in a couple of years. They are seasoned hikers. They said there is ample opportunity to resupply along the way because the trail goes close to towns. They are retired. Has the time off/pay in summer been set already? Suggest the segment hike to see what he thinks. Can you ask HR to see them and find out exactly what you are looking at?
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teen persuasion
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:49 GMT -5
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Post by teen persuasion on Sept 28, 2019 19:36:54 GMT -5
DH finally got his hands on a copy of the union contract.
The 10 month contract seems even worse than we thought, as it's a 21 biweekly payschedule, not 22 as DH had been told (so lose 10 weeks pay for 6 less weeks working than on the 12 month contract). It did include the $900/week requirement for prorated paychecks. The dates made no sense, though. A 12 month contract began July 1 to June 30 (so summer school is at the beginning of the year, as I'd thought), but a 10 month contract runs September 1 to June 30. Deadline to apply is September 10. So if you apply in September, and they prorate your pay over the next school year and your summer off, they are straddling two different fiscal years, which makes no sense.
The unpaid leave of absence only needs one month advance notice (but can be denied if someone else is on leave, they are short, etc.). DH would need to be employed 24 months before he can apply (reaches that next April). So it's an option. As long as his leave is 3 months or less, the employer covers their portion of the health insurance if DH also pays in.
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