gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Aug 3, 2015 17:00:59 GMT -5
The few people I recall modeling in high school were horribly bullied. The mean girls made fun of them for thinking they were good looking. So, you get a hard time in the business and you get a hard time in your personal life. It's not something I would push my kids to get involved with- especially at the fragile age of 12. Sorry for not answering your question.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Aug 3, 2015 11:42:06 GMT -5
My understanding is at many tech companies like Google, salary is the tip of the iceberg. Anyway IMO to make sure you're being paid fairly, don't worry about what your bosses or co-workers earn, instead interview around and see what kind of offers come in from outside. And share your results with your current employer, put the ball in their court. What's wrong with spending your time and effort where it's most valued? Put the companies with inequitable pay scales at a competitive disadvantage. I got my biggest bumps this way, you shouldn't do this too often, it's best to time your application to a high-paying competitor who is looking specifically in your area of expertise. That's when you want to start a bidding war. It's like if your co-worker paid too much for his car because he didn't shop around, but you got a great deal on the same model after pounding the pavement, I don't see the difference in what you paid as being unfair. That's what an open market is supposed to be good at-- to iron out these mis-pricings. I see no reason to have to justify my paycheck to anyone except the person who writes it. Like my mama told me, I think this is generally a good idea, but sometimes employers don't care how much other companies pay. I have a friend who was offered another job that paid 30% more than her now old job. She went to her employer (as she wanted to stay), and then never countered. She ended up leaving because they wouldn't even offer her any sort of increase. Although I find that situation better than making promises you won't keep, which I've seen happen a few times. This is how it is at my company. The only way to get paid more is to leave and come back (if you're lucky). It's really unfortunate and does not seem to be smart to sell low and buy back high. I've discussed it with leaders and managers in the past, and they insist that once an employee starts looking, one foot is already out the door. Wish them well and don't negotiate.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Aug 2, 2015 16:52:00 GMT -5
I was discussing this with some co-workers, who are all managers recently. I recall being told the same myth when I was hired and it may have even been a written policy, it's hard to say for sure because it was back in 2001. As I talked about this article, all the managers were surprised and then when I told them it absolutely is protected by the national fair labor act, they were even more shocked. I told them that I suspect as more millennials enter the workplace, the more transparency they'll demand. They went on about how discretion is necessary because of jealousy, conflict, yada yada. And, in my head, I thought, I look forward to when all this old-school thinking is gone.
It really is all about unfair pay practices. I can recall when I was offered a new job at the same company and was asked my current salary. I said 40K and the hiring manager said I was "at the top of the pay scale". I took the job at $40K and a month later, couldn't help but notice the pay stub setting on top of the fax machine from a male co-worker in the exact same position= $55K/year. Nothing I could say about it because our culture was to keep our mouths shut and if I said how I knew, I probably would have broken some dumb rule and been fired.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Aug 1, 2015 12:34:30 GMT -5
I am the biggest loser of all because I don't even have a cell phone. I think about it sometimes and then get ticked off at the price of the phones and the price of the plans. I wish my work would pay for one for me.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 31, 2015 8:42:45 GMT -5
I feel like I answered your question for how not to blow the interview, but I can give you other examples of what blew the interview for people I've interviewed. This was after the HR screening as I was the hiring manager. The folks I interview are normally extremely well-educated with masters or PHDs and about mid-level career. The resumes that make it to me are very impressive. Some of these interviews were so bad I had to diplomatically end them after 20 minutes when an hour was scheduled.
What excites you most about this job? Applicants answer- working from home Applicant asked if we do drug tests Applicant couldn't articulately speak to skills they claimed expertise on their resumes Applicant had very low energy Applicant did not answer the questions that I asked or steered in a totally different direction than what is was that I asked Applicant answered questions with so much focus on academia that it became clear that they had no business application Told me up-front all the things they wouldn't be willing to do
People I hired: Had the skills to do the job Could articulately speak to everything on their resume Could articulately speak to how they are the perfect candidate for the job Understood something about my company Up-beat positive energy and easy rapport
Nobody has ever done anything obvious like showed up late, dressed inappropriately or said totally inappropriate things. Though, when I interviewed for much lower skilled, lower paid jobs, that was an issue. Good luck, I feel like you got this!
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 30, 2015 17:05:02 GMT -5
My husband had no problem hitting 500K by 35. I'm the same age and am only at 260K. The big difference- he was well compensated which meant a much higher employer contribution. I was only making 30-40K in my 20s, which meant my employer was only kicking-in around $1k/year or less those early critical years. Bigger salary makes a big difference. He was actually shocked that I was even allowed (much less able) to max out my contributions on my crappy salary.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 30, 2015 7:06:05 GMT -5
Make sure to fully describe how you managed to run an accounting business from home while homeschooling -- she will know then that you have experience juggling priorities. Be clear about how the kids will successfully cared for, but don't over=focus on that aspect. Emphasize your accounting skills and your proven desire to work with/for small companies (where accounting processes and procedures might not be as clear cut as in larger and even publicly-held companies). In other words, you know how to keep the numbers side of the business running so that she can focus more on whatever the company does. Tell her that the home accounting business didn't work for you because it was remote from the actual business -- you work best when you are part of a team -- sales, manufacturing/design/whatever, and accounting all working together. Good luck. I'm also trying to get back to working -- let us know how it goes. Well that would blow it for me. I see your point, but I'm not going to hire anyone that's homeschooling while working. It might work if you own your own business and can work your own hours, but if you're working for me, you need to work the hours I need you to work and if it's 9-2, that might be in the middle of teaching social studies.
There are just too many qualified applicants that want jobs to take a gamble on somebody who might be stretched too thin. I'd focus on running a successful accounting business- but leave out the part about homeschooling. Just my point of view- and I do manage people who work from home and do a fair amount of interviewing. With 2 kids of my own and a third on the way, I'm family friendly, but not that family-friendly.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 29, 2015 21:12:49 GMT -5
If you don't want to blow it, you need to make sure your responses to the interview questions are focused on what you can do for the company, not how the company can accommodate your family life style. Ask when the hours are and then work it out with your husband, but do not volunteer any more information about homeschooling or coverage for kids. If you discussed that information because you needed to explain employment gaps, and then she asked how will you handle homeschooling if you were to get this job-- then keep your answers simple "I have somebody taking care of them, being at work during the [hours] won't be a problem, and I have a private space at home free of distractions."
Good luck!
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 26, 2015 8:38:36 GMT -5
I noticed in my neighborhood few teenagers and college students returning for the summer have jobs. Most of them babysit. At first I just thought they were lazy or weren't willing to work for minimum wage b/c they can get $12-$15/hour babysitting, but maybe it's because the part-time jobs are hard to find. An interesting shift from my youth where most of my friends, my siblings and I had jobs at 16 working fastfood, bagging groceries, amusement parks, movie theaters and a few who were lucky enough to score a mall job. When I go to the same amusement park I worked at from 16-19, there are very few teenagers working. The entire park was run by 16-20 year olds when I worked there. Don't know, just an observation.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 26, 2015 7:27:39 GMT -5
I like them just fine. As others have said, they are great at the sandwich/breakfast counter at Wawa- and who doesn't love wawa. The machine has no problem customizing an order. I also use the check-out kiosks in the grocery store, lowes, Walmart, and other places- and loves those too. In fact, I get annoyed when there isn't a self-check out. Entering in a food order is much less complicated then scanning, bagging and paying for groceries/store items.
I saw a sign that they are coming to my local Panera Bread and I look forward to the change. ATMs were a good thing and this is too.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 25, 2015 21:08:33 GMT -5
Something about adult bones being stronger than little kids bones, probably not the case for the elderly though.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 25, 2015 17:42:25 GMT -5
I've been driving my 1998 Nissan maxima since 2002. I had my first baby in 2011, my second baby in 2014 and my third will be here in 2016. I went looking at minivans yesterday only because there is no way I can fit 3 car seats in my sedan. But, I'm not even that worried about it. I'd like to have one next spring, but I'll make due if it's next summer and just not have all the kids in the same car at once.
There is a big difference between 3 kids and 2 adults and 1 baby and 2 adults, so your wife is stretching. But maybe your car really is that small.
. Why are you in 3 car seats? Does a 4 year old have to be on a car seat now? In 2016, your oldest will be 5, right? Have the laws changed that much since I had my kids? She will turn 5 eight months after the new baby is here, assuming the new baby doesn't arrive early. The best I can do is move her to a booster, because as others have said, you have to keep 4-7 year olds in at least a booster. Boosters aren't that small either. Things were definitely simpler before, but I guess it is safer.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 25, 2015 13:29:15 GMT -5
deleted- duplicate
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 25, 2015 13:19:26 GMT -5
I've been driving my 1998 Nissan maxima since 2002. I had my first baby in 2011, my second baby in 2014 and my third will be here in 2016. I went looking at minivans yesterday only because there is no way I can fit 3 car seats in my sedan. But, I'm not even that worried about it. I'd like to have one next spring, but I'll make due if it's next summer and just not have all the kids in the same car at once.
There is a big difference between 3 kids and 2 adults and 1 baby and 2 adults, so your wife is stretching. But maybe your car really is that small.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 25, 2015 6:24:34 GMT -5
I am still stuck on 50k to your son. That is a lot of money! My fairly well-off parents gave me 5k and I thought that was really generous! I got a 80% first and a 15% second. I only made 35k/year and was only 25, but managed just fine. I didn't even need a cosigner. They also gave my sister 5k when she bought her first home a year later and she managed just fine too.
The problem with live-in moochers is they will never think of the homeowner as giving them money. They think you would have those expenses with or without them living there. So while they may have been able to save on some expenses, you didn't "give" them anything.
Tough situation.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 24, 2015 19:42:19 GMT -5
WWBG payed his fair share of living expenses with his girlfriend and was bitter that she couldn't budget so had to pay even more towards the extras. Again, different bc they shared living expenses and he still payed for all the extras before they were married.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 24, 2015 19:38:06 GMT -5
I think there is a fair chance that the problem is the system they are using to share expenses rather than any character flaws on the part of either party. It would be worth switching to a more normal expense sharing arrangement and see if it alleviates some of the issues.Before this thread I would have agreed with you. But after the pool remark (which came after the vacation, and the kids' camps, and the incidentals which turned out to be swag) I don't anymore. I think Beer's GF is living above her means and hoping / expecting him to fund the life she and her kids deserve / want. Beergut, I like to think that there are women with 3 kids worth taking on, because I was one of them. Let me tell you that I NEVER, and I mean NEVER asked DH for ONE RED CENT while he was "spending a lot of time here". And that phase lasted for several years. He treated us to meals out, treats, and a vacation. He too lived in a "halfway state" of both having his own place yet spending most of his time here. It wasn't until he finally decided to move in until we actually discussed and implemented a budget. But again, I never asked him for ONE. RED. CENT. NOT ONE RED CENT. NOT FOR ME, NOT FOR MY KIDS. Let alone to pay for a pool!!! My sister always says, a joke is when BOTH people laugh. Your GF's comment was not a joke, it was a pathetic and distasteful attempt at "gimme more". I am sure that your GF has many wonderful qualities. But I really don't like her attitude about money, and if I were you, since these things have happened repeatedly, not just once, not just twice and not just three times, personally, I don't think I could get past it. You repeatedly talk about how she earns a great salary, much more than you. Yet YOU are repeatedly the one who not only treats the family, but bails them and now her poor doggie out. If you hadn't been over the night her dog was in such terrible shape, what would have happened?! That really bothers me too. The bottom line is, your GF can't afford her lifestyle. This said, you can't have it both ways. At some point you need to commit, and pay REGULAR expenses, or not. There's something VERY wrong with this picture. So your boyfriend payed for all the same stuff beer pays for and had his own place. No, you didn't ask for those things, but you didn't have a moocher. See the difference? I am still siding with the gf until beer actually pays for the roof over his head.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 22, 2015 20:06:32 GMT -5
That stinks, but at least enrollment starts that young. My oldest is 3 and she won't be able to start kindergarten until she is almost 6. There is no public pre-k and she will miss the cut-off by 2 weeks. If she had been born a week early instead of one week late, I would have saved 10 grand! when she's 12, you'll be very glad! Hopefully the universe pays me back with a generous scholarship because according to my Phil Script, a lump sum investment of $10,000.00 bearing an annual return of 11% could grow to $65,435.53 in 18 years!
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 22, 2015 18:34:21 GMT -5
We're at $1,020 right now a month for daycare until school starts. Then we'll drop down to $823. That is for one school aged child and an infant. I want to cry. I just got a look at my paystub. After taking a $3k/year decrease in salary and now having to pay an extra $250 a month in benefits daycare is back to eating up my entire salary. I'm tempted to not work b/c it doesn't even seem worth it but I am trying to remind myself I have 30+ years to go before I can retire. I'd like to freaking hope my salary would finally increase during that time period and then there is "compounding interest" and "employer matches" to consider. I'm also trying to remind myself that in September 2015 Abby will be a toddler and rates will start dropping. I am counting down the days till she is 4 years old and we can enroll her in public preschool. That stinks, but at least enrollment starts that young. My oldest is 3 and she won't be able to start kindergarten until she is almost 6. There is no public pre-k and she will miss the cut-off by 2 weeks. If she had been born a week early instead of one week late, I would have saved 10 grand!
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 22, 2015 6:15:20 GMT -5
Daycare has definitely been on my mind, too. Right now I pay $552/week, but when #3 is here it will be almost $900/week or about $45,000/ year. And, it's all got to be cash flowed because there is no student loans for daycare! HOW!! I make a little over 90k a year but at that price for daycare i a) couldn't have 3 kids b) would almost need to quit and go on state aid! Bec at 90k you get no tax benefits and after taxes, SL debt, housing there is a lot less than 45k left over to live on and that is before food, life etc. I hear you, i am at about 80k and net just under 45k. It is not going to be fun. We have been stashing $500/month to each 529 and maxing 401ks, but this is a game changer.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 21, 2015 22:35:13 GMT -5
Daycare has definitely been on my mind, too. Right now I pay $552/week, but when #3 is here it will be almost $900/week or about $45,000/ year. And, it's all got to be cash flowed because there is no student loans for daycare!
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 18, 2015 13:47:06 GMT -5
I missed my own ten year because it was thanksgiving and I forgot all about it, but have been a date to a ten year and a twenty year. I had a great time and wasn't bored at all. I studied up on some trivia/pop culture from whichever year and could break the ice that way. A lot of people talked about their jobs, family and travel and I thought it was very interesting. But I don't mind talking to strangers and know how to ask questions that don't bore me.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 17, 2015 16:10:08 GMT -5
Last time I looked it was 25k a year to go to Moo U. So 30k a year seems okay. She got 3 years and a lot of stuff including Europe. What's the beef? True, but there were quotes like getting a job is embarrassing and my parent have worked a million years and have retirement money...
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 17, 2015 16:04:39 GMT -5
I am actually about to buy a new one to replace my 2010 hp. It was doing great until my one year old pulled it off the table and cracked the screen. I could still use an external screen but refuse to live that way. So, I cashed out 50000 credit card points and am off to best buy. I will use my company discount program to order Microsoft office suite for $9.95, which will be my total out of pocket cost.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 17, 2015 15:44:54 GMT -5
It is nice of you to spring for the Mac, but pretty much everyone has to get used to a PC at some point. I would buy an hp 15" 6 gb memory, 500 gb hard drive, DVD drive, webcam, i5 intel processor, number pad on the keyboard for less than $500 and be done with it. Then at least it won't be as devastating if it gets lost, stolen, or destroyed.
I use two (one for work and one for personal) like this daily and replace them every 4-6 years. Never had a problem and I create video and web-based training. I also use a iPad daily, and it is pretty convenient.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 9, 2015 16:00:57 GMT -5
Doesn't fair rent value = mortgage + prop tax + insurance + repairs + small profit? I was firmly in hope's corner until this thread. Yep
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 9, 2015 13:13:33 GMT -5
Say mom, I don't owe you $800 and now you owe me 400, so I am deducting it from the mortgage payment this month." Problem solved.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 9, 2015 8:47:24 GMT -5
My parents and inlaws don't have close relationships with any of their grandchildren. They each might get time with them alone for a few hours once or twice a year. They are all great people, just too busy to hang out with their grandchildren. I am jealous of anyone who gets to drop the kids off at grandparents for a weekend. I can't even imagine!
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 8, 2015 15:41:01 GMT -5
Oh no, I am pretty nuts. But it seems beer may have a similar stance and shouldn't have to pay towards anything but food since she would have the other bills with or without him. Actually, that isn't my stance. I do think your boyfriend (are you still with that guy?) is off, because while it is true that you would still have those bills with or without him there, he would have bills of his own that are gone now because he is living with you. Therefore, he needs to contribute. The purpose of the OP here was to vent. It is somewhat humorous that people automatically feel entitled to certain information even though I never asked for their help. Without going into too much detail, my cost of living before moving in with GF were very minimal. Since moving in with her, my monthly expenditures have more than tripled. There are always some things kids need that I'm happy to help with. It is a constant struggle, because I look at the fact that their father gets off with paying just child support, and I don't want to take on the financial burden of raising someone else's kids, and just take him off the hook. If we were married and I officially became their stepfather, that would be different, but we're not married now. But that is because you moved out of your parents' house to living with your girlfriend, correct? Everyone's living expenses were minimal when they lived with their parents.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jul 7, 2015 22:21:00 GMT -5
Shrug, I would probably do it. But I would give it about the same amount of attention I gave all my school work: 10 minutes and then on to the next activity.
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