DirtRider . Net MX, SX, Arena Cross, Off-Road Community
Dirt Rider . Net Text Version Home
Dirt Bike Dirt Bike Dirt Bike Dirt Bike

This is the text version of DirtRider.Net
Click Here for the Full Version


Pages: 1

I hate my job

(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: Zerotact---------------------

Hi everyone,

   I just wanted to rant a little about how i hate my job, feel free to join in.

Almost 3 years ago, i was in contact with a commpany who offered an ok salary ( enough to pay rent ). But they offered lots of benefits, like matching 5% in my 401k, profit sharing, being fully vested in 3 years, 3 weeks vacation, Tuition re-embursement, and bonuses for getting certifications. Health insurance was also offered to me for like $40 a month, and I had a $10 co-pay.

Well, the salary wasn't that great but I knewi could take some certification tests if i need money, and they had lots of benefits, so i took the job.

Today, they have killed the bonuses, cut my insurance down to having to pay a co-pay and 10%, while doubleing the cost to me. And the best i can hope for as far as a raise is capped at 3.5% but i was supposed to get one in jan and i am still waiting. I freaking have to save up ahead of time just to go see the Dr.

Let me clarify that It's not like I made $40k or $30k and i got myself in debt and now I can't keep up. I make way less than that, and I have to struggle when I shouldn't. I mean I don't have a car payment, I do have like $300 on  my credit card, and I have to pay the basics, rent, utilities, car insurnace... etc... wich leaves me no money when i'm done. I just feel like i should  be able to take better care of myself, being that I do work fulltime, and I am not carrying any debt, nor am i living extravagently.

 Is anyone else in my boat?


Posted by: XRpredator---------------------

sorry, I love my job. Only wish I got paid more . . .


Posted by: a454elk---------------------

I love my job too but the pay stinks. They are raising healthcare costs for us and wanted us to take a 5% cut.


Posted by: Smit-Dog---------------------

If that is/was the case, then take full advantage of the matching and vesting (5% though is piddly), advance your degree and get it paid for, and get certified in the areas that are hot (assuming IT?). The sudden lack of bonuses for certs shouldn't deter you from getting them (and assuming the company pays for the cert prep and exams?).

Sounds like your current job is a stepping-stone, and it's time to step to that next stone! If you've used the past 3 years to your advantage, you'll have marketable skills and experience to land a new job with higher salary. FWIW, most people get the largest increase in pay by moving to another company as opposed to a pay raise with your current employer. You don't want to job hop just for the sake of job hopping; each move should be to increase opportunity, provide more/different challenges, and advance pay. You are at that point. Today's economy certainly doesn't help your situation, but companies are hiring for the "right person" all the time. Be that person.

I've worked for 5 main employers over the span of almost 15 years, and it was not uncommon to get a 30-35% increase for each move. Those kind of increases will be very hard to come by now, but you can certainly do a whole lot better than 3.5%.

FWIW, I also haven't gotten a raise or bonus in 2 years, and my health care costs went up 61% last year.


Posted by: Zerotact---------------------

In order to put more money into my 401k, Or get certs.. etc... I'd have to have money. What I am saying is that I am horribly broke.... I have to eat ramen noodles ( literally ) and drink only water for 2 months, to get and extra $300. I had to stop going to the doctor for my asthma because, that's what i have to do to make sure I have a little extra in case something happens, like my car break down and stuff......


Posted by: Smit-Dog---------------------

Wow. Can't you at least put the cert exam on a credit card, then turn in the receipt and get reimbursed by your company?

If you really are on a noodle and water diet, what the hell are you doing with a new bike?


Posted by: Erick82---------------------

Well at least you have your priorities straight, like Smit-Dog said your riding a new bike.

I would start looking. I know the current job market isn't the best, but if have skills and a desire to work you will beable to find something better.

Good luck


Posted by: jaction125---------------------

I also agree w/Smit-dog on this. I was working my way up in a company until I got an offer with a different company doing the same thing. Ended up with a 30% raise.


Posted by: Zerotact---------------------

I no longer get re-embursed for certs........ Yes I bought a new bike, I took my amazingly generous bonus from last year, and bought a new bike. If i sold my bike, that wouldn't cure my problem of not making enough money. IT would only leave me a slight savings to get slowly sucked out of me, and I'd eventually be back to being broke....


Posted by: Patman---------------------

Find a new job.

Being on the other side of some of this I can tell you that health care costs on the employers side have gone through the roof in the past few years. We still pay for all the employees coverage but have had to let the co-pay go up to $25 on doctor visits and the perscription co-pay is on a sliding scale dependant on the perscription with the lowest co-pay at $10, but we provide a killer coverage PPO to everone.

On the adjustment. Find a new job! We may blow an employment date but we make all adjustments retroactive so if your date was missed by 4 months you'll get a nice little "bonus" in you pay stub.

If the company did not adjust their employee manual and just word of mouthed the no certification or school pay backs then they are still responsible by what the manual says they will do. Employment Law is pretty convoluted but the majority of the time is very protective of the employee.

The bottom line is only you can do something about your noodle eating and bad investment planning (bikes are not a good investment, they are a toy). As a rule of thumb consider having at least 2 or 3 months of living expenses in the bank before you pull the trigger on a toy. It may not be the most fun thing but it's a lot smarter than having a new bike with no fuel and a cup of noodles to eat.


Posted by: truespode---------------------

Patman is right.

Don't let the slow job market bring you down. Have confidence, make sure you are putting in the effort on your skills and make the attempt if you are unhappy where you are at.

I'm not saying the sky will open up and you'll be handed your dream job but as long as you are putting in the effort to find one you will be a step up on your competition. I'm not advocating job hopping but I am advocating having enough confidence in yourself to want something more for you and your family (if you have one).

Just remember, just b/c you get a job offer doesn't mean you have to take it so be picky and be patient.

Good luck.

Ivan


Posted by: JWW---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Patman
as a rule of thumb consider having at least 2 or 3 months of living expenses in the bank before you pull the trigger on a toy.


This is the best advice I have seen in along time. Wheres that mojo button when you need it.

Im done with credit cards.Only going to be used when ordering online or absolutely necessary.


Posted by: LoriKTM---------------------

If it's been "almost" 3 years, stick it out for that full 3 and get your 401(k) vested!!  No point losing that money that you DO have in there.

Been there.  In the fall of 2000, I accepted a position with a new company-- 35% raise, great benefits, and they paid to relocate me from Illinois to New York.  Cloud 9!    Fast forward to June 2002-- the org that I originally got hired into was pretty much dissolved.  I got transferred to another division, doing the same work.  December 2002-- I was given notice that due to company restructuring I would not be employed after January, 2003. 

I lost my 401(k) vesting as I just missed the 3 year mark.  I lost the good health benefits, but was able to get picked up under my husband's insurance (at significantly more cost to us). 

Severance was decent, and I was able to pick up another job within 4 weeks of getting laid off.  Unfortunately, it's a contracting position at 5-10% less pay than I got before, with a hellacious commute. (90 miles one way).  I'm not qualified for 401(k) yet, and have NO vacation time.  I hate being stuck in limbo like this, but figure that nothing is ever permanent.  Something better will come along.  My goal this summer is to work hard and get my credit cards paid off so I don't have that monkey on my back anymore.

Now, here's what you need to do, Zero:

First, stay at your present company at least long enough to get your 401(k) vested.  Then, look at other options for cutting back expenses until you get that next great job.  Can you get a cheaper apartment, or a roommate to share expenses with?  Don't know what you're drving that KDX around in truck, trailer, whatever.  Can you downsize your vehicle?  Get rid of cable TV, cellphone, or other non-essential expenses.  Can you pick up a second job, part time, pumping gas or stocking shelves or WHATever?  Doesn't have to be forever, just long enough to get a little nest egg saved up.  You have lots of options to help you kick your Ramen noodle habit.  
 


Posted by: Zerotact---------------------

I really just wanted to get a little rant out.....
My bike is the only luxury I have. I rent a room in someone's house, I don't have cable, I don't have any phone. I drive a 1988 vw fox, so i don't think downsizing in cars is gonna help.... I have looked at part time jobs, but with part time jobs you can easily get into a situation were you bust ass an extra 20 hours a week for $100. And then at the end of the year you get spanked on taxes.....

It's just proof on how things can slide downhill so fast... when I got my bonus, I bought my bike. I bought the kdx mainly because it was cheaper than one of the MX 250's but still had a good reputation. At the time I was living 8 blocks from work, so i rarely drove.. And I did have money saved up after buying the bike. But then were i was living, let some girl move in, and the clapp trapp proceeded to throw A month and a half long party, I adamently told the main guy of the house that either clapp trapp goes or I go. She was allowed to stay so I moved out, I probably coulda stayed, but I'da prolly killed someone. Moving took a chunk out of what i had saved up, then my medical coverage got changed so that sucked up more money... and then my car needed some attention....... etc... I just have slowly been nickled and dimed to death to the point of were i am now.... Plus I think my gf will eventually leave me if i get a part time job.....


Posted by: nephron---------------------

Lori?
You're driving 180 miles a day for work? :scream:
Surely you belong to a 'books on tape' club.

I thought San Diego was bad--about 45 minutes for a 19 mile trip on the constipated I-15.


Posted by: LoriKTM---------------------

Nephron-- Yes, and it sucks.  Ok, it's technically 80 miles one way, 90 minutes.  I looked at books on tape, but don't feel like paying $24.95 for them.

Zero-- yeah, it doesn't sound like you have any extravagant expenses, car, rent or otherwise.  Hang in there, things will hopefully improve this year.

 


Posted by: mx547---------------------

401K, what's that?

i had to change positions within the same company after my injury last year. i've been whining alot about it because i don't like what i'm doing now.
but after reading some of the previous posts, i feel alot better.


Posted by: yzeater---------------------

Everyone will shrug me off and say "it's just high school", but here's my rant.
First off, I go to the best high school in the country. The price I pay for it? I've got a 19 mile drive to school (leave home at 7:00) that takes an hour in the morning and 90 minutes at night. At school I work very hard. Get home at 5:30. 6:00pm to as early as 9 and as late as 3am (twice this week) I do homework. This doesn't leave me much time to have a life, and when the weekends do come around I'm usually too tired or too busy with homework to do much. Even if I wanted to do anything because of the area the school draws from, I don't live close to many friends. Last saturday I had to drive 27 miles to do a project at a friend's house. Also, the pressure of the school compels every student (myself included) to take at least 7AP classes before graduation. That's a good twist!

The good:
Take it for what it's worth. Feel free to comment


Posted by: whyzee---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by yzeater
First off, I go to the best high school in the country. The price I pay for it? I've got a 19 mile drive to school (leave home at 7:00) that takes an hour in the morning and 90 minutes at night. At school I work very hard. Get home at 5:30. 6:00pm to as early as 9 and as late as 3am (twice this week) I do homework.


Langley?


Posted by: yzeater---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Whyzee


Langley?


Langley High School? Nope...check your PM's


Posted by: bbbom---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by yzeater
I go to the best high school in the country.


Are you so very sure?


Posted by: yzeater---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by bbbom


Are you so very sure?


yes...PM me if you wanna mess


Posted by: XRpredator---------------------

whoopdefreakin'doo, yzeater. I dunno man, you keep dancing your little "Superior Dance" on the rest of us like the damn Church Lady. "My dad's car's the best in the world!" "My mom's minivan is the best in the world!" "I go to the best school in the world!" "I'm the smartest 16 year old in the world!" Boy, I shore wish I wuz as edumacated as you. :silly:

I can't wait 'til I get my copy of "yzeater's manual on how to make friends and keep 'em"

Call me back in 10 years when you're no longer living off mommy and daddy and are a wage slave working for The Man.


Posted by: bbbom---------------------

That's funny, no need to PM. I'm not sure how to say it without offending you but don't be so sure of yourself.

Over my many years I have had ample opportunities to meet the product of some of the "best schools in the country". I'll just say, I have rarely (okay never) been impressed.

Basically, it doesn't matter what school you go to, it depends on what you do with what you learn.

Now I think we've actually gone off-topic in the Off-Topic Forum.

Zerotact, you've received some good advice. All I could add would be to sit down & figure out what it is that you want for a job. Make a list of your perfect job. You might be surprised and find it.

Damn XRSweetie, you mean yer momma & daddy didn't send you off to the highest priced private school in Idyho either?


Posted by: yzeater---------------------

whoopdefreakin'doo, yzeater. I dunno man, you keep dancing your little "Superior Dance" on the rest of us like the damn Church Lady. "My dad's car's the best in the world!" (no) "My mom's minivan is the best in the world!" (she doesn't have a minivan)"I go to the best school in the world!" (yeah) "I'm the smartest 16 year old in the world!" (no)


Posted by: MrLuckey---------------------



:thumb:

Dammit a few people slipped in posts before me. I'll let you all guess who I am worshipping and who I give a :BIG THUMB: to


Posted by: Senior KX Rider---------------------











BTW I love my job


Posted by: bbbom---------------------

And that's the way it should be! :thumb:


Posted by: Senior KX Rider---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by MrLuckey


Dammit a few people slipped in posts before me. I'll let you all guess who I am worshipping and who I give a :BIG THUMB: to



Maybe this one got moved off the flame board a little to soon


Posted by: High Lord Gomer---------------------

I've been doing the 180+ mile round trip for a little over two years, too, but I'm "permanent" instead of "contract" at this one. Lori, I assume you are getting a portion of your pay as per diem expenses so they can come out before taxes?


Posted by: scooter1130---------------------

I like my job even though.......It cuts into my weekend riding with late nights, and work every Sat, and  i am very underpaid for having worked there for over 8 years.  But I have been hanging in there looking at the long term....my boss is retiring this fall, and i will be buying the business.  but wait a minute, that will cut into even more of my free time for riding :whiner:   Ohh well, at least i should be a little more financially secure then.

and by the way, what are these things called 401K's, and health insurance, and why don't i have them....i know it is hard when medical benifits are cut back on people, but feel fortunate that at least you still have something, unlike those of us who have to spend hundreds of dollars a month.  I pay more than a weeks salary for health coverage, and that only covers major medical expenses


Posted by: Jamir---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by XRpredator
sorry, I love my job. Only wish I got paid more . . .




Yeah, I am sure that the good citizens of Latah County Idaho are dying to pay you more money to sit on your arse and look at nudey pics on the net.


Posted by: XRpredator---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Thunder 33
Yeah, I am sure that the good citizens of Latah County Idaho are dying to pay you more money to sit on your arse and look at nudey pics on the net.


well, if they knew the quality stuff I found, they would be paying me more!


Posted by: Jamir---------------------

If you would get your stinkin butt back out on a tractor and mow those ditches, you might really find the "quality stuff"



back to the subject. I think if you do a search on this subject line, you will find a flame from a couple of years ago that I did. I am pretty sure it is the same title. What did I do? I got the F out!!! Not to brag but I quit bitching and started looking. I raised my yearly income by over $8k, I have much better benifits, and I sit across from a gal that is so hot she gives Pred wood and he ain't even seen her!!!


Posted by: Moto Squid---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by scooter1130
I like my job even though.......


I work 6 days a week and it really cuts into my riding time. My friends (girlfriend especially) are always going lets do this or that, lets go riding....The response is always "Nope, gotta work". That's life, now I'm done with high school so it's time to deal with it....but every-other Friday that check helps me with the dealing


Posted by: Zerotact---------------------

I am most definately looking.........
Health insurance? I few years ago I was out of work, and went to the "poor people's " medical center. They took all my info and put me on a plan were ionly had to pay 10%..... And the plan was free...... hrmmm Now I pay something like $120 a month, and I still have to pay 10%........
So, now i have worse health coverage than when i was jobless...


Posted by: Smit-Dog---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Zerotact
... So, now i have worse health coverage than when i was jobless...

:whiner: :whiner: :whiner:
Fake a positive attitude and enthusiasm for 3 weeks. It will be the hardest thing you'll probably ever do. Report back on the results.


Posted by: Buzz Bomb---------------------

Posted by Yzeater - "Best high school education available in the US"

Hey Yzeater, can you tell me the name of this school? What makes it the best high school education in the US? Just wondering...


Posted by: Milk---------------------

I went to the best HS in the U.S., so there is no way you did YZ.


Posted by: yzeater---------------------

What's your email Buzz Bomb?


Posted by: Milk---------------------

Why not tell us here so then we can all send our kids to this "best school in America!"


Posted by: jboomer---------------------

No chance Milk! I went to the best high school and I didn't see you there!


Posted by: Milk---------------------

YZEater, I prefer to keep things on the boards and not in PM.

If you are gonna make a blanket statement like that in public, don't be afraid to take the heat.


Posted by: Buzz Bomb---------------------

pcrm2o85@aol.com


Posted by: javo---------------------

Zero,

From your post I would think your in the IT industry. I own www.NeedAITJob.Com and www.NeedAnITJob.Com. I bought those after being laid off by ExxonMobil who made more money than anyone that year, but because they made a $6 Billion profit instead of a $12 Billion before they felt the need to eliminate every contractor position in the org. (There's my rant)
If you write up your resume (in HTML, Flash or whatever) I will post it on the site and give you a "yourname@NeedAnItJob.Com" I was amazed at the results I got, and the site is still getting hits.
This offer goes out to all who are needing / wanting a new position. If you send me your resume or a link to your resume I will post it on the site.
Good luck Zero. I'll do what I can to help you and anyone else out there.

Jason


Posted by: High Lord Gomer---------------------

Cool, nice offer Jason!


Posted by: XRpredator---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Milk
Why not tell us here so then we can all send our kids to this "best school in America!"


agreed, yzeater.  Tell all of us.  Let us all figure it out for ourselves.


Posted by: jboomer---------------------

This kid here thinks that he went to the best school in America!

http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquar.../3097/main.html


Posted by: Zerotact---------------------

Thanks, that is a very nice offer....

I am so sick and burned out on IT, I'd honestly take a slack job in a welding shop or something...
I mean I am only trying to replace a $300/week job........


Posted by: Smit-Dog---------------------

In the immortal words of Casey Kasem, "Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars..."


Posted by: Patman---------------------

Put a chimp in the best school in America and what do ya' have? ........A chimp.

"Best" is such a BS catch all that applies to anything depending on where you are at. Some kid with a 1975 Suzuki TS125 might think a 1985 RM250 is "the best" while somebody else may prefer a 2004 KTM 525. Maybe you like hotdogs better than lobster so a hotdog is "the best" meal. There are so many criteria that schools are judged on there is no way any school is the be all end all "the best" school. Even making such a statement shows how shallow and clueless you are. If something is verifiable as being "the best" then there shouldn't be any shame in proving up the statement let alone providing a name.


Posted by: jaction125---------------------

Ever think about driving a truck? Easy to learn and almost instantly employable. Strap the bike to the back of the cab and ride anywhere in the country :thumb:


Posted by: jboomer---------------------

That just may be my next job! Sounds awfully good doesn't it?


Posted by: jeffd---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by Zerotact
Thanks, that is a very nice offer....

I am so sick and burned out on IT, I'd honestly take a slack job in a welding shop or something...
I mean I am only trying to replace a $300/week job........


Amen brother. I am burned out too.
I am thinking of a way out of the IT game...
No solid answers yet though.

-jeffd


Posted by: Patman---------------------

Truck driving isn't so bad and you can make some good money. My dad got tired of driving a desk as a VP for Fuji so he told his boss off, sold the 32' Fountian and moved to NC (big trucking hub). He never had problems finding a job. He also never put up with any of the crap the companies tried to pull such as overloaded or log book lies. If they didn't like it he walked and went next door where he was generally given the keys to a brand new rig and a raise. He's been retired for a year now and is getting the itch to do some part time driving, maybe for Lowe's or some hotshotting cars. One thing about driving is that it's always in demand.


Posted by: yzeater---------------------

Let me edit my previous statement. The school is the best for Science and Technology...and the students do better as a whole than any other school on standardized tests given to every high school student in America. You may say that standardized tests are crap, but you've got to have some kind of system to rank students and these tests are what we use now.


Posted by: Smit-Dog---------------------

yzeater - What standardized test, what testing period, and what school and/or district?

I'm not here to dispute you, I'm just interested in looking at these rankings for my own personal interest. Do you have a link to the testing data that you're referencing?

FWIW, this is what I use for schools in my state: http://www.ses.standardandpoors.com

Your statements are nothing but conjecture unless you have the facts to back it up...


Posted by: yzeater---------------------

The PSAT used for National Merit Scholarships administered in the fall - we've set the record for highest number of national merit semifinalists for the past three years...200 out of 400 seniors this year? I could get the exact number, but I'm a little busy now.

The SAT used for college admissions administered at various times throughout the school year. Our graduating seniors have the highest average score in the nation - 1475.


Posted by: n8MX---------------------

yzeater, that's pretty impressive. In our graduating class of 355 we had 32 NM semifinalists, the highest number in Ohio (although a smaller school had a slightly higher percentage). I was a finalist so now I get a lot of scholarship money which is really sweet! I'm going to LeTourneau Univ. in Texas and taking my bike. I can't wait for the summer to be over!

It's kinda weird going to a prestigious high school. Friends of mine are turning down Ivy League schools and others are getting scholarships to them... and then I'm going to a small private school no one has heard of. :-)

But that's waaaaay off topic...

As far as the job thing... I have a summer job, full time, working as an electronics technician, and I'm making quite a bit less than I think I'm worth... still haven't decided what to do about it yet. Zero, best of luck finding something better...


Andy


Posted by: truespode---------------------

Ok... I think we've had enough.

Ivan



Text Version Home





vBulletin Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Limited.
vB Easy Archive Final ©2000 - 2009 - Created by Stefan "Xenon" Kaeser