Life comes before living...A rant by dirtymike

[dirtymike1]

So here I sit, gonig on my 10th hour at my desk with no end in sight. I'm here not only because my work load is out the jin-yang, but because I'm to broke to do a damn thing other then sit here. I work my ass off in this office, have made it to the top of my group, but make less then people that they are bringing on now.I wish more then anything else to have a degree in something, as apposed to working on cars for as long as I did. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVED turning wrenches for those 5 years but now I have nothing to show for it execpt being 22 and haveing the back of a 50 year old.

What I don't understand, is how can my company pay me less then 30k a year and not feel bad. I mean I live on my own, have bills, rent, 2 dogs to take care of, but I can't tell uyou the last time I took my girlfiend out to dinner or just out at all. I am house poor. My rent is more then half of what I make a month, and I live in a roach infested shoebox...

I know that if you've read this to this point, your thinking "why the hell don't you get another job?!?!" Because there's nothing out there for a beat up, broken back kid with no college degree. People tell me to go back to school...Wouldn't that be a blessing. I would if I could....

So as I sit here at my personal hell, writhing in misery, I ask you to remember to always live before life won't let you..

 

[JVD_X]

So here I sit, gonig on my 10th hour at my desk with no end in sight. I'm here not only because my work load is out the jin-yang, but because I'm to broke to do a damn thing other then sit here. I work my ass off in this office, have made it to the top of my group, but make less then people that they are bringing on now.I wish more then anything else to have a degree in something, as apposed to working on cars for as long as I did. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVED turning wrenches for those 5 years but now I have nothing to show for it execpt being 22 and haveing the back of a 50 year old.

What I don't understand, is how can my company pay me less then 30k a year and not feel bad. I mean I live on my own, have bills, rent, 2 dogs to take care of, but I can't tell uyou the last time I took my girlfiend out to dinner or just out at all. I am house poor. My rent is more then half of what I make a month, and I live in a roach infested shoebox...

I know that if you've read this to this point, your thinking "why the hell don't you get another job?!?!" Because there's nothing out there for a beat up, broken back kid with no college degree. People tell me to go back to school...Wouldn't that be a blessing. I would if I could....

So as I sit here at my personal hell, writhing in misery, I ask you to remember to always live before life won't let you..

Hang in there... it DOES get better.

 

[EdWort]

What happened to your back? Why can't you go back to school? Isn't there a community college you can attend via online?

 

[Nurmey]

Mike, I don't want to sound harsh but you're 22 years old for God's sake. I've been in the workforce far longer than you've been alive. I'm not sure you've paid the dues to have a rant like this.

I'm sorry you're not enjoying your life right now but you have a whole lot more of it in front of you. Go out and make something of it. Welcome to adult life!

 

[JustDave]

Can you ask for a raise? Being a top performer is in your favor ...

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

My best friend is in the same situation now, except he works in home construction so he is afraid he will lose his job, if he screws up or the economy gets any worse. The only way to have something in your life change is to change it yourself. You can do school (unless you really can't for some reason), and if you want a job that requires one you will have to bite the bullet.

Keep swinging, I am sure something will present itself to you. Good hard working people do win. In the mean time, RDWHAHB

 

[EdWort]

What I don't understand, is how can my company pay me less then 30k a year and not feel bad.

Companies don't have feelings. They put a value on your work and pay you for it. Your option is to take it or look elsewhere.

It's a proven fact that you will need to change jobs several times in order to get decent raises. Once you are in, you can pretty much expect the petty 1-3% increases each year if you are lucky. Your option is to find another company that values your skills as much as the new guys your company is hiring.

When you switch, they'll be some guy just like you wondering why his company brought you in at such a higher rate than they have been making for the last 2 years.

It's the same every where at every company. Ya gotta move to move up in most cases.

 

[TwoHeadsBrewing]

I know that if you've read this to this point, your thinking "why the hell don't you get another job?!?!" Because there's nothing out there for a beat up, broken back kid with no college degree. People tell me to go back to school...Wouldn't that be a blessing. I would if I could....

So as I sit here at my personal hell, writhing in misery, I ask you to remember to always live before life won't let you..

Sounds a bit like my life about 9 years ago...let me set the scene for you:

21 years old, newly married, partly due to unplanned pregnancy, no college degree, working at the local lumber mill stacking wood...making $8.25/hr. Living in a tiny apartment, getting deeper in debt every month, one little toyota pickup for transportation for the family. I made a decision I would take out student loans and combine that with some state and federal grant money and get my degree. I didn't even know what I was going to get my degree in...only that I was going to be able to make more money with one than without.

2 years ago I graduated with a degree in computer science/bus. administration. I've got a great job at a local software company that is growing very fast, and bought my first house about 2 years ago. I won't kid you...life sucked for a while, and my marriage was not great for some of those years in college, but now it is all worth it. Working and going to school and being a dad/husband is a crazy busy lifestyle...but the juice is definitely worth the squeeze. I won't tell you it's easy, or even that it's what everyone should do with their life...but it changed my life and has given me options that never would have been there without a bachelors degree. If you want something better...go out there and take it! You're a young guy...plenty of time to do many things!

 

[dblvsn]

Companies don't have feelings. They put a value on your work and pay you for it. Your option is to take it or look elsewhere.

It's a proven fact that you will need to change jobs several times in order to get decent raises. Once you are in, you can pretty much expect the petty 1-3% increases each year if you are lucky. Your option is to find another company that values your skills as much as the new guys your company is hiring.

+1 Especially to the first 4 words.

 

[Donasay]

What industry are you in, chances are that your company has some tuition reimbursement plans that will pay for you to take a class or two if you are working towards a degree in your field.

Between tuition reimbursement and state and federal aid and grant money, you should be able to get an AA or AS for next to nothing from a CC. Then transfer those credits over towards a bachelor's degree, and get one of those.

I used to teach college courses as a grad student, and there was a 60 year old guy in one of my classes that worked for the highway authority for upwards of 30 years. They would pay for him to take one class a semester, and it took him close to 15 years to get his degree all on their tab. He just graduated this june, and is retiring in september, he was elligible for retirement prior to september, but didn't want to take it till he finished his degree. Even if you take one course at a time, it is worth it to get started, and get your foot in the door.

Oh, and if you need any suggestions or help navigating that kind of thing PM me and I can try to help you out. I do consulting for higher education...

 

[dirtymike1]

To start:

My back, 2 years ago I was working on a truck at a dealership. I was removing the transfer case when a part of the plate on the jack cracked and the case feel on my shoulder. I was out of work for about a month, saw a doctor for a few times. He said its soft tissue damage but I've never been able to get a second opinion on it. So I wake up most mornings with my back in spasms and stiff as a rock. The drugs that I was taking for stopped working, I guess my body became to used to them, but I couldn't get anything differnt from the Dr. When I can afford it then I will have someone else look at it and see if I have L spine damage, like I belive I do.

School:

Just can't afford it. I read somewhere on here about a college kid making 15-20 gallons a month and his Mom told him that was to much. I've been lucky to budget in 2 batches in the last 6 months... I would give anything to be able to get back into school and to have started yesterday, but, as I said, I just can't afford to do it. But I am looknig forward to making 10 gallons of your Apfelwein next week Ed!!!!

I know this all comes across as bitching and moaning, and I've never asked anyone for anything in my life. I realy feel that age is a reliative thing. I know kids that I went to high school with that are still sucking off thier parents teet, but not me. I've worked and earned everything that I have, hell I've worked my ass off working 12-14 hours days for the things that I own. I know not to expect things to come easy to me, but why can't I enjoy my life a little? Hell I want to just be able to take my girl out to dinner and movie for a change insteed of cooking broke kid food and watching my 5 channels on my TV.

I've been looking a lot in the last few days for new work, but here in the DC area, if your not someone, or you don't know the right person, it would be back to working on cars or asking if you want fries with that.

I apperiacte the support from everyone, lifes jsut kicking my ass right now and I'm trying to fight back

 

[janzik]

Hang in there... it DOES get better.

I disagree with this, only based on the assumption that "Hang in there..." means just wait and it will eventually get better. Things get better because people choose to make them better. I'm not saying the OP is being lazy or whatever (He's obviously breaking his ass to get by). What I mean is, if you want change or want to change, regardless of what it is, you are the one that has to make it happen. Figure out whatever is you want and make it happen. Plan, execute and find ways to stay motivated.

 

[dirtymike1]

Sounds a bit like my life about 9 years ago...let me set the scene for you:

21 years old, newly married, partly due to unplanned pregnancy, no college degree, working at the local lumber mill stacking wood...making $8.25/hr. Living in a tiny apartment, getting deeper in debt every month, one little toyota pickup for transportation for the family. I made a decision I would take out student loans and combine that with some state and federal grant money and get my degree. I didn't even know what I was going to get my degree in...only that I was going to be able to make more money with one than without.

2 years ago I graduated with a degree in computer science/bus. administration. I've got a great job at a local software company that is growing very fast, and bought my first house about 2 years ago. I won't kid you...life sucked for a while, and my marriage was not great for some of those years in college, but now it is all worth it. Working and going to school and being a dad/husband is a crazy busy lifestyle...but the juice is definitely worth the squeeze. I won't tell you it's easy, or even that it's what everyone should do with their life...but it changed my life and has given me options that never would have been there without a bachelors degree. If you want something better...go out there and take it! You're a young guy...plenty of time to do many things!

You and I are one in the same, except I don't have a child yet!!

To change the topic a little bit, what is needed to get a grant? I've really thougt about going for a student loan and the grants but I don't even know where to begin. ANY help on this would be a blessing!!!!

 

[Revvy]

You and I are one in the same, except I don't have a child yet!!

To change the topic a little bit, what is needed to get a grant? I've really thougt about going for a student loan and the grants but I don't even know where to begin. ANY help on this would be a blessing!!!!

Go talk to the financial aid department of any college/community college or even a trade school...Even online universities have financial aid departments nowadays.

It's their job to find the money for anyone who wants to go to school. Sit down with one of their counselors, most of them are really good, and know where the money is.

Some schools even have internal grants/low interest loan programs...

Another thought...I don't know what kind of work you are doing now, but while you're at the school look at their internal job postings. If there's anything that looks like your field or expertise, then apply. Most universities/colleges off 100% tuition assistance for Undergrad and (sometimes) even master's programs.

They also offer some deals for spouses and children.

 

[Donasay]

He is half man half bear half pig and half not good at fractions.

 

[Germey]

Start here http://www.salliemae.com/ and then make an appointment with a junior college counselor. They should find a way to accommodate you work schedule.
You don't have to know what you want to do yet. The classes are all generally the same at the beginning. You will learn more about how to get through it as you go, especially as you interact with others who are in the same situation. Your task is to get going and keep going.
Good luck.

 

[TwoHeadsBrewing]

You and I are one in the same, except I don't have a child yet!!

To change the topic a little bit, what is needed to get a grant? I've really thougt about going for a student loan and the grants but I don't even know where to begin. ANY help on this would be a blessing!!!!

The very first step is to fill out this application though FAFSA: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. You need to give them a name of a school you'd like to attend so they can estimate your financial need. It's all done online, and they'll send you an email when everything has been processed. Next step is to go to the financial aid office at the college you want to attend, and bring your FAFSA paperwork with you.

I was AMAZED at how much grant money I was eligible for, and it greatly reduced the amount of money I had to borrow for student loans. You CAN afford it...and you should at least fill out the application and talk to a financial advisor at the college. There are also many other programs for people with disability, children of Vietnam veterans, etc...you never know what you'll qualify for until you ask.

 

[Revvy]

I was AMAZED at how much grant money I was eligible for, and it greatly reduced the amount of money I had to borrow for student loans. You CAN afford it...and you should at least fill out the application and talk to a financial advisor at the college. There are also many other programs for people with disability, children of Vietnam veterans, etc...you never know what you'll qualify for until you ask.

This is the part that most people don't realize...You just have to look, or sit down with a trained advisor...I even got some money through one of the fraternal organizations my father was a part of...It was the Moose, VFW, Purple Heart or Amvets, I really can't recall which. But because he was a member I qualified and got the money...Primarily because not a lot of people knew the grant was even there, so there wasn't a lot of people nationally applying or something.

 

[EdWort]

To start:

My back, 2 years ago I was working on a truck at a dealership. I was removing the transfer case when a part of the plate on the jack cracked and the case feel on my shoulder. I was out of work for about a month, saw a doctor for a few times. He said its soft tissue damage but I've never been able to get a second opinion on it. So I wake up most mornings with my back in spasms and stiff as a rock. The drugs that I was taking for stopped working, I guess my body became to used to them, but I couldn't get anything differnt from the Dr. When I can afford it then I will have someone else look at it and see if I have L spine damage, like I belive I do

Did you file a Worker's Comp claim? Those medical bills should be covered by WC, not you.

 

[dirtymike1]

Did you file a Worker's Comp claim? Those medical bills should be covered by WC, not you.

That was all taken care of back then. I got paid for the time out of work and all the bills, but it doesn't change the fact that it happened.

Thank you all so much for all your help. I will be heading to the local CC one day after work next week. I'll call on Monday and set up an appointment.

Again thanks to all of you!!!!

 

[Revvy]

That was all taken care of back then. I got paid for the time out of work and all the bills, but it doesn't change the fact that it happened.

Thank you all so much for all your help. I will be heading to the local CC one day after work next week. I'll call on Monday and set up an appointment.

Again thanks to all of you!!!!

YOU CAN DO IT MIKE!!!!!!!!!!

Hell the oldest college graduate is over 100 years old...if she can do it, so can you!

 

[eriktlupus]

if ya like wrenching look into courses for millwright/maintenence the ones in my co make @25 an hr and all equip is on hoists overheads etc

 

[RodfatherX]

Are you a diesel mechanic or do you work on cars?

 

[Ryanh1801]

My school, UTA offers free tuition to any student making under 25K a year. Might be worth giving them a call, if your willing to relocate. Plenty of great jobs in the area for a college student and a very cheap cost of living in the area.www.uta.edu

 

[EdWort]

My school, UTA offers free tuition to any student making under 25K a year. Might be worth giving them a call, if your willing to relocate. Plenty of great jobs in the area for a college student and a very cheap cost of living in the area.www.uta.edu

Hmm, my son might have to move to Arlington and get job when he graduates from high school. :rockin:

 

[skinfiddler]

I'd give my left prune to be 22 again.

Get back to me when you're 55 and get bounced. Oh, wait, I won't be around.

 

[Ryanh1801]

Hmm, my son might have to move to Arlington and get job when he graduates from high school. :rockin:

As much as I bitch about the school its not too bad. If you send him here just make sure he does not turn into a Socialist like most of the prof's.

 

[EdWort]

As much as I bitch about the school its not too bad. If you send him here just make sure he does not turn into a Socialist like most of the prof's.

No problem. My kids are well inoculated by that time. They are well versed in the Constitution, liberty, freedom, capitalism, individual responsibility, and they know their success is ultimately up to how hard they want to work for themselves.

 

[david_42]

Bachelor degrees have been so devalued that it almost doesn't matter if you get one from a community college that is barely accredited or some 'name' college. Most CC's have night courses and are cheap. Just get your ticket punched.

 

[EdWort]

Bachelor degrees have been so devalued that it almost doesn't matter if you get one from a community college that is barely accredited or some 'name' college. Most CC's have night courses and are cheap. Just get your ticket punched.

I agree. You might even learn something too. Most teachers at Community Colleges are professionals to begin with. I was an adjunct professor at BYU and UVSC teaching Structured Cabling and IT classes back in the late 90s.

Those that can, do, and can make the best teachers.