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Other Random Thoughts
By Jay | April 6, 2008
I’ve updated my little weight tracker on the right. I’ve lost 4 lbs over the past month. How about that! The funny thing is, I’ve been too busy to even think about my weight. And I’ve been too busy to get up and buy my afternoon sweets. About 2 weeks ago I stopped eating sugary things entirely, so I guess it’s having a good effect.
Another note about my debt; when I get as busy as I’ve been lately, I tend to order take-out more. And this really runs up a bill. My company will pay for dinner if I’m in the office after 7, but often I’ll come home at 6 and log in to finish up my work, in which case I have to pay for my own food. I ended up spending almost $500 for lunches and dinners, which is money that could have gone to debt. I’m not sure that I can avoid this — after working a 15 hour day the last thing I want to do is cook — but it irks me that I have to spend this money.
As I’ve written in a couple other posts, I’ve been going through my own hell at work lately — a lot of people have been let go and the rest of us are desperately trying to keep things afloat. I’ve been doing my part for the last month, but I’ve never wanted a job that took up 60-80 hours of my week, and I’m really thinking about moving on. I keep thinking I see light at the end of the tunnel, but every time I see that light another program breaks or another request comes in that I have to deal with because the people who used to deal with it are no longer there.
So, I’m realizing that I am not happy. I could quit at the end of April, but with only $5000 in my savings fund, and with my debt, I’m not sure that just quitting is a great idea. I am making about $1000 per month with my little side business, and am spending just 4-6 hours per week to do so. If I could bump that up to $2000 this month, I would be more willing to make a drastic career-related move. I used to freelance with Microsoft Office — Powerpoint, Excel and Word, and made $25 per hour doing so. If I could do that 3 days per week, and make $2000 per month on my book business, I’d probably end up taking home more than I do today, and have more free time to think up other opportunities as well.
I’m not sure what I’ll do yet, but I am definitely thinking hard. I put it out to the universe that I would like a positive work-related change in my life in the next couple months.
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Stumble it!
Topics: Weight-loss, Work |
April 6th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Jay;
I will keep you in my thoughts as you struggle with decisions - I know it is frustrating when we tread water - I know that all too well and hope you find your “inspiration.” I can’t tell you how good it feels…
April 7th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Hey Jay,
I’ve been in this type of a situation before as well. Although I am contracting for someone right now its not quite the same as a salaried type job or environment. I’m not entirely sure I could go back to it right now. If I can find a few opportunities that would keep me interested but not tied to an office I would be ecstatic.
If you are planning on making the leap just make sure you plan for it. There’s nothing worse than not being able to make ends meet and scrambling to find the first job that will pay X$.
Good Luck!