Well, after yet another roller coaster of a week, I'm preparing for another one. On Tuesday I go to see someone to report The Incident involving the higher-up that I have been having trouble with. To keep me from chickening out, I've told a selected bunch of co-workers what I'm going to do.
I'm pretty nervous. There are some serious accusations I'm hurling at him, including sexism/favoritism, gross misconduct (threatening behavior), and incompetence. I keep having to convince myself that this is necessary for me to do. I don't know how it happened, but somehow I've become the spokesperson for a rather large group that has problems with this guy. I've found out even more horrible things that he's done to bully people since I've been talking about what I'm going to do, including mentioning 'bloodshed' if the people didn't do what he says.
There are several ways this could blow up in my face, even though I won't be working for my company anymore:
1) The CEO has witnessed his behavior and hasn't done anything about it. This means that he could get in trouble as well, and I really don't want that to happen. He has enough on his plate with the lay offs, and is a very kind and wonderful person.
2) I may be moving over to work with Boss #1 full-time. This means that I would be working on a project where that guy is head project manager. I won't be with my company anymore, but I still may have to interact with him.
3) I may still be keeping my office, because the University doesn't have space, and my old company is owned by the University. So I would have to see him on a daily basis if that occurred.
So, if this doesn't end in him being fired--which it probably won't--I will still have to deal with him. I have to say something, though, and since I'm being let go and also have 90 days to report 'incidents' (my 90 days from the time of The Incident is up this week) my window of opportunity is now or never, it seems. The only other option I can think of is to sit down with him, in-house, and hash this out. Given previous experiences with him, though, this will only serve to make him angrier, and also make him start making moves to make me look like the bad guy. I may give a heads up to my CEO, though--he doesn't deserve to take the fall for this guy's ridiculousness.
Any advice? Should I go through with it, or not?
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Dream Job Deflation
In one of my posts last week, I mentioned that my dream job opened up mere days after I was laid off. I was so excited and awed at the way that worked out, and I still think that that occurrence has some significance, but not the significance that I thought it did.
On the one hand, this position had many things going for it:
1) I went to grad school where this job was based, meaning I have an understanding of the setting and environment, which is crucial for this job.
2) I have a grad school friend that works at this place.
3) It is exactly where I want to work and what I want to do. It is what I envision my best self doing.
4) I have many contacts there (old professors, friends) with contacts at this place. I called in a lot of favors for references after I found this job.
5) My colleagues here in NZ also know the people that work there, and were more than happy to act as references or call their buddies to put in a good word for me.
6) The types of tasks I do now are a mini-version of what I'd do there; the job would be a step up, but not an impossible one. I am definitely qualified.
7) I've been searching for this job for 3.5 years. This is the first time it has been advertised. I was beginning to lose hope that it even existed.
It couldn't have had more perfect timing or been a more perfect job description for me. However, after asking my contacts there if it was OK to put them down as a reference, they did some digging for me. This morning, I got an email saying that someone else already has this job at that place. The advertisement is simply fulfilling a legal requirement to promote that person. They didn't actually want competition for the position, and only one person is needed for those job tasks--so even if this person is promoted, there won't be another position to fill in its place.
In other words, I'm screwed. There is absolutely no way to compete with someone that has been doing the job for a decade, especially since I've only started doing the tasks that are required of the position. I just don't have the experience. I feel sort of humiliated and stupid for getting so excited, and contacting everyone asking for futile favors, and thinking that I actually had a shot. Ouch, ego bruising. I may withdraw my application if it is possible--I don't want to waste anyone's time!
So now I'm back to square one, but this has all made me think. My current job is also my dream job, but what is it actually getting me? Will I have a job after my project ends in 3 years, or will I have wasted 7 years of my life on something that I'll never get to do again? Will I have to go back to the utterly tear-inducing boredom of my last job, but starting at the bottom again? Would I have just been better off rising through the ranks at the boring job and getting paid awesomely instead?
What am I doing? I am having the 10th installment of my quarter-life crisis. It never ends...
So I am beginning to think that this all has been an exercise in futility. I get paid crappily. There is no such profession as mine to move into elsewhere (unless you already work there). If it is even possible to continue what I am doing, I would have to stay where my contacts are: New Zealand. Even then, I probably wouldn't get hired anywhere after my current project ends in 3 years. I would have to do something that I absolutely hate doing (my PhD) in order to be considered for hiring, and even after that, I would have to prove myself with years and years of post-docs before I would even be competition in the US. My dream feels so much further away than it ever has: in order to be hired at the places I want to work, doing what I want to do, I have to already be working there. I can't make my dream job appear; that kind of thing isn't possible. I wish it were, and I'd already be doing it if I could. Even though my dream job does exist, it is only advertised when someone else has already gotten it.
Not only that, but aside from my career, I want to settle near my parents. I can't do that in New Zealand. And because I want to leave NZ, I can't meet a life partner (not that there is any threat of that!) or even get a dog here. I can't do anything that ties me here forever and always.
My dream job doesn't exist anywhere near my parents. Openings for positions that I want to do are at least a 7 hour flight away. I can't change or make a job opening near my parents exist, because it depends on an aspect of nature that no one can control.
Realistically, I should pull the plug and go home before I waste anymore time. My future life doesn't exist in New Zealand, and my career doesn't exist in the US--at least, not to me.
I am at a cross roads. I'm starting to force NZ to work, and that's when it is time to let go. Maybe that is what that job opening is trying to tell me: your efforts are useless. Give it up now before you waste any more time. Think about what is realistic to your situation and weigh your priorities. Happiness now in your dead-end job and being far away from your family, or the feeling of being close to family, and a miserable, boring, stable career that has a future--you need to choose.
On the one hand, this position had many things going for it:
1) I went to grad school where this job was based, meaning I have an understanding of the setting and environment, which is crucial for this job.
2) I have a grad school friend that works at this place.
3) It is exactly where I want to work and what I want to do. It is what I envision my best self doing.
4) I have many contacts there (old professors, friends) with contacts at this place. I called in a lot of favors for references after I found this job.
5) My colleagues here in NZ also know the people that work there, and were more than happy to act as references or call their buddies to put in a good word for me.
6) The types of tasks I do now are a mini-version of what I'd do there; the job would be a step up, but not an impossible one. I am definitely qualified.
7) I've been searching for this job for 3.5 years. This is the first time it has been advertised. I was beginning to lose hope that it even existed.
It couldn't have had more perfect timing or been a more perfect job description for me. However, after asking my contacts there if it was OK to put them down as a reference, they did some digging for me. This morning, I got an email saying that someone else already has this job at that place. The advertisement is simply fulfilling a legal requirement to promote that person. They didn't actually want competition for the position, and only one person is needed for those job tasks--so even if this person is promoted, there won't be another position to fill in its place.
In other words, I'm screwed. There is absolutely no way to compete with someone that has been doing the job for a decade, especially since I've only started doing the tasks that are required of the position. I just don't have the experience. I feel sort of humiliated and stupid for getting so excited, and contacting everyone asking for futile favors, and thinking that I actually had a shot. Ouch, ego bruising. I may withdraw my application if it is possible--I don't want to waste anyone's time!
So now I'm back to square one, but this has all made me think. My current job is also my dream job, but what is it actually getting me? Will I have a job after my project ends in 3 years, or will I have wasted 7 years of my life on something that I'll never get to do again? Will I have to go back to the utterly tear-inducing boredom of my last job, but starting at the bottom again? Would I have just been better off rising through the ranks at the boring job and getting paid awesomely instead?
What am I doing? I am having the 10th installment of my quarter-life crisis. It never ends...
So I am beginning to think that this all has been an exercise in futility. I get paid crappily. There is no such profession as mine to move into elsewhere (unless you already work there). If it is even possible to continue what I am doing, I would have to stay where my contacts are: New Zealand. Even then, I probably wouldn't get hired anywhere after my current project ends in 3 years. I would have to do something that I absolutely hate doing (my PhD) in order to be considered for hiring, and even after that, I would have to prove myself with years and years of post-docs before I would even be competition in the US. My dream feels so much further away than it ever has: in order to be hired at the places I want to work, doing what I want to do, I have to already be working there. I can't make my dream job appear; that kind of thing isn't possible. I wish it were, and I'd already be doing it if I could. Even though my dream job does exist, it is only advertised when someone else has already gotten it.
Not only that, but aside from my career, I want to settle near my parents. I can't do that in New Zealand. And because I want to leave NZ, I can't meet a life partner (not that there is any threat of that!) or even get a dog here. I can't do anything that ties me here forever and always.
My dream job doesn't exist anywhere near my parents. Openings for positions that I want to do are at least a 7 hour flight away. I can't change or make a job opening near my parents exist, because it depends on an aspect of nature that no one can control.
Realistically, I should pull the plug and go home before I waste anymore time. My future life doesn't exist in New Zealand, and my career doesn't exist in the US--at least, not to me.
I am at a cross roads. I'm starting to force NZ to work, and that's when it is time to let go. Maybe that is what that job opening is trying to tell me: your efforts are useless. Give it up now before you waste any more time. Think about what is realistic to your situation and weigh your priorities. Happiness now in your dead-end job and being far away from your family, or the feeling of being close to family, and a miserable, boring, stable career that has a future--you need to choose.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
The Post-Lay Off To-Do List
1) Breathe. In and out. You'll be OK. Don't cry, but if you have to, wait until you are clear of the building and the first few stoplights away from your office and pull over--won't do any good to have your CEO (or a cop) look over and catch you sobbing uncontrollably like a psycho at the wheel. Hopefully those a-holes notified you at the end of the day, not the beginning. And hopefully on a Friday. That's the least they could do.
2) The first evening you can: sad hour with as many good people as you can muster. Let them say nice things about you and terrible things about your company. Vent. You're totally allowed. Anyone that holds anything against you right now is an a-hole, but try to limit the company bashing around non-laid off employees. If this happy/sad hour isn't possible the first evening, immediately plan one for the next available evening. Don't worry about money right now; that is what your emergency fund* is for. It can cover a few beers or whatever your choice of fun is, if your friends don't opt to treat you.
3) Wake up with a headache. Or not. Do not plan anything for today. Cancel everything you can. Clear your schedule for a day of helpful/relaxing activities that will ease your mind and prepare you for your new career. Treat yo'self! If it is a work day and you are comfortable enough to do this, dust off one of those sick days you have accumulated which will now never be used. Emotional sickness is a real thing; you've been dealt a blow and need to take a knee.
4) Apply for unemployment benefits the second you have eaten a lovely breakfast and relaxed. Even if you think you have a job lined up, plenty of advance notice, etc. The earlier you apply, the earlier you usually receive benefits, and payments can take a while.
5) Go to the grocery store or your favorite restaurant. Buy comfort food. Drink your favorite soda. Lick cake icing out of the container. Make a skittle sandwich, or whatever weird thing you are into. It's OK, just this once, you're allowed.
6) Over yummy indulgent food, read your contract or employment agreement with an eagle eye. This should have been done at the start of employment* and at the barest hint of a layoff*, but hopefully it has been a while! Note the sections on advance notice, severance pay, vacation pay, etc. Start to work out what you are owed. If you have any questions, ask your HR person. Make them work for their paycheck!
7) Research layoffs in your state/country. There IS a legal way to do it, and a very illegal way to handle it. Make sure your employer has/is following EVERY. SINGLE. RULE. This also helps you to know what to expect and to recognize empty/illegal gestures on HR's part. If you feel like you were illegally terminated, and have proof (this should have been collected/noted/journaled/otherwise documented during employment, if something felt fishy), contact a lawyer ASAP. If you have email proof, you should have sent it to your personal email already.
8) Make a list of people at work that can write recommendation letters for you. You know who they are...and are not. Don't be shy about asking them.
9) Inform your circle of friends/colleagues that you are on the move. Update your facebook, twitter, linkedin, and any other social media account you have with the news. DO NOT complain, wallow, or whine. Remain upbeat and non-desperate. Inform everyone that because of the change, you are ready for a new adventure, and ask for everyone to keep their ears to the ground for you. Revel in the wave of flabbergastedness at your company's idiocy and the love that comes your way, ready to support you through this hard time. You never know who's brother's uncle's friend has a company that needs your skills.
10) Refer to your Dream Job requirements list*. Now you have the opportunity to go for it! You have several months of $$ to survive on, so why not give that a shot first?
11) You should have been job searching regularly to identify skills you need to keep up with your profession*, but start intensely hitting up your favorite sites to see what is out there. Make sure your resume lists the most repeated requirements in the jobs you are attracted to.
12) Further polish your resume. Since you should have been adding the new skills you learned along the way*, this should not take that much time at all. Send this out to a few friends and mentors for extra eyes. This is also a great way to start to inform your network that you are available, on a very serious job search, and are taking action.
13) Refer to your list of networking buddies in your field that may lead to tips on jobs. This should have been prepared while you were still happily employed, and you should have kept in contact with each of these people at least once every three to six months, with relevant or funny updates on you or research in your common field*. Communicate with each of them individually (NO MASS EMAILS!) and inform them of your new need for a job. Be personal and professional with each. Do not bash your current employer. Thank them profusely. Describe your ideal position, but make sure you mention the other positions you are suited for. Attach your newly polished resume. Remember those that help you out; you owe them a beer the next time you see them, or a similar hand up if they go through a similar situation.
14) Gather personal emails and contact information from your work friends, if you haven't already. They can now be added to your networking list.
15) Time for a fun one: Go shopping for an interview outfit! A really nice one, with accessories and all, but try to make sure it is on sale. You will need it.
16) Revert to your emergency budget after a maximum of one week post-layoff. This emergency budget should have been decided on before the actual lay off*, but if it wasn't, here's how you make one: a) look at your budget*. b) Identify items that you could easily cut back on. c) Work out your new budget, and brainstorm even more ways to cut costs. d) Factor in your EF and expected payments from #6 to see how long you feasibly have before panic and the need to gather Starbucks applications set in.
17) Do you have anything that you have been putting off selling? Now is the time to list it.
18) Gather up all personal belongings from work, including personal files on your computer. There shouldn't be much; at the whisper of a layoff, you need to get to steppin'*. Anything that is not obviously yours, take home so there aren't any squabbles over what the company thinks they own.
19) Back up any files that you need to keep records of, mainly your emails that may help any legal cases you need to file.*
20) Go to the library. Look at their What Color is My Parachute, Who Moved My Cheese?, interview, job skills tips, and lay off books. Read up.
21) Make a list of everything you do not have to deal with now that your time at your company is ending. Tack it up somewhere obvious in your house and refer to it whenever you get down about the lay off. There is a silver lining, and you know it.
22) Make a list of everything you still have and are grateful for. This is NOT the end of the world, it's an opportunity to check in with your life and make sure everything is how you want it to be. If it isn't, it is time to fix it. Why not? You will soon have plenty of free time!
23) Take care of yourself. Emotionally, physically, spiritually. Figure out what you need and ask for it. People love to feel needed.
24) Be polite and courteous and upbeat at work. Bitter Nellies are not welcome, ever. People will remember you by how you handle the news.
*These indicate actions that should have been taken care of long before the lay off. If you aren't in danger of losing your job now, one day you might be. Do these things.
2) The first evening you can: sad hour with as many good people as you can muster. Let them say nice things about you and terrible things about your company. Vent. You're totally allowed. Anyone that holds anything against you right now is an a-hole, but try to limit the company bashing around non-laid off employees. If this happy/sad hour isn't possible the first evening, immediately plan one for the next available evening. Don't worry about money right now; that is what your emergency fund* is for. It can cover a few beers or whatever your choice of fun is, if your friends don't opt to treat you.
3) Wake up with a headache. Or not. Do not plan anything for today. Cancel everything you can. Clear your schedule for a day of helpful/relaxing activities that will ease your mind and prepare you for your new career. Treat yo'self! If it is a work day and you are comfortable enough to do this, dust off one of those sick days you have accumulated which will now never be used. Emotional sickness is a real thing; you've been dealt a blow and need to take a knee.
4) Apply for unemployment benefits the second you have eaten a lovely breakfast and relaxed. Even if you think you have a job lined up, plenty of advance notice, etc. The earlier you apply, the earlier you usually receive benefits, and payments can take a while.
5) Go to the grocery store or your favorite restaurant. Buy comfort food. Drink your favorite soda. Lick cake icing out of the container. Make a skittle sandwich, or whatever weird thing you are into. It's OK, just this once, you're allowed.
6) Over yummy indulgent food, read your contract or employment agreement with an eagle eye. This should have been done at the start of employment* and at the barest hint of a layoff*, but hopefully it has been a while! Note the sections on advance notice, severance pay, vacation pay, etc. Start to work out what you are owed. If you have any questions, ask your HR person. Make them work for their paycheck!
7) Research layoffs in your state/country. There IS a legal way to do it, and a very illegal way to handle it. Make sure your employer has/is following EVERY. SINGLE. RULE. This also helps you to know what to expect and to recognize empty/illegal gestures on HR's part. If you feel like you were illegally terminated, and have proof (this should have been collected/noted/journaled/otherwise documented during employment, if something felt fishy), contact a lawyer ASAP. If you have email proof, you should have sent it to your personal email already.
8) Make a list of people at work that can write recommendation letters for you. You know who they are...and are not. Don't be shy about asking them.
9) Inform your circle of friends/colleagues that you are on the move. Update your facebook, twitter, linkedin, and any other social media account you have with the news. DO NOT complain, wallow, or whine. Remain upbeat and non-desperate. Inform everyone that because of the change, you are ready for a new adventure, and ask for everyone to keep their ears to the ground for you. Revel in the wave of flabbergastedness at your company's idiocy and the love that comes your way, ready to support you through this hard time. You never know who's brother's uncle's friend has a company that needs your skills.
10) Refer to your Dream Job requirements list*. Now you have the opportunity to go for it! You have several months of $$ to survive on, so why not give that a shot first?
11) You should have been job searching regularly to identify skills you need to keep up with your profession*, but start intensely hitting up your favorite sites to see what is out there. Make sure your resume lists the most repeated requirements in the jobs you are attracted to.
12) Further polish your resume. Since you should have been adding the new skills you learned along the way*, this should not take that much time at all. Send this out to a few friends and mentors for extra eyes. This is also a great way to start to inform your network that you are available, on a very serious job search, and are taking action.
13) Refer to your list of networking buddies in your field that may lead to tips on jobs. This should have been prepared while you were still happily employed, and you should have kept in contact with each of these people at least once every three to six months, with relevant or funny updates on you or research in your common field*. Communicate with each of them individually (NO MASS EMAILS!) and inform them of your new need for a job. Be personal and professional with each. Do not bash your current employer. Thank them profusely. Describe your ideal position, but make sure you mention the other positions you are suited for. Attach your newly polished resume. Remember those that help you out; you owe them a beer the next time you see them, or a similar hand up if they go through a similar situation.
14) Gather personal emails and contact information from your work friends, if you haven't already. They can now be added to your networking list.
15) Time for a fun one: Go shopping for an interview outfit! A really nice one, with accessories and all, but try to make sure it is on sale. You will need it.
16) Revert to your emergency budget after a maximum of one week post-layoff. This emergency budget should have been decided on before the actual lay off*, but if it wasn't, here's how you make one: a) look at your budget*. b) Identify items that you could easily cut back on. c) Work out your new budget, and brainstorm even more ways to cut costs. d) Factor in your EF and expected payments from #6 to see how long you feasibly have before panic and the need to gather Starbucks applications set in.
17) Do you have anything that you have been putting off selling? Now is the time to list it.
18) Gather up all personal belongings from work, including personal files on your computer. There shouldn't be much; at the whisper of a layoff, you need to get to steppin'*. Anything that is not obviously yours, take home so there aren't any squabbles over what the company thinks they own.
19) Back up any files that you need to keep records of, mainly your emails that may help any legal cases you need to file.*
20) Go to the library. Look at their What Color is My Parachute, Who Moved My Cheese?, interview, job skills tips, and lay off books. Read up.
21) Make a list of everything you do not have to deal with now that your time at your company is ending. Tack it up somewhere obvious in your house and refer to it whenever you get down about the lay off. There is a silver lining, and you know it.
22) Make a list of everything you still have and are grateful for. This is NOT the end of the world, it's an opportunity to check in with your life and make sure everything is how you want it to be. If it isn't, it is time to fix it. Why not? You will soon have plenty of free time!
23) Take care of yourself. Emotionally, physically, spiritually. Figure out what you need and ask for it. People love to feel needed.
24) Be polite and courteous and upbeat at work. Bitter Nellies are not welcome, ever. People will remember you by how you handle the news.
*These indicate actions that should have been taken care of long before the lay off. If you aren't in danger of losing your job now, one day you might be. Do these things.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Well, What Do Ya Know..
My dream job, the one I thought would never come about, just opened up. It is with the exact agency that I want to work for, in the US (although about as far away from my parents as I can get), and in an area that I've lived in before, during my graduate school days. I actually know several of the employees there, and the skill level is just about right, although maybe a slight reach for one or two skills. It would be a challenging but not impossible step up, and it is absolutely a one-in-a-million job. I don't know if lightning can strike twice, as in I get my dream job twice in a row, but I'm going for it.
I could also easily transfer to the area near my parents in a few years, if a desired job opened up in that regional office--once you're in this organization, you're in for life if you want to be.
The application period is very brief, and it is a government job, which means I am competing against someone who this job was created for. I think I have a shot at at least getting an interview, though!
I could also easily transfer to the area near my parents in a few years, if a desired job opened up in that regional office--once you're in this organization, you're in for life if you want to be.
The application period is very brief, and it is a government job, which means I am competing against someone who this job was created for. I think I have a shot at at least getting an interview, though!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Talk Anxiety
AGH! I do this EVERY TIME. I have to give a public lecture tonight and I'm freaking out. At least the freak out duration has diminished from weeks and weeks beforehand to the day of. :) I'm getting better at this kind of thing! I have about an hour and a half of freak out time left. I've practiced my talk twice today, I know what I am going to say, and this should be fun! It is what I love--educating the public about my topic of interest! And I get to speak in very simple terms because it is the public, and insert jokes to make people pay attention. I love doing that. :)
Mostly, the anxiety over the lay off situation--it isn't looking good that I'll find the other 50% of my salary--plus the anxiety of turning that higher up in and dealing with the ensuing confrontation is really not helping.
I do have many supporters who are willing to step up and speak out against him with me, though. That feels good. But I know my company will be torn even more in shambles than it already is if I go through with it. I just sort of feel like I need to say something. It's up to me, because everyone else has shied away from it and it keeps happening. Regardless of my lay off, he needs to be reported. And that is what is getting me through this.
Mostly, the anxiety over the lay off situation--it isn't looking good that I'll find the other 50% of my salary--plus the anxiety of turning that higher up in and dealing with the ensuing confrontation is really not helping.
I do have many supporters who are willing to step up and speak out against him with me, though. That feels good. But I know my company will be torn even more in shambles than it already is if I go through with it. I just sort of feel like I need to say something. It's up to me, because everyone else has shied away from it and it keeps happening. Regardless of my lay off, he needs to be reported. And that is what is getting me through this.
Submitting a Complaint when Being Laid Off
I still intend to submit my complaint form for the guy who harassed me earlier this year. It is tricky because he is in charge of the lay off!! Can you believe it? He is about the worst person to be in charge of this! I have to request that he is left out of this process. I have also asked three former employees to submit to the file, and they have agreed. There are two existing employees that may be willing to speak up, as well. Looks like it is up to me to spearhead this campaign against him...
Monday, March 19, 2012
Clarification
Sorry, I thought I had made it clear, but I haven't:
I won't be working for my company at all anymore, except maybe if they contract me out to do the lab work that I normally do for them as a part of my salary now. However, I am still keeping half of my job, if possible.
Confusing? Yes, I suppose it is. When you factor in that my favorite boss buys out half of my time from my company and she is based elsewhere, things get a little easier to understand. My fave boss still wants to keep me on for 50% of my salary. Unfortunately, I'm based at my company, where I have office space, a contract, a computer, and all of the perks that come with an actual full-time job. We are scrambling to figure out a way for me to still have office space etc., but not work for my company anymore at all. This could even mean that I even keep my office space in my company and nothing really changes except that I don't work for them. Weird, right? Why have an office in a company I don't work for anymore? Well, apparently space isn't an issue at my company's building, and we are all still University employees (the University owns my company and provides office space). I'll keep this updated as I figure this out.
I won't be working for my company at all anymore, except maybe if they contract me out to do the lab work that I normally do for them as a part of my salary now. However, I am still keeping half of my job, if possible.
Confusing? Yes, I suppose it is. When you factor in that my favorite boss buys out half of my time from my company and she is based elsewhere, things get a little easier to understand. My fave boss still wants to keep me on for 50% of my salary. Unfortunately, I'm based at my company, where I have office space, a contract, a computer, and all of the perks that come with an actual full-time job. We are scrambling to figure out a way for me to still have office space etc., but not work for my company anymore at all. This could even mean that I even keep my office space in my company and nothing really changes except that I don't work for them. Weird, right? Why have an office in a company I don't work for anymore? Well, apparently space isn't an issue at my company's building, and we are all still University employees (the University owns my company and provides office space). I'll keep this updated as I figure this out.
Applying for Unemployment
In NZ, it's colloquially referred to as the 'dole' but technically it is called the unemployment benefit. And I've applied. I've watched many of you overseas go through the lay off and benefit process, and it seems easy enough. I hope my frugal lifestyle and significant savings doesn't count against me; this article seems to imply it isn't means-tested--only incoming money counts, not prior savings. I wonder what will happen with my application, though: I will still have half of my job!
I don't expect to get much, but I'd rather apply and see what happens than not!
In the meantime, it is time (eek) for my emergency budget cut backs:
I need to live off of ~$1700 a month (including garage rental income and interest income from savings):
Rent has to stay the same ($840 most months).
Groceries need cutting: from $450 to $400. This is about $100 a week. This is my weakest area; I have cut this back as much as I possibly can in other months to no avail. $100 a week may well work, though.
Internet and Electricity are either on a contract or cut back as much as possible. I'm an electricity freak and turn absolutely everything off as much as possible. ($115/mo)
Eating Out can be cut from $150 to $125. I've been eating out a LOT lately so this will be a hard one. $31.25 a week.
Charity is cut from $50 to $25.
Cell phone stays at $40 a month. I have tried in other months to cut this back, as well.
Medical from $75 to $25. I hardly ever use this.
Misc. needs to be cut from $600 to $130. I will have to make do with what I have, seek cheap entertainment, and only buy essential household items. $32.50 a week.
Savings is cut from $500 to $0. Sorry, long-term savings! You must leave now.
IF there is any money left over at the end of the month, it will be saved. Of COURSE. But with only ~$1700, that is going to be rough. I live what I think is a very frugal, sensible life-style already. Not much to cut back on that I haven't already!
So the plan is to start living off of the weekly assessed amounts immediately. Luckily, March is a 3 paycheck month, so I'll end up with quite a significant leftover amount on March 31, and I'll still have a month of paychecks rolling in after that. Six weeks worth of savings, half-time employment, plus an extra paycheck will go a long way between May 1 and July 1, when the new financial year (e.g. new, increased budget for me) for my part-time work starts. Even after July 1, I can reasonably only expect up to 70% of my current salary to be covered by that part-time work project; I'll have to figure out another way to make up that 30% somehow. But I'll cross that bridge when I get to it...
Also, does anyone know what my contract means when it says annual leave time will be paid out using 8% of my current salary? I don't understand that at all. I am owed 99 hours of vacation time. My annual salary is $53,830. What am I owed per hour/day? What does that even mean?
I don't expect to get much, but I'd rather apply and see what happens than not!
In the meantime, it is time (eek) for my emergency budget cut backs:
I need to live off of ~$1700 a month (including garage rental income and interest income from savings):
Rent has to stay the same ($840 most months).
Groceries need cutting: from $450 to $400. This is about $100 a week. This is my weakest area; I have cut this back as much as I possibly can in other months to no avail. $100 a week may well work, though.
Internet and Electricity are either on a contract or cut back as much as possible. I'm an electricity freak and turn absolutely everything off as much as possible. ($115/mo)
Eating Out can be cut from $150 to $125. I've been eating out a LOT lately so this will be a hard one. $31.25 a week.
Charity is cut from $50 to $25.
Cell phone stays at $40 a month. I have tried in other months to cut this back, as well.
Medical from $75 to $25. I hardly ever use this.
Misc. needs to be cut from $600 to $130. I will have to make do with what I have, seek cheap entertainment, and only buy essential household items. $32.50 a week.
Savings is cut from $500 to $0. Sorry, long-term savings! You must leave now.
IF there is any money left over at the end of the month, it will be saved. Of COURSE. But with only ~$1700, that is going to be rough. I live what I think is a very frugal, sensible life-style already. Not much to cut back on that I haven't already!
So the plan is to start living off of the weekly assessed amounts immediately. Luckily, March is a 3 paycheck month, so I'll end up with quite a significant leftover amount on March 31, and I'll still have a month of paychecks rolling in after that. Six weeks worth of savings, half-time employment, plus an extra paycheck will go a long way between May 1 and July 1, when the new financial year (e.g. new, increased budget for me) for my part-time work starts. Even after July 1, I can reasonably only expect up to 70% of my current salary to be covered by that part-time work project; I'll have to figure out another way to make up that 30% somehow. But I'll cross that bridge when I get to it...
Also, does anyone know what my contract means when it says annual leave time will be paid out using 8% of my current salary? I don't understand that at all. I am owed 99 hours of vacation time. My annual salary is $53,830. What am I owed per hour/day? What does that even mean?
Saturday, March 17, 2012
The (Only) One Where I Let Myself Whine (Or, My Lay Off Story)
Getting laid off is a feeling like no other that I have experienced. I can only liken it to a relationship break up, but one where you are not allowed to show any emotion whatsoever about the ordeal, and somehow the other person has a million dates and immediately moves on from you like you never existed. Oh, and you have to teach other people how to make your ex happy so that they can replace you. Meanwhile, you are wondering, Was it me? Did I do something that horrible? Did I have bad breath? Did my hair get flat? Stumble into some bad lighting?
Even with all of my preparations and confidence and gusto about what great things a change could bring, as the days passed, I just grew more and more nervous about what was to happen. Was I getting laid off? Did I want to get laid off? What if I am not laid off? What are my chances? My gut was telling me firmly that I was, but through it all, my naive denial program kept running in the back of my head to assure my ever growing concerns: Maybe it won't be me! Maybe it isn't as serious as it seems! I am probably worrying for nothing...
My company DID NOT HELP with this. Everything they said until the Tuesday meeting was completely ambiguous. Only on Tuesday did they announce that lay offs were to happen. And even then, they emphasized over and over that this was only a 'proposed' situation. No positions or numbers were given, so everyone went into panic-mode. People from the umbrella company that owns us (technically, they are HR but I haven't seen them since the first day I got the job!) sat in the back and my director had to follow a very strict script.
Even today, as I received my termination letter, it says 'proposed' changes. Puh-leaze. I have a confession to make here: someone left a 2012 salary list on the printer on Feb. 10. My salary was listed as $0 for 2012 on it. If that isn't a 'final decision,' I don't know what is! There really is no room for negotiations. None. I am laid off, and it sucks. (On that list, they have the wrong salary for me and also I was the only one with $0 by my name, so I was hoping it was a mistake copy...it concerned me but at that time they were not talking lay offs.)
So here's how I found out that I was laid off:
We gathered for an emergency staff meeting on Friday, three days after we heard that there would be layoffs. The day before, the director had spoken with me directly but just reiterated that there would be layoffs. (I guess that was supposed to be a sign?) At the staff meeting, the director of the company spoke about how sad he was to let people go, and then said that everything we wanted to know was contained in one slide. He showed the slide, and it had position titles along with what was happening to each, arranged in a hierarchy. The problem is, several people in the company have the same titles, but some of them were let go and some were not. So my two officemates, for example, have the same title, but one was being laid off and the other wasn't. They had no way to tell between the two. It was horrible to a) find out that way (for people who immediately identified their position) and b) NOT find out that way (for those whom it was ambiguous). In front of everyone, each person was working out who went to which position and who was fired and who was staying. And looking for their reaction. And then, to decrease morale even more, they said that more layoffs were likely to happen in 3-6 months. They also fed us ridiculous info like there would be interviews for the positions where one person out of the group was getting laid off. This turned out to be totally false.
The only way we REALLY knew what was happening was when we got our letters at the end of the day--everyone got one, even the staff who weren't laid off.
This is the most unprofessional and confusing lay off I've ever heard of.
More kickers:
The guy I got hired? He is staying instead of me. Of course. Not his fault, but clearly they aren't making decisions based on qualifications.
My great uncle died Wednesday. We were quite close. He and my grandpa (his brother) were easily the coolest, wisest, and funniest people I've ever had the pleasure of hanging out with. The world is a worse place without him.
And my XBF and Cheaterette? Well, they got married a few days ago, I found out today. I didn't expect that kind of news to affect me at all; I feel nothing for him now, except slight disgust and a vague 'WhyTF was I ever with him' questioning feeling. But it feels ...weird. WE were talking marriage at one point. Maybe it is because their happiness caused me pain and I think that is karmically unfair? I don't know...
Triple Whammy Week.
OK, end of rant/whine. Time to move on! But give me a few days...it may take me a while to stop being annoying. Not as long as it might have taken, though: a huge group of friends took me out to drinks after work, and I had a slew of phone calls and messages from people offering their support. Where it matters, I am very lucky.
Even with all of my preparations and confidence and gusto about what great things a change could bring, as the days passed, I just grew more and more nervous about what was to happen. Was I getting laid off? Did I want to get laid off? What if I am not laid off? What are my chances? My gut was telling me firmly that I was, but through it all, my naive denial program kept running in the back of my head to assure my ever growing concerns: Maybe it won't be me! Maybe it isn't as serious as it seems! I am probably worrying for nothing...
My company DID NOT HELP with this. Everything they said until the Tuesday meeting was completely ambiguous. Only on Tuesday did they announce that lay offs were to happen. And even then, they emphasized over and over that this was only a 'proposed' situation. No positions or numbers were given, so everyone went into panic-mode. People from the umbrella company that owns us (technically, they are HR but I haven't seen them since the first day I got the job!) sat in the back and my director had to follow a very strict script.
Even today, as I received my termination letter, it says 'proposed' changes. Puh-leaze. I have a confession to make here: someone left a 2012 salary list on the printer on Feb. 10. My salary was listed as $0 for 2012 on it. If that isn't a 'final decision,' I don't know what is! There really is no room for negotiations. None. I am laid off, and it sucks. (On that list, they have the wrong salary for me and also I was the only one with $0 by my name, so I was hoping it was a mistake copy...it concerned me but at that time they were not talking lay offs.)
So here's how I found out that I was laid off:
We gathered for an emergency staff meeting on Friday, three days after we heard that there would be layoffs. The day before, the director had spoken with me directly but just reiterated that there would be layoffs. (I guess that was supposed to be a sign?) At the staff meeting, the director of the company spoke about how sad he was to let people go, and then said that everything we wanted to know was contained in one slide. He showed the slide, and it had position titles along with what was happening to each, arranged in a hierarchy. The problem is, several people in the company have the same titles, but some of them were let go and some were not. So my two officemates, for example, have the same title, but one was being laid off and the other wasn't. They had no way to tell between the two. It was horrible to a) find out that way (for people who immediately identified their position) and b) NOT find out that way (for those whom it was ambiguous). In front of everyone, each person was working out who went to which position and who was fired and who was staying. And looking for their reaction. And then, to decrease morale even more, they said that more layoffs were likely to happen in 3-6 months. They also fed us ridiculous info like there would be interviews for the positions where one person out of the group was getting laid off. This turned out to be totally false.
The only way we REALLY knew what was happening was when we got our letters at the end of the day--everyone got one, even the staff who weren't laid off.
This is the most unprofessional and confusing lay off I've ever heard of.
More kickers:
The guy I got hired? He is staying instead of me. Of course. Not his fault, but clearly they aren't making decisions based on qualifications.
My great uncle died Wednesday. We were quite close. He and my grandpa (his brother) were easily the coolest, wisest, and funniest people I've ever had the pleasure of hanging out with. The world is a worse place without him.
And my XBF and Cheaterette? Well, they got married a few days ago, I found out today. I didn't expect that kind of news to affect me at all; I feel nothing for him now, except slight disgust and a vague 'WhyTF was I ever with him' questioning feeling. But it feels ...weird. WE were talking marriage at one point. Maybe it is because their happiness caused me pain and I think that is karmically unfair? I don't know...
Triple Whammy Week.
OK, end of rant/whine. Time to move on! But give me a few days...it may take me a while to stop being annoying. Not as long as it might have taken, though: a huge group of friends took me out to drinks after work, and I had a slew of phone calls and messages from people offering their support. Where it matters, I am very lucky.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
It Hitteth the Fan
Yup. It's time. Contingency plans are in place. Official word is handed down tomorrow. Good Boss warned me of the potential outcome, but all is still very unclear; it all depends on Bad Boss's reaction to the news. Good Boss reiterated my options and assured me that she'd do everything she can to keep me, but she doesn't have the money for my salary gathered up yet. She promised a raise if I stayed and if she could swing it; I'd be doing the work of 3 people if I did!
I'm ready.
ETA: Friday is the day now. Tuesday was just the 'by the way, people are getting laid off' meeting. Legally, they have to do this. I'm writing a post on how people are laid off in NZ based on my experiences...
I'm ready.
ETA: Friday is the day now. Tuesday was just the 'by the way, people are getting laid off' meeting. Legally, they have to do this. I'm writing a post on how people are laid off in NZ based on my experiences...
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Hmmm...
I met a nice girl through an acquaintance, and we (the girl and I) have been hanging out without the acquaintance. Now the acquaintance is sort of wondering (after seeing the evidence of our hang out sessions on facebook) when we saw each other and it is getting awkward. The girl invited me to her birthday a few months ago (the acquaintance didn't show up) and we've been hanging out off and on randomly ever since, mostly at mutual friends' shindigs where the acquaintance isn't invited. I personally haven't invited the acquaintance to anything, and frankly, I don't enjoy her company as much as I like her friend's. The acquaintance hasn't contacted me at all in about 8 months, the last time I saw her was when she brought over the girl to a party of mine. Now the acquaintance is wanting to hang out, since she sees that her friend and I are getting along and doing fun stuff together. I will start inviting her to stuff, I suppose, but what else should I have done? I probably would feel the same way if I were her, but I kind of find the acquaintance annoying...I am not sure what to do, except the polite thing!
Thursday, March 08, 2012
Brand New or Tried and Tested?
For some items, it just makes financial sense to purchase a used version. Cars, for example. You can do some research and decide on the safest/most reliable make/model of a certain year to try to find a used version of it, paying much less but still getting a great product with some life left in it.
For other items, like small electronic gadgets, it just makes more financial sense to buy a newer model. Most of the time, the older models are actually just as expensive because they haven't been making them for a while. They also don't have up-to-date features, so you're coming out behind. Mp3 players, and digital cameras fall into this category.
As someone who has never cared about having a nice looking or up to date cell phone (I got my first one in 2005), I have no experience with trying to buy one--I always got the free one that came with my cell phone plan in the US, and I've used a very old one in NZ. It just makes calls and texts, that's it. And I've always been fine with it...
Until now. I get lost so much, I see the need for GPS. I also need to be more organized, and I am very interested in some of the apps out there that can help with to-do lists and such (I use paper and pen). Gosh, I sound like I am ninety!
With a smartphone, I'm not sure what to do--which category does it fall into?! Buy a tried and tested used model, or a newer phone with a good reputation? My gut tells me that it is more like a digital camera or mp3 player (since it contains these items), but I am not sure. There are so many factors...
A used iPhone 4 is about the same price as a new Samsung Focus. The Samsung was voted one of the best phones and has had stellar reviews on all the sites I've looked at. The iPhone 4 also has its proponents, of course.
Then there are the operating systems. And app availability. I am just so confused, but at least I've now narrowed the options down to two. :)
So, weigh in, please! Which category (new vs used) do smartphones fall into? And which would YOU buy?
For other items, like small electronic gadgets, it just makes more financial sense to buy a newer model. Most of the time, the older models are actually just as expensive because they haven't been making them for a while. They also don't have up-to-date features, so you're coming out behind. Mp3 players, and digital cameras fall into this category.
As someone who has never cared about having a nice looking or up to date cell phone (I got my first one in 2005), I have no experience with trying to buy one--I always got the free one that came with my cell phone plan in the US, and I've used a very old one in NZ. It just makes calls and texts, that's it. And I've always been fine with it...
Until now. I get lost so much, I see the need for GPS. I also need to be more organized, and I am very interested in some of the apps out there that can help with to-do lists and such (I use paper and pen). Gosh, I sound like I am ninety!
With a smartphone, I'm not sure what to do--which category does it fall into?! Buy a tried and tested used model, or a newer phone with a good reputation? My gut tells me that it is more like a digital camera or mp3 player (since it contains these items), but I am not sure. There are so many factors...
A used iPhone 4 is about the same price as a new Samsung Focus. The Samsung was voted one of the best phones and has had stellar reviews on all the sites I've looked at. The iPhone 4 also has its proponents, of course.
Then there are the operating systems. And app availability. I am just so confused, but at least I've now narrowed the options down to two. :)
So, weigh in, please! Which category (new vs used) do smartphones fall into? And which would YOU buy?
Monday, March 05, 2012
Emergency Exit
In my line of work, there is much emphasis on emergency planning. If disaster struck, how would you cope? Where is your flashlight? Do you have extra water, food, matches? Access to radio? How would you fare?
I kind of feel like I need to do that for my professional life now. What if the worst happens? What is my back up plan and what can I do to prepare?
I think I've done as much as I can if my job ends next month. I feel like I am pretty well set.
Am I done with NZ? Well, in a way, yes. I feel like I have covered my main goals of living here: I've traveled extensively around NZ--to the point where I never want to do the Milford Sound cruise again in my lifetime!--and covered Australia to a great degree, as well. There are a few trips that would be nice to take: back to Vanuatu, to Rarotonga, Tonga, Perth, Bali, etc., hike Taranaki and Ruapehu's summits, maybe do a backpacking trip or three, but those are icing on the cake. So I've fulfilled my travel goals. I've met people from all different backgrounds, and made some amazing international friends. I've now experienced living in a different country, and know really well what I now appreciate and will never take for granted about the US, as well as seen our flaws in gawping detail, to the point where I almost do not want to go back. However, it is home, and forever will be, until I find a place that feels the same as it does.
As for my career, well...I don't quite feel like I am done yet, but I have grown so much personally along with professionally! It took dangling the carrot of my awesome job to pull myself out of myself: I went from not being able to speak in meetings to running them. I now volunteer for speaking gigs, and am regularly asked to present public lectures. I went from being scared to stand out to being interviewed on television, from happily staying behind the scenes to semi-confidently running my own projects. Already, I have accomplished so much. Much of it was in me already, it just took having great role models, the opportunities, and really, really loving my job to pull the courage out of me. If these opportunities had been offered to me outside of my job, I would never have done them. There are several areas that I need experience in and to work on, and I was to start knocking them out this year. Beyond that, I have to start specializing and gain more experience running my own little projects, which will certainly get bigger and bigger, as well as getting my own funding. I wonder if I could pick up where I left off in the US...? Am I there yet? Gut tells me no, but I'm close.
So if this is where the road ends, so be it. I have gotten the most I could out of this experience and am well prepared for whatever comes next. Bring it!
I kind of feel like I need to do that for my professional life now. What if the worst happens? What is my back up plan and what can I do to prepare?
I think I've done as much as I can if my job ends next month. I feel like I am pretty well set.
- I have an emergency fund of $10K plus ~$20K more to use from other funds in NZ.
- Within NZ, I have two other options on the table:
- get a PhD (last resort)
- try to move over to a job with my favorite boss
- If I can't do either of those options, I see absolutely no point in living in NZ. I have also prepared for this possibility:
- I have $4K+ USD to use to move everything over and start a new life in the States. Plus I have ~$30K NZD to transfer over and a Roth fund already saved up for my first year that I am eligible to contribute.
- The last 3 weeks of my rent is paid for already.
- I should get some $$ in paid time off.
- I don't own any furniture or anything permanent in NZ. No need to move most of my belongings with me.
- Flights home to the US are taken care of by my airpoints.
- I can stay at my parents' home in the US until I find a job in the city I want to move to, ~3 hours away.
- My parents would let me borrow their extra car until I find a new one.
- I can buy short term emergency health insurance in the interim.
- I have kept my resume up to date for years (I get excited about adding all of my new skills to it!).
Am I done with NZ? Well, in a way, yes. I feel like I have covered my main goals of living here: I've traveled extensively around NZ--to the point where I never want to do the Milford Sound cruise again in my lifetime!--and covered Australia to a great degree, as well. There are a few trips that would be nice to take: back to Vanuatu, to Rarotonga, Tonga, Perth, Bali, etc., hike Taranaki and Ruapehu's summits, maybe do a backpacking trip or three, but those are icing on the cake. So I've fulfilled my travel goals. I've met people from all different backgrounds, and made some amazing international friends. I've now experienced living in a different country, and know really well what I now appreciate and will never take for granted about the US, as well as seen our flaws in gawping detail, to the point where I almost do not want to go back. However, it is home, and forever will be, until I find a place that feels the same as it does.
As for my career, well...I don't quite feel like I am done yet, but I have grown so much personally along with professionally! It took dangling the carrot of my awesome job to pull myself out of myself: I went from not being able to speak in meetings to running them. I now volunteer for speaking gigs, and am regularly asked to present public lectures. I went from being scared to stand out to being interviewed on television, from happily staying behind the scenes to semi-confidently running my own projects. Already, I have accomplished so much. Much of it was in me already, it just took having great role models, the opportunities, and really, really loving my job to pull the courage out of me. If these opportunities had been offered to me outside of my job, I would never have done them. There are several areas that I need experience in and to work on, and I was to start knocking them out this year. Beyond that, I have to start specializing and gain more experience running my own little projects, which will certainly get bigger and bigger, as well as getting my own funding. I wonder if I could pick up where I left off in the US...? Am I there yet? Gut tells me no, but I'm close.
So if this is where the road ends, so be it. I have gotten the most I could out of this experience and am well prepared for whatever comes next. Bring it!
Saturday, March 03, 2012
Goal Update, Take Two
Lots of activity going on over there on the sidebar...here's a synopsis:
Long-Term Funds:
Since I finished my Roth IRA Fund (pending in March; deposit has yet to go through, but I'm calling it since the amount that I have saved up is more than enough for $5K USD), I decided to save up $3K more for my Vanguard non-retirement investment account. I've changed up how my $500/mo is portioned out from March onwards, though:
Short-Term Funds Updates:
To make life easier later, I have to document a few things:
Long-Term Funds:
- My Roth IRA Fund was converted to $5K USD (it took $6,082 NZD).
- My Vanguard Fund was converted to $3K USD (it took $3,671.38 NZD).
- Leftovers from each fund ($7K NZD and $4K NZD, respectively, were allocated to other funds (see below).
Since I finished my Roth IRA Fund (pending in March; deposit has yet to go through, but I'm calling it since the amount that I have saved up is more than enough for $5K USD), I decided to save up $3K more for my Vanguard non-retirement investment account. I've changed up how my $500/mo is portioned out from March onwards, though:
- $200/mo to Vanguard fund
- $150/mo each to my House Down Payment and Europe trip funds.
Short-Term Funds Updates:
- My Life Upgrade fund was filled by cobbling together money from various sources:
- $353.12 from CD interest, matured in Feb.
- $610.83 from leftover income in Feb.
- $207.43 from leftover Roth NZD after converting $7K NZD to $5K USD (yay, current conversion rates!)
- $328.62 from leftover Vanguard NZD after converting $4K NZD to $3K USD (ditto)
- My 2013 US Trip fund got a tiny kickstart ($30.50) from interest on my savings account in Feb.
My new $3K Vanguard Fund was kickstarted with the rest of the Roth IRA leftovers (minus a bit to finish the Life Upgrade Fund, see below). It now has $794.62 in it (no, the math doesn't add up--I should only have $770.57, but I have an extra $24.05, which may be from January interest or something??? Not questioning free money, I just don't know where it came from...
To make life easier later, I have to document a few things:
- I saved $610.83 from Feb overage
- I made $353.12 in CD interest and
- I made $30.50 in savings account interest in Feb.
Friday, March 02, 2012
The Post Where I Turn to Dave Ramsey for Guidance
A long, long time ago, I found one of D. Ramsey's baby steps listed out on another blog somewhere, and took it and modified it a bit to suit my own situation. It's time for a revision, because I am plumb out of new financial goals. I will continue to work on my long-term funds, of course (Europe/House Downpayment/$100K non-retirement investment goals), but what else should I be doing?? Am I on track?
Here's the list again, and where I am today:
0.1: Commit to NEVER borrow $$$ EVER for ANYTHING other than possibly a house. Check!
0.2: Talk with spouse and get him/her on the same page as you concerning finances. N/A
0.3 Do a written budget. Check!
0.4 Temporarily stop all retirement contributions. (I don't necessarily agree with this strategy.) N/A
0.5 Get current on all the basics (You MUST have Food, Utilities, Shelter, Basic Transportation). Check!
0.6 Amputate "toys" (bikes, boats, ATV's etc) if they will keep you from completing the snowball within 12 months. N/A
0.7 Cut lifestyle (Cut CATV, Cellphone, Regular phone "extras", Internet, Eating out, etc) and/or take second job if $1000 EF will take more than 30-90 days. (depending on income) N/A
0.8 Get current on ALL bills. N/A
1.0 Save $1000 In baby Emergency Fund. (This should take no longer than 3 months.) Check!
1.1 Chop up CC's. (You have an EF now, no NEED to keep those CC's !!) (I don't agree with this for everyone; I've gotten WAY more out of my cc's than I've paid out.) N/A
1.2 Get Health insurance NOW (chances of getting sick w/ major medical bills are larger than that of death), especially if you have children. N/A in NZ.
1.3 Get Life insurance NOW if you have considerable debt/your family couldn't make it financially if you died. Especially important if you have children !! Social Insecurity provides only a small amount of coverage if you have dependents. Check--application sent!
1.4 Amputate cars that you can't pay off within 24 months (You have an EF to fix the "bondo buggy" if something should happen) N/A
1.5 Consider raising insurance deductables to $500 or $1000 and dropping full coverage on paid for "bondo buggy" (You have an EF ya know) N/A
1.6 Draw up a will. Check!
1.7 Get Long-Term Disability insurance. Check--application sent!
2.0 Do debt snowball, paying all your debts from lowest BALANCE to highest.(This step should take no longer than 2 years.) N/A
2.1: You can take your first vacation since finding Dave if you can pay cash for it (no using the EF !!!) N/A
3.0 Save 3-6 months EXPENSES in EF. Check!
3.1 Start car replacement fund. N/A
3.2.1.5 Save up for wedding or extended Europe trip. I added this step because it is a priority in my life, and I want to take the Europe trip in the next couple of years--before buying a house. CURRENT GOAL
3.2 Save up 20% for home purchase OR pay down existing mortgage to the point you can drop PMI. CURRENT GOAL
3.3 Start furniture or other non-essential stuff replacement fund. I'd probably temporarily switch 3.2 and 3.3 once I officially decide to buy a house, since 3.3 would be such a small amount compared to 3.2.
3.4 Move up in car if you still feel the need to (must pay cash for it). N/A
4.0 Start contributing 15% of your paycheck to retirement. Check! (I'd change this to MAX out retirement once everything above is completed.)
5.0 Save for kids college fund. N/A
6.0 Pay off house early.
7.0 Live like no one else since you have lived like no one else. -- Give & Build Wealth.
Current Savings/Funds:
$10K EF (NZD)
$3.8K Move to US Fund (USD)
$3K 2012 US Trip (NZD)
$100 2013 US Trip (NZD) (Incomplete)
$2K Travel Slush Fund (NZD)
$2K Insurances Fund (NZD)
$3K Non-retirement Investment Fund (USD)
$1.5 Life Upgrade Fund (NZD)
$7K Future Roth Fund (NZD) (contributed 8% per month; goal will be completed in March 2012)
$2.3K House Downpayment Fund (NZD) (Incomplete; contribute 3% per month)
$2.3K Europe Travel Fund (NZD) (Incomplete; contribute 3% per month)
$7K Kiwisaver (NZ Retirement) (NZD) (contribute 4% per month including the max employer match of 2%)
$6K US retirement (Roth/Traditional IRAs) (USD) CANNOT contribute as I live in NZ
The only other short-term fund ideas for 2012 I have are to save up if I want to get my PhD, for a car in the US, and other expenses for my move to the US eventually. Every other step here is completed or in the works. It will take me decades to save up enough for a Europe trip/wedding, a house downpayment, and $100K in non-retirement investments at my salary level. I may as well continue on the path I'm going on, slightly increasing my annual contributions to my long-term savings goals each year, esp. since my short-term goals seem to be completed fairly quickly.
Other ideas:Health. This is definitely the main area to tackle, and it will take a lot of money. I want to take tennis lessons. I want to continue to have a gym membership, even after my 100-day Grabone deal expires. I want to see a therapist. I want to visit more doctors about my thyroid/adrenals. I say I am going to do this every year, but have yet to put forth a serious effort into it. Maybe now that I have access to a car it will be feasible.
Social. I want to join more clubs to make more friends and date more.
Appearance. I want to dress and look more of my age (33) than 23. I think that will help with work and getting respect. LASIK may help. I'm revisiting this idea.
Travel. I want to visit more S. Pacific islands, Perth, and hike/ski/snowboard in many more places in NZ.
What do I want? I wish someone could tell me!
Here's the list again, and where I am today:
0.1: Commit to NEVER borrow $$$ EVER for ANYTHING other than possibly a house. Check!
0.2: Talk with spouse and get him/her on the same page as you concerning finances. N/A
0.3 Do a written budget. Check!
0.4 Temporarily stop all retirement contributions. (I don't necessarily agree with this strategy.) N/A
0.5 Get current on all the basics (You MUST have Food, Utilities, Shelter, Basic Transportation). Check!
0.6 Amputate "toys" (bikes, boats, ATV's etc) if they will keep you from completing the snowball within 12 months. N/A
0.7 Cut lifestyle (Cut CATV, Cellphone, Regular phone "extras", Internet, Eating out, etc) and/or take second job if $1000 EF will take more than 30-90 days. (depending on income) N/A
0.8 Get current on ALL bills. N/A
1.0 Save $1000 In baby Emergency Fund. (This should take no longer than 3 months.) Check!
1.1 Chop up CC's. (You have an EF now, no NEED to keep those CC's !!) (I don't agree with this for everyone; I've gotten WAY more out of my cc's than I've paid out.) N/A
1.2 Get Health insurance NOW (chances of getting sick w/ major medical bills are larger than that of death), especially if you have children. N/A in NZ.
1.3 Get Life insurance NOW if you have considerable debt/your family couldn't make it financially if you died. Especially important if you have children !! Social Insecurity provides only a small amount of coverage if you have dependents. Check--application sent!
1.4 Amputate cars that you can't pay off within 24 months (You have an EF to fix the "bondo buggy" if something should happen) N/A
1.5 Consider raising insurance deductables to $500 or $1000 and dropping full coverage on paid for "bondo buggy" (You have an EF ya know) N/A
1.6 Draw up a will. Check!
1.7 Get Long-Term Disability insurance. Check--application sent!
2.0 Do debt snowball, paying all your debts from lowest BALANCE to highest.(This step should take no longer than 2 years.) N/A
2.1: You can take your first vacation since finding Dave if you can pay cash for it (no using the EF !!!) N/A
3.0 Save 3-6 months EXPENSES in EF. Check!
3.1 Start car replacement fund. N/A
3.2.1.5 Save up for wedding or extended Europe trip. I added this step because it is a priority in my life, and I want to take the Europe trip in the next couple of years--before buying a house. CURRENT GOAL
3.2 Save up 20% for home purchase OR pay down existing mortgage to the point you can drop PMI. CURRENT GOAL
3.3 Start furniture or other non-essential stuff replacement fund. I'd probably temporarily switch 3.2 and 3.3 once I officially decide to buy a house, since 3.3 would be such a small amount compared to 3.2.
3.4 Move up in car if you still feel the need to (must pay cash for it). N/A
4.0 Start contributing 15% of your paycheck to retirement. Check! (I'd change this to MAX out retirement once everything above is completed.)
5.0 Save for kids college fund. N/A
6.0 Pay off house early.
7.0 Live like no one else since you have lived like no one else. -- Give & Build Wealth.
Current Savings/Funds:
$10K EF (NZD)
$3.8K Move to US Fund (USD)
$3K 2012 US Trip (NZD)
$100 2013 US Trip (NZD) (Incomplete)
$2K Travel Slush Fund (NZD)
$2K Insurances Fund (NZD)
$3K Non-retirement Investment Fund (USD)
$1.5 Life Upgrade Fund (NZD)
$7K Future Roth Fund (NZD) (contributed 8% per month; goal will be completed in March 2012)
$2.3K House Downpayment Fund (NZD) (Incomplete; contribute 3% per month)
$2.3K Europe Travel Fund (NZD) (Incomplete; contribute 3% per month)
$7K Kiwisaver (NZ Retirement) (NZD) (contribute 4% per month including the max employer match of 2%)
$6K US retirement (Roth/Traditional IRAs) (USD) CANNOT contribute as I live in NZ
The only other short-term fund ideas for 2012 I have are to save up if I want to get my PhD, for a car in the US, and other expenses for my move to the US eventually. Every other step here is completed or in the works. It will take me decades to save up enough for a Europe trip/wedding, a house downpayment, and $100K in non-retirement investments at my salary level. I may as well continue on the path I'm going on, slightly increasing my annual contributions to my long-term savings goals each year, esp. since my short-term goals seem to be completed fairly quickly.
Other ideas:Health. This is definitely the main area to tackle, and it will take a lot of money. I want to take tennis lessons. I want to continue to have a gym membership, even after my 100-day Grabone deal expires. I want to see a therapist. I want to visit more doctors about my thyroid/adrenals. I say I am going to do this every year, but have yet to put forth a serious effort into it. Maybe now that I have access to a car it will be feasible.
Social. I want to join more clubs to make more friends and date more.
Appearance. I want to dress and look more of my age (33) than 23. I think that will help with work and getting respect. LASIK may help. I'm revisiting this idea.
Travel. I want to visit more S. Pacific islands, Perth, and hike/ski/snowboard in many more places in NZ.
What do I want? I wish someone could tell me!
Thursday, March 01, 2012
March Already
Gah! Where does the time go? On the other hand, I've been wishing it to be March for several months now. I was way too busy in February.
Budget roundup:
I spent a lot...I KNOW. Sheez. Somehow, though, it came in under budget. I'm grateful for that.
Rent: $840. Lovely that it is so boring.
Groceries: $443.95. Oof, almost to the limit. Shameful since I spent so much on eating out.
Internet: $40.50. Have a great two-year deal for 30 GB/mo.
Electric: $53.97. I love it when it is warm enough to not have to use the heater.
Eating Out: $181.57. Let's skip over this one, shall we? I had a good time. A-hem.
Charity: $55.85. To the Heart Association and Drop in the Bucket.
Cell phone: $111.24. My skype subscription was renewed. This is probably actually a lot higher, I had to make oodles of calls during the conference I was organizing, but I was so busy I probably never recorded it...will add it to next month's tally.
Medical: $0
Misc: $475.31. I joined City Hop for $130. Paid $33 for a haircut and eyebrow threading (!). $47.50 on ingredients to make deadly White Russians, and $9.50 for one cider at a bar (!!), $53.30 on entertainment (tix to see a play, downloading music from Amazon, got some new records). Bought night cream to keep my face fresh and smooth, lotion to hydrate my skin, and a bunch of stuff for the apartment: a canvas of the beach, a vase, a box to hold records, new placemats, screwdrivers for my laptop.$77 in taxis and busfare.
Long-term Savings: $500 as usual. Love it. It means that I actually only live off of about $2200 a month, and it feels quite manageable, even lavish at times (don't tell my bosses that, though!). :)
Income: $3,313.22. Made $45 from renting my garage to my roommate (or rather, she is paying for its use).
Outgoing: $2,702.39
Difference (to save to short-term goals): $610.83
I also earned $352.12 when two CD's matured. That will be used to finish off my Life Upgrade Fund! As an aside, it is wonderful to see such progress compared to my long-term goals, where I'm lucky if I see a 1% movement in a month's time.
That is my last official financial goal for the year. I have to start thinking of more more more short-term goals. Maybe it's time to bring back the LASIK Fund? Never fear, there are always more wants to Want.
Budget roundup:
| Feb 2012 Budget | ||
| Category | Spent | Budgeted Amount |
| Rent | $840.00 | $840.00 |
| Groceries | $443.95 | $450.00 |
| Internet | $40.50 | $70.00 |
| Electricity | $53.97 | $115.00 |
| Eating Out | $181.57 | $100.00 |
| Charity | $55.85 | $50.00 |
| Cell phone | $111.24 | $80.00 |
| Medical | $0.00 | $65.00 |
| Misc | $475.31 | $550.00 |
| Savings | $500.00 | $500.00 |
| Total | $2,702.39 | $2,820.00 |
I spent a lot...I KNOW. Sheez. Somehow, though, it came in under budget. I'm grateful for that.
Rent: $840. Lovely that it is so boring.
Groceries: $443.95. Oof, almost to the limit. Shameful since I spent so much on eating out.
Internet: $40.50. Have a great two-year deal for 30 GB/mo.
Electric: $53.97. I love it when it is warm enough to not have to use the heater.
Eating Out: $181.57. Let's skip over this one, shall we? I had a good time. A-hem.
Charity: $55.85. To the Heart Association and Drop in the Bucket.
Cell phone: $111.24. My skype subscription was renewed. This is probably actually a lot higher, I had to make oodles of calls during the conference I was organizing, but I was so busy I probably never recorded it...will add it to next month's tally.
Medical: $0
Misc: $475.31. I joined City Hop for $130. Paid $33 for a haircut and eyebrow threading (!). $47.50 on ingredients to make deadly White Russians, and $9.50 for one cider at a bar (!!), $53.30 on entertainment (tix to see a play, downloading music from Amazon, got some new records). Bought night cream to keep my face fresh and smooth, lotion to hydrate my skin, and a bunch of stuff for the apartment: a canvas of the beach, a vase, a box to hold records, new placemats, screwdrivers for my laptop.$77 in taxis and busfare.
Long-term Savings: $500 as usual. Love it. It means that I actually only live off of about $2200 a month, and it feels quite manageable, even lavish at times (don't tell my bosses that, though!). :)
Income: $3,313.22. Made $45 from renting my garage to my roommate (or rather, she is paying for its use).
Outgoing: $2,702.39
Difference (to save to short-term goals): $610.83
I also earned $352.12 when two CD's matured. That will be used to finish off my Life Upgrade Fund! As an aside, it is wonderful to see such progress compared to my long-term goals, where I'm lucky if I see a 1% movement in a month's time.
That is my last official financial goal for the year. I have to start thinking of more more more short-term goals. Maybe it's time to bring back the LASIK Fund? Never fear, there are always more wants to Want.
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