shoestring

I love my job. Unfortunately, it doesn’t pay that well. There have been times when I’ve considered looking for something else, but the costs far outweigh the benefits. I cannot put a price tag on my freedom (and the ability to ride my bike to work).

Life has become a series of compromises...learning new ways to get by with less...giving thoughtful consideration to the things I need vs the things I want.

A couple weeks ago my coffee grinder broke. I wanted to buy a fancy new one. Doing so wouldn’t afford me much wiggle room for the remainder of the month, but I went ahead and ordered it anyway. Then, I remembered my Father’s birthday and it was promptly returned. Thankfully, one of my clients at the gym had a used one she no longer needed. That will suit me just fine

I wish I could say that good coffee if overrated, but the truth is that it isn’t.

Maybe next month...

The grass is (not) always greener

Last month, I was presented with a job opportunity. The hourly rate was significantly more than what I currently make and the facility was brand new. Taking into consideration the fact that one of my part-time jobs will be drawing to a close at the end of June, it seemed like the perfect fit.

Seemed.

So I went ahead and switched things around at my current jobs to accommodate the new position. I was excited by the prospect of better pay, a clean slate, and the chance to apply some of the things I have been learning in class.

And here I am, on the other side...but the grass is not greener here...in fact, there is no grass at all. The new facility is barren and the atmosphere is dead. 

Money isn’t everything. There is something to be said for having the ability to commute to work by bike, a welcoming environment and friendly faces who are appreciative of you, even if the pay is less.

Thankfully, that was the mindset I had from the start, making certain I did not burn any bridges along the way as I set out to explore the other side.

twelve dollars an hour

On Friday, a sales manager who works for the personal training company that operates out of the gym accosted me. I was a bit ticked off by her blatant disregard for the fact that I was in the middle of a set. I heard her out, but when I started talking about fast and slow twitch muscles, there was a blank look on her face. “Listen” I said, “I could probably work for you.” Then she asked me if I wanted a job. The regional sales manager, who does all of the hiring, was visiting for the day and gave me an interview on the spot. I passed with flying colors!

He told me that the hourly rate to start was twelve dollars. Then he went on to say that rate would increase with additional certifications and more experience. I said that twelve dollars an hour was fine and that I would be happy making that. I told him that I was able to live on about $10,000 a year. He was puzzled. “Ten thousand dollars? How do you live? I mean, what do you do?” He went on to add that when he made $50,000 a year, his next goal was to make $75,000 and then it was $100,000. He was always chasing. For him, success directly translated into how much money he made each year and obviously, it was never enough.

I have heard about people like this. I’ve talked, in theory, about people who are never satisfied. This was the first time that I actually got to interact with someone like this and to engage in a dialogue about it. There was an obvious disconnect when I informed him that my car was paid for, most of the things I enjoy doing (like being outside) are free and that my biggest monthly expense is my cell phone bill which is about $50. His tone and demeanor toward me were condescending. It was almost as if he couldn’t believe that I would choose to live this way and that he felt sorry for me. Little did he know, how sorry I felt for him.