So, as you all may know, I have been working 2 jobs for a little while lately. I've done the 2 job jazz in the past, and it looks like the 2 job tango will continue for me for some time now. I remember back in the day when you were pretty much insane to be working 2 jobs, but now-a-days I'm finding it's just the new norm! I met a guy that's struggling to run his own business while he works 4 other jobs on the side! It's all thanks to rising costs and wages staying flat for years, and a bunch of other hoo-haw I won't get into here. And I know college doesn't guarantee you a great job, but what the crap!? No one seems to freaking care that I have a BS degree (No pun intended. Actually, yes, pun intended. I actually have a BA degree). Even then, I have seen many skilled labor jobs that pay terribly. What's a dork to do? I wanna provide for my family. I want my wife to be able to be home with the kids. In the words of Nacho, "I wanna win!"
Sorry, a bit of a rant today, but I'm just so tired. I hate not having time with my family. I hate seeing my blog shrivel up and die. Is there any hope out there? Do good jobs still exist? Please don't tell me commission sales is the answer. Are there any other fellow nerds out there working 2 or more jobs? Is there a perfect dream job out there for a geek like me? Make your voice heard in the comments below!
Mason!! Hey there :)
ReplyDeleteI can give you some encouragement from Laura's end if that will help? Jerome works two jobs also. He works 75 hours a week to be exact. The man knows "tired" like the layout of the remote. Some people he works with jibe him about it with the same thought "Why doesn't your wife just work?" It seems like an obvious answer but they don't consider the cost of childcare (which averages $150 a week ad that's lowballing) AND MORE IMPORTANTLY they are missing that one extremely important deal breaker mentality. That our children are our greatest treasure. Every reason why wages are to be made are for them! Why would you work hard to "provide" for them and in the meantime leave them with strangers? The provision they need is safety, nurturing and affirmation. These things are most often not going to be met in a daycare situation by strangers who are A) being paid minimum wage or seriously underpaid and resenting it B)may have good intentions and heart but can in no way give your child that attention with 16 other children to care for (I will say that there are some good experiences in daycare but having worked in all types from ghetto to swanky top notch I have witnessed it rarely, they hire anyone willing to be paid so little)........ But what I can say to you is this, Mason... Your sacrifice is noble. You are standing up strong as the covering and protector of your home. You were built to bear the load and you will be able to (your skin is even 25 percent thicker than a woman's so it's science!) It's so hard for me to watch my husband come in, shower, grab coffee to go and then head back out BUT I know that this season will pass. And Lord, how much character has grown in that man! I am so proud of him, so deeply in love with him and I know that he will always do whatever it takes for us. In a world of childlike men, you shine brightly as an example of true manhood, true sacrifice and true fathering.
Wow, longest blog comment EVER.
Yeah, I hear "why doesn't your wife just work?" all the time. Mothering children IS work, hard work! Not everyone can do it, some moms have to work outside the home just to make ends meet, I get that. It's tough right now. Back in the day families could live off of one income no problem, but now it's not so easy. So, the only solution, if you want momma to be able to be home for the kids, is 2 jobs. And man is hard! I've done the 2 job thing before when I was working my way through college. We didn't have any children yet and Laura was working too at the time. It wasn't nearly as hard. I think part of the problem is I'm trying to make it in the sales world and it is stressing me out. Thankfully I found a better job and I have quit the sales job. Things are really looking up with this new job opportunity! Thank you for your shinning example Sister, God bless you and your!
DeleteI was smart enough not to have kids when I knew I could not afford it. Wifey and I are all we need. I own my own business and my own home. We can be off 2 days a week. We work only 44 hours a week. And able to afford toys etc. I could not imagine what you do.
ReplyDeleteHaving kids ain't easy. Laura went through some painful miscarriages and it was really hard on us. When we finally had Ava she was our little miracle. She is my greatest accomplishment and she brings so much happiness and pure joy! She really is the ultimate living, breathing action figure with amazing walk and speak play features, thousands of points of articulation, and she grows up to 17 times her original size!
DeleteI've always wanted to start my own business and I think it would be great. I don't know if I have what it takes. How did you do it? Where do I start?
Mason it is tough out in the world these days sadly am just glad i have been working a full-time job now for the last 18 years but keep the faith and be strong buddy there is a pop of gold at the end of the rainbow.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome John, that's exactly what I'm looking for. I recently landed a new job that a nice 9-5 office job with room to grow. This new job just might be that pot o' gold I'm looking for!
DeleteIt's rough. The thing that pisses me off the most is that the previous generation, the one that got by on a single income and a High School Education, dares call the current generation 'lazy.'
ReplyDeleteThe dollar isn't worth a damn, society pretty much demands a two income home, and a College Degree is the new Middle School education. Add to all that the fact that by the time we all reach 'retirement age' there will be no such thing (except maybe 'death') and you have a generation that busts their ass for less harder than any other for a long time.
Work hard, and deal with less. That's the only advice I can give myself and give you too.
Man, I hear just how lazy I am all the time from my seniors. It's really frustrating and it gets old quick. I respect my seniors and all, but some of the older generation doesn't quite grasp what we're facing. I have been working my butt off looking for a better job and I think I found one that should suit our family well for the time being. We'll see if it's still possible to climb that corporate ladder.
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