Remember a while back when I said that, after exploring how low I could comfortably go financially that I wanted to explore the other end of the spectrum?
I have officially started that journey.
Last month, when a local concrete factory announced that it was hiring, I submitted an application. It can be a challenge to break into direct-hire factory work; many places will use a temp service so that they can eliminate people whenever their staffing needs call for it. Considering that the majority of my official work experience has been in the food industry, I estimated that my odds of being hired were low but miracles happen so why not?
By the grace of God, I got the job.
I worked out my notice at the restaurant, screwed up my courage, and went to work.
This new job is a challenge. My body is still adapting to the change in physicality. Not only does this position require a bit of speed, it also requires an upper body muscularity that I am working to develop.
The money side is a different story.
I am earning more each week than I am accustomed to living on for a month. That feels strange. I’ve never earned as much money as I do these days.
My discretionary spending has went up as a result. I’ve kept my recurring expenses stable (and at my normal level), but I have finally loosened the reins to allow myself to spend a bit more. I’ve acquired some plants to soften the ambience in my home but other than that I’ve not done much. I’ve placed my decorating plans on hold as I adapt since I’ve got the rest of my life to savor the process of redecorating.
The largest shock is the fact that I now have medical insurance, real medical insurance from a job with low co-pays and good benefits. I’m unused to having medical insurance from a job. That knowledge of being able to go to the doctor without worry about the expense feels strange.
Does it say something about our nation that I’m more surprised at having medical insurance than I am at the pay?
I’ll write more when I have something interesting to share. In the meantime, can you share what you have going on in your life? I would love to hear updates from all of you.
Sending hugs, Annie.
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I’ve written a lot of books sharing my odd view of life in hopes of helping others. My most notorious book is titled The Shoestring Girl: How I Live on Practically Nothing and You Can Too, but The Minimalist Cleaning Method is pretty popular as well. You can find them at the following places:
Barnes and Noble
Apple iBooks
Smashwords (non-DRM)
I am thrilled for you!
Right now, having good insurance is like gold and is getting to be considered even more important than most people consider a 401K to be. You’re lucky to work for such a company and I’m glad you’ve got it! It concerned me for a long while that you were without. I know that more than once people have fallen into that narrow little area of making too much to get state assistance and making too little to actually be able to pay for it.
I know you’ll acclimate yourself beautifully to the environment there! Last I’d heard you were enjoying yourself immensely by upstaging the boys and showing them how to ‘man up’, as it were! 🤣 So proud of you!
Up until recently, not much had happened where I am. Since we last spoke, Wes quit, Tae is coming back, Sandy broke her foot badly and can’t come back and we have a new hire. The local DG is on a restricted schedule because people walked out or so rumour has it. I heard Walmart had a walkout as well. 🤷♀️
On a personal basis I’ve been doing upkeep, paying bills, prepping for my own renovations and a lot of self reflection in an effort to improve my personal/inner self. As within, so it is without. There we have it! Renovations inside and out! 😊
Be well and good journey!
congrats young lady, I am proud for you.
Thank you so much, Squire. That means a lot to me.