Friday, June 17, 2011
We have resumed the job search as of yesterday, sending out two resumes for Mr. Struggle. One was for a job in town, that probably doesn’t pay near enough, and one was for an out-of-state position which would require a move but could have great potential. Too bad it isn’t the other way around, but at least we have several family members in the area where we would need to move, so I could get used to the idea if there was a good job offer. In fact, several aging family members in the area would be thrilled to have us nearby to help.
Did I mention that Mr. Struggle was turned down for a raise earlier this month? He was told that revenues were so low that they couldn’t afford to increase his salary right now. You want to be understanding, but at the same time, you have to look out for yourself and your family, right? If things are as bad as they say, the company could go under and everyone would be out of work. It would be foolish not to be looking for another job with a more secure company. Do you think any company is secure, these days?
I have found a great part-time position here in town to apply to myself. I plan to be working on that application later today, but don’t hold high hopes given my spotty job history during the past two decades, while I was primarily raising children. Still, it can’t hurt to try. The position is ¾ time, I have the exact degree required, it sounds like interesting work and it actually offers very good pay and benefits, even though part-time. I bet they already have a hundred applications!
Of course, my interviewing here in town while Mr. Struggle interviews in another state presents a whole conundrum of ethical and/or logistical issues. I guess, ethically, one of us should stop interviewing when the other accepts a job.
I think we’ve been pretty good with the spending this week, although we did have some car repairs/maintenance issues to deal with. We also are debating the idea of replacing tires on the other car before taking it on a long car trip we may take next month---a visit to see family several states away. The tires would probably last another six months or so, but Mr. Struggle doesn’t want to take any chances on an extended road trip.
It certainly would be nice if Struggle, Jr.’s university would send us a final bill, so we could plan the rest of our finances!
Anyway, here’s the tally for the week:
Carryover balance: $669.14
Income: 169.54 part-time paycheck
Expenditures: 20.85 gifts/postage (Father’s Day)
28.80 groceries
10.00 household repairs
32.50 gasoline
122.13 car maintenance/repairs
Current balance: $623.24
The household repair was the replacement of a closet rod we had added to a guest room closet in the house. The first rod evidently was not sturdy enough to support much clothing, and collapsed when we recently moved Struggle, Jr. into that bedroom and he tried to hang his clothing. At least, that’s what they tell me. My theory is that he was using the bar for chin-ups!
I need to sit down with the checkbook and pay a few bills that have arrived, but it irritates me to have to do that more than twice a month. The homeowner’s insurance bill has arrived, but I’m still waiting on the Visa---the one with our travel charges---and a dental bill that is way late. So the bank balance is not as healthy as it looks.
