What is Your Employment Situation?

theoddz · 11-17-2010, 01:48 PM

I'm extremely lucky in that I've been employed full time with the U.S. Government for the last 15+ years as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. I'm blessed to have the full benefits of federal service, including good health insurance and a generous paid annual leave and sick leave program. I also receive a disability pension from my military service (unlike disability benefits from Social Security or other disability systems, one can still work and receive VA Disability Compensation) and I have full military benefits like Commissary and Exchange, etc. I get most of my health care and full dental care through the VA.

I realize that I am really, really, really blessed and I don't take for granted any of what I am blessed with, believe me!! I know what it is like in the private sector, because I worked for quite a few years in broadcast television production and then in health care. Since I have quite a few health issues, it just made sense for me to work for the VA, since I'm a Veteran and the VA is an "employer of choice" for someone like me. They also have a lot of patience with me when I have problems with my health, and that is a REALLY nice little perk to have, too.

My heart goes out to the folks who are sweating through this economic downturn. I keep praying for things to get better for all of us.

Respectfully,
~Theo~

asphaltcowboi · 11-17-2010, 01:59 PM

im lucky in many ways.. i retired with a full teamster pension after 17yrs due to fracturing my back in 7 places on the job. then also have a healthy SSDI. i am considering going back to school (fully paid) but at 52 im not sure who would hire me and in what field. while working in the union i learned how to program the on board computers in diesel engines and now i do alot of side work when i feel up to it. im very funtional most days so i might pick a field of interest and go for it.

lipstixgal · 11-17-2010, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cody

im lucky in many ways.. i retired with a full teamster pension after 17yrs due to fracturing my back in 7 places on the job. then also have a healthy SSDI. i am considering going back to school (fully paid) but at 52 im not sure who would hire me and in what field. while working in the union i learned how to program the on board computers in diesel engines and now i do alot of side work when i feel up to it. im very funtional most days so i might pick a field of interest and go for it.

That's great but 52 is not that old I'm 52 and starting a new career, no one has hired me yet but I don't think they can ask how old you are?? just saying

asphaltcowboi · 11-17-2010, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lipstixgal

That's great but 52 is not that old I'm 52 and starting a new career, no one has hired me yet but I don't think they can ask how old you are?? just saying

52 then a couple years school unless i go to one of those tech schools for something... im thinking sence im only 20 mins from the casinos in laughlin nev maybe learn slot machine mechanics i see alot of old dudes doing that. i have to limit my lifting so they say!

Apocalipstic · 11-17-2010, 03:26 PM

I am very lucky to have a job a love. I have been here for 12 years. No raises in a while due to the economy, but no cuts in pay either. Good insurance and benefits.

We have had some lay off's so I feel especially blessed to still be here.

I have been thinking about going back to school to either teach Spanish or English as a second language. I don't like the way languages are taught in the US, and am interested in new ways of teaching that are not so difficult. I have begun tutoring Spanish a bit, and the textbooks and on line programs are pretty confusing.

I would love to have a job where I could work from anywhere. I love to travel and our travel at work has been way cut back due to the economy, TARP, and President Obama encouraging people not to have conventions. (Yes, I am a supporter of the President)

BullDog · 11-17-2010, 03:31 PM

By the time my former mother-in-law finished dental school she was in her 50's. She had a liberal Arts B.A. that she had earned over 20 years ago and then had to take all the science prerequisites at night after work (dental hygienist) before even going to dental school. She ended up having her own dental practice for quite a number of years after the age of 50.

Lynn · 11-17-2010, 08:41 PM

As I mentioned, I am 50. If I pursue this idea of being a NP, I'll be at least 54, if not older. But, I figure that if I don't change careers, I'll be in the exact same situation in that time, if not worse.

My mom got her master's in education in her 50's, and she still works as a tutor and grading teacher certification exams at Eductional Testing Service in Princeton. She's 78. My mother-in-law (former) is 80 and still working as a psychotherapist after getting her MSW in her 50's. I know of two colleagues who recently got their RN licenses in their 50's, after working as social workers for over 25 years.

I looked at other options (psychology and law) but they did seem too costly and time consuming to make it worth it. All of a sudden, this idea seemed to fit, and, so far, it seems pretty doable.

If you have a dream, go for it! It's never too late to grow.

Nat · 11-18-2010, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

I am very lucky to have a job a love. I have been here for 12 years. No raises in a while due to the economy, but no cuts in pay either. Good insurance and benefits.

We have had some lay off's so I feel especially blessed to still be here.

I have been thinking about going back to school to either teach Spanish or English as a second language. I don't like the way languages are taught in the US, and am interested in new ways of teaching that are not so difficult. I have begun tutoring Spanish a bit, and the textbooks and on line programs are pretty confusing.

I would love to have a job where I could work from anywhere. I love to travel and our travel at work has been way cut back due to the economy, TARP, and President Obama encouraging people not to have conventions. (Yes, I am a supporter of the President)

I think you would be such a wonderful teacher!

Softly · 11-18-2010, 08:42 PM

I work at a good company. I just started in Sept. I was on unemployment prior to that for about 5 months.

that's all the info I will give ;D

I enjoy my job, so much! I hope they keep me onboard

the downside: 1 hour drive every morning! :P pffft sucky.

View Poll Results: What is Your Employment Status?
I am employed full time.	84	53.85%
I am employed part time.	7	4.49%
I do freelance work.	7	4.49%
I am on unemployment.	6	3.85%
I am not currently employed.	4	2.56%
I am not currently employed but looking for a job.	7	4.49%
I am currently employed and looking for a better job.	7	4.49%
I work more than one job.	6	3.85%
I am on disability.	15	9.62%
Other: See thread for explanation	13	8.33%
Voters: 156. You may not vote on this poll

11-17-2010, 01:48 PM	#1
theoddz Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Cranky Old Poop Preferred Pronoun?: Mr. Beast Relationship Status: Married to a beautiful babe whom I don't deserve. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,541 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 11,143 Thanked 9,938 Times in 2,513 Posts Rep Power: 21474855	I'm extremely lucky in that I've been employed full time with the U.S. Government for the last 15+ years as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. I'm blessed to have the full benefits of federal service, including good health insurance and a generous paid annual leave and sick leave program. I also receive a disability pension from my military service (unlike disability benefits from Social Security or other disability systems, one can still work and receive VA Disability Compensation) and I have full military benefits like Commissary and Exchange, etc. I get most of my health care and full dental care through the VA. I realize that I am really, really, really blessed and I don't take for granted any of what I am blessed with, believe me!! I know what it is like in the private sector, because I worked for quite a few years in broadcast television production and then in health care. Since I have quite a few health issues, it just made sense for me to work for the VA, since I'm a Veteran and the VA is an "employer of choice" for someone like me. They also have a lot of patience with me when I have problems with my health, and that is a REALLY nice little perk to have, too. My heart goes out to the folks who are sweating through this economic downturn. I keep praying for things to get better for all of us. Respectfully, *~Theo~* __________________ *"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost."* -- J. R. R. Tolkien

11-17-2010, 03:26 PM	#5
Apocalipstic Pink Confection How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, Ma'am Relationship Status: Dating Myself Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Nashville Posts: 4,266 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 17,195 Thanked 11,362 Times in 2,838 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	I am very lucky to have a job a love. I have been here for 12 years. No raises in a while due to the economy, but no cuts in pay either. Good insurance and benefits. We have had some lay off's so I feel especially blessed to still be here. I have been thinking about going back to school to either teach Spanish or English as a second language. I don't like the way languages are taught in the US, and am interested in new ways of teaching that are not so difficult. I have begun tutoring Spanish a bit, and the textbooks and on line programs are pretty confusing. I would love to have a job where I could work from anywhere. I love to travel and our travel at work has been way cut back due to the economy, TARP, and President Obama encouraging people not to have conventions. (Yes, I am a supporter of the President) __________________

11-17-2010, 03:31 PM	#6
BullDog Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Dominant Stone Butch Daddy Preferred Pronoun?: She Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: In A Healing Place Posts: 5,371 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 18,160 Thanked 22,640 Times in 4,463 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	By the time my former mother-in-law finished dental school she was in her 50's. She had a liberal Arts B.A. that she had earned over 20 years ago and then had to take all the science prerequisites at night after work (dental hygienist) before even going to dental school. She ended up having her own dental practice for quite a number of years after the age of 50. __________________ Love consists in this, that two solitudes protect and touch and greet each other. - Rainer Maria Rilke

11-17-2010, 08:41 PM	#7
Lynn Member How Do You Identify?: Unabashed Feminine Lesbian Preferred Pronoun?: Her, She Relationship Status: Married! Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 689 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,499 Thanked 2,414 Times in 505 Posts Rep Power: 9668975	As I mentioned, I am 50. If I pursue this idea of being a NP, I'll be at least 54, if not older. But, I figure that if I don't change careers, I'll be in the exact same situation in that time, if not worse. My mom got her master's in education in her 50's, and she still works as a tutor and grading teacher certification exams at Eductional Testing Service in Princeton. She's 78. My mother-in-law (former) is 80 and still working as a psychotherapist after getting her MSW in her 50's. I know of two colleagues who recently got their RN licenses in their 50's, after working as social workers for over 25 years. I looked at other options (psychology and law) but they did seem too costly and time consuming to make it worth it. All of a sudden, this idea seemed to fit, and, so far, it seems pretty doable. If you have a dream, go for it! It's never too late to grow. __________________ In the flush of love's light we dare be brave And suddenly we see that love costs all we are and will ever be. Yet it is only love which sets us free. Maya Angelou Wedding Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1&l=22b092b98c

11-17-2010, 01:59 PM	#2
asphaltcowboi Senior Member How Do You Identify?: butch Relationship Status: HAPPY Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: ..... Posts: 1,509 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,367 Thanked 3,297 Times in 1,042 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	im lucky in many ways.. i retired with a full teamster pension after 17yrs due to fracturing my back in 7 places on the job. then also have a healthy SSDI. i am considering going back to school (fully paid) but at 52 im not sure who would hire me and in what field. while working in the union i learned how to program the on board computers in diesel engines and now i do alot of side work when i feel up to it. im very funtional most days so i might pick a field of interest and go for it.

11-18-2010, 08:42 PM	#9
Softly Member How Do You Identify?: femme Relationship Status: Married Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Seattle Posts: 655 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 465 Thanked 701 Times in 253 Posts Rep Power: 3646036	I work at a good company. I just started in Sept. I was on unemployment prior to that for about 5 months. that's all the info I will give ;D I enjoy my job, so much! I hope they keep me onboard the downside: 1 hour drive every morning! :P pffft sucky.