My interview on Friday seemed to go very well. I can't imagine it would have lasted for hours if they weren't at least a little interested in me.
The company is relatively small. There are only about 40 employees spread between the 10 offices, the majority of whom work at the Austin location. They provide Computer-aided design software, tech support, and education. It has the feel of one of those companies that hasn't sold its soul to the profit-driven devil just yet: complimentary sodas are available in the fridge, the dress is casual, and the lunches long. Every employee is offered health insurance, two-weeks paid vacation, and holidays off, including four days for Christmas.
Should I be offered the job - which seems inevitable, as I'm the only person interviewing for it - I'll basically be assistant to C, who is in charge of data entry. That may not sound like much, but she does all the ordering and accounting for the ten offices across the southwest and Mexico. And some other stuff that is a little too technical for me to wrap my head round just yet. It hasn't been determined whether the job is full or part-time just yet, though I'll hopefully know what they are willing to offer early this week. I failed at my salary negotiation roll, so I'm kind of nervous about that. I did explain that whatever my pay is, I will expect a review and discussion of it in about six months, so hopefully that helps.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Interview Outfit Shopping
When we moved a couple of months ago, Darling and I donated many things that cluttered our 700 sq foot apartment. Among those items were the majority of my dress-up clothes, since neither of my jobs required anything more posh than a clean pair of jeans. So the prospect of an office job has me seeking out at least one new set of threads.
Thursday I trekked to Goodwill for an interview outfit. On the way I popped into two salons to ask about haircut prices, and was astounded by the price. The friend who has been doing my hair (and moved away last month) was giving me way too good a deal.
Dissuaded from my trim, I popped into a third location on my way to the thrift store. South Lamar has the cutest little discount store called Hush Hush. It's mostly brand new clothing, though they do accept used clothing donations now, and their shoes are $10. I found an excellent pair of sensible black pumps. That's a little more than Goodwill, but not bad at all for brand new.
Of course I then had to build my Goodwill outfit around those shoes. Therefore, most of the clothing that appealed to me was brown rather than black...After several hours I found some great black slacks and the perfect black shirt with purple flowers. I also purchased an amazing brown blouse because it fit me so well and the first affordable bikini I have every found in my entire life that fit me - the first suit I've purchased in 8 years - and it also happens to be very cute. I also picked up a $3 umbrella (as I didn't previously own one and it was raining), and a 50 cent notebook. My Goodwill total came to $28. The total cost of my interview outfit, including nice new shoes, was less than $30 and looked amazing.
Thursday I trekked to Goodwill for an interview outfit. On the way I popped into two salons to ask about haircut prices, and was astounded by the price. The friend who has been doing my hair (and moved away last month) was giving me way too good a deal.
Dissuaded from my trim, I popped into a third location on my way to the thrift store. South Lamar has the cutest little discount store called Hush Hush. It's mostly brand new clothing, though they do accept used clothing donations now, and their shoes are $10. I found an excellent pair of sensible black pumps. That's a little more than Goodwill, but not bad at all for brand new.
Of course I then had to build my Goodwill outfit around those shoes. Therefore, most of the clothing that appealed to me was brown rather than black...After several hours I found some great black slacks and the perfect black shirt with purple flowers. I also purchased an amazing brown blouse because it fit me so well and the first affordable bikini I have every found in my entire life that fit me - the first suit I've purchased in 8 years - and it also happens to be very cute. I also picked up a $3 umbrella (as I didn't previously own one and it was raining), and a 50 cent notebook. My Goodwill total came to $28. The total cost of my interview outfit, including nice new shoes, was less than $30 and looked amazing.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Thank You For Tipping
Someone put a $100 in my tip jar.
I'm not going to spend it for at least one week, as there's a good chance that someone made a mistake. However, I saw the person do it quite deliberately (going out of her way to hide her action). It's one of those crazy tip stories I've heard, but never been a part of. I'm actually quite stunned. I mean, I try and offer the best customer service south of Ladybird lake, but come on now...
My biggest concern is Darling's next semester, so that's where I expect that money to go. I'd also really like an affordable new outfit from Goodwill for my interview on Friday and maybe a haircut...But at the very least $50 is going straight to the college with Darling. This woman tipped us nearly two credit hours, we need to take advantage of that.
I'm not going to spend it for at least one week, as there's a good chance that someone made a mistake. However, I saw the person do it quite deliberately (going out of her way to hide her action). It's one of those crazy tip stories I've heard, but never been a part of. I'm actually quite stunned. I mean, I try and offer the best customer service south of Ladybird lake, but come on now...
My biggest concern is Darling's next semester, so that's where I expect that money to go. I'd also really like an affordable new outfit from Goodwill for my interview on Friday and maybe a haircut...But at the very least $50 is going straight to the college with Darling. This woman tipped us nearly two credit hours, we need to take advantage of that.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Next Semester
Now that I'm not earning money every day, it's surprisingly easy not to think about. So much so that Thursday I forgot to fill in my hours sheet at work, thereby delaying my paycheck. Which is really no big deal since the $200 automatic transfer doesn't happen until Monday. We had enough cash in the bank to cover my weekly $25 loan payment (two cents less interest accrued than two weeks ago!), and $10 to go out with Friday night.
Included in my list of things I should be thinking about is "school money." It didn't occur to me until yesterday that the fall semester won't last forever. To my horror, Darling actually needs to register October 13th, and we'll need the money by the 16th!
Looks like we have another slow semester coming up for my Darling...
Included in my list of things I should be thinking about is "school money." It didn't occur to me until yesterday that the fall semester won't last forever. To my horror, Darling actually needs to register October 13th, and we'll need the money by the 16th!
Looks like we have another slow semester coming up for my Darling...
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Lesson Learned
As a perpetual student I have discovered that sometimes we don't get the education we sign up for.
The bakery has been one of those lessons. I was expecting to learn how a professional bakery functions. Instead, I am learning how not to run a business. Which is also useful, but beginning to get old.
So sometime next week I will be interviewing (and getting the full details about) a potential office job. In the event that the job is offered, I will accept on a part-time trial basis. If the job is not offered - or I find it undesirable - I'll be looking for another job anyway.
The bakery has been one of those lessons. I was expecting to learn how a professional bakery functions. Instead, I am learning how not to run a business. Which is also useful, but beginning to get old.
So sometime next week I will be interviewing (and getting the full details about) a potential office job. In the event that the job is offered, I will accept on a part-time trial basis. If the job is not offered - or I find it undesirable - I'll be looking for another job anyway.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Job Offer
Friday I was offered a job.
I'd been checking out what was available, sure, but not too seriously. I filled out one application out of boredom and didn't turn it in. By far my laziest job hunt ever.
But Friday I responded to an e-mail from a friend asking if I was interested in taking up her corporate position part-time so she can devote herself to baking. If I liked having a "real job," I could take it on full time while she launches her business.
Hers is one of those jobs with an indirect title: it involves an sitting at a desk, memos, and Quickbooks. The company, however, caught my interest as I researched its web page. Despite its water-downed offer of "business solutions," the actual product is created using Solidworks and other AutoCad related software. I confirmed with my friend that inter-department transfers are acceptable and the company even offers technical courses to assist in these pursuits. So, if my friend is actually able to get me hired as her trainee and eventual replacement, not only could I be lookig at a full-time office job, but one involving my most recent area of study!
I'd like to stay with the bakery, but it might me a better situation for everyone if I was just helping out on a weekly basis (small-business politics are becoming tedious, thus the lazy job hunting). An office job is hardly my ideal position, but it would be so amazing to be work towards a drafting career while earning my first real salary.
I'd been checking out what was available, sure, but not too seriously. I filled out one application out of boredom and didn't turn it in. By far my laziest job hunt ever.
But Friday I responded to an e-mail from a friend asking if I was interested in taking up her corporate position part-time so she can devote herself to baking. If I liked having a "real job," I could take it on full time while she launches her business.
Hers is one of those jobs with an indirect title: it involves an sitting at a desk, memos, and Quickbooks. The company, however, caught my interest as I researched its web page. Despite its water-downed offer of "business solutions," the actual product is created using Solidworks and other AutoCad related software. I confirmed with my friend that inter-department transfers are acceptable and the company even offers technical courses to assist in these pursuits. So, if my friend is actually able to get me hired as her trainee and eventual replacement, not only could I be lookig at a full-time office job, but one involving my most recent area of study!
I'd like to stay with the bakery, but it might me a better situation for everyone if I was just helping out on a weekly basis (small-business politics are becoming tedious, thus the lazy job hunting). An office job is hardly my ideal position, but it would be so amazing to be work towards a drafting career while earning my first real salary.
Nice Surprise
I spent the weekend avoiding my checking account. Not only was I expecting my rent check to overdraft, but depending on when other payments cleared, I'd have between $60 and $100 in fees. Especially since I failed to make it to the bank on Friday to deposit my paycheck (I was sick in bed until late in the afternoon).
Imagine my surprise when I logged onto my bank account and wasn't faced with a negative number. After doubting my most basic math skills, I finally remembered the check that wasn't sent. I wrote one a couple of weeks ago which totally disappeared. I ought to have made out a new one by now, but just can't understand where the first - sealed, labeled, and stamped - slipped off to.
So yay, no overdraft this month! And since the check is being sent to an ex-landlord who owes me more money than I owe him (a situation I don't know how to ethically respond to), I'm not too bothered by how late the payment is. It's nice to have procrastination work on my side for once.
Imagine my surprise when I logged onto my bank account and wasn't faced with a negative number. After doubting my most basic math skills, I finally remembered the check that wasn't sent. I wrote one a couple of weeks ago which totally disappeared. I ought to have made out a new one by now, but just can't understand where the first - sealed, labeled, and stamped - slipped off to.
So yay, no overdraft this month! And since the check is being sent to an ex-landlord who owes me more money than I owe him (a situation I don't know how to ethically respond to), I'm not too bothered by how late the payment is. It's nice to have procrastination work on my side for once.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Thought I'd got past this...
Darling and I overspent quite a bit this weekend. It started with purchasing school supplies and ended with buying my Mom dinner when she popped into town. I knew we had a tight budget, but somehow I just didn't keep track.
This is a case in which automatic transfers both help and hinder us. Every week I transfer away just enough funds to pay rent come the end of the month. That amount is both non-negotiable and the bulk of my regular paycheck, practically to the penny. On the one had it's great that I have that money tucked aside where it's difficult to get to and earning interest. On the other hand, it would be really nice to have that cushion in our account to avoid a now inevitable overdraft fee.
This is a case in which automatic transfers both help and hinder us. Every week I transfer away just enough funds to pay rent come the end of the month. That amount is both non-negotiable and the bulk of my regular paycheck, practically to the penny. On the one had it's great that I have that money tucked aside where it's difficult to get to and earning interest. On the other hand, it would be really nice to have that cushion in our account to avoid a now inevitable overdraft fee.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Introduction to Rowing
A couple of months ago my work-out buddy, A, announced that she was paying for us to take rowing classes. We'd investigated the sport before, on a whim, but couldn't find anything affordable.
It was vanity rather than competition that fueled my desire to be in shape before making a fool of myself on the lake. Thus the weekly weight lifting and jogging. We trained for over a month just to prepare for an introductory course! We also spent quite a bit of time researching rowing and rowers, growing quite smitten with the sport in the process.
Today was our first class and we loved it. Now A and I are checking out the competitive teams and wondering how many days a week we can devote to our new hobby. The only setback? The $420 annual membership fees for the club, which is both a non-profit organization run by volunteers and the cheapest option we can find.
$35 a month isn't really all that much for what the club offers: access to a wide variety of boats and training equipment, personal coaching, and the opportunity to join teams and potentially compete on a national level. But I'm highly suspicious of expensive hobbies and lifestyle changes. Exercise is free. Joining a gym, buying equipment, and taking supplements are expensive.
We have a month to see if rowing meets our high expectations - and to test our own dedication. If A and I are able to dedicate three mornings a week to training (the minimum required to join a team), we'll probably scrape together the membership fees. If not, we'll investigate Austin's other fitness opportunities: yoga classes, salsa lessons, and kung fu are pretty high on my list...
It was vanity rather than competition that fueled my desire to be in shape before making a fool of myself on the lake. Thus the weekly weight lifting and jogging. We trained for over a month just to prepare for an introductory course! We also spent quite a bit of time researching rowing and rowers, growing quite smitten with the sport in the process.
Today was our first class and we loved it. Now A and I are checking out the competitive teams and wondering how many days a week we can devote to our new hobby. The only setback? The $420 annual membership fees for the club, which is both a non-profit organization run by volunteers and the cheapest option we can find.
$35 a month isn't really all that much for what the club offers: access to a wide variety of boats and training equipment, personal coaching, and the opportunity to join teams and potentially compete on a national level. But I'm highly suspicious of expensive hobbies and lifestyle changes. Exercise is free. Joining a gym, buying equipment, and taking supplements are expensive.
We have a month to see if rowing meets our high expectations - and to test our own dedication. If A and I are able to dedicate three mornings a week to training (the minimum required to join a team), we'll probably scrape together the membership fees. If not, we'll investigate Austin's other fitness opportunities: yoga classes, salsa lessons, and kung fu are pretty high on my list...
Friday, September 4, 2009
The Perfect Fit
Yesterday Savers was having a sale for which items with purple tags were only 99 cents. I proceeded to search through shirts, dresses, shoes, and pants in search of the elusive purple tags. Naturally, at 5:30 the pickings were nearly nonexistent. The only 99 cent item available was a small, halter-top style dress that is way too cute to ever fit me.
Except it did. And it's perfect for the party our house is having tonight :)
The only problem is a zipper that doesn't. Tonight I'll be held up with clothespins, soon I'll be taking a little lesson in sewing.
Except it did. And it's perfect for the party our house is having tonight :)
The only problem is a zipper that doesn't. Tonight I'll be held up with clothespins, soon I'll be taking a little lesson in sewing.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Dumb Day
Yesterday I came home from work nursing a desperately bruised ego. It was my utmost desire to spend the rest of the day in bed with a good book.
Discovering our improved net worth was uplifting, but not so much that I would brave the outside world. Our new demonic parasite the cell phone, however, let the world come to me. More specifically, my Dad called.
I'm not exactly sure what brought it up. We discussed the smell my brother accused the co-op of having, argued whether or not my sister's boyfriend intended to sell her into white slavery, and chatted about his perpetual plan to drive a cab. Then the man asks me whether I'm still working two jobs and going to school. I informed him that I'd quit the one job and haven't been going to school. I guess he would have liked that qualified with "I'm taking a break," or a reference to money, neither of which I'm inclined to offer.
"Well, what's the hurry?" my Dad responded, disappointment in his voice, "What's the hurry to grow up?"
Really? Is that what people think? That finishing school is some prerequisite to adulthood? Like I'm in some form of suspended animation because I don't have a degree?
Man, my ego is hurting.
Discovering our improved net worth was uplifting, but not so much that I would brave the outside world. Our new demonic parasite the cell phone, however, let the world come to me. More specifically, my Dad called.
I'm not exactly sure what brought it up. We discussed the smell my brother accused the co-op of having, argued whether or not my sister's boyfriend intended to sell her into white slavery, and chatted about his perpetual plan to drive a cab. Then the man asks me whether I'm still working two jobs and going to school. I informed him that I'd quit the one job and haven't been going to school. I guess he would have liked that qualified with "I'm taking a break," or a reference to money, neither of which I'm inclined to offer.
"Well, what's the hurry?" my Dad responded, disappointment in his voice, "What's the hurry to grow up?"
Really? Is that what people think? That finishing school is some prerequisite to adulthood? Like I'm in some form of suspended animation because I don't have a degree?
Man, my ego is hurting.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
September Net Worth
Debt: $13,182.16, which is $93.40 less than last month. I actually paid a total of $150, so that amount is a little depressing, but at least I'm more aware of the dangers of compound interest than ever. I'm upping my weekly debit by $5 and hoping to make that extra $100 payment this month. I'm also going to repay more of the debt owed to my brother.
Assets: $899.47, which is more than double what I had last month. The majority of my assets are tucked into an Ing 401(k), leaving with no real emergency fund or short term savings. This is a dangerous oversight, particularly since we intend to save between one and five thousand dollars by April in order to either pay for Darling's spring semester or spend my 25th birthday in Scotland. My goal for September is to save as much as I repay creditors. Which will require some interesting math, but is hardly impossible...
Total Net Worth: A record-breaking -$12,282.69, $531 more than August. It's also $225 more than my previous best net worth!
Assets: $899.47, which is more than double what I had last month. The majority of my assets are tucked into an Ing 401(k), leaving with no real emergency fund or short term savings. This is a dangerous oversight, particularly since we intend to save between one and five thousand dollars by April in order to either pay for Darling's spring semester or spend my 25th birthday in Scotland. My goal for September is to save as much as I repay creditors. Which will require some interesting math, but is hardly impossible...
Total Net Worth: A record-breaking -$12,282.69, $531 more than August. It's also $225 more than my previous best net worth!
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