I have been working at home as a self-employed person for about two and a half months. So far, I have learned some interesting things about this arrangement:
- I wake up at six o'clock even without an alarm clock (most of the time).
- Most people think that is early, but some people think that is late (Grandma Dottie, I'm talking about you!).
- Eating lunch (and sometimes breakfast) while watching a favorite DVR'd show with Chris is a great way to spend a meal time.
- I prefer interspersing house work and errands throughout the day rather than on nights and weekends (I knew this would be true).
- I often hit my work stride between six and ten p.m. I also expected this, but it is much more pleasant to work late and walk upstairs than to have to drive home from an office.
- The days seem shorter, but I also get more done (both home and work).
- I get frustrated by offices that close at 4 p.m. And even more frustrated by people who answer the phone at 3:55 and are not able to converse because they need to leave at 4:00.
- I have never understood clock-watchers and understand them even less now!
- This has been a good situation, but I know it won't last forever!
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Mobile Post!
This is my first mobile post! It will be light on text, which some of you will appreciate!
Here are a couple of photos to show you what kept Chris so busy this past month (and me busy last week)!
Chris produced 11 exceptional reports (which may not seem like a lot, but it really, really is) and sent two copies of each (we have an inkjet printer; printing alone took several hours). I helped by proofreading and proofreading again. Then slowing down because Chris thought I might miss a mistake. I think we caught most of them!
Here are a couple of photos to show you what kept Chris so busy this past month (and me busy last week)!
Chris produced 11 exceptional reports (which may not seem like a lot, but it really, really is) and sent two copies of each (we have an inkjet printer; printing alone took several hours). I helped by proofreading and proofreading again. Then slowing down because Chris thought I might miss a mistake. I think we caught most of them!
Big Business News!
This may be of little interest to those not in my (now former) industry, but my most recent company is being bought by the company I worked for prior to that.
News like this is beyond huge and explains why the office I worked in scaled down to about 20 people. It also explains why my position was eliminated, along with so many other jobs.
I'm not sure exactly why, but I think I dodged a bullet getting let go before this happened. Maybe I'm wrong and they will get better severance packages in the future. I do know that the "merger" (not really a merger, if you ask me) process will be messy and not fun.
Here's the real question I have: can I now state on my resume that I worked for the same company for 5 1/2 years?
News like this is beyond huge and explains why the office I worked in scaled down to about 20 people. It also explains why my position was eliminated, along with so many other jobs.
I'm not sure exactly why, but I think I dodged a bullet getting let go before this happened. Maybe I'm wrong and they will get better severance packages in the future. I do know that the "merger" (not really a merger, if you ask me) process will be messy and not fun.
Here's the real question I have: can I now state on my resume that I worked for the same company for 5 1/2 years?
Finally, A New Post!
As most RSB readers know, March 31 was my last day at work. One would think that a laid off individual would have loads of free time and that perhaps I have spend the past week lazing on the couch possibly (as mom suggested) depressed. Frankly, I wouldn't mind a little lounging time, but I do fear that will come eventually.
So far, April has been much different than March. I'm working harder, including a freelance project that started bright and early on April 1 and will last for the next couple of weeks. I've also done work for Chris and will continue to do so as long as he needs it. I hope he is impressed with my work so far; clearly my awesomeness is not reflected in my (non-existent) pay!
I got a heads up about my job was ending much earlier than most people in my company do. I still probably shouldn't say how long, but that notice resulted in a serious winding-down of my work. Somehow I still managed to stay entertained and look busy, but didn't do much blogging because impending unemployment was at the forefront of my mind and I wanted to keep it offline. Until now!
Many of you may be thinking...wait, didn't she just get laid off? Isn't that how Roving Sugarbeet came to be? Yes, two jobs lost in less than two years! This was the risk of taking the job and I'm actually kind of surprised it lasted this long.
As I keep telling myself...at least we're in Minneapolis! Considering that I have plenty to keep me busy (and to keep a little cash in my pocket), I don't have any immediate plans to search for work elsewhere. Don't worry, worriers. And if you have any job leads...
After a few days of self-employment, I'm finding that it suits me quite well. As I write this, I'm approaching a 12-hour work day that included minimal breaks. I did shower, but didn't have to get dressed up or wear makeup. I also got to have lunch with Chris and we stopped by each other's office for a few chats.
Speaking of Chris, I completely missed the opportunity to wish him a Happy Birthday on Saturday! On RSB, I mean. I did speak to him that day! I also made him a birthday french silk pie.
Sorry for the grainy cell phone photo, which wasn't helped by the bright sun streaming in the windows. You get the idea!
Chris actually cooked his birthday meal (ribs, of course!) and we were joined by Jack as well as Yvonne and Bobbi, who stayed over on Saturday night on their way to Mayo Clinic. We lazed on Saturday night (ok, I have done some lazing) and shopped on Sunday (also a fun non-work activity) before they left.
Has this lengthy post made up for my recent lack of them? Probably not! I will try to keep you updated on RSB's latest, but I am also planning to create a new blog on which I'll discuss professional topics, so may not devote as much time here for awhile.
So far, April has been much different than March. I'm working harder, including a freelance project that started bright and early on April 1 and will last for the next couple of weeks. I've also done work for Chris and will continue to do so as long as he needs it. I hope he is impressed with my work so far; clearly my awesomeness is not reflected in my (non-existent) pay!
I got a heads up about my job was ending much earlier than most people in my company do. I still probably shouldn't say how long, but that notice resulted in a serious winding-down of my work. Somehow I still managed to stay entertained and look busy, but didn't do much blogging because impending unemployment was at the forefront of my mind and I wanted to keep it offline. Until now!
Many of you may be thinking...wait, didn't she just get laid off? Isn't that how Roving Sugarbeet came to be? Yes, two jobs lost in less than two years! This was the risk of taking the job and I'm actually kind of surprised it lasted this long.
As I keep telling myself...at least we're in Minneapolis! Considering that I have plenty to keep me busy (and to keep a little cash in my pocket), I don't have any immediate plans to search for work elsewhere. Don't worry, worriers. And if you have any job leads...
After a few days of self-employment, I'm finding that it suits me quite well. As I write this, I'm approaching a 12-hour work day that included minimal breaks. I did shower, but didn't have to get dressed up or wear makeup. I also got to have lunch with Chris and we stopped by each other's office for a few chats.
Speaking of Chris, I completely missed the opportunity to wish him a Happy Birthday on Saturday! On RSB, I mean. I did speak to him that day! I also made him a birthday french silk pie.
Sorry for the grainy cell phone photo, which wasn't helped by the bright sun streaming in the windows. You get the idea!Chris actually cooked his birthday meal (ribs, of course!) and we were joined by Jack as well as Yvonne and Bobbi, who stayed over on Saturday night on their way to Mayo Clinic. We lazed on Saturday night (ok, I have done some lazing) and shopped on Sunday (also a fun non-work activity) before they left.
Has this lengthy post made up for my recent lack of them? Probably not! I will try to keep you updated on RSB's latest, but I am also planning to create a new blog on which I'll discuss professional topics, so may not devote as much time here for awhile.
No More Jeaniac
You may recall my previous posts about the "jeaniac" who insisted I wear jeans on Fridays and then claimed the jeans I was wearing weren't the right kind of jeans.
I no longer have to worry about not conforming to his version of casual dress code, as he was laid off last week. I never like to see anyone lose a job, but if he was such a nosy busy body about something not related to work, I'm not surprised that he made someone's layoff short list.
Perhaps this is a bit of karma?
I no longer have to worry about not conforming to his version of casual dress code, as he was laid off last week. I never like to see anyone lose a job, but if he was such a nosy busy body about something not related to work, I'm not surprised that he made someone's layoff short list.
Perhaps this is a bit of karma?
Minnesota here we come!
Almost everyone who reads this blog already knows this, but Chris and I are moving to Minnesota! After a lengthy search, I have the opportunity to return to a previous employer and will cover the Midwest region from their office in Minnetonka.
If you know me, you know that I've wanted to live in Minnesota since about one year after I moved away. Although I've enjoyed all the places I've lived, I'm simply thrilled to be going to a city that's almost like home.
Chris has been extremely supportive and is looking forward to becoming a Minnesotan! Expect both of us to complain about the cold this Winter, though! (According to Amber, I'll be fine in my fur coats, which I kept because I knew this day would come).
11 Flights in 4 Days
Starting at 7:30 am on Thursday, I will take 11 airline flights in 4 days (over a 6 day span). Ugh! Although these trips are all for job interviews, so I should be happy. I am, but have my doubts that all 11 flights will go smoothly.
Here's my schedule:
July 12: Dearborn, Michigan (return to Jacksonville same day)
July 13: Garden City, New York (return to Jacksonville same day)
July 15-17: Rochester, Minnesota
I won't go into detail about where I'm interviewing in each city, but at least you'll know where I am between now and Tuesday!
Here's my schedule:
July 12: Dearborn, Michigan (return to Jacksonville same day)
July 13: Garden City, New York (return to Jacksonville same day)
July 15-17: Rochester, Minnesota
I won't go into detail about where I'm interviewing in each city, but at least you'll know where I am between now and Tuesday!
Planning My Planner Plan
One of the many initiatives I have for this unprecedented free time is to get organized. I used to be more organized in terms of my schedule and priorities, but when I got my first Palm Pilot in 1999 I went cold turkey from a paper-based system to a digital system. Paper seemed "old fashioned." For a few years I've realized that I need and like to use paper, but I ended up making long lists that got lost in my notebook. And it just wasn't fun!
So I've decided to return to a paper-based system complemented by a digital system. After spent many hours reading about how others organize their schedules and lives and which methods and tools might be most effective for me, I've decided on the Circa system by Levenger.
Since Levenger's products are expensive, I purchased a new but scratched planner on ebay for about 1/3 the price of a brand new one. And I'm using templates from DIYPlanner for all the pages.
The unique feature of Levenger's Circa system are that pages can be removed and added simply by popping them off the plastic discs (as shown below).
In addition to the binder and rings, I also purchased the Circa punch. This enables me to add almost anything to the planner. Once I'm working again, I plan to print out my monthly and weekly calendars from Outlook and include them in the planner. I also made my own divider tabs by cutting a cheap plastic folder and punching holes in it. This planner is both flexible and cost-effective!
This is only the beginning of my new planner plan! Boring and nerdy, to be sure, but I'm confident that my ability to customize this system and merge paper and digital systems.
So I've decided to return to a paper-based system complemented by a digital system. After spent many hours reading about how others organize their schedules and lives and which methods and tools might be most effective for me, I've decided on the Circa system by Levenger.
Since Levenger's products are expensive, I purchased a new but scratched planner on ebay for about 1/3 the price of a brand new one. And I'm using templates from DIYPlanner for all the pages.
The unique feature of Levenger's Circa system are that pages can be removed and added simply by popping them off the plastic discs (as shown below).
In addition to the binder and rings, I also purchased the Circa punch. This enables me to add almost anything to the planner. Once I'm working again, I plan to print out my monthly and weekly calendars from Outlook and include them in the planner. I also made my own divider tabs by cutting a cheap plastic folder and punching holes in it. This planner is both flexible and cost-effective!
This is only the beginning of my new planner plan! Boring and nerdy, to be sure, but I'm confident that my ability to customize this system and merge paper and digital systems.
My first and last (not) for-profit scrapbook.
A few weeks ago, as the layoffs were looming, I started thinking about ways to make a living without working for "the man" (as Chris calls it). I posted on a freelance site for "left brain" work (i.e., the type of work I usually do) To foster "right brain" creative work I so rarely get to do, I posted on craigslist that I would make scrapbooks for people too busy to make them themselves.
I didn't think much would happen with either venture, but on Monday, someone responded to my scrapbook posting! I met the woman at Wal-Mart and helped her pick out supplies. She needs it by Friday, so I knew I would need to work quickly. But what else do I have to do? Quite a bit, actually, but I still have enough time to do this scrapbook.
Ah, time. Any guesses how much time this is taking? I'm not keeping track, so there won't be a prize for best guess. Way too much. Especially given my rate of $1 per page. The scrapbook will be 25-30 pages, so that means I'll make less than $30 for at least a full day's work. Here's a sneak preview of my handiwork.
As Chris pointed out, I'm making less per hour on this project than Jack is making at his job (minus tips!).
I love the idea of this and it really is fun, even if it's for a stranger. But a money-making venture it will never be. Unless I charge more. What do you think is a fair rate? Would you ever pay someone to make a scrapbook for you? I would never charge family and friends (if anyone's interested during my current free time...) I'm just doing a little market research!
I didn't think much would happen with either venture, but on Monday, someone responded to my scrapbook posting! I met the woman at Wal-Mart and helped her pick out supplies. She needs it by Friday, so I knew I would need to work quickly. But what else do I have to do? Quite a bit, actually, but I still have enough time to do this scrapbook.
Ah, time. Any guesses how much time this is taking? I'm not keeping track, so there won't be a prize for best guess. Way too much. Especially given my rate of $1 per page. The scrapbook will be 25-30 pages, so that means I'll make less than $30 for at least a full day's work. Here's a sneak preview of my handiwork.
As Chris pointed out, I'm making less per hour on this project than Jack is making at his job (minus tips!).
I love the idea of this and it really is fun, even if it's for a stranger. But a money-making venture it will never be. Unless I charge more. What do you think is a fair rate? Would you ever pay someone to make a scrapbook for you? I would never charge family and friends (if anyone's interested during my current free time...) I'm just doing a little market research!
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