The Future

Perhaps there is something cosmically aligned just so, but we too, like many other bloggers, have found ourselves fine tuning and rearranging the "large stones" in place towards what our upcoming life will look like.  As we grow as people, each phase reveals itself like fog lifting and this latest rendition has been the clearest yet.

Aspects that were not acceptable have miraculously become exciting.  It wasn't necessarily the specifics of the plan, it has been us evolving reminding me that there are never "perfect" answers, only what makes sense now (assuming sound principles).  Plus a corresponding amount of gratefulness for even being able to express ourselves in such a way.  I cannot forget just how fortunate we are.

Surprisingly I have been finding that aspect not frustrating at all.  I credit the visits to developing countries easing my need to squeeze every detail out into minutiae.  I'm going with the flow better than I could ever imagine.  This has been one of the biggest and proudest personal developments I've made this year. 

On the other hand, D has been struggling greatly with his work.  Ever since coming back from out west last summer, the gap between his current role and where he would like to be has been glaring, creating a huge amount of dissatisfaction.  His work environment has become increasingly caustic and I have detected negative changes in his demeanor to the point where it has been affecting me.  Not good.

There is pride involved I understand.  But I draw the line at health.  No amount of money is worth exchanging it for and I believe he is seeing it now (significant number of the team are on stress leave).  I wouldn't not encourage him to see it anyways.  His tension level is at an all time high and is unsustainable.  There is an unacceptable amount of negativity for a role that isn't changing the world for the better.

And because he works 2 days a week at home whereby I'm around for at least half the time, I will not tolerate that atmosphere being created under our roof.  If it cannot be resolved in the long term, then a change will have to be made.  At this point, neither of us are scared of change.

My office building has been sold.  It firmed up while I was in Vietnam.  Am waiting for future lease details.  Have a plan B should need be.  Not losing sleep over it.  I've seen the future building plans and it looks exciting.  Am interesting in being a part of it, should everything make sense.

However I do hope to sleep much better on this next journey than my last.  That one flight I need to take this year to maintain status I booked during my 3 days of alertness in Hanoi?  Well, it has arrived.  Just dawned on me recently that there isn't one place I'm going to this year that doesn't involve high levels of heat and carrying my own toilet paper.  What a change from last year. 

Short Answer is "No"

It has been intense (insane).  My brain felt like it wanted to blow up with all the thinking and running around we've done. 

We spent last week out west.  D had interviews while I continued to rule in/out existing options.  Looked at more real estate and neighbourhoods.  Surprisingly the one we liked the most wasn't downtown.  We rented a top floor condo and neither of us enjoyed high rise living and underground parking.  Did our best to enjoy ourselves but it was a serious work trip, no getting around that. 

Short answer is I didn't get the overwhelming desire to say "yes" to this move.  D is still enthusiastic but understands why it isn't a clear "win" for me.  Truth is, my current work-life balance is hard to replicate, much less beat.  And he knows that.

What I imagined being able to do didn't match what I wanted to do nor reality.  Don't a lot of ideas look and feel so great in the mind?  Sure I could get into an educational program -- Signed up to sit in on 3 classes and a lab as a taster.  Sure I could work hard under different sets of rules, contribute lots and be a great team player.  I can do all that but did I really want to or have to?

No I don't.  I am employed.  Have a lot of control.  Net pretty much the same as D but work half the hours a week to do so.  I would make less and have to work harder there.  And if I embark on a new career/role, I'd have minimal holidays for years.  The eventuality of being "given" a few weeks off a year won't sit well with me, no matter how interesting the position may be.  Plus I'm not used to full time hours anymore (When it came right down to it, the part time opportunities weren't really pt).  The mental excitement of a new challenge isn't going to override those facts. 

Seems easy now as I type it but the process was gut wrenching because I struggled with feeling like I wanted to be less complacent and here was an opportunity to really shake things up and feeling bad because I don't want to take it.  And feeling guilty for not wanting to really support D's work ambitions by moving.  D thought I was being ridiculous.

In the end I couldn't help feeling I would be trading something great (I see the design of my life as a work of art) for something potentially much less beautiful.  There's something about actually seeing some work environments to realize how different things can be as well as the real time financial constraints some places have.

The loss of personal time is a biggie.  I've dedicated many years to chipping away at my work schedule to free it up and this step would for certain mean a significant step backwards.  An increase emphasis on work again for years but more money by virtue of the sheer number of hours I'd be putting in.  I haven't been all about work and money in a long while. 

Would likely have to give up my hobbies until I could free up time again.  Conquering a new field is exciting but to admit I really am not ambitious enough to give up what I already had was hard.  That it is OK to not wanting to start again.  Reproducing what I already have is possible but would require an amount of effort I am unwilling to put in.  I still have work energy left in me but not enough for a "start up", if you know what I mean.

Whereas any position D has interviewed for will mean he'll be busier but he is excited about potentially having a new role with more control, responsibility and being a key part of a smaller company.  And there are lots of those around there to chose from.  He wants to be able to actually make something happen, rather than push paper and fight people.  I get that. 

So I had to say "No".  It isn't a win for me even with a better climate.  It could be if I gave it 7+ years.  However those years will look very different from my current life.  At the risk of sounding like a complete wimp here, I think I'd feel horrible/sick from the loss of free time.  I've paid my dues and peaked years ago.  There isn't a strong enough "why" to justify why I'd voluntarily do it again.

I told D it would have been much easier if he was married to a stay at home wife or one who had a more corporate type of profession ie.  accountant, pharmacist etc because they could perhaps make this move easier than I.

Regular Programming

Life continues no matter what you may have running in the background.  We still need to cook and clean and garage doors and windows still don't paint themselves.

We got our property evaluation reassessment back for the cottage and our assessment has been lowered by 9K.  Not a huge amount but now we are more in line with other neighbours' and it's effect is a tiny decrease in our property tax. 

Our main house application was victim to a computer error (the updated measurements I sent via their secured form didn't get to her) so the frustration I experienced with our area adjudicator (and vice versa I'm sure) was finally relieved once we realized what had happened.  We've ironed it out and are on the same page now.  Except I'll have to wait until next year to try again, if we are still around.

I have an interested buyer for my office.  We are meeting next week to discuss details.  Before you get all excited for me, the amount won't be enough to retire on!  Asset evaluations are usually based on a percentage of gross income.  It was nice to go through the math and see that my work over the last few years since moving out on my own will pay off.

A recent posting has come up for D (out west).  It is with his current company, a higher level position and they are looking to hire from "outside", meaning not locally as they have been trying for while to find someone.  He has inquired about it and has since applied.  It will mostly likely not pay as much as the contract ones but would mean maintaining current benefits and pension.  Could potentially be a good compromise?  Not sure but we can't believe the timing! 

On the domestic work front, D got approved to able to work from home 2 days a week again (aiming to go back to 3 in time) and has appreciated the arrangement much more this time around.  He has found it less enjoyable working amongst his peers than he remembered as they apparently complain too much, seem very stuck in their lives, not willing to make any changes and insists his "better" life came about because he was "lucky" as if we didn't have to work at it...To which he tells them they only have to meet me and will quickly realize that is totally not true...

I'm still going through "light interviews" with a few offices.  Have decided not to add any more into the mix as I'm getting mentally tired.  I know I've been coming across a lot more non committal than usual with respect to my talks.  I can imagine them thinking "Does she want the job or not?".  Mainly because we haven't answered the most important question yet -- Can we say "Yes" to this move? 

It's probably frustrating for them to be dealing with someone out of province.  So I've been sensitive with not taking up more of their time than is necessary for me to gage simple possibilities at this point (got 2 verbal offers, working on the 3rd).  And I've been upfront with our situation.

For the most part, other than the occasional "Why would you even want to move?" when they find out what we are considering giving up, people have been more than generous with us.  It is a big decision.  I feel they are taking us seriously because we have shown sufficient initiative and intention. 

It would be different if we came across all wishy washy.  One of D's interviewers asked him whether he was planning to make the decision to move there based on what he saw in the 4 days?  When he said no, it is just a start, she was relieved and told him she'd be concerned if he had said yes because at this stage of his life, she'd expect some more thought and process than that.  She'd also expect that he would have sufficient assets to liquidate (if he was as "successful" as she'd expect) and would require time to do so.  And that it wouldn't be a quick thing for me to wrap up my career either.  Smart lady.

Ironically the few friends who know about these adventures are either in the "What are you waiting for?" camp or the "You aren't going to give All This Up, are you??" one.  

The first group of people are the active friends who have made similar moves already and tell us we'll be wondering in 3 months why we waited so long to move in the first place.  The other group don't see themselves ever moving regardless of how they may feel about their life and if they had our life, they would never think of giving it up.  They feel we'd be "trading down" because we wouldn't be living in a home that was as big etc. etc.  It's been amusing seeing our scenario reflected back with their values. 

It isn't mandatory I have a placement before making the decision to move.  Thank goodness for that because it would be too much pressure (I would have exams to write and the application itself is tedious).  As long as D has, that's fine for now.  I'm also not ruling out the possibility of going back to school to train for something entirely different.  When we return, I'm planning on taking a tour of area educational facilities.  Or maybe this would be a great time for me to finally take a year off!  I told D that I might just take to being a stay at home wife.  To which he replied "Yeah, we'll see how long that lasts...".

Yes we are returning.  Made a few changes to free up a week.  It will represent our last effort this year with respect to time and budget to pursue this avenue.  None of this had been budgeted for in the first place so we'll need to make up the expenditure by year end.  Should we require yet more time there, it will have to wait until next year.  Neither of us are willing to change/give up anything else (upcoming trips) this year to make it happen.  Remember this isn't a mandatory exercise.

Should the decision be positive, then that will be different.  The big real estate sale will begin, hopefully timed to take advantage of the "fall market". 

Life Update

So what's been going on?  Loads.  We are still processing it all. 

The trip out west was more than we expected.  D, even though he initiated it all, expected to not really like it.  When both the location and career prospects kinda impressed him right away, I had to quickly catch up and consider what this could mean for us.

My meetings also went better than expected, surprisingly at the one office I was almost not going to bother with.  Funny how things like that happen.  It turns out I was inaccurate with how they did things and part time work is very possible there.  The only glitch is the location.  I would have to commute (drive) for 35 min - 1 hour depending on timing and time of year. 

I'm getting ahead of myself. 

D, if he chooses to go contract (normal culture there), can make enough to cover pretty much my income.  That's huge.  It would make the stress of my transition much easier should we decide to make the leap. 

Real estate is the biggest stumbling block.  Bigger income, bigger expenses, bigger cost of living.  That's the way it goes in the large cities we know. 

After looking at a number of properties, the cost of entry is 600K for something (house) half the size of what we're used to and not as well built but within commuting distance (walk, bike or public transit) for where D would be and then it would be up to me to either find something local or drive.  We would downsize to one car.

Condo or town home living is an option but I am not liking that the fees have to cover utilities (water, heat).  We have that at the ski condo and it bugs me that we have to pay for other peoples' non green habits reflected in the annual increases.  Condo fees in the units we would be interested in (2 bedroom) are in the $550 - 900/month range.  And that doesn't include property tax.

Since our return, we've been looking at our life here with "xray" eyes.  Are we ready to leave this?  What are we exchanging it for?  It has to be more than money.  What would be our exit plan? 

One thing we do know for sure.  It's worth another visit.

Yes it is Happening

In the "Wow, is this really happening" file, I have firmed up 3 "meet and greet"/interviews out west.  I can hardly believe it.  It has been 15 years since I first started searching for a place to work.  A couple of offices have said they are open to a part time arrangement.  The other one, not so much but their set up intrigues me so why not see it, right?  It's worth a couple of hours of my time.

We haven't talked money or any deep details.  I am not that concerned about it for now, funny enough.  Being that I haven't just stepped out of school, it isn't my abilities I question anymore, it is the fit.  My gut will tell me if I could exist there.  And right now, I'm leaving it as simple as that.  We could go back and forth spending a ton of time matching details when in the end, it comes down to whether both parties feel strongly enough to want to make something happen.  Who knows?  Maybe they'll think I'm too old!  Younger tends to mean cheaper.

Whereas the process of chronically searching and applying for positions is old hat for D.  He has been doing interviews by phone, video and has progressed to in person.  And we'll be there soon. 

I'm feeling a bit apprehensive as I don't really believe this move will happen even though I've spent a significant amount of time communicating and organizing.  Plus it takes a lot of energy to be "On".  I'm not convinced I want it as much as D.  Guess I'm waiting for the city and everything else to fall into place and convince me. 

A bit ashamed to admit this, but I'm more excited about getting together with my buddy and his family so how's that for priorities?  He has graciously rearranged his schedule to give me a "hit the ground running" type of tour of the city to help narrow our choices with respect to potential neighbourhoods during D's interviews.  Then D and I will be off to the Realtor. 

I sifted through dozens and dozens of real estate listings while D was doing his bike race (did really well for his first go at 160 km).  All I can say is thank goodness for Google Street view because some really nice homes are not on really nice uniform streets.  It's really hard to get your money out from a custom build when no one else on the street is thinking the same thing...The price of poker seems to be 500K+ for what I would call a fixed up older starter home (1500 sq ft).

D has promised me that he won't be springing anymore of these mid life work crisis searches on me having realized how seriously I take things -- Really, how long has he known me?  Why would I spend all that money to truck out there this soon after coming home from an already expensive trip unprepared?

Totally Random

Each day of the last 2 weeks have felt like 4.  Super productive but also super tiring.  Add to it the heavy humid heat outside (we've been maxing out in the low to mid 40s C with the humidex) and relatively short walks leave me drained.  Happy to have an air conditioned home gym, that's for sure!  D has a race coming up.  I don't know how he does it.  He says he prefers slugging it out in the heat.  Give me ice and snow any day...

• Want to be inspired?  Find yourself a copy of "Into The Cold:  A Journey of the Soul" by Sebastian Copeland.  I've watched it twice in the last week when I've felt really tired.  Afterwards, I don't feel so tired after all.  I think I'm due for another viewing...
• My mind keeps drifting back to my time in Barcelona...Right now I'm thinking of the ice cream place I wandered to on a Sunday afternoon.  Gelateria Caffetteria Italiana (Plaça Revolucio De Setembre De 1868)  Must get back there soon.  KLM, throw me a seat sale!  Oh yeah, this last trip blew my travel budget for the year...OK, maybe no seat sale then.  Don't want to be tempted!
• The reason I've/we've been so busy as of late is that we're putting together a quick trip out west to really check things out from a career and housing front.  Different city from last year.  Actually the same one as my buddy (whose wife has had 4 more visits to the ER and yet another surgery since!  Unbelievable.) so we'll have a chance to catch up.  A bit of a whirlwind trip but hopefully in depth enough to answer some important questions and maybe lay some things to rest (I hate the feeling of not being present for extended periods of time).  I feel this process is necessary for D to come to terms with whether the possibilities that exist in his mind or have heard about are actually possible.  And it will give us a chance to decide if we even like it there.  It's going to have to take much more than money to move all that way.  The adventure has to be there.
• Being not much of a TV watcher, D finally managed to talk me into giving a few series a go.  So I'm all caught up with "Breaking Bad" and "Homeland" (took months).  I just couldn't get into "Arrested Development".  Saw my first episodes of "Gray's Anatomy" in Barcelona (Yes, I'm a slow adapter for a lot of things) so we've been watching that as well, starting with season 5 because I couldn't imagine starting all the way from the beginning.  D was reluctant at first but has gotten into it. 
• Finally saw some 3D movies.  Both of us have not so great memories of the old time paper glasses with the coloured lens so we had been going out of our way to avoid it.  Can definitely say we are converts now.  We saw "Star Trek into Darkness" and "Man of Steel" and enjoyed them both.  No issues with dizziness or nausea.  Could have used more popcorn.

 

Appreciation

It doesn't take much for me to feel appreciated.  A small gesture, a smile, a heartfelt "Thank You", a good hug. 

D started his new position at a great time because he got to experience employee appreciation day with a different division.  It turned out to be a full on all week affair!

There were catered lunches for 3 days at different nearby restaurants, an ice cream truck one afternoon, then small ipod speakers and finally a gift card of your choice.  He opted for Home Depot since we have work at the cottage this summer that will require supplies. 

I told D I want to work there!  The bubble popped when he reminded me that would mean full time hours...Nope, not going there.  Plus there is the small issue of not being qualified...

We couldn't believe how different this new department is compared to where he was.   Work has been busier for him.  And commuting again has been an eye opener.  He had gotten more used to working from home and the time saved from not driving than he thought.  I've had to readjust the budget for increased gas consumption.

So D has a week of MW appreciation planned for when I come back from my next trip.  I'm excited!  The last time someone did something like that for me at work was admittedly 12- 14 years ago and it wasn't a whole week. 

When I first started working at the one office, I got surprise flowers one year, a bottle of Grand Marnier another and a cheese cake sent from a renowned cheese cake place in NYC for my 3rd year.

I still remember coming out of a room to find this styrofoam cooler with dry ice stuff puffing out when I opened the lid.  I thought someone had sent me frozen fish (happened before)!  Happily it was something much richer and yummier.

Is "Love" Necessary?

I had a "Perfect" work day yesterday.  It started gently and ended with energy to spare, like it took no effort.  Can probably count on both hands and feet the number of times I remember days like this in the last 15 yr. 

The thought "I love what I do" wandered its way unexpectantly through my head.  That's even rarer.  D said he has never heard me say that in the years he has known me.  Honestly I don't remember ever saying it.  I'm more likely to say I enjoy it or get a lot of satisfaction from it instead. 

I've never been able to relate to people who gush about their work.  Mind you the only thing I really only come close to "gushing" about is food and travel and even then the word "gush" might not be the best choice.  I don't even gush about D and he isn't offended by the lack of it.  There are other more appropriate words to describe us. 

You can be competent in your skills but not "love" it.  Love is strong word and I don't like to use it lightly.  Even without the "L" word, you can have a pretty ideal day. 

I had a mini discussion about being capable but not enjoying something and how that may (or may not) serve you in life, in the context of a friend describing her 2 very different daughters.

One hates school but can put her nose to the grindstone and pump out 80s.  Her other daughter is enthusiastic about education in general and when told that in order to be competitive in medicine, she needs to be in the 90s, she pumps herself up and does it.  Mom is worried about the one who hates school.  Whereas she stood out to me. 

There's something to be said for being able to override the "I hate this" internal commentary and produce results despite personal preference.  We aren't always going to be doing something we "love" and using I "hate" it as an excuse for not doing well can be a dangerous trend for a kid to fall into.  I believe it takes more discipline to succeed despite lack of interest. 

I've seen many examples of parents getting all irate at teachers they haven't met just because their child says they don't like them and that's why they are getting low marks.  That would have never flown in my house.  My mother has a very strong, proud, stubborn streak and for the most part, imparted it on me.  It doesn't always serve either of us well but in this case, she taught us to rise above all that "noise" and just do it. 

It makes it difficult later on (speaking of myself here) to figure out what one's real preferences are when you can force yourself to do well with a lot of internal pushing and shoving.  And it is extremely difficult to "call it quits" on anything because of the pride thing.  I'm not convinced that is the healthiest approach.  I'm still working on figuring this one out. 

Confessions

I had 2 colleagues confide in me yesterday.  One (A) I've known for over 10 years but wouldn't consider "close" and the other (B) I had just met for the 2nd time.  Both women.  A is 50 and B around 27 years old.

"A" wanted to run something by me.  It was a work dilemma at her part time job.  She works full time and part time.  The terms of her contract were up for review and what was being proposed is a significant pay cut.  The original rate was set taking into consideration it was a fledgling business requiring a moderate commute.   I guess it is still struggling financially (huge overhead) and the owner wanted a bigger cut. 

What was being proposed would still be considered reasonable but obviously not when compared to what she is currently being paid.  So the question was, "Am I being unreasonable?".  To which I asked "Do you need this job?  Does he need you more than you need him? Why are you doing this?"  I'll get to her response shortly.

"B" is new to work, almost 5 years into it.  Am starting to see the financial potential and enjoying the first real burst of consumer power.  Bright eyed and bushy tailed, she does good work and is well liked.  The conversation started with "I haven't told anyone outside of my boyfriend...".    I wasn't sure why I was hearing this when we didn't really know each other. 

Turns out she has decided to buy something expensive but was feeling shy about sharing her indulgence with family and friends who would not likely understand.  The item was a luxury automobile (first vehicle)... 6 figures.  And she thought I would understand because I drive an expensive one too.  I think she thought she was following in the footsteps of seasoned colleagues?  She had saved all year for the down payment towards the lease.

I didn't know how to feel -- Insulted?  Sure made me wonder what type of vibe I was giving off!  I don't know if she was looking for encouragement or congratulations.  Leaving my opinions aside, I congratulated her on her new lease, asked a bit about the car (she didn't know much...which really surprised me) and was told about the "great" deal ($1500/month, down from $1900 because she knew someone who knew someone).

When it was my turn to talk, I told her I bought my car used, 2008 with 35K on it.  I think I burst her bubble.  I didn't tell her what I had been driving for the 14 years prior as it was a used one too.  That would have probably done her in.  There is obviously no glamour with buying a used vehicle in her eyes and our reasons for buying a performance vehicle differs.  I don't think I'll be privy to many more confidential talks like this.

The person who would understand would be A.  The reason why she is working 2 jobs is because of debt -- 300K line of credit of which roughly 1/3rd is mortgage.  Scary right?  We aren't close because I just don't find talking about going shopping and buying new clothes every month fun or exciting anymore.  I used to when I was much younger.  Now I channel my monies towards travel and education which in turn really doesn't excite her.

I'm scared for B.  It is likely her income will stay strong but what if her relationship doesn't?  A large lease would compromise her ability to qualify for a mortgage.  And what about maintenance?  Everything costs more on a vehicle like that.  I doubled our "car" working account when I decided to buy mine just in case.  And should something happen and the cost of repairs sickens me, I will have no problem going back to a less expensive vehicle. 

So A needs the job but her pride is hurt.  I told her to go over the numbers and see what her gut says.  It isn't a bad deal, just that what she has been getting was an ultra good one. 

B is picking up her new ride just in time for Christmas and she is over the moon with excitement.  I can certainly understand the excitement part but hope she doesn't become A in a few decades. 

Timing

It appears my timing for having to miss a trip was a good one.  I was supposed to be heading down to NYC for a couple of nights after spending 3 days in Maine before catching my flight home.  All flights home have been cancelled for the next 2 days.  My thoughts to all the people caught in the storm.

Being mostly at home for vacation is still kinda new for me.  The longest I've ever hung out here was about a week.  And D reminded me that I told him to never let me do it again as I did too much work and not enough vacationing.  My attempt at a staycation last time wasn't very successful.  Whereas this time I am quite enjoying it.

I'm more than half way through my time off and have almost worked through the stuff that necessitated my stay in the first place.   One project I did do on the house didn't turn out so great.  It is too late in the year to wood fill and paint windows and it just isn't wanting to dry properly.  So 3+ hours down the drain as I will have to redo it next summer.

Had a couple instances where I felt a bit bored.  Didn't feel like practicing violin or piano anymore.  Art class stuff completed.  Had dinner already cooking and cleaning was under control.  Caught up on emails.  Even raked leaves a couple times.  So went back to the office to do paperwork for a few hours.  Shocking the heck out of D.

Funny thing was early on, I started feeling "guilty" for just sitting around.  During a regular work week (12 - 15 hr), I would never feel guilty on a day off even on days where I didn't feel like cleaning or making dinner.  But at zero paid work hours, I felt like I had to justify my time at home. 

That lasted for a couple of moments and has subsequently cleared.  I can get used to vacationing at home more. 

Mini Rant

This last month has been filled with more than the usual number of days where I am "earning" my money instead of  'making" it.  My work load has been tough and my mind is finding it difficult to unwind the knots that have been twisted into it. 

Fortunately or unfortunately, I happen to do work that is useful and helpful.  Lives have been changed from what I can do.  It makes it hard to walk away completely from this job.  Plus my income is high enough to allow me minimal work hours.

On a good day, I enjoy the problem solving aspect.  On a difficult day, I dread going to the office as I know what it will require of me and what it will take from me and how I will be by the end of the day.  It's a good thing I don't drown my emotions with alcohol, drugs or food (anymore!).

Some days I wish I didn't work directly with people.  To do something with less responsibility and accountability.  No answers today.  Just letting off some word steam.

Pre Vacation Busyness

You know what the sure fire way for me to get even busier at work is?

Book a vacation.

Then referrals and clients start coming out of the woodwork. I only have time to see one new client before I go and have just referred the 3rd one yesterday.

Sometimes the missed business bothers me but if I focus on it, I would never go away and that's not an option.

The flip side is the extra craziness leading up to my departure which does a more than adequate job of exhausting me and making a vacation sudden necessity.

I can empathize with those who feel dread at vacation time in anticipation of the amount of work they will come back to.

Homework

I fielded an amusing call earlier today from the new district account manager of a supplier I've used for 14 years. For some reason, there is a high turnover, 3 in the last 2 years.

There is probably some sort of sales commission structure in place on top of a base salary I'm guessing. This fellow sounds and talks like he is really young and has a good amount of ego.

I would say I'm an above average user for the product he represents and as far as I'm concerned, I feel he ought to know that before calling to try and drum up some business.

The best he could do was "Would you like to do more business?". Unfortunately for him, my answer was that business was at a good enough pace for me for the hours I work.

When he finally pulled up my numbers and realized the account did not involve multiple users, he agreed I was doing good...

A bit of homework would have garnered greater respect from me. It's a good thing he has inherited an established account. He will need to improve his business skills to build future successful accounts.

Efficiencies

I'm pretty pleased with how my business procedures are right now. It's quite efficient. Over the last 3 months I've managed to shave off another couple of hours from the admin section, making it 6 hours/week.

Over 95% of people make their appointment online which cuts my phone time way back. When it comes time to renew my cell phone plan, I'm choosing a much smaller one for sure which will help reduce my business costs.

As much as some people like to complain about the inefficiencies of our government departments, I must say, those comments do not seem to apply to the passport division. My new passport came back today! That was fast (under 2 weeks!).

Next I will be updating my Nexus card info and supplying it to the airlines for my various upcoming trips. It seems like everyone needs your info in advance nowadays.

Work Lessons

The two weeks out west has taught D & I some lessons. Neither of us enjoyed him working from home full time.

It could be an issue of space as our spot there is very small and there is no relief for ourselves from each other when his work gets tense. Plus it has potential of ruining the whole environment. You don't want to associate a great place with stress.

One solution will involve D taking holiday time while we are out for 50% of it. It will affect rest of the year vacation allotment and will translate into D going to Europe once a year vs. twice. I think he is OK with it as he loves to ski.

Another idea we are considering is buying another small unit in the same building so our living space will be split into sleeping unit and working/socializing area.

This idea only makes sense if we aren't planning on moving out permanently.

A Good Morning

For a change, I decided to take an early morning walk to do my banking. Usually I go in the evenings but the mild winter we've been experiencing has made for dry sidewalks and clear roads.

It was very pleasant. Saw a different piece of city life due to time of day. Postmen and construction workers going to work. Didn't realized how many people took public transit. Nice to say good morning to people.

Since we've been house hunting out of province, our eyes have been extra open to what we have here. It has so far made us more appreciative.

D has voiced his concern for my potential boredom from not having my career anymore. He also feels having my income is very valuable and that a fun job might not be as fun as it is in my mind based on my history of being self employed and in control.

Rude Delivery Guy

I made a complaint to Purolator yesterday. It was my 3rd encounter with an angry and rude delivery guy who is impatient and making up delivery rules I was sure wasn't true. So I called him on it as well as with customer service.

Customer service sided with me and the district manager will be getting in touch with us to resolve the issue. All I want him to do is to do his job without complaint or confrontation. His job isn't rocket science. I'm fine with never seeing him again.

Moderation

What a long couple of weeks. D had been putting in 60 hr weeks as he had been asked to help out with a few extra projects due to teams being short staffed. It gave him a nice taste of how life would be at the next job level.

We talked about the pros and cons of him working towards the next job level and pay grade. There is an overlap between pay grades and he is already well into the next one but his job level is not which really only affects bonus percentages.

Neither one of us feel the next level up positions are worth going for. He doesn't want to work those increased hours or have to check his Blackberry on weekends. We are happy with his bonus structure and all that extra work for an extra couple of percent at the end of the year doesn't pay off in our minds.

He doesn't have to work more and neither do I. Our savings rate would obviously be quicker if we both did but I've already done my sprint money wise. D and I are going to take the rest of they way like an ultra marathoner -- moderate and steady.

More Work News

D's yearly review just happened. They are happy with his work. He will need to travel once a month next year for a day or so. He got the OK to work another day at home making it Mon/Wed/Fri which works really well for us. Even with my higher cost of gasoline we are coming under or the same compared to when I had my old car.

D will be getting a small raise (highlight small as he is already at top of his pay grade) as well as a bonus. We won't know the numbers until Dec sometime. We are still waiting for the value of his pension to show up. Apparently it magically appears online when you sign into the benefit part of your profile.

I'm still feel strange about the "ownership" aspect of D to his manager/team. As I have no corporate experience, I don't know if that is normal or not. All I know is that it makes me feel weird as I'm enough of a control freak to not want to feel "owned".

I understand that it would be chaotic if people are changing around all the time but from what I hear from D, most people he works with have been doing the same job for 25 plus years. Honestly, I would have happy if I can make it for another 10.

Continuing with my spreadsheet, I have 2013 all set up. It looks a lot like 2012 which I feel is good. I've written up all my rent cheques for 2012. One less thing to remember. My licencing and liability insurance fees are due Jan 1st 2012 and post dated cheques have also been written.

I have the option to pay monthly but I don't want to pay extra for that and I'm not going make any significant money letting it sit in a bank account so I might as well pay it off and live with a real bottom line.

Whereas my association dues do not penalize for monthly payment so I didn't bother changing it from the way it was set up years ago when I couldn't afford to pay in one lump sum.

When I tell people who ask that it cost an equivalent of insuring 2 - 3 cars (as I'm part time now) just to be able to work, they are often taken back. I'm not unique and I'm sure that is a small number compared to dentists and anesthetists. But there is potential to make a good amount of money so that's why people do it.

Future Plans

A few weeks ago I mentioned how D had a parallel job opportunity. He had a quick interview and was "accepted" but his current manager has decided not to let him go citing the 2 yr regulation thing.

D has only been officially full time for 1 1/2 yr. We were hoping they would count the months we was contract. Next year he will be able to consider moving to a different department, one with more growth potential.

The manager who offered the opportunity says there will be a place for him when the 6 months is up. Fingers crossed for that.

Now that the count down to Christmas has begun our family calendar has suddenly started to fill up. The hype is in the air!

As we aren't heading out west for Christmas this year (I'm working past the pre-Xmas seat sale dead line which translates to almost double for flights), we are keeping our whereabouts hush hush because we don't want to be busy. We will likely hide out at the cottage. I'd like to give snow shoeing a try.

Happy US Thanksgiving!