Anticipation or dread of winters arrival?

[Dollythehun]

I think I am well compensated because I LOVE what I do. However, I have just spent an hour texting a heartbroken client back to a sliver of hope. I drive an hour each way and spend a lot of time on "planning" each session. Those hours are a joy but I'm not compensated for them monetarily. If you take that into account, as most would, the pay is little, but the reward great. And I am able to do this, my dear rbarata, because I am older (and I hope somewhat wiser). Also, the expressway is usually clear (it's my road that drifts, but I have a 4 wheel drive truck).

[greenpassion]

Well, I am always a little envious when my co workers tell me they can get to work in just a few minutes. And I don't have 4 wheel drive, just front... Don't know how long I'll continue to work where I do,(upcoming changes with the government regarding funding for certain facilities) but I've been driving this drive for over 20 years. I just have to remind myself that I'm grateful that I have a job, and, well, it's maybe not quite as fulfilling as Dolly's, it's a job that does have it's rewards. If the icy roads haven't stopped me yet, maybe they never will

[Dollythehun]

"it's maybe not quite as fulfilling as Dolly's". My job is fulfilling because of the trauma in my past life. I was given a second chance and I pray I never waste it. Trauma can build character if one allows...

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by rbarata

You guys probably earn a lot of money and/or fuel is really cheap. Driving so many miles to work would kill my monthly budget. To work I must drive 1 mile, without snow.
Maybe I'm being robbed by the european politics.

I earn enough to live comfortably, (PhD in plant science, so not that much either). Gas is expensive here (usually over 1.5€/L for unleaded 95) but I have a recent, efficient car and I get about 200€ a month from my company for travel expenses. My budget is fine most months, but I'm not. The long commute is slowly killing me. But after 18 months unemployment, a job is a job...

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

"it's maybe not quite as fulfilling as Dolly's". My job is fulfilling because of the trauma in my past life. I was given a second chance and I pray I never waste it. Trauma can build character if one allows...

Yes. It's because of trauma growing up that has enabled me to work with this population of pts. If it doesn't kill you, it'll make you stronger kind of thing. And no, the money isn't great, but the work fits.

---------- Post added at 05:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:50 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

"it's maybe not quite as fulfilling as Dolly's". My job is fulfilling because of the trauma in my past life. I was given a second chance and I pray I never waste it. Trauma can build character if one allows...

Yes. It's because of trauma growing up that has enabled me to work with this population of pts. If it doesn't kill you, it'll make you stronger kind of thing. And no, the money isn't great, but the work fits.

---------- Post added at 05:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:10 PM ----------

Oops! Sorry about the double post!

[rbarata]

Due to european austerity measures (supported by the IMF) my country was forced to adopt reforms that killed all the labour market, decreased the work value, raised taxes and, indirectly, enriched the biggest european economies that have bigger systemic problems than my country, but because they are too big to fail, those problems and their un-ethical economical/financial behaviours are masked and no one dares to talk about.

As a result, I have been unemployed also for one and a half year and got this job where I have been for the last 3 years.
I earn now half of I used to, my company is in serious difficulties to pay the salaries (they own me and all workers thousands of €), and I simply can't get a better job because there's not many. Most of the other companies are in the same situation as mine so they are not hiring.
Plus, I'm too old and I have too much experience in my line of work.

But this is just politics and this is not the right place to complain about it, so...

[greenpassion]

Wow Rbarata. That's really awful. I'm so sorry that's going on for you...

[rbarata]

Wow Rbarata. That's really awful. I'm so sorry that's going on for you..

Well, it's not only me but millions of people...here we are "only" 10 million from which 2,6 have income indicators bellow the poverty threshold.