Work.

I’m working about 2-3 jobs these days, and none of them play to my strengths. You’d think I’d be able to make ends meet by working 60+ hours and living with roommates.

I’m also working on a side-project startup so I won’t have to work everyday and I can actually–you know–have a life…and friends.

Agree, it’s like it’s just intense enough to pretend that it’s doing something without actually doing anything. And then you sense when it’s coming to your calves and you just pray that it gets off your calves quickly!

As a Christian, I can completely relate to your sentiment. I’ve found Christians to be the most closed-off, narrow-minded group of people, distrusting and even downright antagonistic of anything that sounds “non-Chiristian.”

As a Christian, I’m sorry you’ve been hurt. It’s not right.

Yeah, I’ve accidentally walked into a seedy massage once or twice…I mean, if you’ve got pain you want got rid of and you see a sign that says, “walk-ins welcome,” you ignore a lot of warning signs. Even though it soon became obvious that I wasn’t their typical clientele, I appreciate how they just get in there and do the job. It seems most legit places are afraid to do anything–which I guess makes sense since massage therapy can sometimes result in sexual harassment suits.

But, yeah, no more Asian massages. Sadly, there don’t seem to be any legit ones, which is a shame because you have shady businesses ruining it for immigrants who legitimately want to provide a good massage.

Walking into an IKEA store.

It was a sensory nightmare.

I’ve only been flying as an adult once, during the pandemic when I could finally afford it (long story). But I loved everything about it, even what most people would consider an “inconvenience.” (didn’t have a seat-kicker, thankfully). I’m always seeking adventure and love new experiences, so I loved it!

Unfortunately can’t afford it again. Don’t you love our upside-down economy?

It’s been going on for over a decade, so I’m pretty much used to it by now. Whether it’s a Republican or Democrat, a racist homophobe, or an anti-business bureaucrat who believes in taxing the hell out of everyone, every politician is a rich elite that ignores the will of the people and completely mucks up everything. I just accept it. I accept that they’re not the King. They’re subject to the Sovereign King, God, and will eventually answer to him, just like I will have to.

Also, I’ve had my own share of issues just finding steady work, so politics is just a background noise when it’s shaky where my next meal is coming from.

I always called it a sweat jacket.

Yes! Thank you! That’s what i was looking for.

Although, yeah, Ramsey definitely has had his share of controversy, so I listen to the episodes with a grain of salt.

Yeah, I tried a few episodes. Couldn’t really get into it for some reason. Maybe I’ll try again.

I was living at or below the poverty line for years before COVID. As a senior developer, I wasn’t finding any work. Then when COVID hit, I wasn’t able to keep up with the work. I was finally earning 6 figures. I was able to travel (like in a jet, legitimate travel) for the first time–just because. It was amazing. I was able to network with people and provide value for people. I felt like my career was suddenly moving!

Then around 2021-2022 all my clients abandoned me, my network ghosted me, and I was back to square one. That’s where I am today.

I’m working on having a breakthrough because someone college-educated with a GitHub profile should not be standing at food bank lines every month.

With me it depends on quality & depth.

If I socialize with a really good friend (or a romantic interest–which hasn’t been for a while 🙁 ) every day, that invigorates me.

But if I drag myself out to even one hour long social event for a week I have to spend 8 weeks recovering. 🤣 (OK, maybe not that long, but you get the idea).

Was it ever for jobs?

Been an active user for well over 5 years and not one interaction has resulted in a job.

A bunch of people acting like they were hiring, sure.

It’s a blessing to be at a company where you can share that info. Looking for work now, but that’s one thing I’m looking for…a company that’s open enough to share how I’ve impacted the overall business.

How has me working here financially impacted the company? What can I do to help the company become more profitable?

https://jmp.chat - cell phone number without the need for ID verification.

They basically want more data points on people to sell to advertisers.

It’s big tech. That’s how big tech works.

Exactly.

“I’m ready to start Monday. Just need to restart my health insurance with–”

“Oh, we already chose that for you.”

“Um…okay…well, at least I can go back to my gym on Tues–”

“No worries, through our wellness plan we’ve already selected a gym for you. We even pre-signed you up to a spin class.”

“I’m more of a bench-press person any–”

“We’ve started your retirement account, too.”

“Um…thanks?”

I had a hero of a physics professor who figured out that new editions of textbooks just mixed up the number of the exercises, so he advised students that they could just order previous versions of the textbooks and he’d provide the “key” for how the questions were shuffled.