Who's ready to make a change?

[soppelt]

Is it just me or have we all been taught some things about life that aren’t measuring up to our expectations? I think most of us are seeing how long and hard our parents have worked with little to show for it, and are beginning to see ourselves working longer and harder with even less. My parents are college educated professionals with “good jobs” who are now trying to figure out how the heck they’re going to be able to retire by 65 – no chance. By all standards, they did everything right, didn’t over spend, worked hard, were loyal employees, etc.

It’s only going to be worse for us. At least when they started their careers, a college degree meant something…and a graduate degree? Wow, you were big time. But now?
How about performance bonuses or merit raises? Anybody get a 10% salary increase lately? (without switching jobs and stretching the truth on your previous salary)

I’ve heard it said “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results.” So, why are we trying to succeed doing the same things our parents have done, and expect to have something more than they have?

So who’s ready to stop complaining about it, worrying about it, and talking about it…and is ready to do something to change it? I am. I’ll do whatever it takes (within legal and moral boundaries) to succeed. To live the life I want to live and help my parents retire in dignity.

[Unregistered]

I don't know if I agree with you. I think my parents, who are quickly approaching retirement age, have a lot to show for their 30 something years of working, mainly me. I guess it all depends on what you want your life to stand for. My dad was in the Air Force for 20 years, retired, worked for EDS for 10 years and got laid off and then worked for HP for 1 year then got laid off, he just got another job so I am pulling for him. and my mom has been a child care giver for her whole life, if not for my brother and me than for other kids. They sacrificed a lot to get where they are now, and I am sure it was really easy, but they ended up with a house on a lake and two boats. My dad worked side jobs when I was younger and he was still there for my t-ball. A little hard work and you can achieve anything you want.

Hell, I have three jobs right now (I am not saying this is for everyone) just to get me through the tough economic times, I am an Pension Actuary, I bartend weddings, and I work weekends on the Railroad(a summer job from college that I enjoy), and I still party pretty hard. I could sit and complain how I have to work for everything, but the fact of the matter is you do. If I want a bigger tv, I pick up more hours, If you don't want to work harder you shouldn't look to the skies, Why do I do this? Because nothing probably will be handed to me and by the way I just got a 10% raise at my job, because I demanded it and they knew I deserved it.

As for Retiring, That is something you have to plan for. I have a pretty nice insight into it because of the field I have landed in. Lets face it Social Security will not be enough to live comfortably on and now days we need to start planning for it in our twenties or we are going to end up working at mickey D or greeting people at walmart,

well, that is my thoughts, sorry if that is no what you wanted to hear

[M4A1]

I agree to both of you. But why work 3 jobs when you are working as a Pension Actuary? I thought you guys get around $80k+. Is it entry level? And is it really that much lower starting out? Bartending and railroad work have fair pay, but as an actuary you should be hiring your own bartender/rail worker but not working as one.

But some people are in different situation than others, therefore I agree with Soppelt. For me, I'm not in a position to worry just for myself. I need to help out with my parents' expense as well. Sure I tell them to work at Mickey Ds, but I won't. Bad planning or not. If it weren't because of them, I would not be here. So I'm doing what I can to help out.

I will do a combination of the two. Change carefully with a plan. There's always a better way. After watching them lead, they have showed us what to do and as well as what not to do. It can only get better from here-- if we do it right.

[abanky]

I wrote the was not logged in when i first wrote the unregister message

I get paid nicely, it is entry level with no exams, and I do help my parents out now and will continue to, I am also a workaholic, I did get into a bit of a rant, but I also believe are system does work for the people who are willing to work for everything, It would have been nice if our parents would have know that the social security system was failing when they are our ages,

[soppelt]

It's not a matter of what I want to hear. I want to hear what people think.

I have to agree with you that raising children well is one of the best accomplishments in life. And I'm not taking away from anyone working hard. I am FAR from expecting to sit around eating bon bons and strike it rich! However, I do intend to use my talents, abilities and efforts in the way that is going to best provide for me and my family.

My father too had multiple side jobs as I grew up and supported me in ball games etc. Which makes me feel all the more that he deserves to have anything he wants now...and should not have to have a single worry about his future and money. He invested all he had in his children. Putting 5 kids through private schools from kindergarden through college is no cheap task.

I can admire hard work...but I don't want to HAVE to work (or have my husband woking) multiple jobs my whole life. I want to be able to stay home with my children when I have them. I want to know that God Forbid something happens to my husband or my children or my parents or someone I love, I am able to afford to care for them. I'm not talking about money for extra "things" I'm talking about peace of mind. I'm talking about freedom to do the things that are truly important. Making a buck is not in that category for me, except for the fact that we need money to survive. If you had all the money in the world...would you still go to your 3 jobs next week? I know I could find ALOT better things to do with my life than work behind a desk crunching numbers all day. I believe success is judged on how many people are better off because you lived...not how much money you collected in a portfolio. Therfore, I will work as hard as I must, but as intellignetly as I can to make enough money in life that money has no place in my decision making process.

Congratulations on the 10% raise, I still venture to guess that you are one of the few....even though there are many of us out there who surely deserve it. I also would be willing to guess that there are alot of us out there who work multiple jobs, working as hard as they can, and are still struggling. Not for a bigger tv, or whatever, but struggling to pay the bills each month.

I appreciate all perspectives though and so I appreciate your response...I'm actually glad to know that there are still companies out there doing the right thing by their good employees.

Stacy

[abanky]

I am sorry I took your first post as wanting more money with less work(which is how I took it), I am just sick of the people who want more and are willing to put less into their work(unions) and yes, If I had a ton of money, I would still show up to work(I love to work, god that sounds sick) but keep only one job, I don't plan on working like this all my life, just until I get my college debt paid off.

I would definetly agree with a person should be "judged on how many people are better off because you lived...not how much money you collected in a portfolio" I am a very humanitarian person to my friends and strangers when it comes to money (I can't take it with me)

As for the companies, I believe that they should be more involved in the lifes of their employees, CEO's and Presidents shouldn't be taking home millions of dollars the same day that they lay of several thousand people. It really sickens me, I guess I am really old fashion when it comes to work and I think like my grandparents (which is foolish) that If I work hard the company will provide for me, but I also am not totally counting on it, I am on pace to retire at 59 1/2(age you can legally withdraw retirement money without 10% penalty), I believe that companies should go back to define benefit plans, because lets face it, Americans do not know how to save.

I know, I have this weird old fashion picture of corporate life, but It hasn't failed me yet, and when it does, I will probably change.

Andrew