Well, its been one month on the job at Elastic. Its was like a light switch was turned on. Everything CHANGED.
Now I am on the company email distribution list, so now I know in advance when something is going on...instead of finding out minutes before. Now I have my own phone number with phone mail. My email address doesn't end with "-temp" on it and I have a regular ID card. It feels good.
But the biggest gift was that I don't have to pay medical insurance. That saves $500 a month. I decided to use a little of that savings to help out a few students in my former high school. I learned that there were a few students that might have to leave because they couldn't pay tuition (parents recently laid off). It just felt like the right thing to do. I can't imagine leaving HS in the middle of my career there...I was glad I was able to help.
I also get vacation days! I can't believe it! That was my biggest stress of being a temp. Every day off would cost me. Now...I have to figure out what to do with the days I have been given!!!
As a side note, I walk by Occupy Wall Street every day. Its part of an exercise thing I am working on. I've gained a bit of weight since I have been back to work. Up until they cleared the park they were occupying, I'd see something different every night. Anyway...its been interesting and made me wonder if I would be right there with them if I was still unemployed.
So here is what I decided. I totally respect the right to protest, and I agree (whether I am employed or unemployed) that the country is screwed up. I also respect this group because for the most part, they have not interrupted business to get their points across. I've experienced unemployment first hand, and seen how the crisis affects my friends and family. I agree that something needs to be done. I just can't make the connection between the protest itself and how it is going to fix the problem. So I think I would support from afar...unless I was presented with something compelling to get me physically involved.
Anyway...I'll be slowing down the blogging here...but this topic will always be front and center in my mind, and I will continue to share my thoughts as they arrive.
Today's Quote
The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.
Abraham Lincoln
