Category Archives: Money

Career vs. Job

Posted in Jobs, Money, Work by

The other day, as I muttered that I hate Job #2, my friend C (who’s dating the Roommate) told me that I should hate Job #1 and like Job #2. I asked her why should I, when Job #1 is my career and Job #2 is the supplemental job.

My career (Job #1) is what I went to school for. I enjoy my work there and know that I’ll eventually get a position within the company that I’ve dreamt of doing, be it writing, layout or something similar. I don’t hate my work there by any means. I don’t have to work weekends or evenings. I don’t have to fight with 20 other coworkers for a day off.

My side job (Job #2) is my ball and chain, so to speak. It ties me down and all I want to do is run away from it screaming, but I can’t. I need it to survive. I’d living less comfortably if I didn’t have it. I hate mostly everything about it: The drama, the immaturity of some of my co-workers, the union B.S. and so on. (Job #1 is union too but it’s far less political than #2). What keeps me sane at this place is a few select coworkers who make me smile and the paycheck I get at the end of every week.

Maybe what also makes me loathe Job #2 is the fact that I’ve already quit and restarted twice. The first time was for a better paying summer position and the second time was because I got a career job but then my hours there were cut and I needed a supplemental income. Every time I think I’m done working there, something drags me back. I’m just waiting for the day I can finally say “Sayonara!” to that place.

I haven’t had a full day off of work since July 1, although I get one on Saturday (although I asked for the whole weekend off of Job #2 to go to Vancouver, but didn’t get the time, another reason why I hate that place) and then again on the 7th (same story).

Job #2 is wearing me out, making me more cranky and bitter than someone my age should be, and just plain old horrible. That’s why I don’t like it. That’s why I love Job #1, my career, so it’s not really a job at all.

The Hunt is On

Posted in Growing Up, House and Home, House Hunting, Kara and Kyle, Life, Money by

Without getting into the nitty, gritty details, Kyle and I have decided it’s finally time to buy a place of our own. We’ve been saving money for a down payment for nearly two years, and while it’s been slow going, we’ve finally met our goal.

It’s amazingly stressful, not that I thought that it would be a breeze. Number crunching has got us both stressed, more Kyle than myself, but  we have to start somewhere.

Last night we looked at four different places, three houses and a townhouse, with our Realtor and came out with a pretty good view on things.

Our first stop was an interesting little modular/maybe a mobile very close to where we are now. Pros: Nice big yard, good area. Cons: Dirty, close to highway. Verdict? Nay

Our next stop was the townhouse which was a private sale. Pros: Central AC, nice and clean, low strata fees, allows pets. Cons: Very small yard (but enough for Daphne to pee on), one parking spot, being very close to the neighbours. Verdict? We’re keeping this on the “List of Considerations”

Our third house was in an older area of town. It looked really nice online, but it was slightly more deceiving when we walked through. And the basement? It didn’t have a staircase, but a ladder. Terrifying. Pros: Close to the University. Cons: Needs a lot of updates. Verdict? Nay.

The last place was Downtown in a nice quiet, reputable area. We’re pretty sure it used to be owned by a Grandma & Grandpa type. Pros: Good area, decent yard. Cons: Needs work (possibly electrical), appliances need updating. Verdict? Not too sure.

We’re hopefully going to go look at a couple more next Wednesday, but we’re feeling really good about our hunt this time around. Last time we were looking it was right before  the cutoff for 0-down payment and we felt rushed. This time? This time we have time to really look at what we want, and in better areas of town too.

Overall, the hunt is going good. Our Realtor is an awesome guy and really laid back; we don’t feel pressured by him to hurry up and pick a place. He gets that we’re first-time buyers and wants to make sure we find the right fit. :)

So there you have it! Part 1 of “Kara and Kyle’s Great House Hunt”

Bullet Wednesday

Posted in Blogging, Jobs, Kara and Kyle, Life, Money, Pets, Photos by

While I know that I don’t have to write a post when I have nothing, I feel obligated to. So, taking the baton from Amber’s post yesterday, I present to you the random thoughts of a bored person:

– I still haven’t heard from the person in regards to this post. I’m getting worried, but plan on emailing him today. I’m preparing myself for the worst, because it shouldn’t take this long to get back to someone, especially if it went well!

– I signed up for the 20SB Blog Swap! You should too! I’m kinda looking forward to it :)

– Kyle and I were really hoping to get a decent tax return so we could buy a new mattress set, but no such luck. He had to pay a buttload because of EI and I suck so I didn’t get that much. After all is said and done, we’ll be getting about $200. Oy. At least we’ll be able to put it into our house fund. The old mattress will have to do for now.

– To elaborate more on the mattress, when Kyle first moved to Kamloops he had a twin bed. We’re both bed hogs (me more than him!) and after one night, it just wasn’t going to work, so he found a discount place and got a queen-size set for $350. That bed has seen better days by now! I did some browsing at a mattress store and the sales guy made me try the Bowling Ball Mattress. Womp womp! Now I REALLY want a new bed, but we just can’t afford one at the moment.

– I get to see my grandparents today! They were snowbirding all winter and they’ll be in town tomorrow to catch up on Dr. appointments and such, so I’m meeting them for lunch :) I’m so excited!

– I have bought about eight Tim Hortons coffees and have yet to win anything for the Roll up the Rim contest. Boo-urns. That being said, the mocha I just downed is making me feel sick.

– Actually, I’ve been feeling sick a lot lately.

– I’ve yet to contribute to the In It to Gym It site. I’ll get there, I just need to think of something brilliant to post about!

– My birthday is in a month and I’m pretty excited about it! Party my pants off? I think so!!

And now for a random picture of Tanner (my mom’s Lab) and Daphne from 2007, because they’re my favourites:

Happy Hump-Day!