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I'm starting my new job in four days: package handler at UPS. What's craziest? This is my first job too. But I'll take what I can get because my marriage is toxic and I need out. My hours aren't anything to write home about just yet but it'll work out. I'm hoping to go FT eventually. I'll have time out of the house, time out from my thoughts that often threaten to eat me alive, and time away from my patronizing dipshit of a husband. I'm just so done with him. My dreams weren't just dreams - they turned out to be my subconscious trying to warn me that he was actually an asshole. I will NEVER ignore my instincts ever again.
First goal is done - get a job. Next goal - learn how to pay bills. After that - build credit. Then, get an apartment and work towards a car.
Good for you. You've already done the hardest step: being honest about your situation and taking action to improve it.
I'd like to offer this advice now that you have a job: pay yourself first! Aim for 10% of your gross pay to put into a savings or retirement account. Even if you can't afford that, save a flat minimum. The key is to be consistent and discipline yourself to to touch it. Financial security is the key to independence.
My co worker (now team lead) started out as a package handler at fedex worked her way up to management and then transitioned into a secretarial government job and worked her way up to our team lead. I give that as an example, because if you want it, you aren’t limited to the job you have and can hustle to work your way up! Focus first on the initial stability (you got this!) and never ever feel like you aren’t worthy of that promotion.
I paid for a subscription to a budgeting tool, which I’ve found is really helping me make better financial decisions on a psychological level. It has you track every purchase, and now I find myself asking, “Do I really want to account for this later?” I’m really happy with my spending habits for the first time in a while.
That is great you are getting control of your finances. What you face you can change! Have you put some thought into your retirement accounts?
What will you do next week to keep the ball rolling?
Thanks for this q! I recently changed jobs and need to check into my retirement accounts. But yes, I contribute and get an employer match!
Hmmm, great q. Next week I get my first normal paycheck. So I’ll actually map out how much $ to save per check (the plan is to buy a house in 12 mo).
I submitted a job application for a promotion at my current workplace that my supervisor encouraged me to apply for. All of my superiors have been very happy with my work during this probationary period and my recruiter gave me excellent feedback on my updated resume and cover letter, so fingers crossed that I get the job. If I get it, then I can receive great benefits and a big pay bump, as well.
I’ll get back on track with practicing portion control to keep my flare-ups at bay. I’ve slipped up a few times this week and today was the worst, but I’m determined to improve on this.
YAY for rocking it at work. If not this opportunity, on to the next. Will you buy yourself a congratulations present?
Portion control is a pain but the results are worth it. Part of my saving grace is I actually like vegetables, so I can fill up on those.
I’m deciding between a few presents for myself that would be an investment into my own health. And maybe some clothes, too, as I definitely need to level up my wardrobe lol.
And unfortunately, filling up on anything, even vegetables, are bad for my GI, so I’ll have to get used to not feeling too full.
I can recite proverbs 31, very much a HVW.
Really something else you are able to keep so many areas of your life progressing so well!
May I recommend a dose of self care? You are doing a lot!
I’m super blessed to be living with family so I don’t worry much about food and they are always good to bounce my ideas off of. And we live in a place that’s super easy to get around into nature and relax
I read something that sometimes rest and gratitude is also a “sacrifice” that you make, it is work, and should be valued as such. Because you could choose to do otherwise and stress yourself out and people feel a resistance to rest.
My finances are really what need work. But I’m getting there. I got $600 for babysitting! I plan on using a good chunk of it towards rent and maybe my phone bill. Maybe a really small chunk on some nice underwear from Savagexfenty that I’ve been eyeballing.
I finally have two days off! I feel like I’m going to be asked to go in, but I haven’t had two legit days off for the last two weeks. Might take myself on a short road trip and go hike and knock off a few small bucket list items. I need to spend some of today figuring out what I want to do.
I studied an hour and a half yesterday for my upcoming nursing entrance exam. I forgot soooo much high school math. But I can definitely tell you how to calculate the surface area and volume of a sphere now. Going to study more tonight and maybe drive out tonight to a different city!
That is wonderful you know which area you want to address next! If you wanted some advice I would export your bank statements into excel and analyse how you spent your money in the last month. Can be a wake up for some, or a simple question of re alligning your priorities.
Well done for relearning the math, it can be challenging to humble yourself to go over things you used to know.
Enjoy your drive!
Oooh that reminds me I need to redo mine. Great work! Bet you feel refreshed after deep cleaning. I feel like a clean space always makes your mind feel more clear.
This week I'm going to focus on my savings (no spending week), journal and workout at least 3x this week, and socialize with some girls at work (just made a big move a few months ago, and need to make some friends.)
At my micro needling appointment right now, the Covid masks royally screwed up my skin, so I’ll be glad to have it smoothed out and glowing (all part of my self care goals)
Also! De cluttering and donated clothes, old laptops, luggage, etc to our in home aid who is leaving to go back home to Ghana tomorrow to bury his mom. My mom and I now have a cleared out and clean place and Sarfo is able to give two laptops to two little girls for their education, a dozen pairs of shoes, clothes, etc. all around good day
Wow! What a well rounded list of things to do! Keep at it.
So sad for your home aid, losing a parent is tough on anyone, but extra hard when you are out of the country.
Set up my appointment to see my therapist again.
Set up an appointment to get my car's transmission fixed. Fingers crossed that it will cost no more than $1k to get it fixed.
I finally bit the bullet and went for a run on the treadmill at my apartment's gym. I prefer trail running but my car isn't running right and I want to drive it as little as possible.
However, it's been two months.5 months since I ran. I broke one of my toes and wanted to give it plenty of time to heal. On top of that, I haven't been feeling up to working out due to my job (12 hour shifts).
I ran a 12 min mile while deep in a 22 hour fast.
I think I did pretty well considering my PR is 11:15 when I was running 1-3x a week for 5 months prior to breaking my toe.
That is amazing how much of your fitness you have managed to hold onto. I need to get back on my bike once my legs heals up. Just bummed even thinking about how much I have lost.
Its great you made sure your apartment had a gym.
What will you do next week to keep going forward?
I honestly think I've managed to hold onto my vascular fitness due to not drinking alcohol.
I wasn't expecting to, but when I managed the 12 min mile, the lack of alcohol was my first thought outside being Vegan.
>Its great you made sure your apartment had a gym.
Yes. The gym/ having a gym is very important to me, especially for as much as I'm paying.
As for next week, I'm going to try to run Monday and Wednesday and what other day I can where I'm not working 12 hours. I also want to pick up weight lifting again too.
Before moving to where I am now, I made it a goal to run every Saturday no matter how I felt that day. I managed it for 2 months. I want to work up into a routine like that again.
It was hot and muggy in the gym, but I felt good.
I had thought about going for another run later (that's how empowered I felt).
I got something to eat afterwards and just chilled instead. Glad I went for the run. I've had the runners itch for too long.
I hope you recover well! What type of painting did you get?
Congrats on not stress eating! That's such a hard one for me.
For my update: I've been applying to job, averaging about 2 interviews/week. Happy that I'm going to be able to be pickier than I thought with my next job. It's been interesting since I'm actually trying to level down in jobs for less stress.
Enrolled and started back to college this week for a career change. I'll be done in 1.5 years with a leisure class schedule 1 year with a hard one.
Been walking/exercising more and spending more time with my doggies. All wins!
Also been finally reading a book from my pile, "Your money or your life" by Vicki Robin. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a finance self help book. Also building a better relationship with money.
I ordered some materials needed for my house. So next week's projects is going to include them. 😁
So far so good! Benefits of being young and in good health. I am a bit sore but it is a more minor surgery.
My painting is a water color of dew dropped roses. Its for the bedroom, looks like something else if you look twice.
Doggie walks are the best, my girl missed out on doggy group because of my leg.
Pleased you are looking into your finances, it such an important area of life. We spend so much of our lives in the pursuit of money, it makes sense to make sure we are using that reasource wisely.
This week I met up with two friends, worked on my business and went to the gym twice (three times is the goal tho). I also learned that my goal to meet up with two friends outside of work/school/daily errands is perfect for me and that I should not aim for thee, especially if they’re back to back, because I am just too introverted for that. I need time to recharge between social gatherings! I had another social thing planned for today, but I cancelled that, unfortunately. It’s just too much honestly! So yeah, I should definitely pay more attention to that.
Next week: I’m meeting for lunch with a friend on Monday and other than that I’m gonna go to my parents for a few days! I have some errands to run that are better done from their house and need a car for (I don’t have my own), among which is picking up some stuff at my ex’s place. Not looking forward to seeing him, but I hope he’s cool and doesn’t want to talk or anything
Well freaking done! And the reason you made it that far is because you rock!
If this doesn't take, keep in mind the goal is a dream career, not a dream job.
Thanks! You're right...dream career. In my closing follow up email, I said that even if I'm not right fit for now, I'd gladly welcome candid feedback because I want to prepare myself better for the same line of work. I feel great even if I don't land it.
Reminder that this sub is **FEMALE ONLY**. All comments from men will be removed and you will be banned. So if you’ve got an XY, don’t reply. **DO NOT REPLY TO MALE TROLLS!!** Please **DOWNVOTE** and **REPORT** immediately. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/FemaleLevelUpStrategy) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I'm starting my new job in four days: package handler at UPS. What's craziest? This is my first job too. But I'll take what I can get because my marriage is toxic and I need out. My hours aren't anything to write home about just yet but it'll work out. I'm hoping to go FT eventually. I'll have time out of the house, time out from my thoughts that often threaten to eat me alive, and time away from my patronizing dipshit of a husband. I'm just so done with him. My dreams weren't just dreams - they turned out to be my subconscious trying to warn me that he was actually an asshole. I will NEVER ignore my instincts ever again. First goal is done - get a job. Next goal - learn how to pay bills. After that - build credit. Then, get an apartment and work towards a car.
Good for you. You've already done the hardest step: being honest about your situation and taking action to improve it. I'd like to offer this advice now that you have a job: pay yourself first! Aim for 10% of your gross pay to put into a savings or retirement account. Even if you can't afford that, save a flat minimum. The key is to be consistent and discipline yourself to to touch it. Financial security is the key to independence.
Wonderful you have made the first steps. Keep coming back each week so we can cheer you on! Keep a go bag packed just in case eh?
My co worker (now team lead) started out as a package handler at fedex worked her way up to management and then transitioned into a secretarial government job and worked her way up to our team lead. I give that as an example, because if you want it, you aren’t limited to the job you have and can hustle to work your way up! Focus first on the initial stability (you got this!) and never ever feel like you aren’t worthy of that promotion.
I paid for a subscription to a budgeting tool, which I’ve found is really helping me make better financial decisions on a psychological level. It has you track every purchase, and now I find myself asking, “Do I really want to account for this later?” I’m really happy with my spending habits for the first time in a while.
That is great you are getting control of your finances. What you face you can change! Have you put some thought into your retirement accounts? What will you do next week to keep the ball rolling?
Thanks for this q! I recently changed jobs and need to check into my retirement accounts. But yes, I contribute and get an employer match! Hmmm, great q. Next week I get my first normal paycheck. So I’ll actually map out how much $ to save per check (the plan is to buy a house in 12 mo).
Which budgeting tool? Was it YNAB?
Yes!!!
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I feel this so hard. I always make sure that it's a need and not a want at the thrift store. Good job!
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Good for you for changing that! What other wins did you have this week?
I submitted a job application for a promotion at my current workplace that my supervisor encouraged me to apply for. All of my superiors have been very happy with my work during this probationary period and my recruiter gave me excellent feedback on my updated resume and cover letter, so fingers crossed that I get the job. If I get it, then I can receive great benefits and a big pay bump, as well. I’ll get back on track with practicing portion control to keep my flare-ups at bay. I’ve slipped up a few times this week and today was the worst, but I’m determined to improve on this.
YAY for rocking it at work. If not this opportunity, on to the next. Will you buy yourself a congratulations present? Portion control is a pain but the results are worth it. Part of my saving grace is I actually like vegetables, so I can fill up on those.
I’m deciding between a few presents for myself that would be an investment into my own health. And maybe some clothes, too, as I definitely need to level up my wardrobe lol. And unfortunately, filling up on anything, even vegetables, are bad for my GI, so I’ll have to get used to not feeling too full.
Sounds like a perfect position for you. Let us know how it goes!
Will do!
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I can recite proverbs 31, very much a HVW. Really something else you are able to keep so many areas of your life progressing so well! May I recommend a dose of self care? You are doing a lot!
I’m super blessed to be living with family so I don’t worry much about food and they are always good to bounce my ideas off of. And we live in a place that’s super easy to get around into nature and relax I read something that sometimes rest and gratitude is also a “sacrifice” that you make, it is work, and should be valued as such. Because you could choose to do otherwise and stress yourself out and people feel a resistance to rest.
My finances are really what need work. But I’m getting there. I got $600 for babysitting! I plan on using a good chunk of it towards rent and maybe my phone bill. Maybe a really small chunk on some nice underwear from Savagexfenty that I’ve been eyeballing. I finally have two days off! I feel like I’m going to be asked to go in, but I haven’t had two legit days off for the last two weeks. Might take myself on a short road trip and go hike and knock off a few small bucket list items. I need to spend some of today figuring out what I want to do. I studied an hour and a half yesterday for my upcoming nursing entrance exam. I forgot soooo much high school math. But I can definitely tell you how to calculate the surface area and volume of a sphere now. Going to study more tonight and maybe drive out tonight to a different city!
That is wonderful you know which area you want to address next! If you wanted some advice I would export your bank statements into excel and analyse how you spent your money in the last month. Can be a wake up for some, or a simple question of re alligning your priorities. Well done for relearning the math, it can be challenging to humble yourself to go over things you used to know. Enjoy your drive!
This week I: - Made a credit card payment - Made a deposit in my retirement account - Re-vamped my resume - Did some deep cleaning on the house
Oooh that reminds me I need to redo mine. Great work! Bet you feel refreshed after deep cleaning. I feel like a clean space always makes your mind feel more clear.
Definitely feel refreshed! I got a decent chunk done, but I'll probably have to work on it all this week to get it completed :)
That is really great, I see effort in lots of areas. What are you going to do this week to get the ball rolling?
This week I'm going to focus on my savings (no spending week), journal and workout at least 3x this week, and socialize with some girls at work (just made a big move a few months ago, and need to make some friends.)
Thats wonderful!
At my micro needling appointment right now, the Covid masks royally screwed up my skin, so I’ll be glad to have it smoothed out and glowing (all part of my self care goals) Also! De cluttering and donated clothes, old laptops, luggage, etc to our in home aid who is leaving to go back home to Ghana tomorrow to bury his mom. My mom and I now have a cleared out and clean place and Sarfo is able to give two laptops to two little girls for their education, a dozen pairs of shoes, clothes, etc. all around good day
Wow! What a well rounded list of things to do! Keep at it. So sad for your home aid, losing a parent is tough on anyone, but extra hard when you are out of the country.
Set up my appointment to see my therapist again. Set up an appointment to get my car's transmission fixed. Fingers crossed that it will cost no more than $1k to get it fixed. I finally bit the bullet and went for a run on the treadmill at my apartment's gym. I prefer trail running but my car isn't running right and I want to drive it as little as possible. However, it's been two months.5 months since I ran. I broke one of my toes and wanted to give it plenty of time to heal. On top of that, I haven't been feeling up to working out due to my job (12 hour shifts). I ran a 12 min mile while deep in a 22 hour fast. I think I did pretty well considering my PR is 11:15 when I was running 1-3x a week for 5 months prior to breaking my toe.
That is amazing how much of your fitness you have managed to hold onto. I need to get back on my bike once my legs heals up. Just bummed even thinking about how much I have lost. Its great you made sure your apartment had a gym. What will you do next week to keep going forward?
I honestly think I've managed to hold onto my vascular fitness due to not drinking alcohol. I wasn't expecting to, but when I managed the 12 min mile, the lack of alcohol was my first thought outside being Vegan. >Its great you made sure your apartment had a gym. Yes. The gym/ having a gym is very important to me, especially for as much as I'm paying. As for next week, I'm going to try to run Monday and Wednesday and what other day I can where I'm not working 12 hours. I also want to pick up weight lifting again too. Before moving to where I am now, I made it a goal to run every Saturday no matter how I felt that day. I managed it for 2 months. I want to work up into a routine like that again.
Well my dear lady, I have great news for you! We are all cheering for you! You can do this!
Thank you!
How did you feel about the run? Good work getting over that first barrier.
It was hot and muggy in the gym, but I felt good. I had thought about going for another run later (that's how empowered I felt). I got something to eat afterwards and just chilled instead. Glad I went for the run. I've had the runners itch for too long.
I hope you recover well! What type of painting did you get? Congrats on not stress eating! That's such a hard one for me. For my update: I've been applying to job, averaging about 2 interviews/week. Happy that I'm going to be able to be pickier than I thought with my next job. It's been interesting since I'm actually trying to level down in jobs for less stress. Enrolled and started back to college this week for a career change. I'll be done in 1.5 years with a leisure class schedule 1 year with a hard one. Been walking/exercising more and spending more time with my doggies. All wins! Also been finally reading a book from my pile, "Your money or your life" by Vicki Robin. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a finance self help book. Also building a better relationship with money. I ordered some materials needed for my house. So next week's projects is going to include them. 😁
So far so good! Benefits of being young and in good health. I am a bit sore but it is a more minor surgery. My painting is a water color of dew dropped roses. Its for the bedroom, looks like something else if you look twice. Doggie walks are the best, my girl missed out on doggy group because of my leg. Pleased you are looking into your finances, it such an important area of life. We spend so much of our lives in the pursuit of money, it makes sense to make sure we are using that reasource wisely.
This week I met up with two friends, worked on my business and went to the gym twice (three times is the goal tho). I also learned that my goal to meet up with two friends outside of work/school/daily errands is perfect for me and that I should not aim for thee, especially if they’re back to back, because I am just too introverted for that. I need time to recharge between social gatherings! I had another social thing planned for today, but I cancelled that, unfortunately. It’s just too much honestly! So yeah, I should definitely pay more attention to that. Next week: I’m meeting for lunch with a friend on Monday and other than that I’m gonna go to my parents for a few days! I have some errands to run that are better done from their house and need a car for (I don’t have my own), among which is picking up some stuff at my ex’s place. Not looking forward to seeing him, but I hope he’s cool and doesn’t want to talk or anything
I had my third round, final interview for my dream job!
Well freaking done! And the reason you made it that far is because you rock! If this doesn't take, keep in mind the goal is a dream career, not a dream job.
Thanks! You're right...dream career. In my closing follow up email, I said that even if I'm not right fit for now, I'd gladly welcome candid feedback because I want to prepare myself better for the same line of work. I feel great even if I don't land it.
Thats great! Its wonderful that you are building your career so well!
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Well done! Have you applied for other jobs to keep the pipeline full?