Money...

I'm not even going to try to make this neat or organized, I just need to rant and say shit as it comes off my mind, so I'm just throwing it down here.

I'd never think that money would ruin us this badly. My entire life we've had money. For the majority of my life I've been spoiled rotten. We've always had it. A new game came out, I'd get it. My brother wanted to go to a sports event, he got his ticket and some for his friends too. Ever since my massive asthma attack when I was eight years old, my folks always protected me and made sure I never really had to do anything. Fast forward to 2007, where my dad died in September.

From that point on everything changed. Almost all of our income ceased. At this time, the people living here were myself, my mom, my brother, and our friend. No one in his family wants him so he was left with us. Mom constantly has her pity feelings going on so he ended up staying with us. We were living at a condo owned by my dad's best friend who promised to help us out with dad gone. He ended up being full of shit, as I've posted about here before.

After the "friend" ended up being a gigantic douche to us, we ended up needing to move out. Using help from a family friend, he said we could live in his old (OLD) home off one of the state roads. So we moved there in April. We couldn't stay there for long. Allergies were flaring up there, the toilets kept breaking, there was so much wrong with this house. This is the point where our money income was getting at a serious loss. The only one with a job was mom. But it cost so much in gas to get her there every day, it was almost not worth it. During our short time there, we all started looking for jobs. My brother and friend managed to get one - each within walking distance. Here was where I realized I was going to struggle to find one. Mostly because of my past laziness, it's gotten to the point where no one has attempted to hire me. 19 years old, never held a job before, no car or license to get around. I remember applying at every place I could, even a gas station and the nearby Publix but no go from either. The money the friend got from his work was few because he only worked weekends but it helped us at time. He was the main reason mom was able to get to work. My brother.... He always spent his checks on himself and his bitch girlfriend. Not surprising but he could of helped out more. He's a whole other story that I don't feel like getting into.

We had to get out of that place asap so in September we moved to where we are now, this two bedroom apartment with four people in it. And this is where everything's going wrong. To put it shortly, the only income there is now is what mom earns from her work. My brother has officially gone into his own little world and insists on not searching for a job. My friend is a pulling a half assed attempt, but he's trying. Me? I'm still failing. There is an entire shopping center across the street that opened a few months after we got there. A Mcdonalds, Super Target, Gamestop, some cloth shops, Petsmart, a bunch of stores in there. No one is hiring or took me. I mean for god's sake even McDonalds turned me down. No one's hiring the 20 year old with no experience. Everyone claims I'm not trying when I am.

We have no car anymore. The car we were given, the registration on it has run out. We can't afford to renew it. Mom's license ran out, can't afford to fix it. Brother's is suspended - can't afford to fix it. So many bills and debts my mom's racked up somehow, can't afford to pay them off. The rent, the electric, we can barely pay those off. Our electric was actually off a few days ago and we only got it back yesterday. Every attempt to make money we can, my mom has pawned off every single game system I have spare for my PS2 (which is only because it wouldn't even net $30) and my PSP (which was pawned before.) I've lost my DS, the Wii, and the 360. Essentially my life was thrown away for a three day temporary solution. All the games I've gotten since such as L4D and Soulstorm and SF4 were all from trading in games I already have or borrowed from people. Hell for god's sake there's actually money I borrowed from someone, just a measley $8, and I have absolutely no fucking way to pay him back now. I feel like a total jackass about that. I can't even afford eight fucking dollars!

Now the whole shit that just happened here, I'm not going into details, but now friend has finally been told he has to leave. I feel like such a heel, I was the one who had to tell him. Me? I've always wanted to leave, but I have nowhere to go. I have no money to support myself, no one is hiring me so no one in their right mind would take me in, I have no car or license to get around... Not to mention if I left my mom would have a breakdown and go into an even more depressed state than she already is.

I have no idea what to do. Mom's insisting that we're going to get kicked out of the apartment here within the next month and if that happens it's over - We have nowhere else to go and we can't afford anywhere else to go. I have no idea what to do, no idea what to think of.

Please, someone slap me into reality. If someone thinks I'm making excuses, call me out on it. Please. I don't want this old bad habit dragging me down...

Comments

FAST6191
That sounds like a markedly unpleasant situation to be in.

It seems you have tried the traditional routes so I am not going to have to say try the less traditional ones.
Know that there are two reasons any company ever hires anyone outside of "jobs for friends/family" and those are
1) They lack the time to do it, I should imagine you have lots of time to do things if you wanted to.
2) They lack the expertise or willingness to undertake the risk, see below for more on this.

To be a mod at a place like this you undoubtedly have some skills in the electronics/computing arena and possibly general mechanical stuff so use them (buy/find*, fix/mod and sell on works very well if done properly), jobwise I am in a similar situation to you although I have a lot to fall back upon and there are enough people in need of my time.

*it sounds awful I know but people really do throw out stuff (I am not saying dumpster diving) that can be made to be quite nice with a bit of effort.
Around here people seem to be a great bid to rid themselves of stereo speakers (which are often far nicer than they realise) or devices with them in, 5.1 speakers (which many want) and the like are nothing more than these with a few coloured wires which half an hour work and 50 cents of material (more if I have to build a casing). I flog these on for hardly anything but the margins are good.

And finally many places are buying up metal right now, I am not overly familiar with north Florida but from what I hear from friends over there is a bit about and a few decent scrap dealers. If you are willing to pound some serious pavement and put some time in sorting it it is a way to get some cash.

These ways will probably not net you enough to do anything special with (main idea is to undercut everyone you can) but they can help alleviate the strain a bit (at worst it will stem the flow), it will feel degrading at points but it works.

Some food for thought: actively going job hunting every day is a sure fire way to end up depressed, try going out every other day and just checking listings on the "off" days.
 
J
^ actually that could be arranged

i know a site admin of a console-modding website that could help you pull in an extra 20-30$ a month, pm me if youre interested
 
Mangofett
[quote name='Gaisuto' post='1774431' date='Feb 14 2009, 06:10 PM'][quote name='Linkiboy' post='1774420' date='Feb 14 2009, 06:03 PM']Well, if you're really desperate for a job you could http://becomeaguide.chacha.com/

But this should be a last resort thing.[/quote]
Why would this be a last resort, is there something about it? Like a hidden catch or anything?
I'm seriously considering it.
[/quote]
It probably has the worst pay of anything you're considering

Though since it has no specific hours you have to work you might take it as a second job or something.
 
Advi
You own a PC, no?

Making money with a website of your own may be a viable option.......
 
jefffisher
[quote name='Maktub' post='1774646' date='Feb 14 2009, 07:36 PM']I've been studying History of America for last semester, there was something called CCC to employ young people back in the 20's, there should be something now (I bet there must be some agency or something like that). Else, you could get into the army? Doesn't seem too bad. Anyway, if you ain't got enough money and you aren't being too picky, there's always job - wash cars, cut the lawn in other people's gardens, help old ladies with their shopping, dish washer... Don't you have any specific knowledge? (languages, advanced or economical maths, even tvgames, if you know a REAL lot) there are many specific jobs that require you to actually LOOK for them rather than just throwing your CV out at everyone.

edit: also, check if you have bad habits when it comes to lifestyle like psyfira said... things like not letting taps open while you're not actually using them, letting lights on, computers or tv's on stand by mode... those kinda things.[/quote]
i agree with this guy, CCC civilian conservation center todays version is job corps. it's not going to make your situation any better right now or possibly even in the long run.
what it is you go there to live and learn, they'll teach you a trade like brick laying, painting, carpentry. or help you get some computer certification. A+ net+ or if you stay at it possibly even mcse
it's free the staying there the food everything completely free you don't have anything to worry about, it wont help your mom any but maybe you could go there and atleast she wouldn't have to worry about supporting you for a while. i'm not going to lie it's hell on earth, boring nothing will ever be more lame too many rules, full of horrible horrible people. it's mostly minority not racist or anything but the ones there are terrible. when/if you graduate they'll help you find a job and you'll have some experience and they give you $1200 to help out.
i wouldn't recommend it to anyone but it sounds like you're in deep here so it might be a good option to have.
if you're interested i could give you more information.
 
silent sniper
looks like you've gotta do something drastic. What did your dad do for a living? Did he have any accomplices that would be interested in hiring his son? Talk to your dad's company for a job, in a case like this, they should be sympathetic and at least offer a token job.

Also, what do you for hobbies? If you have something you really like, and theres somewhere near that'll hire you to do it, then suck up till you get it. My buddy's brother got a job at the local guitar store only because he'd be in there polishing guitars everyday for months until the owner gave him a job (but mind you the owner is quite a douche, most other store owners/managers should be nicer).

all the advice i can give.

and also talk straight to your brother and get his ass to help, even if he need to ditch this bitch girlfriend or something.
 
Rock Raiyu
Many many problems in the economy we live in now. You're not alone bro, I hope something works out for you.

But like some people have already said, you should use your skills and that could earn you money. Being on this kind of forum, you would know a couple of things so use it to your advantage. Utilize the internet and learn some things with fixing computers and whatnot, could earn you some money.

I'm sorry if this isn't helpful, but I wish you the best and I know you can turn your life around bro. or else I will "kick you in the shins" lol :P
 
Y
[quote name='jesuschristmonkeyballs' post='1775148' date='Feb 15 2009, 01:05 AM']This may sound messed-up, but start reading Deepak Chopra.[/quote]

That is messed up! He needs a job and doesn't have time to read a damn book!

Wake up! The world is full of shit! Wake your brother up, get your buddies to help you, and try doing daily exercises!
Having an attack when your young shouldn't give you an excuse. Work out like 30 min. a day!
Turn off the computer, go outside and hope for the best!
I know it's hard but keep up your smile and give them a good first impression!
It will be easier if you have multi-skills.

If you still haven't turn off your computer then go and do some volunteer work and make your resume's look like your a saint!



Good luck! And Welcome back to reality!
 
J
[quote name='yikkyon' post='1775168' date='Feb 14 2009, 10:21 PM'][quote name='jesuschristmonkeyballs' post='1775148' date='Feb 15 2009, 01:05 AM']This may sound messed-up, but start reading Deepak Chopra.[/quote]

doesn't have time to read a damn book!

try doing daily exercises!
[/quote]

But he does have time to work out which is completely superficial?

Good work, bro.
 
granville
I see someone mentioned Chacha a few posts back. I work for them and it's really busy right now. I suggest you try it out. You need:

1- PC
2- Firefox
3- broadband
4- the ability to use Google and be resourceful
5- 18 or older (they ask for a W9 and such, so no fooling them)

I'll sum up some of the basics:

The good news is you can sign up for a debit card using their online bank. With the card, you can cash your earnings our whenever you like without waiting for a check (they take a $2 fee every time you do cash out though, so I suggest you make as much as possible before you cash out). You CAN opt for the monthly paycheck though. I don't think they charge $2 if you do that.

At the current time, you get 10-20 cents per question you get. The current way you get 20 cents is by performing well for the current week and the next week, you are rated a top guide and get 20 cents. This is changing to a question-based pay however this month on the 18th. They're making it so that your pay is dependent on the TYPE of questions you get. 10 cents is still the minimum, but if you get certain kinds of questions (like math problems), you can get up to 25 cents each.

Pay may not seem like much, but questions usually only last 1-3 minutes and the money adds up, especially with the new payment methods. Most questions ARE the 10 cent kind, but are generally very easy. I get all kinds of "will I get laid tonight?" just link them to the magic 8 ball and give a random answer.

If you try hard, you can make 5-8 dollars per hour just on the 10 cent payment. Once the better pay rates kick in, you could potentially make far more than this. You don't have a schedule. Just work whenever you want.

I'm really sorry for what happened to you Gaisuto. I too have a very serious financial crisis. Ceiling is falling in, bills, and everything. I'm fairly sure I don't have your family issues at least (only me and mom), but I do feel for you about the economic crisis.

I suggest you try chacha. It's nice that you don't have to waste gas to do it, and you can make your own work schedule. I can even chat sometimes while I'm working, so it's fun. You could even lie in bed while you do it (as I am).

EDIT: if you have any old stuff you don't use anymore, I also suggest Ebay. I've sold a bunch of old shit on there. Sold an old broken DS for parts. Got like $45 for it.
 
R
[quote name='yikkyon' post='1775168' date='Feb 15 2009, 01:21 PM']Wake up! The world is full of shit! Wake your brother up, get your buddies to help you, and try doing daily exercises!
Having an attack when your young shouldn't give you an excuse. Work out like 30 min. a day!
Turn off the computer, go outside and hope for the best!
I know it's hard but keep up your smile and give them a good first impression!
It will be easier if you have multi-skills.

If you still haven't turn off your computer then go and do some volunteer work and make your resume's look like your a saint!



Good luck! And Welcome back to reality![/quote]
Quoting a statement from anonymous:
"War is delightful for those who have never experienced it"
The point? Speaking(or, typing) is so fucking easy a 5 years old can do that, Having an attack shouldn't give you an excuse? Try to do that yourself and see what you can do

Also, what did your dad do back then? If he's working at a company, shouldn't there be some friends of him that want to hire you?
 
U
[quote name='Nessie' post='1774789' date='Feb 15 2009, 02:08 AM']You own a PC, no?

Making money with a website of your own may be a viable option.......[/quote]

have you ever done it? jees, the dot com bubble burst 10 years ago now and people are still under the illusion that intarwebz = easy moneh. the reality is it is quite difficult to make a website that will rake in more than the hosting costs, let alone make you rich
 
NeSchn
I think I remember talking about this when I first joined the board in 2007. You seem like you live in a pretty big community, can't you ask someone around if you can do some work for them? Tell them your situation, and even ask them for a minimal amount of money. Most people will feel sympathy and if you are working hard will give you more. At least so you can get by, I may seem hard but you never know. Maybe your mom should have thought about selling those things on eBay before pawning them.
 

Blog entry information

Author
Gaisuto
Views
451
Comments
68
Last update

More entries in Personal Blogs

More entries from Gaisuto

Share this entry

General chit-chat
Help Users
  • QuarterCut @ QuarterCut:
    hi
  • K3Nv2 @ K3Nv2:
    Thanks for signing up at LinusTechTips
  • QuarterCut @ QuarterCut:
    :O
  • QuarterCut @ QuarterCut:
    holey shmoley!
  • BigOnYa @ BigOnYa:
    Your credit card has been charged. Thank you.
  • K3Nv2 @ K3Nv2:
    Your screwdriverPlus will arrive in three weeks
     +1
  • QuarterCut @ QuarterCut:
    K64_Waddle_Dee_Artwork_1.jpg

    my reaction to such information
     +2
  • BigOnYa @ BigOnYa:
    Press 1 for English. Press 2 for Pig Latin. Or press 3 to speak to a representative.
  • BakerMan @ BakerMan:
    guys, i need help, i got into an argument about what genre radioactive is, and i forgot who made it
  • Sicklyboy @ Sicklyboy:
    4
  • Sicklyboy @ Sicklyboy:
    @BakerMan, Imagine Dragons
  • BakerMan @ BakerMan:
    370
    +1
  • Sicklyboy @ Sicklyboy:
    Dragon deez nuts across yo face GOTEEM
  • Sicklyboy @ Sicklyboy:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktvTqknDobU
  • Sicklyboy @ Sicklyboy:
    lmao now I realize that was probably the joke in the first place
     +1
  • BakerMan @ BakerMan:
    IMAGINE DRAGON DEEZ NUTS ACROSS YO- FUCK HE BEAT ME TO IT
  • BigOnYa @ BigOnYa:
    You have selected 4 - Death by Snu Snu, please stand by...
     +1
  • BakerMan @ BakerMan:
    lucky bastard
     +1
  • Sicklyboy @ Sicklyboy:
    hahahaha I'm half way through a bag off my Volcano and my tolerance is way down because I haven't been smoking much lately, so I was a little slow to catch that that was what your angle was 🤣🤣
     +1
  • Sicklyboy @ Sicklyboy:
    Also I was just excited to know a music reference for once (I am the LAST person in the world that you want on your trivia team)
     +2
  • K3Nv2 @ K3Nv2:
    Bummer webos 7.4 isnt working with dejavuln-autoroot
  • Sicklyboy @ Sicklyboy:
    PS4 right? I think that's what mine's on. Or 5.6, maybe.
  • K3Nv2 @ K3Nv2:
    @Sicklyboy,
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIeljeDINqk&t=609s
  • K3Nv2 @ K3Nv2:
    [!] Installation failed (devmode_enabled not recognized)
  • K3Nv2 @ K3Nv2:
    0.5 seemed to work whatever lol i wont bitch
    K3Nv2 @ K3Nv2: 0.5 seemed to work whatever lol i wont bitch