MechanicalPumpkin

In a surprising turn of events, I find myself once again being promoted. I was offered an MIT (Manager In Training) position, and am now preparing to be able to run my own store. On top of the immediate boost to my salary for being an MIT, should I succeed and become a General Manager, my income will more than double.

There are risks and sacrifices involved though. For one, I will more than likely work a 60 hour week... every single week... forever.  I will also be required to move or travel wherever corporate tells me to, and leave behind my friends and family. The position itself is very demanding too, and failure to perform will certainly result in swift termination.

Part of me wants to step down, and keep my job as an Assistant Manager. It is much easier, and less stressful, to be second in command. But at the same time, I recognize that I should not let fear or laziness ruin an opportunity like this, on an offer that comes only once.

So there it is. The 'Bide' might end sooner than expected. And instead of worrying about regular things like car payments or credit card debt, I will worry about rich person things like "What's taking them so long to buff my Navigator". Bonus points if you have been around long enough to get that reference

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*Update*

Goodbye Minnesota, Hello Maryland.

Having spent the last few weeks talking with bankers, mortgage brokers, and realtors (and spending hours on end laying on my bed staring at the ceiling) I have come to the conclusion that I cannot afford a house. Even though houses in my area have dropped in price to historic lows, sometimes down 100k from their list price 5 years ago, it is still too much to handle given that I am just one dude, with no friends.

Which, is fairly depressing. I told myself that I would save money from my new job for a down payment on a house, which I did. I talked with mortgage brokers and was approved for the necessary loans. And while I could buy the house, I couldn't really LIVE in that house. Why is that? Because I cant fork a house payment AND student loans AND a car payment and expect to live a lifestyle other than that of a beggar. Truth be told I don't currently have a car payment at the moment, but I'm running on borrowed time on the car I am driving.

If I spend yet one more year at home, I could pay off ALL of my student loans, AND buy a brand new car. In exchange for this financial security, I need only sacrifice my nonexistent social life, independence, and live like a child with mom and dad.

I keep telling myself that this is the smarter decision. How many people my age have paid off their college debt, and drive a new car? Yet in the back of my mind, I cant help but think "how many people my age are married, have their own place to stay, and lead interesting lives?"

I guess everything has its price, and that's why they call the American Dream, a "Dream".


**** I will say this, as to not sound like a complete twat, I am GRATEFUL to have these options. I can clearly remember scrubbing cars, literally on my hands and knees, for dick-fifty an hour, working my ass off and not ever making any progress. I also remember the design interviews I had, where I was grilled and asked if I was the greatest artist that ever was, because they expected no less, and then told that my wage would be a fitting dick-fifty.

****EDIT - I did go and buy that new car, so it appears my path is set.

I was recently promoted at work, and am now a proud member of 'Management'.

I don't have to work for an hourly wage anymore, or do manual labor. Instead, I have a good salary and work mainly in customer service.

Seeing other people driving new cars, mowing their lawns, and tending to children used to fill me with violent rage. But now all of those things are within reach, and that is a wonderful feeling.

Went and saw 'The Sword' play a show at the Triple Rock in Minneapolis last night, with Dead Meadow and Romero. Overall it was one bad ass show. The Sword of course fucking killed it, they played  a massive set covering all their albums, and I can die happy having heard "Freya" played live. I thought Dead Meadow would be boring to see live because their songs are mellow and psychedelic on CD. Live however, they melt your face.  I found myself banging my head and trying hard not to drip into a puddle of cosmic goodness. Epic epic shit there.  I missed all but one song from Romero, because I was drinking at the bar and had no idea the show had even started, my bad. On that note, while i was drinking I noticed a trio of skinny, glasses-wearing nerds hanging at the end of the bar, as it would turn out those nerds were the members of Dead Meadow. On a similar note, a dude I had pegged as a girly-headed fuck of a roadie turned out to be the lead guitarist for 'The Sword'. Give me a break people, I love the music, but I don't visit their damn facebook and stalk them how am I supposed to know what they look like!?!?!

Also, tattooed rocker women, I saw them.
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