While it is a debit card, they have your SSN and other private information. Once you put money in it, everything has a fee so if you donothing with the card, they empty your account slowly. Great option for old people. Even better option for my 16 year old who got a card today. Come on people this should be outlawed.
I would love to get laid off. I just turned 62 and can now collect Social Security. I would get severance pay and over a year of unemployment. The company would also pay 65% of my COBRA insurance for nine months. I wouldn't have to touch mny retirement nest egg for over a year. What a great way to ease into retirement. I realize this is an unusual situation but.....
I volunteered but didn't get selected for the layoffs. I can't see doing most of the things suggested in the article though. If you are accepting a paycheck you need to earn it--no goofing off.
How dare you people make comments of how long (you)comments makers, believe that a poverty stricken nation recieve Help! We are a people who have worked all of ours lives ,and our lively hood was taken from us not by mistake but by GREED! not due to the peons but the upper executives we are a people that awoke every morning, and was in the 2 to 3 hour l.a traffic coming home to get a few hours of rest before we had to rise again for another day. We are a people that made the best life we could to get our children through college and grad school to become well versed citizens that will give back to the communities. in order to bring our nation out of a selfish .greedy world. A world that is totally in a spinning cycle of being lost. We are grateful in the hopes that we would could have the opportunity to have 59/79 weeks to be retrained in a new job field. So we can stand as american again ,and not feel like we are a third world country.
I had a coworker years ago who had been burned out at work and wanted to leave. He wanted to change careers and just 'get out'. He would have loved to be laid off since he'd have gotten severance and unemployment benefits. Depends on the company but here at least they wouldn't lay off someone just cause they asked unless they were doing layoffs anyway. If they know you want to quit they have no incentive to fork over severance for someone who would leave anyway. My friend in question couldn't bring himself to do a bad job to force them to lay him off so he just ended up quitting.
I went through this. We were in the midst of a mandatory downsizing anyway and I was so very over my job (having stayed probably 4 years too long). So I basically asked to be included in the RIF when I was done helping management RIF all the other people tagged to go. I most likely would've quit anyway at that point, but I admit that the air of 'severance package' floating around the offices was an added enticement, and it gave DH and I a buffer while he looked for work and I got a home-based business up and running.
As a student, I'm a little offended by the people assuming we flock to fast food because of the value, rather than the fact that we're too lazy to cook for ourselves.
If I were to rely on fast food for all of my meals (we'll be generous and say I'm only spending 3$/meal), I'd be paying 9 dollars a day, or 63$ a week. Because it's actually cheaper to eat healthy and make my own meals, I'm only spending about 30 - 40 dollars a week living alone. And I treat fast food as a special occassion for the end of a really long month.
If you introduced a healthy-living tax on fast food restaurants, people with limited budgets might think twice about spending all of that extra money.
And people are right that it would be difficult to decide what constitutes healthy or fast food, but maybe the initial proceeds from the obvious choices could go into research regarding what should and shouldn't be included.
I had the same dilemma. I wanted to get laid off for ages, so I could stay home with my kids. I couldn't do any of the things you listed though, it just isn't in my makeup to do a bad job. I kind of knew that even if there were layoffs, I wasn't going to be the first to go. After months of waiting, I finally just decided to go ahead and quit. Just quit!
and speaks to exactly how I have been feeling for a while now. Finding what's *really* important to us leads to a great sense of freedom. My favorite quote - and for good reason:
And, yes, no doubt to others, our ways seem quaint, but, today of all days, it is brought home: It is no bad thing to celebrate the simple life. ~~ Bilbo Baggins
Creating websites and logos are not actually as simple as you might think. In addition to having access to photoshop and dreamweaver, you have to consider copyrights and usage and plagiarism. These and many other reasons are why professionals in these fields spend years in college to obtain degrees before. Your "easy way to make a buck or two" may turn into a huge lawsuit.
4
be aware that once you give your photos or illustrations to istock, you no longer own the rights to them. this means you cannot post them on facebook or hang them on your wall or use them in your holiday greeting card, unless you then purchase them and use them according to their guidelines. Regardless of whether they choose to sell them or not. (Also, if they choose to give them away for free, you will get no dividends).
Sarah,
Very insightful article. When people look back upon their lives, their regrets are never related to things. They regret missing out on certain experiences, or not mending a relationship that turned sour, but not having more money or objects. Simple living is an excellent way to discover and focus on what is important in our lives. Too many people are weighed down by their things to really enjoy living.
You've provided many useful tips. The easiest thing to do though, is simply ask your manager and HR person about what exit strategies one has to leave the firm, and keep as much deferred compensation as possible.
It's not worth trying to play gains and risk being going from laid off to fired, b/c getting fired is a black mark, while getting laid off is not.
Just have open dialogues. It's the easiest way.
Keigu,
Financial Samurai
"Slicing Through Money's Mysteries"
Especially now, barter is the best thing to do. I have a business and consult with other non-competing business owners. We're bartering to save our businesses - God knows the Government isn't doing anything to help us out.
I wish there was a Merchants office near us so we can benefit from what you say. We're doing it all on our own right now.
I shop earlier each year. I can enjoy my shopping if I am not struggling for ideas at the very end of the year (and then paying too much for something that is merely okay)
Cool, I am almost there. Will be together soon and run the first batch as soon as it stops bubblin... I will try the bread dough seal for the rim, as stated in a prior comment. Still waiting......
but the reasons are clearly outlined in the article. As you loved your job, your situation obviously did not apply. But there are some people looking for a way out, for many reasons that are highlighted. Did you read the article, or just the title?
Why would anyone want to be laid off? I was laid off in February and I would have done anything to stay at my job that I loved. This economy is terrible and I cannot find another job. It really sucks being unemployed in this economy... I would not wish this on anyone.
The jobs listed aren't jobs for the "lazy" -- they take a lot of time and dedication. If a teen has the motivation to put in the effort, what does it matter whether it's flipping burgers or asking mom and dad what they no longer want around the house to post on eBay?
While these are advice that anyone can take, especially relevant for teens is that way over qualified candidates are now applying for jobs typically only teens would want. And even if a teen just didn't want to do those types of jobs -- before I graduated college, I just never looked at jobs in fast food/restaurants or retail stores because it wasn't my preference -- and wanted to find a job he/she was actually interested in, what's the harm in that?
Whatever shows initiative and a motivation to work for something, instead of asking mom and dad to buy and give things, is a trait that any teen should be encouraged to pursue.
While it is a debit card, they have your SSN and other private information. Once you put money in it, everything has a fee so if you donothing with the card, they empty your account slowly. Great option for old people. Even better option for my 16 year old who got a card today. Come on people this should be outlawed.
Good stuff. Sarcasm always speaks to me! Included it in my PF blog round-up for the week
I would love to get laid off. I just turned 62 and can now collect Social Security. I would get severance pay and over a year of unemployment. The company would also pay 65% of my COBRA insurance for nine months. I wouldn't have to touch mny retirement nest egg for over a year. What a great way to ease into retirement. I realize this is an unusual situation but.....
I volunteered but didn't get selected for the layoffs. I can't see doing most of the things suggested in the article though. If you are accepting a paycheck you need to earn it--no goofing off.
Regardless of the situation or how you go about it, doing a poor job just to get laid off seems unethical to me.
A teacher used to tell us "to simplify our lives".
However he latter added that a psychologist/psychiatrist warned him that some people simplify their lives to the point of not leaving their homes.
How dare you people make comments of how long (you)comments makers, believe that a poverty stricken nation recieve Help! We are a people who have worked all of ours lives ,and our lively hood was taken from us not by mistake but by GREED! not due to the peons but the upper executives we are a people that awoke every morning, and was in the 2 to 3 hour l.a traffic coming home to get a few hours of rest before we had to rise again for another day. We are a people that made the best life we could to get our children through college and grad school to become well versed citizens that will give back to the communities. in order to bring our nation out of a selfish .greedy world. A world that is totally in a spinning cycle of being lost. We are grateful in the hopes that we would could have the opportunity to have 59/79 weeks to be retrained in a new job field. So we can stand as american again ,and not feel like we are a third world country.
I had a coworker years ago who had been burned out at work and wanted to leave. He wanted to change careers and just 'get out'. He would have loved to be laid off since he'd have gotten severance and unemployment benefits. Depends on the company but here at least they wouldn't lay off someone just cause they asked unless they were doing layoffs anyway. If they know you want to quit they have no incentive to fork over severance for someone who would leave anyway. My friend in question couldn't bring himself to do a bad job to force them to lay him off so he just ended up quitting.
Your tips are a good observation. We appreciate your input !!
Linsey Knerl
I went through this. We were in the midst of a mandatory downsizing anyway and I was so very over my job (having stayed probably 4 years too long). So I basically asked to be included in the RIF when I was done helping management RIF all the other people tagged to go. I most likely would've quit anyway at that point, but I admit that the air of 'severance package' floating around the offices was an added enticement, and it gave DH and I a buffer while he looked for work and I got a home-based business up and running.
As a student, I'm a little offended by the people assuming we flock to fast food because of the value, rather than the fact that we're too lazy to cook for ourselves.
If I were to rely on fast food for all of my meals (we'll be generous and say I'm only spending 3$/meal), I'd be paying 9 dollars a day, or 63$ a week. Because it's actually cheaper to eat healthy and make my own meals, I'm only spending about 30 - 40 dollars a week living alone. And I treat fast food as a special occassion for the end of a really long month.
If you introduced a healthy-living tax on fast food restaurants, people with limited budgets might think twice about spending all of that extra money.
And people are right that it would be difficult to decide what constitutes healthy or fast food, but maybe the initial proceeds from the obvious choices could go into research regarding what should and shouldn't be included.
I had the same dilemma. I wanted to get laid off for ages, so I could stay home with my kids. I couldn't do any of the things you listed though, it just isn't in my makeup to do a bad job. I kind of knew that even if there were layoffs, I wasn't going to be the first to go. After months of waiting, I finally just decided to go ahead and quit. Just quit!
Thank you Sarah for this gentle and lovely reminder about what is important.
and speaks to exactly how I have been feeling for a while now. Finding what's *really* important to us leads to a great sense of freedom. My favorite quote - and for good reason:
And, yes, no doubt to others, our ways seem quaint, but, today of all days, it is brought home: It is no bad thing to celebrate the simple life. ~~ Bilbo Baggins
7 and 8
Creating websites and logos are not actually as simple as you might think. In addition to having access to photoshop and dreamweaver, you have to consider copyrights and usage and plagiarism. These and many other reasons are why professionals in these fields spend years in college to obtain degrees before. Your "easy way to make a buck or two" may turn into a huge lawsuit.
4
be aware that once you give your photos or illustrations to istock, you no longer own the rights to them. this means you cannot post them on facebook or hang them on your wall or use them in your holiday greeting card, unless you then purchase them and use them according to their guidelines. Regardless of whether they choose to sell them or not. (Also, if they choose to give them away for free, you will get no dividends).
Sarah,
Very insightful article. When people look back upon their lives, their regrets are never related to things. They regret missing out on certain experiences, or not mending a relationship that turned sour, but not having more money or objects. Simple living is an excellent way to discover and focus on what is important in our lives. Too many people are weighed down by their things to really enjoy living.
-Rex
Paul,
You've provided many useful tips. The easiest thing to do though, is simply ask your manager and HR person about what exit strategies one has to leave the firm, and keep as much deferred compensation as possible.
It's not worth trying to play gains and risk being going from laid off to fired, b/c getting fired is a black mark, while getting laid off is not.
Just have open dialogues. It's the easiest way.
Keigu,
Financial Samurai
"Slicing Through Money's Mysteries"
Especially now, barter is the best thing to do. I have a business and consult with other non-competing business owners. We're bartering to save our businesses - God knows the Government isn't doing anything to help us out.
I wish there was a Merchants office near us so we can benefit from what you say. We're doing it all on our own right now.
Great post. Wise words indeed.
I shop earlier each year. I can enjoy my shopping if I am not struggling for ideas at the very end of the year (and then paying too much for something that is merely okay)
Cool, I am almost there. Will be together soon and run the first batch as soon as it stops bubblin... I will try the bread dough seal for the rim, as stated in a prior comment. Still waiting......
I 100% agree, this is a fantastic idea.
but the reasons are clearly outlined in the article. As you loved your job, your situation obviously did not apply. But there are some people looking for a way out, for many reasons that are highlighted. Did you read the article, or just the title?
...NOONE uses MySpace anymore.
Why would anyone want to be laid off? I was laid off in February and I would have done anything to stay at my job that I loved. This economy is terrible and I cannot find another job. It really sucks being unemployed in this economy... I would not wish this on anyone.
The jobs listed aren't jobs for the "lazy" -- they take a lot of time and dedication. If a teen has the motivation to put in the effort, what does it matter whether it's flipping burgers or asking mom and dad what they no longer want around the house to post on eBay?
While these are advice that anyone can take, especially relevant for teens is that way over qualified candidates are now applying for jobs typically only teens would want. And even if a teen just didn't want to do those types of jobs -- before I graduated college, I just never looked at jobs in fast food/restaurants or retail stores because it wasn't my preference -- and wanted to find a job he/she was actually interested in, what's the harm in that?
Whatever shows initiative and a motivation to work for something, instead of asking mom and dad to buy and give things, is a trait that any teen should be encouraged to pursue.
Or these could be looked at as good ideas for anyone just trying to increase their cash flow to pay off debt or just earn more money to save.