Update XVI: Sidejackin' it in the Train Room.

[memphis]

I'd buy an Update themed tshirt.

[memphis]

It's a relaxing Saturday evening in progress. I've got one more baseball game to watch tonight - Cleveland Indians vs. Kansas City Royals.

How many baseball games have you watched today?

[memphis]

Why does Tulsa start their elementary schools two weeks before their high schools?

[memphis]

As big as Bushie is, I'm certain he's eating at least 4,000 calories each day. You don't get to be 300 lbs by eating a few extra bites each day. That said, my intent is not to fat shame. Like many Americans, especially religious ones, he has a very difficult addiction to junk food. I guarantee he binges on cheatsnacks regularly.

[memphis]

Are you moving back to OKC?

[memphis]

If you were cognizant of what's going on, you wouldn't be 31 and broke, 100% dependent on your parents.

Bushie is 32.

[memphis]

I don't know anything about call centers, but I'm guessing that they only request 3 days notice because the drones are so extremely replaceable and because people who have already given their notice perform badly on the phones. It makes a lot of sense. In any case, I'm still of the opinion that Bushie should get a job in a grocery store, ideally in eastern Oklahoma County so he can live either with Grandma Bushie or in the Train Room. It's a fairly easy job to get and, ideally, will encourage him to learn something about food other than how to shove it into his face. He's not alone in his complete cluelessness. Both my parents are the exact same way. And, what a surprise, they're both also obese, though neither one, thankfully, is at Bushie's (barely) morbid level. I think that Bushie's refusal even to consider such a job is a reflection of the stigma that American society holds for such workers. As if it's better to hold out for a professional career that is never going to materialize than accept menial labor. Ok, so stocking shelves isn't anybody's dream job. So what? Even at minimum wage, if he could keep this job longer than a few weeks, which is possible as many groceries are unionized, he'd be much better off financially than continuing with the on again off again call center roller coaster.

[memphis]

It's clear Bushie will not be working his final 3 days. I wonder if he went willingly or if he had to be escorted off the premesis.
Also, any news on the CADD certificate?

[memphis]

What, specifically, do you guys think mental health folks can do for Bushie? He clearly has a lot of mental problems, but all of you put way too much faith in the ability of psychiatry to solve them. The fact is, in cases like Bushie, there's not much that can be done to fix him. The efficacy of many drugs and talk therapy is very much in doubt. He's never going to be able to hold a job. He just needs to limit the financial damage he causes.

[memphis]

Bushie, how are you today? You've been through a lot in the last few days. Hope you're ok.

[memphis]

I'd like to suggest I Know What You Did Last Somer. Also, how can a headache be so bad as to preclude a nap, but tv is ok? I know when I have a headache, staring at a screen is extremely unappealing.

[memphis]

Bushie, have you considered a career in fundraising? Places like schools, charities, churches, etc. will pay you good money to convince others to donate. Sounds like you have a talent for this. I also would love to see the look on Mama Bushie's face when he comes around asking for some more Kenya money.

[memphis]

Craigslist? Called you within 20 minutes? Hired on the spot? You can't be serious.

[memphis]

Challenge for math nerds. Presume Bushie had been hired for a retail job at $7.25/hr on the date that he began CADD school and continues to work at 40 hours/week going forward. As a seperate scenario, presume Bushie, begins CADD tomorrow, also at 40 hours/week, but at $11/hr, and with a starting cumulative earnings of -$3000 to account for student loans. At what future date does the cumulative CADD earnings, including the negative $3000 for the loan, overtake his cumulative earnings at the retail job? For the sake of simplicity, disregard all taxes and student loan interest, both of which, in the real world, would push the date  even further back.

[memphis]

The time value or money is a very important point, especially for somebody like Bushie who carries high interest credit card debt. However, for the sake of simplicity, lets just solve the problem simply first. Maybe we can account for factors like this and taxes later.

[memphis]

According to www.manta.com my company has been in business since 1970 and employs 10-19 people.

LOL. Well.. that took me all of 3 minutes to find out the company name.

You're a better man than me. Took me closer to 10.

[memphis]

Most employer sponsered health plans still require the employee to contribute something toward the cost of the premiums. If you're happy with the Indian docs and they charge you zero, I'd consider declining the employer plan. Also, if your employer's plan's premium cost is less than 9.5% of your income, you won't be eligible to use the exchange.

[memphis]

I think it's time to add a new lady in your life, Bushie. Onward toward the next fiancee!

Not right now.

Thinking of changing teams?

[memphis]

I wonder how far his commute is. I felt bad for him when he was at CADD school and had to drive 20 miles each way. I know in big cities, there's often no way around a terrible commute, but in towns the size of Memphis, Tulsa, and OKC, anything over 15-20 minutes is nuts. That's one of the best parts of living in a smaller metro.

[memphis]

To echo JMann, even if they told you it's "okay" to be late, don't be. Ever. Also, just curious, do they recognize you now when you walk into Braum's as you're such a regular customer? I've done plenty of food jobs and we'd always know the people who ordered all the time. For better or for worse.

[memphis]

Does Bushie still live in the black neighborhood near the last call center?

[memphis]

Moral of the story is don't live 13 miles from your job.

[memphis]

This month's Update brought to you by Village Inn.
http://www.villageinn.com/

[memphis]

Jmann, I'm not saying you were wrong in any career advice you gave Bushie, but but give him a while longer before you pat yourself on the back. He professes his undying love for every job during the first week. Let's see where we stand once the leaves start changing color.

[memphis]

Why go out for a hamburger? It's the easiest thing in the world to make at home. Also, while it's nice that you have a job now, at your current wage and debt levels, you still can't afford to eat out ever.