Where to begin?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Where to begin?
8
Wed, 04-19-2006 - 6:54pm

I've been a lurker for quite some time. I posted yesterday about a problem at work. I can't afford to leave my job which I hate. I get so upset with myself because I backed myself into this corner. Where do I begin to control this debt? I'm using my cards for things like groceries and utilities. I never seem to have any "extra" money left out of my paycheck. I've started bringing my lunch to work and trying to cut back. I'm open to any suggestions. Thanks!

KRG

Avatar for 2locachicas
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2003
In reply to: krg32
Wed, 04-19-2006 - 7:17pm

I was thinking about you today. Did you get called in by the big boss or not? If so how did it go?
When we first started trying to get our $$ under control we started by looking at our extras and what we could get rid of(cell phones, cable, computer service) and of those extras what we weren't willing to get rid of...Then we looked at what we could cut-eating out, groceries, stuff for the kids.....Then we looked at our fixed bills and worked backwards from there.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: krg32
Wed, 04-19-2006 - 7:33pm
Yes, I was called into the office. Basically, he said that I was in the wrong. I needed to be more of a team player. What? In the past I've always been thanked for helping out. The lady I was talking about is just another co-worker but she is the office bully. Her boss is pretty much afraid to confront her and just overlooks her bad behavior. I guess that's why I get so upset with this debt. At the moment, until I pay it down I don't have the option to leave. Thanks for your support!
Avatar for 2locachicas
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2003
In reply to: krg32
Wed, 04-19-2006 - 7:45pm
Sounds like you have one HUGE reason to pay down that debt!! This is a great board for support and I have gotten tons of great ideas that have helped me pay down my debt ALOT this year already....sorry the boss isn't willing to see her for who she is(and you too)
Avatar for cl_phocid
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: krg32
Wed, 04-19-2006 - 8:38pm
Hi there - you might want to click on the link in my signature about "Trim the Budget Fat" - lots of ideas there on how to squeeze extra dollars from the budget!

All my best,
Danni

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2006
In reply to: krg32
Wed, 04-19-2006 - 9:32pm
Sorry you feel trapped in your job and debt situation. I felt the same way 4 years ago. At the time I was at a job I hated and had actually turned down a job where I'm at now 6 months earlier because I was afraid to leave the security of a job I had been with for 4 years, had a 401K with and had health insurance with. You said you live in a small town, and have been with your job 14 years. Have you made friends/acquantances that have gone on to other jobs? Get back in contact with them if you have and put out discreet feelers...let people know you might be interested in a change. I wasn't advertising to people I was looking for something else, but the people I had worked with came to me and asked me if I would apply for openings where they went. I checked out several but until I was offered my current position I wasn't getting enough money to give up the 1/2 mile commute for a 6 mile commute or take a chance with no tuition reimbursement or 401K match, but it has paid me richly in so many ways other than money. I found a job I loved and was passionate about. Because I found a job I enjoyed I didn't mind the overtime and that helped me in the debt journey as well. Our company just transitioned to a new software system, has grown tremendously and there is a new job waiting for me at the end of the transition though I haven't been told all what I will be doing. Meanwhile, my old company just went public with plans to leave the state by summer due to hurricanes. So all my friends that stuck by that company (which I saw was making bad choices with their business then) are probably looking for jobs now. I plan to tell some of them about any openings that would suit them, but I don't think there will be more than 2 applicable openings as it was a different industry. Don't let fear or inertia keep you where you are. I was on the Titanic, but got off before the ship sailed so to speak :)
Pam

Proud sister of a Marine:

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2005
In reply to: krg32
Thu, 04-20-2006 - 11:13pm

I'm sorry you got told to be a team player.

 

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: krg32
Fri, 04-21-2006 - 9:28pm

Thanks for all the support! This work situation has really opened my eyes on getting my debt in control. I have listed all my debts from the smallest to the largest. Quite the eye opener. Everything I owe is on credit cards. Thank goodness my interest rates are low. I live with my mother and am helping her raise my niece and nephew. I pay for the water, cable, groceries, car insurance, car repairs, etc. I have started keeping a spending journal and have been surprised what the little things can add up to. Monday I'm calling the cable company to see what's the cheapest package they offer. My friend and I have started bringing our lunches to work. She's in the same boat as me with her debt. This weekend I'm actually going to use the Quicken that I have had awhile but never actually put to use. Maybe it was a good thing that this work problem happened. Again, I'm always open for suggestions! Thanks!

KRG

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2005
In reply to: krg32
Fri, 04-21-2006 - 9:52pm

You and your friend should swap cooking days!

 

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