Yardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)

[brownnskinn 0]

:help: I am so stressed out over all this. I did not slave away at college for over 4 years to have this job that I can't stand and work every weekend

"Stressed out" is the Key Jamacia-CT made some good points. All that overtime is surely putting you in another tax bracket. If you budget your money closely, you may not even miss the money. Will Tony consider finding a Pt job, or one that pays a little better? The stress is bad for your health not to mention your relationships. There is nothing like piece of mind. I made major cuts in all the overtime I was putting in when D first arrived. Did I miss the money? yes. But the rest, not to mention the time with my man and my children is price less. I'm back to working a lot of hours but It's not manditory, I have a choice. Unfortunately in your case they have have taken that option away from you, and that would just make me want to find another job all on it's own. Good luck.

For anyone who recently had the interview for the fiance visa in Kingston, can you remember whether they accepted the income tax return copy printed out from the tax software as Turbo Tax or whether they insisted on the IRS generated tax transcript. I sent the last three years tax return transcripts that I got from the IRS to my fiance and she seems to have misplaced 2005. I have my copy from TURBOTAX that I saved. I am wondering whether that will be sufficient. It is too late to order the IRS transcript in time for next Monday.

They accepted the tax return copies from H&RBlock in my case.

Bert has worked in a crusie ship for 10 years and a question on one of the forms is list all countries your have entered in the last 10 years.

How would you answer this?

I don't know Dose it even apply if he didn't get off the ship?

On a good note........we received notice that we have our AOS interview on December 7, 2006. It seems kinda fast (I am NOT complaining though!!!!.... ) considering that we have not received the EAD yet. Is that normal????

Congrats That was fast.

Hello VJ family.

Ditto

[rhondapayter 0]

Can you afford financially to quit? Can you afford mentally not to quit? Has your marriage and other relationships suffered as a result of your working all those hours? Have you asked if you can cut back your hours or do another job at the same place the doesn't demand so much of your time? Can you pay your bills and meet other obigations without the extra $20,000?

If Tony's not working for long stretches of time due to the weather can he collect unemployment or look for temp work during that time? I know here in CT residential builders and crew sometimes don't work for a couple of months in the dead of winter and most will apply for unemployment.

The loss of vacation time and other perks is tough but sometimes we have to do what we have to do to get peace of mind and peace within the family.

If you're that miserable I would continue on that search. Best wishes in whatever you decide.

****************************************************************************

NO, NO, Yes, Yes, Not sure I don't think I can afford all the bills with that drastic of a pay cut. That's not even counting my overtime which is about another $20,000 /year So technically I'd be reducing my income by about $40,000 The problem with the jobs I find that are hiring is they all want specific experience in a certain field that I don't have. I've spent the last 5 years in Manufacturing and I want to get out of it. But if I change fields I will have to start at entry-level. I've tried applying for other jobs within my company but they make it virtually impossible to switch.

As for Tony, he doesn't go for long stretches without working - it's more like 1 day here, 2 days there, etc. Last week I think he worked Wed, Fri, and Sat - the weather was bad the other days. So he can't collect unemployment. He doesn't have much education so there are not a whole lot of options for him job-wise. So far he's done cement work, landscaping, roofing, siding, and shoveling snow but they are all OUTSIDE and rely on the weather!

I'm back to working a lot of hours but It's not manditory, I have a choice. Unfortunately in your case they have have taken that option away from you, and that would just make me want to find another job all on it's own. Good luck.

Actually since I've been here, overtime has never really been an "option". It's just that some areas and some shifts work more overtime than others. Also, some bosses are more leniant than others about making you come in when your areas are working. And what shift I'm on is not up to me at all Of course right now, all the shifts are working 7 days a week anyway I've basically gotten lucky most of the time I've been here and haven't worked that many weekends. I used to work a lot of Sat. but hardly ever Sundays up until a few months ago when they started forcing me to.

Thanks for all the advice and comments, keep em coming

[Trinilad 0]

Ok ladies (and Trini) - I need advice

I am really, really fed up with my job. I'm tired of working almost every weekend, I'm tired of being on all different crazy shifts (in the last year, I've been on 1st shift, 2nd shift, and 3rd shift) and I don't even like my job or the manufacturing industry I've been casually looking around for other jobs but the problem is that I can't find anything that pays even close to what I make now (not counting the overtime money!). Tony's job is too unstable to rely on his income. He's doing roofing but works outside so they can't work in bad weather - in Michigan that's often

I have been at my job for just over 5 years now and I know I would have to start all over again w/ vacation time and all that. I also have really good benefits for me and Tony (medical, dental, vision, 401K, etc) and lots of paid holidays and decent amount of vacation days. But the biggest problem is simply the huge pay cut I would have to take. We're talking $20,000 a year or so! So, do I just stick it out for now and continue working ALL the time - no social life, no time for friends/family etc. Or do I take a huge pay-cut and take another job and get to work "normal" hours (Mon. thru Fri. 8 to 5 or whatever) ??? I am so stressed out over all this. I did not slave away at college for over 4 years to have this job that I can't stand and work every weekend

I guess when you lose your passion for what you are doing it becomes frustrating to continue the 9-5. But at the end of the day the decision is an easy one to make. This is not one of those things you can resolve overnight. From where I look at it, you have to decide whether the stress involved in being unable to make ends meet is less painful than the stress of doing a job you do not have a passion for anymore. You know, the worst of two evils.

Whenever I have people coming to the US who have difficulty finding steady 9-5 jobs especially where actual skills are involved, I refer them to a site that has always worked for me in making ends meet. Go to www.narms.com. National Association of Retail Merchandising Specialist. Go to job seach and then select job bank and the area you live in. A lot of companies post jobs here when they are looking for people to do marketing or demo work. From demo's at supermarkets to doing POP and Store resets at grocery chains and stores like Walmart. I was making an extra $1,000.00 a month just doing weekend work here and everytime I need some extra money I go here and take up jobs. Most interviews are over the phone and it does not take rocket science to restock a shelf in a supermarket. Another way your better half can pick up some extra money especially with the holiday coming up.

You have responsibilities and as frustrating as it may be, you just have to find a way to keep your head above water. Trust me, we would all love to cut back on the hours and make ends meet, but unless you are willing to make some drastic adjustments to your way of life, it is not going to happen. Let's be realistic about that. You have gotten accustomed to a certain lifestyle that you have been able to afford because of the income you have. Are you willing to give it up?

Additionally, this may the time to maybe look at skills you have that you can work on. Yes the degree speaks for itself, but look at the jobs that you are interested in and see if any training can get in the door in about 6 months or so. In the short run, you have to stick it out. The plan now should be to increase your spouse's income and work on that seriously. He may need some skill training too to give himself some options as time goes along. You two have to come together on this one and make a decision that you BOTH can live with and be realistic about it. I am sitting in a job that I love cause it allows me to work from home when I want to, go on vacation in Jamaica when I like and such so I can give you all the advice in the world. But until I walk in your shoes, i am just blowing steam. At the end of the day, it's your call, and deep down inside, you know the answer.

Keep the faith.

[kimlbs 0]

But until I walk in your shoes, i am just blowing steam. At the end of the day, it's your call, and deep down inside, you know the answer.

Please Trini........don't ever leave us

Your words of wisdom are wonderful....

how much to pay for the visa to be deliverd???

8.00 US at airpak........it does not cost tooo much!!!!!

might be a dumb question ....but at the interview i know you aren't allowed to bring a lot of stuff in but what about a key?? just a thought that passed through my head...

Not a dumb question.....I had the same question. Yes, they allow you to bring one key but not a bunch.

It will be nice when we are in the same time zone as Jamaica.

Yes.....you east coasters just rub it in......

We will NEVER be at the same time.....we are currently 2 hours behind and soon will be 3 hours.......

Thanks for all the advice and comments, keep em coming

Rhonda- I think you were given a lot of good advice.........One thing that I wish to add.......a few years back, I was in the same boat as you. I went ahead and applied for jobs that had similar pay and the basic job description met my background skills (I was a supervisor and had a lot of budget, supervisory, training experience......ect...) Even though on paper, I never had any experience in that industry, I went ahead and applied anyway because the overall skills they were lookin for matched my previous experience. Believe it or not......I got a lot of interviews and actually got the job.......So....it is a good idea to look at the overall skills they are looking for and apply anyway.....you never know!!!

Edited October 24, 2006 by kimlbs

[kimone2004 2]

Oh Kimone, We need new pics of the boys!

I will get some new ones up tonight!!

[nannygirl82 0]

Darlene you leave in a couple of days... wish i could leave too ...i am so tired working at this job....i have been working for 3 weeks straigh without having a whole 24 hrs to myself

rhonda my advice is money makes the world go round it helps us with our bills, payments for cars and puts food on the table...but if all that working is not making YOU happy..then it is NOT worth it in the long run...if you are not happy it will show!!! it is a big pay cut you are talking about...but i think your happiness is more important then money!! plus the pay cut, sick days and vacation days are not a permenant thing...you can get all those back after working at the new job for a little while!

i am looking for a new job as well starting march...after mike gets here and settled...and i know i will be taking a pay cut at first...but i am so tired and burnt out from this family that to me...a pay cut is worth my happiness!!

just some things to think about!!

[darlene 0]

Why the heck am I so nervous? My stomach is doing flip flops and I still have all day tomorrow to get through, and never mind not sleeping tomorrow night!!!

Can you tell me if this is okay or does it need more? It is the employer letter that I am writing to have my boss sign.

(Me) has been employed by xxx since July 12, 1992. She is currently a Staff Accountant in the Office of xxx.

Current salary is xxx biweekly, xxx annually.

This is a permanent position.

If there are any questions, yaddy, yaddy, yaddy.

[Yaads 0]

Why the heck am I so nervous? My stomach is doing flip flops and I still have all day tomorrow to get through, and never mind not sleeping tomorrow night!!!

Can you tell me if this is okay or does it need more? It is the employer letter that I am writing to have my boss sign.

(Me) has been employed by xxx since July 12, 1992. She is currently a Staff Accountant in the Office of xxx.

Current salary is xxx biweekly, xxx annually.

This is a permanent position.

If there are any questions, yaddy, yaddy, yaddy.

Perfect! Good luck and good travels

[morantbaygirl 0]

Hello,

Just to add my two cents I have been a nurse for 15 years I love what I do!! I agree that if you lose that passion for what you do you need to find that passion in something else. Yardies tomorrow is not promised to us that's why all of us stepped out of the norm and decided to bring our passion here!!! How many people asked are you sure? What if it doesn't work out? He just wants a visa!!!. Either find something that you love to do or find a reason to start loving what you do again. Just My Two Cents.

Why the heck am I so nervous? My stomach is doing flip flops and I still have all day tomorrow to get through, and never mind not sleeping tomorrow night!!!

Can you tell me if this is okay or does it need more? It is the employer letter that I am writing to have my boss sign.

(Me) has been employed by xxx since July 12, 1992. She is currently a Staff Accountant in the Office of xxx.

Current salary is xxx biweekly, xxx annually.

This is a permanent position.

If there are any questions, yaddy, yaddy, yaddy.

I would be nervous too!!! But remember you are ther for support. Never let them see you sweat

I've tried everything to weasel the interview date out of the Embassy--all they'll tell me is that it will be in December and they will mail him a letter. AARRGGHH! I know someone else was waiting for an interview date, too...any news?

Ann

Hey I am waiting too let's hold hands!!! It has been such a frustrating process. Soooo long.

[BelwinMills 0]

Why the heck am I so nervous? My stomach is doing flip flops and I still have all day tomorrow to get through, and never mind not sleeping tomorrow night!!!

Can you tell me if this is okay or does it need more? It is the employer letter that I am writing to have my boss sign.

(Me) has been employed by xxx since July 12, 1992. She is currently a Staff Accountant in the Office of xxx.

Current salary is xxx biweekly, xxx annually.

This is a permanent position.

If there are any questions, yaddy, yaddy, yaddy.

All the best and have a wonderful safe journey!

[Trinilad 0]

Why the heck am I so nervous? My stomach is doing flip flops and I still have all day tomorrow to get through, and never mind not sleeping tomorrow night!!!

Can you tell me if this is okay or does it need more? It is the employer letter that I am writing to have my boss sign.

(Me) has been employed by xxx since July 12, 1992. She is currently a Staff Accountant in the Office of xxx.

Current salary is xxx biweekly, xxx annually.

This is a permanent position.

If there are any questions, yaddy, yaddy, yaddy.

I have a whole week or so to go and I am unable to sleep at nights. This is too stressful. I cannot imagine ever going through this ever again. I just cannot. So if you are nervous then you are doing just fine.

[darlene 0]

Okay...One last question for the experts...

With all the paperwork I am taking the Embassy should I be stapling, paperclip, bind or what should I do?

I know one thing is to stop looking at everything and just pack it away.

[Minfay 0]

I stapled things that needed to be kept together. Remember to make a copy of everything for yourself.....don't give them something that you don't have a copy of.

[luvtravlin 0]

Okay...One last question for the experts...

With all the paperwork I am taking the Embassy should I be stapling, paperclip, bind or what should I do?

I know one thing is to stop looking at everything and just pack it away.

We took a 1 inch (purple) 3 ring binder. I separated the papers in a different color (clear) dividers. I still have everything in there except for what they kept .. I-134, 2004 & 2005 tax stuff. They did not keep (nor want) any of our bank stuff, employers letters, and I asked if they wanted any other documentation.....never was answered.

RHONDA---the last 2 travel agency jobs (both agencies went out of business within 4 months of me leaving) were the absolute and TOTAL pits. I **hated** going to work every day, ya know that feeling when you pull into the parking lot and you just feel like throwing up !!! I went from having benefits to no benefits because they promised ALOT but after 3 yrs, promises were never kept. When I got word that they are going out of business (they didn't know I knew), I pursued going out on my own and opening up my own agency. I LOVE what I do, it's very challenging and gives me the flexibility that I need for my son.

As folks have mentioned, if this job is "ruining" your marriage, friendships, no social life OR no "me" time....than you gotta make a move to be happy. Life is just waaaaay to short. I work 2 jobs, my part-time is very flexible and I'm busy all of the time, but I don't *have* to be and can take off when I want.

Do you have another field that you're interested in pursuing? or something that you've always wanted to do, but just couldn't take that leap?? Craig is SOOO into the whole "money" thing and wants to be "rich"..and "make me happy" and I tell him over and over again, that money does NOT make you "happy"....yes, it'll help, but I'd rather be emotionally happy!!!

Good luck to ya...

[brownnskinn 0]

Whenever I have people coming to the US who have difficulty finding steady 9-5 jobs especially where actual skills are involved, I refer them to a site that has always worked for me in making ends meet. Go to www.narms.com. National Association of Retail Merchandising Specialist. Go to job seach and then select job bank and the area you live in. A lot of companies post jobs here when they are looking for people to do marketing or demo work. From demo's at supermarkets to doing POP and Store resets at grocery chains and stores like Walmart. I was making an extra $1,000.00 a month just doing weekend work here and everytime I need some extra money I go here and take up jobs. Most interviews are over the phone and it does not take rocket science to restock a shelf in a supermarket. Another way your better half can pick up some extra money especially with the holiday coming up.

down inside, you know the answer.

Keep the faith.

Great InFo