My how things have changed!

   Dear reader I must thank you for sticking with me through my mid life crisis. It is November as of this writing. I am trying to plan my winter. I recently began substitute teaching for my daughter's district. The commute is great, the people are nice, the facilities are ok but the pay is underwhelming. I am reminded of a sign I saw in one of the classrooms lately that said "I became a teacher for the money and fame." My previous profession paid way more and meant way less. That's probably the biggest reason I'm reluctant to let go of it completely, well ok the money and me killing myself to pass the CPA exam.
   I have put some feelers out to old contacts to see if there were any opportunities for some part time tax work this winter. So far crickets are chirping.  This is the time of year CPA firms staff up for year end. Admittedly, I could go to the "H" place but I am less than thrilled with paying for training. I've already had to do that once, which wasn't reallly training and was rude enough for one time. This "training" also does not guarantee a job. Should you get said job you may be required to sell additional products like refund anticipation loans. I would rather try to sell a flaming bag of dog poop.   
    What's the problem? I am a lousy salesman period. These loans also bug me for several reasons. They prey on people who can't manage their money. The goal of any tax return, from an accountant's perspective, is to break even. Unless it's the only way you can save, you're giving the government an interest free loan for a year.' We can get you a huge refund' can translate into 'we can make sure you're overpaid into the system'! Let's not lose sight of the fact that this is your money. I believe that one is also highly encouraged to sell 'second loooks' at previously filed returns.
    The other fun problem to cope with is flexibility. While my daughter is older, she still needs a grown up around. Someone has to drive her to and from school and make sure the homework gets done. Whatever job I end up with needs to wrap up in time for me to get my daughter. I'm hoping that I would have better luck with a small, independent CPA firm rather than a retail outlet style place. There is also a possibility of additional work after the end of tax season for extensions and bookkeeping clients. Substitute teaching is helpful for nine months but I'm still on the prowl for additional sheckels.  The hunt continues. 

   Here's a fun update! One year later, my kiddo needs to catch a bus 2 days a week and work virtually, the other 3. I am now in grad school because nothing goes better with unemployment than massive debt. (Just kidding, we're paying as I go.) I actually decided to try the "H place" as I call it. The current plan is to try it and see. If it's a horrendous nightmare, I work long enough to recoup my training costs and gtfo. I am still on the list for substitute teaching although I have no idea when I'm going to fit it in. This promises to be an interesting fall. Stay tuned.