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.

Tempus fugit rant number 673

   We have just survived Halloween as of this writing and already I am dreading winter. The retail tradition of the extended Christmas money grab is annoying to be sure but I admit, in a way, I need it. I have a bizarre relationship with time. I procrastinate when it comes to preparing for holidays and yet my wierdass brain dreads the post holiday let down. Granted, unless you live at a posh ski resort or have rampant hot flashes, who in their right mind looks forward to the bleak days of winter?
    I use the annoying sales gimmicks to help me get some things done ahead of time, however small. It also helps extend the holiday season that seems to fly by too quickly for my liking. The Fall is tough to enjoy because I am loath to let go of the Summer and Summer does tend to hang around. It's hard to enjoy a season that's about ten minutes long. That's barely long enough for me to pull my head out of my ass and realize we should hit a pumpkin patch. Whaddya mean it's getting late?! I still haven't put away the summer clothes! Another season screwed over by tempus fugit.
   This particular Fall I chose to stretch out Halloween a bit. I like leaving decorations up for about a week after a holiday. Christmas decorations stay out longer to stave off me admitting it's winter and I'm out of holidays for a while. It also takes a while to put that stuff away because there's a lot of it. I don't do much around the house for the Spring and Summer holidays, just Halloween and Christmas, with only half as much spooky crap as the yuletide junk. It's funny to think that some of the leftover candy from one holiday finds it's way into the next holiday's cookies! There's a stretch for you!
   In some ways, it's a fight to get my seasonal timing right. God forbid I try to enjoy one thing at a time. By the time I master the art of living in the moment, I will most likely be out of them and they'll be closing the lid.