Money In My Pocket

Training Workshop

For my on campus job, we hold a training workshop each year to ensure that everyone is up-to-date with all the skills and information we need to know.  Though there are little changes throughout the year, sometimes we need to find out about changes that will be happening soon like with technology or changing office space.  This year because I am about to graduate, I thought I would not have to attend, but alas, I did.  It was not a waste though.  I was asked to lead a session during the training workshop because I have been in on a transition that is coming up during the next year.  It was cool because I was paid like I was at work for my presentation time, and meals during the workshop were provided, so I am thinking about it like I made even more money than just what was on the paycheck because I did not have to buy food those days.  Good deal except it took away from some homework time.  I’ll get to that later I guess.

Selections

Many of the groups I am in on campus are having selections meetings, and I am now finding out at least where some of our dues are going—food!  These selections meetings can take a long time and to keep us going, we order pizza or sandwiches or get someone to pick up cookies and crackers.  It seems now like a free meal, but I know that I paid for it last year when I joined.  These meetings can be so tedious, and it really is good to cool heads, clear minds and refresh with some food and fellowship.  Though I dislike spending all this time in selections meetings especially at a time when we are approaching our midterms season, it is good to spend time with my friends who are fellow members because we don’t have too much time left together at school. 

Freebies

I was lazily scanning the Sunday newspaper circulars last week and found a deal that I wanted to capitalize on. A special sale of a three CD combination set which included my favorite genre. So, I mustered up a bill that proudly dons President Jackson’s portrait. To my treat this CD set offered a free short-term trial of an online movie rental program. I have yet to experiment with such programs until now.

Thus far, I have enjoyed the ease and fun of selecting the movies from my computer. In a matter of two days, the DVDs arrive in my apartment’s mailbox. Did I mention it is at no cost? I know it is a little lame to sit back at home and watch a movie, but after a ten-hour work day I am worn out. Mixing it up between a movie, video games, dinner, and a chapter or two in the good book is enough to fill my night until I wake up and do it again.

Working Safely

I am thoroughly impressed with my company’s policy with safety. It does mean a lot to me that my company cares for my well being. I have always appreciated the value of safety, but my company believes there is a high price tag associated with it. Truthfully, it saves money to work safely. The front end costs are high with the purchases of all the required equipment, procedures, and training. Proper clothing and well-made machines are musts. Also, the safer work procedures take longer than the quick and risky fixes which require fewer man hours. For example, slower speed limits, wide buffer zones, required time lapses in construction phases, and fall protective measures. All of these precautions would be worthless if the company did not fully train us or install the proper mindset. In the end, the company saves money if they are not paying for incidents, first aids, hospital bills, insurance, and possibly lawsuits.

Law School Accepted Students’ Day

I recently attended an accepted students’ day at a law school to which I applied, and they did a great job of selling the program.  One of the things that really impressed me was the amount of money you can make right out of law school if you do well.  They cited figures as large as $4,500 a week after you graduate, which sounds wonderful!  While I know that this is probably a ploy to get us to consider going to law school in general, it worked.  During our lunch with other accepted students, I found that many of them are in the same boat as I am—trying to decide whether to go to law school or take a job offer.  We all agreed that the increase in salary from getting an advanced degree is much higher than what we would be paid after three years of work experience.  Now I just have to decide if that is the way I want to go.