I am trying out for a column that will cover "career" issues for "twentysomethings."
I am writing two tryout columns.
One is about student loans. Specifically how knowing you have to pay them back has affected your career choices. Have you ever taken a job you didn't really like because it paid enough to cover the sacrifice to Sallie Mae? Have you ever stayed in a job you hated (or even a particular field) because what you'd really like to be doing doesn't pay enough to cover your loans? I'm also interested in talking to anybody who has figured out a way to take on a low-paying job that they love and STILL cover the loans, such as by using special programs the employer (nonprofit? government?) offers.
The other column is about "Part-time," "temp" and "contract" workers. Most of the people in their twenties I know who lost their jobs in the past year did not get unemployment benefits because their jobs fell into those categories. I'd like to talk to people in this circumstance, to find out how they're coping, as well as anyone who's deliberately trying to put together a career from these types of jobs.
Feel free to comment on any of these matters in the response section, but those of you who'd be willing to be quoted in the column should e-mail me.
Brian Bibbly said at 6:05 PM 01-14-2002: Uh, I think I might work for the first column. I mean, sitting at a desk all day writing judicial opinions all day with a necktie chafing the hell out of my neck isn't what I'd call 'The High Life'. But it pays damn good and it buys me time to figure out a way to get to Rio where the Feds can't find me......
Heather said at 1:58 AM 01-15-2002: I have student loans but have yet to pay them off. I've been able to defer for years because I've been in school. I always thought that there were lots of legit ways to postpone payment including simply not being able to afford it. Brian advised me a few months ago on loan consolidation but I forgot the website address he told me about. Not to lead your post off on my own tangent but does Brian or anyone else have any tips for student loan consolidation or remember the website address again?
I know plenty of people here who lost their job in the service industry this fall. One friend, who tried to get unemployment, was told she'd have to wait 6 weeks until she could be considered for benefits but if she found another job within that time, she wouldn't be eligible.
Your column idea sounds great!
Brian Bibbly said at 3:01 PM 01-15-2002: Heather, go to www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov. That is the Direct Loan Consolidation webpage run by the feds. You can apply for a loan online. Do it soon if you have to begin repayment because interest rates are probably going to go up in the oncoming months. You can also consolidate with a private lender. I chose the feds b/c they offer longer repayment options and can make your monthly payment income contingent.
neil said at 2:49 AM 01-15-2002: Although I have many years left before I complete my "Kiche" run in college (staying in college till you CAN'T take any more classes), I am very worried that I will not be able to pay back my student loans. There just are no fucking "real" jobs anymore. Not a good time to be just graduating from college, as work is a little thin right now. 10 years ago it sorta mattered if you had a college degree, and you could generally get a good paying job right out of college. Now it's more like, "Oh, you have a masters degree in anthropology? Well, the fryer is over there and the grill is over there (if you are even that lucky.)"
Look at Teddy. 10 years in college, Master's Degree in Library Science, now a data entry clerk and answers the telephone. Do NOT think for one second I am ragging on Teddy, I am saying that I am in the same fucking boat, the same fate with him.
Student Loan people are not nice either, just ask Teddy. They wanted him to start paying BEFORE he even was close to graduation.
My favourite quote from the Simpsons.
"At Havard?!! Hit the streets egghead! You should have majored in not getting fired!
talysman [ url ] said at 3:42 AM 01-15-2002: someone at work just mentioned a technique I was unaware of... he takes a 1-3 unit class every semester, for a couple years now, to defer his student loans.
I myself didn't get a student loan, I just got pell grants. that was back when they allowed poor people to go to college. even so, I still couldn't afford it, and never graduated.
Mandy [ url ] said at 1:24 AM 01-16-2002: I was a "contract" worker at a dotcom that failed last year. I ended up getting Unemployment Insurance (in Canada) benefits for that "contract" period though. While applying for UI (benefits from another job that same year), they asked me about the "contract" work I did for the dotcom. After much investigation on their part, they determined that the "contract" work was actually insurable earnings. Since I worked on site, was provided all materials (i.e. a desk and computer), worked regular hours, and for all intents and purposes worked a regular full-time job for the company, they decided it *was* a full-time job despite the company and I saying it was a "contract" position.
So perhaps a lot of "contract" workers are actually eligible for unemployment benefits without knowing it. I even got an additional tax refund in the end. Whoohoo!
josh said at 7:10 PM 01-16-2002: Mine made me get a job at Visions while I was looking for a real job. It also means I can never NOT have a job. That's why I'm now making it my priority to pay off ALL DEBT asap. I'm lucky and am now (after a five month drought) over-employed, so it seems somewhat in reach.
