It’s been a while

Well, back again. It’s been a while since I’ve written here, so some catching up.

We made it through Christmas, and the kids got pretty much what they wanted. The job is…well, eh at best. It’s ok, the pay (the salary anyway) is less than what I was making but once I build up my territory the commissions will hopefully more than make up for it. We are still struggling, but at least we are somewhat able to keep afloat. The bills are getting paid for the most part within reason, but it’s hard to do anything other than just exist.

The oldest son has since turned 16 and bought himself a truck (with our help…the deal we made with our kids is that we will match whatever they save for a vehicle), a 1997 Ford F150 Extended Cab. Nice ride for a 16 yr old! While he was going through his ordeal with Hodkins Lymphoma last year, we were contacted by the folks from Make a Wish foundation and they granted him a wish! First off, let me say that he has not only beaten the horrible disease, but has moved on to resume life as a normal teen. Hair is back and all! So anyway, his wish was to have his truck “tricked out” (within MAW’s budget of $5K). So he got new 20″ chrome wheels and tires, dual exhaust, a thumpin’ stereo, running lites and a remote start. Nice ride!

All three kids have made honor roll or better (Both the high schoolers are in accelerated classes and have each brought home better than a 4.0 GPA)! I couldn’t be more proud of them. The wife and I were both C students, so I am CONVINCED it is because we work with them and help them create good study habits.

Gotta go sell something now.

It seems ok

So I did take the job, in my 3rd week now. I’ve visited a few customers and taken a few orders so all seems to be moving on now. I am going on the road this week to see customers as well. My oldest (step)son got his license today! Woo hoo!

Even though things ‘seem’ to be ok now, they are not … completely. It seems ok because yes I am working and yes I am bringing home a salary. But we are several months behind on most bills, Christmas is just around the corner and now I have to increase my car insurance as well. And, my new salary is significantly less than what it was but to get a second job for me is very difficult since I am in sales and travel frequently and overnight and have short notice of my trips usually. I seem to be living on Tylenol lately and I’m sure that’s not good for me either. Constantly stressed and always having headaches and neck/shoulder/muscle aches is no way to go through life. But I will say this, amidst all this insanity I have been able to keep myself moving forward, and my wife has found a new strength and has been very positive in my new role.

 

The only things that really keeps me sane are spending time with the family (although the kids can drive you INSANE on occasion , and music.  I love to listen to music (mostly rock) and play a bit of guitar. It really helps me escape to a different place. The only problem is that it is just a distraction, but can be motivating and uplifting.

YouTube – Comfortably Numb

Greatest song, greatest solo, greatest version. ‘Nuff said.

YouTube – Comfortably Numb.

Halloween

So Halloween was ok this year. We (Us and a few of the neighbors) took the youngest (9 yrs old) trick or treating, even though he had been fighting a cold and had a fever of like 99.9 (I know, bad parents!), they cleaned up with the candy! So we decided that next year at 10 years old, the youngsters can rome the neighborhood themselves for ToT. The grown ups have decided that we are going to do a chilli dump (You make chilli, and everyone that comes over ‘dumps’ theirs in to one big community pot), get a fire goin in the driveway and drink some Glug!

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND | SOUNDS

So if you see my header and read my about you will realize that I love the guitar but suck at it, and am kinda lazy about it. I read an article this am about Dave Matthews (who I was already a fan of) and he pretty much has the same attitude about his playing (although he admits to being lazy and about his playing, he dosen’t suck!) So I am kinda re-finding DM in a different light.

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND | SOUNDS.

Job situation

OK so I made the calls and all is good. I have an offer, not the greatest bu will more than likely take it because if you haven’t noticed … the economy SUX right now and I really don’t have anything else going on. I hate being put in this position, but hey…gotta put food on the table ya know. So there are a few things that I am going to try to “counter” in the offer, and better my position so we’ll see what that brings. It’s a small company (like less than 10 employees) so I don’ think they (I’ve been dealing with and will report to the owner/President) will be offended and will be willing to at least listen and worst case scenario just say NO. Then I graciously accept the original deal and start moving on.

The thing I hate most about taking something less than what I want is that with the ADD thing, I will still keep looking for something better and will have a hard time focusing on the task at hand. But I guess even without the ADD I would still be doing that. I’m too old to be starting new every few years, it’s a pain in the ass. But I guess in this economy there isnt really much choice…yet.

Well that didn’t work

So I started doing this consulting gig, it was a 1099 deal (for those of you that don’t know what that means, it is 100% commission only, no benes, no salary, no taxes taken out. Basically self-employed). It seems like it is a good oppy, but just not for me. I mean, cold calling is fine but rejection for over a week straight…seriously, c’mon!

I’ve moved on and have begun to realize that maybe I don’t have the stuff to be ‘self-employed’, and I guess now (41 years in to my life) I’m ok with that. So I had a phone interview the other day the went really well. It is for a Territory Sales Manager position in the hardware industry. The owner of the company set me on a task for a day first to make a few blind calls to make sure I am going to like the industry etc. I thought this was a great way for both me and the employer to make sure we were making the right move.

So I spent yesterday calling on ‘prospects’, which led me to calling distributors and other manufacturers as well. After that experience, I can say that “yes”, I will be joining this company if they’ll have me. I’m re-grouping with the owner today on the phone, so we’ll see!

Day one

This is the beginning of what I consider my fresh start. I am embarking on a new career, which puts me in a position of  ‘self-employment’. This should be something that I can get up and running NOW, but I’ve been told that before and have told others that before and am losing faith and credibility. If this doesn’t work, I’m sunk. I have my business cards, trained on the product and have all my materials. I have spent the day today learning my presentation, and putting together my list contacts to seek out clients through. I have actually already started ‘putting the word out’, but don’t want to get too deep in to my personal sphere of influence just yet. I want to see the successes first, then go out and help those that I know. From what I can see, there are plenty of people in this business making TONS of cash. I want to be one of those people, and I can do it by helping others. This is the beginning…

Off to the races

OK, so here it is…

I guess I’m doing this because I’m going through something, some might call it a mid life crisis I just call it a ton of bad luck and a pile of shit.

I am a married 42 year old with 3 kids (9, 14 and 16) and feel like I am f’ing it all up. I have been through several (6 to be exact) jobs since being laid off after 9/11 and have now gone off to try to do my own thing. I’m scared as hell, piss broke and if we could afford it my wife would have probably divorced me by now. I have been diagnosed with ADHD a few years back (Duh, no surprise there) and truly believe it is the cause of many of my issues but I also believe it is the source for my *pending* greatness.

So I am going to use this platform (hopefully) to document my “new beginning”. I truly believe I am up for the challenge that awaits me, and will emerge victorious.