posted on December 6, 2001 10:31:27 AM
Well, I have to say it but I'm going back to the "real" job world. My old boss called this morning and asked if I would help out part-time since the girl who replaced me is either late or doesn't bother to show up. She doesn't know it yet but tomorrow is her last day. So now the dilemma, I'm going back as a temp but they gave me the option of going back permanently. What to do? I have to weigh advantages vs. disadvantages. As of 2 weeks ago we have had $200 for DH computer repair, $250 sick cat, yada yada yada!! I'm paying $170 month for health insurance. My Ebaying is not covering this and DH makes good money but we aren't saving anything. OTOH, I love being home , I stay busy, DH doesn't have to worry about doing anything (his smile ), and it's less stressful. I start back Monday morning and have the week-end to decide whether or not I want permanent. Any ideas, advice, BS, past experiences? What to do, what to do???? Barbara
posted on December 6, 2001 10:51:17 AM
Barb,
What's the big deal in telling your ex-boss you'd like to be a perm? Everyone that works for someone else is really a temp, anyway. If you get more/any benefits or more bucks, go perm and don't worry if you can't stand it - leave. If you get more bucks as a temp, do the arithmetic and see if it won't cover the usually piddly benefits employers hand out today.
Terry
posted on December 6, 2001 10:57:25 AM
Be sure and figure in all those hidden costs of going back to work. Like gas, car repairs, clothes, lunches out, etc. before making a final decision.
posted on December 6, 2001 11:04:42 AM
Hi barbkeith -- This sounds like an excellent opportunity to figure what type of work environment you prefer being in. I suggest working part time and being in both environments. I work full-time ($$$) and part-time with eBay ($). I prefer online selling, but if I actually paid myself, I'd be losing money. If you need stable income for bills, go part time until you can handle your finances. Then once you've saved enough (6 months worth?) you can go back to selling online only if that is what you prefer.
posted on December 6, 2001 12:23:22 PM
These days I am doing my own business from home (internet consulting as well as auction sales) and am doing very well. Until recently, I was working a full time job. Now, I am home with the kids (2) and working, and it is actually going pretty well. There are some days I think about getting a "real" job, it would mean more money, beacuse I can keep on doing much of what I do now, but I would have a LOT less free time, daycare expenses, etc. It would have to pay really well to convince me to go back!
posted on December 6, 2001 06:11:24 PM
I wouldn't hesitate a minute. I would go back to work. Your health care that you are paying for is not as valuable as the health care you can get from your real job. You can still do ebay if you would maybe take one night out a week you can list the auctions that will make the big bucks and then 7 days later send EOA's. I wouldn't list and end on the same day. I would do it every other week. So it would be 2 days I would list and 2 days end. That could be very profitable. Save the ebay money and then at the end of the year sit down and weigh the pros and cons.
posted on December 6, 2001 06:12:24 PM
A little more history. I had worked for this company for 18 years when I quit in August. The department I worked in when I quit was a 4 day (32 hour) a week job. Benefits are good, 401k, paid holidays, and a nice boss. My problem is......I'm a homebody and I love being home all day. Someone please tell me what to do. DH is no help. I asked him what I should do and he said "It's up to you, I can't make that decision for you". That was no help. What worries me the most is retirement. I'm only 41 but I have to think about it. He doesn't have a 401k plan where he works. I am in such a state of confusion. I only have till Monday to make my decision. Thanks for the replies and please send more. I need them. Barbara
posted on December 6, 2001 06:56:57 PM
See if you can talk 'em into a half-time with benefits job. You've got a lot of currency with the former boss - use it. Tell 'em you have to have time at home for xyz, plus how productive you'll be, how fresh you'll be, how your experience will add up to more than they can get with ANYONE else, etc. You can do 20 hours a week standing on your head.
Terry
posted on December 6, 2001 08:18:30 PM
Just the other day my old boss was telling me how much she wished I was back working with her. Her new helper is always late or sick or not doing her job. However, the helper's not fired yet. She may be soon then I'll be in your shoes.
I had a nightmare last night about my old job. I think my night fright is telling me to stay home. I'm like you a homebody and I love being home with my daughter even if she is in school most of the day.
But if I had to pay for health insurance and had no retirement savings I would probably go back to the old job.
Go back and be the temp for a while. Then decide. I'm sure if they want you bad enough they'll put up with some time to think about it. Good employees are hard to find.
posted on December 6, 2001 09:02:07 PM
I've worked full-time and part-time jobs. And. . . I've hired full-time and part-time people. My experience is that you get at least 3/4 time out of half-time people; they're fresher, they take fewer breaks, etc.
At one time I negotiated with my own boss to keep a half-time person by giving her 3/4-time-equivalent benefits. She was so valuable to us that it was well worth it.
If I were back in the real world, I'd hire all part-time (half-time) people. You get way more from them and you don't have to pay quite as much in benefits. They have enthusiasm, they're peppier, they just bring more to the work environment.
My other thought, and this is with 64 years' living: I honestly think most marriages are better off if one person is home at least a good part of the time. As a couple you build your nest, then you both leave it daily to go somewhere else. The nest suffers, the marriage suffers. Usually that home person, male or female, can handle the ups and downs better than the "working" partner. You have to have a rock for every yo-yo. Just my humble opinion. And I'm a feminist, too.
On the other hand, if you're having serious money problems, do what you have to do. Just know that you have to prioritize; some things, like clean houses and ironed clothes, must go by the wayside so that your relationship doesn't suffer. First things first, I think!
posted on December 7, 2001 09:06:03 AM
I feel bad that you are so on the fence over this one.
I quit a very lucerative job over a year ago to do this full time and you couldn't promise me all the riches to go back to another job. But others feel differently.
Do what makes you happy. I know I have to do what I love. I love ebay! I love getting up whenever I want and working late. I love being able to sneak away for a movie that my friends or boyfriend don't want to see. I love taking the 6 vacations this year (one to Europe) and not have to 'request vacation' from anyone. I love going to lunch with friends and I love the freedom.
Maybe what you need to do to feel better is make a good business plan to increase your sales, therefore being able to loose any guilty feelings about not going back to work. I make sure I have plenty of auctions running all the time, enough to always provide me more investment money and enough to put some away. Do you want a retirement plan???...then get one. You don't have to work at a huge company to get a retirement plan. You can get all those benefits and the ones that you already know about from working for yourself if you have a good business plan and work the hours you need to.
Good luck in whatever you decide on Monday but be sure to keep us posted!!!
Happy Holidays
There's no danger of developing eyestrain from looking at the bright side of things!
posted on December 7, 2001 09:22:20 AM
If you aren't saving any money you need to do something. A 4 day a week job would sound good to a lot of people. Or, maybe you could restructure your finances and stay home with ebay.
I see many people who think they must work, because they "need" 4 TVs, 3 cars, a boat, Cancun, expensive tools, a huge video collection, 40 pairs of shoes, etc., etc. It's all a matter of priorities. I am not saying you are one of these people, I'm just going on a rant. Consumerism is an awful thing. Without it we ebayers would be in a sorry state, however.
posted on December 8, 2001 09:52:12 AM
I need to work to supplement my retirement income. eBay just isn't doing it for me. How do you find the merchandise to sell so that at least I can make about $250.00 a month. Does anyone have any suggestions. I resell items but not for alot. I resell jewelry and I think, maybe that is what is wrong thinking, that my jewelry is top quality but I start at the price I want which isn't high. I see some of the jewelry that gets bids looks like junk. Well anyone that has any tips I would be really interested. I am at a standstill.
posted on December 8, 2001 10:11:50 AM
The comfort of a regular paycheck is enticing, but is not your best option. You said ebay doesn't cover everything, so this is a perfect time for you to innovate; try a different product line; learn to be more efficient; expand. Other sellers may be selling less or going out of business, now's the time to get their customers.
Lean times causes you to think what you're doing wrong; what strengths should you build upon. You could come out way ahead by sticking with ebay and applying these principles.
posted on December 8, 2001 10:23:58 AM
Quickdraw- How do you find new items. I know they are out there but I just can't find them. I can find items I would like to sell but where do you purchase them so that the buyer isn't ripped off because of over payment. I tried selling books. This is a hard area. Some I do good at others bring only a couple of dollars. I do resale some men's items but the men only want designer items and they are hard to find. I did have an outlet for Versace but that is gone because they started charging way to much. I would like to get out of the resell business and do new products but my delemia is where to find them. I will keep searching.
posted on December 8, 2001 05:47:17 PM
A couple of months ago my boss called and asked me to come back to my job on a part time basis. I agreed because I wanted to help them out. I thought I could continue with E-bay and the outside job.
It was terrible. I was having stomach aches and nauseau. My E-bay suffered terribly which caused major frustration on my part.
After two weeks I told them I couldn't do it. My stomach aches went away and I feel good about my decision to stay home and work for myself.
I still go in about two hours a week and do some accouts receivable and payroll for them.
I took a last minute vaction to Florida last month which I never could have done if I'd been working for someone other than myself. I love the E-bay lifestyle.
posted on December 8, 2001 06:58:30 PM
I'm still thinking about it and having a hard time with it. I'm leaning towards the "I'll help you out till you find someone." I had to sign up with a temp agency on Friday because company policy states you can't be rehired for 6 months after you quit. I'm glad of that because at least I won't feel so bad if I tell them no. I'm thinking about just working for the temp agency when I feel like it. Maybe 1 or 2 days a week. Just enough to maybe buy the groceries or cat and dog food anyway. Since my Ebay sales are down so much, I don't feel like I'm contributing enough to the household. Like sweetboo said I need to get my business plan together. I don't really have one. I'm not an organized person, but I'm always working on it.
posted on December 9, 2001 06:16:38 AM
HI All,
I just went through the same thing. I in fact, said I'd return. It was in October after 9/11 and I was in a bit of a panic with low sales and declining economic outlook.
After a few weeks though, they still were doing the red tape process of having me return, and I started to feel ill as well.
Thinking, how can I give up my ebay lifestyle? I luv it!!!!!!! I luv being home for the kids and my husband and the income, well, it's variable as you all know, but overall, I think we are going to be ok!
I called them and told them I wasn't returning.
I felt MUCH BETTER after having made the decision and I'm SO glad I didn't return, because I suspect I'd have quit in a few weeks!
posted on December 9, 2001 06:50:51 AM
Would you mind telling me who you're getting your health insurance from and what kind of benifts $170 a month buys?
posted on December 9, 2001 07:11:21 AM
Greatlakes- No matter we all need health insurance, but what health insurance pays it all. Not many, probably if you work for a large corporation like Chrysler, GM. If something should happen that requires you to have a major catastrophe, that is the kind of insurance to get. I had a plan that covered 80/20 after a $1,000 detuctible that was a good price. Try going into Golden Rule or Fortis and see what they offer. What I did when I left my job I searched the internet for insurance and then I took Fortis. Wouldn't it be nice if eBay would offer insurance. With all the sellers that they have they would get a pretty good deal. Good Luck
posted on December 9, 2001 08:22:25 AM
I fall on the side of going back to work. I'm also 41, so I know how you feel about retirement. Yes, I'd like to be a homebody but I also don't want to have to depend on my children when I get older. Also, what if something happens to your husband?? I don't mean to be a pessimist but what if he gets hit by a truck tomorrow? Everyone has to have some resources of their own 'just in case'.
Personally I'd love to be able to work four days a week. My company won't let me because 'we have so much work that has to be done'.
posted on December 9, 2001 08:46:05 AM
I agree with Reamond, it's really a question of finances. If you can afford to stay on eBay, and you like to work at home, then work part-time.
Three months ago I went back to a RL job after four years selling on eBay full-time. It's kind of a drag what with the boss and schedule and so on. But there are some nice advantages too. The money is dependable. My job doesn't "deadbeat" me for my paycheck half the time, and the incidence of PITA customers is much better. There is cheap health insurance. And it's nice to be out of the house and part of the human race again.
I still do eBay part-time. I've gone from 20 hrs. per week to 50-60, but it's about money and my eBay sales have pretty much flatlined. (I should add, though, that no matter how much I make, it never seems to be enough. Life is expensive!)
If you need more time to decide, tell your boss. If he really wants you back, he should be willing to give you a few more days to make up your mind. That's not an unreasonable request. Good luck.
posted on December 9, 2001 08:53:04 AM
I'm still leaning towards the thanks but no thanks decision. I just don't think I'd be happy. Besides, the reason the new girl didn't work out is because they gave her too much to do. Did I also mention I would have to take over a $2.00 per hour pay cut? And I don't think I could go from 4 weeks vacation back down to 1 week after a year. I know they can make exceptions but this is a big company with over 25,000 employees and they don't like to break the rules.
Greatlakes, it's Cobra coverage through my previous employer. I am entitled to it for 18 months at $170 per month. It covers everything from $7 doctor visits, prescription coverage ($20 for 3 month supply), hospitalization at 80-100% depending on situation. The family coverage is around $350. The insurance company itself is Integra.
posted on December 9, 2001 10:08:46 AM
Remember Cobra runs out after 18 months. I enjoyed a really good cobra and from there I went to $420.00 a month insurance for full coverage. You know how much you have to work for that hefty bill. What ever decision you have to make you have to live with it. So I hope that you do make the right one. I only wish that I would have made a different decision when I retired. But it is to late now and I know I can't go back. Whatever we say in here should only weigh about 10% of what you think you should do. As Bill Clinton would say I feel your pain and that isn't meant to be funny. A very serious decision you must make. Good Luck and I wish you a Happy Holiday
posted on December 11, 2001 01:59:18 PM
Well, today was my second day and I regret saying I'd fill in till they find someone. I have a headache right now. I wouldn't go back permanently at my old wage let alone $2.00+ less. The girl that was there left so much stuff undone. Now they expect me to catch it all up plus they've made changes that IMO make no sense. They better find someone fast because I just can't do it. I guess I never realized that the 4 months I've been gone could make so much of a difference. I think I'm going to tell them on Thursday (off tomorrow) that I'll work till the end of December and that's it. I'm sooo tired and I don't like it.
posted on December 11, 2001 02:11:10 PM
In October I went back to work, after the first day it sunk in that I am not the worker bee type. So I quit. Personally I feel it's dehumanizing to work for someone else unless they're going to treat me as a partner in their business and share the profits with me.
I'm sticking with my business even though it's just getting off the ground. I feel more human and not some robot programmed to do what's told to.
[ edited by quickdraw29 on Dec 11, 2001 02:15 PM ]
posted on December 11, 2001 02:40:36 PM
roadsmith - What you said regarding marriage & work was well-said. You have to have time together and that's hard to get with so much "house stuff" to do on your time off. And no, it's not a gender issue. We've both had our turn at full-time, part-time, no-time. Yes, I'm driving an'85 vehicle but it's sure worth it.
, I stay busy, DH doesn't have to worry about doing anything (his smile 