2.24.2006

end of an era

The era of Laura writing full time ended three weeks ago. The era of Laura having lots of free time ends now.

Starting Monday, I'll be working Monday through Friday, 9 to 5, until late April, unless the Perfect Job shows up before then. I need the work, and it comes just in time for our bank account. We won't have to dip into our savings.

On the other hand: ARGH! I haven't worked a straight full-time job since 1991. And did I mention that my hourly rate will be exactly less than half what I last earned in New York? (We knew that before we moved.)

Hooray! Boo! It's great! It sucks! Mixed feelings? Why, yes.

I've no idea when I'll blog. Certainly not before I leave for work in the morning. So expect some gaps until I get re-settled.

14 comments:

Scott M. said...

Congrats! Did you get the word-processing job with a law firm you desired?

Fortunately, the cost of living in the Toronto area is considerably less which should make up for some of the difference in rate.

Unfortunately, you'll probably have to take the GO Train which, while an enjoyable experience (I personally take it and have up to 15 GO train friends, some of which I now know from outside the GO), can be expensive. Hopefully if you do take GO your job is near Union station so you don't have to take the TTC.

David Cho said...

Congrats on getting a job, even though it is not the most ideal.

Is it really half the rate considering how expensive NY is, and the benefits you get in Canada?

laura k said...

Thank you!

It's a long-term temp gig, word-processing at a large downtown law firm.

I'll definitely be commuting by GO, which is one of the many reasons we wanted to live in Port Credit - a quick 20 minutes to Union Station, then most big law firms (including this one) are in walking distance from there.

We're even in walking distance from the Port Credit GO, for those mornings when Allan can't ferry me over to the station. (Because he worked til 1:00 a.m. the night before...)

Our expenses actually went up when we moved here, because we had a ridiculously good deal on an apartment in NYC, plus utilities for a house are considerably more than for an apartment.

But that was why we were able to save so much money (to emigrate) so quickly - excellent paying jobs, and a rent-stabilized apartment. Now our income is more in line with our expenses - as in, we will be fine, but we have to be more budget conscious than we were in NYC. 'Sokay. We're adjusting. :)

laura k said...

Is it really half the rate considering how expensive NY is, and the benefits you get in Canada?

It's exactly half of my last hourly rate in NYC - just comparing income by the hour, not adjusting for expenses, benefits, and such. In a 35-hour (5 day) work week on this temp job, I will earn less than I did in my 24-hour (2 day) work week in NY.

When I get a permanent (non-temp) job, it will pay somewhat better, maybe 60% of what I used to earn instead of 50%.

Like I said, we knew that going in. It's one of the reasons we chafed at being called "cowards" by certain stupid Americans.

Granny said...

On balance very good news indeed but I'll miss checking back with you so often.

Even when I don't comment, I'm lurking about somewhere.

laura k said...

I'll definitely be blogging. I couldn't give it up if I tried.

Just not sure when I'll fit it in, as I'm mostly brain-dead in the evening. If the temp job is good, I'll be able to blog from there.

M@ said...

Hey, coincidence. I just this week officially landed a couple of contract jobs, one in downtown Toronto.

Fortunately I won't have to go there on a 9-5 basis. From Cambridge, that's a real killer. From Port Credit it's actually a kind of nice commute I'd think. (I went from Streetsville at one time and I found it very easy.)

But congrats -- if it's not best-case scenario at least it's something.

Scott M. said...

I'll definitely be commuting by GO

Welcome aboard! Just make sure you punch... the POP cops are all nice people, but they'll write you a ticket just the same.

laura k said...

Hey, coincidence. I just this week officially landed a couple of contract jobs, one in downtown Toronto.

Cool - congrats to you too!

From Port Credit it's actually a kind of nice commute I'd think.

It's amazingly easy. It's the easiest commute I've ever had, though more expensive. The trains don't run frequently enough, but for 9-5 it's perfect.

But congrats -- if it's not best-case scenario at least it's something.

That's exactly it. Better scenarios may be further down the road. For now, it's a paycheque.

Welcome aboard! Just make sure you punch...

Hee hee. I've been tempted to skip it several times, but I never have. The New Yorker in me sometimes wars with the new Canadian... :)

barefoot hiker said...

Congrats, Laura. :) You'll probably find being downtown every day interesting; it'll really acquaint you with the heart of the city so much faster.

laura k said...

Thanks LP :)

You'll probably find being downtown every day interesting; it'll really acquaint you with the heart of the city so much faster.

I'm sure you're right. I remember temping in NYC was a great way to get to know the city.

M@ said...

True story swear to god: I had a monthly pass (no punching required). Train cop came by. Couldn't find the damn ticket! Realised I must have left it in my other coat.

Grimly received my citation, fine of $105 or something.

20 minutes later: found the ticket in my satchel. Had it all along.

Went to plead guilty with an explanation. Waited for hours, then had 10 minute interview with judge, showing that I had the ticket, I was covered for the date of the offence, I just wasn't able to show it at the time. Fine reduced to $70. (Lost revenue in time spent waiting: $120.)

Moral of the story: punch, or if you have a monthly pass, pin it to your sleeve. I never forgot my pass again.

I thought I'd left this all behind but scott's comment got me all angried up about this again... stupid GO trains...

Anonymous said...

Laura, it's not the end of the world, but I know what you mean. Could and did spend load of time blogging, that's how I discovered it, when we first moved from Calif. to Toronto. I am working temp positions now as my husband's company transfered us.

At the last place, I enrolled to be a regular and get "member rates" at a local internet cafe. I would get a box if yummy dim sum and blog at lunchtime!

laura k said...

Ay, I just realized it's less than half. 43% to be exact.

Teri, that's one of the upsides to working in an office - if I have any downtime, I can be online. Dim sum and internet, sounds great!