Also remember that if you get this job and lets say get promoted pretty fast you have 12 months to change your mind on starting SS. You will have to pay back what they have paid out BUT its like it never happened and you can wait till 70 if you want.

You’ll be okay Hy. To make money, (maybe not ALL the money) you can do anything temporarily.

Lots of places need drivers. Investigate Uber. I know dudes who supplement income by that. Hang in there.


Also one last thing: **** otter. What a ****ing shitbag of a human.

Wow, I did not know I could back it out. That is good information, thanks!

Dunno how much you enjoy driving but most school bus barns across the US are hiring. It requires a class B license which... most school bus barns will help you get for free instead of having to pay for schooling.

From there, again... if you enjoy driving, you can pivot to driving things like cement trucks or chartered busses. I know, for a fact, that charter bus drivers can make ridiculous amounts of money.

/thinking out loud in case Fred Meyers doesn't pan out or you hate it...

You sound like a good fella. good luck. You have my email addy. Im up there quite a bit. beers on me

I got laid off at the end of June and the best thing I did for myself was join as many local job networking groups as possible. I thought I was a shitty networker but sometimes it’s simple as shaking hands, introducing yourself and exchanging linked in information. These places have volunteers that have connections to hiring managers that can get you in the front of the line for interviews. Plus you meet a lot of great people who can help you fix up your resume for free.

I would’ve gone crazy if I didn’t have my job networking group to go to. So much help and moral support from great people who are in worse situations than I was. I start my new job on Monday and it was so awesome to go back to that group to thank them for all their help and support.

During the pandemic when many people lost their jobs, it occurred more than you might think. In fact, the nest egg money in many cases just helped some people keep their heads above the quicksand.

And while the job market is better now, it doesn't mean that things have gotten better for many. Hydrae's situation is one that occurs all too frequently these days....and for no fault of their own.

Kroger has owned Fred Meyer for many years along with the investment firm KKR & Co

They are a financially well supported company.

These all sound like great options...especially the school buses if you can get one of the routes that services elementary and middle schools.

I would hate to be the bus driver for a route that only went to High School...I have friends who have been drivers for about 10 years and they hate the HS students.

One of my buddies dad lost his job when he was 52.....he had his chauffeurs license and ended up filling in for a friend on a tour bus route. Ended up making it a career until he had to retire at 65. He had great benefits, got to travel to places all over the US and his wife went with him....what a great way to lead up to retirement. (The down side...when he retired all he wanted to do was relax and do anything but travel...LOL)

Why isn't Uber or Amazon Flex an option? Sorry to sound "matter of factly" but what about Door Dash? You can make at least $15ish/hour Door Dashing or Ubering.

I've made money also renting out a car on Turo.
The Internet age has tons of ways to make money nowadays.

Hydrae-

Best of luck on your interview with Fred Meyer tomorrow; you've got this! I don't know if you have ever considered this, but state and local governments always seem to be hiring, and the thing about government jobs is that they tend to have pretty decent benefits. I'm at that age (close to your age) where I really consider health care costs and benefits packages. Sorry you are going through this now, and I don't wish that type of stress on anybody.

Fat E

He keeps that up he can retire in his 50’s. :thumb:

The 401k matching thing sounds great but if you’re not fully vested and you move on to another company a lot of companies will take that matched money right back when you roll it in to your next company’s 401k.

I've never had that happen. I just rolled it over to the new companies 401K. Easy peasy.

Sorry to hear it, Hydrae. Hope your luck turns. I'm sure you are running into ageism. Probably both ageism and some people worried you'll retire after 6 or 9 months.

Let's say the city gave you a permit. What would a trailer cost? I'll help.

Hey Hydrae, this was a heartbreaking read, thanks for the courage to share it. Always knew you're a good man due to your awesome avatar. Also appreciate the title you used. Even for those who are homeless who got there by abusing substances, we don't know the backstory or their minds. Compassion is the way.

I always thought a Fred Meyer type gig would be a good job for retired folks just to get out and stay engaged. I really believe if you target this level of work you can overcome the ageism, and in the meantime could continue to pursue professional work.

You live in an awesome place and it appears have people in your life that will make sure you have a roof over your head. Wishing you all the best and looking forward to a later post after things are looking up for you again. Hang in there brother.

You are going to do fine, a company will know what your value really is and appreciate what you do for them.

This will be a long lost memory before you know it. Keep plugging away my man.

Sorry to hear you’re struggling.

I’m not sure exactly how but this place can be powerful. My thoughts are to get someone(maybe here) to reimagine your resume. If you’re using old school thinking, it could be blocking opportunities. Limit your employment experience to the most recent jobs as an example so they don’t know your age.


I’m sure you know where to look, like indeed for the remote positions. You could also think outside the box open the types of opportunities you’re looking for. Do you have skills outside of IT?

Example. Recently I’ve been occasionally helping out a couple of divorced and widowed women. It’s easy to overlook and take for granted just knowing how to do things. Simple things like lawn mower maintenance, basic home repairs….putting shit together they buy from ikea…

Basically, let’s help you figure out a side hustle to help you get on your feet while looking for something longer term. When things aren’t going well, it’s easy to get mired in negativity and not see solutions in front of you. Maybe local school districts need an it guy….

There is a solutions my man..stay positive and keep on putting one foot in front of the other.

**** man. Sorry for your troubles.

Most everything I came here to say has been said.

Hopefully your interview goes well tomorrow. I'm not a particularly good interviewee. I think the problem was when I really wanted a job I was Johnny Tryhard and probably came across as desperate. I'd over-prepare and it came along as fake, I think. I did better on interviews that I didn't necessarily think it was a job I wanted and just had a conversation. No clue if that applies to you, but if Buehler445 was in your shoes, that's probably how it would go.

If it doesn't work out, the first thing I'd do is get the first job I could get. If it's flipping burgers so be it. It isn't fixing your problems, but every dollar counts.

Next thing I'd do is beat every bush you've got. Every dude you've ever worked with, I'd be firing on them to see if they have any leads. Any buddies, anybody. No shame in asking.

You're probably suffering ageism, but in my industry it's going the other way. My employee is 15 years older than me with no experience and I love the guy. He comes every day and does the job without complaining. Sign me up for more of those dudes. I'm guessing other industries are fine hiring graybeards too.

Sounds like you are doing the SSA route, so good to go.

If you need anything reach out. I've reviewed several people's resumes over the years. Sometimes another set of eyes matters.

Go get it bud.

Man, this place is so awesome! Thank you to everyone (even Otter, what the hell) for the kind words, advice, and simply support.

Today has been so much better of day than I have in a bit. First, this place. Also, the job that I thought I was out on is back on the table. I will know more on Monday. The Fred Meyer interview has been pushed to next Tuesday but that is okay. I will likely look to take both jobs with one of them being part time. That will get me back on my feet faster and I can get an idea of the environment and decide which is the longer term solution.

I will update this thread as my situation evolves but at least I think I see a light and I don't think it is a train. I am regaining faith that this will work out which is key to making that happen. To quote the old song, sometimes you have to go through hell to get to heaven.

Glad to hear that things are looking a little more positive for you. We all will continue to root for you to dig out of this.

A thread like this is the perfect example of a real community....we may give each other crap but when real life hits hard, we all provide support in the best way we can.

I'm rereading this thread for about the 5th time and two things are not clear to me:

1. How are you in such dire straits at this point in your life after only being laid off for a short period after 9 1/2 years?

You got two months severance that carried things until Jan 1 2024 and you have been off for 7-8 months. You or your wife had NO income for 8 months? No unemployment? No jobs of any kind? No savings?

Now you could be homeless?

2. Sounds like you have been very irresponsible with your money or there is something missing from this story.

It sucks to be backed into a corner and hopefully you can overcome this but there appears to be something you're not adding as to the overall cause.

Wishing you get a job that can put you back on better footing.

Praying for you and that the interview lands you a job..

I think, after 62, you can draw Social Security temporarily. Until back on your feet

I had something similar happen to me in 2003, a job I had been at for 13 years suddenly was gone. The severance package was okay however I didn't know anything about taxes and Uncle Sam got about half of it. Finding work at 45 was a lot harder than at 30. Companies don't look at you the same way even though you have lots of experience. a mortgage, insurance, taxes and living expenses will eat up savings fast.

Don't wait on the unemployment benefits; I went through my savings and by the time I filed, I was denied because I had not recent work history. Don't let your pride get in the way of what you have paid for.

I eventually took a job paying less than half of what I was earning previously. Just get your foot in the door and show them what you can do for them. An opportunity will present itself.

I don't think this is the type of "advice" he is looking for.

Yeah, because when your 62 and you can't land a good job and pay your bills and telling everyone you are on the verge of homelessness, CP is the first place everyone should turn to. :rolleyes:

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I like you but you're in the wrong here. No need to kick a fellow Planeteer while they're down and that's certainly what this feels like to him and appears to be to us. You're a good dude and this is a good time to just be kind.

It's called reaching out to your community when you need to talk. It's called being a friend to your community members and helping out however you can.
My God man, what is so difficult for you to comprehend here?

Hang in there Hydrae. I can't imagine what you are going though. We are in the same age group and just reading your post gives me anxiety.
Wishing you all the best and I hope things rebound quickly.

This isn't the first place he turned. He's been out of a job for awhile.

Obviously, but that's not helpful right now

You of all people pretending to be on a pedestal. Simply amazing.

He can't read this post.

In many ways you are right. I have never been great with money and it is showing. I did get all of $500 a week from unemployment for the time it was available. It helped get through but it certainly was not enough to pay the amount of bills I have by now. That has expired and is no longer available.

At no point in my life since I was 16 have I been out of work for more than a few weeks. I fully expected that to be the same so I lived like normal at first while getting severance. Then reality smacked me in the face but I kept believing it would be okay.

FYI, given how long this has carried on, I don't know why you think this is the first place I turned too. Also, in case you did not notice, I specifically stated that no replies were needed. I just needed to get things out of my head and I knew it would be acceptable here. As others have stated, this is an amazingly supportive community (for the most part). At no point did I ask for assistance, this was really simply for my mental health.

I don't know if it is because it helped clear my head or I just "screamed" loud enough for God to notice but there are a few things that broke free for me yesterday after that post. I know part of it was simply the outpouring of positivity that most everyone injected which helped me get a little confidence back.

I pray that you never have anything that pushes you down as far as I was, it is hard to get out of. But, if you ever are in need, I am more than willing to support you and anyone, from the young people I have helped in the past to the guy who's broken down car I just pushed off the road so everyone else who are going around don't have to wait so long.

Sometimes you just need some positivity with a dash of pragmatic advice to get back up and running. Glad things are looking up for you.

Did people just now figure out that Otter is a shitbag?

Meh. There's plenty of people on here that can be rather unpleasant at times. I'm in that camp. Just figured it'd be common sense not to fling shit in a thread where one of our own needs support is all.

Or, to have someone say


KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 3-PEAT!!

This schmo plot arc will finish with him publicly offering a couple hundred bucks to the OP.

To revisit the schmo script:

1. Be a fat, unlikeable ****.
2. Make completely unrelated threads about me. Even if the original thread is dealing with some very heavy topics.
3. Double or triple down because I’m an entitled boomer with zero ability to read a room.
4. Feel the bad PR and offer some money to quiet things down.

You forgot the ridiculously overpriced lunch and lot lizards.

This is sooooooo low rent. You're way out of line.

Hydrae is one of the coolest guys here.



He'll land on his feet. Guys like him always do.

"The schmo plot arc". That's hilarious.

Couple of things to add:

Icons

32 years in tech- hot wheels and LEGO then to AOL.

Expert in medical issues.

Forget the name of the guy to whom you gave the $ when his death is announced.

Get that Fred Meyer job and show them what you can do!

Don't listen to scho. Yes your belly will be full of cheap pasta and cheaper hookers but then you just spent all your money on cheap pasta and cheaper hookers

Fred Meyers is like a cult, you go in and stay forever. Their employee retention is pretty amazing. You would be surprised how many whole families work there. Mom, dad, kids, the whole works.
I haven't been to Newport in a long time. It will always hold a special place in my heart as that is where we spread my mother and father's ashes after they were gone. I don't think I could ever live there as it is just way too cloudy and cold a lot but I can see why you went there. Loved Rouge Brewing, Copper River salmon, the crab and seafood in general. I never got the big deal everyone made about Mo's. You still have that little asian grocers off HWY 20 just before you come into town? The little organic grocers by the recreation center. I used to always train there, get groceries and come back. The one bad thing I have to say is I don't think I have ever seen a place with more morbidly obese people. For those of you that have never been down the Oregon coast it's pretty amazing. From the rock formations to the Redwoods and hiking trails, pretty sweet.

Glad you are getting good news, sounds like you will be back on your feet soon.

I got laid off in dec after 16 years at my job. They sent a lot of the IT work to India and the Philippines. It sucks, we are hurting but my wife has a job so that is good.
I see you are in Newport, quite a long way from Washougal but let me know what I can do to help you out.

**** yeah! Awesome news.

OUTSTANDING!!! I'm happy for you and hope you get both jobs and grill up a nice thick steak with your bride to celebrate...

A few things.

I've seen that you considered waiting to max payout SS range but reconsidered. Keep with that. My financial advisors have advised me to not make that move.

Some posters are just natural ****s. They always eventually simmer to the top.

If you try to get back into tech and need someone to look over your resume, you can always PM it to me. Now that I've done it long enough, I'd feel comfortable picking it apart and telling you why you're not getting call backs. Ageism is very real in IT but it shouldn't keep you from getting any interviews.

And good luck with the job interview.

Only changed one thing on your post....otherwise everything else is dead on!

This is true.

Congrats! Don't give up on that link I sent you...there is a shortage there and the job security is primo.

Great advice but I’d disagree about taking SS early vs later. It’s very very person to person. Lots of factors like do you have retirement accounts? Will you be looking at large Required minimum distributions(RMDs) later in life, 73 atm.

If a persons everyday living expenses are satisfied by what SS pays even at 62 that could be a great reason to start taking distributions.

What about your spouses SS? What happens if one of you passes?

Just saying that starting SS at age 62 vs full age isn’t the same for every person and every situation.

Just getting caught up on this. Sorry to hear about your struggles. Been to the bottom and back several times myself. Sounds like you have quite a bit of customer service experience and are used to talking to random strangers on the phone. Don’t discount that skill brother. I did a couple years recruiting for an inbound Medicare sales agency and during the enrollment season, which is coming up, we had reps making $3k-$6k per week. And these folks weren’t the sharpest knives in the drawer. You may want to look at what it takes to get your license in OR, it’s usually anywhere from 20-30 hours worth of coursework online. Could be a nice seasonal bump for you if you think you can stomach reading a script over and over again. It’s a fast growing customer base as the Boomers head off into retirement. Best of luck!

https://dfr.oregon.gov/business/lice...licensing.aspx

I bet God did notice. Maybe He led you here for your own therapy, and also to show other Planeteers who might not be as willing to share what's going on in their lives that there are others going through the same things they are. Your post might inspire them to stay positive and not give up hope.

There are millions going through similar situations. I sling mortgages for a living and more than 95% of my business is coming from people doing cash out refinances to pay down credit card debt. This country is absolutely drowning in credit card debt right now. And from people who work hard, make good money, and still can't keep their heads above water. I've been in this business off-and-on for the last 22 years and I've never seen anything even remotely as bad as things are right now. It's totally unsustainable for a nation. So you are not alone by a long, long, long shot.

You'll pull through this, learn great lessons, and pass them along to others in your life. Just keep grinding, and good luck to you.

Sounds like things are starting to look up for you, Hydrae, but I'll continue to keep the positive thoughts coming your way.

Also, if Otter ever becomes unemployed, I ain't gonna exactly be selective with my words.

Being judgmental of someone you have never met is not a good look. Take a break and come back and apologize.

I would agree...it should be based on each person's situation. But in situations where it could be the difference between making ends meet and sinking it is an option.

There are age points where taking SS earlier than age 70 makes sense.

SS - Take it when you can. You never know when it'll dry up paying people who refuse to get jobs and illegal invaders. I don't ever plan on seeing it

The SS topic is interesting, it always is... And I 10000% agree that it's up to each individual's situation. In cases where it's needed to make ends meet it's a no-brainer, but after that it's a balancing act. I'm not going to wait until 70 to take it because of my lifestyle and passion, so waiting so much longer for the higher payout (all based on the government's opinion on when you'll die (how long/less they'll probably have to pay that higher amount)), so I'll take that beer money sooner than later and use it to travel.

But that's just me.

Bringing politics into this is bad form.:shake:

I never thought I'd see any of that SS money I was paying in either. I was convinced it was a waste of what little money I had at the time. Now, I'm on it. So another case of never say never.

Sorry the truth is too much for you. Carry on.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. This is why I come to CP!!
Brother comes in with a serious problem and most if not all has helped out. Thanks for all that (most of) you do!!

Best of luck, fellow member!!!

You're welcome to disagree but I can already see you're overthinking it.

You can draw early at 62 and keep working and if things go well again, all that extra earned income will reshape your future draw numbers. If it doesn't work out, at least it's some income to ideally not be living on the streets.

I think you need to last into your 80's for where waiting to 70 vs 67 would become the advantage and well google says the avg male life expectancy in the US is about 75.

That's before even starting to weigh you're working for an additional 3 years of time burnt that you can never ever buy back.

The rest of whatever hypothetical you threw out that clearly doesn't apply to the OP here so moving on.

That's another reason I'm taking it at 62. Again, it's mostly beer money for me, but it'll amount to a very nice liveaboard trip a month for me, and that's fine. But yeah, I never thought we'd see it.

The truth is you've been inserting a lot of political bullshit into threads lately, so if you could stop that, it would be great.

You should ban talking about anything related to government in this thread then as you're dimply incapable of unbiased enforcement.

Nah, I actually like ptlyon.

That's how I've planned. If actually get some back, awesome, it's a bonus. But I don't trust our government clowns to keep the system working for another 20 years.

And I plan on taking it early while I can still enjoy it. A few more bucks a month does me no good when I'm in a grave or in the hospital

I have been homless before. It sucks but you will make it. Mine was due to an addition after leaving the Army. Need any help PM me.

Have more than I ever did before that. Just sucks.

The thing that keeps the politicians from touching SS is...... Citizens 65 or older are 30% of the USA population. And they traditionally vote at a higher rate than any other group.

workers can contribute up to 15% if i remember correct, the employers can match at whatever level they choose.

No politician or Congress is going to end SS. The ramifications of that are catastrophic. In a decade you’d have homeless camps everywhere. Civil unrest and rioting in the streets would happen almost immediately.

A year and a half ago I got laid off after working for the same company for 17 years. Although I was not in danger of being homeless, I felt very low and my self esteem was bottom of the barrel. Within six weeks I found a full time job with great benefits and a part time job doing what I did at the place where I got laid off. Now although I'm not rich by any means, I have great health insurance, money in savings, money in IRA, and since I turned 65 this summer can retire when I feel like it. So hang in there. Things get better for people who are willing to work. I guarantee.

Here is life expectancy by age for SS planning purposes. Hydrae is expected to be with us about another 20 years. Very glad to hear he's feeling better already!

https://www.ssa.gov/oact/STATS/table4c6.html

SS is designed to break even at life expectancy. If you family has a history of long life, and you want to hedge against living well past expectancy, you might wait longer to take it. The good news is when you do the math unless you die toward either tail of the distribution it doesn't make that much difference, so you don't have to sweat it too much. I plan on following my middle path philosophy and starting about 65. Good luck Hydrae!

It’s 23000 not a %.