Just a quick warning I’m putting it all out here about our friendship, i just want to tell the truth.
I 19f had a messy relationship with my ex best friend who I’ll call Tina because she was tiny.
We met in our 7th grade math class after she was having a panic attack because of multiple things going on in her life. I comforted her and helped her escape a toxic friendship and introduced her to my group of friends. We called every night and gave each other ther the support we both needed as I was sheltered and new to everything and she was coming out of some serious mental tolls.
I was there for her even though she wasn’t always for me. I helped her through when her dad nearly died and his entire personality changed, when her mom became a single mother and Tina felt the need to step up as the other parent, and fully supported her in everything she did.
Everything was great until we hit high school. She demanded we talked everyday at school and at least an hour on the phone. I don’t mean to say she told me outright but she definitely forced my hand to keep the friendship. She would guilt trip me with fake panic attacks and swear I was being terrible to her. She also pretty much had to approve every friend I had not to mention boyfriends. The first two, granted, were asses to say the least. However, she’d look for reasons for me not to explore friendships outside of our little group.
I talked to several friends about how much this time affected my grades, love life, and other friendships and they all said the same thing, I went from cheerful and playful, to scared and there being no light in my eyes when Tina was around.
A couple years into high school I met my now boyfriend and we hit it off big time. She did everything to chase him away and even convinced me to break things off. Luckily he and I never grew apart and decided that we’d try again, but help make each other better and to keep a more open line of communication.
She tried to use the same tactic on my other friend from theater but didn’t succeed.
To add insult to injury, I wrote a children’s book and it went to a national competition and all she cared about is that she became a published author in a poetry book before I even started binding my book. I told her about my success in the hallway of a hotel while my club members celebrated all our national placements and all she had to say, “that’s cool but I won that poetry contest and I’m published now! I’m getting copies of the book on Saturday, aren’t you proud of me!”
When I confronted her about this, she said she was also proud of me but she felt I was being selfish. I won a trip to Florida and get to present the book I worked so hard on. But apparently, that’s not as important.
Now for the big conflict, in the summer of 2023, I left my parents house the night before my college orientation. I’ll do a separate story on that. The point is, I left.
She herself yes was there for me holding me as I cried about leaving my sister and helping me but what I need to couch surf for a while.
She had a plan, move me from the campus I was registered for to the one she was going to and have me split door-dash money with her and hopefully not have to live out of her car. She also wanted me to pull a hearty loan from the bank her mom worked for to pay for all this. I personally cannot do that as I’m in the middle of getting a name change and it was hard for me to even get a driving permit.
A couple months pass and the house I had stayed at for that time kicked me out. From the stress of college and getting a job I’ll admit, I wasn’t the nicest.
The day before I was told I needed to find another place to stay I got a call from Tina. She called me crying because she was worried I was going to commit suicide and I talked to her about my feelings and future. How I have so much left to do and see. Including marrying the man I love, my boyfriend. She cried about that and said I should have listened to her. I pretty much ignored it as we talked about it serval times.
I was served my eviction notice, apologized to my friends parents, and began packing my things. I get a FaceTime from her and I’m thinking that my best friend might have some words of comfort or something.
I answer the call and with my friend in the back, she starts in on me saying that no matter what, I never listen. I only don’t when it happens that I can’t or it goes against my wishes and boundaries I’ve set. She went on yelling after what seemed like hours as I zoned out and packed with shaky hands and blurry eyes. I couldn’t take it anymore so I hung up with saying, “we can talk about this when I’m sure where my next meal is coming from and I’m not scared I’ll be on the streets.”
From what my friend told me she blocked me immediately and never wanted to speak to me again. She’s blocked me everywhere even tiktok and it makes me feel bad.
It’s been months and I’ve been told that I’m not the a-hole however, I think I need an outside opinion.
AITA??

I've only been TTC for like 3 months and last month was a near miss (I travel for work, came back evening of my LH surge) so I know I know I am getting way too in my head.
Used fertility tracker (wands) right out the gate coming off of birth control because I figured more data is better but now I'm sort of freaking myself out.
I honestly don't know how long my cycles used to be. I have been on some form of BC since I was 15 (36 now) minus a few brief periods of time I came off of it, I want to say I was already on the shorter side (26 days)
1st real cycle off of HBC was encouraging. LH surge on day 13, 13 day luteal phase, A+. But then the following cycle I ovulated day 11 and this cycle day 10. Google is not my friend, it's making me think I might not conceive at all and if I do it's probably not gonna hold. It doesn't help that my periods have been light (3 days, only one real day of flow). One good piece of news is my FSH (urine test, I know not as accurate) on day 3 has consistently been 6.8ish. confirmed ovulation with PdG tests, luteal phase is normal (13-14). But I'm wigging out, like should I go to a doctor now? Because of my work I'm unlikely to have the time until the fall.
I want to skip the doom and gloom and hear from people who had similar cycles and went on to have a successful pregnancy. Going into this I told my husband I didn't want to go through any "heroic measures" (IVF) but didn't realize how badly I'd want it since starting to try. I have gotten pregnant before with him, back when I was 27, I had to terminate due to a med I was on being super extra awful teratogenic (and I was on BC then, so it was a surprise). So it has happened?

hey everyone i'm a [M27] and i feel like i'm really struggling with dating because i'm broke. like, i have a job but it's not anything fancy and i'm living paycheck to paycheck. seems like every girl i meet expects me to have a nice car, take her to expensive restaurants, and buy her gifts all the time. i just can't afford it.
am i doing something wrong or is this just how dating works now? i mean, i'm a decent guy, i work hard, i'm respectful, and i think i'm pretty funny too. but every time i try to date, it feels like money is always an issue. i don't want to come off as cheap, but i can't pretend to be someone i'm not.
i've even tried dating apps, but it feels like everyone's looking for the same thing. like, i get that people have standards, but it just feels like i'm at a disadvantage because i'm not rolling in cash. i see guys who are complete jerks getting girls just because they can throw money around, and it's honestly really discouraging.
i want to find someone who likes me for me, not for what i can buy them. is that too much to ask? does anyone else feel like this or have any advice on how to navigate dating when you're not financially well off?
i just feel like i can't compete and it's making me wonder if i'm ever going to find someone who doesn't care about how much money i have. anyone have any success stories or tips on how to date when you're broke? i'd really appreciate any advice or encouragement right now. thanks.

Hi All, long time lurker, just wrote up a post but somehow it vanished while typing. I used the search and the sub knowledge base but didn't see my question. Looking for some guidance/advice or a success story.
I recently went to a Veterans Center to see if I was eligible for counseling. While there, I shared some traumatic experiences over my 30 year Army Reserve career. The Advisor encouraged me to file a claim for PTSD/Anxiety/Depression.
I retired from the Army Reserve in 2013. In 2008, I was promoted and, that summer, received orders for a 6 week qualification course for my new position. When I returned to my civilian job, my supervisor and manager retaliated in every way possible, making the workplace and life a living hell. My primary care doc knew what was going on and prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds just so I could get through the workday and not harm anyone or myself. In Jan 2010, my supervisor and manager did something that caused me to have a total stress breakdown. My doctor took me out of work and referred me to the outpatient psych clinic. I was in a really bad way and remained out of work and taking meds and getting treatment for almost 2 years. I won't bore you with all the details, but I was pissed that I burned all my vacation and sick accruals for something they could have prevented. I filed a worker's comp claim which my employer challenged and I won. The judge wrote in the decision, "There is disparate treatment... because she serves in the Army Reserves...She was singled out and harassed due to her military service... her supervisor retaliated against her because she took military leave in 2008... (she) was exposed to a pattern of harassment and retaliation due to her Army Reserves service and an increased level of stress..."
I have a load of civilian medical records related to this, and I believe the psychotherapist (PhD) that I saw for 3+ years would write a nexus letter for me but according to everything I've read, I'm not sure I have a "nexus" to connect PTSD to the military. I was IN the military, and what happened at my job was because I was fulfilling my military obligation, but can I actually make a "service connection" if the stressor occurred at the hands of my civilian employer and not actually the Army? How might that read?
I had stress in my military position-- I lost a deployment opportunity and my records landed in front of a retention board and they were going to chapter me out because of my psych profile, causing me to fear I'd lose my Army career and pension. I was stressed out all the time worrying that I'd be asked to do any additional or special duty outside of drill weekends (my position required a lot of travel) due to fear of how my civilian employer would react or retaliate if I presented orders. When confidentiality was broken and my psych profile/issues were revealed to Soldiers not in my reporting chain, that led to a lot of embarrassment probably other things I'm forgetting.
Is there any hope I might be able to make a nexus-worthy connection between my service and my PTSD/Anxiety/Depression diagnoses when the stressor(s) actually primarily occurred in the civilian workplace?
Thank you!

Would love to hear some success stories! We’re in a relatively HCOL area that is also prone to all cash/waived contingency offers. What worked for you?

Recently game studios, both large and small, face the risk of closure due to shifting priorities by publishers.. Even if a studio creates a good or profitable game, it may not be enough to guarantee long-term security under big publishers. Microsoft recently closed several studios, including Arkane Austin and Tango, despite their past successes. If a game is a “breakout hit,” it may still be deemed “low-impact” and face closure.
Prioritization of “high-impact titles” often leads to studio closures, leaving talented developers uncertain about their future.
Now Phill spender can't even lift Microsoft game studios to a degree where they will be in the sustainable profit so they need to cut costs after spending literally $70billions on an accusation which let's be honest not going to pay it back any time soon if at all.
I bet their next move would be to raise Gamepass cost.. 🤡
I guess the moral of the story is make less of High fi rush and more Call of Duty. This is just sad and pathetic. Imagine having close to unlimited amount of resources and giving open cheque to one of your VP and still fucks up so badly.

2 years ago I made contact with the Holy Guardian Angel at a park bench.
How will you know that your speaking to the Host of the Most Ancient Holy One? You will be sent to a realm where everybody disappears. Existence is quite literally hevel. I saw humans vanish with my naked eye!
Be as hospitable as possible.
Follow instructions. Study much! (the Hosts of G-d speak in a very subtle manner) “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night” (Josh. 1: 8)
Zohar Bereshit (passages of Abraham meeting the Angels of the L-rd), the Wisdom Books of Solomon (Pure Kabbalah) & Bhagavad Gita(This is another story about the encounter with the Hosts of G-d),
Release all sorrow and woe. For the Goal is Union (Not therapy!)
Sustain your consciousness so that you may ask the Angel to bless you, your family, and your descendants. This is the brilliance of Jacob.
"Jacob was left alone. And a figure wrestled with him until the break of dawn.
וַיַּ֗רְא כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יָכֹל֙ ל֔וֹ וַיִּגַּ֖ע בְּכַף־יְרֵכ֑וֹ וַתֵּ֙קַע֙ כַּף־יֶ֣רֶךְ יַעֲקֹ֔ב בְּהֵאָֽבְק֖וֹ עִמּֽוֹ׃
When he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he wrenched Jacob’s hip at its socket, so that the socket of his hip was strained as he wrestled with him.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר שַׁלְּחֵ֔נִי כִּ֥י עָלָ֖ה הַשָּׁ֑חַר וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ לֹ֣א אֲשַֽׁלֵּחֲךָ֔ כִּ֖י אִם־בֵּרַכְתָּֽנִי׃
Then he said, “Let me go, for dawn is breaking.” But he answered, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.”
The brilliance of this great rite is reconnecting to your True Source. Even a failed Union has great benefits. After this experience stay inside to avoid entities, djinn, and inorganic beings attaching to your consciousness. Do not worship or set your awareness to the stars.
Do drugs responsibly!
Quran 87:14 Successful indeed are those who purify themselves...
Drugs used prior to this encounter: Iboga, LSD ,Marijuana, Shrooms, Smoked Gotu Kola, Smoked Shrooms with Tobacco, Marijuana Pen, Flying Ointment, Kosher Wine, and Ormus (Powdered Monatomic Gold). I believe it was mainly the Iboga and the LSD that helped me reach that level of disassociation. Ormus provided a certain clairvoyance.
And anoint your head with oil!
Ultimately I failed complete union and entrance into the after life and the City of the Pyramids (Malakut) because of my egoic attachments: relationships, friends etc.
׃Don’t let your mouth bring you into disfavor, and don’t plead before the messenger that it was an error, but fear G- else G-d may be angered by your talk and destroy your possessions
Reread these words carefully because this is why Crowley died poor and alone. G-d does not have time for fools.
This is a great rite. Do not think lowly of such an encounter for I believe this is the power that Crowley summoned to have G-d favor the Brits in WW2.
You only get one chance to enter the afterlife in this manner. Good luck to all and feel free to ask any questions.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Book of Phenomenon
(Rites of Autonomy)
INSPIRED by ELOKIM
THE PRINCIPLE IS THE WILL OF ELOKIM. MANIFESTING ITSELF THROUGH ACTION, CONSUMING THROUGH OMNIPOTENCE. EXPLOIT THIS PRINCIPLE OR BE EXPLOITED
Psycho Spiritual Image of the Universe
Utilise the I to Reflect the Self
Metaphysical Image of the Multiverse
Harmonise the Self to Integrate the Us
Global Iconic Image of the Metaverse
Centre is Ubiquitous: Circumference is Unbounded
Atomical Image of the Omniverse
Law of Use Is In Effect
Utilisation Increases Power
Non Utilisation Decreases Power
THE PRINCIPLE IS THE WILL OF ELOKIM. MANIFESTING ITSELF THROUGH ACTION, CONSUMING THROUGH OMNIPOTENCE. EXPLOIT THIS PRINCIPLE OR BE EXPLOITED
INSPIRED by ELOKIM
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I've been grappling with a question that many of us face at some point in our lives: Is pursuing a degree worth it?
Education is often touted as the key to unlocking opportunities, securing better jobs, and achieving personal growth. However, with rising tuition costs, the proliferation of online resources, and an evolving job market, the value of a traditional degree is being increasingly scrutinized.
I'm sure many of you have diverse experiences and opinions on this matter. Whether you've completed a degree, are currently pursuing one, or have chosen a different path altogether, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Here are some questions to consider:

1. For those who have pursued a degree, do you feel that it was worth the time, effort, and financial investment? Did it lead to tangible benefits in terms of career advancement or personal development?
2. Have you chosen alternative paths, such as self-directed learning, vocational training, or entrepreneurship? If so, what led you to make that decision, and how has it impacted your life and career?
3. How do you perceive the current job market's attitude towards degrees versus practical skills and experience? Do you believe a degree is still a prerequisite for success in many fields?
4. What advice would you give to someone who is debating whether to pursue a degree or explore other avenues of education and career development?

Feel free to share your stories, insights, and opinions. Let's have an open and respectful discussion about the value of education in today's world.

Every time Charlotte shares some crazy wedding stories I reflect on my own crazy wedding experiences. Here are some of them.
The first time I was ever a bridesmaid, we had a religious ceremony, a break in the middle, and a reception in the evening. I spent hours setting up reception decorations in the hot sun with all the other hardworking bridesmaids. One of the groomsmen showed up to the reception with a broken arm. I asked him about this because he’d definitely had two functional arms that morning. While we were working hard, he ran off and played basketball and injured his arm in the process.
My mom was late to her own wedding because her sisters, who were supposed to do her hair, were busy watching Oprah. She eventually gave up waiting and curled it herself. Meanwhile my poor dad is stressed out of his mind because he thinks he’s getting left at the altar. He’d been previously married and had written in his diary the night before, “I’m getting married again tomorrow. I hope it works this time.” When she finally showed up, she gave her car keys to my uncle, who drove off with them. They were stuck waiting on a park bench for him to get home (in the days before cell phones) so they could call him and tell him to come back.
My friend “Tina” married her older sister’s ex-boyfriend. The sister and the groom had dated in high school, and by that point, the older sister had long since moved on with life and got married. There were no hard feelings on either side. Tina’s a little wild and thought it would be fun to jump into a pull fully clothed at her wedding. She then changed out of her wet wedding dress, so she’s not distinguishable by her outfit. As everyone was cleaning up after the reception, the groom wandered into the room and saw his wife bending over to pick up a box of decorations. He grabbed her on the butt. She promptly straightened up , turned around, and he found it was not his wife at all but the older sister. All the blood drained from his face and he thought he was in so much trouble. The sister thought it was hilarious, had a good laugh about it with her own husband and Tina, and now Tina’s husband has to quietly live with the fact that the legend will go down in family history.
This isn’t technically a wedding story, but my boyfriend and I are planning on getting married next year. We’ve discussed marriage very seriously but are not engaged yet. Our reason for waiting so long is that he’s finishing up grad school and I live an hour and a half away from his college town, so it would be logistically tricky for either one of us to relocate before he graduates. Two weeks ago my friend and I thought it would be fun to go to a bridal expo to look at wedding dress styles and vendor options as early-stage wedding planning research. I entered a bunch of random sweepstakes at the expo thinking there was no way I would win. A few days later, I found out I’d won a discounted men’s wedding ring, 50% off wedding invitations, and free airfare and a hotel to a beachside honeymoon destination. I then had to explain to my boyfriend how the freak I won all this crap we don’t need yet. Then I had to hem and haw my way through conversations with customer service people. “Um yes I’d love the free invitations but I don’t know my wedding date yet?” “Uhhh how long is that free airfare good for?” And yes, the rules of the free vacation do specifically state that I have to bring him. The travel agency won’t let me use it to go with a friend. (Yes, boyfriend and I factchecked the free honeymoon and so far it seems legit, I won’t go on it until I factcheck it further.)
Best of all: my high school history teacher constantly told stories about his personal life instead of teaching history. On the morning of his wedding, both families set up camp in a hotel room near the wedding venue so they’d have a place to put all their wedding stuff. Plot point: they’re on the eleventh floor of the hotel. Because there were wedding decorations strewn all around the hotel room, the only place he could think to hang his wife’s wedding dress was on the fire sprinkler. He managed to hang it at an angle where it wouldn’t activate the sprinkler, but then his brother went to take it down and it triggered it. Black coolant foam shot out and got over everything, including the dress. The fire suppression system also alerted the local fire department, so he had to hightail it out of the hotel before they made him stick around to explain himself. He ran down eleven flights of stairs with the dress to get it cleaned. At the bottom, the bride realized he’d left the veil upstairs so he had to run back up and get it. After running up and down eleven flights again, she realized the rings were missing and made him go back. He managed to successfully evade the fire department and they were married without a hitch.
Maybe don’t hang your dress on a fire sprinkler though.

Keen to know has anyone that’s tried keto got the feeling that it made it even harder to lose weight???
Bit of a back story: In 2014 I did calorie counting and successfully lost a bunch of weight. I was around 24 ish then. I met my partner and while dating we went out a lot, had a lot of inside movie nights with lots of snacks and I got some of the weight back. Not all so I was happy enough. In 2018 I decided to do keto for some quick weight loss for the wedding and it worked. Weight melted off me, but as most people that quit keto I found it hard to stick to and the I’m binging when I was off it was out of control.
Fast forward to current days I have tried a couple of times to do calorie counting again, but the weight isn’t moving down much. I kind of feel like keto maybe somehow slowed down my metabolism or did something to my body that’s now making it harder. In saying that I am no longer 24 so that could also be why.
Has anyone else experienced anything like this???

Idk I like complex stories but I don't think I ever remember feeling this obsession with character and writing. I just went with what I wanted to see. It was what it was. No big deal
Idk. Stories should be better but yeah idk I didn't really feel much.
I remember quitting 2 BL isekai (1 was an anime and 1 a mahwa) but I only them because I liked the powers they had. I quit after being bombarded by too much BL. It overtook the powers I liked.
There are tons of good content stuff that I don't like consuming because it's just not necessarily what I felt like doing. I wanted the cool powers. I wanted the cool fights.
The only slice of life of life I think I've truly enjoyed was the one with the 4 brothers. There's also rainbow nishi about the guys in 1950s Japan. But yeah
It just feels like endless complaining and less having fun.

I was happy with how this turned out, here is one excerpt:
I think we’re overestimating the risks to American democracy. The intellectual class is way too pessimistic. They’re not used to it being rough and tumble, but it’s been that way for most of the country’s history. It’s correct to think that’s unpleasant. But by being polarized and shouting at each other, we actually resolve things and eventually move forward. Not always the right way. I don’t always like the decisions it makes. But I think American democracy is going to be fine.
Polarization has its benefits. In most cases, you say what you think, and sooner or later, someone wins. Abortion is very polarized, for example. I’m not saying which side you should think is correct, but states are re-examining it. Kansas recently voted to allow abortion, and Arizona is in the midst of a debate. Over time, it will be settled—one way or another. Slugging things out is underrated.
Meanwhile, being reasonable with your constituents is overrated. Look at Germany, which has non-ideological, non-polarized politics. They’ve gotten every decision wrong. Their whole strategy of buying cheap energy from Russia to sell to China was a huge blunder. They bet most of their economy on it, and neither of those two things will work out. They also have no military whatsoever. It’s not like, “Ok, they don’t spend enough.” They literally had troops that didn’t have rifles to train with and were forced to use broomsticks.
Germany is truly screwed and won’t face up to it. But when you listen to their politicians speak – and I do understand German – they always sound intelligent and reasonable. They could use a dose of polarization, but they’re afraid because of their history, which I get. But the more you look at their politics, the more you end up liking ours, I would say.
I would note that Germany’s various “centrist” or “coalition of the middle” regimes have brought us AfP, which is polarizing in the worst way and considered to be an extremist party worthy of being spied upon.
And this:

What craft are you spending a lifetime honing?

Shooting a basketball. I’ve done that for the longest, outside of eating and breathing. I’m just not very good at it.
I started doing it when I was about eight. We moved close to a house with a hoop, and all the other kids would gather there and play. It was a social thing, and I started doing it. I kept it going in all the different places I’ve lived. The only country I couldn’t keep the habit going was Germany. But when I was living in New Zealand, I made a special point of it. It’s good exercise, it’s relaxing, you get to be outside. It’s a little cold today, but I did it yesterday, and I’ll do it tomorrow.
It’s important to repeatedly do something you’re not that good at. Most successful people are good at what they do, but if that’s _all_ they do, they lose humility. They find it harder to understand a big chunk of the world that doesn’t have their talent or is simply mediocre. It helps you keep things in perspective.
I’m not _terrible_ at it. I have gotten better, even recently. But no one would say I’m really good.
Interesting throughout, as they like to say.
The post The Generalist interviews me appeared first on Marginal REVOLUTION.

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Hollywood loves a love story, but Ryan O'Neal and Joanna Moore's was a tabloid headline waiting to happen. This stunning couple, more suited for the red carpet than parenthood, proved spectacularly unfit for the job. Their idea of raising children seemed to involve a liberal supply of cigarettes and illicit substances, leaving little Tatum and Griffin to fend for themselves.

When Joanna took custody, it wasn't exactly an upgrade. The squalor of their new life would make even the most jaded social worker blanch. Imagine conditions so dire that the UK's NSPCC would be reaching for the hazmat suits.
Then came a glimmer of hope – "Paper Moon" and a child actress Oscar nomination for Tatum. But even this turned sour. Ryan, consumed by his own lack of recognition, couldn't stomach his daughter's success. The audacity of a child outshining him! Neither parent could be bothered to attend the ceremony, a complete abdication of parental support in a moment their child truly needed them.
And what did Ryan do after Tatum's win? Did he use this as an opportunity to connect with his daughter, to guide her through the treacherous waters of child stardom? Absolutely not. Instead, he saw her as a glamorous accessory, a trophy to be paraded around Hollywood parties.
Tatum's world became a whirlwind of champagne wishes and caviar dreams, fueled by a relentless party scene. When a drug dealer on Ryan's payroll – yes, you read that right – violated Tatum in the most horrific way, where was Ryan, the protector, the father figure? He wasn't there. In a move that defies comprehension, he not only failed to protect his daughter, but cruelly placed the blame on her, all the while keeping the perpetrator on his payroll. This wasn't just neglect, it was a sickening betrayal.
As Tatum spiraled deeper, battling addiction and the emotional fallout of her childhood trauma, Ryan remained a distant, uncaring figure. When she reached a point of such despair that she contemplated ending her life, there was no shoulder to cry on, no fatherly comfort.
Griffin, meanwhile, wasn't spared his own brand of torment. He became Ryan's emotional punching bag, the recipient of a father's misplaced anger and frustration.
So, the next time you see a young Tatum O'Neal on screen, radiating a knowing cynicism beyond her years, understand that it wasn't just good acting. It was the heartbreaking consequence of a childhood ravaged by neglect and a parade of deeply flawed adults. Her world-weary gaze wasn't a performance; it was a glimpse into a stolen childhood, a life robbed of the love and security every child deserves.

Hello everyone,
I am looking for inspiring success stories who went for a on site job and it all worked out. I am going to get into a job and am quite anxious.
Thank you

Asking Redditors to share because there seem to be some negativity and questions with regards to unsuccessful job hunting / poor job market.
Let's hear out from those who succeed in changing job/getting a job. Which industry are you in? How long did you take to land the job? How many interviews you went and which career stage are you at currently?
Let's hear some success stories and we may learn from one another.

Facts:

• 30 states have a higher minimum wage than Tennessee's $7.25.
• Tennessee last raised its minimum wage in 2009.
• Since then, inflation has risen by about 36.6%.
• A decent living wage for a single adult in Tennessee is about $13.25 per hour.

Steps to Raise the Minimum Wage

Step 1: Organize a Petition Drive

• Form a Nonpartisan Group: Create or join a group focused solely on raising the minimum wage, without political affiliations. Use platforms like Zoom for virtual meetings, schedule regular meetings, and use social media and local forums to recruit members.
• Research Requirements: For statewide initiatives, the number of signatures required is typically a percentage of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. Confirm the exact number with the Tennessee Secretary of State's office. For local initiatives in Knoxville, a charter amendment can be proposed if at least one registered voter files the petition with the county election commission for pre-approval (TCA 2-5-151).
  • Tennessee Secretary of State: (615) 741-2819
• Create the Petition: Draft a clear and concise petition for a minimum wage increase. Here is a sample:

Draft Petition:
Petition for Increasing the Minimum Wage in Tennessee
To the Tennessee General Assembly:
We, the undersigned residents of Tennessee, believe that the current minimum wage of $7.25 per hour is insufficient to meet the basic needs of individuals and families in our state. Given the significant rise in living costs and inflation since the last adjustment in 2009, we urgently call for an increase in the state minimum wage to a livable wage of $13.25 per hour. This adjustment will ensure that all working Tennesseans can afford necessities such as housing, food, healthcare, and transportation.
By signing this petition, we express our support for this necessary change and urge the Tennessee General Assembly to take immediate action.
Name Address Signature
Step 2: Collect Signatures

• Host Community Events: Organize events like town hall meetings, local fairs, or farmers' markets to gather signatures.
• Utilize Local Networks: Leverage small-town connections where everyone knows each other to spread the word and gather support.
• Set Up Booths: Place booths in high-traffic areas like grocery stores, libraries, and community centers to collect signatures.
• Door-to-Door Campaigning: Go door-to-door in your neighborhood to ask for signatures.

Step 3: Raise Awareness

• Social Media Campaign: Use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to inform the community and encourage them to sign the petition.
• Local Media: Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, and TV channels to cover your campaign.
• Flyers and Posters: Distribute flyers and put up posters in local businesses and public spaces.

Step 4: Submit the Petition

• Verify Signatures: Ensure all collected signatures meet the requirements.
• Submit to Authorities: Submit the petition to the appropriate state or local authority for validation.

Deadlines and Requirements

• Submission Deadline: Typically, signatures must be submitted several months before the general election to allow time for verification. For 2024, check with the Tennessee Secretary of State for specific deadlines and the number of required signatures.

Other Strategies to Help Afford Homes

Local Level:

1. Affordable Housing Programs: Support and expand local programs that provide affordable housing options.
2. Down Payment Assistance: Advocate for city or county programs that help with down payments for first-time homebuyers.
3. Community Land Trusts: Promote local models where the community owns the land and leases it to homeowners, reducing the cost of purchasing a home.
4. Zoning Reforms: Push for zoning changes within Knoxville to allow for more diverse and affordable housing developments.
5. Financial Education: Provide resources locally to help individuals better manage their finances and improve their credit scores.
6. Rent-to-Own Programs: Implement or support local programs where tenants can rent properties with the option to buy after a certain period.
7. Increased Housing Supply: Encourage the construction of more housing units in Knoxville to meet demand.
8. Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaborations between the city and private developers to create affordable housing projects.
9. Inclusionary Zoning: Require a portion of new developments in Knoxville to include affordable housing units.
10. Tax Incentives: Offer local tax credits or abatements to developers who build affordable housing or to homeowners for property improvements.
11. Tiny Homes and ADUs: Promote the development of tiny homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Knoxville as affordable housing options.
12. Housing Cooperatives: Support cooperative housing models locally where residents collectively own and manage their housing.
13. Employer-Assisted Housing: Encourage local employers to provide housing assistance or benefits to their employees.
14. Energy Efficiency Programs: Implement local programs to improve the energy efficiency of homes, reducing utility costs and overall housing expenses.
15. Foreclosure Prevention Programs: Provide local assistance and counseling to homeowners at risk of foreclosure to help them retain their homes.
16. Land Banks: Establish land banks at the city level to acquire, manage, and repurpose vacant and foreclosed properties for affordable housing development.

Steps for Local Action:

• Petition for Ballot Initiatives: Registered voters can start petitions to get these issues on local ballots. This involves gathering a required number of signatures from the community.
• Engage with Local Officials: Attend city council meetings, contact local representatives, and advocate for these programs and reforms.
• Form or Join Advocacy Groups: Collaborate with local organizations focused on housing and community development to amplify your efforts.
• Raise Public Awareness: Use social media, local news, and community events to inform and mobilize residents around these initiatives.
• Vote: Encourage community members to vote for local leaders and initiatives that support affordable housing and related programs.

Example Petitions:

1. Affordable Housing Programs
Petition for Affordable Housing Programs
To the Knoxville City Council:
We, the undersigned, request that the Knoxville City Council support and expand local affordable housing programs to provide quality, affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income residents. Increasing access to affordable housing is essential for the well-being of our community.
Signature: _______________
Print Name: _______________
Address: _______________
Email: _______________
2. Down Payment Assistance
Petition for Down Payment Assistance Programs
To the Knoxville City Council:
We, the undersigned, urge the Knoxville City Council to advocate for and establish city or county programs that provide down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. This assistance will help residents achieve homeownership and promote long-term financial stability.
Signature: _______________
Print Name: _______________
Address: _______________
Email: _______________
3. Community Land Trusts
Petition for Community Land Trusts
To the Knoxville City Council:
We, the undersigned, request that the Knoxville City Council promote and support the establishment of community land trusts. These trusts will allow the community to own land and lease it to homeowners, thereby reducing the cost of purchasing a home.
Signature: _______________
Print Name: _______________
Address: _______________
Email: _______________
4. Zoning Reforms
Petition for Zoning Reforms
To the Knoxville City Council:
We, the undersigned, call on the Knoxville City Council to push for zoning changes that allow for more diverse and affordable housing developments. Reforming zoning laws will encourage the construction of various housing types to meet our community's needs.
Signature: _______________
Print Name: _______________
Address: _______________
Email: _______________
5. Financial Education
Petition for Financial Education Programs
To the Knoxville City Council:
We, the undersigned, urge the Knoxville City Council to provide resources and support for local financial education programs. These programs will help individuals manage their finances, improve their credit scores, and prepare for homeownership.
Signature: _______________
Print Name: _______________
Address: _______________
Email: _______________

State or Federal Level:

• Subsidized Housing Vouchers: Increase the availability and funding for housing vouchers that subsidize rent for low-income families.
• Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC): Promote MCC programs that provide tax credits to first-time homebuyers at the state or federal level.

Combining these approaches with efforts to raise wages can create a more comprehensive solution to housing affordability issues.

How New Jersey Did It:

• Legislative Action: Passed in 2019, the law set a schedule for gradual increases to reach $15 by 2024.
• Annual Adjustments: Provisions for annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• Broad Support: Significant political backing from the governor and legislature.
• Sector-Specific Plans: Different timelines and rates for small businesses, seasonal workers, and agricultural employees.
• Economic Advocacy: Studies and advocacy highlighted the benefits, helping to build public and political support.

Tennessee's Business Environment and Minimum Wage:

• Business-Friendly State: It's true Tennessee is known for being business-friendly, which can make raising the minimum wage challenging.
• Jobs Over $12/Hour: While many jobs may pay over $12 an hour, not all workers have access to these opportunities, especially those with limited skills or education.

Steps to Take:

• Educate and Advocate: Inform the community about the benefits of a higher minimum wage for both workers and the economy.
• Highlight Success Stories: Share examples from other states like New Jersey that have successfully raised their minimum wages without harming businesses.
• Promote Nonpartisan Support: Work with groups that focus on worker rights without political affiliations to gather broader support.

By focusing on education and nonpartisan advocacy, it's possible to create a more inclusive conversation around raising the minimum wage.

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I need some serious advice.
About 3 years ago, I made friends with an older guy who seemed like a really successful multi-business owner. I was 25 years old and eager to quit my well-paying tech job and start my own business.
I bounced my ideas off of him for a couple of months until one day he proposed starting a business together. He claimed that he had a lot of construction experience from renovating his own homes and he thought I'd be a good fit as a partner to complement his construction skillset with my project management capabilities. I made it clear to him I knew nothing about construction.
Long story short, we started getting a lot of full-home remodel work on high-end homes and the business seemed to be taking off quickly ($500K to $2M contracts).
Over time, I found out that his construction experience was definitely not what he claimed it to be. It was a nightmare working with him. The reason I'm posting here is that I found out that he'd do unpermitted electrical and plumbing work with guys who weren't licensed.
Examples of work he did include: adding a recessed can here or there; swapping all of the chandeliers/light fixtures out for new ones; adding/deleting/moving a handful of outlets, replacing light switches; moving tub drains; removed fireplaces and I don't know if the gas lines were capped correctly.
I don't have much knowledge of electrical, but I know enough to know that a small mistake with these tasks can have devastating consequences.
Fast forward to today, I am in complete disarray up over what could potentially happen in the years to come. Out of panic I've tried figuring out everything that could go wrong, and it's freaking me out big time. What if something causes a fire and burns the house down, someone gets shocked, or worse?
I don't actually know if any of the work was done wrong, it could all be fine. There are around 3-4 properties I'm worried about, and they've all been occupied with no issues to my knowledge for the last 1-2 years.
I no longer work with this guy and now I have been out of the job market for so long running a business I learned very little in. I can't bring myself to even start figuring out what's next because of all the potential liability hanging over my head now.
What do I do here? Do I approach these homeowners and explain the situation and offer to have everything inspected and fixed if needed for them out of my own pocket?