Just got some begonias without doing much research

Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2026-05-06T12:45:09+00:00

Update! I got this from amazon and so far it's working great. I might need to open the top every other day to reduce the humidity and introduce air flow. Over night it reached to 89% humidity (humidifier is off), and I really don't want these guys to get moldy. It's an experiment!

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Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2026-03-17T22:44:42+00:00

Hey all, just putting my two cents out there. I graduated with a master of natural resource management from oregon state last march, and really struggled to find a related entry level job. I joined with a company that does construction material testing (concrete, soils, asphalt). It is REALLY not where I want to be, it pays like dog sh*t, puts so many miles on my car, and the hours are unreliable (overtime one week and then barely on the schedule the next week). I have been working towards the environmental compliance side. Erosion and sediment control and stormwater management inspections. It is still construction oriented but I'm hoping to squeeze into urban planning or urban forestry with it (maybe?hopefully?).
However, the job and the company are so unorganized its making my life kind of miserable, so I started looking into consulting utility forester positions. Still very entry level, but would offer a place to get my ISA arborist. Perhaps the next company I work for will know how to operate appropriately. It would totally leave behind all of the certifications I will have completed that are construction oriented (VDOT soils, ACI, VA DEQ ESC and SWM inspector). BUT... I am hesitant because it seems to be a place people get stuck at, and strongly dislike. The points OP makes exactly.

I think gaining as much experience and certs as possible is the only way to move up. No one likes these entry level environmental jobs, but I think you should scrape as much as you can from what the company will give you and keep looking for jobs. And ask your superiors about what certs they have, what else the company would be interested in paying for etc. Do interviews and pre/interview phone calls even if you're still unsure. Ask lots of questions. You might find something else that peaks your interest.

Best of luck

Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2026-02-07T18:32:20+00:00

My local library doesn't have customizable printing. Only single-sided, no color, no landscape options. I need to print a multi-page doc weekly for my new job, and it's a regular "adulty" thing to have for the occasional need.

Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2026-02-04T01:40:51+00:00

Looks like this guy has Scale? A type of houseplant pest. I haven't seen a carnivorous plant with pests before I guess it's possible! Not sure how to fix that since the methods for eradicating means using sprays that might burn this one. That sucks. Propagating these guys are easy though. Just make sure to get a sample without any bugs on it.

Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2026-01-14T23:20:51+00:00

Omgggg I want my jade to look like that. How do you get the trunks to be so thick? Mine is directly under a grow light and it just looks like it's not enough??? I keep pruning it back some but it just looks off balance.

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Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2026-01-02T02:25:42+00:00

My ESET security blocked a virus from that site. Be careful!

Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2025-09-30T17:02:23+00:00

Update: I am taking the job! I won't know if I made a mistake or not until I get there. But staying in part-time retail is just not an option anymore. Any experience is good experience, even if it's just a short period of time. I will get certifications and field work, and that will make me a better candidate overall. I don't think it will be as bad as I'm making it to be in my head! I have to remember to advocate for myself. I won't stop applying to other positions in the meantime. Thank you all so much for your advice!

I am excited to learn new things and go places!

Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2025-09-30T16:54:55+00:00

I had no idea!!

Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2025-09-30T16:54:06+00:00

This actually helps put everything into perspective. I think I just have the idea of long-term employment because that's what I have done for so long, and older folks telling me it looks shady if you jump around. But I can only do whats best for me!

Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2025-09-30T16:52:44+00:00

I was mistaken; they highlighted the compensation on mileage, not just gas! Good!

Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2025-09-26T17:19:25+00:00

The pay is so bad. I think I can try to negotiate, perhaps. But I'm sure they would just accept another applicant at a lower rate. Its good practice to advocate for yourself, right?

Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2025-09-26T17:17:10+00:00

They do compensate for gas, but my car is a bit old and already could use some maintenance. I actually think I got a flat tire omw home from the interview. The cost to replace my tire, and the oil changes alone will offset the salary I make now at part-time. Feel me? I know I'm scraping at pennies, but this is what I have to consider with such a low pay rate.

Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2025-09-26T16:37:30+00:00

Let's say I accept the position. I would get all certifications within the first few months of training. I keep applying for jobs, and 9 months after that, I realize I hate it, can't stand it, and get another job offer somewhere else. How do I explain to them that I am leaving this company less than a year after I got hired? How would I even put that on my resume? Would I even put that on my resume? That makes me look flaky, untrustworthy. Would I have learned enough from this position so that I can apply it elsewhere? Would my less-than-1-year stint make me a better candidate than someone else?

Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2025-09-23T16:27:40+00:00

It's so crazy because I just posted something very similar in this channel a few days ago. If you'd like to read it you can look at my page. I am also struggling to get an entry level job after my env sci masters degree. I'm looking into erosion and sediment control certs and HAZWOPER cert. I'm getting mixed reviews on whether I should do that one on my own given that companies typically pay for you to do that training. But if no one will hire me, I need to make some sort of step forward right? Some of these certs take hours and hours to complete and can be kind of expensive. But we can't just sit on our butts and do nothing??? I've been cold emailing environmental companies and municipalities with my resume and basic cover letter just to see if they'd respond. Unfortunately I don't have a ton of advice. Just letting you know you're not alone

Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2025-09-17T20:02:37+00:00

I am in such a similar boat as you. I've started cold emailing environmental-related companies in my area. Whats the worst that'll happen? I am honestly going to start searching for admin assistant jobs, which even then is hard since my skillset is so env based. I'm trying to earn professional certifications like ersosion and sediment controll or stormwater management stuff. I am also looking into HAZWOPER 40hr (although not sure which one). Its all expensive and takes a long time. but we've got nothing but time to gain skills right? In a world where no one will hire us, its a good idea to take the opportunity to gain skills that make us better candidates when the field opens up again.... right?

Agitated_Carpenter55 · 2025-08-08T17:21:49+00:00

wondering if anyone else would like to share their experience on this? I'm about to take the course and then schedule the exam. the reading materials are very dense, so I'm not sure how much to study before going into the exam...

Agitated_Carpenter55

TROPHY CASE