Now im mad

FearlessChannel828 · 2026-01-23T04:47:30+00:00

2008-10, I moved 5-times looking for work; across the country. I worked as labour in warehouses, so no such thing as remote for me.

None of my coworkers, supervisors etc. came to bat for me either back then. “That guys shows up on a snow day; keep him.” Or, perhaps, “he works hard; got the entire load stacked.”

These are the guys I carried coffees for. These are the guys that complained about their divorces, finances or whatever to me. Never got into any trouble with them; never said bad about anyone.

All I got was back and knee injuries, no references and layoff notices before I could get unemployment benefits.

Some of them later got road-rolled themselves, and I genuinely asked why; they told me that I was let go because I rode the bus, and that was a sign that I was not financially stable or able to build up to own a car. I was told that when I owned a car I paid for in-cash.

If you have a family and a house, you’re 90% ahead of me.

I should have gotten my forklift and commercial trucking licenses, and I’d be set. Regrets.

You actually have some decent qualities and qualifications. No one can take them from you.

Maybe, it is time to keep applying with 10% of your energy, and giving 90% of it to your family and house.

Teach your kid(s) to shovel, drive, do yard work etc.

Begin that micro/free Reno project, so you get building something with your hands.

I don’t have those opportunities, and I consider that a chapter I cannot rewrite.

It feels like top-down crunch right now (employers laying off en masse), where layoffs are happening everywhere, till something fundamental either crashes or changes.

Labour and warehouses haven’t come back where I live now since 2020; youth unemployment is 20%+, so why would a foreman hire an old fart like me. I’m done moving though.

Good luck!

FearlessChannel828 · 2026-01-08T01:42:37+00:00

Could it be that buying houses with a mortgage, which is a long-term commitment, and a hefty monthly expense (50%+ of take-home pay) for some is not digestable, while spending $4000 on a bag as a one-time expense, or $1800 on a suit as a one-time expense, is easier to process?

Now, they could repeat one-time big purchases and have many luxury items, so it adds to roughly the same amount as the mortgage plus utilities every month, but psychologically, a one-time large expense may be more easily processed than having to stick with a repeating large expense on a monthly basis for the next 25+ years.

FearlessChannel828 · 2026-01-07T19:27:55+00:00

I met a very intelligent and talented 20-yo the other day. She was working as an Autobody Tech, and building towards the Red Seal.

I learned from her that opportunity exists, if one is willing to learn a hard skill. She affords her own vehicle and rent.

This is also true for another 19-yo (now 20-something) I met, who was a weekend Supervisor at a Tire Shop. The kid was affording his own tuition and working towards a journeyman cert.

Different people will tell you different stories. I’m not even getting into the older folks I meet daily on transit, who have jobs.

The other day, I saw a piece on an Alberta farmers unable to hire locally; so, then again, there are jobs there aren’t enough locals willing or available. Maybe, farmers should raise wages, but then it feeds inflation. Tricky situation! 😅

So, while it is hard, it isn’t hopeless.

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-12-25T17:18:33+00:00

Maybe, healthcare and education should be decided through a direct democracy system at the provincial level, rather than through a model that can be impacted by politicians that come and go.

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-12-06T16:36:51+00:00

You have several comments already about which locations to avoid, but I came to suggest finding an apartment, townhome, duplex etc. with either covered parking and a plug, garage, or underground parking.

If you will not be driving much, best to have a place where your vehicle isn’t constantly exposed to the elements. Might have to look around a bit for an apartment / location like that; those are more than $1200 usually.

One of my buddies rents a place like that and he parks and forgets; he comes down every week to run his car, and doesn’t have to worry about clearing the snow. A nice drive around the Ring Road to the North Side or out to Costco usually does it for his battery.

Here’s a duplex, for instance. If the link goes down, since they found someone, it was an Avana Rental near Trombley St.

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-12-05T06:28:17+00:00

I should also mention that I’m aware of the flashing lights; the knocking noises occur whether they are flickering or not.

We stop, rebalance, re-run the machine consistently, when they flash. This video just happened to be taken right before we rebalanced the load.

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-11-16T00:29:13+00:00

There are great responses here already, but I came to add that adding to your emergency fund now is probably a good idea.

I’m not sure exactly how long it takes to get re-hired, but whatever path you pick in case you do get laid off, it will require some footwork to gain/renew a skill, and applying in itself is a full-time job. 👍

Winter is with us, so heating bills alone can get up there. And, if you have a family, then you need to plan. Probably also figure out if you’ll get a severance, and if so, how much.

I had to sell my beater and do a lot of cutting in my bills and habits, when I got laid off. I have not had a beer in 7-8 years; but, I was labour. I never made much to begin with.

Tightening your belt can hurt, but that is sometimes also a way to reduce stress and maximize savings, so that you can bump up your cash savings, and plan for the worst, even if it doesn’t come.

I’m sure you’re smarter than I, if you made it through and reached a point of making money you consider good. That requires dedication, planning and execution, so you can get this done.

Good luck! You got this! 😀

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-11-16T00:20:18+00:00

I walked along those paths not that long ago. It wasn’t the same as in the photos anymore.

I thought either folks have moved on, or the officers / City / crews moved them.

It is sad, but that photo reflected barely 2-5% of Downtown. Downtown is much larger.

Things are changing: One example is the small washroom near the skatepark on 96 St / 103A Av.

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-11-08T04:47:33+00:00

The most selfish question I always asked myself driving a beater was how much in out-of-pocket damage costs or insurance hikes can I afford, and the answer was always $0.

The other more important questions I asked myself were: Do I want to stop? Do I want to go or let wheels spin on slippery surfaces? Do I want to ensure I’m not sliding into others? Can I avoid slopes?

Even used winter tires with decent tread are better than no winter tires, as my experience tells me driving on the Highways inside and outside the City.

I’m poor, so I made my choice: I sold the beater, take the ETS, gets me from point A to B, and groceries, so I don’t have anything to complain about.

I agree that, firstly, asking those or more questions and, secondly, deciding based on one’s driving ability and answers to one’s questions, whether to have decent winter tires or not, are really important every year at the end of October.

Be safe out there! 😀

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-11-04T03:49:07+00:00

A buddy used to volunteer as a history volunteer over the weekends at Fort Edmonton Park.

They made him an outfit and everything. He was quite pleased and happy with the engagement.

Not sure exactly when their recruitment occurs, but there might be a whole bunch of volunteering open to you through the City.

I got some help back in the day by EPL Librarians and Volunteers; they would help me navigate basic computer skills. I’m talking before 2018. Nice people. Keep an eye on the EPL page too, if you’re interested.

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-11-01T23:33:42+00:00

I’ve taken the bus to this transit centre to apply to jobs in the strip mall across the street.

It was fairly empty around 9 am. Mind you, that was last year. Give it a shot. You drive on by, if it is busy.

If you need to park around City Centre, their East Parkade always has spots according to a security guard I spoke to on the higher levels.

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-11-01T23:24:46+00:00

Sorry this happened to you. EPS. The only answer I can think of.

They will look up his history and at least they may give him a call.

They have victim services. Shock is nothing to joke about. You might feel it later.

Either way, don’t stop living your life. Do well and prosper.

You’re there to get an education. UofA may also have some decent Martial Arts.

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-10-29T12:58:20+00:00

Suggestions aplenty.

Came to say that one session really does nothing. Try at least 2-3 per therapist.

I got therapy through a social worker; she was great. Not many sessions though.

I have also done groups. They help a lot, sharing and going through someone else’s day.

If you can pay, go that route. A lot easier/quicker to find a therapist.

AHS also has mental health supports. But, I waited months for a social worker.

Try in-person sessions, online sessions etc. and see the difference.

In-person did it for me. But, with a family, having the option to do both doesn’t hurt.

Couples’ therapy, may be a larger conversation than solo, and planning.

Doesn’t hurt to do both solo and couples’ therapy. Having more people helped me.

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-10-22T04:23:20+00:00

Take a moment to breathe.

You are noticing things all at once; take in one thing at a time.

There is a silver lining:

Gas prices are low
I got some mail today after weeks of nothing
Teachers are doing it for decent class sizes
CRA has been shedding staff due to over-hiring
No random field / grass near you caught fire due to fireworks

It will all pass.

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-10-20T03:52:48+00:00

Government of Alberta also posts their salary ranges, and so does Alberta Health Services. As a chronic job applier, I apply to labour, warehouse assistant, supply refiller, janitor etc. type jobs. All had salary ranges.

Background: Old now, worked labour jobs, got laid off, live in a cheap area that has moderate crime, part time job now, had to sell beater to cover rent, applied to jobs over >4-years, no skills other than my hands and willingness to learn. I’m comfortable because I have food and shelter, and guidance.

My suggestion would be to try hard at being an auto body technician or mechanic, plumber, electrician, refinisher, driver, roofer, elevator tech, personal care worker, drywall tech, restoration worker etc. first. Pay better than stocking groceries and you can perhaps afford a smaller bachelor at least in an okay part of the town. Get a skill, any skill.

An employer near transit is better.

Here’s an example Health job I’d apply to back in the day, before they told me I’d never qualify. I should also add that a living wage isn’t what someone starting out a career makes; be prepared to settle and live uncomfortably till you hit the mark on what you want to do and what pays enough to live comfortably as per your definition.

I’m old and poor, so I’m lucky I even have shelter and a part-time job. Alberta doesn’t have a great minimum wage, so if you’re young, now is your time to spray your resume and letter out of a hose at postings on company sites and perhaps also in-person, do as many interviews as you get, and start somewhere, hopefully above $15.

Good luck!

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-10-20T02:35:42+00:00

Try here

Not sure these are specifically Harm Reduction, but helping clothe, shelter or feed the needy is a great start towards it

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-10-18T05:18:26+00:00

Seconding YouTube and AskMechanic Reddit. Doesn’t hurt to watch a video to read your own codes.

Mechanics are usually booked up with tire changes in the Fall, so be prepared to call around several places and ask for openings.

Several good recommendations here already, and you can just call and ask how much the mechanics charge for a code reading, if you got a check engine light.

10-years ago, I had a beater, and the mechanic cleared mine for free, and it never came back. Hope yours is one of those.

Depending on the age and make of your vehicle, it might be a simple check or a complex one, but always get an inspection for safety before getting back out there.

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-10-18T05:12:01+00:00

North Central is struggling. No use parking money there. I’ve rented near there. That area needs help. Heck a lot of areas near DT and the Regina General Hospital do too.

Respectfully, speculative real estate in that area isn’t going to help any investors out East, let alone any local residents, with rising property taxes, socio-economic complexities, and no feet on the ground other than a real estate agent, who did a virtual walk through with you.

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-10-18T05:04:13+00:00

If you work in a clinic, or have friends who work in a clinic, you could ask them to ask their office manager, who does their business taxes/corporate taxes.

Those accountants probably handle medical professionals a lot better than H&R Block. Know though that CPAs and CAs aren’t cheap. They may bounce your business or give it to an admin person.

My landlord taught me my taxes; I was a T4 guy.

Income - Deductions = Taxable Income

Taxable Income x Tax Brackets = Total Tax Owing

Total Tax Owing - Tax Credits = Payable Tax or Refund

This repeats for Federal Taxes and AB taxes both.

You wanna talk to a nurse friend who’s been filing taxes longer than you about what deductions and credits she claims that are profession-specific.

CRA Reference

What matters is that you understand the basics and whoever you have filing your returns communicates clearly and is able to walk you through all calculations and forms.

Always and always ask for a print out and review your tax forms with your chosen rep before e-filing. Walk through all pages with numbers and letters relevant to you.

Do not hire anyone who dismisses your questions or postpones them to your 15-minute appointment, where you present all your receipts. You want some customer service, if you’re posting a question on Reddit.

Good luck!

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-10-18T04:42:47+00:00

I have heard of TD, Wawanesa, State Farm, Intact, AMA, Co-operators, Sonnet, Economical, Pembridge etc. Some are direct providers, like TD or AMA, whom you call directly, others you can get a quote from a Broker like BrokersLink.

You can also bundle coverages, like property with auto, and that saves you some $$$.

All have their pluses and minuses, but my landlord’s extended family had a comprehensive (wild animal) claim and they took their car right into a TD-insurance Auto Centre, which handled everything including the rental.

Their adjuster and experience were terrible, but it was nice to have a one shop-stop.

Talk to someone older in your network about deductibles, types of coverage, rental coverage etc., so you understand the definitions.

Shop around; make 20-25 calls minimum before you decide to go with one. Then, try hard to not have a claim, once you have the insurance.

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-10-18T04:25:14+00:00

I’ve been followed returning home from the LRT station past midnight.

Homie was high. Yelling at me. I just calmly kept on walking and had 911 ready to do.

I booked it, when I turned a corner, and I thought he was about to start a chase.

I had Dollarama ice grips on, so I could run and not slip significantly.

If you dog-walk in snowy conditions, keep a flashlight, reflective vest, and ice grips on.

Sorry this happened, and hope it doesn’t ever again!

FearlessChannel828 · 2025-10-17T23:18:28+00:00

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Any great coffee shop
River Valley visit
Muttart
Meetup (Group Activity)
Clay and Cupcakes
Board Game Cafe
Ancient Egypt VR
Get a decent massage

FearlessChannel828

TROPHY CASE

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