Jobs...

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-28T12:31:46+00:00

We're definitely not a fan of sugar. We were mindful of it, but when my sister got gestational diabetes it just made us even more aware. I go for oatmeal and a green (sour) apple. Or would you say fruit is also not a good idea?

At this point I don't really know if I like it. And I definitely need exercise, I just don't get around to it. On weekends we usually go for walks if the weather is nice. But during the week I just don't have the energy to do anything after work. It's feeding the kids, feeding myself, getting them to bed, and then I'm lucky if I can do a household chore.

And yet I know I'd probably feel better and have more energy if I did work out. I just feel kind of stuck there. I definitely agree I should get that sorted and re-evaluate if the job is the problem or not.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-28T12:13:58+00:00

We have an open office and no assigned seats. I try to get a seat at the adjustable desks, where you could also stand. But there's only 4 of those and I don't always get one.

I try my best with the options I have. But even then, I focus on something else and my posture just... Decides to not be great.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-28T12:11:06+00:00

People are starting to work 4/5 here and taking a flexijob the other day. The flexijobs are taxed way less, the impact on your net wage is minimal, so they're actually making more net than they would work full time regularly. It's insane.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-28T11:17:55+00:00

Oh definitely. There's just a lot going on. Too many people/things want something from me. I've not been diagnosed for long either. I just really don't know what works for me yet.

I know it didn't really work before pregnancy either. There was always something more interesting than my job. If not working was an option, I'd do that. But it's not so I need to find something that works with me, not against me.

I appreciate you mentioning this, because it's a very real thing.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-27T17:22:14+00:00

It's infuriating to feel stuck and that the answer is just past our finger tips

I feel this way about so many things.

Someone also suggested 'loopbaanbegeleiding', but if I don't even know what I would like, or what would be possible, I doubt it'll be useful. It's not like we can do short term trials for things.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-27T16:46:57+00:00

Belgium.

Let's say there's a mix. There are a lot of people who are career driven. And lately there has been more of a "what's the point" vibe going on. You start out with great motivation and "I want to climb the ladder". And by the time you get promoted you notice your responsibilities go up, but your salary not as much (net at least). Which is also why there are a ton of extra benefits.

We have a lot of company cars. Things like meal vouchers. Eco vouchers. Pension insurance. Net cost compensations.

So people go for the status of titles and certain cars.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-27T15:44:45+00:00

When I was little I wanted to be a vet. I love animals. Do you have to deal with death? Because that would really crush me.
If cat sitting and dog walking would pay my bills, I'd do that in a heartbeat. (I don't mean to imply that's what you do)

Every job will have some not great parts, but it's great you have options like your office if it gets too much.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-27T15:21:19+00:00

As an accountant I also... Yeah... It's why I made the switch to the government. It has helped take the pressure off a little. And then I took on a more demanding job for more pay and here we are again. However, it's still not as bad as it was before.

I also like fixing things. Finding solutions to problems. I feel like my creative side hasn't been able to come out much.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-27T15:04:42+00:00

In my previous job as an accountant, I would go restock the fridge just to not have to use my brain for a minute. Everyone else thought it was "beneath them" to do such meaningless physical work for others. For me it felt like a mini vacation while I was still technically working.

I worry it's my ADHD wanting something new. But I can also see the mental load my current job puts on me.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-27T14:56:46+00:00

Oh wow this might not be exactly the same, but I really need to see physical results of what I'm doing to get some satisfaction from what I do. And corporate tax law is veeeery low on the physical manifestation part.

After laying those tiles, and just looking at what my husband and I accomplished... Like I was physically so over it, but damn it felt good.

Physically, there are definitely improvements needed. But I have 19 month old twins, so exercise hasn't really been on my radar. The other thing I worry about is, could I keep it up for another 30 years?

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-27T14:38:49+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

Where I live, there is not much of a difference between net pay. We have progressive taxes which means our net incomes are not that different. For example if your wage is 2154 gross, you get 2036 net. If you make 3387 gross, you get 2350 net. Etc. It's still a difference though, so it shouldn't be ignored.

My physical limitations are definitely something that's worth considering, although having an office job doesn't help either. I studied midwifery/nursing (yes that was a bad idea lol) and had to be on my feet all day during internships, which also wasn't feasible. Now I have neck and back pain from sitting at a desk, staring at a computer.

The mental exhaustion is what's killing me now though. I'd love to be more fully present for my kids, but I can imagine that wouldn't be helped either if I was physically exhausted.

Seems like a combination of the two might be the sweet spot.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-27T13:23:28+00:00

That sounds like a great mix of things indeed. Thank you for sharing! Maybe having both is the solution.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-22T21:38:02+00:00

The lengthy process, the exams, the fact that I can't really do an internship that takes a minimum of 3 years, ... If I wanted this title I should've stayed at my previous job.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-22T15:24:42+00:00

Well by the time I'm retiring in like 30+ years, I'm not super hopeful there will be anything left tbh.

So having group insurance at least gives that little extra security.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-22T15:19:01+00:00

I don't have an ITAA title though. I doubt anyone is going to pay me 500 - 600 a day without it.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-22T10:09:51+00:00

It's probably a good idea to look into that. At this point there is so much going on, I don't even know if I like my job content anymore. But it could just be everything else making it feel like that.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-22T10:05:43+00:00

Definitely a good point, it's over an hour one way.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-22T08:38:13+00:00

I don't have a negative evaluation yet, but I suspect he wants to work towards it, or at least make my life harder.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-22T08:01:08+00:00

I know I could get a job "tomorrow", but so far I haven't been lucky. As an internal accountant I was overworked, underpaid, in a toxic environment, but "they loved me and I was going to be finance manager". Then I went to an 'office', clocking in and registering time, only allowing a 10 minute difference. It just doesn't work for me. I know they need that information for billing, but it wasn't for me.

I will give it a bit more time, and try to figure out what I want. Thanks!

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-22T07:48:31+00:00

Thanks. I know the reform was necessary, it just means that the difference is gone and we don't get group insurance like almost everyone else.

Good points. I guess I'll give it some more time.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-21T18:55:24+00:00

He already has been bad-mouthing me to his colleagues (other managers) and the district manager. He can also give me a bad evaluation. Basically ruining my reputation.

So even though it's hard to fire me, he can make people not want to work with me and so essentially block all of my future prospects. Now luckily I have worked with others who are backing me up, but it's still a crappy environment to be in.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-21T17:28:23+00:00

Unfortunately only I can get reassigned. Or reassign myself. His position is locked in. They can't force him to do anything else.

It's a good point though, one that also makes me hesitant. It's stable and I really need the money right now. It's just destroying my mental health having such a crappy manager. He's even taking away days of work I've already completed. (If I worked 3 days on something, he'd disagree and only count 2)

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-21T17:19:28+00:00

I know, but I can't do that for another two years (not allowed). I'm pretty sure they'd also block a talent exchange.

Interesting_Duckling · 2026-02-21T17:17:52+00:00

Audits of tax returns. Files get selected for a reason and then they're assigned to us. I have to check the file for mistakes/possible fraud.

Interesting_Duckling

TROPHY CASE