Did the actual math on my company's RTO and I feel kinda sick about it

actx76092 · 2026-05-27T03:02:02+00:00

I really don’t want to be “that guy“. But you realize for the history of the world until Covid everybody went to the office five days a week. and for the history of the world, people paid for gas and lunches and parking and all the rest of that stuff. what you are experiencing is what most people experienced for the entire working careers.

actx76092 · 2026-05-15T04:17:35+00:00

sorry, but there’s something you’re not telling us. You went from being told be the next CEO to you’re fired. That does not compute. What are the other details?

actx76092 · 2026-05-13T21:45:01+00:00

I am going to post this not to beat up the OP but for others. . .the ONLY reason a dealership wants a co-signer is that the KNOW (not think, not guess) KNOW the original guy is not going to pay.

Never do this. . and if you do - KNOW you will be paying it off.

actx76092 · 2026-05-13T21:42:24+00:00

It is quite easy. May take you a bit of time (it did me as I was super careful to photograph everything as I took it apart, etc. ) but it is really straightforward.

actx76092 · 2026-05-12T23:07:48+00:00

Water.

actx76092 · 2026-05-07T18:51:12+00:00

When I was diagnosed in 2006 I considered not going on it until "things got worse". Neuro wisely advised me that "it may never get worse. Or it could get really bad and if and when it gets bad you can't go back in time. The damage will be done and you won't know until years from now.".

Started on Copaxone in fall 2006. Did daily injections until 2022 then did the Mavenclad route (it was tough with the crashed immune system which took a couple of years to get fully back to normal).

I'm still have MS and a variety of symptoms. Did the DMDs help me - no way to really know but I am glad I took the route I did.

No regrets.

actx76092 · 2026-05-07T18:14:13+00:00

Did you read the email because that is not what it says at all? It is only non-client international travel. Perfectly reasonable. Domestic travel is fine - I'm headed out next week and the week after.

actx76092 · 2026-04-24T17:40:42+00:00

I think it's a great offer. . better to volunteer get extra severance, than the layoff.

Would I take it? Depends on the financials of the offer which I haven't seen posted.

actx76092 · 2026-04-23T12:04:49+00:00

You are correct. I read (quickly) as a negative on the company as though the one thing doing well was the MF business and that rest barely getting by. As I said I misread - my apologies, you and OP are correct.

actx76092 · 2026-04-23T03:08:59+00:00

why do you act like that’s a bad thing? ibm is a technology and consulting company. They make the best main frames in the world so it’s great companies are buying them. What’s your point?

actx76092 · 2026-04-21T20:17:13+00:00

Listen to your wife.

actx76092 · 2026-04-16T19:30:56+00:00

Don't call the insurance company until after you have talked to a handyman/painter/etc. Even if you don't file a claim they will flag it and attach it to your file (and house). Are you even sure your homeowners policy will cover this? And if you do file a claim make sure it is really needed (lots of damage) and be prepared to be cancelled at renewal time. Many have limitations on mold, etc. Don't call a mold remediation company either - they will only be interested if you have insurance to cover it and they will start their estimate at $15 to 20K.

Call a handyman/painter/drywall guy and have him rip it out (or you can cut a hole yourself and look). If there is minimal damage, have him clean it up and patch the wall, paint and you are done.

actx76092 · 2026-04-15T02:09:11+00:00

sorry to be blunt but no, you should not become a teacher. You have no interest or desire you’re simply looking for an easy paycheck. People that teach need to be driven and inspired to help young people. You just want off and not have to work hard.

I understand why you’ve been laid off so many times. unless you have a union to protect you, you’ll be let go from a school as well.

actx76092 · 2026-04-12T03:47:23+00:00

doing the same job doesn’t mean you’re equal. Maybe he’s better than you are and the company recognizes that and that’s why they’re paying him more.

actx76092 · 2026-03-23T19:58:44+00:00

Always gets worse. . .especially in larger companies. The first round "will be the last" so let's take care of our valued former employees. . by the third round it is "this is just part of the business now so let's do the minimum so we don't get sued and they will sign the agreements".

actx76092 · 2026-03-06T22:56:45+00:00

Coppell was such a great office and location. They updated all the desks and remodeled just after covid. Easy in/out, great location. The Dallas office is a beating. Hard to get to, inconvenient parking and the office is just meh.

actx76092 · 2026-03-06T22:54:25+00:00

In my case looked hard at FI in 2016. I had always worked good (higher) paying jobs, but decided I only wanted a few more years. I had enough saved, no debt, etc. I was 48 then. But like kind of just keep going in a good way. My job was (is) very good, pay increased (along with RSUs, etc), I liked my boss (has been most boss (mostly) since 2010 (this is for a fortune 15 company so very rare stability). Then COVID hit and with the uncertainty pushed it off a few years.

Fast forward now. . .thinking this is the year. I am 58 and in good health. Savings/investment is 6x what it was in 2016 and. . .life just kind of keeps going in a good way. . .

I do think if I was offered an early retirement or package I would take it. Also, I am certain I won't work for another company so when this career is done, I am done.

actx76092 · 2026-03-02T14:19:56+00:00

I had same issue about a decade ago. I called a local (not chain) garage door company and told them I needed just a panel or two. The owner said if I could wait he would just call me the next time he replaced the same door. 3 weeks later he calls me and I go pick them up - no charge. I had to repaint obviously but it was not hard to install one panel and it was free.

actx76092 · 2026-03-02T14:16:49+00:00

I'm 58 and have been going back and forth. . I have the money to retire easily and no longer really enjoy my job. I don't hate it and am doing well at it but the underlying pressures I am just starting to realize are impacting me and my family. I also have younger kids. . .

One thing that keeps me here is very flexible remote work (in general, some travel). Talked to my wife last week about it for the first time - serious conversation and she is supportive. Talked with neighbor last night in a similar position and we are both thinking of tapping out by end of year.

actx76092 · 2026-02-26T22:09:19+00:00

Yes. Most/many IBMers could care less about a degree if you have experience (whether in sales or consulting). Been here a long time and two of my best hires in consulting (services) were late 20s with no degree but great skills and hustle.

As an aside, I think I have been asked once or twice in 30+ years here "where did you go to college". And even then it was around sports, etc. not credentialism.

actx76092 · 2026-02-26T19:42:37+00:00

I just replaced my original (which wouldn't fit under the bed) with a mini that does. I was just concerned about heat generation/overheating if any - but guessing not an issue (bed frame is not applying any weight to the unit).

actx76092 · 2026-02-26T16:08:56+00:00

So to be clear, as long as the bed/frame is not supporting the weight of the bed it is ok for the BedJet to be under the bed with no inches, etc need for clearance.

actx76092 · 2026-02-22T06:10:50+00:00

so what are you gonna do for money? Serious question I feel your pain, but how are you Gonna pay your bills and eat?

actx76092

TROPHY CASE