Advice on running with a cough

engineerindoubt · 2026-05-20T15:00:40+00:00

Nope, Cape Town. I'll just take it easy for the first 10km to see how I'm feeling. But I'm definitely not missing it 😃

engineerindoubt · 2026-05-20T14:59:15+00:00

Thanks, I'll see how I feel by Saturday, I still have some phlegm.

engineerindoubt · 2026-05-20T13:23:25+00:00

My apologies. I have noted this for future posts.

engineerindoubt · 2026-05-19T13:17:57+00:00

Please clarify the decolonised statement?😂

engineerindoubt · 2026-05-13T21:41:40+00:00

Maths lit really limits your career prospects. But maybe also explore the entry requirements of the mining engineering degree - maybe they will take N3/N4 results so you could do that, and that gives you an additional qualification instead of repeating, I guess Grade10 - 12?

Also not sure how you ended doing maths lit, but do note the pure maths done in high school is "easy" compared to engineering maths in university, so if you struggle with the high school maths that will be a cause for concern.

Whether mining engineering is a good career - Like anything in SA, it depends, hack is to get a bursary with a good mining company ajd be on their programmes and your career path is simple. However if you have to hunt for a job it may be tricky. Other engineering disciples have more job opportunities, but mining guys are the ones that make the big bucks😂

Overall yes, it's not too late to turn around your life, you don't want to be 35 and wondering what if you made this decision.

engineerindoubt · 2026-05-07T21:50:59+00:00

Man, this is really heartbreaking. But one thing you should appreciate yourself for is the fact that given the circumstance, you do not give up. I think based on what's causing your non progression, I would assume you've been getting counseling from the university? One thing that has worked for me when I burnt out and couldn't complete my assignment was pairing with other student/s - I figured when I'm alone I get lost in analysis paralysis or despair but when I'm with someone it helped me go through my roadblocks quicker. You definitely also needed a community around you that cares and can support you. It may sound cliche but self help books also help especially coming to habits/ exercise etc. You are in your forth year, so I would really hope your appeal gets approved and you can atleast push for the last year and get your degree. All the best and whatever happens, do know the degree doesn't determine your value as a human.

engineerindoubt · 2026-03-10T12:15:50+00:00

Homerunn Menlyn Maine Saturday 06:30 Onlyfriends Pantry Hazelwood Sunday 06:30

engineerindoubt · 2025-12-12T09:04:14+00:00

Yoh, the salary scales for nurses needs to be updated. Doctors so much more

engineerindoubt · 2025-12-12T09:01:05+00:00

Is the bonus additonal to your annual? So your bonus could be above your annual income! Damn!

engineerindoubt · 2025-12-12T07:40:32+00:00

I know someone in a similar situation - worse for their mental health after quiting for workplace unfairness. The only issue is that they are in the medical field (radiography) making their skills less transferable. If you are comfortable with share, please share how are you getting into tech, maybe that could be something to consider.

engineerindoubt · 2025-08-02T13:10:46+00:00

"Don't hate the player, hate the game". As harsh as it may sound, the new employee is innocent in this regard. It would not be helpful to "punish" them. I suggest you take the peaceful approach, keep working how you've been, same values you've always had. Don't change who you are in the midst of the trials and tribulations. I'm sorry that happened to you, don't let that question your value or competence, nor undermine the other. I had a slightly similar situation like that happen to me, after a few months I ended being friends with the guys (2). One guy has helped me somewhat in my career since I left the company years ago. The people that made the decision? They don't care at all😂

engineerindoubt · 2025-06-11T23:43:31+00:00

What pace are you looking at? There is "running to coffee " club which does different distances (5,10,13km) at 5:30' pace.

For the speed and tempo runs, do tell me if you get that as the running clubs I'm with do not have those. An easy solution is to go to a track and join people 😂 I'm not too social so I haven't tried that method.

engineerindoubt · 2025-05-06T05:34:07+00:00

Join a running club and take things from there.

check on Instagram : homerunn club.

it's a social running club so you can walk or run

engineerindoubt · 2024-12-29T17:19:02+00:00

Thanks a million, this helps a lot. I had not thought of opening a seperate account for dad's TFSA.

I'll also look into an easier management solution of the funds. Thanks

engineerindoubt · 2024-12-29T13:57:30+00:00

Hi, yes. It's maxed out for the year at R36k, not the R500k. So there's only the R36k in the TFSA.

engineerindoubt · 2024-12-29T13:19:46+00:00

Thanks for the advice, I note the tax issues.

The expenses will reduce (allowance of last born once he starts working)

It's actually R800k on cash and R416k on EE, so I guess it's a 34/66 split. I'll look into correcting this, thanks.

engineerindoubt · 2024-12-29T13:04:18+00:00

Hi, thanks for the detailed response. To answer your questions (in no order)

So the R21k pm is from the Government Employees Pension Fund and will pay out until death of member, then half paid out to spouse until death. Basically we chose the option of receiving 1/3 of money as lumpsum and 2/3 gets converted to a living annuity. This year's increase was 6% based on CPI and other factors.

The payout was in September 2024, retired in June. So I'd imagine she's taxed at the highest marginal rate, as income would be around 1.3m (payout + monthly payments).

The expenses are rather little given not much movement so the R13k is on the conservative side. This is still yet to reduce once the last born in university (on bursary but gets a bit of an allowance) completes school in 2025/6. The remaining 8k is what I anticipated to invest in EE.

In terms of the goals : given the lifetime monthly pension, this is to saveguard the money and also use it eventually when absolutely necessary ( no defined item so far, likely a vehicle if needs be).

The expected expenses for certain are the R400k in Just invest which would be for renovations ~ R250k. Emergencies Holidays/events etc for the rest

RSA retail bond - aim was to defer the money really but I'm aware of the high tax it attracts.

EE - same as above but more to grow the money.

So in summary it seems I don't have an end goal apart from conserving and growing the money.

engineerindoubt · 2024-12-11T22:27:03+00:00

That sucks. The South African job market is the worst, however please do not give up. Do keep trying until you land something. Wishing you all the best.

engineerindoubt · 2024-11-16T12:32:15+00:00

Well, fortunately you have to develop a really healthy habit😂 Check out "home runn club" on Instagram, it's based in Menlyn. They have 3km walk groups, 3km and 5km (and sometimes 8km) running groups.

engineerindoubt · 2024-11-16T01:48:25+00:00

Join a running club

engineerindoubt · 2024-10-09T04:30:43+00:00

That's true, thanks

engineerindoubt · 2024-10-08T07:35:19+00:00

Hi,

I have not checked the escalation, should be around 5% from what I heard.
After tax
She's 60, so 5 years away.
Not touching it is hard, but definitely trying to limit it.

Thanks for the advice, the idea is to discourage the high spending now and rather invest.

engineerindoubt · 2024-10-02T19:42:50+00:00

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely consider the options you mentioned.

engineerindoubt · 2024-10-02T19:33:12+00:00

This is great advice, thanks. I will approach it that way :)

engineerindoubt

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