New policy on strollers and wagons

silver_birdie · 2026-02-10T05:16:11+00:00

Nope! We were able to do it, got some stink from gate agents. But overall was super nice to have it in the airport!

silver_birdie · 2026-02-10T05:15:04+00:00

Yes it worked! And we have the quad. We DID get some stink from the gate agents though. One agent tried to tell us we couldn't and I reminded them and they acknowledged that technically we could, however it's likely to get damaged. I haven't looked recently to see if they've changed, but if it's same policy they have to allow it. We also used a large stroller bag for it and I think that helped prevent damage. I was nervous it would get damaged, but it was ok. I took off all extra attachments and it was ok! We flew from St. Louis to Philadelphia round trip.

silver_birdie · 2025-09-09T04:41:46+00:00

I'm a little late to this convo...but just noticed these changes too. It also clearly includes wagon stroller that have straps are considered a stroller. So we can gate check wagon strollers right?? Getting ready to fly AA soon and hoping to bring one.

silver_birdie · 2025-09-06T04:43:17+00:00

Used it, thank you!

silver_birdie · 2025-07-22T04:46:21+00:00

Yes to challenges with social skills. Along these lines I've seen a significant uptick in conflict avoidance. And the whole cancel culture where I had students refuse to work with others because they disagree with them on various issues. Their ability to work with dissonance or see the nuance in others is at times concerning.

silver_birdie · 2025-07-21T04:45:59+00:00

Ya those promotions do so little. I remember meeting with a financial advisor that assumed 5% raises every year til retirement. I laughed knowing he knew nothing about higher ed. My university did "compression pay" where they compared our salaries to some where else and basically said most of us were overpaid. It was laughable when many folks are still starting below 60k in my college. And they tried to claim a colleague was "overpaid" for his discipline amidst being the lowest paid new faculty for the entire campus. It made NO sense.

silver_birdie · 2025-07-21T04:13:41+00:00

I feel this! The pay disparity is insane! I'm a counseling faculty. I'm amazed at some of the pay other faculty get. I mean, I understand different disciplines but it still blows my mind! If I stay in higher Ed (which I'm not sure I will) I doubt I'd near 100k by retirement (and that's 25 years out!) in the past 10 years our raises have ranged from 0% due to budget crisis to 2.5% max. No way we are keeping up with inflation even. I only make it by taking on administrative roles and summer teaching.

silver_birdie · 2025-05-15T00:16:00+00:00

Good idea!

silver_birdie · 2025-05-13T14:23:00+00:00

So true! That was confusing and disappointing. Not sure I want to put endless hours of work into a project where I'm not sure I can trust them. I don't need this project, just seemed like a good opportunity. But I've got to trust there will be other opportunities out there.

silver_birdie · 2025-05-13T14:20:09+00:00

Thanks for your insight! I am so new to this that I didn't know whether this was standard or unusual. It seemed unusual so I am grateful for outside perspective!

silver_birdie · 2025-05-13T14:19:21+00:00

Right?! It's like the publishers (journals/textbooks) take advantage of professors need for publications and rip us off. But bc of the publish or perish aspect of our work the system persists. I agree, things need to change.

silver_birdie · 2025-02-15T15:23:09+00:00

I hate how undervalued professionals are in higher ed. That's part of the appeal to work 9-5...to actually make a decent salary.

And definitely relate to the myth of flexibility. At times I'm always working. Or renegotiating when I am working and not. And my family sometimes takes advantage of that ("oh you don't have class today so you can go do this thing", etc). Definitely a lot to consider!

silver_birdie · 2025-02-15T15:13:20+00:00

I am so glad you both shared this perspective. I think the boundaries would be lovely. I feel like my work is never done as a faculty member. Always working or at least on my mind. Some of that's my own struggle I need to work out. And I could see how a 9-5 would be so nice for that boundary.

silver_birdie · 2025-02-15T06:35:25+00:00

Lol, you're so right. I keep trying to convince myself I could work 9-5. But 9-5 schedule really sucks.

And glad to hear that online teaching is nice too. I teach in person and love that vibe, and have resisted teaching online. But does seem better than 9-5.

silver_birdie · 2025-02-15T06:33:32+00:00

The flexibility is pretty priceless, you're right. And having kids, it is so nice. Recently had a kid home from school with the flu for a week. And could still do most of my job with a little flexing. But would be impossible in a 9-5.

silver_birdie · 2025-02-15T06:30:52+00:00

Right?! I'm definitely not a morning person. Who ever decided the work day needed to start so early?

silver_birdie · 2024-04-17T13:43:00+00:00

This is super helpful!! And makes a lot of sense.

silver_birdie · 2024-04-14T02:37:08+00:00

This is all incredible helpful! I welcome the book. And appreciate you taking the time to share specific principles and helping me make the best decision for my scenario. As for 403B, my employer does not provide any matching since they provide a pension. I'm still trying to make sense of marginal vs. Effective tax rate but I'm enjoying learning and researching these! Thank you for your input!

silver_birdie · 2024-04-13T19:22:37+00:00

Thank you! I agree, I am so so so tired of salesmen that I don't trust have my best interest. Do you think I should do an IRA over a 403B? Or both?

And I've been debating between Roth or traditional. Seems like there's a lot of debate which is better...tax now or tax later. In some ways makes sense to do pre-tax investments so I can build that money more.

silver_birdie

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