Having just commented in a friend's Journal that the war in Ukraine (not to mention the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, China's sabre-rattling, Myanmar's unchecked ethnic cleansing... all the way down the scale to the flooding in my home State!!) has discouraged me from Journalling, as nothing going on with me can even compare to... well, all of the above...
It's raining, it's pouring & has been for nearly 2 straight weeks. WaitingManor is not under direct threat from flooding, unlike parts of Sydney & larger parts of New South Wales, but things are getting a little damp 'round here - specifically the carpet & flooring. We have ordered a decent-sized de-humidifier online, as they are sold out at every appliance store we've tried. Glad to know we're not the only ones feeling soggy...
Work-wise, I've been wet, but Dorian the workhorse has good air-con & dries me out just in time to go & get wet at my next site/appointment. The roads are treacherous, full of puddles, inland seas & lots of potholes, as well as people who don't know how to drive when it's raining, but Dorian & I are, so far, unscathed. There has been a lot of work, which has meant quite a few 12 hour+ days/nights & that leads me to the big issue...
... L-SP & I went to see our accountant last week to do our taxes for 2020-21 (Yes, we know, we're running behind!!) & he delivered a stark message to me regarding my latest work incarnation as a sole-trader/contractor - I made a $5000 loss last tax year & am currently earning about half what the minimum wage is in Australia, once all my operating expenses are taken out of what I'm getting paid by both my clients, but especially the main one. This prompted a meeting with the CEO of my main client, to negotiate a more liveable rate. My proposed figure - which would never buy me a yacht, but would at least cover my expenses & provide a buffer for sick days & the occasional holiday - was rejected & a minimal increase counter-offered, along with the vague promise of some other form of compensation/income
A few days later, this other thing turned out to be an ad-hoc role as an on-road commercial flooring consultant, working for commission only, with that to be paid only on profits above a certain percentage - a percentage that is about 5-6 points above what the current norm is for commercial projects. I would have to take complete ownership of the process from initial contact, to inspection/estimation, to quoting & (hopeful) invoicing, as well as ordering & project management of the job. This, in addition to my ongoing role as measurer/estimator for all the sales consultants at the company's 5 showrooms... adds up to about an 18 hour day, with 'compensation' only coming if I can convince clients to pay more than they are used to, on the sheer strength of my personality alone
In short (too late!!), it looks like I'll be giving the whole game away & intensifying my search for a 'real' job. While that's an uncertain prospect at the moment, it will, at least guarantee a steady, reliable income, sick pay & holidays. Long-Suffering Partner assures me that we are financially okay for the moment, so can afford to kiss this thing goodbye, but...
Uncertain, stressful times
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