STARS: On The Way Back: Part 3

Part 2 ended with much optimism: steady pay at RA, finally in grad school for my MBA and simply feeling good. 

However, life always has other plans. 

I did earn my MBA in May 2009. However a recession began and I had zero to no job prospects in the accounting, finance or management world. Also, RA reduced my hours from 40 to 36 to 32, dropping my overall pay by $100/week on some weeks. 

I had just bought my Cobalt and was struggling to keep that. I had to take out two separate loans, one on my 401K, to keep ends met. I then decided in 2011 after over 2 years of struggling financially, I was ready for to really leave RA. I left the Cut Floor after 6 years and went to the Sample Book Fabrication department (SBF). I didn't loose much money due to how the incentive program had shifted against me and I felt a lot better internally. 

I then realized in 2012 after one too many altercations with my manager, who had also been my Cut Floor manager that it was time for me to once again think outside of the box. I would have to go to another plant or the like that would pay more, even if it meant longer hours and even weekend work. I could no longer take lower wages and a toxic work environment. I also looked at side hustles, especially with my writing, to make ends meet. 

I connected with many former managers and colleagues like never before. I was determined to get to a point of financial and personal happiness. 

I reached the personal happiness first as I transferred departments to the Sample Distribution department that I worked briefly with as a temp in 2003. That's more for Part 4 but either way it would be a healthier spot to stay in while I found more gainful employment elsewhere. I also got to work for 2 of the best managers I had ever had. This healing and motivation still drives me to this very day. 

STARS: On The Way Back: Part 2

I worked at Robert Allen (RA) considering it a short term assignment while I constantly tried to find more fulfilling employment, preferably in my major. My goal was to go to grad school, earn my MBA and try that route also. That will be the story for Part 3 though. 

Part 2 will focus on how I was able to make more money as the current job I had didn't even pay $9, although I got overtime and decent benefits. I had to get some gainful income at RA or elsewhere. 

I focused on every type of job in my major I could but to no avail. LinkedIn nor major social media wasn't a thing so I used my connects. I then decided to take the PRAXIS and GMAT and aced both exams. I decided to become a critical area needs teacher in SC. I could do that and the closest area was an hour away. 

I then looked at the salary and even after receiving my master's or MBA, it would take years to earn my goal employment of $15/hour (ironically what many jobs pay now). I didn't want to be in another plant nor mill. Robert Allen had adopted the incentive program for the Cut Floor department. In essence you were paid for your production and had a base pay and average pay. I was cross trained on the Cut Floor and was confident I could do the work. However I knew it would be hard on my body. 

I caved in 2005 and decided to do it as another short term assignment so I could afford more things in my life: new car; own place and even to vacation. It paid heavy dividends for 3 years as I made very good money on just 40 hours/week and had a good balance where I wasn't greedy nor harming my body more than necessary. 

I felt more productive and my confidence boosted as I actually matched my income I made working for the WU and exceeded that I would have made as a teacher. 

There were more changes that came as I started grad school in 2008, bought a new car and saw more positive things in my life. 

STARS: On The Way Back: Part 1.

I hope this multi part series can help and uplift someone that may be struggling and can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Two decades ago, I had to start from scratch and focus on my personal health. I was young and unsure what to do to move forward. 

I allowed myself to rest, found good specialists to heal and recover.  I then plugged into Vocational Rehab in Gaffney, SC. I had a degree and job experience but due to not having a car of my own at that time and other factors, I could not break back into my career field. Therefore, I had to think outside of the box. 

I went for an avenue that would accommodate my skillset and limitations. A month in after acceptance into their work-skills program, I had two temp offers. One was the Robert Allen Group in Gaffney. I had not heard of them before that time. 

On June 4, 2003, I began as a temp worker for Robert Allen and Voc Rehab was funding my pay. On October 13 of the same year, RA hired me full time. 

I would go on to have job and financial stability as I stayed with the company 12 years. This is just where the story begins though.