Displaying 211 To 240 Of 585 Comments Doing Business – The Right Way (Part 11) I think this series has been wonderful – almost makes me want to jump back in again! My family was in the retail jewelry business for over fifty years. My ex and I had our own store in probably too small of a town but closed it mostly because we weren’t getting anywhere. We never lost money, but we weren’t saving for retirement and health insurance costs were prohibitive. We were only forty and felt like we were better off both working for someone else with benefits. With our sons off to college we moved to the city, life happened and we ended up divorced. So here I was a former Art teacher that never liked sales and really didn’t know how to do anything but run a jewelry store. I sold myself as a systems person and got a job at the most elite jewelry store in the city as a liaison between the shop and the sales staff. The owner was a young brilliant businessman that put many of your suggestions into practice. We accounted for all parts, labor by tenth of hour, metal, etc. – so we could cost out our jobs all in code. The problems we got into were artistic and sales estimation as you could imagine. But the more we could prove to our sales staff how much a custom job cost the better they got at estimating – though we really preferred they used me or a designer for an estimate. Another thing that impressed me about the owner of this small business (about 15 million) is that unless he was out of the store he looked at every cost analysis of every job that came out of the shop. He truly knew where his numbers were. » Posted By Artist50 On March 3, 2011 @ 1:30 pm David- IMO Miller doesn’t hold a candle to the genius of Carlin. He has no originality whether it’s left or right. But you are missing the essence of Carlin – he was not political – he hadn’t voted since McGovern – it’s like he saw then what we are seeing now. Everything he said is coming true! He detested both parties – he wasn’t a liberal just because he had a ponytail! » Posted By Artist50 On March 1, 2011 @ 9:08 am What year was this KT? » Posted By Artist50 On March 1, 2011 @ 6:27 am So what? That’s what you do with talent, I don’t begrudge him that – he was a comic genius an should be recognized. We all have to make a living and George was destined to be successful or probably homeless – he struck the big time yet I don’t think it changed his values – he still wrote like a “little”guy. » Posted By Artist50 On March 1, 2011 @ 6:21 am I loved his “stuff” routine! » Posted By Artist50 On March 1, 2011 @ 6:14 am Adonai- I so agree. I have nothing against the rich and there are many fine people who do many good things with their money. The quest for money was never a goal of mine – i should have “quested” a little more for my old age! There are also employers who pay fair wages and truly want the best for their emplyees. Unfortunately, they seem to be getting swallowed by large corporations that don’t know their workers names or families – that makes it so much easier to depersonalize them – then they’re just a number not a human. My god, in the case of the shirt factory fire they locked the doors afraid someone might get an extra break – letting a hundred forty some people burn alive or jump to their deaths! Those owners were later fined again for the same infraction. A century later and nothing gained? I can’t really believe humans are like this until I’m confronted with the facts. I’m always sure if we talked to them they would be reasonable- because I admit for the most part my world has been reasonable. » Posted By Artist50 On February 28, 2011 @ 7:49 pm Fantastic list! To me this list is connected to your post today “Crisis of Reality” – how can we expect to further our spiritual life personally without caring about each of these items and how they effect every citizen, and yet the GOP professes their faith constantly and has no intention to help their fellow Americans. I try not to judge others, but it’s difficult not look at the GOP and question their core values. For me individually, I have to feel like the party I support (my government) shares the values that I do. I can’t separate my self, my work, my family, and how I vote. » Posted By Artist50 On February 28, 2011 @ 4:23 pm The Crisis of Reality:Conclusions Thank you Cher – I will go back and read your older posts. One thing that bothers me is the assumption that all left leaning people are atheists, and I’m sure the poor Methodists are appalled that they are being grouped in with Sarah Palin. Christianity does not have a very good historical reputation and the TV preachers and evangelicals have been their worst PR agents the last thirty years IMO. That’s the politics of religion. Deep in my heart I know I need my spiritual side – its the part of me that makes me a better woman. One of the first things small western towns did was build a church – I don’t know if that many believed in “God” but they did have a need for community that I think is missing in our lives (might be why we come here). I don’t personally care what god you look up to because I don’t have the answers anymore than the next guy whether there is a heaven or hell. I just know that I’ve had some pretty tough losses in my life ( including a grandchild ) and I have to believe that baby is in a better place so I can go on living. I also know I have met evil people in my life – you know that feeling when someone just gives you a bad vibe) and I believe it’s an absence of good. You might read Scott Peck. I believe we are hardwired to surround ourselves with goodness or to try to fix the badness and I believe strongly in right and wrong and the serenity prayer. That’s incredibly simplified doctrine but it kind of gets to the point. You have to be able to accept the things you can’t change or you can’t go on with your life. That’s why we pray and why we need a community. » Posted By Artist50 On February 28, 2011 @ 2:10 pm Montana tea party on crack … or something One of the problems is that people are getting married later also. Forty years ago many people married right out of high school, but that’s a rare occurrence now. Even if they don’t go to college they aren’t getting married and are waiting later to start their families. Our bodies were made to start having babies much younger than we are- it’s just not natural and it’s unrealistic to think that young people aren’t going to be having sex so let’s give them some good education and encourage them to take it seriously and make good decisions. Our society ignores it and then when our young people are disrupting their lives with pregnancies and STDs we act like we’re shocked. It’s the adults that need to grow up so we can treat this is in an mature nature. » Posted By Artist50 On February 27, 2011 @ 5:31 pm Pessimism in the Age of Mass Manipulation and Plutocracy… I’m a college sorority house director and don’t say they won’t hire someone of color, because we’ve had someone here before. It’s not the conservative venue you would think either. During the Obama / McCain election we had some lively debates and our house was pretty split down the middle. Obviously, they like management experience and someone the girls (or guys) will like. There are responsibilities that deal with running the house – not the girls. I live here year round and all my expenses are paid and I even get a gas allowance. Not everyone likes the job because you really have to be a homebody but that fits with my personality and I was lucky to find a university in the city where both my sons live. I’ve never felt so little stress in a job – it does depend on what house you work for and each situation is different. I have about 80 girls that live in and another 25 that live out, I have 2 cooks, and 6 part-time houseboys that help with meals. We also have an outside cleaning service. They even allow me my small dog! » Posted By Artist50 On February 27, 2011 @ 1:27 pm I’ve had two experiences of deep betrayal in my 60 years and you don’t easily trust again. I don’t hate people, but I’m cautious and reclusive. I’m very happy alone and with a very select group of friends. » Posted By Artist50 On February 27, 2011 @ 11:27 am You absolutely owe no one an apology – what a craftsman does is art and only a few ever get to the top of their field. My father was a watchmaker and said as long as you can work with your hands in a trade you will always be able to feed your family. Most small business start ups are centered around a trade. » Posted By Artist50 On February 27, 2011 @ 11:14 am Dey – dare I be a little forward and say that we have to find you a different job? You should not be so miserable. There really strange alternative jobs out there and I have one. It’s the easiest job I ever had, all expenses are paid and I actually get paid to do it. I have terrible arthritis and have had several joint replacements, as well as, fibromyalgia so my job prospects are somewhat limited. I’ve spent most of my life in the jewelry industry but I could no longer stand and knew I had to find something I could do for many years because I really don’t have the money to retire. » Posted By Artist50 On February 26, 2011 @ 11:04 am Choicelady – your references to the boomers were right on. I’m not sure if ones life has always gone smoothly that they have the impetus to get their ass out of the chair! My sister’s life has been a fairly blessed one, she married a doctor, lives in a lovely 3 story colonial, she’s never worked and her 3 grown daughters are raising their children in the same town. She actually pays to have lunch with Rush, she’s met George and Laura and she’s a typical Republican in everyway other than being an atheist. My life started out well and I had 2 kids and an old Victorian complete with picket fence that my ex and I lovingly restored. Well, the husband, the business and the house are all gone My point is complacency isn’t a very good instigator – the more hard knocks you take in life the more likely you are to help yourself and others. I had no idea how devastating closing our business would be to my husband and then to move and lose our community of friends on top of that was just too much. Community, churches, families – however you get that intensity of spirit is so important for the soul and American jobs just continue to keep taking people away from their support systems. That’s when we feel worthless and frustrated with the life we have the company that put us here. Ultimately we are responsible for ourselves but it sure helps if you’ve got someone rooting you on. I do wonder if they do away or cut SS drastically whether we won’t see a return of communal living – oh I doubt there will be much free sex going on – maybe some wishful hoping. » Posted By Artist50 On February 26, 2011 @ 10:05 am UNEMPLOYMENT…is STILL an issue! I was hired by a hospital and I took vicodin and I passed their blood test because it was prescribed, however I didn’t work with heavy machines, nor was I medical personel. But they don’t really care what you’re taking if you’ve got a script. » Posted By Artist50 On February 26, 2011 @ 8:55 pm I’m not sure if private contracting is the same as outsourcing? Mitch Daniels has done that with everything he can in Indiana – like prison guards are no longer state employees. Their pay was cut in half and benefits decimated. Hell he even sold our toll road and we’re still in debt » Posted By Artist50 On February 26, 2011 @ 8:40 pm I despised him too and always felt like a fish out of water. It seems like I’ve been arguing with someone about politics since I graduated from college. I never seem to fit in – thank you for this forum. I’m so impressed with both of your knowledge in economics. Even owning a business only gives you the basics, my son is a CPA so I often go to him when I need something explained and act like I understand. My good friend had a husband that was an QC engineer for GM and they were sent to China about 12 yrs ago – they were 3 hours from Bejing – he basically taught them how to run the plant. What I don’t know is if was a GM plant or a Chinese joint venture. He had a translator at all times and the my friend had a miserable time. She was in the middle of no where and no one spoke English – she was very isolated. It’s just interesting how many years ago this was going on. Interesting side note, they went to the zoo one day and were the main attractions, there were no westerners in the city, the next time they went, their photos were in frames and they were being sold in the gift shop. The GM plant here is now closed and he is retired – I’m sure the plant in China is going strong! » Posted By Artist50 On February 26, 2011 @ 8:25 pm BudgetPOV: Attitude (a letter to myself) It sounds like you’re having a very hard go of it right now. One thing I tried to teach my children who aren’t a whole lot younger than you is, happiness is wanting less – not having more. In your situation it sounds like you are in survival mode so that philosophy doesn’t even help. During the great depression and WWII there was shared sacrifice. My mother used to talk about it and being poor didn’t have the effect it has today on your self worth. Many people didn’t have money but they were bright and felt that times would get better. There’s something different going now. I think some people have lost hope. Ten years ago I went through a divorce at age 50 after 32 years of marriage and literally started with nothing. I felt stigmatized for being a failure and for my poverty. I went through a depression until I dusted myself off and decided I had to make a life for myself. All I can tell you is my life did get better. I’m in a fairly good place financially and I have a great job where I am sort of semi-retired that I intend to do for many more years. I now live in the same city that my sons do and I have 3 grandkids under three years old. I’m happier than I ever thought possible. It hasn’t been an easy ten years but I made it! I will pray for your same good fortune, just hang in there. » Posted By Artist50 On February 24, 2011 @ 5:19 pm That was so open and honest. I am now alone after a 32 yr marriage and and 8 yr relationship. I’d never been alone and at first it was physically painful, but I actually love and cherish it now. My life was always based on someone else’s – my husbands or my childrens. Now I’ve found a self love I never had thought I had in me that has made me a more giving person. I’ve remained friends with both of the loves of my lives and my love for my adult sons is different now that they aren’t dependent on me. I can feel that tide switching as they are starting to feel responsible for me. I am now experiencing the joy and love of 3 young grandchildren which is like magic and they have filled any void I may have had. » Posted By Artist50 On February 22, 2011 @ 3:09 pm I just had shivers! » Posted By Artist50 On February 20, 2011 @ 6:07 pm Invite For Collaboration Part 2: I am Ariana’s age and I don’t believe you just “flip” like that in your forties. By that age you have certain core values that aren’t going to change – oh you may change your mind about a particular issue but you either believe the government has a role in helping society or you don’t. That core value of helping poor people or supporting higher education for everyone and putting people before corporations is not something you change your mind about. I think AH blows with the wind. » Posted By Artist50 On February 21, 2011 @ 12:12 pm Wisconsin, what does it really mean? I’m old enough to remember the county home which is where old people went when they didn’t have family and they were indigent. My grandmothers, born before the turn of the century (as Ayn Rand born in 1905 I think) were the biggest benefitters of SS and Medicare because they paid very little – if any in – and were the first generation to enjoy the benefits. Sorry, but I can’t help to note that Rand drew both though she was against them her whole life and would not have contributed very much because of her age. » Posted By Artist50 On February 22, 2011 @ 5:30 pm I’m incorrect – Indiana is not a right to work state. I thought we were and also thought it gave you the right to fire with no explanations. Not true – it simply means you don’t have to join or pay union fees at your place or work if there is a union since the Taft-Hartly act. Wouldn’t make you too popular, would it? I remember a teacher not paying union fees (that’s partly why I’m confused) and other teachers left them nasty notes in her mailbox – anonymous of course! The woman’s father had been a school board president and had been threatened by the union and she had bad feelings and refused to join. » Posted By Artist50 On February 22, 2011 @ 1:14 pm Same in Indiana. » Posted By Artist50 On February 22, 2011 @ 12:46 pm CNN is sadly not the same news it was five years ago. » Posted By Artist50 On February 22, 2011 @ 12:42 pm So many WWII Vets were successful businessmen – some used the GI bill- but many needed to get on with their lives and just used their talents. Those were boom times but people were given a chance to succeed without an education too. Many men started their own businesses – towns were full of self employed people. You don’t see that anymore. » Posted By Artist50 On February 20, 2011 @ 8:44 pm My ex and I owned our own small business for 15 years and one of the largest problems we had was health insurance. Most jobs are created by small business and there are terrific incentives to be in business for yourself but it’s scary. You don’t know what’s coming in, we were in retail and did about 25% of our gross at Christmas, so it was very feast or famine. If we had single payer health insurance there is no doubt in my mind that self emoyment would blossom. » Posted By Artist50 On February 20, 2011 @ 8:25 pm With teachers like that no wonder teaching isn’t such a respected job in the community anymore. Ever since Reagan any job that isn’t a “big” money maker is not valued. That’s the message our society has been sending for forty years now – money is everything! I’m ashamed of my “Boomer” generation – we were the commune hippies that fought against the war and against our parents selfish way of life, only to sell out worse that any generation ever. » Posted By Artist50 On February 20, 2011 @ 8:00 pm Wisconsin teachers average pay is $46K. » Posted By Artist50 On February 20, 2011 @ 7:42 pm Great parenting! » Posted By Artist50 On February 20, 2011 @ 7:13 pmComments Posted By Artist50
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