#can't afford to job hunt

[cryptcombat]

im gonna be honest, chief!! working for an evil company kind of fucking sucks!! ^_^

[beaft]

I'm so sorry about your job. Losing out to automation really fucking sucks. I know it doesn't help much now but fairly soon a lot of those companies will be finding out that AI is not a good enough replacement for humans and so those roles will be opening up again. I hope you find something to bridge the gap soon. Just remember that you're waay better at what you do than any AI and hopefully when those companies come crawling back you can demand a wage increase from them.

thank you for your kind words, they're truly appreciated. i'm trying really hard to stay positive and remind myself that things won't be like this forever, but it's just... difficult. the last time my life felt hopeful and like it was actually going somewhere was pre-pandemic, when i was studying for my master's degree - then covid hit and after that everything has just been going steadily downhill.

i hope you're right, and that things will improve; this is just one of those days where believing that feels like holding on to a cliff edge with my fingertips. praying that i will be able to make some sort of change, any change, before the year is out

[torao-chan]

going through etsy grimoire listings like: nope you've used gen ai, nope you've used gen ai, nOPE YOU'VE VERY CLEARLY USED GEN AI, ooo that's a good one bookmark that, nope you've used gen ai, ... -squints- yup, nope, that's some gen ai right there

[thefirstvessel]

Love getting lectured by my stepfather about the kitchen after I share some of what I was cooking with them. 😑

I already tend to avoid using the kitchen bc of how cluttered and messy Mom tends to leave it... and now I feel like I'm getting punished for offering y'all some of my cooking.

[artykyn]

Not me crying because I had a really bad beginning of 2023 and signed up for a program that would proceed to make the rest of my 2023 rough and I spent the whole first three months of 2023 trying to pick myself up and motivate myself like "I'm gonna make it through this year if it kills me" and well look at that I made it

[grilledkatniss]

Fun fact.

350k, which is 100k well over a quarter of a million, is what I spent on two eras tour tickets. Wanna know what's funny about that? That's only about 800 dollars (of which I could only pay 200 myself cause that's all I had saved up in 5 years.)

Anyway, do any of you know a site where I can get paid for feet pics lol

[madefate]

they finally released the celestial juno skin i'm fucking feral

[bladeofthestars]

.

[tentajack]

The last little cherry on top of this whole getting fired thing is being denied the catharsis of quitting this shitty place of my own volition. They really couldn't even give me that, huh? It's enough to bump it into being the worst job I've ever had, yes even worse than my first job because as fucked up and transphobic as those fuckers were, the worst they did was merely demote me once they figured out my spouse had transitioned. This firing had no bigoted reasoning, just fucking cop behavior to try to show the company the security dude wasn't a waste of space. I never came out of the closet at work and this still happened, fuck my life.

[lucyschens]

i'm curious: if a friend is having a birthday get together and another friend (possibly others too) decided to get an expensive cake (that you most likely cannot eat bc health reasons) and told the guests they were splitting the cost without asking you if you could contribute and knowing you're currently unemployed and low on funds — would you be upset?

i had allocated some money for getting a gift but because of how expensive this cake is (and i'm essentially obligated to give the money because it's already bought), i can't get the gift anymore. like... i know the cake is for my friend and and it's not about me but at the same time, i can't afford spend any extra money and they know that and there was zero notice. i just don't know if i'm justified in feeling upset because it makes me feels selfish...

[exerlin]

my life would be so much better with a 2nd non-bathroom room and a bunny rabbit

[taecasadilla]

a coworker felt bad had me called in again this past week to take someone's shift or to come to be extra help. I do not mind, I need the work. Otherwise, I'm working maybe 13 hours.

[nemesis-21]

Who needs dating when all these companies are ghosting me already?

[onbearfeet]

Just got solicitations to apply for a multi-level marketing scam and the FBI, and I'm not sure which one is worse.

[umgeorge]

Press con questions that weren't shown:

Q: (Jenna Fryer – Associated Press) George, were you guys blindsided by this or have any idea that it was coming or under consideration, that a change in Race Director was coming? GR: No, no idea whatsoever. So, yeah, as I said, it was a bit of a bit of surprise.

Q: (Luke Smith – The Athletic) George, has there been any response from the FIA or the FIA president to what the GPDA put out? GR: No. Not at the moment, which I'm a little bit surprised about, to be fair. But maybe there'll be something to come. Who knows?

Q: (Ben Hunt – Autosport) It's obviously very disappointing to learn from you that there's no transparency at all from the FIA. Was there any response about where the money's going from for all these fines and all that sort of stuff? Because that's another key element which we would quite like to know as well. GR: No, I think ultimately for us, when we were hearing from the FIA a couple of years ago, when it came to the Presidential elections, they were talking about transparency, talking about where the money is going to be reinvested into grassroots racing, which we're all in favour for. And of course, when it comes to some of these large fines, there's a number of drivers on the grid who can comfortably afford these fines. There's maybe some rookies on the grid that if they're handed a $1 million fine, you know, they can't afford this. But if we know where that's being sort of reinvested and if it's going into grassroots or into some training programs, then we get it. As I said, I think we just want the transparency and understanding of what was promised from the beginning.

Q: (Kevin Scheuren – Motorsport-total.com) A question to George as well on that topic. Isn't it a bad sign that you need to open up a social media account to make your voices heard as a collective? Because it sometimes seems, looking from the outside, that the individual, if the individual has an opinion on stuff, he faces repercussions. Now you have to work as a collective. Are you more or less a pawn in this game? Do you drivers feel sometimes more or less as a pawn in this game, not taken serious? GR: I think we've probably learned from the past that whenever we have spoken up, let's say internally, it hasn't gone anywhere. And as I said, as drivers, we only want the best for the sport. We want to improve it, especially on safety grounds, but whenever it comes to, you know, decisions in the race, we only want to help. And it's been a couple of years now that not much has changed when we have sort of given some views forward. And I guess we all wanted to show that we are collectively united. And maybe that will show how seriously we feel as a whole on the subject.

Q: (Andrew Benson – BBC Sport) George, it's been seven years since the GPDA had put out a public statement of this kind about something they were concerned about. What level of confidence do the drivers have in the leadership of the FIA at the moment? GR: I mean, I'm not too sure to be honest. We recognise everybody's working as hard as they can to do the best job possible. There is obviously a huge amount of change within the FIA quite regularly, so it's clearly not the most stable of places. And maybe that's why it's been a bit challenging to get some of the changes that we've wanted implemented. Of course, everyone has their own side to their own story. But as I said, I think if we feel that we're being listened to and some of the changes that we are experiencing, requesting, are implemented, because ultimately we're only doing it for the benefit of the sport, then maybe our confidence will increase. But yeah, I think there's a number of drivers who feel probably a bit fed up with the whole situation. And it only seems to be going in, to a degree, the wrong direction.

Q: (Jordan Bianchi – The Athletic) For all three drivers: you returned to Vegas this year. A year ago, there was a lot of hype and excitement about this race. I'm curious, now that you come back here for a second time, what's the atmosphere like that you guys have kind of experienced so far? Kevin, let's start with you.

GR: Yeah, I mean, it definitely feels strange, this Grand Prix, just living in the night. And like Kevin says, the atmosphere builds up during the course of the weekend. So, yeah, let's see how it goes.

Q: (Anna Cordera – Momentum Racing) George, I'd like to ask you, you've been racing with Lewis for almost three years. What do you think is going to be different now you being the veteran of the team racing with Kimi, regarding the development of the car? GR: Yeah, I mean, ultimately, for most F1 teams, you have near on 1,000 people who are working towards building these two cars, yet you only have two drivers driving it. So, I think, let's say, in Lewis, in my case, it was never that Lewis had a stronger voice. The team listened to us both equally because both of our opinions were extremely important. And the same going into next year. You know, Kimi's new. He's fresh. And I'm sure he's going to have a lot of great ideas to bring to the table. So, you know, I am the more experienced of the two, but we will both get equal voices the same way, and we will both equally contribute towards the development the same way as it was with Lewis and I.

Q: (Ian Parkes – New York Times) Sorry, another question to you, George. George, is it that difficult to try and get a sit-down face-to-face meeting with the President of the FIA to discuss all these issues, that you have to go down the route that you did with that message? GR: It's definitely not difficult to get a sit down, but I think getting things to change or getting promises upheld seems slightly more challenging. So, it's maybe the FIA or the president didn't recognise how seriously we all felt. So I think that's why over the course of 20 races this year and also even last year we spoke about a number of topics, all of the drivers, we all feel pretty similar. We all know what we want from the sport and the direction it's been heading and we probably feel that we want to do a small U-turn on a number of topics and just want to work together with the FIA on this. And that's just what we've felt has not been happening at all, at least directly from the President.

[nightlyrequiem]

Love Bite

Perhaps in another life, one where she was still living, you two could've been something. If she had a heart that still beat maybe you wouldn't look at her like she was a monster. 

Masterlist AO3

A/N- I would let Valeria feed from me.

Tags/Warnings: Vampire Valeria, Power Imbalance, Blood, Blood Drinking, WLW, Unrequited Pining, Slightly Sexual Themes

Two, tiny goldfish mindlessly swim around in their tank. Their orange scaled bodies turned vermillion by the low red lights in Valeria's office. The tank isn't small, but it's not large either. You feel bad for the fish. It must be maddening to only be allowed to swim within such a limited perimeter for the rest of your short, short life. You shiver and pull your blanket tighter around your shoulders. Not that it does much good. This coldness is inside of you is like a disease. Thin sheets of ice covering your delicate, mortal organs. Your heart works overtime to try and supply you with the proper amount of blood but it just can't keep up the demand.

You needed money. The only jobs available to someone of your skillset didn't pay enough. Not even the cheapest apartment was cheap enough. There was one job that paid very well. Ever since Vampirism started making it's rounds within the human population, those infected were afflicted with heightened strength, stamina, and cravings. The newly infected quickly adapted to their new lives and decided they were superior to the uninfected. The Dark Days, is what they're called. Thirty years before you were even conceived Vampires had waged war on Humans. Trapping and slaughtering them left and right. The Rebellion were a large group of humans who didn't roll over and die. They bit back, and hard enough to earn the begrudging respect of the Vampires.

Negations were hashed out and governments were formed. Parliments and parties of Humans and Afflicted (the technical term both medically and politically.) to protect the rights of both groups. Although the Vampires remain at the head of the seat, metaphorically speaking. While it is illegal for Vampires to go out and hunt and kill free standing people, they still reap the most benefits of the new barbaric system. Criminals who receive the death sentence are given to vampiric guards to satiate their hunger. The afflicted can get by on animal blood, now stored beside the milk in most grocery stores but human blood is just better. Thus, the Feeder Program was born. Humans who need more money - or just find the idea of being indentured to a stronger, crueler being erotic - can sign up to be paired with a Vampire. A living, breathing blood bag, essentially.

Only the wealthy can afford a Feeder. You suspect the Vampiric government has increased the prices on everything from rent to food to force more people into the program. The allusion of choice. You used to judge the people who participated. Why would you willingly throw yourself at the mercy of an unmerciful creature? You told yourself you'd work hard so you'd never resort to that. Unfortunately, that's not how the real-world works. You were speeding down the highway to homelessness and without a home you're as good as dead here. The government spends all its energy and money on the afflicted that there aren't even any homeless shelters. Leaving the homeless to battle with both the elements and blood thirsty creatures of the night.

The door opens, startling you awake. You hadn't even realised you were drifting off. Valeria strides in. She joins you on the couch, her harsh expression softening as she meets your gaze. Her eyes are a normal shade of brown, her ears aren't pointy, the only giveaway to her different biology are her fangs. Which aren't visible unless she's smiling or laughing. Valeria pulls you into her lap and turns you around to straddle her. Having your back to the room makes your skin crawl. She nuzzles her face down your jaw, resting it in the crook of your neck. Valeria is one of the few vampires that will employ humans. Species based discrimination also isn't allowed but the Afflicted have found a way around that. Most of Valeria's grunts are human though. It should comfort you, but the disgusted looks they throw your way when they think you can't see just makes you feel like you're less than human.

Valeria breathes in your scent. You imagine she can hear the fragile beating of your heart. Smell the blood currently running through your veins. 

"I'm hungry." She murmurs. You hate being fed from. That should be obvious but there are people out there who get off on it. There is a certain point during the feeding that does feel pleasant, but it has never turned you on. 

"You fed yesterday." You reply quietly. She's been feeding from you more and more. From the recommended monthly to unhealthy weekly feedings.

"And I want to feed again." Valeria replies. Gently grabbing the side of your face to tilt your head, baring your throat to her predatory gaze. Valeria noses along your neck, searching for the best vein to pierce.

Your face scrunches with apprehension as you wait for that painful little pinch. Valeria sniffs along your cold skin before pausing. She takes another inhale before slowly sinking her teeth into you. You hiss at the pinch and wave of warmth that passes through you. You can feel the blood leaking from the puncture holes into her mouth and the sensation makes you feel ill. Or maybe it's losing so much blood that's making you feel ill. Valeria cradles you to her body while she feeds. Rubbing her hand across your back in an attempt to comfort you. You lean against her for support. Her hand wanders lower, fingers skimming over your clothed tailbone.

The red light is giving you a headache. You close your eyes, but the lack of visual stimuli just accentuates the pain. There's an uncomfortable heat inside of you. Pulsating in waves and slickening your skin in sweat. This doesn't seem to bother Valeria though, who greedily laps up your life force. The other side of your neck is littered in bruised bites. Overlapping and scarring after not being given any time to heal. The heat dies down and the blissful tingling feeling is beginning to take hold. Your body relaxes. Just as it starts to feel good Valeria unlatches from your neck, a bead of blood runs down your neck and chest.

Valeria smooths her long fingers over the stray hairs at the back of your neck in an affectionate gesture.

"Good girl." She murmurs. Not mockingly but as genuine praise. Valeria is aware of the stress put on your body from being fed on. Not that it stops her from doing it. The momentary high wears of and you're slammed by exhaustion. Every limb weighing twelve tons. You have no choice but to lay your head on her shoulder as your eyes droop. You don't see the smile gracing Valeria's usually stern features.

The feel of your body against hers is the highlight of her day. Your breasts pressed against hers, your soft breath in her hair while she feeds. You taste warm and tender and Valeria wonders if you're warm and tender anywhere else. She can feel you trembling slightly. Can picture that little furrow in your brow. The imagery will serve to fuel some late-night fantasies in the privacy of her bedroom. You're the star in every single one. Valeria can hazard a decent guess as to what you'd sound like moaning and breathless, but the lack of confirmation leaves her frustrated. The fact that you'd never give her a chance just leaves her sad.

She continues to stroke you gently like she would a pet. Her nails gently catching on your scalp.

"I wish you did this willingly." She says quietly. The words drag you from sleep.

"What?" You ask, voice slightly slurring.

"I wish you were here willingly, in my lap, in my life." Valeria clarifies. The light bleeds into her sclera, making her look every bit of the monster she is.

"...I am." You reply, confused. You made the conscious decision to sign up for the Feeders Program. You are a legal volunteer. Valeria silently considers your words.

"No, I mean without the money." She sighs. "I want you to want to be here."

Your eyes droop again. You're so tired and cold.

"I'm tired." You mutter. Ignoring her words. They make you a little angry. It feels entitled, to want you to be here, to want you to enjoy being fed off of.

"I know." Valeria says after a few seconds. Voice hardening slightly. She's feeling the rejection. She had attempted to be real with you. She let you catch a glimpse of her dead, shriveled heart and you stabbed a stake through it. Valeria carefully adjusts you so she can lay down with you. Despite your rejection she still seeks your companionship.

Perhaps in another life, one where she was still living, you two could've been something. If she had a heart that still beat maybe you wouldn't look at her like she was a monster. Valeria gets a little burst of satisfaction when you wriggle up against her. she can tell by your breathing and the slowing of your heart that you're asleep. Valeria never realised how fragile the human body was until she turned. You're like a little bird. Hollow bones and delicate limbs. If she's not careful she'd shatter your ribs, snap your neck. She wants to clip your wings to make you stay.

She buries her face into your hair. Inhaling lungfuls of you. For a fleeting second, she thinks she'd sacrifice immortality for you. Briefly considering offering you enough money to never need to come back again - to open your cage door - but she fears if she did, you'd never return to her. Valeria is a monster. Even before she turned, she was a monster. She will never do what's best for you. Feeding from you has weakened you and made you sick, but it has brought Valeria closer to you. She knows she should, but Valeria is selfish. If she has to slowly kill you to keep you then so be it. She presses a loving kiss to your cool temple and closes her eyes. Finding tranquility in the slow beating of your heart.