#they have been negotiating for 8 hrs..

[chirpsythismorning]

Word on the street is negotiations between the WGA and the studios are still currently taking place going into the evening…

[kiefbowl]

hi! do you have any advice for negotiating a higher salary? i think the job i was hired to do a few months ago deserves a better pay but idk how to go about asking for it

This is so spooky I was literally thinking about making a post about asking for more money this morning. you must have been listening to my thoughts lol

Yeah, I have some advice, but keep in mind that different companies and industries might have little quirks I'm not aware of, take these points as very broad advice you might want to adapt for your own personal situation:

If you company does any kind of raise schedule (as an example: every year on your anniversary you are entitled to a 1-3% raise based on performance) - if you're about 8-12 weeks until that time, try to hold out until after you get that raise. I only suggest this because almost all companies will tell you the raise you negotiated takes over as your new raise schedule, so this is really just to get more money in the long run. The 8-12 weeks benchmark is just a suggestion to try to keep your request to negotiate and your scheduled raise in different financial quarters, which might help.

Have a clear goal of what you're asking for. Clear doesn't mean "super specific" but it can. At minimum, have the number you're going to be asking for. What's probably better though is to have the number you're going to be asking for if nothing else changes, and what more you'd be willing to do for even more money than that.

Only answer questions that are asked, only provide information as needed. You can start the conversation by saying "I'm coming to you requesting a raise" and let them respond to that. You can say things like "My duties have expanded including xyz" and you can say things like "I think my skillset is valuable" and "I think I provide x value to the company because of y reasons," but don't just launch into a spiel about what you think you deserve without seeing how they react first.

Talk in numbers. Just get straight to the point when they ask how much. Have a number for the amount per year if salary/amount per hour if hourly, plus convert that number into the percentage raise it would be. Asking for 20% more is a big ask, you know what I'm saying? Even if it's fair on the market for you industry, if they're paying that low from the market it means it's built into their business plan and you might want to consider a different company. and if they set a precedent with giving you 20%, they don't have much to stand on when you go tell all your buddies and they start asking for 20%. And if that's the situation at your company, at that point, you might wanna consider just unionizing instead lol.

It's good to consider the other guy on the other side of the table when you're negotiating. People give you things you want if you're considerate of the things they want. Some things to keep in mind that might be on your boss's plate: annual budgets, quarterly budgets, hiring quotas, hiring freezes, established pay structures decided by powers that be way above them that they have no control over, the fact that they will have to take your request to their boss and/or HR to get approval...like speak intelligently to these concerns as best you can. And be in a quid pro quo mindset. The argument is either "I already do this incredibly valuable thing you don't want to lose so give me more money or I will stop doing this by going elsewhere" or "I will do even more incredible value you don't want to lose if you give me more money, or I will do nothing by going elsewhere." Focus on what do they get and what do they lose if you don't get what you want. Except in professional parlance :)

Have confidence that you have every right to just ask. You are not some shit covered indentured peasant speaking to your god appointed king. You are a human person who is allowed to have adult conversations with other adults. If you can keep that confidence of "I'm just an adult having a normal conversation" it'll keep you on track and not get swayed into whatever tangets your boss my hem and haw on. Short, sweet, and to the point as best as possible.

Your boss is probably not fantastic at negotiating because almost no one is. So don't even sweat it. Ambush them a little, be polite, lay it on the table, then ask them what's next. If they seem to be hesitant, weird, put off...you could read malicious evil intent into it, but they're probably just woefully under-prepared and might flail a bit as some distraction. Just be like "Well, we can table this and I'll follow up with you on Friday" if it really seems like they can't get nail down an answer, or if you know they have to talk to their higher up anyway.

You might just get it. It might be the easiest thing you've ever done. I've countered and gotten exactly what I've wanting in 0.005 seconds flat. That's always a bit bittersweet because you just know you could have asked for more lol. Your boss might already have numbers at the ready for when people ask for raises, they just need people to ask. If you're company is doing well and pulling in good revenue, you will probably have a very easy conversation. So go get 'em.

Most importantly, show them your switchblade have fun and just be yourself!!!

[xray-vex]

Pinned post - About me & my creations

ahoy there! this is my mostly-Our Flag Means Death account, where i post memes & art & other related fandom things.

i'm a currently out-of-work queer disabled freelance artist & designer going thru a rough patch right now (in debt - like seriously broke & ineligible for unemployment because i'm a contract worker; i had a long term relationship end; & i have to move cross country sometime in early 2025) so i am attempting to market myself better as an artist.

i mostly work in digital media - photoshop, premiere, capcut, procreate - but i have a solid foundation in traditional media as well, mostly in illustration & painting. i've been an artist for about 35 yrs, (about 15 yrs+ professionally, emphasis on products, marketing, promo materials, & branding) and have a BA with an emphasis on art, design, & aesthetics. i've dabbled in many many things.

[this pinned post will be updated as necessary] ** last update: 8 Dec 2024

here's where you can find me:

- BlueSky

where i am currently most active: https://bsky.app/profile/xrayvex.bsky.social

- Twitter

less active/private account https://x.com/xray_vex

- Ko-Fi

i accept donations if you like my work! i am currently relying on donations to help me keep my life together, it literally helps me put food in my belly right now.

- My Ko-Fi shop -

https://ko-fi.com/vex62369/shop

- My Redbubble -

wherein i have uploaded a good number of my memes if you want to have em on like, shirts or mugs or socks or whatever. i take requests, so if you don't see a meme i've made in the shop, ask me & i'll add it!

(mostly OFMD stuff but a few other things too)

- Illustration

I work in traditional media as well but also work with Procreate. Here are some illustrations I did for the fic fallow land & bigger sky by getmean:

- Commissions

i've designed stickers, apparel, event promotion assets, etc. here are a few things of my projects:

if you're interested in commissioning me, send me a DM. my standard rate is $50/hr. however, my rates are flexible & negotiable, and i can work with your budget. 50% of fees will be due as a deposit before i commence work on the project.

- The A to Z of Ed Teach Zine -

a huge collab effort that is now available to all for free! https://t.co/bRA2U8wcEa

-- more info about this project can be found here - https://x.com/xray_vex/status/1825633390722535576

- My Youtube channel

all of my various OFMD-related video edits can be found here - Xray Vex - YouTube

- My AO3 -

i haven't written much fic but here's what i have to offer: https://archiveofourown.org/users/xray_vex/works

[purplesaline]

Morning cuddles with the boys.

Also just a reminder that Parker is an exceptional service dog candidate who doesn't have his forever home yet. Since we hadn't found him a placement at 8 weeks my plan was to raise him until he was one year and do some foundation training on him. For the right person he can go home any time between 6 months and a year.

We also ship anywhere in the world.

His cost will be

the initial purchase price ($1900 CAD) which was cost recovery only and includes his first set of shots.

Vet fees for his second and third round of shots ($365 CAD)

Food ($50-$100/mth. He gets the good stuff and he deserves it, so between $500-$1000 CAD by April)

Training: I'm not charging anything at all for my time but we do have a trainer helping us out because of my physical limitations. She charges $80/hr for 1-2 hours a week. By April we'd likely be looking at $2000 CAD

Any incidental costs that pop up between now and then, fingers crossed we won't see any

This would put the total for a 1 year old service dog candidate, specifically bred for service work (5th generation), with foundation training at approximately $5000 CAD, not including shipping. Which is so ridiculously cheap it should raise red flags as to whether you would actually be getting what you're being promised. You would be and I can prove it. The price is that low because everyone involved is more concerned with helping disabled folks get access to service dog candidates that are set up for success than we are with making money.

In fact we're so concerned that the right person gets Parker and Parker gets the right person that cost doesn't even need to be paid all at once! We know that it can be harder for disabled folks to save but it can be a lot easier to manage a monthly payment, so payment plans are an option we can talk about. And if that's still out of the budget the trainer is willing to negotiate on her pricing as well, despite also being disabled and on a limited budget.

Basically we'd be giving this pups away if we could afford to.

Parker's brother, Bentley, was also a service dog candidate from this litter and is living in North Carolina with his handler learning to be a cardiac alert and mobility dog. He's doing SUCH a good job and is already consistently alerting to two different types of scent during training sessions.

Parker has the potential to be an amazing servuce dog doing mobility, psych/PTSD, diabetes alert, allergy alert, or cardiac/POTS alert. If it's not on the list here he'd probably still be good at it, I'm just less familiar with the training that goes into the other types.

He is a soft, sensitive little lad who likes to test boundaries to see just how much he's allowed to get away with so he'll need someone who is a soft handler but consistent with enforcing the rules because this boy will find every single loophole that exists and exploit it fully otherwise.

He's gonna be a BIG boy. 65-75lbs at least. Genetically one of the healthiest dogs you'll ever see, his mom is completely clear for all genetic issues common to collies and his dad has also been DNA tested for health. Parker was DNA tested as well, though not as completely as his mom or dad as he won't be breeding. You can see Merry's (mom) test at LestWeForget Collies and Levi's (dad) test at High Country Collies

And if Parker isn't right for you but you're still interested in a service dog candidate puppy from us don't worry! We'll be having more litters and even plan to do a repeat of this last litter with Merry and Levi. I can't guarantee we'll have any older pups available but if you can't start with a puppy but are able to cover the costs of raising we can definitely work something out.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!

[cyberbenb]

Ukraine war latest: Kyiv strikes Russian command post in Kursk Oblast, General Staff claims

Key developments on Jan. 2:

Ukraine strikes Russian command post in Kursk Oblast, General Staff claims

Ukraine downed 2 Russian helicopters in sea drone attack, HUR says

Kyiv to conduct review of Ground Forces command, defense minister announces

Russian attacks against Ukraine injure at least 6, kill 4 over past day

The Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted a precision strike on a Russian army command post in Maryino, Kursk Oblast, Ukraine’s General Staff reported on Jan. 2.

“These attacks are primarily carried out to weaken Russia’s ability and willingness to carry out terrorist acts against Ukrainian civilians,” the General Staff said, adding that “all necessary measures” were taken to minimize risks to civilians in the vicinity of the strike.

It did not specify the type of weapon used in the attack.

The strike targeted the 810th Russian Brigade, resulting in significant losses, according to Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s counter-disinformation center.

Local Telegram channels earlier reported shelling in Ivanovskoye in the Rylsk district, with damage to a boarding school, post office, shopping center, residential buildings, and the house of culture.

Windows were shattered, and walls were damaged by shrapnel, according to acting Kursk Oblast Governor Alexander Khinshtein.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

The strike follows Ukraine’s surprise incursion into Kursk Oblast on Aug. 6, during which Ukrainian forces captured about 1,300 square kilometers of territory.

While Kyiv has since lost control of half of the initially seized area, fighting in the region remains intense.

Ukrainian officials view the occupied territory as a potential bargaining chip in future negotiations with Russia.

Ukraine struck hundreds of targets deep inside Russia in 2024. What did they achieve?

As Russian troops continued to hold an advantage on the ground, Ukraine has been keen to level the power in the air. In 2024, Ukrainian forces bet on drones, hitting targets thousands of kilometers deep inside Russia. Ukrainian attacks have targeted dozens of oil refineries that aid Russia’s war e…

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Hodunova

Ukraine downed 2 Russian helicopters in sea drone attack, HUR says

Two Russian helicopters were downed in a recent strike by the Ukrainian-made Magura V5 naval strike drones, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported on its Telegram channel.

HUR earlier reported on Dec. 31 that one of its units had downed an aerial target with the Ukrainian-made Magura drone equipped with SeeDragon missiles for the first time, destroying one Russian Mi-8 helicopter and damaging another helicopter.

According to an updated statement by HUR published on Jan. 2, two helicopters were downed and one was damaged in the attack. Russian propaganda channels admitted the loss of two helicopters earlier.

The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify HUR’s claims.

The Magura drone has helped Ukraine push back against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet by striking dozens of ships this year. They have been in operation since the summer of 2023.

The drone is able to cover a distance of more than 800 kilometers (500 miles), reach a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph), and is capable of carrying a 250-kilogram warhead. Each one is 5.5 meters long and costs approximately Hr 10 million ($240,000).

In June, HUR announced that the drones had been modified to operate anti-aircraft missiles, presenting a serious threat to the Russian Air Force over the Black Sea.

‘Ukraine today is in the strongest position ever,’ ex-foreign minister Kuleba says

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine inches toward the three-year mark, all eyes are on a potential peace agreement to end the war. If the parameters of any peace deal are likely to remain obscured for months to come, Ukraine’s ex-Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says one thing is clear

The Kyiv IndependentNatalia Yermak

Kyiv to conduct review of Ground Forces command, defense minister announces

Ukraine is to carry out a comprehensive review of the Ground Forces command, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on Jan. 2, to be conducted by the Defense Ministry’s Main Inspectorate.

“Victory requires a deep analysis of experience, and an honest understanding of mistakes,” Umerov said.

The review aims to evaluate management structures, processes, and compliance with legislation to support reforms and enhance battlefield effectiveness.

The announcement comes after newly appointed Ground Forces Commander General Mykhailo Drapatyi unveiled plans on Dec. 12 for fundamental reforms to strengthen the branch.

Umerov said the analysis would provide Drapatyi with a full picture of the state of affairs in the Ground Forces.

“Events in the Ground Forces directly affect the situation on the front,” Umerov said, underscoring the strategic importance of the reforms.

Based on the findings, the Defense Ministry plans to introduce reforms in personnel policies, optimize management processes, and improve combat capabilities with new training approaches.

Drapatyi’s proposed changes include revamping the recruitment system, which will have zero tolerance for corruption, enhanced front-line training, and integration of advanced technology into operations.

The reforms come amid reported personnel shortages, with slow mobilization efforts leaving some front-line units undermanned.

Drapatyi has highlighted the need to reform training curricula and prioritize social support for service members to prepare for modern warfare effectively.

Finland requests seizure of Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker over suspected cable sabotage

The damaged cable is one of several recent incidents in the Baltic Sea under investigation as possible acts of sabotage.

The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy

Russian attacks against Ukraine injure at least 6, kill 4 over past day

Russian attacks against Ukraine wounded six and killed four people over the past day, regional authorities reported on Jan. 2.

Two civilians were killed and six were injured in Kherson Oblast following Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure, high-rise buildings, and houses in over 38 of the oblast’s settlements, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported on his Telegram channel.

A Russian attack overnight killed a civilian in the town of Stepnohirsk in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported on his Telegram channel on Jan. 2.

One person was killed in the city of Mirnohrad in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported on his Telegram channel.

Russia launched 72 drones, including Iranian-designed Shahed ones, against Ukraine overnight on Jan. 2, Ukraine’s Air Force reported on its Telegram channel.

Ukraine’s air defense shot down 47 drones over 12 oblasts, and forced an additional 24 to veer off course without casualties, the Air Force said. One drone was in the air at the time of the publication of the Air Force’s report.

Civilian infrastructure, buildings and a car were damaged as a result of Russian attacks in Kharkiv Oblast, but there were no civilian injuries, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported on his Telegram channel.

Citing Orban’s ‘corruption,’ Hungarian opposition leader calls for early elections in video address

Peter Magyar accused Prime Minister Viktor Orban of turning Hungary into “the EU’s poorest, most corrupt nation.”

The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy

[titles-for-tangents]

As it turns out, the employees at Strand Books are getting paid the NYC minimum wage of about $16/hr.

You know - poverty wages. In Manhattan.

Here’s the full article published 12/8/24:

Dozens of employees at one of Manhattan’s busiest and most iconic bookstores walked off the job on Saturday after contract negotiations failed to produce an agreement between their union and management.

Workers began picketing outside Strand Bookstore around 10 a.m. in what’s believed to be the first employee strike in nearly three decades at the popular bookshop.

UAW Local 2179, which represents the bookstore workers, says they are demanding a fair contract and a living wage. Many of the workers out on the picket line said that even though the holiday season is one of the store’s busiest times, many of its employees are struggling to live in New York on what they make.

“We’re just asking for a little bit more, that 50 cents more a year,” said Joel Gross, who works at the store. “If we can get that we can go back to work.’

In the meantime, striking workers are also calling on customers to honor the picket line and abstain from buying from the store.

Bookstore executives released a statement saying in part, “We respect and value our staff, and we have made sizable economic offers during this contract negotiation accordingly. The union has not been willing to accept those increases so far.”

Gothamist reports the union is calling on a $2 increase to employee base pay, which currently starts at $16 an hour, the minimum wage for New York City. The union also wants that rate to increase by $1.50 in the second and third years, but management is reportedly countering at 50 cents for each.

“Everybody wants to go back to work. We love sharing books with people, we love serving the readers of the city,” Gross added.

[jobskolkata]

Private Limited Company || Customer Cares Job || Clients Handling Job || Distributor Handling || Kalika Pur || Kolkata || West Bengal

Golden Opportunities in Pvt. Ltd. Company’s jobs.

No under distributors’ pay role.

Unlock Your Dream Job!

In this Job Post, we dive into the "Ideal Career Zone," revealing the secrets to finding your perfect profession!

Whether you’re hunting for a #job, searching #Naukri, or exploring new #Chakri options, we’ve got you covered with expert tips and career advice. From understanding your passions to mastering job searches and acing interviews, we empower you to navigate the competitive landscape with confidence!

Join us and discover how to elevate your career journey today!

Now the company is hiring some staffs!

About company: Agro Private Limited is a pioneering brand that has been bringing the joy of guilt-free sweetness to people's lives. With a commitment to sustainable growth, they have successfully launched several product categories, including jams and jellies, drink syrups, sauces, sweeteners, and candies.

The e-commerce platform has been the driving force behind our brand's growth, allowing us to reach out to consumers truly seeking our unique offerings. They are looking for someone to interact with the consumers who are already loyal to our brand while, converting more consumers by providing excellent customer service.

Job description for the post of CRE

Role and Responsibilities of CRE.

To answer all customer calls and solve their problems in the best way possible.

Book orders that come through repeat sales

Call new customers that show interest in our products

Booking of orders on ship rocket or other such portals we use

Utilize database to bring in more orders.

To track delivery of parcels and in-case of any problems to get in touch with the courier company.

What are the company looking for ?

Someone who is well versed in English, Hindi.

Must have an inclination towards selling and resolving customer issues.

Basic computer knowledge – excel, word, Google.

Need to have basic discipline of coming on time and not take leaves frequently.

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Job type: Full–time

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#PrivateLimitedCompany, #CustomerCaresJob, #ClientsHandlingJob, #DistributorHandling, #KalikaPur, #Kolkata, #WestBengal, #प्राइवेटलिमिटेडकंपनी, #कस्टमरकेयरजॉब, #क्लाइंटहैंडलिंगजॉब, #डिस्ट्रीब्यूटरहैंडलिंग, #कालिकापुर, #कोलकाता, #पश्चिमबंगाल, #প্রাইভেটলিমিটেডকোম্পানি, #কাস্টমারকেয়ারজব, #ক্লায়েন্টহ্যান্ডলিংজব, #ডিস্ট্রিবিউটরহ্যান্ডলিং, #কালিকাপুর, #কলকাতা, #পশ্চিমবঙ্গ,

[monkeyartfiend]

this.

seperately, it's always rlly funny when people move to Canada with the goal of moving to the US. or lament about how expensive taxes in Canada are. or talk ab how much cheaper it is in the states and how every body wants to move there. (really common topic at my office)

my ambulance ride when I was in the south was about $3,000. just to be moved just from 1 hospital to another one (non negotiable move btw). my ambulance ride when I moved here, when I needed to be picked up screaming on the sidewalk from a kidney stone, was $45 that my work insurance reimbursed. it would have been maximum $240 if I didn't have the provincial health card.

in the us, when I got sick and had to go to the er for a stomach virus, I was charged $1300 that my state insurance wouldn't help with. in canada when I split my wrist in 3 spots, and had to be put under to reset it, even before I had the provincial health card, i paid zero. when i did have health card and health insuance, and had to spend 8 hrs in the er and go thru a bunch of tests for the stone. I paid zero again.

it's not better to live with lower taxes, bc every penny you save from low taxes, gets stolen back one way or another by the corporations that own what should be public services.

Don’t you feel we get OVER taxed as Canadians? The government takes soo much from us that we don’t even have enough to live. Especially at a time like this where every dollar counts. We need those extra dollars they are running off with.

No.

Taxes pay for my healthcare, public transportation, science funding, and income supports for low income and disabled people. Its a right wing talking point to cut taxes, which as a whole will lead to cuts in important social programs and public services.

What needs to happen, is the super rich have to be taxed a lot more.

The current tax level for low to middle income people is fine, imo. Low income people do not pay significant taxes outside of GST and other sales taxes.

[chirpsythismorning]

Day 1 of new talks between the AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA has wrapped up, and according to a joint statement from SAG and the AMPTP, they will pick back up on Wednesday, October 4th. So basically a one day break in between before they are set to return back to the table for renegotiations.

It's worth noting that today was the first time the actors guild has met with the studios since the strike started, back in July, after that one and only initial offer from the studios, with them unwilling to negotiate beyond that with SAG.

It's likely that the studios' new offer has changed from what it was previously back in June, so I would imagine it would be asking a lot to expect SAGs negotiating committee to agree to a new deal the same day they were offered it, without the option to think it through properly and potentially counter offer even, with the studios being willing to continue negotiations beyond that in good faith.

In the case of the actors, who again have not met since pre-strike, I do think they could benefit a lot from a day hiatus after this new offer, to properly think over what the studios are bringing to the table this time around, and how to move forward in a way that honors all their initial concerns, assuming all of their demands are even all being acknowledged in these new talks.

What does intrigue me is that it could go one of both ways.

It could be a situation where SAG has so much they need to re-work in terms of how they want to negotiate this new offer, maybe because it is just that bad and they have a lot to cover. And so they didn't think meeting the next day, like 15 hrs from now, with 8 of those hrs being spent sleeping, would be their best approach going into this. Whereas taking a full day to really look things over and then come back on Wednesday with all their responses to the counter offer more fleshed out than they would have been if they had rushed, just makes a lot more sense.

Or it could be a situation where SAG actually got a decent offer, one maybe even comparable to the calibre of the deal the WGA just got, and so, just like WGA last weekend, they needed a day to really sit on it and work through every aspect of the offer to make sure their concerns are being addressed and that there aren't any loopholes in the language of the new deal that could end up screwing them over. Bc yeah, it could sound great, but does that mean it really is.? They have to be very smart about this.

It's likely a combination of both of these, with some things being close to SAG's demands while other aspects might very well not be.

If the studios are serious and know of an offer that could win over SAG, just like the one that won over the WGA, it does beg to question if they are ready to just go through and get that over with as soon as possible, or play back and forth for the next couple weeks.

I think given that maybe one or two executives might be ready to bow out, with a sweet deal that the guild(s) can't refuse, it would also make sense why they are in agreement to get this done swiftly, even if it means backtracking on all their points in their initial offer, giving in to demands they said they never could/would.

We'll have to wait and see how things go moving forward even just with statements on behalf of SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP. It's possible they could be a lot more under-wraps about it, which seems to be the case thus far because I'm not seeing near as much coverage about these talks as we did with the WGA negotiations last week.

But to be fair, joint statements and quiet talks with little to no leaks are arguably a good thing and likely means that the studios are hopefully negotiating in good faith, to the point where the guild is taking them seriously in return and are ready to get the ball moving in a way that leads to a fair deal sooner than later.

If anything changes, I'll update!

[fuck-customers]

I put my requests in at least 3+months in advance. No reason they should get denied. Used to be, as soon as they were submitted I would get a response by the end of the week.

As of late the requests sit there for literal months until 2 weeks before the requests. Most get approved.

Suddenly I get 8 declines from October 31st all the way to December.

Now I get it, retail holiday but here it the thing:

October request was religious reason. Easy told too many requests came before me. It was submitted in june.

One day in November was for family and not even Thanksgiving weekend. It 2as the first weekend in November. No way in helk are we in holiday hours yet.

My December request is for an even that 3as supposed to be last summer but because of the pandemic was moved to this December. I have invested 300 non refundable dollars into this and unless they pay me I better not be scheduled.

Ugh I like my job but within the last few months our HR lead had been on a rampage because she claims people take too much time off. Called me out in a full breakroom because i called in with a family emergency and between family and my own mental health the begging of this year, I called out more than usual. But she all but declared because not everyone uses their leave for those situations, we are lying and just feel like screwing around.

Hopefully I can find something better but till then, I have to find a day where HR is actually her and we can negotiate at least 2 of my request because they're very important

[captain-flint]

my boss: im sorry you’ve been working 8 hrs a day 7 days a week for the past month but we’re still shortstaffed due to people rapidly quitting the job and others getting sick with covid and we refuse to hire more people so you’ll just have to keep working without any days off i hope thats okay it’s non negotiable thanks

[border-spam]

Leech Lord: Bad Influence

Seifa was 8 when she met Ellen and hated her every single goddamn day since, but it's that good kind of hate towards someone where they are actually your best friend under all the vitriol and sarcastic little asshole E-com pings to each other at 4 in the morning.

El is much older than her.

Much.

She's never been rude enough to ask specifically how many years are between them, but the woman had grey in her temples the first time she'd smirked through a cloud of reeking cigar smoke down at a preteen Seifa and chuckled at Boss if his "New little rodent" bit... so she's a lot older, though she's never once acted it.

Sei figures she's probably pretty haggard lookin' at this point, but hey, she's not actually seen her in about a decade so who can say. New U's work wonders nowadays and if anyone's going to be out there in a fake body 3 decades younger than them with an ass job that would put a Bullymong to shame and a face stretched so tight it can't smile without cracking, it's El.

In fact, Sei'd put money on it, and cash isn't something she takes risks with in general.

Ellen was ex Hyperion, way more common to run into back then, that company has uh.. shifted in HR policies in the last few years - the kind of shift that makes leaving while still being what doctors would consider "alive" pretty rare, and she'd been doing something uncouth for Boss when they'd first met. Smuggling, Sei figures, she's never been quite sure. The bar had been loud and the patrons a little too invested in throwing each other through windows for Sei to have been able to catch the conversation between Boss and El from where she squatted next to their stool legs, but he'd had his fingers in a few cartel's businesses back then, and vM-plasma reactors had been hitting spicy numbers in the red sector after Atlas had caused a galaxy-wide shortage on that ridiculous vault hunt.

She'd not caught whatever deal the adults had made from the counter above her, but she did catch the taffy piece dropped casually into her lap from El's hand before it vanished above the countertop with a pickpocket's finesse

They'd clicked.

Not cause Sei liked her, she was an awful, sarcastic, eggy fart of a woman, but because she was an awful, sarcastic, eggy fart of a woman.. and maybe little Seifa had needed a role model more than she'd like to admit as an adult.

El's reciprocated insults towards a child with half a mouth of teeth and a scowl to match her own had quickly faded into jokey digs as they continued to meet at negotiations and cargo handoffs Sei would shadow behind Boss to, and over time, Sei started to look forward to getting to trade new swear words with a grown up that felt like a friend.

Every time she'd visit the colony for dealings, El would coincidentally have a half melted treat to leave on Sei's drinks tray when she'd scutter into the room with what Boss had sent her to fetch his "business partners."

She'd handed the teen her first E-Com a couple of years later with a cheek pinch and a burn to match -

"It's a junked out piece of crap, so figured it would suit you!"

But had forgotten to delete her contact from its skittery OS mem slot... they'd ping each other - gossip, insults, hot tips. Whatever it was Ellen made cash running seemed to never cross into what Seifa was beginning to make her own petty cash selling, just luck of course, not that they were friends or anything so stupid.

Friends get you killed when you live on the knife edge they survive on out here - all junkers know that.

It's been decades of not being friends now, Sei and El.

No contact for months, then a flurry of pings and links as a polite reminder both are actually still alive. Stale memes and cringe compilations she's seen a hundred times already that keep Sei up for hours smirking into the headachy glow of her com screen under the duvet in her ship, warmed by the thought of the other woman caring enough to want to share them.

There have always been little buds of affection woven between El's thorns, if you know how to look.

> How you doing? Pandora treating you fair? Still wanking around with those con artist "Gods"? Lol, fuckin bullshit but hey if the money's good $$$$

> Can leave anytime though, ya know that, right?

> Yer fuckin' stupid but not that stupid. That skinny fuck's Crusaders wouldn't find you with someone of my skill shifting your ass cross sector, not that you could afford my services :p

> Hell, imagine, ya might have to stay on. Ugh. Spend a few cycles workin together to pay off what you'd owe me. Digustin. Then again, not like I ever had any kids of my own to take some of the load off, so I run a tight ship, you get me? Wouldn't be much slack for a scrawny lil shit like you to pull anyway! Good deal 4 u really, think about it, snotface.

> I mean, really though. It's an option. OK?

> ...give it some thought, Seifa.

What if she's like Boss now, tremors dulling those twinkling eyes.

She has, she's given those offers more and more and more thought every year she's spent in the Holy City.

Sei would love to see her again, really - but would it be worth breaking the illusion? El in her mind is invincible, chewed cigar and cropped ashy hair, weathered old H stamped flight jacket and missing fingernails. So what if she really is old now... what if she's flagging. What if that arrogant smirk and ropey build have withered just enough with time that she's not immovable anymore.

What if touching down in this pit of neon and rust would paint a target on the back of someone who's reactions aren't what they used to be.

Cultists in the Twin's city don't palm their knives around heretics. One miss-timed joke, one snicker at the God Queen's broadcast around the wrong fanatic...

...even if the jokes in those E-Com pings are getting closer and closer to real concern every year.

She figures it's not worth it, and she doesn't have time for the old bitch anyway, right? She's a Saint, she's got fleets to run and Warmachines to build...

Asks are Open!

[contemplatingoutlander]

Three Under-Reported Events Reveal Trump’s “Intent” During the Capitol Siege

One of the best comments I’ve seen regarding Trump’s intent during the Capitol siege was made by a reader (”Barb Against Tyrants”) of The Washington Post (based on an article by CNN): 

The terrorist attack on the Capitol lasted 4.5 hrs. Three under-reported events speak to his intent. As terrified members pleaded with WH Aides to get Trump to call off the rioters, he was watching the assault on TV to act. Republicans negotiated stating they feared for their lives, and that they were willing to vote to overturn the election, as if this would help their case. But Trump had other ideas.. 1. At 2:00 PM Trump called Sen Tuberville to convince Tuberville to delay the process. 2. After that at 2:24 PM ��Trump sent a tweet to his terrorists " Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, ..."    When Trump attacked Vice President Pence on Twitter Trump aides were already worried the situation had escalated and that this act could incite more violence Rioters escalated the violence threatening to kill former Vice President Mike Pence, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and AOC. “Hang Pence Hang Pence…" they had the gallows set up outside. Five People died. 3. At 7:00 Trump and Giuliani will still pursuing their plan.. Giuliania left a voice message …”Sen. Tuberville? Or I should say Coach Tuberville. This is Rudy Giuliani, the President's lawyer," he said according to to the transcript. "I'm calling you because I want to discuss with you how they're trying to rush this hearing and how we need you, our Republican friends, to try to just slow it down so we can get these legislatures to get more information to you,". "I know they're reconvening at 8 tonight, but it ... the only strategy we can follow is to object to numerous states and raise issues so that we get ourselves into tomorrow -- ideally until the end of tomorrow.” https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/08/politics/mike-lee-tommy-tuberville-trump-misdialed-capitol-riot/index.html

Trump was fully aware that the siege was happening but his first impulse was NOT to call it off--but to take advantage of it. 

From all of the above, it seems that Trump didn’t care if anyone was hurt or killed by the rioters. (And given his tweet, one wonders if he secretly hoped to egg on his supporters to actually go after Pence.) Trump’s only interest seems to have been taking advantage of the riot to buy time so he could somehow get “information” to Congress that would convince them to throw out the electoral votes from swing states. 

[amysubmits]

Previous anon here... I did want to mention that I’ve tried having those talks to see what he expects but he thinks I should just pretty much do everything “since I’m home anyway”. I can’t remember a time he came home and was actually happy to see me. I do daily chores that I stick to like dishes, laundry etc but again, I like to know his expectations. It’s near impossible for the place to be spotless every single time he comes home. I also work 8 hour days and have 3 hr classes throughout the week so I don’t get to do as much as I would like.

Being pregnant and trying to do everything sucks enough. I just wanted to see if this was something I’m being dramatic about but if he’s not going to be supportive and understanding to me, it’s hard to be physically intimate. Does that make sense? Idk. Thanks for listening and sharing your thoughts :)

I know you had said you guys are mostly vanilla so I don't know if you're trying to see these things through a D/s lens or not. Even if you were though, in my opinion, him just deciding you should do everything isn't how it's supposed to work. When you negotiate who does what, your opinion should be as important as his. It should be a discussion about what you need, what he needs, what you both want, and what expectations can be agreed on that meet all the needs and wants involved, as much as possible. It sounds like it's just been based on what he wants and that's it.

It seems like because you are working from home he basically is treating the situation as if you are exclusively a homemaker, even though you have a job, and are in school, and are homeschooling your child. That's just a lack of consideration for you and all that work you're doing. Though honestly I doubt that it really has much to do with you working from home, even. I assume it's just more that he wants you to do all that stuff because he doesn't want to. You'd have to be pretty blind to not recognize that you have a lot on your plate.

And yes, it's a thousand percent understandable that you don't feel comfortable having sex with someone who doesn't make you feel cared for.