Tough Decision...

[InvisibleEmpire]

I'd rather not get into details but let's just say that in the next few months my income is not going to be able to cover my living expenses. I've done many different things such as consolidating bills, dropping unnecessary things (gym membership, etc.)...my original goal was to make it to a point in which a planned up and coming 2.4kw grow would support me going forward, but unfortunately due to a change of events that grow got delayed once again (financial reasons, need 2 more ballasts and a carbon filter and fan)...and until i can get that running I am SOL when it comes to making my monthly payments.

If I can make it till spring, I should be okay with proceeds from my grow(s)...if I can't, it looks like my only option will be the military. I have no family that can afford to support me on top of what they already do.

I despise the military...not the men, the system. The military industrial complex in my eyes is nothing more than a war-for-profit organization led by a corrupt elite. This is my moral dilemma...joining the military would give me basically free room and board, a paycheck, and the ability to request deferments on my student loan and other things. I know you don't make much starting out, and I never pictured myself in the military but...at this point...I don't have many options...

In the event that would ever come down my path, does anyone here have any suggestions on branches? I'm leaning towards the Air Force as there are many reasons why they're better than other branches...any military here? I hope to God it doesn't come to that but it may be my only option come spring.

 

[headiez247]

Fuck man. Sorry about what your going through.

I'm going to assume both from you not mentioning it and the fact that unemployment is nuts right now, that getting a job, whether it be part time or full time isn't an option?

Is your inability to afford 2 more ballasts and a carbon filter/fan the ONLY reason you can't do this 2.4kw?

I'm with you re: the military. I hear its even worse then what you are describing. And to top it off when you go to sign up they act all psyched and say your going to have a great time and make tons of money and do whatever you want etc. I know so many people who have suckered into it.

Basically just curious whether the lack of equipment was the only reason and whether you had any other options

 

[SacredTHCRitual]

you need 2 more ballasts a carbon filter and a fan

start deal hunting
the internet is your friend
don't back yourself into a corner and limit yourself to those options
get that grow going

 

[sackoweed]

you cant swallow pride and get a job at mickey D's, or any fast food place they are always hiring. Wal mart is always hiring too. You did not mention JOB at all in your post just the military .. get creative instead of buying a can filter make one. i have seen people here make them out of shoe boxes. ballast that is another thing. In your financial position looks like you will have to get creative for lighting as well. Start looking up different grows in the forums.. There is always a way to do what you want for waaaaaaay less money. Good Luck peace n pufs..

sacKO

 

[Warped1]

IE...how old are you? I'm serious man.. if you're older than 25 then I would advise against the military. pm me and I'll explain things from my experience. I went in the Air Force at 18..I'd have been better off working at Mc Donalds

 

[alpo]

how is your grow setup now
if you can build another room you can use your one 400 and build a flip flop or just move the light between the two rooms manually every 12 hours and use a y duct to vent two rooms with one fan and filter. it might be kind of ghetto but it would just be temporary

 

[InvisibleEmpire]

Finances are the #1 thing preventing me from getting the necessary equipment (the fan & filter combo alone is like 400 and some from HTGS..i cant settle in the area of smell control..)

Second thing is is the room mate i had is finally moving out, so the house is all mine. She just basically didnt know exactly when she was leaving and from the looks of it she's gone in the next 2 weeks...at that point i either should have enough money or can afford to put it on my CC to grab the last bit of equip and start up...

i actually have been unemployed for a long time and found it very difficult to find something decent that i was able to conform to...i actually start on monday but after doing the math the paychecks there won't cut it...again growing would be my best option but it's kinda a rough situation...i'd have to explain everything in detail to make you all understand as far as why things are the way they are but suffice to say that i'll be okay for a few months, maybe 1 or 2, after that it's all up in the air on if i can afford it or not...i might have to bring another room mate in...someone i dont know...and id rather not have to do that...

and to be honest some people say things like go work at mc d's or whatever...no thanks...i didnt teach myself what i know about computers to go work there...secondly the jobs are there and i dont usually have a problem getting one but recently recruiters have been dominating the market, many employers won't even accept an application unless you go through a separate recruiter (staffmark, etc.) and because of this they screen candidates out like there's no tomorrow because they get dozens...i've been told a single craigslist ad for tech support gets, on the low end, 10-20 responses and on the high end 40-75....subtract a couple percent for people who never show up to the recruiter, subtract a couple percent for people just asking questions not actually going to come in...but even still...that's a hell of a lot of people for ONE job...and that's why it's difficult unless you have a literal perfect resume, clear background and great work history....AND some of these places won't even hire you unless you HAVE a job and are looking to switch...redic...

Trust me I've been told I'm overqualified for various positions that I've applied to just cause it was money...I applied to some labor jobs and what not and b/c I had no labor experience and my experience lied in a different field, they just straight up said no thanks.

ANYWAY...the military is a last-resort type deal...I rent the house I live in from my parents, they moved out a few years back and built a new one but the problem is they can't afford the mortgage if I stop paying it...so the house has to immediate go on the market...which means i have nowhere to live except with my parents but at my age thats not an option, plus its too much of a burden for them...

to the guy who enlisted at 18...explain why you would be better off working mcd's? i know one of the biggest things is to get what you want in your contract....recruiters can promise the world but in the end its what your contract says....so knowing that what gave you a bitter taste while enlisted? and whats the usual term you have to be enlisted for?

 

[sackoweed]

WOW!!!!! I say write a book on procrastination or 1001 excuse as to why you should hold out for something "better" and stay broke.. All i can say is the dood who has his pride and works at mc'D's has more money than you do right now.. Now i see why you think the military is best.. Good Luck peace n pufs..

sacKO

 

[Kubarkid]

So you say you have student loans, what type of schooling did you do? Is this the computer tech training? It's unclear because you said you taught yourself.

For one, fuck the military. I have an American friend who was in the same position as you, but at a much younger age, and he ended up fighting in Iraq, then deserting the military because it was fucked up. Do the world a favor.

For two, stop spending so much time asking people what you should do with your life on ICMag, and go out and look for a job dude. The first thing that comes to peoples minds (in America I guess) is McD's and Wal-Mart, that's bullshit too. There are actually a lot of jobs out there. You could work in a recycling depot, call center, factory line worker, etc. If you're willing to make some extra side cash you could even deliver newspapers early in the morning, and have the rest of the day at your other job. If you're just stuck in this mindset of only looking for the type of job you WANT to do, then you will just be stuck in this situation in the future again. Get some experience, even if it takes working at some shithole for a while, you gotta start somewhere. The more qualifications you have, the greater the opportunity.

If I were you, I would press the power button on my computer, then go outside today and flood the town with your resume, you'll definitely get a bite.

 

[Warped1]

Wow I asked you to pm me..and it was just to tell you a little about what I experienced myself. Nevermind,I'm out

 

[sackoweed]

i say mc d's & wally cos its the first thing that comes to mind cos those fockers are everywhere.. And their money whether big or small is better than no money and it seems that people like this want shit given or easy so those are two of the easiest jobs you can apply for next to answering a phone.. But yes there are lots of other jobs out there agreed.. Look dood was asked to pm warped1 and he didnt even do that keyword EASY.. This actuall bugs the fire outta me cos i am dealing with similar situations IRL with a family member and a friendi had not heard from in over 2 yrs. quick rundowns. friend calls says hey, you know of anyone hiring ive been outta work for the last yr and a half. Im about to start losing all my shit.. He then says he will take anything at any pay.. So i say i actually have a friend who needs a labor guy. He asks what kinda work i say movie industy prop making, working on sets building repairing that type of shit. starts at 10.00 bucks an hr..
He immediately no fuckin hesitation said ahh man only 10 bucks an hr? I need at least 15 or more can you talk to them? LMFAO!!!!!!! motherfucker GTFO!!! i told him dood either take it or leave it im not negotiating for you.. he said im good thanx bro late.. i wont even go into my family member who makes every f'ing excuse as why there are no jobs and that she is to qualified for all kinds of jobs that are hiring.. LMFAO!!! give me a break.. Im done sorry for ranting just struck a nerve..peace n pufs..

sacKO

 

[BOSCO]

Get yourself a job as a male escort.....free food, drink and some of those old dears pay well for a bit of slap n tickle.

 

[EddieShoestring]

if you have a house to yourself-and the only thing stopping your attempt at world domination is a couple of ballasts and a fan....then i'd say, yeah, get your ass in the military because you haven't a hope in hell of making it in the REAL world of growing.

otherwise you could become an astronaut-or maybe a racing car driver-

i've got a huge dilema too-i'm sitting here smoking weed and can't decide whether to stick my finger up my nose or up my arse. Maybe i should start a poll to so that the good members of ICMag can help me decide..........
think that i'll probably go with the nose

eddieS

 

[InvisibleEmpire]

if you have a house to yourself-and the only thing stopping your attempt at world domination is a couple of ballasts and a fan....then i'd say, yeah, get your ass in the military because you haven't a hope in hell of making it in the REAL world of growing.

otherwise you could become an astronaut-or maybe a racing car driver-

i've got a huge dilema too-i'm sitting here smoking weed and can't decide whether to stick my finger up my nose or up my arse. Maybe i should start a poll to so that the good members of ICMag can help me decide..........
think that i'll probably go with the nose

eddieS

thanks for the kind words!

 

[Babbabud]

Reminds me of Yummy ... wants advice but will have excuses for it all Just my 2 cents

 

[zenoonez]

Dude, get up and go get a shit job for a few months to make ends meet until your first harvest rolls in. Put the stuff on your card, work the job, grow when you get home. With this job market most of us are working shit jobs that we hate. I finally got let go from one (downsizing/lack of work) where I had to crawl under peoples houses all day. Worst job I ever had but you have to do what you have to do. If you have a goal, do what you have to do to achieve that goal and go get it.

 

[el dub]

I have a tough time relating. I entered the workforce at 10 years old. My parents weren't going to buy me the things I wanted like that honda xl 70. Heck, I'm pretty sure any allowance wouldn't have even covered my pinball, bowling, foosball habit, let alone what I spent on albums, model ships, donuts and soda pop.

It sounds like your parents are in a bit of a bind if they are counting on you to make their mortgage payment on the second house. (Where you live.) It sounds to me like they would be better off with new renters or just selling the place asap.

Btw, I too smell something yummy in this thread.

lw

 

[PuReKnOwLeDgE]

Just take the shit job to get you through tough times, would you really rather go get sand in your cracks rather then flip some burgers while you get your shit going? Former veteran here and I will tell you 3 months at Mcdonalds would be alot better then 9 weeks in basic training. You know you can't smoke weed in the armed forces right? Don't be such a bum, you gotta do what you gotta do. I grinded my way to where I am at now, worked shitty ass jobs early as fuck in the morning, rode my bike to work with no money for lunch. I grinded, saved, planned, and here I am. Haven't worked for anyone in 4 years Don't look at growing as an easy way out either, find a real love for it and everything falls in place. 2400watts is not going to make you rich, I would suggest you have a job along with that size of a grow.

 

[InvisibleEmpire]

Just take the shit job to get you through tough times, would you really rather go get sand in your cracks rather then flip some burgers while you get your shit going? Former veteran here and I will tell you 3 months at Mcdonalds would be alot better then 9 weeks in basic training. You know you can't smoke weed in the armed forces right? Don't be such a bum, you gotta do what you gotta do. I grinded my way to where I am at now, worked shitty ass jobs early as fuck in the morning, rode my bike to work with no money for lunch. I grinded, saved, planned, and here I am. Haven't worked for anyone in 4 years

I hear you dude which is why i think people overlooked the fact that I do have a job now and ironically I start tomorrow...I even in fact considered a 2nd part time job but I was informed by the current employer (customer service/tech support/call center) that every 3 months our shifts change (bid) so it would really screw me over on a 2nd job (having to change times) so I'd have to find an employer willing to hire me while understanding every few months i'd have to make them change their schedule to fit me...difficult to find as most jobs state "must be flexible"...i need it the other way around!

i was just looking into the future, and yes the job i just got is technically a "kinda shitty" job where i'm making more than mcdonalds but not what i SHOULD be making...there could be a chance, a miracle, in which a very large corporation hires me that i interviewed for...i'll be golden if that happens but i doubt i'll get it as i've called twice and emailed twice, no response from recruiter and it's been like 2 weeks since my interview...normally when they wait this long they either forgot to call and tell you someone else got the job or they're just slow as fuck at notifying all applicants..

don't get me wrong, i don't want to portray the image that i don't work for what i have because i have worked since i was 16 and after a half year in college i had to go full time to support myself...my goal is to literally be in the same situation as you pure, and the proper steps are being taken it's just that the timetables aren't very great and it puts me in a very bad position as it's just just "working to get by", if i don't come up with the funds immediately, the grow house is GONE...so my future 'plans' are scrapped....i have nowhere to live except with my father who (i'm sure) relapsed and is using heroin with his 'wife' who's a recovering crack addict....rather not be putting myself in the same dump (it is a dump) with 2 drug addicts...

it's a very unique situation i'm in and most wouldnt understand it unless they knew all the details about why i am where i am and what my limitations are...trust me i've worked enough shit jobs in my time (concrete foundations, hanging drywall, labor, landscaping, warehouse, retail, food service... you name it) and i started migrating into technical work hoping to land a desk job, get certified (A+, mcse, network+) and try to become a network admin or something along those lines.

so bottom line is starting tomorrow i officially work full time, my 400w grow is well on it's way (2-3rd week veg) which will give me some product come February-ish but the big grow i was referring to earlier won't come until April-ish...

and the yummy references...aren't even funny...trust me i was here (different handle) during the YEARS yummy plagued these forums and in no way, shape or form, do my threads come anywhere near the epicness of his.

 

[HempKat]

I'd rather not get into details but let's just say that in the next few months my income is not going to be able to cover my living expenses. I've done many different things such as consolidating bills, dropping unnecessary things (gym membership, etc.)...my original goal was to make it to a point in which a planned up and coming 2.4kw grow would support me going forward, but unfortunately due to a change of events that grow got delayed once again (financial reasons, need 2 more ballasts and a carbon filter and fan)...and until i can get that running I am SOL when it comes to making my monthly payments.

If I can make it till spring, I should be okay with proceeds from my grow(s)...if I can't, it looks like my only option will be the military. I have no family that can afford to support me on top of what they already do.

I despise the military...not the men, the system. The military industrial complex in my eyes is nothing more than a war-for-profit organization led by a corrupt elite. This is my moral dilemma...joining the military would give me basically free room and board, a paycheck, and the ability to request deferments on my student loan and other things. I know you don't make much starting out, and I never pictured myself in the military but...at this point...I don't have many options...

In the event that would ever come down my path, does anyone here have any suggestions on branches? I'm leaning towards the Air Force as there are many reasons why they're better than other branches...any military here? I hope to God it doesn't come to that but it may be my only option come spring.

Military isn't your only option it's just the easiest because recruitment is low and so they'll almost definately take you. There are many job possibilities that include room and board along with a paycheck and they don't require as long of a commitment either. The sweetest of the options I know of is if you can become part of the staff/crew on a luxury cruise ship. Not that you get luxury accomodations or extravagent pay but working on a cruise ship is usually nicer then say working on a fishing boat.

If you're fit for the military though and willing to accept the meager pay they offer then I don't understand why you don't just get some minimum wage job flipping burgers at a fast food joint or working as a cashier at a gas station to hold you over just until you get your 2.4kw grow going? I know the economy is bad and jobs are hard to find but not the kind of jobs I'm talking about. Even when unemployment was at it's worst jobs at fast food places and places like Walmart were and still are easy to get.