August 4

MM(23) got a job!

We never got around to ‘the talk’ and setting expectations with him.  Though it came up in passing that we expected him to take a job (any job) in September.  Was giving him 3 months to go full force on the job search.  But for the most part, ‘free room and board’ means taking any job in the interim.  We were adjusting our expectations re: the job market, and also MM(23)’s seemingly lackadaisical approach to the job search.  What we didn’t get around to telling him was that we would start charging him rent on January 1.

The job is at a Bay Area start up.  He’s just taking advantage of working where the jobs and innovation are, while being able to secure free room/board with family.  His long-term plan is to settle closer to home.  But I take that with a grain of salt.  He is very young and things change quickly at that age.  Jobs and people come into your life, changing your plans.

MM(23) left for a remote camping trip (with some Bay Area friends) the day after he got the job offer, so I won't see much of him. He starts the job on Monday. I don't know how much of his stuff he will move out at this point. He will be in limbo for a while.

Not-Frugal Things

We had a celebratory dinner out. TM(21) was out doing his own thing, so it was just the three of us.  I was unprepared for the mix of emotions.  Even MM(23) was kind of, “I thought you wanted me out of the house.”  I told him we wanted him financially on his own two feet.  We were just getting used to having him home. But of course we are very happy and excited for him. We need some time to adjust and process.

Everyone is kind of peeling off, back into job land. MH goes back to work in a couple of weeks. TM(21) goes back to work this upcoming week. School starts the last day of the month?

Now we just have to get the GF more employed. *sigh* She has a job but they don't give her many hours. I am hoping that things open up a bit more as high school and college students go back to school and abandon their summer jobs.

Edited to add: Posted this to the 'college' category because you know, the whole point of college was to secure a high paying job. While the topic of college cost is what mostly came up in my blog, 'ease of employment' and starting salary were also very big considerations. The cost/benefit calculation is unreal when it comes to both our alma mater and MM's alma mater. I said a few times, it wasn't about being cheap. It was about the big picture and how little we had to pay for opportunities.