Grad 2012 slogans
Dubrovnik
2012.02.19 20:04 greatyellowshark Dubrovnik
The official subreddit of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Sadly it has been dead for quite some time now due to the lack of Croatian Redditors, but hopefully that will change soon enough. If you are a fellow Dubrovnik Redditor or a tourist visiting with some questions, feel free to post.
2024.05.08 05:24 GullibleReaction8072 I’m so over this rewards/credit push
I just want to rant more so to hear myself speak Lol
I have been with Kohl's since 2012 and believe me when I say the reward's push and credit push has NEVER been this bad.. ever. In my store, people that have been loyal to this company for 10-15+ years are leaving because they've had enough of this. It feels like all my mangers do is sit on the computer in the back and watch our numbers regularly to see how many rewards/credits we're getting and yell at us when we're not meeting conversion. The other day, my manager came up to me while I was folding and again confronted me about my conversion and how I'm not meeting conversion. I told him out of the 25 hours I was scheduled last week, I was only on registers for 3 hours, which would explain my low conversion. He told me getting credit cards is not limited to just the registers, you should be promoting and getting people to sign up while on the floor. How am I supposed to get a credit when I'm folding or doing 500's?
A few weeks ago, we were so understaffed (as we always are, and with minimal hours) and my manager told me to make it a priority to clear out the dock. He verbatim told me to spend all shift on the dock clearing it out because it was a mess - no problem. My shift was 12-5pm and I spent all shift clearing out and working on the dock, as I was instructed. The very next morning, this same H2 confronted me about how I didn’t get a single credit yesterday. He said you should never work a shift without getting a single credit… I reminded him that he literally told me to spend all shift on the dock and that I didn’t have a single customer interaction all day. He then reminded me again that credit cards aren’t limited to just registers and that you should be getting and promoting credits regardless of where you are in the store. HELLO!!?? I was on the DOCK?? What is not clicking?!?!
It seems that it doesn't matter how good of an employee you are, all that they see is your rewards/credits. Speaking just for the last 12 months alone, I haven't called out even once, I haven't given up any of my shifts, I am always punctual and have never clocked in even a minute late, I always pick up others' shifts up until I am maxed out at 40 hours and can't pick up anymore, and I have even worked morning shifts, left, and came back in the evening to close when our closer has called out in the past. NONE of this was mentioned in my yearly review, all that was mentioned was the fact that I haven't been meeting conversion. It's like a slap in the face and complete disregard to the contributions I actually bring to this company.
This rewards/credit push is wearing thin. I have been encouraged to essentially lie and deceive customers into signing up for rewards and credit cards. Sorry, but I will not push people to sign up by lying or tricking them. If I wanted to be a used car salesman I would have done that. My manager told me "if they say no, rephrase it and ask again. Don't let them walk away without signing up" and while I am very uncomfortable doing that, I tried it the other day with this lady and her husband. I tried to keep pushing the Kohl's card long after the customer told me they're not interested by bringing up their savings and asking them "Are you sure you want to lose these savings?" I did this maybe three times and kept nagging (despite being very uncomfortable) until her husband, who was silent the whole time, literally leaned against the counter and got very close to me and told me very stern and loud "My wife has now said no to you three times. If you ask her one more time about this damn credit card, we are going to leave the store without making a purchase." I completed the transaction and sent them on their way.
Another day, I was working in customer service and this older lady came in with 2 bags full of clothing. She came to me and said, "I have been a loyal Kohl's customer for over 10 years, but that individual on the registers borderline harassed me into signing up for a Kohl's credit card despite the fact that I told him over and over again I do NOT want another credit card. I don't want to make a scene, I just want to return everything I just bought and I will never be back in store again." She essentially checked out, and walked over to customer service 5 minutes later and returned everything...
I'm also not comfortable lying and deceiving people, which is something my managers have been encouraging. The other day I was on registers alongside an H2 who was cashing out an older lady who, in the politest way possible, was not very cognitively present if you will. I was listening to how the H2 was selling the Kohl's card. She did not have a Kohl's card but she had Kohl's rewards and so he deceived her into thinking that he was looking up her account, but he was literally signing her up for a Kohl's card. He said, "Ok it's just going to ask you some information so that I can look up your account here." He was making her put in all the information for a Kohls card, while having her under the impression that he was just searching for her account and she quite literally did everything asked of her (mostly in part due to her cognitive state) if you will. It just makes me sad that we have gotten to the point where we have to deceive elders and trick them into signing up for a credit card just so we can get an extra point with the managers. When I brought this up scenario to my SM, I told her it about the deception and the deliberate misleading she told me, "we encourage that!" I thought she was better than that but it seems like they'll do anything for a credit...
Like.. is it really worth it? Is it worth it to make customers angry just for a reward/credit? Is it worth it to lie and trick people? Surely this makes the customers' shopping experience much less pleasant and they're less likely to return again. Maybe I am not cut out for retail/sales because lying and misleading people, especially elders that are easily taken advantage of, is not something that aligns with my morals. I do love working at Kohl's and as a grad student, I think it's a great job to have while school is your full-time job, but this rewards/credit push is wearing thin and I don't agree with the deception methods that they have now implemented. I have spoken to my coworkers who have been here much longer than me and they all agree this push is worse than ever before and the demand for meeting conversion is much higher. Many of them have resigned because they are tired of the rewards push among other things. But how can they not see the very obvious and common theme that loyal employees of 10+ years are leaving in large numbers, now more than ever? And how is it fair that they scold us every chance they get for not meeting conversion when payroll is at an all time low and we are barely struggling to keep our head above water? They can’t cut hours as drastically as they have and increase the demand/pressure for meeting conversion when we are so terribly understaffed with so many tasks on the back burner.
submitted by GullibleReaction8072 to employedbykohls [link] [comments]
I have been with Kohl's since 2012 and believe me when I say the reward's push and credit push has NEVER been this bad.. ever. In my store, people that have been loyal to this company for 10-15+ years are leaving because they've had enough of this. It feels like all my mangers do is sit on the computer in the back and watch our numbers regularly to see how many rewards/credits we're getting and yell at us when we're not meeting conversion. The other day, my manager came up to me while I was folding and again confronted me about my conversion and how I'm not meeting conversion. I told him out of the 25 hours I was scheduled last week, I was only on registers for 3 hours, which would explain my low conversion. He told me getting credit cards is not limited to just the registers, you should be promoting and getting people to sign up while on the floor. How am I supposed to get a credit when I'm folding or doing 500's?
A few weeks ago, we were so understaffed (as we always are, and with minimal hours) and my manager told me to make it a priority to clear out the dock. He verbatim told me to spend all shift on the dock clearing it out because it was a mess - no problem. My shift was 12-5pm and I spent all shift clearing out and working on the dock, as I was instructed. The very next morning, this same H2 confronted me about how I didn’t get a single credit yesterday. He said you should never work a shift without getting a single credit… I reminded him that he literally told me to spend all shift on the dock and that I didn’t have a single customer interaction all day. He then reminded me again that credit cards aren’t limited to just registers and that you should be getting and promoting credits regardless of where you are in the store. HELLO!!?? I was on the DOCK?? What is not clicking?!?!
It seems that it doesn't matter how good of an employee you are, all that they see is your rewards/credits. Speaking just for the last 12 months alone, I haven't called out even once, I haven't given up any of my shifts, I am always punctual and have never clocked in even a minute late, I always pick up others' shifts up until I am maxed out at 40 hours and can't pick up anymore, and I have even worked morning shifts, left, and came back in the evening to close when our closer has called out in the past. NONE of this was mentioned in my yearly review, all that was mentioned was the fact that I haven't been meeting conversion. It's like a slap in the face and complete disregard to the contributions I actually bring to this company.
This rewards/credit push is wearing thin. I have been encouraged to essentially lie and deceive customers into signing up for rewards and credit cards. Sorry, but I will not push people to sign up by lying or tricking them. If I wanted to be a used car salesman I would have done that. My manager told me "if they say no, rephrase it and ask again. Don't let them walk away without signing up" and while I am very uncomfortable doing that, I tried it the other day with this lady and her husband. I tried to keep pushing the Kohl's card long after the customer told me they're not interested by bringing up their savings and asking them "Are you sure you want to lose these savings?" I did this maybe three times and kept nagging (despite being very uncomfortable) until her husband, who was silent the whole time, literally leaned against the counter and got very close to me and told me very stern and loud "My wife has now said no to you three times. If you ask her one more time about this damn credit card, we are going to leave the store without making a purchase." I completed the transaction and sent them on their way.
Another day, I was working in customer service and this older lady came in with 2 bags full of clothing. She came to me and said, "I have been a loyal Kohl's customer for over 10 years, but that individual on the registers borderline harassed me into signing up for a Kohl's credit card despite the fact that I told him over and over again I do NOT want another credit card. I don't want to make a scene, I just want to return everything I just bought and I will never be back in store again." She essentially checked out, and walked over to customer service 5 minutes later and returned everything...
I'm also not comfortable lying and deceiving people, which is something my managers have been encouraging. The other day I was on registers alongside an H2 who was cashing out an older lady who, in the politest way possible, was not very cognitively present if you will. I was listening to how the H2 was selling the Kohl's card. She did not have a Kohl's card but she had Kohl's rewards and so he deceived her into thinking that he was looking up her account, but he was literally signing her up for a Kohl's card. He said, "Ok it's just going to ask you some information so that I can look up your account here." He was making her put in all the information for a Kohls card, while having her under the impression that he was just searching for her account and she quite literally did everything asked of her (mostly in part due to her cognitive state) if you will. It just makes me sad that we have gotten to the point where we have to deceive elders and trick them into signing up for a credit card just so we can get an extra point with the managers. When I brought this up scenario to my SM, I told her it about the deception and the deliberate misleading she told me, "we encourage that!" I thought she was better than that but it seems like they'll do anything for a credit...
Like.. is it really worth it? Is it worth it to make customers angry just for a reward/credit? Is it worth it to lie and trick people? Surely this makes the customers' shopping experience much less pleasant and they're less likely to return again. Maybe I am not cut out for retail/sales because lying and misleading people, especially elders that are easily taken advantage of, is not something that aligns with my morals. I do love working at Kohl's and as a grad student, I think it's a great job to have while school is your full-time job, but this rewards/credit push is wearing thin and I don't agree with the deception methods that they have now implemented. I have spoken to my coworkers who have been here much longer than me and they all agree this push is worse than ever before and the demand for meeting conversion is much higher. Many of them have resigned because they are tired of the rewards push among other things. But how can they not see the very obvious and common theme that loyal employees of 10+ years are leaving in large numbers, now more than ever? And how is it fair that they scold us every chance they get for not meeting conversion when payroll is at an all time low and we are barely struggling to keep our head above water? They can’t cut hours as drastically as they have and increase the demand/pressure for meeting conversion when we are so terribly understaffed with so many tasks on the back burner.
2024.05.06 12:10 orishasinc2 "The Tragic Story of EF HUTTON: From Wall Street Giant to Penny Stock Hustler."
The Rise of EF Hutton
EF Hutton was founded in 1904 by Edward Francis Hutton and his brother, Franklyn Laws Hutton. The firm quickly gained a reputation for its innovative approach to investment banking and became known for its catchy advertising slogan, "When EF Hutton talks, people listen." This slogan became synonymous with the firm's expertise and influence in the financial industry.
https://preview.redd.it/iwkji4a5uryc1.png?width=5007&format=png&auto=webp&s=b62029d0f9fa0dde48d432433827f3c011c18b64
Throughout the 20th century, EF Hutton continued to grow and expand its reach, becoming one of the largest investment firms in the United States. The firm's success was fueled by its ability to attract top talent and its innovative approach to financial services. EF Hutton was at the forefront of many significant financial developments, including the creation of money market funds and the introduction of electronic trading.
At its peak, EF Hutton was a powerhouse on Wall Street, with a strong presence in investment banking, brokerage, and asset management. The firm's name was synonymous with wealth and success, and it seemed as though nothing could stop its upward trajectory.
The Fall of EF Hutton
Despite its early success, EF Hutton began to face challenges in the 1980s. The firm became embroiled in a series of legal and financial scandals that tarnished its reputation and led to a loss of client trust. EF Hutton was implicated in a check-kiting scheme that resulted in criminal charges and hefty fines. These scandals damaged the firm's credibility and led to an exodus of clients and employees.
As if that wasn't enough, EF Hutton also faced financial difficulties as a result of the 1987 stock market crash. The firm's profitability took a hit, and it struggled to recover from the losses. In an effort to stay afloat, EF Hutton began exploring potential mergers and acquisitions, but none of these efforts proved successful.
In 1987, EF Hutton was acquired by Shearson Lehman Brothers, marking the end of an era for the once-mighty investment firm. The acquisition signaled the demise of EF Hutton as an independent entity, and its name slowly faded from the public consciousness.
https://preview.redd.it/aii3mmzqzryc1.png?width=4893&format=png&auto=webp&s=c7b9f52e9bd2f73af86e5baf680dfd52c444df53
https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Down-House-Destroyed-F/dp/0671709011/ref=pd_bxgy_d_sccl_1/130-4066644-7572964?pd_rd_w=oH5mB&content-id=amzn1.sym.4e8180d8-1c12-4df8-af99-b6dc78fc0026&pf_rd_p=4e8180d8-1c12-4df8-af99-b6dc78fc0026&pf_rd_r=WWAM5GEKK5SC4K8ABD0X&pd_rd_wg=1J4qZ&pd_rd_r=49769b4f-4f6a-478e
93e4-e553db5e85f0&pd_rd_i=0671709011&psc=1
Attempt at revival
There have been several efforts to revive the EF Hutton brand after the company's sudden bankruptcy in the 1980s. The firm was merged with various prominent investment banks on Wall Street, including Primerica, Morgan Stanley, and eventually Citigroup.
After the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis, Citigroup sold the E.F. Hutton brand. In 2012, a group of E.F. Hutton alumni led by Frank Campanale announced plans to relaunch the firm, but this effort was abandoned in 2013.
In 2014, a new group led by Christopher Daniels re-launched the brand as EFH Group Inc., changing the stylization to "EF Hutton." E.F. Hutton's founder's grandson, Stanley Hutton Rumbough, served as non-executive Chairman. EFH Group went public through a reverse merger in 2014, renaming itself EF Hutton America, Inc. (trading as HUTN).
HUTN aimed to use technology and social media to provide innovative financial services but was under-capitalized. By 2018, it had accumulated $14 million in debt and had to pledge its office building and EF Hutton brand rights as collateral. In 2019, CEO Christopher Daniels resigned after failed debt restructuring attempts. HUTN ceased normal operations and began the process of dissolution, with its chairman providing interim funding.
EF HUTTON today, a pennies stock pusher.
EF Hutton has become a lifeless shell being worn out and traded by glory-seeking upstarts trying to brand themselves as Markee Wall Street operators.
EF Hutton Group, a rebranding of Kingswood Capital Markets, was revived by Joseph T Rallo and Mark Boral in 2021. Joe and Mark are alumni of Aegis Capital Inc, a well-established but disreputable farm-to-table securities hustler. EF Hutton is a penny junk stock pusher exposing its investors and the public to Chinese scams, worthless biotech, and all sorts of mediocre products.
Godfather wannabe.
In conclusion
Chinese scams and penny stocks do not infiltrate our trusted exchanges and platforms without the assistance and promotion of bankers and the media. The industry preys on the gullibility of the investing public for profit. Investment bankers, appearing respectable but actually callous and sociopathic, knowingly promote worthless schemes to line their pockets with hefty commissions, shifting wealth from the US to foreign jurisdictions. EF Hutton is among the firms benefiting a select few unethical individuals. The financial culture is irreparably toxic.
submitted by orishasinc2 to VampireStocks [link] [comments]
EF Hutton was founded in 1904 by Edward Francis Hutton and his brother, Franklyn Laws Hutton. The firm quickly gained a reputation for its innovative approach to investment banking and became known for its catchy advertising slogan, "When EF Hutton talks, people listen." This slogan became synonymous with the firm's expertise and influence in the financial industry.
https://preview.redd.it/iwkji4a5uryc1.png?width=5007&format=png&auto=webp&s=b62029d0f9fa0dde48d432433827f3c011c18b64
Throughout the 20th century, EF Hutton continued to grow and expand its reach, becoming one of the largest investment firms in the United States. The firm's success was fueled by its ability to attract top talent and its innovative approach to financial services. EF Hutton was at the forefront of many significant financial developments, including the creation of money market funds and the introduction of electronic trading.
At its peak, EF Hutton was a powerhouse on Wall Street, with a strong presence in investment banking, brokerage, and asset management. The firm's name was synonymous with wealth and success, and it seemed as though nothing could stop its upward trajectory.
The Fall of EF Hutton
Despite its early success, EF Hutton began to face challenges in the 1980s. The firm became embroiled in a series of legal and financial scandals that tarnished its reputation and led to a loss of client trust. EF Hutton was implicated in a check-kiting scheme that resulted in criminal charges and hefty fines. These scandals damaged the firm's credibility and led to an exodus of clients and employees.
As if that wasn't enough, EF Hutton also faced financial difficulties as a result of the 1987 stock market crash. The firm's profitability took a hit, and it struggled to recover from the losses. In an effort to stay afloat, EF Hutton began exploring potential mergers and acquisitions, but none of these efforts proved successful.
In 1987, EF Hutton was acquired by Shearson Lehman Brothers, marking the end of an era for the once-mighty investment firm. The acquisition signaled the demise of EF Hutton as an independent entity, and its name slowly faded from the public consciousness.
https://preview.redd.it/aii3mmzqzryc1.png?width=4893&format=png&auto=webp&s=c7b9f52e9bd2f73af86e5baf680dfd52c444df53
https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Down-House-Destroyed-F/dp/0671709011/ref=pd_bxgy_d_sccl_1/130-4066644-7572964?pd_rd_w=oH5mB&content-id=amzn1.sym.4e8180d8-1c12-4df8-af99-b6dc78fc0026&pf_rd_p=4e8180d8-1c12-4df8-af99-b6dc78fc0026&pf_rd_r=WWAM5GEKK5SC4K8ABD0X&pd_rd_wg=1J4qZ&pd_rd_r=49769b4f-4f6a-478e
93e4-e553db5e85f0&pd_rd_i=0671709011&psc=1
Attempt at revival
There have been several efforts to revive the EF Hutton brand after the company's sudden bankruptcy in the 1980s. The firm was merged with various prominent investment banks on Wall Street, including Primerica, Morgan Stanley, and eventually Citigroup.
After the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis, Citigroup sold the E.F. Hutton brand. In 2012, a group of E.F. Hutton alumni led by Frank Campanale announced plans to relaunch the firm, but this effort was abandoned in 2013.
In 2014, a new group led by Christopher Daniels re-launched the brand as EFH Group Inc., changing the stylization to "EF Hutton." E.F. Hutton's founder's grandson, Stanley Hutton Rumbough, served as non-executive Chairman. EFH Group went public through a reverse merger in 2014, renaming itself EF Hutton America, Inc. (trading as HUTN).
HUTN aimed to use technology and social media to provide innovative financial services but was under-capitalized. By 2018, it had accumulated $14 million in debt and had to pledge its office building and EF Hutton brand rights as collateral. In 2019, CEO Christopher Daniels resigned after failed debt restructuring attempts. HUTN ceased normal operations and began the process of dissolution, with its chairman providing interim funding.
EF HUTTON today, a pennies stock pusher.
EF Hutton has become a lifeless shell being worn out and traded by glory-seeking upstarts trying to brand themselves as Markee Wall Street operators.
EF Hutton Group, a rebranding of Kingswood Capital Markets, was revived by Joseph T Rallo and Mark Boral in 2021. Joe and Mark are alumni of Aegis Capital Inc, a well-established but disreputable farm-to-table securities hustler. EF Hutton is a penny junk stock pusher exposing its investors and the public to Chinese scams, worthless biotech, and all sorts of mediocre products.
Godfather wannabe.
In conclusion
Chinese scams and penny stocks do not infiltrate our trusted exchanges and platforms without the assistance and promotion of bankers and the media. The industry preys on the gullibility of the investing public for profit. Investment bankers, appearing respectable but actually callous and sociopathic, knowingly promote worthless schemes to line their pockets with hefty commissions, shifting wealth from the US to foreign jurisdictions. EF Hutton is among the firms benefiting a select few unethical individuals. The financial culture is irreparably toxic.
2024.05.05 23:35 superfishies Consolidation? Now with loan $ numbers!
Hey everybody! (me again). Got some great advice in my other thread, coming back with $ figures this time for possibly some expanded advice. I currently am in repayment with a monthly payment of $482.89 with 11 loans (mix of undergrad and grad school) totaling $79,827 ($78,633 principle, $1194 interest):
2 direct subsidized loans totaling $9274
9 un-subsidized loans (6 direct un-subsidized, 3 FFELP loans) totaling $70533.
The earliest loans entered repayment in 2012, and since then I have been in a mix of voluntary forbearance due to income, deferred because of Covid, or deferred because I went back to school. Due to changing circumstances, the company I worked for was sold and I was essentially laid off due to the fact that my position was already filled with the company doing the buyout ("luckily" I was headed to paternity leave with PFML anyways so that has softened that blow).
I looked into consolidation (after the 4/30 deadline of course) but have heard it may be a "soft deadline". The way it shakes out through studentaid.gov is showing that my best case scenario right now if I consolidate with one dependent is a payment of $322/month on a 25 year loan plan, with payments totaling $148,503 (with $29,903 forgiven) through the save plan. That's a HUGE risk to take on the off chance they are totally wiped out.
I'm generally not as risk-adverse as I am in this scenario, if I didn't have a 7 week old I'd definitely be leaning more towards taking the consolidation jump. I won't hold any of you to it, but am I crazy to just keep chipping away at the rate I'm going or do I risk the consolidation route? Thanks!
submitted by superfishies to StudentLoans [link] [comments]
2 direct subsidized loans totaling $9274
9 un-subsidized loans (6 direct un-subsidized, 3 FFELP loans) totaling $70533.
The earliest loans entered repayment in 2012, and since then I have been in a mix of voluntary forbearance due to income, deferred because of Covid, or deferred because I went back to school. Due to changing circumstances, the company I worked for was sold and I was essentially laid off due to the fact that my position was already filled with the company doing the buyout ("luckily" I was headed to paternity leave with PFML anyways so that has softened that blow).
I looked into consolidation (after the 4/30 deadline of course) but have heard it may be a "soft deadline". The way it shakes out through studentaid.gov is showing that my best case scenario right now if I consolidate with one dependent is a payment of $322/month on a 25 year loan plan, with payments totaling $148,503 (with $29,903 forgiven) through the save plan. That's a HUGE risk to take on the off chance they are totally wiped out.
I'm generally not as risk-adverse as I am in this scenario, if I didn't have a 7 week old I'd definitely be leaning more towards taking the consolidation jump. I won't hold any of you to it, but am I crazy to just keep chipping away at the rate I'm going or do I risk the consolidation route? Thanks!
2024.05.05 20:39 SpaaceCaat Skeptic About Deprescribing
I’m trying to make this as neutral as possible to get more objective replies. I didn’t mean for it to be soooo long but I read the detail rules.
———-
My diagnoses includes possible bipolar II, BPD, ADHD, GAD, PTSD and severe irritable bowel syndrome, short (<1y) history of anorexia.. I have high blood pressure and acid reflux which are both well controlled with medicine. I am 30 years old and a female-to-male transsexual (my preferred term, he/him/his) on testosterone since 2015 and post-op. 5’5”(163cm), 166lbs (75kg). I vape nicotine and drink socially (and don’t socialise very often, max twice a month), no other substance use.
My psych meds in the morning are Viibryd 20mg (since summer 2022), lamictal 100mg (since April/May 2023), wellbutrin xl 300mg (since summer 2022). I also take dicyclomine (antispasmodic for IBS, new since April ‘24) and I usually do not eat breakfast as the dicyclomine needs time to work. This didn’t change, the antispasmodic I was on before also needed time to work. Also, I’m just not hungry.
My psych meds before bed are lamictal 200mg (since 2012) and latuda 20mg (since Sept 2023). I also take norvasc (high blood pressure), finastride & minoxidil (hair loss), and famotidine (acid reflux), and a probiotic/prebiotic. Occasionally I need mucinex and/or melatonin.
I have Ativan as a PRN but haven’t used it since fall 2023.
————
My prescriber wants to deprescribe. He is looking at eliminating Viibryd in part because of seizure concerns. I’ve never had a seizure, but I did have 20 sessions of ECT in summer 2023 (idk if that affects my current susceptibility to it). I will be advocating to replace it with another SSRI. I was on venlafaxine 2011-summer 2022 but when I came off it my anxiety skyrocketed and my IBS became so bad I could not keep food in me for more than two hours. Adding Viibryd helped, but did not completely solve things. I started seeing a GI to help with IBS and I’m on an antispasmodic from him, but still it is not effective enough. Additionally, last time we decreased Viibryd (April 2023, from 20 to 10) I became suicidal and anxiety got a lot worse. That was when he added the morning lamictal, which was very helpful. The Viibryd dose went back up to 20 when I was hospitalized last summer (as was the latuda, which I have found to be very helpful).
He also wants to reduce my wellbutrin to 150. I was initially on 150 when I started and it was increased (by a prescriber in a PHP) to 300 because it wasn’t as effective as we wanted.
I want to add an ADHD med, in part because things will get worse with it if we go down on the wellbutrin and also because I have noticed I am more impaired by my symptoms now that I am in a new job that has different demands on by cognition (also I’ve been more distractable while driving which is not good).
———-
To give a brief psych history: Dx with ADHD at 7, GAD around 10. First psych hospitalization at age 16 due to rapid onset of self harm and suicidal ideation. Two more that year for suicidality. Went to college 2012-17. One hospitalization in fall 2012 for suicide plan and another for 2016 to address medication as I noticed signs of hypomania (dad has BP). Came out as FTM 2014, started testosterone 2015, never looked back. Stopped therapy after graduation; couldn’t find a suitable provider. Remained on medication with a psychiatrist. Chest surgery 2019. Smooth sailing until 2022, when I began to seek bottom surgery (had to actually confront the dysphoria instead of burry it). Relapse with self-harm and suicidality. PHP May-June 2022, IOP June-Aug 2022. Continued individual therapy afterwards. Hysterectomy Aug ‘22 had severe complications requiring (medical) hospitalization. Developed (diagnosed) PTSD from events of that hospitalization. rTMS Jan-March ‘23; helped with anxiety but not depression. Increased suicidality & anxiety spring 2023, tried ECT that summer, 20 sessions. Hospitalized most of Aug ‘23 due to increased SI. Readmitted ~2 weeks after discharge. Released end of Sept to receive bottom surgery (Oct 11, ‘23), which went perfectly and has had such a great impact on my QoL. PHP Sept-Oct 23, IOP Nov-Dec 23. Switched individual therapists during that time. Increased SI March/April 2024 (just like the previous two years). Doing -much- better now, but still emotionally labile.
———
I left a job as a teacher’s aide in an elementary school after 5y in January, after confirming that I was hired to do psychschoscial rehab with a mental health agency. The job switch has been great, but it meant I didn’t see my prescriber Jan-April. Got him in touch with my therapist and they had a peer-to-peer. The next time I saw my therapist after that she starts talking about this deprescribing plan. I’m very skeptical. It feels like I’m just getting my life together. I have a job that has a career path, not a dead end, I’m reapplying to grad school, I’ve been able to be more financially independent because I’m making considerably more money at the new job (still living with parents, though). I’m rebuilding the most important relationship (non-romantic, just friends) that crumbled with my hospitalization last year as we realized just how codependent (in the actual sense of the word) it had gotten. I don’t want to risk that with a medication change.
It was proposed that this be done in a hospital, but because my prescriber is a nurse practitioner, he doesn’t have privileges anywhere and it would have to be handled at the county hospital because he has a connection with a doctor there. Their psych unit is crap, but the idea was to have it done in a medical wing, which sounds isolating as hell. Also I just don’t have the time off from work (it’s accumulated during the first year) and I’m not yet eligible for FMLA. And I planned on taking graduate courses this summer.
I’m all for being on as little medication as possible, but I don’t want to make changes like it’s an experiment. I don’t want to risk feeling suicidal. But I also want to trust my providers.
I would try to get a second opinion from a different prescriber and not just ask strangers on Reddit, but I can’t find anyone with availability and willingness to do a 2nd opinion.
submitted by SpaaceCaat to AskPsychiatry [link] [comments]
———-
My diagnoses includes possible bipolar II, BPD, ADHD, GAD, PTSD and severe irritable bowel syndrome, short (<1y) history of anorexia.. I have high blood pressure and acid reflux which are both well controlled with medicine. I am 30 years old and a female-to-male transsexual (my preferred term, he/him/his) on testosterone since 2015 and post-op. 5’5”(163cm), 166lbs (75kg). I vape nicotine and drink socially (and don’t socialise very often, max twice a month), no other substance use.
My psych meds in the morning are Viibryd 20mg (since summer 2022), lamictal 100mg (since April/May 2023), wellbutrin xl 300mg (since summer 2022). I also take dicyclomine (antispasmodic for IBS, new since April ‘24) and I usually do not eat breakfast as the dicyclomine needs time to work. This didn’t change, the antispasmodic I was on before also needed time to work. Also, I’m just not hungry.
My psych meds before bed are lamictal 200mg (since 2012) and latuda 20mg (since Sept 2023). I also take norvasc (high blood pressure), finastride & minoxidil (hair loss), and famotidine (acid reflux), and a probiotic/prebiotic. Occasionally I need mucinex and/or melatonin.
I have Ativan as a PRN but haven’t used it since fall 2023.
————
My prescriber wants to deprescribe. He is looking at eliminating Viibryd in part because of seizure concerns. I’ve never had a seizure, but I did have 20 sessions of ECT in summer 2023 (idk if that affects my current susceptibility to it). I will be advocating to replace it with another SSRI. I was on venlafaxine 2011-summer 2022 but when I came off it my anxiety skyrocketed and my IBS became so bad I could not keep food in me for more than two hours. Adding Viibryd helped, but did not completely solve things. I started seeing a GI to help with IBS and I’m on an antispasmodic from him, but still it is not effective enough. Additionally, last time we decreased Viibryd (April 2023, from 20 to 10) I became suicidal and anxiety got a lot worse. That was when he added the morning lamictal, which was very helpful. The Viibryd dose went back up to 20 when I was hospitalized last summer (as was the latuda, which I have found to be very helpful).
He also wants to reduce my wellbutrin to 150. I was initially on 150 when I started and it was increased (by a prescriber in a PHP) to 300 because it wasn’t as effective as we wanted.
I want to add an ADHD med, in part because things will get worse with it if we go down on the wellbutrin and also because I have noticed I am more impaired by my symptoms now that I am in a new job that has different demands on by cognition (also I’ve been more distractable while driving which is not good).
———-
To give a brief psych history: Dx with ADHD at 7, GAD around 10. First psych hospitalization at age 16 due to rapid onset of self harm and suicidal ideation. Two more that year for suicidality. Went to college 2012-17. One hospitalization in fall 2012 for suicide plan and another for 2016 to address medication as I noticed signs of hypomania (dad has BP). Came out as FTM 2014, started testosterone 2015, never looked back. Stopped therapy after graduation; couldn’t find a suitable provider. Remained on medication with a psychiatrist. Chest surgery 2019. Smooth sailing until 2022, when I began to seek bottom surgery (had to actually confront the dysphoria instead of burry it). Relapse with self-harm and suicidality. PHP May-June 2022, IOP June-Aug 2022. Continued individual therapy afterwards. Hysterectomy Aug ‘22 had severe complications requiring (medical) hospitalization. Developed (diagnosed) PTSD from events of that hospitalization. rTMS Jan-March ‘23; helped with anxiety but not depression. Increased suicidality & anxiety spring 2023, tried ECT that summer, 20 sessions. Hospitalized most of Aug ‘23 due to increased SI. Readmitted ~2 weeks after discharge. Released end of Sept to receive bottom surgery (Oct 11, ‘23), which went perfectly and has had such a great impact on my QoL. PHP Sept-Oct 23, IOP Nov-Dec 23. Switched individual therapists during that time. Increased SI March/April 2024 (just like the previous two years). Doing -much- better now, but still emotionally labile.
———
I left a job as a teacher’s aide in an elementary school after 5y in January, after confirming that I was hired to do psychschoscial rehab with a mental health agency. The job switch has been great, but it meant I didn’t see my prescriber Jan-April. Got him in touch with my therapist and they had a peer-to-peer. The next time I saw my therapist after that she starts talking about this deprescribing plan. I’m very skeptical. It feels like I’m just getting my life together. I have a job that has a career path, not a dead end, I’m reapplying to grad school, I’ve been able to be more financially independent because I’m making considerably more money at the new job (still living with parents, though). I’m rebuilding the most important relationship (non-romantic, just friends) that crumbled with my hospitalization last year as we realized just how codependent (in the actual sense of the word) it had gotten. I don’t want to risk that with a medication change.
It was proposed that this be done in a hospital, but because my prescriber is a nurse practitioner, he doesn’t have privileges anywhere and it would have to be handled at the county hospital because he has a connection with a doctor there. Their psych unit is crap, but the idea was to have it done in a medical wing, which sounds isolating as hell. Also I just don’t have the time off from work (it’s accumulated during the first year) and I’m not yet eligible for FMLA. And I planned on taking graduate courses this summer.
I’m all for being on as little medication as possible, but I don’t want to make changes like it’s an experiment. I don’t want to risk feeling suicidal. But I also want to trust my providers.
I would try to get a second opinion from a different prescriber and not just ask strangers on Reddit, but I can’t find anyone with availability and willingness to do a 2nd opinion.
2024.05.03 17:57 Rich-Major-8146 32F feel “behind” everyone my age in the field
 | All EEs my age are already PMs, and I’m still entry/mid-level. Feel like I could be much further ahead, but yet at the same time insanely proud of myself for going back to school and opening newer,bigger doors for myself. ((2024 should be ~114k)) submitted by Rich-Major-8146 to Salary [link] [comments] |
2024.05.03 00:48 PuzzledExaminer 41 yrs old, federal employee for 16 years this June...
 | In 2005, 2006 and part of 2007 (until May) I was a TA in Grad. School and had a paid internship until 2007. I started as a GS7 and by 2012 made it to GS14 almost in August of this year I'll be a Step 8. submitted by PuzzledExaminer to Salary [link] [comments] |
2024.04.29 20:17 maki2306 The feeling of being looked down upon by an IITian
nobody talks about how some (not all) IITians can be so mean and hurtful (the boys mostly, again, not all, some rare cases)
they hold little to no regard for others passions and pursuits. even though we've studied the same HC Verma, the same Cengage, the same Irodov they think of you lesser than. they always remind you of where they study at, where you study at, and why you cannot let down you gaurd in front of them
im a BSc student at BHU, and a few meters away from my college stands the godly IIT BHU
now IIT BHU was not always IIT BHU. it only became so in 2012. but something else happend in 2012. a divide. Institue of Technology BHU got an extra "I" in its name, got an extra wall between the rest of BHU and itself
and so did the people
not everybody wants to do btech. not everybody wants the IIT tag. they simply cannot comprehend it
a guy asked me out recently. i did not know he was the next google CEO and was studying at IIT
i declined. because i have a boyfriend.
and it probably did something to his ego. because upon rejection he gave me his college name. i said i don't really care, my answer still does not budge. he then asks me
"so you have a guy ? what does he do ?"
" BSc statistics "
"where does you boyfriend study at ?"
"DU "
he bursts out laughing. he laughs and something in my shatters. my self esteem probably.
"so a BSc grad who's not going to get a job and a BSc grad who is not going to get a job. you guys suit eachother"
and he walks away
he walks away with his laptop, his expensive looking shoes and airpods.
he walks into the IIT BHU gate, leaving me wondering if my worth would have been higher for i had given JEE
would the world not laugh at me, if i did not choose a course i love and chose a course the world loves
it was not easy making it into BHU. i gave up LSR to be here beacuse i cannot afford delhi.
but will someone from an IIT uderstand ? because DU is nothing to him
because i am nothing
i am not an IITian, thus i am nothing
edit - a lot of people asked me why i did not prepare for JEE, it was bcs i liked biology. i had pcmb in 12th and so my parents gave me only two options, NEET or JEE. i somehow convinced them ill prepare for NEET along with BSc (i won't, i like bio but not the field of medicine) and rn ive been preparing for CAT (who knows, i might end up in an IIT for an MBA xD)
and about BHU cut offs for CUET, it depends on your category and the faculty you apply for. but you cannot go below 97 percentile for popular courses. and for humanities they only count 50 percent of your section I language test marks, and 100 percent of your section III general test marks
submitted by maki2306 to indiasocial [link] [comments]
they hold little to no regard for others passions and pursuits. even though we've studied the same HC Verma, the same Cengage, the same Irodov they think of you lesser than. they always remind you of where they study at, where you study at, and why you cannot let down you gaurd in front of them
im a BSc student at BHU, and a few meters away from my college stands the godly IIT BHU
now IIT BHU was not always IIT BHU. it only became so in 2012. but something else happend in 2012. a divide. Institue of Technology BHU got an extra "I" in its name, got an extra wall between the rest of BHU and itself
and so did the people
not everybody wants to do btech. not everybody wants the IIT tag. they simply cannot comprehend it
a guy asked me out recently. i did not know he was the next google CEO and was studying at IIT
i declined. because i have a boyfriend.
and it probably did something to his ego. because upon rejection he gave me his college name. i said i don't really care, my answer still does not budge. he then asks me
"so you have a guy ? what does he do ?"
" BSc statistics "
"where does you boyfriend study at ?"
"DU "
he bursts out laughing. he laughs and something in my shatters. my self esteem probably.
"so a BSc grad who's not going to get a job and a BSc grad who is not going to get a job. you guys suit eachother"
and he walks away
he walks away with his laptop, his expensive looking shoes and airpods.
he walks into the IIT BHU gate, leaving me wondering if my worth would have been higher for i had given JEE
would the world not laugh at me, if i did not choose a course i love and chose a course the world loves
it was not easy making it into BHU. i gave up LSR to be here beacuse i cannot afford delhi.
but will someone from an IIT uderstand ? because DU is nothing to him
because i am nothing
i am not an IITian, thus i am nothing
edit - a lot of people asked me why i did not prepare for JEE, it was bcs i liked biology. i had pcmb in 12th and so my parents gave me only two options, NEET or JEE. i somehow convinced them ill prepare for NEET along with BSc (i won't, i like bio but not the field of medicine) and rn ive been preparing for CAT (who knows, i might end up in an IIT for an MBA xD)
and about BHU cut offs for CUET, it depends on your category and the faculty you apply for. but you cannot go below 97 percentile for popular courses. and for humanities they only count 50 percent of your section I language test marks, and 100 percent of your section III general test marks
2024.04.29 19:03 swordoftheafternoon (deep breath) Should I apply for consolidation?
First, I just want to give thanks to everyone here who is so helpful and provides constructive feedback to this community's members. I've been trying to wrap my head around everything but I'm unsure if there's any benefit to submitting a consolidation application with tomorrow's headline looming. Hopefully some kind person can help clear things up for me based on what info I can provide:
• Loans: Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Direct Grad. All loans were switched over to SAVE almost a year ago. I was laid off a little after that and was able to certify with very little income before I was re-employed, so my required payment is currently $0 a month.
• Loans were just for 2011-12, interest began Fall 2012, but did not begin repayment until 2016 (was in a different graduate program during that time).
• Original borrowed amount: $35k. On and off made payments totalling ~$12k, but I'm still at slightly < $35k owed. Ugh.
• Household AGI $75-80k (I'm primary earner, wife is a SAHM but makes some money from a part time contract job).
• Recently started a new job with county government after being laid off with 3 mo. severance last year. Its PSLF eligible, but I'm unsure if I will stay in it long term. I've been wanting to return to my prior field, in the hopes that it would significantly increase my salary and provide a better leave/time off policy, with our second on the way. Basically, all that keeps me in this current job is the possible PSLF and building up pension (which is a pretty good one).
If you would like to help me figure this out, but need a bit more detail, I'm happy to answer. Thank you!
submitted by swordoftheafternoon to StudentLoans [link] [comments]
• Loans: Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Direct Grad. All loans were switched over to SAVE almost a year ago. I was laid off a little after that and was able to certify with very little income before I was re-employed, so my required payment is currently $0 a month.
• Loans were just for 2011-12, interest began Fall 2012, but did not begin repayment until 2016 (was in a different graduate program during that time).
• Original borrowed amount: $35k. On and off made payments totalling ~$12k, but I'm still at slightly < $35k owed. Ugh.
• Household AGI $75-80k (I'm primary earner, wife is a SAHM but makes some money from a part time contract job).
• Recently started a new job with county government after being laid off with 3 mo. severance last year. Its PSLF eligible, but I'm unsure if I will stay in it long term. I've been wanting to return to my prior field, in the hopes that it would significantly increase my salary and provide a better leave/time off policy, with our second on the way. Basically, all that keeps me in this current job is the possible PSLF and building up pension (which is a pretty good one).
If you would like to help me figure this out, but need a bit more detail, I'm happy to answer. Thank you!
2024.04.29 16:25 rainiest_blueberry Peak theory is achieved!
What Does the Communist Left Do?
It’s fashionable nowadays to say that the Communist Left “does nothing”. This misconception – whether a consequence of reducing the historical experience of our tendency only to those currents that have adopted the wait-and-see approach(1), or because of internet humour which has made the image of “leftcoms” synonymous with “armchairs” – should be addressed. Both online and in the real world, members of the CWO have been met with this accusation from leftist activists, anarchists and even groups like the Angry Workers for whom it's “unclear how the CWO relates to the working class around them.” In simple terms, it all boils down to one question: what is it exactly that we do?
As anyone involved in the actual running of an organisation could confirm, it requires a lot of behind the scenes effort. The CWO has been in existence for nearly 45 years now. Books, pamphlets, bulletins, flyers and articles don’t get written and distributed by themselves. Political clarification and practical experiences of struggle don’t arrive from heaven. But, rather than the life of an organisation, what we will focus on in the following is how we understand the inseparable link between theory and practice and how that reflects on our activity.
Theory
An understanding of the nature of working class consciousness, the manner in which it arises and the way in which that consciousness becomes a material force in history, is the most important issue for defining the nature of revolutionary action.
Class Consciousness and Revolutionary Organisation
Amongst the activist left it’s common to see revolutionary Marxist organisations as a talking shop, more interested in reading 19th century tomes than getting your hands dirty. It’s no secret that we are highly critical of headless chicken activism, which shifts from one “campaign” to another, latching on to the latest trends in academic discourse or tail ending this or that popular movement. But, and some may not be aware of this, this doesn’t mean we advocate endless reading groups and online discussions for the sake of intellectual point scoring as an alternative.
Theory is a buzzword on the “left” of capital, but all it means is having a framework for understanding the realities of the society we live in, an understanding which can give us a modus operandi. This theory doesn’t consist of eternal principles to be invoked at every opportunity. Marxism (or historical materialism) is a method based on analysis and critique: nothing is sacred. Thus what tactics we adopt depend on the given situation. For example: we don’t reject trade unionism out of some ideological purity. Trade unions were never revolutionary but they emerged as a tool for workers to bargain over the price of our labour power. In the imperialist phase of capitalism however, these unions have been incorporated into the capitalist state as one more element for maintaining and preserving the current mode of production. And this is easily observable: in the 20th century it was the unions themselves, now legal institutions, which hand in hand with the state imposed austerity on the working class (by enforcing wage restraints, no-strike pledges, the union sacrée, sabotaging struggles, etc.). If we recognise workers' assemblies, agitation and strike committees to be the means to carry our struggles forward, it’s because:
It is a historically proven fact from the dawn of capitalism that the class creates its own organs to fight for its demands, even without the presence of the revolutionaries. However the same historical experience also shows the dominant ideological forms which might emerge from such spontaneous movements can be recuperated by capitalism. This explains why communists must be inside the struggle to give out propaganda, proposals, be an active part in the organs of self-organised struggle: the workers' assemblies, agitation and strike committees and on the picket line. In doing so they must always try to provide a communist political framework at the same time as supporting every initiative which tends to the development of the self-activity of those involved.
Theses on the Role of Communists in the Economic Struggle of the Working Class
Class consciousness doesn’t arrive spontaneously, it’s a process of reflection on the experiences of working class struggle both today and in the past. The political organisation is an expression of that consciousness. Without this work of political education and self-clarification, which has to be an ongoing collective process, revolutionaries would not know how to swim against the tide in a society where all the dominant ideologies correspond to the needs of capitalism. Without a framework many an activist groups have fallen prey to ruling class ideologies concerning nationalism, parliamentarianism, or now the pandemic. Here we only need to consider Brexit, Corbynism, or the spirit of being “all in it together”. Having said that, a political organisation can be a great carrier of revolutionary theory, but, if it doesn’t root itself in the life of the class, its message, no matter how correct, will fall on deaf ears and it will not be able to play a role in the struggles to come. This is where practice comes in.
Practice
… the tenuous links between revolutionaries and the mass of the class have to be deepened and strengthened. The political organisation has to adopt means to maintain its contact with wider layers of workers who may not yet consider themselves revolutionary but do know that they want to fight capitalism.
Class Consciousness and Revolutionary Organisation
Through our website and our publications we analyse, promote and bring attention to working class struggles from all around the world. On the ground, if and when possible, it's the duty of every CWO member to get involved in struggles in their workplace and community – but without ever becoming paid organisers, union representatives, or struggle consultants (we don’t want to reproduce the division of labour between revolutionaries as “service-providers” and workers as “service-users”). Where it’s significant, we will report and reflect on our involvement. Since the 2008 financial crash, it might be a leisure centre in Stocksbridge, teaching assistants in Durham, universities in the North East, or couriers in Liverpool. Then there are all the usual pickets, rallies, protests and meetings to which we regularly bring the internationalist message – encourage self-activity and promote political perspectives beyond the isolated struggle. And let's not forget that we are part of an internationalist organisation, the ICT, which intervenes on the same basis in other regions of the world (in Italy for instance, noteworthy examples include the factory strikes in Pomigliano and Bologna).
Inevitably, due to our size, these interventions are limited, and, due to the balance of class forces, most of these struggles end in defeat (but then our class remains defeated for as long as we remain wage slaves!). At a time like this, when the working class is only starting to revive its struggles, the aim of our interventions has to be:
• to gain experience (certainly not a secondary consideration); • to politically present ourselves as an organisation which has the working class and its struggles at heart; • to involve contacts and supporters, to bring them closer to our work; • to nourish sections with new militants and sympathisers; • when it really is possible, to start work that will lead to the construction of internationalist groups in the workplace or in the community; • to begin to root in the working class the consciousness of the need for communist revolution.
Our Intervention Within the Working Class
The internationalist message may not always be given a hearing, but this should not cause us to give up or try to create artificial struggles out of thin air. When the opportunity shows itself, when our class begins to move, we need to know what to say to our fellow workers as that’s when anti-capitalist ideas begin to resonate. To add to the confusion already out there would be entirely counter-productive. This is why the CWO, and the ICT as a whole, organises around a common Platform, the product of a discussion among comrades spanning decades. It's why, apart from simply collating data on struggles, we continue to analyse how the capitalist mode of production and its imperialist rivalries operate. If you agree with what we say, get in touch and help us build an internationalist political organisation worth the name. In the process, you will hopefully see that we are not just a bunch of “armchairs”!
To conclude, we repeat what we said during our participation in No War But the Class War (NWBCW) in the lead up to the 2003 Iraq War:
We recognise our central duty of safeguarding and developing Communist theory and practice but this is an impossible task if we remain isolated and introverted. Communists can only defend and enrich their programme and organisation by interacting with social reality. We need to recognise the actuality of developing forces and develop theory and practice to relate to those developments. This applies both to underlying developments in the world economy and to those elements who are caught up in all kinds of social movements and are receptive to the Communist programme.
No War But the Class War – A Mobilising Slogan
Dyjbas
Notes
(1) Here we have in mind the Bordigists and the Councilists, the former waiting for the day when the working class finally recognises them as the “real” Party of the Proletariat, the latter waiting for the spontaneous arrival of class consciousness.
https://www.leftcom.org/en/articles/2020-04-22/what-does-the-communist-left-do
submitted by rainiest_blueberry to Turboleft [link] [comments]
It’s fashionable nowadays to say that the Communist Left “does nothing”. This misconception – whether a consequence of reducing the historical experience of our tendency only to those currents that have adopted the wait-and-see approach(1), or because of internet humour which has made the image of “leftcoms” synonymous with “armchairs” – should be addressed. Both online and in the real world, members of the CWO have been met with this accusation from leftist activists, anarchists and even groups like the Angry Workers for whom it's “unclear how the CWO relates to the working class around them.” In simple terms, it all boils down to one question: what is it exactly that we do?
As anyone involved in the actual running of an organisation could confirm, it requires a lot of behind the scenes effort. The CWO has been in existence for nearly 45 years now. Books, pamphlets, bulletins, flyers and articles don’t get written and distributed by themselves. Political clarification and practical experiences of struggle don’t arrive from heaven. But, rather than the life of an organisation, what we will focus on in the following is how we understand the inseparable link between theory and practice and how that reflects on our activity.
Theory
An understanding of the nature of working class consciousness, the manner in which it arises and the way in which that consciousness becomes a material force in history, is the most important issue for defining the nature of revolutionary action.
Class Consciousness and Revolutionary Organisation
Amongst the activist left it’s common to see revolutionary Marxist organisations as a talking shop, more interested in reading 19th century tomes than getting your hands dirty. It’s no secret that we are highly critical of headless chicken activism, which shifts from one “campaign” to another, latching on to the latest trends in academic discourse or tail ending this or that popular movement. But, and some may not be aware of this, this doesn’t mean we advocate endless reading groups and online discussions for the sake of intellectual point scoring as an alternative.
Theory is a buzzword on the “left” of capital, but all it means is having a framework for understanding the realities of the society we live in, an understanding which can give us a modus operandi. This theory doesn’t consist of eternal principles to be invoked at every opportunity. Marxism (or historical materialism) is a method based on analysis and critique: nothing is sacred. Thus what tactics we adopt depend on the given situation. For example: we don’t reject trade unionism out of some ideological purity. Trade unions were never revolutionary but they emerged as a tool for workers to bargain over the price of our labour power. In the imperialist phase of capitalism however, these unions have been incorporated into the capitalist state as one more element for maintaining and preserving the current mode of production. And this is easily observable: in the 20th century it was the unions themselves, now legal institutions, which hand in hand with the state imposed austerity on the working class (by enforcing wage restraints, no-strike pledges, the union sacrée, sabotaging struggles, etc.). If we recognise workers' assemblies, agitation and strike committees to be the means to carry our struggles forward, it’s because:
It is a historically proven fact from the dawn of capitalism that the class creates its own organs to fight for its demands, even without the presence of the revolutionaries. However the same historical experience also shows the dominant ideological forms which might emerge from such spontaneous movements can be recuperated by capitalism. This explains why communists must be inside the struggle to give out propaganda, proposals, be an active part in the organs of self-organised struggle: the workers' assemblies, agitation and strike committees and on the picket line. In doing so they must always try to provide a communist political framework at the same time as supporting every initiative which tends to the development of the self-activity of those involved.
Theses on the Role of Communists in the Economic Struggle of the Working Class
Class consciousness doesn’t arrive spontaneously, it’s a process of reflection on the experiences of working class struggle both today and in the past. The political organisation is an expression of that consciousness. Without this work of political education and self-clarification, which has to be an ongoing collective process, revolutionaries would not know how to swim against the tide in a society where all the dominant ideologies correspond to the needs of capitalism. Without a framework many an activist groups have fallen prey to ruling class ideologies concerning nationalism, parliamentarianism, or now the pandemic. Here we only need to consider Brexit, Corbynism, or the spirit of being “all in it together”. Having said that, a political organisation can be a great carrier of revolutionary theory, but, if it doesn’t root itself in the life of the class, its message, no matter how correct, will fall on deaf ears and it will not be able to play a role in the struggles to come. This is where practice comes in.
Practice
… the tenuous links between revolutionaries and the mass of the class have to be deepened and strengthened. The political organisation has to adopt means to maintain its contact with wider layers of workers who may not yet consider themselves revolutionary but do know that they want to fight capitalism.
Class Consciousness and Revolutionary Organisation
Through our website and our publications we analyse, promote and bring attention to working class struggles from all around the world. On the ground, if and when possible, it's the duty of every CWO member to get involved in struggles in their workplace and community – but without ever becoming paid organisers, union representatives, or struggle consultants (we don’t want to reproduce the division of labour between revolutionaries as “service-providers” and workers as “service-users”). Where it’s significant, we will report and reflect on our involvement. Since the 2008 financial crash, it might be a leisure centre in Stocksbridge, teaching assistants in Durham, universities in the North East, or couriers in Liverpool. Then there are all the usual pickets, rallies, protests and meetings to which we regularly bring the internationalist message – encourage self-activity and promote political perspectives beyond the isolated struggle. And let's not forget that we are part of an internationalist organisation, the ICT, which intervenes on the same basis in other regions of the world (in Italy for instance, noteworthy examples include the factory strikes in Pomigliano and Bologna).
Inevitably, due to our size, these interventions are limited, and, due to the balance of class forces, most of these struggles end in defeat (but then our class remains defeated for as long as we remain wage slaves!). At a time like this, when the working class is only starting to revive its struggles, the aim of our interventions has to be:
• to gain experience (certainly not a secondary consideration); • to politically present ourselves as an organisation which has the working class and its struggles at heart; • to involve contacts and supporters, to bring them closer to our work; • to nourish sections with new militants and sympathisers; • when it really is possible, to start work that will lead to the construction of internationalist groups in the workplace or in the community; • to begin to root in the working class the consciousness of the need for communist revolution.
Our Intervention Within the Working Class
The internationalist message may not always be given a hearing, but this should not cause us to give up or try to create artificial struggles out of thin air. When the opportunity shows itself, when our class begins to move, we need to know what to say to our fellow workers as that’s when anti-capitalist ideas begin to resonate. To add to the confusion already out there would be entirely counter-productive. This is why the CWO, and the ICT as a whole, organises around a common Platform, the product of a discussion among comrades spanning decades. It's why, apart from simply collating data on struggles, we continue to analyse how the capitalist mode of production and its imperialist rivalries operate. If you agree with what we say, get in touch and help us build an internationalist political organisation worth the name. In the process, you will hopefully see that we are not just a bunch of “armchairs”!
To conclude, we repeat what we said during our participation in No War But the Class War (NWBCW) in the lead up to the 2003 Iraq War:
We recognise our central duty of safeguarding and developing Communist theory and practice but this is an impossible task if we remain isolated and introverted. Communists can only defend and enrich their programme and organisation by interacting with social reality. We need to recognise the actuality of developing forces and develop theory and practice to relate to those developments. This applies both to underlying developments in the world economy and to those elements who are caught up in all kinds of social movements and are receptive to the Communist programme.
No War But the Class War – A Mobilising Slogan
Dyjbas
Notes
(1) Here we have in mind the Bordigists and the Councilists, the former waiting for the day when the working class finally recognises them as the “real” Party of the Proletariat, the latter waiting for the spontaneous arrival of class consciousness.
https://www.leftcom.org/en/articles/2020-04-22/what-does-the-communist-left-do
2024.04.29 16:05 Puzzleheaded-Cry9139 The Current State of Playstation Franchises
Sony is one of the big 3 of gaming and with a title like that comes a ton of franchises or series, so i wanted to make a post about the state of those series with my personal opinion and i may have missed some of them so i am soory if i made any mistake, i will grad them with 5 types of states :
FLAGSHIP / MAINSTAYS / IT EXISTS / LIFE SUPPORT / DEAD.
So lets begin : ( also in the amount of games i didnt count any spinoffs or remasters only the main serie and of course this is all just my opinion )
Uncharted : 4 games, First one released in 2007 and the Latest in 2016, the state is in DEAD ( while we did get a spinoff in 2017 and a new collection in 2022 but unfortunately according to the the game director uncharted 4 was the final game which i think was a good thing because like many say its better to die a hero than to live to see yourself becoming a villain which is the state of most great series has become nowadays so even though i am sad that the serie is dead i still think its a good thing that the serie finished with a banger )
Wipeout : 9 games, First one released in 1995 and latest one in 2012, the state is in LIFE SUPPORT ( i personally believe the serie deserve to be in a FLAGSHIP state but its in the life support state because in 2017 we got omega collection so i think there still a hope for a new game )
Twisted metal : 8 games, First one released in 1995 and Latest one in 2012, the state is in LIFE SUPPORT ( this serie really need to make a comeback with a reboot, if only they release a remaster or collection because this serie deserve to be in the MAINSTAYS state )
Suikoden : 5 games, First one in 1995 and the Latest in 2006, the state is in DEAD ( suikoden was one of my favorite rpg from the PS1 era so i was really sad to see that the serie didnt fulfill its potentiel and with Suikoden's development crew left Konami and named a new studio called Rabbit & Bear i dont think we will ever see a new suikoden game but there is a bright side of the story and that is a spiritual succesor called Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes has been released and we also got suikoden 1+2 HD remaster so at least the serie got a honorable death ) ( also i am not sure if it count as a playstation franchise since its owned by konami but since it was exclusive for playstation i tough maybe i should add it to the list )
PaRappa the Rapper : 2 games, First one released in 1996 and the Latest one in 2001, the state is in DEAD ( i know that they did release a remaster of the game in 2017 but i dont think they will be a third game )
Wild Arms : 7 games, First one released in 1997 and the Latest one in 2007, the state is in DEAD ( this serie was really great it had the potentiel to be in the mainstays state but it has been a long time since we got a new game and unfortunately the serie is dead but i hope the spiritual succesor Armed Fantasia do well )
Jak and daxter : 3 games, First one released in 2001 and the Latest in 2004, the state is DEAD :( ( you see jak and daxter is one of my favorite 3d platformers of all time but unfortunately is dead even tough we got some spinoff and remaster collections we still didnt get a Jak 4 in 20 years but i am still waiting for it )
Everybody Golf : 9 games, First one released in 1997 and the Latest one in 2017, the state is in IT EXISTS ( the serie was getting new games every 3 years but we didnt see a new release in 7 years ) Gran Turismo : 9 games, First one released in 1997 and the Latest one in 2022, the state is in FLAGSHIP ( the serie is going well and i still think that sony wont stop making new gran turismo games )
MediEvil : 3 games, First one released in 1998 and the Latest one in 2019, the state is DEAD ( the remake was great but i dont think they will be a medievil 3 since medievil 2 come out 24 years ago )
Syphon Filter : 6 games, First one released in 1999 and the Latest one in 2007, the state is in DEAD ( i really hope the serie make a comeback with a reboot in the future like what they did for tomb raider, it was one of my favorite games on the PSP but for now i will put the DEAD state )
Ape escape : 3 games, First one released in 2001 and the Latest one in 2005, the state is in DEAD ( man ape escape really need to make a comeback i really hope we get ape escape 4 before the PS5 get discontinued )
Sly cooper : 4 games, First one released in 2002 and the Latest one in 2013, the state is in LIFE SUPPORT ( sly cooper also deserve a place in the mainstays state but unfortunately the low sales of the last game killed the serie but i still think the sly will make a comeback because at the moment sly is near death and Sucker Punch team have the gun the their hand but still didnt pull the trigger )
Ratchet and clank : 9 games, First one in 2002 and the Latest one in 2021, the state is in FLAGSHIP ( ratchet was one of few series that survived the purge that happened after the ending of the PS2 era and i am happy for that and i hope that sony keep releasing new games in the serie )
God of War : 8 games, First one released in 2005 and the Latest one in 2022, the state is in FLAGSHIP ( i dont think i really need to say anything about the serie its one of my favorite series of all time and still getting a lot of support from sony with a DLC pack titled God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla just got released in 2023 )
SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs : 4 games, First one in 2002 and the Latest one in 2011, the state is in DEAD ( man this game was a banger in the PS2 but with the closure of Zipper Interactive i dont think we will ever see another game in the serie )
Siren : 3 games, First one in 2003 and the Latest one in 2008, the state is in DEAD ( another serie that i think had the potentiel of being a great survival horror serie but for now the serie is DEAD )
Killzone : 4 games, First one in 2004 and the Latest in 2013, the state is in LIFE SUPPORT ( killzone 2 and 3 were a head of their time, graphically they still hold up by today standars and i know the reason we didnt see any new release in 10 years is because of the bad ratings of killzone shadow fall even tough the game sold 2 millions copy, so i think the serie deserve to make a comeback and i still think it will someday )
Resistance : 3 games, First one in 2006 and the Latest in 2011, the state is in DEAD ( resistance was one of the best FPS games on the PS3 and it got really great reviews which doesnt make sense to not make a fourth at least give us a remaster collection but there is still hope because in 2021 Insomniac had pitched a sequel to Sony, but it was rejected due to the number of post-apocalyptic games in development so at least we know that Insomniac is interested in making a new resistance but for now the serie is in the state of DEAD )
Motorstorm : 5 games, First one released in 2006 and the Latest one in 2012, the state is in DEAD ( with no remaster and no new games i really hoped that sony would make a new motorstorm game because its my favorite racing game on the PS3 and the PSP, the problem is i dont think we well get any new game with the closure of evolutions studios, so sony please at least give us a remaster )
Patapon : 3 games, First one released in 2007 and the Latest one in 2011, the state is in IT EXISTS ( just because we are getting a A spiritual successor to the series known as Ratatan in 2025 )
Littlebigplanet : 5 games, First one released in 2008 and the Latest one in 2014, the state is in IT EXISTS ( i know that we recently got a spinoff called Sackboy but the main serie didnt get any new game in 10 years and in 2024 the servers of LB3 shut down permanently but i do think that littlebigplanet will make a comeback and i hope to be very soon )
Gran Turismo : 9 games, First one released in 1997 and the Latest one in 2022, the state is in FLAGSHIP ( i think its obvious that sony wont give up on gran turismo which is a good thing so i think we will at least have a new game each 4 or 5 years so that put it in the FLAGSHIP state )
Locoroco : 2 games, First one released in 2006 and the Latest in 2008, the state is in DEAD ( another serie that i loved to play on my psp and i really wished to get locoroco 3 but at least we got a remastered version of the first game )
Infamous : 3 games, First one released on 2009 and the Latest one in 2014, the state is in LIFE SUPPORT ( sony please just give me infamous 4 )
Horizon : 2 games, First one released in 2017 and the Latest one in 2022, the state is in FLAGSHIP ( one of the best selling games on the PS4 and for a reason the serie is awesome and it deserve to be a in the FLAGSHIP state and i hope its stay like that for a long time )
The Last of us : 2 games, First one released i. 2013 and the Latest one in 2020, the state is in FLAGSHIP ( what can i say the serie has one of the best games of all time and with sony trying to milk the games with remasters and naughty dogs has confirmed that part 3 is happening, that means that the serie is going well )
Marvel spiderman : 3 games, First one released in 2018 and the Latest in 2023, the state is in FLAGSHIP ( do you love spiderman, do you want to be spiderman, then dont worry the marvel spiderman serie got you so sony please dont screw up )
Gravity Rush : 2 games, First one released in 2012 and the the Latest one in 2017, the state is in LIFE SUPPORT ( Gravity rush is one of my favorite games on the VITA and i was really happy that it got a sequel on the PS4 while i wish to get another game from the serie but for now the creator of the serie Keiichiro Toyama is working on a new horror game but he did say that he love the gravity rush serie so that only made me think that there is a possibility for new game in the future )
Crash bandicoot : 4 games, First one in 1996 and the Latest one in 2020, the state is in IT EXISTS ( crash is one of the iconic mascots of the PS1 era but unfortunately the serie is not a playstation exclusive anymore which is not a bad thing but i dont know if the serie can still be called a playstation franchise or not so i puted the serie in IT EXIST state )
Spyro the dragon : 3 games, First one in 1998 and the Latest one in 2000, the state is in LIFE SUPPORT ( spyro the dragon serie is in the same state as crash bandicoot the only difference is that crash got a new game and a remake while spyro only got a remake )
In Conclusion i think sony should try to focus on reviving some lost franchises because those series already have the fans who are willing to buy the games in full price, the problem that most series like ( jak and daxter / sly cooper / spyro / ape escape / locoroco ) died because sony focus on hyper-realistic video games that took advantage of console power at the expense of cartoony products may have motivated them to not continue those series but in the end this is just my opinion since i am blinded by nostalgia, so sony please just give me jak 4 and will be very happy.
submitted by Puzzleheaded-Cry9139 to PS4 [link] [comments]
FLAGSHIP / MAINSTAYS / IT EXISTS / LIFE SUPPORT / DEAD.
So lets begin : ( also in the amount of games i didnt count any spinoffs or remasters only the main serie and of course this is all just my opinion )
Uncharted : 4 games, First one released in 2007 and the Latest in 2016, the state is in DEAD ( while we did get a spinoff in 2017 and a new collection in 2022 but unfortunately according to the the game director uncharted 4 was the final game which i think was a good thing because like many say its better to die a hero than to live to see yourself becoming a villain which is the state of most great series has become nowadays so even though i am sad that the serie is dead i still think its a good thing that the serie finished with a banger )
Wipeout : 9 games, First one released in 1995 and latest one in 2012, the state is in LIFE SUPPORT ( i personally believe the serie deserve to be in a FLAGSHIP state but its in the life support state because in 2017 we got omega collection so i think there still a hope for a new game )
Twisted metal : 8 games, First one released in 1995 and Latest one in 2012, the state is in LIFE SUPPORT ( this serie really need to make a comeback with a reboot, if only they release a remaster or collection because this serie deserve to be in the MAINSTAYS state )
Suikoden : 5 games, First one in 1995 and the Latest in 2006, the state is in DEAD ( suikoden was one of my favorite rpg from the PS1 era so i was really sad to see that the serie didnt fulfill its potentiel and with Suikoden's development crew left Konami and named a new studio called Rabbit & Bear i dont think we will ever see a new suikoden game but there is a bright side of the story and that is a spiritual succesor called Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes has been released and we also got suikoden 1+2 HD remaster so at least the serie got a honorable death ) ( also i am not sure if it count as a playstation franchise since its owned by konami but since it was exclusive for playstation i tough maybe i should add it to the list )
PaRappa the Rapper : 2 games, First one released in 1996 and the Latest one in 2001, the state is in DEAD ( i know that they did release a remaster of the game in 2017 but i dont think they will be a third game )
Wild Arms : 7 games, First one released in 1997 and the Latest one in 2007, the state is in DEAD ( this serie was really great it had the potentiel to be in the mainstays state but it has been a long time since we got a new game and unfortunately the serie is dead but i hope the spiritual succesor Armed Fantasia do well )
Jak and daxter : 3 games, First one released in 2001 and the Latest in 2004, the state is DEAD :( ( you see jak and daxter is one of my favorite 3d platformers of all time but unfortunately is dead even tough we got some spinoff and remaster collections we still didnt get a Jak 4 in 20 years but i am still waiting for it )
Everybody Golf : 9 games, First one released in 1997 and the Latest one in 2017, the state is in IT EXISTS ( the serie was getting new games every 3 years but we didnt see a new release in 7 years ) Gran Turismo : 9 games, First one released in 1997 and the Latest one in 2022, the state is in FLAGSHIP ( the serie is going well and i still think that sony wont stop making new gran turismo games )
MediEvil : 3 games, First one released in 1998 and the Latest one in 2019, the state is DEAD ( the remake was great but i dont think they will be a medievil 3 since medievil 2 come out 24 years ago )
Syphon Filter : 6 games, First one released in 1999 and the Latest one in 2007, the state is in DEAD ( i really hope the serie make a comeback with a reboot in the future like what they did for tomb raider, it was one of my favorite games on the PSP but for now i will put the DEAD state )
Ape escape : 3 games, First one released in 2001 and the Latest one in 2005, the state is in DEAD ( man ape escape really need to make a comeback i really hope we get ape escape 4 before the PS5 get discontinued )
Sly cooper : 4 games, First one released in 2002 and the Latest one in 2013, the state is in LIFE SUPPORT ( sly cooper also deserve a place in the mainstays state but unfortunately the low sales of the last game killed the serie but i still think the sly will make a comeback because at the moment sly is near death and Sucker Punch team have the gun the their hand but still didnt pull the trigger )
Ratchet and clank : 9 games, First one in 2002 and the Latest one in 2021, the state is in FLAGSHIP ( ratchet was one of few series that survived the purge that happened after the ending of the PS2 era and i am happy for that and i hope that sony keep releasing new games in the serie )
God of War : 8 games, First one released in 2005 and the Latest one in 2022, the state is in FLAGSHIP ( i dont think i really need to say anything about the serie its one of my favorite series of all time and still getting a lot of support from sony with a DLC pack titled God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla just got released in 2023 )
SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs : 4 games, First one in 2002 and the Latest one in 2011, the state is in DEAD ( man this game was a banger in the PS2 but with the closure of Zipper Interactive i dont think we will ever see another game in the serie )
Siren : 3 games, First one in 2003 and the Latest one in 2008, the state is in DEAD ( another serie that i think had the potentiel of being a great survival horror serie but for now the serie is DEAD )
Killzone : 4 games, First one in 2004 and the Latest in 2013, the state is in LIFE SUPPORT ( killzone 2 and 3 were a head of their time, graphically they still hold up by today standars and i know the reason we didnt see any new release in 10 years is because of the bad ratings of killzone shadow fall even tough the game sold 2 millions copy, so i think the serie deserve to make a comeback and i still think it will someday )
Resistance : 3 games, First one in 2006 and the Latest in 2011, the state is in DEAD ( resistance was one of the best FPS games on the PS3 and it got really great reviews which doesnt make sense to not make a fourth at least give us a remaster collection but there is still hope because in 2021 Insomniac had pitched a sequel to Sony, but it was rejected due to the number of post-apocalyptic games in development so at least we know that Insomniac is interested in making a new resistance but for now the serie is in the state of DEAD )
Motorstorm : 5 games, First one released in 2006 and the Latest one in 2012, the state is in DEAD ( with no remaster and no new games i really hoped that sony would make a new motorstorm game because its my favorite racing game on the PS3 and the PSP, the problem is i dont think we well get any new game with the closure of evolutions studios, so sony please at least give us a remaster )
Patapon : 3 games, First one released in 2007 and the Latest one in 2011, the state is in IT EXISTS ( just because we are getting a A spiritual successor to the series known as Ratatan in 2025 )
Littlebigplanet : 5 games, First one released in 2008 and the Latest one in 2014, the state is in IT EXISTS ( i know that we recently got a spinoff called Sackboy but the main serie didnt get any new game in 10 years and in 2024 the servers of LB3 shut down permanently but i do think that littlebigplanet will make a comeback and i hope to be very soon )
Gran Turismo : 9 games, First one released in 1997 and the Latest one in 2022, the state is in FLAGSHIP ( i think its obvious that sony wont give up on gran turismo which is a good thing so i think we will at least have a new game each 4 or 5 years so that put it in the FLAGSHIP state )
Locoroco : 2 games, First one released in 2006 and the Latest in 2008, the state is in DEAD ( another serie that i loved to play on my psp and i really wished to get locoroco 3 but at least we got a remastered version of the first game )
Infamous : 3 games, First one released on 2009 and the Latest one in 2014, the state is in LIFE SUPPORT ( sony please just give me infamous 4 )
Horizon : 2 games, First one released in 2017 and the Latest one in 2022, the state is in FLAGSHIP ( one of the best selling games on the PS4 and for a reason the serie is awesome and it deserve to be a in the FLAGSHIP state and i hope its stay like that for a long time )
The Last of us : 2 games, First one released i. 2013 and the Latest one in 2020, the state is in FLAGSHIP ( what can i say the serie has one of the best games of all time and with sony trying to milk the games with remasters and naughty dogs has confirmed that part 3 is happening, that means that the serie is going well )
Marvel spiderman : 3 games, First one released in 2018 and the Latest in 2023, the state is in FLAGSHIP ( do you love spiderman, do you want to be spiderman, then dont worry the marvel spiderman serie got you so sony please dont screw up )
Gravity Rush : 2 games, First one released in 2012 and the the Latest one in 2017, the state is in LIFE SUPPORT ( Gravity rush is one of my favorite games on the VITA and i was really happy that it got a sequel on the PS4 while i wish to get another game from the serie but for now the creator of the serie Keiichiro Toyama is working on a new horror game but he did say that he love the gravity rush serie so that only made me think that there is a possibility for new game in the future )
Crash bandicoot : 4 games, First one in 1996 and the Latest one in 2020, the state is in IT EXISTS ( crash is one of the iconic mascots of the PS1 era but unfortunately the serie is not a playstation exclusive anymore which is not a bad thing but i dont know if the serie can still be called a playstation franchise or not so i puted the serie in IT EXIST state )
Spyro the dragon : 3 games, First one in 1998 and the Latest one in 2000, the state is in LIFE SUPPORT ( spyro the dragon serie is in the same state as crash bandicoot the only difference is that crash got a new game and a remake while spyro only got a remake )
In Conclusion i think sony should try to focus on reviving some lost franchises because those series already have the fans who are willing to buy the games in full price, the problem that most series like ( jak and daxter / sly cooper / spyro / ape escape / locoroco ) died because sony focus on hyper-realistic video games that took advantage of console power at the expense of cartoony products may have motivated them to not continue those series but in the end this is just my opinion since i am blinded by nostalgia, so sony please just give me jak 4 and will be very happy.
2024.04.29 14:49 potato_baby2032 Is consolidation needed to get the one-time payment adjustment for Stafford loans?
I have $35k in student loan debt: $19k from undergrad (disbursed 2012-2016) and $16k from grad school (disbursed 2021-2022). I’ve got 91 PSLF eligible payments for my undergrad loans and 11 for grad. All of my loans are DL Stafford Subsidized or Unsubsidized.
My understanding has been that the one-time payment count adjustment will be made without consolidating because I only have direct loans, but I want to triple check before the deadline. Do I need to consolidate to bump all of my payment counts up to 91 (including my graduate debt)? Or will this be done automatically because I have all direct loans?
If I do need to consolidate, the StudentAid.gov form says I’m only eligible for ICR or SAVE (I’m currently on PAYE, but my income has increased since I last certified). Is ICR eligible for PSLF, and is there anything I should know before selecting that over SAVE? The ICR monthly payments are significantly lower for me than SAVE as my spouse and I file taxes separately, and the additional interest won’t amount to much if I’m counted at 91 payments across the board.
Thank you!
submitted by potato_baby2032 to PSLF [link] [comments]
My understanding has been that the one-time payment count adjustment will be made without consolidating because I only have direct loans, but I want to triple check before the deadline. Do I need to consolidate to bump all of my payment counts up to 91 (including my graduate debt)? Or will this be done automatically because I have all direct loans?
If I do need to consolidate, the StudentAid.gov form says I’m only eligible for ICR or SAVE (I’m currently on PAYE, but my income has increased since I last certified). Is ICR eligible for PSLF, and is there anything I should know before selecting that over SAVE? The ICR monthly payments are significantly lower for me than SAVE as my spouse and I file taxes separately, and the additional interest won’t amount to much if I’m counted at 91 payments across the board.
Thank you!
2024.04.29 04:56 Ohldebutagoodie 2012 Highlander use questions
I would love to drive a SUV/Mid-size SUB. I am really interested in buying a 2012 Highlander in my neighborhood for cash. It’s just me and my boyfriend right now and the occasional group of friends that ride in my car. We are thinking about moving to Colorado for grad school. My question is, is getting a Highlander a waste if I don’t have kids/family?
submitted by Ohldebutagoodie to whatcarshouldIbuy [link] [comments]
2024.04.29 03:43 PleaseNoMoreToday Licensed psychologist (non-academic, not private practice)
 | submitted by PleaseNoMoreToday to Salary [link] [comments] |
2024.04.27 23:30 r1905 Current grad student eligibility for IDR forgiveness?
I received an email stating my IDR recertification was extended (I did not do anything). I am currently in grad school but have 69k in direct federal loans from undergraduate and the graduate loans I've take out so far (all direct). Loans originate back to 2012. Because I am in school, these are all in deferment. I was making monthly payments on them prior to starting grad school in 1/2023. If I consolidate by April 30, am I eligible for the forgiveness? If the deferred status is the barrier, is there a way to change that despite me still being in school? Having trouble figuring it out from my own research. Thanks
submitted by r1905 to StudentLoans [link] [comments]
2024.04.27 17:35 baguetteworld Parents’ loans forgiven without any repayment? Advice for my loans?
My parents took out parent plus loans for me when I was in undergrad from 2012-2016. It was in deferment until 2022, when I graduated grad school. Then when it was time to start repaying in fall 2023 when the universal hold was over, my parents consolidated their loans and applied for PSLF. The loans got consolidated by early 2024, but before they started making a single payment, they received a letter from Mohela two months ago saying their loans were all forgiven. They checked on Nelnet and with Student Gov and it was all wiped. How did this happen??
And is there any hope I can get my grad school loans forgiven at all? I took them out from 2016-2022, and started my monthly SAVE repayments in fall 2023. I haven’t consolidated them at all, so they’re spread out as direct subsidised/unsubsidised and direct grad plus loans. Servicer is Edfinancial.
submitted by baguetteworld to StudentLoans [link] [comments]
And is there any hope I can get my grad school loans forgiven at all? I took them out from 2016-2022, and started my monthly SAVE repayments in fall 2023. I haven’t consolidated them at all, so they’re spread out as direct subsidised/unsubsidised and direct grad plus loans. Servicer is Edfinancial.
2024.04.27 11:26 All__That__Glitters Should I Consolidate?
For the longest time I have taken an “outta sight, outta mind” approach to these loans & just wished & hoped they’d miraculously go away somehow. I have been so confused, and as the first person in my family to go to college, I feel like I definitely bit off more than I could chew, and don’t really have anyone who can advise me on what the best course of action would be
Loan 1 - Grad school
Direct Grad Unsubsidized Orig loan: $29,026.00 Convert to repayment: 1/3/2010** SAVE
Loan 2 - undergrad
Direct Unsub Unsubsidized Orig loan: $2,625 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 3 - undergrad
Direct Sub Subsidized Orig loan: $5,500 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 4 - undergrad
Direct Unsub Unsubsidized Orig loan: $3,000 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 5 - undergrad
Direct Sub Subsidized Orig loan: $5,250 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 6 - Grad school
Direct Sub Subsidized Orig loan: $8,500 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 7 - Grad school
Direct Unsub Unsubsidized Orig loan: $12,000 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 8 - Grad school
Direct Sub Subsidized Orig loan: $4,780 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 9 - community college
Direct Unsub Unsubsidized Orig loan: $10,500 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 10 - community college
Direct Sub Subsidized Orig loan: $1,167 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 11 - community college
Direct Unub Unsubsidized Orig loan: $1,265 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
No PSLF AGI maybe $110,000 (I make $77K & my husband does gig work, so harder to quantify) Total current outstanding balance: $135,500
I am really kinda confused as to why that first loan has such an early “convert to repayment” date, but perhaps you’ll tell me that is beneficial for me.
Thank you so much in advance!!!!
submitted by All__That__Glitters to StudentLoans [link] [comments]
Loan 1 - Grad school
Direct Grad Unsubsidized Orig loan: $29,026.00 Convert to repayment: 1/3/2010** SAVE
Loan 2 - undergrad
Direct Unsub Unsubsidized Orig loan: $2,625 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 3 - undergrad
Direct Sub Subsidized Orig loan: $5,500 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 4 - undergrad
Direct Unsub Unsubsidized Orig loan: $3,000 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 5 - undergrad
Direct Sub Subsidized Orig loan: $5,250 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 6 - Grad school
Direct Sub Subsidized Orig loan: $8,500 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 7 - Grad school
Direct Unsub Unsubsidized Orig loan: $12,000 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 8 - Grad school
Direct Sub Subsidized Orig loan: $4,780 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 9 - community college
Direct Unsub Unsubsidized Orig loan: $10,500 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 10 - community college
Direct Sub Subsidized Orig loan: $1,167 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
Loan 11 - community college
Direct Unub Unsubsidized Orig loan: $1,265 Convert to repayment: 6/11/2012 SAVE
No PSLF AGI maybe $110,000 (I make $77K & my husband does gig work, so harder to quantify) Total current outstanding balance: $135,500
I am really kinda confused as to why that first loan has such an early “convert to repayment” date, but perhaps you’ll tell me that is beneficial for me.
Thank you so much in advance!!!!
2024.04.27 05:47 Soft_tune789 Is it time for me to get a new car?
I have a 2012 Mazda 6, 108,000 miles on it. I got it practically for free, so anytime it needs something I keep thinking about that. But after 5 years, I feel like it might just be downhill from here.
-Have not done any belt replacements yet.
-Up to date on my oil changes, have taken pretty good care of it.
-There are basically permanent alignment issues that cause me to kind of eat through tires faster than normal, maybe every 2 years. I have to get them rotated every other oil change or so.
-pretty severe rust issues in the frame.
-Just found out the reverse light in the spoiler is gonna be very expensive to fix, over a grand.
I'm a grad student, hoping to stave off car payments a bit longer....
SO MECHANICS OF REDDIT, WHAT WOULD YOU DO!? Is she worth it? #HELP
submitted by Soft_tune789 to MechanicAdvice [link] [comments]
-Have not done any belt replacements yet.
-Up to date on my oil changes, have taken pretty good care of it.
-There are basically permanent alignment issues that cause me to kind of eat through tires faster than normal, maybe every 2 years. I have to get them rotated every other oil change or so.
-pretty severe rust issues in the frame.
-Just found out the reverse light in the spoiler is gonna be very expensive to fix, over a grand.
I'm a grad student, hoping to stave off car payments a bit longer....
SO MECHANICS OF REDDIT, WHAT WOULD YOU DO!? Is she worth it? #HELP
2024.04.26 13:06 Foreskinsurfer Heute bei mir im Briefkasten.
 | Aua. submitted by Foreskinsurfer to 600euro [link] [comments] |
2024.04.26 00:35 Correct_Flamingo_569 MD post
 | Throwaway account. This post is for the medical students— there is a light at the end of the very long tunnel. Stick with it. Help others the best you can. We didn’t do this for the money. submitted by Correct_Flamingo_569 to Salary [link] [comments] 34M. Orthopaedic hand surgeon. Academic practice. 390k of student debt. PSLF— forgiven in 2 more years of income based repayments given the underserved population where I practice. Also, I am financially illiterate. So hire a good finance person to help you. I just focus on taking care of people and the rest falls into place 🙏🏼 |
2024.04.26 00:25 lamar_flacco Worth it to consolidate before deadline?
Since 2012, have about $100k in student loan debt, about half undergrad and half grad, all fed loans through nelnet in about 12 groups ranging from 5-6.55% interest. I was paying $350 a month on an IDR plan(all went to interest). After recertifying they said the payment will be close to $900 due to spouses income and filing taxes jointly. If I consolidate by April 30 for the potential forgiveness, it seems like my monthly payment will total up to be more than my balance after I pay it for another 13 years (the 25 year forgiveness minimum). There’s gotta be something I’m missing, but after weeks of researching this sub, YouTube etc. I’m feeling a bit lost. Any advice is greatly appreciated!!
submitted by lamar_flacco to StudentLoans [link] [comments]
2024.04.25 19:30 GonzoGnostalgic If you could launch any gimmick/stable in wrestling, what would it be? It can be under any company, in any era.
Listening to a Wrestlemania recap has me thinking again about this idea for a character I had. Now, I don't know if "ultranationalist politician heel controlled by the shadow government" would go over super well in today's climate, but this would be a gimmick that would ideally launch somewhere around 2012, alongside the Wyatt Family as part of a greater "WWE gets weird and dark again" shadow initiative that I would push, were I running the show then (and after I go back in time to put a poisonous snake in Vince's cash stack at Million Dollar Mania, Kill Bill-style, I will be).
My guy would be called Capitol Crazyman, and he would be this Senator Armstrong-ass, "America First," clean-shaven, crew-cut, 7-feet-tall, built-like-a-brick-shithouse, 10% body fat, hulk-in-a-suit presidental aspirant whose goal is to make it to Wrestlemania and win, and to use that win as a stepping stone to becoming the President of the United States. He'd be constantly spouting his various campaign slogans, doing the "I Want You" point into the crowd, smiling this plastic, rictus smile with all of his teeth showing (even when his head hits the mat and there's blood in his eyes)... He'd taunt opponents by threatening to claim their home state's voter base if he beats them, maybe he'd come out with a bald eagle perched on his arm at a big event... Stuff like that. And all of his signature moves would be named for famous presidential race washouts: the McGovern Drop, the Mondale Neckbreaker, Nixon the First (referencing Nixon's first loss to Kennedy—a ground-level diving clothesline).
Crazyman would be followed everywhere by his campaign staffer: an astoundingly beautiful twink with platinum-blonde hair who is constantly, silently adjusting his glasses and jotting things down on a notepad, and who is only ever referred to as the Little Prince. In the ring, Crazyman is professionally affectionate towards (if dismissive of) the Prince, calling him "little buddy" and gently ribbing him in a safe, politician-y way... but backstage he is terrified of him, and their relationship takes on a visceral, dramatic, and almost kinky dom-and-sub quality, with the Prince—who only ever speaks directly to Crazyman and is otherwise coldly silent—controlling him with an iron fist, berating him, and even forcing him to do things like lie down on the ground so he can stand on his back while he lectures him, and making Crazyman shine his shoes with his necktie. The Prince would also have the authority to force penalties on Crazyman for losses or other public failures (like getting too much heat—almost guaranteed since he'd be a sure heel from the start—or losing his temper and abusing the crowd) like having to wear shackles or spreader bars in his next match to "show the American people [he] can overcome any obstacle, even so ludicrously encumbered." Essentially, the Prince is Crazyman's Paul Bearer—he's an implied supernatural entity and a representative of the Shadow Government/Illuminati who needs Capitol Crazyman to win at Wrestlemania and become President of the United States for his organization's evil aims.
I think it would be a fun way to poke fun at the "conservative American politician gets caught being gay" thing that keeps happening by having a guy who is essentially Cheeseburger Freedom Man be a part of one of the most obviously homoerotic, kink-coded wrestler-manager relationships in history. The big draw, though, would be the stable having implied villainous goals outside of the WWE, in the domain of real life. The company has to unite to stop this guy from winning at Wrestlemania, because if he does, he's going to become President of the United States of America on the orders of the implied Antichrist, and who knows what will happen then? It would be like the "The missiles are flying, hallelujah," scene from The Dead Zone. I don't think any company has ever done World War III will happen if this guy gets the belt before, and an ongoing election gimmick is such a high-stakes bit revolving entirely around popularity farming that I'm surprised it's never been attempted before (to my knowledge).
submitted by GonzoGnostalgic to TwoBestFriendsPlay [link] [comments]
My guy would be called Capitol Crazyman, and he would be this Senator Armstrong-ass, "America First," clean-shaven, crew-cut, 7-feet-tall, built-like-a-brick-shithouse, 10% body fat, hulk-in-a-suit presidental aspirant whose goal is to make it to Wrestlemania and win, and to use that win as a stepping stone to becoming the President of the United States. He'd be constantly spouting his various campaign slogans, doing the "I Want You" point into the crowd, smiling this plastic, rictus smile with all of his teeth showing (even when his head hits the mat and there's blood in his eyes)... He'd taunt opponents by threatening to claim their home state's voter base if he beats them, maybe he'd come out with a bald eagle perched on his arm at a big event... Stuff like that. And all of his signature moves would be named for famous presidential race washouts: the McGovern Drop, the Mondale Neckbreaker, Nixon the First (referencing Nixon's first loss to Kennedy—a ground-level diving clothesline).
Crazyman would be followed everywhere by his campaign staffer: an astoundingly beautiful twink with platinum-blonde hair who is constantly, silently adjusting his glasses and jotting things down on a notepad, and who is only ever referred to as the Little Prince. In the ring, Crazyman is professionally affectionate towards (if dismissive of) the Prince, calling him "little buddy" and gently ribbing him in a safe, politician-y way... but backstage he is terrified of him, and their relationship takes on a visceral, dramatic, and almost kinky dom-and-sub quality, with the Prince—who only ever speaks directly to Crazyman and is otherwise coldly silent—controlling him with an iron fist, berating him, and even forcing him to do things like lie down on the ground so he can stand on his back while he lectures him, and making Crazyman shine his shoes with his necktie. The Prince would also have the authority to force penalties on Crazyman for losses or other public failures (like getting too much heat—almost guaranteed since he'd be a sure heel from the start—or losing his temper and abusing the crowd) like having to wear shackles or spreader bars in his next match to "show the American people [he] can overcome any obstacle, even so ludicrously encumbered." Essentially, the Prince is Crazyman's Paul Bearer—he's an implied supernatural entity and a representative of the Shadow Government/Illuminati who needs Capitol Crazyman to win at Wrestlemania and become President of the United States for his organization's evil aims.
I think it would be a fun way to poke fun at the "conservative American politician gets caught being gay" thing that keeps happening by having a guy who is essentially Cheeseburger Freedom Man be a part of one of the most obviously homoerotic, kink-coded wrestler-manager relationships in history. The big draw, though, would be the stable having implied villainous goals outside of the WWE, in the domain of real life. The company has to unite to stop this guy from winning at Wrestlemania, because if he does, he's going to become President of the United States of America on the orders of the implied Antichrist, and who knows what will happen then? It would be like the "The missiles are flying, hallelujah," scene from The Dead Zone. I don't think any company has ever done World War III will happen if this guy gets the belt before, and an ongoing election gimmick is such a high-stakes bit revolving entirely around popularity farming that I'm surprised it's never been attempted before (to my knowledge).
2024.04.24 17:54 iamheathermooney Should I consolidate?
I’m struggling to figure this out on my own. I have undergrad and grad loans.
Undergrad 2005-2009. Grad 2009-2012. Didn’t start repayment until after grad school. I’ve always been on an IBR plan.
Loan details: Nelnet: 1 FFELP Stafford Unsubsidized loan from 2005. Aidvantage: 7 Direct Unsubsidized, 5 Direct Subsidized, 4 Direct Graduate PLUS, years ranging from 2008 to 2011.
Do I consolidate? If so, which loans?
Will my monthly payment go up? I can’t really afford more than what I’m paying now.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
submitted by iamheathermooney to StudentLoans [link] [comments]
Undergrad 2005-2009. Grad 2009-2012. Didn’t start repayment until after grad school. I’ve always been on an IBR plan.
Loan details: Nelnet: 1 FFELP Stafford Unsubsidized loan from 2005. Aidvantage: 7 Direct Unsubsidized, 5 Direct Subsidized, 4 Direct Graduate PLUS, years ranging from 2008 to 2011.
Do I consolidate? If so, which loans?
Will my monthly payment go up? I can’t really afford more than what I’m paying now.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!