Today was Adam's first paycheck of the new year. I noticed it had increased, wait for it ... a cool $10. Wow! That's $20 whole bucks a month! Of course the first thought that went through my head was, "Hot damn, time for a bigger house, and oh yeah, our vehicles are a year old, time to upgrade those bitches! Mercedes-Benz, here I come!"
I lie. My first thought was, "What the hell?" Color me spoiled, I guess. This is why I'm a Republican - the pay raises under Republican presidents have always been more. The majority of the military is Republican for this very fact. But enough about politics, because the first person who tries to argue with me politically will get a whole lotta Erin fist wherever I choose to land it.
I admit I am sheltered to a lot of the real world. Here's where my civilian friends can help a girl out.
Adam has been with the same company (U.S. Army) for 16 years. He's been in the same UNIT (75th Ranger Regiment) since he graduated from Basic Training, Airborne School, and the Ranger Indoctrination Program. Currently he's a first sergeant, and along with the commander, they are in charge of anywhere from 200-250 men at one time.
In the "real world" I don't see how a $20 a month raise would be rational for a civilian counterpart. We get benefits, and we appreciate these. Healthcare is free. And the healthcare also sucks ass. I switched mine so I could see a civilian doctor. I pay some out-of-pocket, but it sure beats being sick and being told by the Army clinic that sure, they have an appointment in a month! Damn skippy!
I'm in no way complaining about living the military life. We love this life. Adam loves his job, and I love that he loves that. That's a whole lotta love 'round here. We have gotten fiscally smart the last 10 years and do not live beyond our means. No credit card debt, y'all!
But, it still seems like a slap in the face to a man who has given 16 years to his country, deployed 9 times in 10 years, and works tirelessly. It's also a slap in the face to every member of the military.
If you feel the need to try to point out anything related to the military life, and have never walked a mile in our shoes, don't even start with me. That said, I have some gold nuggets to go purchase.
5 comments:
My husband, a high school teacher ( which I realize is in no way, shape, or form as important as what your husband does) was RIF'd on his last day of school. He has taught for 13 years, 11 of them in the same school. Glowing reviews, turning students away. For the last 8 years, no pay raise. Now, he is part time, at a different school, and makes nothing. Actually less than nothing. It costs him money to work, he has to pay his healthcare which previously we were lucky enough to pay very little. Now what he pays plus what we pay to our sitter who watches our boys puts us at a deficit when he gets paid. He needed to stay working so when a job opens he can bid on one. It is a sucky, sucky, sucky situation.
I'm neither republican nor democrat. I pretty much abhor politics in whatever form it takes these days. But, I know from personal experience, and from others as well, there are lots of
"industries" where pay has been virtually frozen, or in fact cut. On top of that people are expected to assume an extra heap of responsibily to fill the gap for those who were let go during the recession. AND, there are still scores of other good, hardworking people who DID get axed and haven't seen a paycheck in months, maybe even years. Of course, I am by no means saying that Adam doesn't deserve a decent pay raise, because I was once in the military and know how damn hard some of these guys work, but I also think in our current economic climate we shouldn't be expecting much of anything, especially from our political leadership (on BOTH sides). Well, expect for those big bankers and corporate CEOs, they definitely expect their $30 million dollar bonsues ... cuz LORD knows they deserve it!
Thank you for your comments. This is why I inquired what it's like for civilians. I hope for everyone' s sake the politicians get their heads out of their asses and fix the economy. I feel tomorrow's post brewing - so-called celebrities and the outrageous bank they make!
OMG! I am definitely interested in hearing your thoughts on the outrageous money that actors, athletes and other "celebrities" make for their so-called talents. I have been saying for years now that our society is so ass-backwards when it comes to where we place our value. We pay our teachers, police, firefighters and military barely a living wage, but find nothing wrong with watching an overweight, promiscious, drunk from Jersey make millions for being an idiot! What is wrong with us ... seriously??!!
I like many others respect everything you and your family sacrifice and appreciate it very much. I work in the dental field and make a decent amount, and the same with my husband. In order for us to get healthcare, he had to take $3.00/hr pay cut, we have to pay $2,500 out of pocket before the insurance picks up anything. I know that this takes a huge toll on our financial situation. We live paycheck to paycheck and it takes everything we have to make ends meet and have enough left over to buy groceries every week.I have to pick up extra work on the weekends in order for my kids to be able to participate in any sports that they want. I hate spending all that time away from my family, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do! I also come from a military family, and know what it's like to receive the "raises" that they get, and all it does is bump you up another tax bracket to take it all back! Well, enough of my soapbox, have a great night and see you later!
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