General Adulthood, Planning for the Future: Business, College, Budgeting, Investments, etc! $$$ - General

[QUOTE=Levelog;50146376]So after applying for a credit card, I found out I apparently have a bill that was sent to collections. Some $15 copay from my old university medical center from about 4 years ago and I moved around a lot so never got the bill. The collections company has never contacted me about this, only reason I found out is my credit card app was declined due to it. Any advice on how best to proceed? Who do I contact to pay?[/QUOTE] Who sends $15 to collections?? Whoever calls you would probably make more money from their hourly wage during the phone call than the % of the $15 the agency will receive :v: [editline]16th April 2016[/editline] What a monumental waste of everyone involved's time

[QUOTE=TrafficMan;50146391]Who sends $15 to collections?? Whoever calls you would probably make more money from their hourly wage during the phone call than the % of the $15 the agency will receive :v: [editline]16th April 2016[/editline] What a monumental waste of everyone involved's time[/QUOTE] Fucking exactly. $15 in [I]medical bills[/I] to collections is just bullshit. I'm just not sure the fastest way to get this resolved. I haven't even been called either, I've had the same phone number and email since way before I went there and I've never heard a word in the 3 years since it apparently got sent to collections.

Or they're playing you to get more money I don't know if that actually happens though

So I've decided to cease my accounting study and pursue a grad cert in IT. I hope it's a good decision...

[QUOTE=Badballer;50148101]So I've decided to cease my accounting study and pursue a grad cert in IT. I hope it's a good decision...[/QUOTE] I have a degree in IT (pursuing masters in CNAS), and the way I see it anything computer science/IT related will become as necessary as doctors in the future. Automation replaces people, and who is going to create and maintain the automation?

Me and the lady friend have finally done it, weve rented our apartment and are in the process of moving ourselves in Hooe fairpoint doesnt fuck me royally cause forget paying comcast 50 bucks a month for sub 15mbps internet

[QUOTE=Revenge282;50149336]I have a degree in IT (pursuing masters in CNAS), and the way I see it anything computer science/IT related will become as necessary as doctors in the future. Automation replaces people, and who is going to create and maintain the automation?[/QUOTE] What is CNAS? I've been interested in pursuing IT but the closest my local community college offers is a Computer Science degree (and I feel that's not very close either). They also offer a "Network Technology" degree but it's a Applied Associates of Sciences apposed to the Computer Science being just an Associates of Science. Another question, not particularly asking Revenge, but could someone explain the difference between an A.A.S and an A.S. degree?

[QUOTE=Exigent;50179361]Another question, not particularly asking Revenge, but could someone explain the difference between an A.A.S and an A.S. degree?[/QUOTE] As far as I can tell, an AS is very general and more geared towards transferring to a 4 year college, and an AAS is very specialized, in the two years you really only take the classes to learn the shit you need to work in that particular industry straight out of your associates

[QUOTE=Exigent;50179361]What is CNAS? I've been interested in pursuing IT but the closest my local community college offers is a Computer Science degree (and I feel that's not very close either). They also offer a "Network Technology" degree but it's a Applied Associates of Sciences apposed to the Computer Science being just an Associates of Science. Another question, not particularly asking Revenge, but could someone explain the difference between an A.A.S and an A.S. degree?[/QUOTE] CNAS is computer network administration and security. Depending on the university, I'm sure the title changes, but: [url]http://www.cs.fsu.edu/academics/graduate-programs/ms-in-computer-science/[/url] (Scroll to last one). I would stray away from settling for an AA. Most employers are pretty adamant on a bachelor's of some kind unless you have some stellar portfolio. But really, your main difference is that computer science will teach you the structure of the computer systems, you'll learn programming, operating systems, system architectures, and a few other in-depth topics. IT will focus you more on things like networking, security applied to systems and personnel, ethics (which blows), but you can still most likely get involved in some more basic level programming/database design like I did, but it is pretty standard. When applying to jobs, a CS degree will apply to pretty much any job requiring a CS [I]or[/I] IT degree. It is definitely more in-depth. The IT degree is still pretty much everywhere, as it is completely different, but unless you have a really strong portfolio, showing you know how to actually do "computer science things", you would probably not get a call back from the employer. Side note: I used to be a CS major before I changed to IT. We had a notoriously poor professor for our discrete mathematics 1 course. Speaking with other guys in the class, there were quite a few people who were in there 2 or 3 times for failing. I ended up not passing, and out of fear of getting behind, I switched to IT where math wasn't a requirement to the level CS required. So I guess my other bit of advice to everyone in college would be: Don't be afraid of failing a class and having to retake it. My school (FSU) gives the option to drop a class from your record once a year (maybe semester), and I know a few other schools do the same. Also, speak with multiple advisers about classes and whatever other questions you have if you can. One adviser might not have the newest/best advice about something, and that situation landed me doing 23 credit hours in my final semester...

[QUOTE=Revenge282;50180761]CNAS is computer network administration and security. Depending on the university, I'm sure the title changes, but: [url]http://www.cs.fsu.edu/academics/graduate-programs/ms-in-computer-science/[/url] (Scroll to last one). I would stray away from settling for an AA. Most employers are pretty adamant on a bachelor's of some kind unless you have some stellar portfolio. But really, your main difference is that computer science will teach you the structure of the computer systems, you'll learn programming, operating systems, system architectures, and a few other in-depth topics. IT will focus you more on things like networking, security applied to systems and personnel, ethics (which blows), but you can still most likely get involved in some more basic level programming/database design like I did, but it is pretty standard. When applying to jobs, a CS degree will apply to pretty much any job requiring a CS [I]or[/I] IT degree. It is definitely more in-depth. The IT degree is still pretty much everywhere, as it is completely different, but unless you have a really strong portfolio, showing you know how to actually do "computer science things", you would probably not get a call back from the employer. Side note: I used to be a CS major before I changed to IT. We had a notoriously poor professor for our discrete mathematics 1 course. Speaking with other guys in the class, there were quite a few people who were in there 2 or 3 times for failing. I ended up not passing, and out of fear of getting behind, I switched to IT where math wasn't a requirement to the level CS required. So I guess my other bit of advice to everyone in college would be: Don't be afraid of failing a class and having to retake it. My school (FSU) gives the option to drop a class from your record once a year (maybe semester), and I know a few other schools do the same. Also, speak with multiple advisers about classes and whatever other questions you have if you can. One adviser might not have the newest/best advice about something, and that situation landed me doing 23 credit hours in my final semester...[/QUOTE] So are you saying it would be a better choice to major in Computer Science?

[QUOTE=Exigent;50180804]So are you saying it would be a better choice to major in Computer Science?[/QUOTE] If you are comfortable with doing relatively intense math courses, and really getting into what a computer system is, then absolutely. If math is not your forte, then go IT. But honestly, I would recommend doing CS first, and then switching majors like I did if it becomes overwhelming. CS courses are more than enough to keep you on track with the IT major for the first couple years if SHTF. Just don't do what I did and bail after a failed class (if you do fail, I hope you don't). Give it another try, especially if your school provides the forgiveness that I mentioned previously.

[QUOTE=Revenge282;50180876]If you are comfortable with doing relatively intense math courses, and really getting into what a computer system is, then absolutely. If math is not your forte, then go IT. But honestly, I would recommend doing CS first, and then switching majors like I did if it becomes overwhelming. CS courses are more than enough to keep you on track with the IT major for the first couple years if SHTF. Just don't do what I did and bail after a failed class (if you do fail, I hope you don't). Give it another try, especially if your school provides the forgiveness that I mentioned previously.[/QUOTE] I've always been more interested in the physical side of the computer stuff. Throughout Highschool I took three years of a programming class and I also took Intro to Computer Systems where we learned all the physical components of a computer, how to build them, what all the parts did, etc and I took a Networking class and loved learning how all the networks came together and building actual networks and programming them was fun and finally I took a Digital Forensics class where we learned how to secure computers and stuff from viruses and what not. Are the aforementioned three classes more down the alley of IT opposed to CS? I also know math is definitely not my forte, I've never been good at it. [editline]22nd April 2016[/editline] I was thinking of just manning up and taking CS and I still will if that would present better oppurtinies though. But like I said I enjoyed Networking, Computer Systems and Digital Forensics and I'm sure I would've enjoyed the Security class that teacher offered if I decided to take it before I moved.

[QUOTE=Exigent;50181228]I've always been more interested in the physical side of the computer stuff. Throughout Highschool I took three years of a programming class and I also took Intro to Computer Systems where we learned all the physical components of a computer, how to build them, what all the parts did, etc and I took a Networking class and loved learning how all the networks came together and building actual networks and programming them was fun and finally I took a Digital Forensics class where we learned how to secure computers and stuff from viruses and what not. Are the aforementioned three classes more down the alley of IT opposed to CS? I also know math is definitely not my forte, I've never been good at it. [editline]22nd April 2016[/editline] I was thinking of just manning up and taking CS and I still will if that would present better oppurtinies though. But like I said I enjoyed Networking, Computer Systems and Digital Forensics and I'm sure I would've enjoyed the Security class that teacher offered if I decided to take it before I moved.[/QUOTE] If you want to do hardware, and specifically hardware/electronics, go Computer Engineering. That deals with the physical aspects. Forensics has it's own "path" but it's generally a branch off of Computer Science. Networking, routers, QoS, people skills, is all IT. You'll still get a bit of networking in CS, so don't fret if that's your worry. I would definitely tell you to do CS, no questions asked. If school is easy for you, do it. You can learn the math, it's not complicated. Our program required Calcuslus 1, Discrete Math 1, Calculus 2, Discrete Math 2, Calculus 3, and I ~think~ Physics 1 (YouTube everything you don't understand, then go to tutoring). Where are you planning on getting this degree anyways?

[QUOTE=Revenge282;50181300]If you want to do hardware, and specifically hardware/electronics, go Computer Engineering. That deals with the physical aspects. Forensics has it's own "path" but it's generally a branch off of Computer Science. Networking, routers, QoS, people skills, is all IT. You'll still get a bit of networking in CS, so don't fret if that's your worry. I would definitely tell you to do CS, no questions asked. If school is easy for you, do it. You can learn the math, it's not complicated. Our program required Calcuslus 1, Discrete Math 1, Calculus 2, Discrete Math 2, Calculus 3, and I ~think~ Physics 1 (YouTube everything you don't understand, then go to tutoring). Where are you planning on getting this degree anyways?[/QUOTE] New Jersey Institute of Technology

just gonna add that not just degree and portfolio but connections connections connections. my brother got an IT degree at a community college a few years ago. now he's working as a developer for a local company that's about to receive a multi-milion dollar contract from a huge company. dunno if i can say more. he got that job because the owner of the company knew him and his skillset and accomplishments at his old job, so he asked my brother if he wanted to work for him. he didn't even have to send in his resume or application or anything.

[QUOTE=elitehakor;50181320]just gonna add that not just degree and portfolio but [B]connections connections connections[/B]. my brother got an IT degree at a community college a few years ago. now he's working as a developer for a local company that's about to receive a multi-milion dollar contract from a huge company. dunno if i can say more. he got that job because the owner of the company knew him and his skillset and accomplishments at his old job, so he asked my brother if he wanted to work for him. he didn't even have to send in his resume or application or anything.[/QUOTE] I was friends with every professor I had (except one). They are amazingly helpful people, especially when one is a dean. That same guy is also the outreach connection for almost every employer and group in the college. My database teacher and I would go to the range and shoot on weekends every now and then after we got to know each other, and it turns out his best friend is the hiring manager for General Motors, who visits the school all the time. My network security professor is connected to a few government agencies that request talent from her. Suffice to say, I had more than enough opportunities during my last semester to get a job. But I also had an amazing portfolio, despite never holding a job in the field. There's a saying that goes "It's not what you know, it's who you know". It is so true. I'll leave that at that though. Job interviews/hiring is another question all together.

[QUOTE=Exigent;50181313]New Jersey Institute of Technology[/QUOTE] NJIT student here. I'm majoring in mechanical engineering, though I had looked into changing to CS so I know a little bit. IIRC for CS you'll have to take Calc 1, Calc 2, and Probability/Statistics and you get to choose 2 courses from; Calc 3 (easy, it's mostly just derivatives), Differential Equations (taking it now, it sucks, new math coordinator makes really tough exams), or linear algebra (matrices and stuff I think). You'll also have to take physics 1 and 2. I'm not sure about IT but I know the math is easier. If you have any questions about NJIT feel free to shoot me a PM or something.

Tomorrow I'm going to be signing the lease for my very first apartment. I'm both excited and terrified. The apartment itself is really nice and it's inclusive of everything; including internet, cable, and in-unit private laundry. I'm just really unsure of what it's going to be like being out on my own for the first time. All through College I still lived at home because I was close enough to take the bus to school.

Here's a youtube channel I've found to have some pretty damn good advice. [url]https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLhuVUeaOfQLRctfj4OiahQ/videos[/url] It does have a lot of examples from the IT world but they work in the other parts of life as well or non IT world business.

I've pretty much hit a wall. I need to make more money than I do. I work a full time job so I can't really work any extra on the side, but it looks like I'm going to have to just to make ends meet but apparently the insurance council of BC doesn't want it's agents doing that. But i'll be homeless by fucking september if I don't do that so I'm just at a wall and really have no idea what to do. I left the film industry because the toll it took on my personal life, and more importantly, the toll it took on my body. The money was great, the people were generally terrible, and the work destroyed several parts of my body however, I'm facing down the barrel of homelessness and destitution so I feel like I'll have to work 5 days a week doing the insurance job, and work weekends in the film industry just to make ends meet. I don't feel like that'll be worth it just due to the toll it'll take on me physically and emotionally but what the fuck am I supposed to do. I went to school and learned all this shit, and a fucking starbucks barrista makes more than I do at starting wages. I've always valued myself on my ability to work hard. I've always worked hard. But now, with my job being salaried and my wages having effectively been reduced since I started at this company, I'm on my emotional edge of being able to deal with this as well as the financial edge. I'm fucked if I don't get another job or if I don't get a raise(which I won't for at least another month). I can't even explain how fucking crushing it is to have studied and worked my ass off for the last few months to get into this job. Then I find out the starting wages of a barrista here are 14.75 and up to 17.50 by 3 months in. I don't make what a fucking barista makes, and I've gone to school for it. I feel taken advantage of.

Cant wait to see these private pensions schemes / 401K in america collapse, privately invested with limited insurance if any government backing at all, it will be truly chaos. Anyone that says they will offer free money towards the pot and believes it is insane. UK kids, you watch the state pension disappear in a few decades time on the basis of oh we've allowed your companies who you've worked for to match your investment on the basis of tax relief. Heck fk me you watch in the future when the government close it as an easy target to raise funds its probably costing them Billions in lost National Insurance.

[QUOTE=HumanAbyss;50195245]I feel taken advantage of.[/QUOTE] What I'd do in that situation is see if something can be worked out with the employer. If that's not possible the only other things I can think of are get a second job, downsize, or find another full time that job that can cover the bills. Income assistance or workBC may be able to help you out as well.

[QUOTE=HumanAbyss;50195245]I've pretty much hit a wall. I need to make more money than I do. I work a full time job so I can't really work any extra on the side, but it looks like I'm going to have to just to make ends meet but apparently the insurance council of BC doesn't want it's agents doing that. But i'll be homeless by fucking september if I don't do that so I'm just at a wall and really have no idea what to do. I left the film industry because the toll it took on my personal life, and more importantly, the toll it took on my body. The money was great, the people were generally terrible, and the work destroyed several parts of my body however, I'm facing down the barrel of homelessness and destitution so I feel like I'll have to work 5 days a week doing the insurance job, and work weekends in the film industry just to make ends meet. I don't feel like that'll be worth it just due to the toll it'll take on me physically and emotionally but what the fuck am I supposed to do. I went to school and learned all this shit, and a fucking starbucks barrista makes more than I do at starting wages. I've always valued myself on my ability to work hard. I've always worked hard. But now, with my job being salaried and my wages having effectively been reduced since I started at this company, I'm on my emotional edge of being able to deal with this as well as the financial edge. I'm fucked if I don't get another job or if I don't get a raise(which I won't for at least another month). I can't even explain how fucking crushing it is to have studied and worked my ass off for the last few months to get into this job. Then I find out the starting wages of a barrista here are 14.75 and up to 17.50 by 3 months in. I don't make what a fucking barista makes, and I've gone to school for it. I feel taken advantage of.[/QUOTE] can i ask what you did in the film industry?

Where's a good place to find healthy, easy-to-make dinners and lunches?

[QUOTE=Pelf;50208331]Where's a good place to find healthy, easy-to-make dinners and lunches?[/QUOTE] [url]www.allrecipes.com[/url] has about everything you need for cooking. [url]https://www.myfitnesspal.com/[/url] generally does a good job of showing new meal ideas. As well as just making sure you keep on track if you are trying to stick to a dietary program.

myfitnesspal is great and really helped me keep control of my eating and start getting back in shape.

I'm scared.

[QUOTE=The bird Man;50212568]I'm scared.[/QUOTE] I see you're adulting. How is it going?

My god, this move has been draining! I had to paint most of the interior, sand down and reseal all the hardwood floors, and we've completely gutted the bathroom. Tub is replaced already, but the new tub is a little shorter so we need to modify the old plastic shower walls. We've taken out the sink, vanity, and mirror, chipped off all the old wall tile, and are about to pull up the old floor laminate. Then we have to replace part of the subfloor (there's a sizeable hole -- we can see into the basement!), replace a few sections of drywall, remud and sand all the walls, paint, lay down the new floor, and install the new sink, mirror, vanity, and town racks. And that's just the big stuff. I've got a list of minor repairs and updates as long as my arm. It is so much dang work! Pretty satisfying, though.

[QUOTE=Revenge282;50213258]I see you're adulting. How is it going?[/QUOTE] Already adulted. It's just all my diagnoses that makes work real difficult, and it terrifies me (so half adulted then).