Where did Richie go?

[Richie]

After long disappearances from CQFF, I try to post topics explaining what's going on.  Here we go, starting back in December.  It was March when I disappeared, but it was because of things that started back in December.

November-December 2011:  Worst months of my life.  I'm not kidding.  I developed some health problems that were debilitating.  As a result, I was passed over for a promotion that I had been groomed for since November 2010 (along with it's significant raise).  Work had become quite stale anyway, and just entering the building would always cause an instant lowering of my mood.  After being passed over, every day was a struggle mentally and physically.  There are other details in regard to this that I would prefer not to share on a public forum, but take my word for it; it was much worse than it sounds.  I ended up being prescribed the maximum dose of the most powerful SSRI (antidepressant) on the market.  Honestly, I do not believe I would have made it through this month without it.  It made work tolerable, although it also stripped me of all emotional feelings.  I couldn't feel happy, sad, scared, etc.  When I laughed, it was just to fit in.  I couldn't wait to get off of it, but I knew I couldn't as long as I worked where I did.

Religious undertones:

Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.

I put in my two weeks notice, and signed up for 18 credits, and 1 non-credit class for the Winter and Spring semesters.  I knew this was what I had to do.  If I wanted to be myself again, I HAD to leave work and do what I enjoy doing most - school.  I had 7 months of unemployment ahead of me, car insurance and gas to pay for, and $2000 in the bank.  Friends, that is not nearly enough money for 7 months of unemployment.  (More on that later.)

January 2012:  What an interesting month!  It was the accelerated Winter semester, where I had registered for my non-credit Math.  Math is, by far, my weakest subject.  I had to go to school every day for a four hour math class, where I had to get done at least 1 chapter, and 1 TEST a day.  That is 6 months worth of work crammed into 4 weeks.  I couldn't have done it without my awesome professor.  He was the nastiest professor I've ever had, and on top of that he was a flaming homosexual (not that I held that against him, it just made him have extra attitude).  However, he was also one of the very few professors I have had who would sit down with you, one on one, and work with you (for hours at a time, if it took that) until you got it.  He wanted you to pass, and even though he was mean, he was one of the best.  I passed.  Words cannot describe how huge of an accomplishment this was for me.

Feburary-May 2012:  PHEW!  I am NEVER registering for 18 credits again!  That was EXHAUSTING!  Psychology, Geography, English, History, Philosophy, and Mass Communications.  I wouldn't trade these months for the world, though.  I met so many interesting people, and learned so much.  Just imagine how mid-terms and finals were with 18 credits.

June-July 2012:  I did it.  My grades: A, A, B, B, C, W (withdrew from Philosophy during mid-terms, couldn't handle it).  In addition, I went off my habit forming antidepressant that I had started back in December.  I felt as though I was finally healed enough.  To this day, I'm still not the way I was before, though.  After finals, the job search began.  My former employer would have taken me back, but that wasn't even an option for me.  I searched and searched.  Put in at over 40 places.  A month went by.  I didn't hear a peep.  My savings went dry, so I switched to credit cards.  Finally, I found out why nobody was calling me.  There is another Richie in the county who has a second degree assault charge, and it had been appearing on my background checks.  Once I sorted that out and had it removed, I got a call!  I interviewed at the library, and got the job as TOP CANDIDATE!  I was so proud.  I've come so far.  I'm still training at the job, but I really like it!

Hopefully you didn't find this too rambled.  It felt good to type it out.

[ChexCommander]

Wow, looks like the past months have been pretty rocky, but well done on the 18 credits! Your future looks a lot brighter.

[Allen Walker]

Indeed, that does sound like a rough time. But at least you got something out of it. Nice to see you again, and nice that things are starting to pick up.

[chekovrules]

So glad to hear that things are working out for you. Nice to see you again!

I wish things were looking up over here... I'm gradually turning into a complete basketcase. Or perhaps not so gradually. Either way, I've been a complete wreck for the last couple months. Sigh...

[noob1234]

Aw poor chekov :c

And Richie, sounds like you had some tough times, but I think you handled it better than most. Glad things are looking brighter, and good luck!

[Atariangamer]

Providence.

I just read this to SuperSearcher, and broke character only when I read that bit about the background check. I lost it. That's friggin outrageous.

[Richie]

Providence.

I just read this to SuperSearcher, and broke character only when I read that bit about the background check. I lost it. That's friggin outrageous.

The background check issue made me really mad.  I'm just thankful I was even able to find something.

[matthias720]

Glad you're doing better, Richie. Sounds like you've been on quite a ride. Good job on finding work at a library. No doubt it will suit your tastes as it's an academic setting (sort of). Hope you will be able to distinguish yourself, and that you are there for a long time.
As jobs go, librarian is one of those jobs that just doesn't get enough credit. It's kinda like my area of IT; people don't think about it until they need it. Good luck!

[noob1234]

Glad you're doing better, Richie. Sounds like you've been on quite a ride. Good job on finding work at a library. No doubt it will suit your tastes as it's an academic setting (sort of). Hope you will be able to distinguish yourself, and that you are there for a long time.
As jobs go, librarian is one of those jobs that just doesn't get enough credit. It's kinda like my area of IT; people don't think about it until they need it. Good luck!

My mom's a librarian! (and I also work as an aide at a library)

[xbolt]

I would love to work at a library...

Anyway, glad to see things are looking up for you, Richie!

[chekovrules]

Did you try Barnes and Noble yet, dear? That's close-ish to a library...

[Kuwabara]

The Barnes and Noble around here closed.  D:  Or was it Borders?

[Allen Walker]

I can't recall.

[Atariangamer]

Well, if it was Borders, its closed.

[LAZ Trooper]

Borders is the one that all closed. I wouldn't know anything about Barnes & Nobles' in Oklahoma though.