Recently changed to a new job a few months ago, working at the county jail. So far so good. I like my bosses and coworkers just fine, and while the pay isn't great, the benefits are pretty good. Dealing with some of the inmates can be a challenge, but overall, I've done worse and for less.
Still trying to be frugal at heart, and I think I've been reasonably good so far. I still have a lot of space to cover, so I am hoping to have a good year this year.
I am planning to switch over to all index stock and bond funds this year. Lowest expenses possible, and just let it cruise. I'm basically done with stock picking. Even if I still have the interest, it's been difficult keeping up with the work schedule to do the required homework for it.
Work's retirement program is... "interesting" to put it politely. They don't match contributions, but instead, they will mandatorily take out 5% of your pay and contribute it for you. Though some tout this as a benefit somehow, for me, it is not. Far from me being critical though, it just goes to show how few people here save for retirement that they would resort to such a tactic.
As for me, since they are not matching and already making me contribute, and considering the lowish tax bracket that I am in, I've decided to max contribute my own Roth instead, as well as increase my emergency fund. However, I have also set up a little bit of HSA for annual healthcare expenses.
As for dealing with the inmates, it's very interesting to say the least. Here, you have all kinds of people who have probably made mistakes, though some are trying very hard to find redemption. And then there are the few you have watch out for, and make sure they never get the chance to blind side you.
Jorb
February 22nd, 2014 at 06:07 am
February 22nd, 2014 at 08:40 am 1393058454
I would agree that enforcing a mandatory 5% employee contribution is not exactly a benefit.
February 22nd, 2014 at 11:50 am 1393069820
It's the county jail. It is not technically a prison, though functionally speaking, they are about the same.
As for background, you don't really need one. Just a GED is enough... and with enough kahones to be willing to be locked in a room, by yourself, with these guys while basically telling them what to do....
Funny thing is, I do have a bachelors degree (in Criminology), and I don't necessarily have an alpha personality, but life is funny sometimes. I also don't mind it, and for a variety of other reasons, I actually like the job so far?
February 22nd, 2014 at 02:24 pm 1393079099
I cling to the hope that those funds are managed well.......but given the "out-of--my-hands' situation, I wholly embrace putting as much as I'm able to in other retirement funds!
Along with the usual types of retirement accounts, I too am funding our HSA with the idea of preserving funds for our senior years, while still having them available for emergencies now. Win-win in my eyes!!
February 22nd, 2014 at 02:27 pm 1393079254
It's such a different job place than I'm accustomed to, so just curious. Maybe you could write a book about it later.
February 22nd, 2014 at 03:11 pm 1393081863
However, let's say you've gone to court and have been found guilty, and is sentenced to serve out your time behind bars. Then, you would be transferred from the jail to a prison facility.
In other words, a jail is more of a transitional holding facility, but a prison is meant for permanent holding. Both may serve the same function and perhaps even be designed the same way. However, they are meant for different purposes.
As for being armed, no we are not allowed any weapons except for pepper spray. Because, in the event of a riot, 50 guys will overpower just one of you, no matter how good of a fighter you are. As such, no weapons are allowed... except for pepper spray.
As for offenses, they run the gamut, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. Anything and everything that the law requires someone to be arrested and housed is first placed into the jail.
Hope that answers your questions there.
February 22nd, 2014 at 07:12 pm 1393096332
I continued to go and found that, overall, the men were polite, fairly quiet and seemed happy for the opportunity to visit. I was actually more nervous in the women's facility - far more tough, demanding and outspoken about what we didn't have for them. The officer always stayed near my desk at the women's, and would keep the women 'moving' through the room (did not contribute in any way to my calm.)
Keep safe, Tabs! Pepper spray and a good pair of running shoes
February 23rd, 2014 at 02:36 am 1393122966
Also, they are chill because they know if they get on each other's nerves, they will fight it out, and only to end up probably getting pepper sprayed as well. So they would rather avoid that. This includes having to deal with the officers here as well.
That isn't to say things don't happen. They do, but comparatively speaking, I have been told that female inmates are much nastier. I can not say first hand because us men are not allowed to even say hi to them in passing. Only female officers deal with them (and men as well), and they say the women are much more demanding and nastier.
As for running, haha. I am locked in with them as I type this. There is no place for me to run. But no worries. I don't mind really, and I will do my best to stay safe.