If I didn't have bad luck, I'd have no luck at all!

[ragingfish]

To think that, before I even had a chance to fix the damage from being keyed, the G6 is BACK in the shop. And sadly, she was towed in: The story: went to Boston for the weekend. Came back early Monday morning. Had to work Monday night. Closing shifts. LOVE them (note intense sarcasm). Got out early for once, started heading home. Was about to take the ramp from one road to another, and all of a sudden, I blacked out. Not unconcious. But I fell asleep. All I remember was my eyes being incredibly heavy, and I just saw myself driving into the curb, but in slow motion. All of a sudden, BAM!!! I'm jolted awake to realize what just happen. I hit the curb not head on, but side-swiped, moving at about 50-60 mph. The car is still moving, and I come to a stop at the light at the end of the ramp. I peek out, see no damage, figure I'm one lucky bahstard. I pull away from the light, and all of a sudden, I instantly knew I had a problem. I heard a metal scraping sound. More of a rubbing. Pulled into a parking lot, took a closer look at the wheel, realized it was more or less destroyed. The chrome layer on two spokes was ripped off, the lip was destroyed, and part of the sidewall of the tire was torn. I figured the noise I heard may have been the wheel, I thought perhaps the impact "unrounded" the wheel and it was rubbing the caliper. It was about 230 am, I wasn't in a safe area, so I drove home slowly, listening to the scraping the whole way. Got home, broke out the donut. Put it on, did a quick test drive. Noise was STILL there. Knew my problem was baaaaaaad. Went to bed. Woke up, drove to work. Noise was worse. Called the dealer, told them the story, they said "if you hit a curb that hard, and you have noises, you need to STOP driving, and get the car in here ASAP. You have serious problems." Soooo, I had no choice. I had to get her towed to the dealer. Sadly, the car didn't arrive until after service closed for the day, so I won't know until tomorrow the diagnosis and full extent of the damage. Here's a peek at the damaged wheel though:The service manager said it best: "if you didn't have bad luck you'd have no luck at all!"I expect this bill to hit the millenium mark. I know I need 1 wheel, possibly two, and then the question of what other damage has been done. The thing that stressed me the most though is the fear that lingered from having fallen asleep behind the wheel. I honestly don't attribute it to my boston trip, but rather, my horrendous job's horrendous hours. In any case, if I had experienced any warnings, I would have pulled over. So to anyone who has ever gotten drowsy behind the wheel, I implore you to heed those warnings, pull over, take a nap, and make sure you are SAFE to drive! As bad as my damage is, I'm lucky I didn't get killed. Anyway, stay tuned for the dealer's discoveries...

[djnewm]

All I gotta say is that really sucks. I used to work third and go to school full time. It was an hour communte from where I lived to where I worked and then I had about a 15 minute drive to campus. I was always goin in and out, hittin the rumble strips. Was always a scare b/c I knew I was gonna kill myself or someone if I kept at it. I don't want this vibe to meet the same demise as my first one.It's a good thing that there wasn't any serious damage, i.e yourself. Glad ur ok.

[ColonelPanic]

son of a! Damn it! Mike, what can we do to help? We need to do something to help rid you and your ride of these evil spirits!I'm so thankful that you weren't hurt, my friend! I hate to see the car beat up even further, but it can be replaced....... And yes, you're quite right about listening to those warnings, if you're tired, don't try to continue!

[tcam]

wow, that's is quite a story. I'm very glad to hear that nothing serious happened, but am scared to hear about your sudden feeling of drowsiness. I, myself, am very notorious for falling asleep whenever. I take naps daily and have fallen asleep at school on a few occasions. I'm now going take drowsiness behind the wheel very seriously. That's good advice that you gave to pull over and take a nap. I will always keep that in mind whenever I feel tired.

[scherry2]

mike, man what are we going to do with you. the service manager was right. I tell ya its your old vibe getting back at you. glad your safe though.

[Sputnik]

Wow. I'm really glad you or someone else weren't hurt!! But your pour G6! Wow. I feel really badly for you and the bad luck you seem to be stuck with. Hope the damage isn't too bad.

[joatmon]

bad luck? not at all. You had an active guardian angel on that one Mike.

[scherry2]

good thing you don't have a guardian angel like in the capital one commercial.

[slvrvibes]

Wow, luckily no one was hurt. I used to get drowsy while driving back in the college days, mine was lack of iron causing me to be tired all the time. I remember having to pull over into gas stations to snap out of it.I hope you get your G6 back soon.

[Kari]

Wow that sucks...but I'm so glad you weren't hurt. Because that would really really really suck. Maybe if you talk to someone about what happened they can try to get your hours changed? Might be a long shot, but it could be worth a try.Just remember...car parts can be replaced...but YOU, my friend, are irreplaceable!

[NascarXprt]

glad to here your ok ragin. hope nothin is that seriously damage. nothing is going right for you at all. it think sherry is right, your vibe is getting back at you.

[Mavrik]

I'm beginning to question weither or not you really pissed of some god in a previous life because... come on.Hope the costs are not to much. I know the rim won't be cheap, but there is also probably some suspension damage as well.

[AKLGT]

mike, you are extremely lucky! a few years ago, one of the people in my church was on her bike on the bike trail and got hit (and killed) by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel. i understand how long hours make you extremely fatigued (more than you know) but if you can, try and get some power naps in there, even for 15-30 mins, they will definitely help. there's only so much coffee you can drink before your body will just shut down! you need to take better care of yourself. no job is worth your health! and your insurance has to be through the roof! worse than mine and i just had my accident and 2 tickets! (however, insurance will never see those 2 if i can help it!). you do have the worst luck (aside from CP) with your cars, so just be careful!

[ToolGuy]

I am speachless... I have worked midnights once for my fist job out of college, wondered how I made it home sometimes too.

[Mase]

Very scary story. I know exactly what you're talking about. Years ago, I'd drive 3hrs to visit a girlfriend on weeknights after work. I'd usually be starting the journey home at 2am.About 2hrs into my drive one early morning I dozed off at the wheel just like you without warning. I woke up to the sound of me riding the washboard shoulder strip on the otherside of the road heading the wrong direction. I was able to carefully correct my course without damage. Luckily I was on a lonely desert road with no other cars at all. Certainly gave me an adrenaline rush that kept me awake til I got home.Another time, I zoned out and missed my freeway exit. I came out of my zone-out about 5 miles past my exit still driving straight and at the same speed. It baffles me how that happened.After that I started pulling over at gas stations and taking naps.

[Charlievibe]

Mike, like everyone else, glad to hear you are okay. I am so sorry to hear about your car.I did something very similar to this in high school. I hit/sideswiped a curb moving about 50mph and did a crudload of damage to my car. As I recall, by the time everything was said and done, I had a new wheel, new whatever that is that the wheel attaches to (I am pulling a blank today), new shock (I managed to bend it, go figure), new part that attached to the steering column and some other stuff. In 1989, because my mom knew the owner of the dealership, I got everything at cost and paid no labor. I still remember the exact bill, it was $389. I worked a long time paying my mom back that $$$.I hope your repairs are not too bad. But be very careful about the fatigue. Thank goodness you didn't kill yourself or anyone else.

[BlueCrush]

Sorry to hear, Mike. You have the worst luck. I fell asleep at the wheel about 20 yrs ago on the freeway. I woke up just as I started to go off the shoulder and was able to get back on in time before coming up to a bridge. I drove the rest of the way home with all the windows down and the stereo cranked in the month of November when it was about 30°F outside. I stayed awake the rest of the way.Good Luck, I hope you get her back soon. Think only positive thoughts from now on.

[Jahntassa]

I've said it before, and shall say it again...GET THE HELL OUT OF NEW JERSEYIt's cursed. I'm telling you.I've had moments like that when i've made my NJ / GA treks, where you just completely zone out and then afterwards are like 'AH CRAP!' and wake up with adrenaline and everything.However, I don't recall that happening on any ramps..that's kinda scary..Lets hope there isn't much completely busted in there..

[Mavrik]

I've had some difficulty in the past with falling asleep at the wheel. I would even roll down the windows and stick my head out lol

[jwalcik]

oh man. glad to hear you walked away from it, because that's some scary stuff. after a lot of driving like that though, you've got to remember coffee can only make up for so much missed sleep.

[ArcsVibe]

Jesus Mike!! I am glad you are ok...man what is it with you and cars???You know what? Who cares about the car! What is important is that you are ok and that no one else got hurt...now maybe its time to change jobs?Trust me Mike I know changing jobs isn't easy. I am leaving my job of 8 years to start a new one....bonne chance mon ami!

[ragingfish]

Ladies and gentleman, the damage estimates are in.Stopped by the dealer today, and here's what they said.The following parts need replacement:* wheel (DUH!)* tire (DUH!)* strut* hub and bearing* steering knuckleThey also need to perform a 4-wheel alignment at that time, at which point they said they *hope* no more damage becomes evident, but the possibility always exists.Initial estimates put the repair cost just under $2000...let's pray they don't find anything else. *sob*Where am I gonna find $2000....

[ColonelPanic]

Oh man! *sobbing right along wit'cha!* I'm so, so, sorry, Mike! Is there anything we can do to help? Seriously...

[kostby]

So $orry to hear. Can you (read that "Do you want to") report it on your insurance? It WAS a single-vehicle accident. Obviously, even a $1000 deductible would cut your out-of-pocket expense in half.Cruel fact of modern life in the most prosperous country on the planet --> Most of us still live paycheck to paycheck. Just one large unexpected expense, and we're in a world of hurt.

[AKLGT]

holy crap man. i'm so sorry. but yes, i know what those rough estimates are. they told me about $3800 for my front end damage that ended up being $4500... with having so many accidents so recently, are you going to claim this on your insurance?

[ColonelPanic]

Tough choice... Can't win either way, that's a lot of dough to come up with at once. Or, turning it in to the insurance will cause you to be nickel and dimed to death over a long period of time.Good luck, Mike.

[AKLGT]

or have them drop you if you have too many claims.

[ragingfish]

I'm pleased to say the actual bill came in UNDER the original estimate...but it still hurts...The total repair cost is highlighted...

Attached files

[AKLGT]

lucky lucky! think of it this way, it's like a 25% discount on the work! lol that's not near as bad as what i'd have expected.

[Jahntassa]

Nice that you got really cheap labor on it. I've spent over $1100 on getting my clutches replaced..

[ragingfish]

Thanks for the concern all, it's nice to feel loved.I should clarify that when this happened, I did not feel any more tired then I normally would after a closing shift at work. When I fell asleep, it really did hit me out of nowhere. I never saw it coming.In any case, after this incident, I sat down with my boss and, once again, pleaded my case to be transferred to a store closer to home. My current commute is an hour or more. There are two stores that are within 20 minutes or less of my house. Seems wrong, no? In any case, she agreed, that this definitely should help my argument, and we have put in an official request for a transfer with my regional manager.Here's hoping *crosses fingers*

[Kari]

*crosses fingers along with you*I sure hope this helps your case and you can get transferred...that's total crap that they put you so far away from home anyway... Hopefully now the regional manager will listen!

[joatmon]

Good luck mike (rageesix), glad you've got it back on the road again.If I went to my boss with a story like that he'd cut my pay for "not being a team player" or some such bs. Hope your boss is an actual human.

[AKLGT]

good luck! i hope all goes well, for your safety and everyone elses. no reason why you shouldn't be able to get a position a little closer, especially the hours you have to put in.

[ragingfish]

Update:My request for a transfer wasn't exactly denied...but the company has decided to try to pull a fast one on me in the hopes I don't notice. They gave me a promotion...rather, a technical title change. More responsibility, more work...but NO increase in salary. They said they would get me to a store closer to home...but it could take months.Well, Tuesday night, after having been fed up with everything, I called my GM and gave her my resignation. Since she knew I was taking the next three days off to do mini projects around the house with my parents, she urged me to take the time, consider my decision, and I will tell her officially my choice on Saturday.Sadly, I don't see any other way around it. I've been asking to be close to home for a year now, and keep getting BS'ed by this group. The money isn't PHENOMENAL, but it is decent considering I'm a 2-time college dropout with no degree, and no certifications. I'm looking around, and there really AREN'T any jobs out there I qualify for...granted, I haven't looked TOO hard. But I sit here wondering, is it REALLY worth it to stay at a job that I'm flat out miserable at? I dunno...Stay tuned for the final verdict...

[Kari]

I think that thinking it over is good, but I sure don't want to see you be miserable, and I know you don't want to be miserable either. IMHO, no amount of money is worth being miserable, even if it's millions of dollars a year, because money really can't make up for feeling dissatisfied with your work.Follow your heart...do whatever you think is best for you as a person, and definitely let your mental health come first.

[Mavrik]

its a tough choice and I've been there myself in regards to staying at a job I hate because at least its a job and it pays. But you gotta do what makes you happy. Try and find another job, seriously look for one you know you will enjoy. Your not doing yourself any favours being unhappy.

[jimincalif]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »Sadly, I don't see any other way around it. I've been asking to be close to home for a year now, and keep getting BS'ed by this group. The money isn't PHENOMENAL, but it is decent considering I'm a 2-time college dropout with no degree, and no certifications. I'm looking around, and there really AREN'T any jobs out there I qualify for...granted, I haven't looked TOO hard. But I sit here wondering, is it REALLY worth it to stay at a job that I'm flat out miserable at? I dunno...Well, consider this an opportunity. Best thing that ever happened in my career was getting laid off. Led to a new position where I met my future business partner, we started our own business just a year and a half later, now over 22 years.First things first, taking time to reconsider is good. Most important however, is looking for something you WANT to do. If this means quitting and trying something different, or if you can explore other careers while working at your current job. Obviously you want to keep a current income, but it sounds like you are too young to just spin your wheels at something you don't like until one day you find yourself too old, too in debt, too whatever to make a change.Lots of people don't finish college, it is not for everyone. But you have nature skills, talents, passion etc. What are you doing when you are happiest, when time just flies? What gives you a sense of accomplishment and fullfillment? Are you the creative type? A people person? Take some time to reflect on yourself. Think outside the box.Be optimistic, be excited, there are opportunities everywhere, you have to find or create yours. Good luck.

[drunkenmaxx]

i hate to say it, but i hate my job, but haven't lived with my mom for over 3 years now.

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by Kari »I think that thinking it over is good, but I sure don't want to see you be miserable, and I know you don't want to be miserable either. IMHO, no amount of money is worth being miserable, even if it's millions of dollars a year, because money really can't make up for feeling dissatisfied with your work.Follow your heart...do whatever you think is best for you as a person, and definitely let your mental health come first. +10,000!hey, it's tough! i've been there. and i can say that even now (phil will attest to this), i question my current job. it's a lot of hours, a lot time, stress, pressure, etc for the little bit of money i make. it's decent enough, but if i were to figure out how much time and stress i have to deal with to get it, i have to wonder if it's even worth it. i stay because i enjoy what i do (maybe not the company i work for) but i really like our GM here and want to do my best to support him. if you are that unhappy, no amount of money is worth it. obviously, this is affecting your health and well being. start looking for a new job, seriously.

[Jahntassa]

The problem is whether or not he should, RIGHT NOW, resign from his current job. Obviously it's up to him.If you decide to stay, Mike, pretty much assume they're going to mess with you more than before. You HAVE to start shopping around now. It doesn't sound like they're so cool that they'll want you as a major asset anymore.But, the problem is if you just up and leave, you have no guarantee that you'll have a new job immediately, or anytime in the near future. You have to deal with that as it comes. You may be completely broke for several months. I know you're at home, but I also know you have liabilities you have to take care of.Without something directly lined up, you may have to just start searching hard for a new job, and just leave the old one when it comes time, just to keep the income..I do agree though, if you're killing yourself, especially at this point in life, you have to move on now.

[AKLGT]

yes, i don't recommend quitting without having something else in place first. however, do expect them not to give you any favors. i was lucky at my last job that they did FEEL i was an assett to them and we renogotiated my position there. however, if i were to do that now, i'd be shown the door. take care of yourself first, make sure you are all set before making any big life changing decisions. if they do lay you off, well... you can collect unemployment which is better than no income!

[BigMac]

You will, without a doubt, find a new job faster if you quit now. There's no better motivation to find work than having no paycheck.That being said, if you can't afford that, then you really don't have a choice in front of you.Good luck.