Today: an ER tech who makes $100,000
Occupation: emergency room technician
Age: 26
Location: Chicago, IL
Salary: 100,000 (approx. $3,846 per pay period)
Day One
I had the chance to sleep for “normal” hours after work yesterday, unlike most in my field. Today, though, I’ve got a very different project ahead. Rather than handling patients, I’m visiting the most eclectic storage units in Chicago—my own. I’m grateful for the storage unit’s air conditioning, which keeps my collection of antiques in top-notch condition. My parents passed away a few years ago and left their belongings to my younger sister and me. They’re kept in this storage facility until we can create our own storage spaces with climate control and sort through the collections one piece at a time. On the way home, I pick up a chicken sandwich with a side of mac and cheese, then get some rest in preparation for tomorrow’s workday.
Total: $22
Day Two
Today, I’m at the hospital for a twelve-hour shift. First, though, I start with breakfast and a workout. Then, I shower and head to a nearby deli for a sandwich before changing into scrubs and heading to the ER. It’s a relatively slow day, mostly spent stocking carts and changing bedding. The uneventful shift means I get to grab a sub from the cafeteria before getting back to work. Next, I check on a few patients, insert a catheter, and assist on a few transports. Otherwise, the day is sort of a rinse-and-repeat until I head home.
Total: $12
Day Three
I woke up in an uncomfortable sweat this morning, with the air conditioner suddenly out. My dad’s been an HVAC technician for decades, so I give him a call. The connection isn’t great, unfortunately, so I can’t quite make out what he says. It sounds as though he said the air conditioner wasn’t charged, which didn’t make sense until I turned to Google to ask Can an air conditioner be undercharged? As it turns out, yes. The compressor isn‘t working correctly, and the system can no longer keep the space cool. Essentially, the HVAC system doesn’t have enough refrigerant to do its job. I call a local service team who’s happy to come to fix the issue and prevent further, more serious problems from developing. Once I get off the phone, I head out for some of the Windy City’s best gyros, then take a nap before my next shift tonight.
Total: $18
Day Four
My shift began at eleven o’clock last night, then I came home around noon today. I grabbed a sandwich and a coffee early this morning, then crashed as soon as I got back. If you’ve never worked a twelve-hour shift yourself, you’d be surprised by just how tired you’ll be, no matter how rewarding the work may be. I wake up around seven, more tired than hungry, and decide to skip dinner tonight. Instead, I take to a new series on Netflix, letting my mind clear before I head to bed once again.
Total: $9
Day Five
I’m excited for a full day off today, with nothing on the docket but a whole lot of nothing. My real enthusiasm for the day comes from a generous pizzeria meal. I order a large deep dish, salad, and wings and split it between lunch and dinner as a treat. I do have to pay rent today but, otherwise, I take it easy, watching a movie while I eat and scroll through social media.
Total: $2,055
Day Six
This morning, I sit down with a new medical journal to read through some of the latest developments in our field. As I page through these recent studies, sipping on a black coffee, there’s a lot to take in. Afterward, I make and eat a few tacos for lunch, then head out for a quick grocery run. I’ll be working tomorrow, so those groceries will be pretty essential. After all, the last thing I’ll want to do is go shopping after work or run out of food when I wake up hungry.
Total: $52
Day Seven
My shift begins at seven o’clock this morning, so I grab a coffee on my way in and two much-needed refills as the day goes on. On a break, I’m lucky enough to snag a pre-made packet of chicken fingers and fries. Otherwise, it’s a pretty typical shift, helping out the attendings, helping with some tests, and otherwise prepping patients. Not much goes on during this shift, which is actually a good thing in a job like mine.
Total: $19
Total for the week: $2,187
