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Mandy B
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Dennis Black
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Charlamagne Tha God
Peace to the planet. I go by the name of Charlamagne Tha God. And guess what? I can't wait to see y'all at the third annual Black Effect Podcast Festival.
Mandy B
That's right.
Charlamagne Tha God
We're coming Back to Atlanta, Georgia, Saturday, April 26th at Pullman Yards. And it's hosted by none other than Decisions Decisions. Mandy B and Weezy. Okay, we got the R and B Money podcast with Tink and J. Valentine. We got the Woman Evolved podcast with Sarah, Jake Roberts. We got Good Mom's Bad Choices. Carrie Champion will be there with Her Neck in Sports podcast and the Trap Nerds podcast with more to be announced. And of course, it's bigger than podcast. We're bringing the Black Effect Marketplace with black owned businesses plus the food Truck court to keep you fed while you visit us all right, listen, you don't want to miss the this tap in and grab your tickets now@blackffect.com podcast festival.
Mandy B
If you would like to have us answer your questions. If you have a terrible job, a terrible boyfriend, or a terrible thruffle, guess what? You've got decisions. Hey, y'all. Welcome to another you got decisions, and I'm here to help you make them. It's your girl, Mandy B. And I'm here with Edin Martinez.
Weezy
I mean, you did it. You. You did a full enunciation. I like that.
Mandy B
I did. I did it again.
Weezy
It was funny. Edine is how they would call me in Spanish.
Mandy B
You know, it's because I'm getting good with my accento.
Weezy
Okay, From North Carolina.
Mandy B
Before we get started with our you got decisions, I want to let you know if you haven't yet, to be sure to pre order our book, no Dual Manifesto of Sexual Exploration and power. It is available for pre order. Make sure you support your local black owned, woman owned, queer owned bookstores, but it's also available on Amazon. So go ahead and get that now and I guess we'll get started. Y'all, I got away from the sex a little bit. Y'all was. I'll talk to y'all on a regular episode.
Weezy
They be too horny.
Mandy B
They not even getting on my nerves. They be getting on my nerves, like, wanting to know all the sex stuff with me and my boo and shit. I'm like, you know what? Let me get away from that. Let's get into some real tea in the real world. Okay, so. Okay, we're not gonna do that one. Uh, oh, okay. We'll start with the corporate America. That's what we'll do.
Weezy
Let's do it.
Mandy B
That's what we'll do for this week. So for all of my corporate baddies, hopefully we can give you a little bit of advice here too. Hey, Mandy and Weezy not here. I need some help with a decision because I've heard y'all stories about leaving the corporate world to do what you do. I've been in the same business for seven years. It's contracted work. It's what I went to school for. Was starting to make decent money and thought was my dream since I was a teen. Fast forward to a few weeks ago. My boss blindsided me and decided to not renew my contract. They told me only a few days before it was up, leaving me with only two months severance pay. Ooh, that sucks, Ms. Economy. It was devastating, but fuck that bitch. Anyway, I just renewed my home's rental contract. So it really means I only have a few weeks to find a job before the money runs out. I've been trying 60 plus applications but the job market is ass right now and I've had no luck thus far. I've been thinking about what's next for me. Since I have the background and skills. I would love to dive into the world of entertainment, podcasting, hosting, et cetera. However, I also need now money to pay the bills. If this were you, how would you transition? Do I break the rental contract, suffer the financial consequences and move back in with my parents in my 30s and start over big? Do I find a short term job first to pay the bills while simultaneously building my new career? Or do I stay in the same industry that rejected me a little longer until I get back on my feet then decide from there. Thanks.
Weezy
I sincerely do like all three options. I hate the going back to your parents one more than the other two.
Mandy B
Well, me too because it's not only the months of rent, the one month of rent, but it's whatever to break your lease. Yeah, here's the thing. I know how hard the job market is currently. I have a lot of friends that are constantly looking same. I think it's also this weird place right now where because AI is reading resumes, the advice that my friends are getting is to literally tailor. There are resumes for each job application.
Weezy
That's actually a lot of people I know are doing the same thing.
Mandy B
Who the fuck has the time to do that?
Weezy
It's tough.
Mandy B
It is tough. I will say I will never ever. So where you said you kind of like all three. I would actually never recommend anybody to leave getting a check to explore entrepreneurialship in a drought right now. There's a drought. Like she's like bro, I only have two months of severance pay which means there's no savings. Like before I quit my corporate job, I had savings, I got new furniture, I paid off my credit card bills cause Sallie Mae ain't seeing me hun. But I did those things that would make me feel comfortable to dive into entrepreneurship. So that wouldn't be my suggestion, honestly.
Weezy
I get that.
Mandy B
And let's be very clear, anyone listening who wants to dive into entertainment, quote unquote, podcasting, any of it. It costs money, a lot of money. And it takes a while to make money.
Weezy
A lot of money. Like a lot of money. Because it's not even just like dollar bills but money. Even in terms of time, it's like it costs a lot of Time, Yes. One big thing for me. And to even piggyback on the whole, like, entrepreneurship, you know, I have a lot of people who do constantly ask me, hey, like, what's a good side hustle to get on to really make things happen? I'm like, well, what's the skill? What's her skillset? That's kind of a big thing for me. It's like, what is your skillset?
Mandy B
Good question.
Weezy
Because then now, can you really use that to monetize? Because anybody. Yes, you could go do DoorDash or XYZ, but realistically, the flow of that is not as gonna be as big as whatever severance you have and whatever you were making before. Now. One big thing that she did say that I thought was interesting is her diving back into the career. That kind of also mended her in a way.
Mandy B
Now, well, she had. Here's the thing. She clearly liked it. She said this is the career she wanted since she was a teen. I wouldn't let this boss or this job, like, not renewing your contract get you down on something that's your passion than what you love. First off, I do also want to say that, baby, you don't understand the privilege of having parents that you can go back. Like, it's crazy because I know we get on the Internet and people sit here and talk shit about people who gotta do. Ah, ah, ah, ah. That is actually a privilege, Huge privilege to have, first off, your parents still here, but also them having enough space in their home to take you in until you get back on your feet.
Weezy
And dealing with your ass.
Mandy B
It's a privilege in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, if you have to go back, that's what parents are doing.
Weezy
I encourage it. I encourage it, honestly. Cause it's like now, and this is like in a dire situation. That's where I'm like, yes. Now if you're just kind of like going lazy off and then you're just trying to go back. Cause you're like, ah, I'm cool. I got a safety net. Nah, fuck that.
Mandy B
I will say you brought up Uber doordash. Those are things that people can, like, do to make, but it's a lot of time. I will say it also depends on the city.
Weezy
True. Very true.
Mandy B
As to how much money they can make. Right? Yeah. This is one of those. It's tricky, but it's not tricky. I think you have to buckle the fuck down. I don't know. Also, as well, I believe if you get severance, you can still get unemployment. But I don't know, depending on what type of contract she had, if, you know, that company even paid into unemployment to allow her. Also, it was a contracted position, so I'm not sure.
Weezy
Apparently in most cases you are allowed to. She can, but it's also depending on the benefits.
Mandy B
It depends on the benefits. So I would look into any sort of assistance first. I would be open to applying as well to things outside of your industry. You have to. You're an adult. I would actually steer clear if you are in a position of survival. The last thing I would recommend anyone is to dive into something new, like hosting a podcast or, you know, starting a business from scratch or like, because what that's gonna do is take away the time.
Weezy
It'll take up a lot of time. And again, that's a lot of money, essentially.
Mandy B
A lot of money, essentially. What did you do? Like, were you corporate before you got into. No.
Weezy
You know, it's funny. Not really. I mean, I worked a couple of jobs. I was a. I was a. Run it down a. I was a bruh. I did after school teaching.
Mandy B
Okay.
Weezy
I did work at like a broadcasting network and that's really it. After that I got into podcasting and I never really stopped.
Mandy B
Okay.
Weezy
And I did a lot of freelance work. I mean, that's how I met you guys, doing like freelance photography stuff. But again, it's all in the skill set. Now if you want to maybe use your entrepreneurial skills to kind of make like a side hustle while you're doing your, like, side hustle while you're figuring things out, then I'm like, cool, okay.
Mandy B
So I'm just going to add on to that because although I don't like cheaters or liars, the only way I'm going to accept it is if you lie on that resume. So if you do have skills and things, girl, check it out. Forever 21 going bankrupt. Name some other ones that just went bankrupt. There's mad stores. Michaels.
Weezy
Michaels went bankrupt.
Mandy B
Michaels went bankrupt. Hold on. What's the little thing where the girls used to wear the little leotards and shit? American Apparel. Oh, girl. Create a resume with a whole bunch of shit that no longer exists. Ask your friends and family. They.
Weezy
That's actually a good point.
Mandy B
Oh, they don't have no one to come.
Weezy
That's a good trick. I do like that. Use. Use somebody like, don't feel like you were like, you know, regional manager.
Mandy B
Regional manager. You could put store manager.
Weezy
Manager.
Mandy B
Yeah, put things that. Route 21, I used to work there. They no longer exist.
Weezy
Dad. That's a really good use.
Mandy B
You certain? You know, and that's in retail, right? But there's also so many other companies.
Weezy
Yeah, but that still helps. That still helps a lot. Yeah, because I know too many people who try to do retail and they have no experience and they're always looking for someone with experience, bro.
Mandy B
Use them. Stores that no longer exist because they have no one to really call.
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Weezy
Know too many people, a lot of friends of mine who when it comes to these tough times of getting employment, they go on like, let's say LinkedIn, et cetera. They do their easy applies or they apply like that. But I will also very much encourage to go meet people, go to events and stuff like that. Because right now I just had someone asking me if I knew a photographer in LA and I'm like, cool, yeah, I have like three people that could recommend you and that's it. All for everybody, that they trust my word that hey, I know these people, they do good work and it works out and it's from knowing someone at the same time. If you go, go meet people, meet events, you'll make a connection. Hopefully you can find a side hustle like that. But that's so crazy. I love that resume tip. I'm so sorry, I can't forget that.
Mandy B
Like lie just a little bit, a.
Weezy
Lot, just a little bit.
Mandy B
Just a little bit, just a little bit. Like look up the skills, you know how to fold shirts. Like, I don't know. Like, I think that that's something to do. And then, oh, my God, I had another tip at the tip of my tongue. I like that you brought up the LinkedIn and.
Weezy
People throwing stuff and hoping it sticks.
Mandy B
Oh.
Weezy
But realistically, it is just like you said, it's very AI or automated. Like, people are not looking through the screen. Oh, well, they have character. No, they're just.
Mandy B
Oh, here we go. And a little backstory. So I moved to New York in 2012 from Miami. I got up here. I immediately went, of course, to bartending. So I was bartending, and when I tell you I was hustling, so I bartended.
Weezy
Bartenders be making bread.
Mandy B
Applebee's. I went all the way to Long island to this place called Giggles, which was like a comedy club.
Weezy
Why did I feel like I had no other spot?
Mandy B
I commuted from Brooklyn to Long island to bartend. Then I got into, like, the strip clubs. I used to do the Duck in Harlem. So I did all these, like, random gigs bartending. But what really got me, like, a stable check was getting into a temp agency. Okay, so there's Robert Half. There's, like, a lot of different names, and I don't know which ones are local to you because you didn't put where you live. But when I tell you temp agencies will get you in and get you jobs that can go from temporary to permanent. They go across various industries. Or a lot of times you can just be like, executive assistant, receptionist, things like that. I was a receptionist for an ad agency. I was a receptionist for a law firm. I was a receptionist and executive assistant at Ross, which, by the way, another company that just went bankrupt.
Weezy
Yeah, they did go bankrupt.
Mandy B
That's just literally the ones is another one Ross Dressed for Less. Um, but I was in their corporate office here in. In New York. And all of these.
Weezy
Oh, listen, that's the thing. It's just, like, you see, especially, like.
Mandy B
At the time, it wasn't a lot. Let's be very clear. This was 2012 to 1920.
Weezy
You had to make ends meet.
Mandy B
I had to make ends meet. And I was making anywhere from, like, 16 to $20 an hour. And, you know, taxes will bust you in your shit. But, um, there are options out here. There are options. I would also say lean into your skills, girl. If you know how to braid hair, these braiders is charging. So get. Get something.
Weezy
I mean, not that I would know.
Mandy B
You know what I mean?
Weezy
I hear that from a lot.
Mandy B
I mean, if you know how to. If you're a man and you know how to. How to do a haircut, do like. I like what you said.
Weezy
That's it. You just amount us to doing haircuts.
Mandy B
I mean, in construction.
Weezy
There you go. I like that, too. Construction, putting up TVs. Something gotta get. Yeah, I was gonna say TaskRabbit. Yeah. Something gotta get mounted.
Mandy B
Always.
Weezy
Yeah, but you don't say always. Feel me?
Mandy B
Always. So, yeah, I mean, listen, I feel for anyone currently without a job in this bro.
Weezy
This place right now brought time. This is a time we in the recession. We here.
Mandy B
No, no, no. First off, we've been in a recession.
Weezy
That's true. We've been in a recession.
Mandy B
Biden old ass just didn't wanna say it.
Weezy
True.
Mandy B
We've been here. We've been here. And so I can only wish you luck. Wish you the best. Tap into your network.
Weezy
Tap into the Hive, by the way, because I still be going on Discord every once in a while, and they do have a channel for that.
Mandy B
They have a channel for that.
Weezy
They have a channel for jobs and stuff like that.
Mandy B
Okay.
Weezy
So I don't know if you're on the Discord, but going on the Discord is one of your benefits as a Patreon member. But, yeah, that's a.
Mandy B
If you are a Patreon member, get on the Discord and go to the job section. You're right. The Hive really does be looking out.
Weezy
Yeah.
Mandy B
I mean, we've had someone reach out to us. A couple of years ago, they were high up in content development and Netflix and was like, y'all looking to do so. Yeah. Shout out to the Hive. I would say. Yeah. I'm not sure if you're a patron, and if you're listening to this and you are a Patreon member and you're in the same type of position. Yeah. Get your butt over to the Discord channel and check out that job thread.
Weezy
That's what I'm saying. Go meet people, find a community, talk about it, make it work.
Mandy B
Yeah. And I love at the end of the day. Cause if I was 26, I would have told you, girl, go get some of these niggas. But I'mma tell you, the job market is drying up, and so is these niggas. Like, they is not breaking bread. They is not tricking. They is not doing the things that.
Weezy
It's rough out there, bro.
Mandy B
It is rough for everybody. Like a shout out to the men that have to sit here and be providers in this economy. It is expensive.
Weezy
You do have to be providers.
Mandy B
You know what I mean?
Weezy
You have no choice. They don't matter.
Mandy B
Like, I ain't gonna hold you. Back in the day, it was nothing to ask a nigga to cover my little $600 rent. Baby, when a bitch's rent is fucking 2,500, it becomes a little more difficult. Like, I get it, I get it. It's crazy. These times are hard. The times are hard. Well, as y'all know, we normally leave comments. So if you're on the Patreon and you're watching this video, if you know of any temp agencies, if you know of any sites that are really up to date on what jobs and companies are hiring, please drop it in the comments below. If you are not able to watch this because you're only listening to us, make sure you go on over to the comments on our Instagram page. It's decisions, decisions. And again, this is another you've got decisions episode. Make sure you pre order, no holes barred. Help us become New York Times bestsellers. And until next Wednesday, hump day. See you later.
Unknown
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Decisions, Decisions – Episode Summary: "You've Got Decisions: Career Choices: Do I Move Back in with My Mom?"
Release Date: April 23, 2025
Welcome to another insightful episode of "Decisions, Decisions," hosted by Mandii B and WeezyWTF from The Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts. In this episode, titled "You've Got Decisions: Career Choices: Do I Move Back in with My Mom?", Mandii and Weezy tackle a pressing real-life dilemma submitted by a listener grappling with sudden career upheaval and financial uncertainty.
The episode begins with Mandii B introducing the segment "You've Got Decisions," where listeners seek guidance on significant life choices. Shortly after, she highlights their upcoming Black Effect Podcast Festival, setting an engaging and supportive tone for the conversation.
A listener reaches out with a heartfelt predicament:
"I've been in the same business for seven years. My boss blindsided me and decided not to renew my contract, leaving me with only two months severance pay. I've renewed my home's rental contract, meaning I have only a few weeks to find a job before the money runs out. I've applied to over 60 jobs without success in this tough job market. I'm considering diving into entertainment and podcasting, but I need immediate income. Should I move back with my parents, find a short-term job while building a new career, or stay in the same industry until I regain stability?"
— Listener at 03:32
Mandii and Weezy meticulously dissect each of the listener's options, weighing the pros and cons in the context of the current economic climate.
Option 1: Moving Back Home
Weezy expresses strong reservations:
"I hate the going back to your parents one more than the other two."
— Weezy at 05:31
Mandii echoes this sentiment, highlighting the financial strain and emotional challenges:
"It's a huge privilege to have parents who can take you in until you get back on your feet."
— Mandii at 08:08
Option 2: Finding a Short-Term Job
Both hosts agree that securing a temporary position is a pragmatic approach. Mandii emphasizes that entrepreneurial ventures require financial stability:
"Anybody listening who wants to dive into entertainment or podcasting, it costs a lot of money and takes time to make money."
— Mandii at 07:16
Weezy adds that leveraging existing skills can facilitate this transition:
"What's your skillset? Can you really use that to monetize?"
— Weezy at 07:43
Option 3: Staying in the Same Industry
Mandii encourages the listener not to abandon their passion:
"Let this job not renew your contract get you down on something that's your passion rather than what you love."
— Mandii at 08:08
The hosts delve into the complexities of the current job market, exacerbated by AI-driven resume screenings.
Mandii highlights the tedious nature of tailoring resumes for each application:
"There are friends who are constantly tailoring their resumes for every job application. Who the fuck has the time to do that?"
— Mandii at 06:13
Weezy concurs, noting the broader challenges faced by job seekers:
"It's rough out there, bro."
— Weezy at 19:03
Avoid Immediate Career Shifts:
Mandii advises against diving into new ventures without financial backing:
"I would never recommend anybody to leave getting a check to explore entrepreneurship in a drought right now."
— Mandii at 06:20
Leverage Temporary Employment:
Emphasizing stability, the hosts suggest seeking temporary roles through agencies:
"Temp agencies will get you jobs that can go from temporary to permanent across various industries."
— Mandii at 15:17
Utilize Networks and Community Resources:
Weezy underscores the importance of networking:
"Go meet people, go to events. You'll make a connection."
— Weezy at 13:44
Additionally, they promote their Patreon Discord community as a resource for job leads and support:
"If you're a Patreon member, get on the Discord and go to the job section. The Hive really does be looking out."
— Mandii at 18:15
Tailor Resumes Strategically:
Mandii offers creative strategies to navigate automated resume screenings:
"Use stores that no longer exist because they have no one to really call. Name some other ones that just went bankrupt."
— Mandii at 11:40
Examples include referencing defunct companies like Forever 21, American Apparel, and Michaels to bolster resume credibility.
The hosts encourage listeners to capitalize on their unique skill sets:
"If you know how to braid hair or do a haircut, get something."
— Mandii at 16:42
Weezy discusses the viability of side hustles as supplementary income streams:
"What is your skillset? Can you really use that to monetize?"
— Weezy at 07:43
Mandii reinforces the importance of utilizing skills that can generate immediate income without significant financial investment.
Mandii shares her personal journey of relocating and adapting to financial instability:
"I moved to New York in 2012 from Miami. I bartended at places like Giggles Comedy Club and eventually found stability through temp agencies."
— Mandii at 15:00
Weezy adds his experiences, highlighting the role of freelance work in his career trajectory.
As the episode wraps up, Mandii and Weezy invite listeners to engage with their community for support and resources. They encourage the pre-order of their book, "No Dual Manifesto of Sexual Exploration and Power," and urge listeners to share job leads and tips via their Instagram page or Patreon Discord channel.
Mandii concludes with a heartfelt message:
"I'll wish you the best. Tap into your network. These times are hard for everybody."
— Mandii at 17:26
Financial Stability First: Prioritize securing immediate income through temporary jobs before embarking on entrepreneurial or passion-driven careers.
Leverage Networks: Utilize personal and professional networks to uncover job opportunities that may not be advertised widely.
Strategic Resume Building: Adapt resume strategies to navigate AI-driven application processes, such as referencing defunct companies.
Utilize Community Resources: Engage with supportive communities, like podcast Discord channels, for job leads and moral support.
Capitalize on Existing Skills: Identify and monetize current skill sets to generate income quickly without significant upfront investment.
Weezy at 05:31: "I hate the going back to your parents one more than the other two."
Mandii at 07:16: "Anybody listening who wants to dive into entertainment or podcasting, it costs a lot of money and takes time to make money."
Mandii at 11:40: "Use stores that no longer exist because they have no one to really call. Name some other ones that just went bankrupt."
Weezy at 13:44: "Go meet people, go to events. You'll make a connection."
"Decisions, Decisions" continues to provide candid, relatable, and actionable advice for navigating the complexities of modern life and relationships. Whether facing career setbacks or personal dilemmas, Mandii B and WeezyWTF offer a compassionate and pragmatic approach to making informed decisions.
Tune in next week for more engaging discussions and transformative insights!