After being unemployed for six months, I started a new job on Monday.  I have a 3-month contract-to-perm position at Bag Borrow or Steal.  The company rents out handbags and jewelry to the fashionable who don't want to be stuck with a bunch of out-of-date bags or don't have the money for full-price.  So far I'm really enjoying myself.  I'm the only QA person and I have a lot of work to do.  There are some big projects coming down the pike.

This is my first time working as an independent contractor rather than through an agency that takes care of my taxes.  I talked to our family accountant before I took the job to find out how much I should charge to cover all the taxes and still end up with the same take home pay.  I have to put 37% of whatever I make into a savings account and then file quarterly with the IRS.  I went into my credit union today and had them add a savings account called "Taxes" so I can keep track of it all.

Please keep your fingers crossed that this works out for me.