Fuck my life.

[TheMightyFavog]

After I got off work today, I took a test to try and get a full time job. This employer defines basic math proficianecy at 60 on a 100 point scale. This was not algebra. This was Middle School level arithmetic. I got a 39.1. 39.1. And I have a Bachelor's Degree. Kinda says something about our education system. So yeah, I'm fucking pissed tonight, and I have no booze.

[Justice wanted]

1. Oh My. That makes no sense. Are you sure they didn't make a mistake? Sending you good vibes

and hugs.

[TheMightyFavog]

3. No mistake.

I was always bad at math. This was a test that did not allow calculators. They had one question it was like "105 is 6.5% of what number?" I didn't know how to do it. Hell, I think I even forgot how to to long division of decimals....

[Justice wanted]

6. OH I'm so sorry.

[Boojatta]

8. Maybe you can learn right now.

Let's start with a simpler numerical example, and focus on what operation is involved when we talk about some percentage of some number.

What's 25% of 44?

If you can handle that, then we can introduce a variable, and write an equation corresponding to the problem "105 is 6.5% of what number."

[snagglepuss]

9. Please don't leave us hanging. The equation would be 6.5% x X = 105 but what comes after that?

[snagglepuss]

12. OMG I got it! 1616

Changing it to an equation helped but I wouldn't have been able to work that out under stress and without a calculator. Anything to do with math makes my brain freeze up.

[riderinthestorm]

2. Oh jeez, math scares me. I'm not even sure I'd score that high

and I have a master's degree.

Wish you lived nearby, I'd gift you beer or wine ... here's a hug instead wish I could do more

[TheMightyFavog]

4. I was thinking of taking the GRE...

But If I can't so that kind of basic math, I can pretty well much rule out getting into any grad school.

[riderinthestorm]

5. I believe there are some grad schools that don't require the GRE. Or you buy the study guide!

I know if I were taking the GRE now (I took it decades ago), I'd have to do some real homework first.

Never give up on your dreams.

[Neoma]

7. Get some GED books then.

It's great, simply because those books don't treat you like a child.

[snagglepuss]

10. I understand your pain, I too suck at math. Did the job require any math?

[rrneck]

11. I wouldnt have done that well

and I have a masters degree.

Numbers aren't the do-all and be-all to life. I don't think like a calculator and I don't mind a bit.

[The Straight Story]

13. Don't feel bad, I suck at drugs and usually fail those tests

[SoCalDemGrrl]

14. Many of us SUCK at math but have other skills. It's kind of a right brain left brain thing. So..

if math is your weakness don't sweat it. But also don't put yourself in the position of feeling defeated by applying to jobs where math proficiency is a must.

There are plenty of other gigs that don't test for math skills and plus I'm sure you'll be happier and more satisfied in one that is more creative and appeals to your personal skill set.

[laconicsax]

15. Minor point:

The right brain/left brain thing isn't as concrete as it's made out to be. While some brain functions are lateralized, the functions required for maths are bilateral.

[HopeHoops]

16. NO BOOZE! Are you INSANE?

What was the subject again?

[Doc Holliday]

17. At the risk of sounding

like the cranky old bastard that I sometimes am, I don't even own a calculator except for the one in my phone. I'm one of those geezers who will either do it in my head or with a pencil and paper. Good exercise for the brain.

I have an unproven theory that using calculators for easy math causes your brain to atrophy. I know people who will reach for a calculator to do simple stuff such as 25 X 3, or to figure a tip. Don't understand it...

I have noticed that having a handy-dandy device (my phone) to store numbers in has reduced my ability remember those numbers. My memory for numbers used to be quite remarkable-- phone numbers, SocSec numbers, license plates, etc. Not so much anymore. Some of it is age; some of it is undoubtedly mental laziness.