I wonder if people who like to do more than one or two things in their lives cheat themselves by using the term "jack of all trades". Generally their audience finishes the phrase with "master of none."
The more sports-minded sometimes use the term "utility player." Using the term assumes competence, but not star-level skill. After all, stars get a position in which they start every game, not a filler role to step into when someone is hurt or needs a night off.
Watching the last Olympics reminded me that we still honor people for doing a lot of things well -- maybe not world-record well, but certainly at a level worth watching. We call these non-specialists decathletes.
Those who win the gold receive the title of "World's Greatest Athlete" even though they do not hold a single world record in any event.
According to Wikipedia, the difference between an Olympic specialist and an all-arounder is roughly 16%, with the margin much tighter for short-distance running events such as 100m (6.58%) and 110m hurdles (4.66%.)
So when someone decides to label you as a "master of none", maybe you should ask them, "Ever wonder how far Usain Bolt can throw a discus?"
Because their problem may not need a great sprinter as much as it needs someone who can run fast AND throw an object.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Seeking a Piece of the Action
My buddy has finally cut me in for a piece of his picker action. My garage now has a few piles of car parts that I'm going to sell on ebay or craigslist. Man, picking is exhausting work (and a little dangerous.)
 |
| You never forget your first picking scar |
Saturday, July 14, 2012
A Favor For My Dad = Manual Labor Sucks
My dad and I sawed up a fallen tree for a friend of a friend today. My pants are still soaked with sweat, several hours after disrobing. We broke or otherwise made useless three chainsaws in the attempt -- which I say because we didn't quite finish.
So scratch tree-clearing from my list of potential side jobs. But it's in the "Do It If I Must" pile.
Also, learned the opening riff to "California Uber Alles"
Thursday, July 12, 2012
And Now For Something Completely Different...
A local classic car showroom posted an ad for a "Classic Car Enthusiast", so I answered it. Sometimes a yearning to change jobs seems like an indictment of the present circumstance. In this case, it was a chance to act out a "clean sheet" or "blue sky" fantasy.
Because my resume was really no good at qualifying me for the job, I sent in a "fact sheet", a short FAQ that hopefully described my motivation and possible avenues of contribution. It went thusly --
Because my resume was really no good at qualifying me for the job, I sent in a "fact sheet", a short FAQ that hopefully described my motivation and possible avenues of contribution. It went thusly --
8 Things You Probably Wish You Didn't Know About Me
What do you do now? I just achieved outplacement from AT&T. While I was there, deploying code was my thing.
What's the difference between computers and cars? Computers don't leak. But some now have liquid cooling, so that statement no longer applies.
What kind of cars do you like? Muscle cars (duh!), Opel GTs, Tri-five Chevys, 911s, Military vehicles, Full-size convertibles, Benz diesels.
Do you know anything about cars? Probably the wrong things, but I read HOT ROD and watch a bunch of shows on Speed, such as Car Crazy, My Classic Car, Two Guys Garage, Barrett-Jackson (my fantasy bid results have not been so good), Stacey David’s Gearz (the slot-car episode was the funniest car show episode ever!) and a few others whose names escape me.
Ever owned a classic car? My first car was a 1977 Trans-Am, though no one thought at the time it would become a classic.
What do you own now?
Ever owned a classic car? My first car was a 1977 Trans-Am, though no one thought at the time it would become a classic.
What do you own now?
 |
| 1979 240d (big and slow – perfect for teens) |
 |
| 1994 Jetta (yes, it has a cage) |
 |
| 1985 Blazer (Zombie Apocalypse Response Vehicle) |
 |
| 1968 GTO (aka rodent homeless shelter) |
Instead of a picture of the RAV4, I wrote, "GF borrowed for the day – but you know how they look – like a soul-sucking Japanese appliance."
Do you have a secret shame? Yes – and it sits silently in my garage awaiting resurrection.
Have you ever worked in sales? Yes – once I sold cars (Buicks and Subarus) for six weeks. Another time I sold guns wholesale (about $500K worth actually.)
(Extra) Do you have any tats? Nope. My tastes are too fickle to find a permanent home on my skin and I have no desire to look like a yakuza.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
A Witty Saying
I was thinking about SLC and the wikipedia entry that said only half of the population belongs to the LDS (Mormons.)
And I said to myself, "I should misfit right in."
And I said to myself, "I should misfit right in."
Monday, July 02, 2012
Seeking SLC
Someone from EA sent me an email about a position to which I had applied (sweet.) It's in Salt Lake City.
Adventure, ho!
Adventure, ho!
Not much else I care to talk about. Probably will have a short vacation coming to me.
Also applied for the TIG welding program at Gwinnett Tech. So far only out 20 bucks.
Also applied for the TIG welding program at Gwinnett Tech. So far only out 20 bucks.
Sunday, July 01, 2012
Seeking the Home Stretch
Effective today, I'm dropping dates. The "Captain's Log" style of presentation has gone bye-bye.
Effective tomorrow, I'm waking up earlier so I can think about my business. Whatever the hell it becomes.
Applied for two jobs on Careerbuilder.
Now it's time to go dreamin'. Gwintech has a certificate course in TIG welding that looks interesting. Might be a good way to pick up a skill I need for building cars.
Effective tomorrow, I'm waking up earlier so I can think about my business. Whatever the hell it becomes.
Applied for two jobs on Careerbuilder.
Now it's time to go dreamin'. Gwintech has a certificate course in TIG welding that looks interesting. Might be a good way to pick up a skill I need for building cars.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Seeking a Solid Lead -- 2012.06.30
Yesterday I handled about three or four calls. Putting a resume on dice.com and/or careerbuilder.com generated something. So far nothing has matched perfectly. Clients have a notorious sense of pickiness about such things -- very likely, they have someone lined up but have to satisfy HR or maybe they're making sure their favorite has a competitive compensation.
Looked for a very long time at a new header for The Kenth Degree. http://byreese.com/headers/
Today applied for a job at EA. But mostly played SWTOR.
And searched for termites.
Looked for a very long time at a new header for The Kenth Degree. http://byreese.com/headers/
Today applied for a job at EA. But mostly played SWTOR.
And searched for termites.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Seeking Competence -- 2012.06.28
Sorry, my few fans for leaving you alone for so long. I'd love to tell you how productive my job search has been but I've only applied to 4 jobs since last Friday. Maybe a couple more I didn't record. I created some more bumper stickers though (and raised my prices on them too!)
Last night I was watching a repeat of "Restaurant Impossible" -- about a sports bar in Delaware -- and one of the partners was a CPA would had not bothered to review the restaurant's books! I'd never try to run a restaurant, but if I did, it would be a little more hands-on than that.
A recruiter from a previous employer contacted me about a job. I went to his website and found a salary survey. I passed the survey around to my co-workers.
Man, it feels good to be a gangster.
Last night I was watching a repeat of "Restaurant Impossible" -- about a sports bar in Delaware -- and one of the partners was a CPA would had not bothered to review the restaurant's books! I'd never try to run a restaurant, but if I did, it would be a little more hands-on than that.
A recruiter from a previous employer contacted me about a job. I went to his website and found a salary survey. I passed the survey around to my co-workers.
Man, it feels good to be a gangster.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Seeking Confidence -- 2012.06.22
I applied for a couple of jobs but with a twist -- I actually wrote cover letters.
Here's a sample -- just remember -- I'm confident, you're cocky, he's arrogant.
And Always Be Closing...
Here's a sample -- just remember -- I'm confident, you're cocky, he's arrogant.
And Always Be Closing...
Thank you for your consideration. I have been practicing configuration management for eight years, mostly in a Java / Unix environment.
During that time, I have brought order to chaotic situations. My mastery of configuration / source control tools extends to CVS, CA Harvest, and Subversion. Hire me and I will master MKS also.
Beyond acting as an code librarian, I also trained users, designed the change workflow, deployed releases to various environments, installed plug-ins to IDEs, and troubleshot problems that rushed developers inevitably create -- they're smart, but don't always understand merging code without practice. I understand branching and merging. Hire me and your team will understand them before I'm through if they don't already.
You may already have a candidate in mind, which is not unusual in IT, especially when dealing with a high-end platform such as MKS. But if you don't, then let's talk. And then hire me.
PS -- I also manage to save people money from time to time. Please see the "Accomplishments" section on my resume.
Seeking Bob -- 2012.06.21
Finally, finally, found the time to read some the Church of the SubGenius. Could have used this ten years ago...
Once again, last night, I found myself reacting harshly to lengthy job application guantlets. So I wrote up a set of questions for hiring managers. I will send it to any job listing that demands an extraordinary amount of data from me before considering me for their "competitively compensated" "position".
---
Application for Hiring Managers
I hope this application finds you well. You’re probably quite busy sorting through a stack of resumes looking for someone qualified and likeable. If it’s any consolation, a typical candidate reviews several hundred job postings before deciding to apply to a single one – unless they’re truly desperate.
Based on decades of personal experience, research, and listening to others, I’ve discovered a gap in the hiring process that this application should bridge. By now, your company knows quite a bit about me – name, address, phone number, work history, education background, credit score, maybe blood type. But I know very little about you.
Sure, I know your company or at least what your company wants me to know through your website. But what about you, the hiring manager -- what do you look for in a candidate?
Instead of waiting for the interview stage to determine if we can engage in a mutually beneficial exchange, we can save considerable time and effort if you will answer the following questions.
Please complete all questions – skipping questions leaves open the possibility that you’re hiding something.
1) The perfect candidate fits the following general profile:
a. Smart, ambitious, and hard-working – but not too smart or ambitious.
b. Compliant and focused on the task at hand – except when creativity and divergent thinking are needed, as determined by me.
c. Is bright, creative, iconoclastic, and productive – until they threaten my position and I have to fire them.
d. Is a total slacker – they are the bricks in the wall of my empire.
2) The perfect candidate has the following level of life experience:
a. Will believe anything, including the possibility of a bright future with my company.
b. Has been burned a few times by previous employers, is older and wiser, but still has hope.
c. Is a total burnout, whose hopes and dreams have been crushed beyond recognition.
d. Has a level of cynicism and political skill that would scare Josef Stalin.
3) The perfect candidate has the following level of experience relative to the job requirements:
a. Invented every technology upon which the job is based.
b. Has every listed skill and can execute them better than the previous candidate.
c. Has every listed skill and is willing to work for less than the previous candidate.
d. Does not have every listed skill but might be related to someone up my chain of command.
e. Does not have every listed skill but might be good in the sack.
4) If you answered either “a” or “b” to Question 3, why do you feel a candidate would accept a lateral transfer?
a. I answered “a”, “b” or “c” to Question 2.
b. They also lost their previous job.
5) Our vetting process finds the perfect candidate using the following techniques:
a. Voice stress analysis to determine truthfulness and level of enthusiasm.
b. A multi-phase process using “star chamber” gang interviews to break the candidate’s resolve and get a lower salary request.
c. Candidate must join hotornot.com – we let the internet decide.
d. Submission of blood, urine, hair, and stool samples. We also demand your Facebook password.
e. We Google your name.
f. Brain teasers – because Friday was the horse’s name, you stupid twit!
6) Our compensation package and work environment competes well with the following:
a. China.
b. India.
c. Prison.
d. A cemetery.
7) What is the make-or-break quality of the perfect candidate?
a. Their salary requirements.
b. Their salary requirements.
c. Their salary requirements.
d. Their salary requirements.
Once again, last night, I found myself reacting harshly to lengthy job application guantlets. So I wrote up a set of questions for hiring managers. I will send it to any job listing that demands an extraordinary amount of data from me before considering me for their "competitively compensated" "position".
---
Application for Hiring Managers
I hope this application finds you well. You’re probably quite busy sorting through a stack of resumes looking for someone qualified and likeable. If it’s any consolation, a typical candidate reviews several hundred job postings before deciding to apply to a single one – unless they’re truly desperate.
Based on decades of personal experience, research, and listening to others, I’ve discovered a gap in the hiring process that this application should bridge. By now, your company knows quite a bit about me – name, address, phone number, work history, education background, credit score, maybe blood type. But I know very little about you.
Sure, I know your company or at least what your company wants me to know through your website. But what about you, the hiring manager -- what do you look for in a candidate?
Instead of waiting for the interview stage to determine if we can engage in a mutually beneficial exchange, we can save considerable time and effort if you will answer the following questions.
Please complete all questions – skipping questions leaves open the possibility that you’re hiding something.
1) The perfect candidate fits the following general profile:
a. Smart, ambitious, and hard-working – but not too smart or ambitious.
b. Compliant and focused on the task at hand – except when creativity and divergent thinking are needed, as determined by me.
c. Is bright, creative, iconoclastic, and productive – until they threaten my position and I have to fire them.
d. Is a total slacker – they are the bricks in the wall of my empire.
2) The perfect candidate has the following level of life experience:
a. Will believe anything, including the possibility of a bright future with my company.
b. Has been burned a few times by previous employers, is older and wiser, but still has hope.
c. Is a total burnout, whose hopes and dreams have been crushed beyond recognition.
d. Has a level of cynicism and political skill that would scare Josef Stalin.
3) The perfect candidate has the following level of experience relative to the job requirements:
a. Invented every technology upon which the job is based.
b. Has every listed skill and can execute them better than the previous candidate.
c. Has every listed skill and is willing to work for less than the previous candidate.
d. Does not have every listed skill but might be related to someone up my chain of command.
e. Does not have every listed skill but might be good in the sack.
4) If you answered either “a” or “b” to Question 3, why do you feel a candidate would accept a lateral transfer?
a. I answered “a”, “b” or “c” to Question 2.
b. They also lost their previous job.
5) Our vetting process finds the perfect candidate using the following techniques:
a. Voice stress analysis to determine truthfulness and level of enthusiasm.
b. A multi-phase process using “star chamber” gang interviews to break the candidate’s resolve and get a lower salary request.
c. Candidate must join hotornot.com – we let the internet decide.
d. Submission of blood, urine, hair, and stool samples. We also demand your Facebook password.
e. We Google your name.
f. Brain teasers – because Friday was the horse’s name, you stupid twit!
6) Our compensation package and work environment competes well with the following:
a. China.
b. India.
c. Prison.
d. A cemetery.
7) What is the make-or-break quality of the perfect candidate?
a. Their salary requirements.
b. Their salary requirements.
c. Their salary requirements.
d. Their salary requirements.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Seeking a Break
Searching for jobs has made me goofy. Time to take a break. Here's a job posting that obviously reveals someone has a communication problem.
IMPATIENT MEICAL CODER
I believe they meant "Inpatient Medical Coder." Can't you just hear the eliding of the "d" in medical? And does "impatient" describe the ideal candidate or the work environment?
Meanwhile, The Snark Tank's line of witty bumper stickers continues to grow.
Also playing around with Python.
Thought of an idea -- teach people how to drive stick (from my lessons with the kid.)
Also keep thinking about what kind of connections I can make.
IMPATIENT MEICAL CODER
I believe they meant "Inpatient Medical Coder." Can't you just hear the eliding of the "d" in medical? And does "impatient" describe the ideal candidate or the work environment?
Epic Ambulatory Analyst
Reminds me of a Seinfeld joke about grandiose brands such as "Life" cereal or "All" detergent. Imagine bringing up this job title on a date, "I'm not just any analyst, but an Epic Ambulatory Analyst." Not only can the analyst walk, but walk epic-ally.Meanwhile, The Snark Tank's line of witty bumper stickers continues to grow.
Also playing around with Python.
Thought of an idea -- teach people how to drive stick (from my lessons with the kid.)
Also keep thinking about what kind of connections I can make.
Monday, June 18, 2012
More Seeking -- 2012.06.18
Messed up the chronology yesterday but it's straight now.
Applied for 2 jobs with my company. One of which was automatically deemed "Not Qualified."
Spoke to a recruiter who had my resume from Careerbuilder.
Also returned an email from a recruiter in Nashville.
Applied to 1 other job on Careerbuilder -- for a job in a beach town in FL.
Applied to 1 other job on Careerbuilder -- for a job in a beach town in FL.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Seeking -- 2012.06.17
Today I mostly screwed off. Fixed the Jetta -- mostly -- from yesterday's teaching adventure. Didn't realize that jerking the clutch could actually loosen lug bolts. Also loosened the brake caliper bolts.
The missus gave me a book for Dad's Day -- The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau. So far it's enjoyable.
Also reading Full-Bore Sheet Metal by Mark Prosser and Bryan Fuller.
Reading these books has given me an idea...
Applied for 1 job on Careerbuilder.
The missus gave me a book for Dad's Day -- The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau. So far it's enjoyable.
Also reading Full-Bore Sheet Metal by Mark Prosser and Bryan Fuller.
Reading these books has given me an idea...
Applied for 1 job on Careerbuilder.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Seeking Stuff - 2012.06.16
You the faithful reader may have noticed a short gap in my posting. Let's just say we've had distractions.
Today I took my girlfriend's son out to learn how to drive stick. If we measure his pass / fail ration as one would a batting average, he didn't do too well. But he was improving by the end.
Which itself was pretty interesting. First the line broke to the oil pressure gauge. In an unusual lack of preparation, I failed to bring any tools or even duct tape. But kinking the line a few times stemmed the leakage. So we called it a day.
Then the shift mechanism failed. It seemed to have worked loose, so I could only engage second gear.
At least there's something for me to do next weekend...
Also spoke to a recruiter last Thursday. A friend of a friend of my stepbro. Nice to get some helping hands.
Applied for a few jobs -- the exact number escapes me.
I gave up on two jobs (North Fulton Hospital / TENET and Sterling Insurance) because they wanted a resume AND required filling out lengthy, barely readable web forms. If companies want to keep people out or beat them into submission by the application gauntlet, they should try that tactic.
I did put up some more bumper stickers...
Today I took my girlfriend's son out to learn how to drive stick. If we measure his pass / fail ration as one would a batting average, he didn't do too well. But he was improving by the end.
Which itself was pretty interesting. First the line broke to the oil pressure gauge. In an unusual lack of preparation, I failed to bring any tools or even duct tape. But kinking the line a few times stemmed the leakage. So we called it a day.
Then the shift mechanism failed. It seemed to have worked loose, so I could only engage second gear.
At least there's something for me to do next weekend...
Also spoke to a recruiter last Thursday. A friend of a friend of my stepbro. Nice to get some helping hands.
Applied for a few jobs -- the exact number escapes me.
I gave up on two jobs (North Fulton Hospital / TENET and Sterling Insurance) because they wanted a resume AND required filling out lengthy, barely readable web forms. If companies want to keep people out or beat them into submission by the application gauntlet, they should try that tactic.
I did put up some more bumper stickers...
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Seeking -- 2012.06.12
Applied for 1 job on Careerbuilder.
Watched a training video on LTE at my job. Hope springs eternal.
Tinkered with my CafePress website -- The Snark Tank. Time to crank out another bumper sticker. Done.
http://www.cafepress.com/thesnarktank
Watched a training video on LTE at my job. Hope springs eternal.
Tinkered with my CafePress website -- The Snark Tank. Time to crank out another bumper sticker. Done.
http://www.cafepress.com/thesnarktank
Monday, June 11, 2012
Seeking Something -- 2012.06.11
Looks like some new RF Engineering jobs came up that now require a little experience. Must have gotten tired of reading so many resumes...
I sent Tire Kingdom a message about what I noticed at NTB last weekend.
Applied for 1 job at my company.
Spoke with a recruiter today. Will meet with his people on Thursday.
Applied for 1 job on Careerbuilder.
Time to raff on a Seth Godin riff --
1. Lack of focus might be my greatest weakness.
2. Had some friends from high school who went to the same college but they left me in the dust. And met some other friends in college but lost touch.
3. Don't know what it is.
4. See #1.
5. Never tried self-invitation. My improvisation on that riff is to pass along stuff I can't do to others who might be able to make it work.
6. Most of my work has been mediocre at best. When it's been above average it's usually sabotaged my chance at promotion -- there's a reason Captain Kirk was Admiral Kirk for only one movie (actually, it was three -- but he only acted like an admiral in Wrath of Khan.)
7. Sometimes I do that -- though maybe "fear" is too strong a word. "Dislike" might fit better.
8. I get to "turn them into insights". Time to figure out how to turn them into projects.
9. Ken the personal brand, anyone?
10. I wonder if trying that in reverse works -- that is, give informational interviews?
11. Been there, doing that.
12. Inherit -- I have my dad's name and attitude.
13. Done. Except even that is in danger.
14. A variant of #1. No luck so far.
15. Will never happen.
16. That's fun but not productive.
17. I tell stories...now to get others to care.
18. Note to self -- it's time to try this tactic again.
19. No problem.
20. Ditto.
21. Same as self-promotion?
22. Never could pull that off except with my cat.
23. Probably do this too often.
24. Will do.
25. Hmmmm -- how can I portray myself as an injured party?
26. So far, that feeling lasts about six months.
27. I do that too often already.
28. That's the reason I play Star Wars: The Old Republic.
29. Don't have employees. I bet Steve didn't treat (Sir) Jon badly at all.
30. Aye, aye, skipper.
31. Sounds like fun.
32. Sounds too much like work.
33. That happens a lot.
34. Doesn't happen often enough for my taste.
35. I'm not going to dig that song back out of its' well-deserved grave.
36. I'm almost at Dark III as Imperial Agent on Star Wars: The Old Republic.
37. Owning a home is work enough for paying taxes.
38. Just re-registered my Jetta after "evading" ad valorem taxes for 3 years.
39. I do that a lot, especially in job postings.
I sent Tire Kingdom a message about what I noticed at NTB last weekend.
Applied for 1 job at my company.
Spoke with a recruiter today. Will meet with his people on Thursday.
Applied for 1 job on Careerbuilder.
Time to raff on a Seth Godin riff --
1. Lack of focus might be my greatest weakness.
2. Had some friends from high school who went to the same college but they left me in the dust. And met some other friends in college but lost touch.
3. Don't know what it is.
4. See #1.
5. Never tried self-invitation. My improvisation on that riff is to pass along stuff I can't do to others who might be able to make it work.
6. Most of my work has been mediocre at best. When it's been above average it's usually sabotaged my chance at promotion -- there's a reason Captain Kirk was Admiral Kirk for only one movie (actually, it was three -- but he only acted like an admiral in Wrath of Khan.)
7. Sometimes I do that -- though maybe "fear" is too strong a word. "Dislike" might fit better.
8. I get to "turn them into insights". Time to figure out how to turn them into projects.
9. Ken the personal brand, anyone?
10. I wonder if trying that in reverse works -- that is, give informational interviews?
11. Been there, doing that.
12. Inherit -- I have my dad's name and attitude.
13. Done. Except even that is in danger.
14. A variant of #1. No luck so far.
15. Will never happen.
16. That's fun but not productive.
17. I tell stories...now to get others to care.
18. Note to self -- it's time to try this tactic again.
19. No problem.
20. Ditto.
21. Same as self-promotion?
22. Never could pull that off except with my cat.
23. Probably do this too often.
24. Will do.
25. Hmmmm -- how can I portray myself as an injured party?
26. So far, that feeling lasts about six months.
27. I do that too often already.
28. That's the reason I play Star Wars: The Old Republic.
29. Don't have employees. I bet Steve didn't treat (Sir) Jon badly at all.
30. Aye, aye, skipper.
31. Sounds like fun.
32. Sounds too much like work.
33. That happens a lot.
34. Doesn't happen often enough for my taste.
35. I'm not going to dig that song back out of its' well-deserved grave.
36. I'm almost at Dark III as Imperial Agent on Star Wars: The Old Republic.
37. Owning a home is work enough for paying taxes.
38. Just re-registered my Jetta after "evading" ad valorem taxes for 3 years.
39. I do that a lot, especially in job postings.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Seeking Newness -- 2012.06.10
Applied for 1 job at EA.
The missus and I have been talking -- we're thinking about moving somewhere closer to the ocean, so we can go to a real beach every weekend if we like.
And it seems that if I'm going to have to take any old job -- and that's a likely outcome -- might as well change location. Screw the mortgage.
Applied for 4 jobs on Careerbuilder.
The missus and I have been talking -- we're thinking about moving somewhere closer to the ocean, so we can go to a real beach every weekend if we like.
And it seems that if I'm going to have to take any old job -- and that's a likely outcome -- might as well change location. Screw the mortgage.
Applied for 4 jobs on Careerbuilder.
Saturday, June 09, 2012
What Presidents Did Before They Became President
So Abe Lincoln was a vampire hunter...just the kind of story that will end up in the holy text of the world's next great religion.
Here's the boring version of Presidential work history.
Here are some ideas from the parallel universe --
Washington - Space Marine
Coolidge - Rock Star
Nixon - Gigolo
GW Bush - US President
Friday, June 08, 2012
Seeking Whatever (Myself?) -- 2012.06.08
I withdrew from the position for which I interviewed on Wednesday. Maybe I'm letting the process make me feel awkward. Maybe it's fear of failure, of being soft after 8 years in one place. Or fear of change.
One way or another, change is coming.
One way or another, change is coming.
But I saw the look in my interviewer's eye and it scared me.
Other snafus emerged today. Pretty much blew everything off to play SWTOR. The sounds bled into a meeting that was probably pointless. Still it gave me some embarrassment.
Other snafus emerged today. Pretty much blew everything off to play SWTOR. The sounds bled into a meeting that was probably pointless. Still it gave me some embarrassment.
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Seeking Whatever -- 2012.06.07
Today marks the eighth anniversary of my employment at my company. So I sent a thank-you message to the guy whose blessing I had to secure to get the job. He also was the one who gave me my first Seth Godin book.
I don't think my career actually justified his blessing, I'm still a slacker -- writing this blog when I should be handling a bit of administrative craft.
The job for which I interviewed yesterday failed my gut check this morning. Have I become too fearful of change or hard work? Slackers aren't supposed to like hard work at all -- that's not true of me, I just don't like working hard EVERY DAY like some people think you should.
I also told the guy who sells me soda downstairs how sorry I felt for him because he has to show up EVERY DAY. Actually, just five days a week and he closes at 6pm or so, which is a great gig for a convenience store. But for me it sucks. Overcoming or accepting that fact of life will decide whether I can go out on my own or not.
The dude from the place that rejected me on Monday called. I think it was an accident -- butt-dialing I think the kids today call it. But it was nice to imagine him changing his mind. They know what they need, they need to go get it. And so do I.
I don't think my career actually justified his blessing, I'm still a slacker -- writing this blog when I should be handling a bit of administrative craft.
The job for which I interviewed yesterday failed my gut check this morning. Have I become too fearful of change or hard work? Slackers aren't supposed to like hard work at all -- that's not true of me, I just don't like working hard EVERY DAY like some people think you should.
I also told the guy who sells me soda downstairs how sorry I felt for him because he has to show up EVERY DAY. Actually, just five days a week and he closes at 6pm or so, which is a great gig for a convenience store. But for me it sucks. Overcoming or accepting that fact of life will decide whether I can go out on my own or not.
The dude from the place that rejected me on Monday called. I think it was an accident -- butt-dialing I think the kids today call it. But it was nice to imagine him changing his mind. They know what they need, they need to go get it. And so do I.
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Seeking New Challenge (or Whatever) -- 2012.06.06
D-day anniversary today. I've seen "Saving Private Ryan" easily a dozen times, and the opening scene an additional dozen. If any slice of time defined the saying, "Dying's easy, it's living that's hard.", it's June 6, 1944.
But I'll skip the war movie watching today if I can help it.
Will meet with a manager at my company today about a job he's looking to fill. Meant to wear my suit but had problems -- 1) My white shirt sat on a hanger so long it has brown streaks on the shoulders; 2) the blue shirt I wore for Monday's interview had sweat stains in the pits. Which surprised me a little because I had my car's AC turned up to "meatlocker" the entire trip.
So I skipped the suit and tie and wore a gold (or tan) shirt, blue slacks, black shoes, no tie.
Time to buy a sports jacket for times such as these when my suit strategy goes to hell.
But I've done some homework on my potential boss and what his group is doing, our competition in the space, etc.
James Altucher could call me his bitch. Been reading his stuff for hours a day for the past two weeks. So far, where I've been poking myself hasn't drawn much blood. Change could come any moment though.
Instead of a war movie, maybe I'll watch Alec Baldwin's scene in "Glengarry Glen Ross" instead. Just watched it. I forgot that Alan Arkin was in it.
My potential boss wore a tie today. Not so good. But he said he wasn't expecting the same from me. I asked if he'd hire me if I upgraded my wardrobe (Always Be Closing -- thank you Alec Baldwin.)
If I don't get the job, it's the fault of my white shirt that sat there and collected dust.
Also, applied to 1 job on Craigslist.
But I'll skip the war movie watching today if I can help it.
Will meet with a manager at my company today about a job he's looking to fill. Meant to wear my suit but had problems -- 1) My white shirt sat on a hanger so long it has brown streaks on the shoulders; 2) the blue shirt I wore for Monday's interview had sweat stains in the pits. Which surprised me a little because I had my car's AC turned up to "meatlocker" the entire trip.
So I skipped the suit and tie and wore a gold (or tan) shirt, blue slacks, black shoes, no tie.
Time to buy a sports jacket for times such as these when my suit strategy goes to hell.
But I've done some homework on my potential boss and what his group is doing, our competition in the space, etc.
James Altucher could call me his bitch. Been reading his stuff for hours a day for the past two weeks. So far, where I've been poking myself hasn't drawn much blood. Change could come any moment though.
Instead of a war movie, maybe I'll watch Alec Baldwin's scene in "Glengarry Glen Ross" instead. Just watched it. I forgot that Alan Arkin was in it.
My potential boss wore a tie today. Not so good. But he said he wasn't expecting the same from me. I asked if he'd hire me if I upgraded my wardrobe (Always Be Closing -- thank you Alec Baldwin.)
If I don't get the job, it's the fault of my white shirt that sat there and collected dust.
Also, applied to 1 job on Craigslist.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.06.05
Debriefed by the account manager about yesterday's interview. As a salve, I gave him the names of some people who might be more useful to his client. Also gave a heads-up to the people whose names I dropped. Hopefully they will still send Xmas cards.
Just kidding, they don't send Xmas cards to me. I wouldn't return the favor if they did.
Tomorrow I will go see someone who has a job posting in the company.
Aside -- for those who wish Obama would dump Biden and pick Hillary as veep --
#1 Rule for Dealing With Hillary -- always keep a meatshield between you and Hillary.
Just kidding, they don't send Xmas cards to me. I wouldn't return the favor if they did.
Tomorrow I will go see someone who has a job posting in the company.
Aside -- for those who wish Obama would dump Biden and pick Hillary as veep --
#1 Rule for Dealing With Hillary -- always keep a meatshield between you and Hillary.
Monday, June 04, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.06.04
On Friday my boss said she hoped I'd still be here when she returned from vacay. Looks like she'll get her wish.
My interview today failed. No major slip-ups, just unable to get the yes.
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.06.02 and .03
I did not deliver yesterday's blog. Pity the poor reader.
Spent the morning dragging my "street racer" -- a '94 Jetta -- to the emissions station. It failed the last time about two weeks ago, so I spent last weekend replacing the catalytic converter.
Yesterday I began looking at selling my old "cat". How does one find the price of a used catalytic converter?
Thought I was going to fail the emissions test again, as the Jetta was blowing out pale orange smoke. And it had the palpable odor of hydrogen sulfide. But it passed -- needs a tune-up though.
I did apply to one job on Careerbuilder yesterday.
Today, my mind is already going in several directions -- I have an interview on Monday and that calls for a complete pick-over of the company's website.
Also reading James Altucher. My blog reads like a desert compared to him. But no matter, it's mostly therapy anyway.
Another direction -- call it desperation -- googling "weird jobs" today. Does it indicate reaching rock bottom? Cue "The Confessor"...
Spent the morning dragging my "street racer" -- a '94 Jetta -- to the emissions station. It failed the last time about two weeks ago, so I spent last weekend replacing the catalytic converter.
Yesterday I began looking at selling my old "cat". How does one find the price of a used catalytic converter?
Thought I was going to fail the emissions test again, as the Jetta was blowing out pale orange smoke. And it had the palpable odor of hydrogen sulfide. But it passed -- needs a tune-up though.
I did apply to one job on Careerbuilder yesterday.
Today, my mind is already going in several directions -- I have an interview on Monday and that calls for a complete pick-over of the company's website.
Also reading James Altucher. My blog reads like a desert compared to him. But no matter, it's mostly therapy anyway.
Another direction -- call it desperation -- googling "weird jobs" today. Does it indicate reaching rock bottom? Cue "The Confessor"...
Friday, June 01, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.06.01
Today is the first day I could leave payroll and collect severance.
My boss has setup a meeting to divvy up my job responsibilities. I already handed off a couple to various folks. But today I made a list. It takes a sentence over two pages, covering 12 items.
12 chores make a factotum.
My boss is already 25 minutes late, and this is after a resched. Should have been more troublesome as an employee, huh?
Looking at my company job board -- one of my saved job profiles is called "cheezburgerz in paradise" because I listed some of the Florida Keys as my preferred job locations. I bet anyone working in that area isn't going anywhere until they retire or assume room temperature.
But that's about the only positive quality our job board has. It's a piece of work from Taleo, and its' quirkiness is exceeded only by its' apparent popularity with large corporations -- Southern Company and some other big outfit use it too.
Quirky in that it doesn't allow "Open as new window" -- it takes you to Saved Searches -- but when you backspace (or click Back), it takes you back to job #1. As a memory aid, though, it's pretty decent.
Sometimes it says, "That job is no longer available." when you click through.
Speaking of quirky deadness, I wonder how a wake for my career would fly with my soon-to-be-erstwhile team?
New meeting time -- so I have a few minutes to navigate the quirkiness once more...
Applied for 1 job on Careerbuilder.
My boss has setup a meeting to divvy up my job responsibilities. I already handed off a couple to various folks. But today I made a list. It takes a sentence over two pages, covering 12 items.
12 chores make a factotum.
My boss is already 25 minutes late, and this is after a resched. Should have been more troublesome as an employee, huh?
Looking at my company job board -- one of my saved job profiles is called "cheezburgerz in paradise" because I listed some of the Florida Keys as my preferred job locations. I bet anyone working in that area isn't going anywhere until they retire or assume room temperature.
But that's about the only positive quality our job board has. It's a piece of work from Taleo, and its' quirkiness is exceeded only by its' apparent popularity with large corporations -- Southern Company and some other big outfit use it too.
Quirky in that it doesn't allow "Open as new window" -- it takes you to Saved Searches -- but when you backspace (or click Back), it takes you back to job #1. As a memory aid, though, it's pretty decent.
Sometimes it says, "That job is no longer available." when you click through.
 |
| Taleo's quirkiness is NOT exceeded by its' power... |
Speaking of quirky deadness, I wonder how a wake for my career would fly with my soon-to-be-erstwhile team?
New meeting time -- so I have a few minutes to navigate the quirkiness once more...
Applied for 1 job on Careerbuilder.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.05.31
Face-to-face confirmed for Monday -- zero hour, 9am. Expected to be an all-day affair.
One of my co-workers took retirement -- today is her last day. Just gave her a hug. Knew her almost nine years, now she's dust in the wind. Ask not for whom the bell tolls.
One of my co-workers took retirement -- today is her last day. Just gave her a hug. Knew her almost nine years, now she's dust in the wind. Ask not for whom the bell tolls.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.05.30
Applied for 5 jobs at my company...actually just swept out my saved job queue. Some of the listings had expired, including the Anchorage job.
First phone interview with a hiring manager. Passed the sniff test, will come in for a 6-hour face-to-face next week. Sounds like fun...
Found another job that the missus has proscribed -- Cell Tower Technician.
Applied for 1 job on Careerbuilder -- recent luck has made me pickier...will break that.
First phone interview with a hiring manager. Passed the sniff test, will come in for a 6-hour face-to-face next week. Sounds like fun...
Found another job that the missus has proscribed -- Cell Tower Technician.
Applied for 1 job on Careerbuilder -- recent luck has made me pickier...will break that.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.05.29
Things To Do While Waiting For A Phone Interview
1) Look up various option trading strategies such as Butterfly and Iron Condor.
2) Look up your interviewer on Google.
3) Google "Radio Spectrum Market" to see how the FCC is analyzing free-market solutions to the impending "Spectrum Crunch"
4) Look up cool uses for prstat.
5) Contemplate calling your recruiter because the interviewer is an hour behind schedule.
6) Refresh your knowledge of SQL.
7) Suppress your jones for SWTOR.
8) Try to remember all of the ways your past deployments have broken.
9) Wonder if starting an all-consuming activity will trigger the call.
10) Consider the possibility that I was supposed to call the interviewer but my recruiter mixed it up.
11) Smile, close my eyes, and listen to Beethoven's 7th/2nd in my head. It worked for King George VI apparently...
Looks like it was #10.5 -- my recruiter forgot to pass me on to the hiring manager...
I'm still a bit in the red on the Universal FU meter, so I let it slide...
Back to the grind. Applied for 4 jobs on Careerbuilder.
1) Look up various option trading strategies such as Butterfly and Iron Condor.
2) Look up your interviewer on Google.
3) Google "Radio Spectrum Market" to see how the FCC is analyzing free-market solutions to the impending "Spectrum Crunch"
4) Look up cool uses for prstat.
5) Contemplate calling your recruiter because the interviewer is an hour behind schedule.
6) Refresh your knowledge of SQL.
7) Suppress your jones for SWTOR.
8) Try to remember all of the ways your past deployments have broken.
9) Wonder if starting an all-consuming activity will trigger the call.
10) Consider the possibility that I was supposed to call the interviewer but my recruiter mixed it up.
11) Smile, close my eyes, and listen to Beethoven's 7th/2nd in my head. It worked for King George VI apparently...
Looks like it was #10.5 -- my recruiter forgot to pass me on to the hiring manager...
I'm still a bit in the red on the Universal FU meter, so I let it slide...
Back to the grind. Applied for 4 jobs on Careerbuilder.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.05.27
Took yesterday off.
Forgot to wish my sister a happy birthday. Will do that tomorrow.
Applied for 1 job on Careerbuilder.
For some reason I keep going back to 1-800-GOT-JUNK...it was "Undercover Boss".
Forgot to wish my sister a happy birthday. Will do that tomorrow.
Applied for 1 job on Careerbuilder.
For some reason I keep going back to 1-800-GOT-JUNK...it was "Undercover Boss".
Friday, May 25, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.05.25
My boss asked me about my job search -- it's gratifying to know she didn't feel comfortable doing what she had to do.
Applied for 1 job in the company. Some of the possible jobs expired before I could apply. Will try to minimize distractions.
Applied for 1 job in the company. Some of the possible jobs expired before I could apply. Will try to minimize distractions.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.05.24
Took a day off from work to do the face-to-face, and cruising job boards to generate more leads.
Applied for 5 jobs on Careerbuilder.
Time to apply some creativity to my job quest. My over-dependence on job boards, recruiters, and my company's internal needs is already producing a feeling of being in a rut.
Applied for a job at THQ (they publish the Warhammer 40K series of games.)
Followed up on 3 jobs I applied for last week. Left 2 voice mails, 1 had their phones disconnected. Things are tough all over...
Spoke with a recruiter and account manager. We seem to like each other, and they checked my refs. Will followup with them next week. For now, back to looking for more jobs.
Rejected at THQ. Too bad.
Applied for 5 jobs on Careerbuilder.
Time to apply some creativity to my job quest. My over-dependence on job boards, recruiters, and my company's internal needs is already producing a feeling of being in a rut.
Applied for a job at THQ (they publish the Warhammer 40K series of games.)
Followed up on 3 jobs I applied for last week. Left 2 voice mails, 1 had their phones disconnected. Things are tough all over...
Spoke with a recruiter and account manager. We seem to like each other, and they checked my refs. Will followup with them next week. For now, back to looking for more jobs.
Rejected at THQ. Too bad.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.05.23
I was wrong.
The call was not from the guy who bailed but from someone else. So I'm calling them back.
Also, one of my co-workers is having her retirement party today and I forgot to bring something. She was one of the first people I met when I came to work on my current assignment. The bunker mentality is hurting me...
Making the call paid off. Spoke at some length with the recruiter and account manager. Going face-to-face tomorrow.
Also took a Solaris test -- not sure how well I did.
The call was not from the guy who bailed but from someone else. So I'm calling them back.
Also, one of my co-workers is having her retirement party today and I forgot to bring something. She was one of the first people I met when I came to work on my current assignment. The bunker mentality is hurting me...
Making the call paid off. Spoke at some length with the recruiter and account manager. Going face-to-face tomorrow.
Also took a Solaris test -- not sure how well I did.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.05.22
Busier than usual day at work, little time to even look at job postings.
Taught my replacement how to merge in Subversion -- most of my merges are release tags to trunk, a relatively trivial exercise. Today we merged our last release tag to a branch that is several (maintenance) releases old. Provided somewhat of a challenge. Even messed up while trying to show my replacement how to get out of trouble.
The good news is that with Subversion, you can blow away your local (working) copy and try again. With Harvest, you would have to release your locks without updating. Not difficult once you get practice, but the first couple of times will have you sweating a little.
Some view version control / configuration management as a rather mystic art or a bother. Those who did well in set theory shouldn't have too much trouble.
Also, the person who blew me off earlier called me back, and left a message, which I haven't checked. Understanding why the conversation was sidetracked then will help me decide how to proceed.
1) He was telling the truth and needed to check the status of the listing -- but why didn't he call me right back?
2) He had to go to a meeting or was otherwise sidetracked -- understandable. But what firm or person (who usually bill their client double what they pay their body) places more value on a meeting than on a potential placement?
3) He had somewhere else to go -- well gee, so do I.
4) He changed his mind about my usefulness.
For now, the exchange still has a bad taste, and not sure how acting like nothing happened will affect my status. Just know there's no sense in desperation until closing time...
Applied for 1 job at my company.
Applied for 4 jobs on Careerbuilder.
Taught my replacement how to merge in Subversion -- most of my merges are release tags to trunk, a relatively trivial exercise. Today we merged our last release tag to a branch that is several (maintenance) releases old. Provided somewhat of a challenge. Even messed up while trying to show my replacement how to get out of trouble.
The good news is that with Subversion, you can blow away your local (working) copy and try again. With Harvest, you would have to release your locks without updating. Not difficult once you get practice, but the first couple of times will have you sweating a little.
Some view version control / configuration management as a rather mystic art or a bother. Those who did well in set theory shouldn't have too much trouble.
Also, the person who blew me off earlier called me back, and left a message, which I haven't checked. Understanding why the conversation was sidetracked then will help me decide how to proceed.
1) He was telling the truth and needed to check the status of the listing -- but why didn't he call me right back?
2) He had to go to a meeting or was otherwise sidetracked -- understandable. But what firm or person (who usually bill their client double what they pay their body) places more value on a meeting than on a potential placement?
3) He had somewhere else to go -- well gee, so do I.
4) He changed his mind about my usefulness.
For now, the exchange still has a bad taste, and not sure how acting like nothing happened will affect my status. Just know there's no sense in desperation until closing time...
Applied for 1 job at my company.
Applied for 4 jobs on Careerbuilder.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.05.21
Today I found some accomplishments and put them on another version of my resume.
I have 8 jobs waiting in my company job cart for which I haven't yet submitted myself.
Here's why --
1 belongs to a relatively new division -- not sure how long the company will commit to it.
1 is so vaguely worded I have no idea what I would actually do.
1 is in Anchorage and I've already written about it elsewhere.
1 seems to be out of my reach qualification-wise.
1 is a project manager position, probably the most loathsome job description in corporate America.
1 seems to target recent graduates.
1 demands strong interpersonal skills, a highly subjective term.
1 is a job with which I've had some contact -- and it provokes pity every time I think about it.
Too picky? Maybe.
Started to apply to UPS but gave up after the nth form.
Applied at Nielsen.
I have 8 jobs waiting in my company job cart for which I haven't yet submitted myself.
Here's why --
1 belongs to a relatively new division -- not sure how long the company will commit to it.
1 is so vaguely worded I have no idea what I would actually do.
1 is in Anchorage and I've already written about it elsewhere.
1 seems to be out of my reach qualification-wise.
1 is a project manager position, probably the most loathsome job description in corporate America.
1 seems to target recent graduates.
1 demands strong interpersonal skills, a highly subjective term.
1 is a job with which I've had some contact -- and it provokes pity every time I think about it.
Too picky? Maybe.
Started to apply to UPS but gave up after the nth form.
Applied at Nielsen.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.05.20
Didn't work much this weekend -- stared as my resume for a couple of hours.
Been thinking about my strengths and weaknesses -- and maybe I should try to improve my persuasion skills.
Goal for tomorrow -- go through my old docs and develop a list of accomplishments.
Been thinking about my strengths and weaknesses -- and maybe I should try to improve my persuasion skills.
Goal for tomorrow -- go through my old docs and develop a list of accomplishments.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.05.18
Followed up by phone on 2 jobs.
The first followup my contact sounded a bit sad but she had a pleasant French accent.
The next 3 I got voicemail and left messages. Friday calls probably not the best idea...
Received 3 email confirmations.
My company has a job listing in Anchorage -- with the max relocation package -- but my only qualification is that I've lived there before. So having moose in my backyard wouldn't bother me.
True story -- I once convinced my friend a moose dropping was a malted milk ball (Whopper) and he almost ate it -- but I lost my nerve and smacked it out of his hand before he could eat it.
Having grown up there, I wonder if returning as an adult almost 40 years later -- along with holding down a job and paying bills -- would kill the magic.
And despite my girlfriend's insistence that she would follow me to the ends of the earth, she's probably not ready for the following:
The first followup my contact sounded a bit sad but she had a pleasant French accent.
The next 3 I got voicemail and left messages. Friday calls probably not the best idea...
Received 3 email confirmations.
My company has a job listing in Anchorage -- with the max relocation package -- but my only qualification is that I've lived there before. So having moose in my backyard wouldn't bother me.
True story -- I once convinced my friend a moose dropping was a malted milk ball (Whopper) and he almost ate it -- but I lost my nerve and smacked it out of his hand before he could eat it.
Having grown up there, I wonder if returning as an adult almost 40 years later -- along with holding down a job and paying bills -- would kill the magic.
And despite my girlfriend's insistence that she would follow me to the ends of the earth, she's probably not ready for the following:
- Snow from October to March
- Subzero (Fahrenheit) temps
- 20 hours of sunlight in the summer, 20 hours of darkness in winter
- Beaches made of rocks and water so cold it's painful to wade into it
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.05.17
Received 1 reply from my company.
Applied for 10 jobs on Careerbuilder.
Received 1 callback. Talked to the recruiter on that callback, who might have set a world record for bailing on a call.
Said he "had to check whether the job was still open." So either he heard something or saw something he didn't like.
Applied for 1 job at Shaw Group (they build power plants.)
Applied for 1 job at Southern Company (they run power plants.)
A thought has occurred to me - now that I'm in Interview Mode, some of my exploration might suffer. That will not happen. Starting now, 1 hour / day minimum to chase my dreams.
Applied for 10 jobs on Careerbuilder.
Received 1 callback. Talked to the recruiter on that callback, who might have set a world record for bailing on a call.
Said he "had to check whether the job was still open." So either he heard something or saw something he didn't like.
Applied for 1 job at Shaw Group (they build power plants.)
Applied for 1 job at Southern Company (they run power plants.)
A thought has occurred to me - now that I'm in Interview Mode, some of my exploration might suffer. That will not happen. Starting now, 1 hour / day minimum to chase my dreams.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.05.16
Applied for 1 job in the company.
Applied for 1 more job at EA. Got a rejection letter same day. They care, maybe I'll bug them again soon.
Applied for 2 jobs on Careerbuilder. They have a lot of postings that don't seem to be non-linear (n postings : 1 actual position.)
Time to turn up the wick...
Applied for 1 more job at EA. Got a rejection letter same day. They care, maybe I'll bug them again soon.
Applied for 2 jobs on Careerbuilder. They have a lot of postings that don't seem to be non-linear (n postings : 1 actual position.)
Time to turn up the wick...
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.05.15
Two responses from yesterday's work -- though one was to ask for a resume (oops!)
Applied for 3 jobs in the company.
Applied for 2 jobs on Craigslist.
Applied for 2 jobs on Dice.
Applied for 1 job on EA Jobs.
Applied for 1 job on EA Jobs.
Phil mentioned to Gary that I'm on surplus -- which makes me feel a little ashamed, having tapped the well of Gary's generosity more times than I'd like.
One application that I did not complete wanted my whole life story (including refs) up front. Reminds me -- time to line up some refs.
One application that I did not complete wanted my whole life story (including refs) up front. Reminds me -- time to line up some refs.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Seeking New Challenge -- 2012.05.14
Friday 5/11 -- Applied for 5 jobs in the company.
Saturday 5/12 and Sunday 5/13 -- No activity. Shaved beard.
Monday 5/14 -- Going into "Prepare For Interview" Mode. Had my hair cut.
Here's a funny -- one job is for a Software Configuration Manager w/SVN experience. But the recruiter mistakenly believes that SVN stands for Social Venture Network (svn.org) when more likely it means Subversion (subversion.apache.org)
Also, I was asked to provide my SSN to apply for the above job. I'll push that opp to the bottom of the pile.
Applied for 3 jobs through dice.com.
Applied for 2 jobs from craigslist.
Dropped 2 jobs from dice.com -- one was part-time, the other not as appealing upon second look.
Dropped 3 jobs from craigslist -- one was part-time, the others seemed beyond my qualifications.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Seeking New Challenge
Was told Friday my last day is 7/10. Was not the only one -- both of us probably had the softest skill sets on the team. Felt a twinge of the sadness that comes from rejection, but also felt some relief -- all jobs have some duties that one bears with tolerance.
What I'll miss --
Talking politics
Deploying code
Writing how-tos
Hands-on strike training
What I won't miss --
Compliance
Computer-based strike training
Told the missus once I knew. We discussed options. She set the following boundaries:
No gigolos
No war zones
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Celebrity Shows I'd Pay To Watch
(Inspired by Celebrity Nightmares Decoded)
Seems like every entertainment idea either starts with celebrity input or eventually converges on a celebrity angle.
Celebrities vs. Zombies (alternate title -- Zombie Cannibalism)
Celebrity Minesweepers
Vile, Humiliating, and/or Dangerous Things a Celebrity Will Do To Get Work
Celebrity Random Political Careers
Celebrity Lab Test Subjects
Celebrity Panhandling
Celebrity Organ Donation (Pre- And Post-Mortem)
Celebrity Ice Cream Trucks
Celebrity Bullfighting
Celebrity Excretions / Hemorrhoids / Constipation (aka Celebrity Acting Lessons)
Celebrity Insomnia Attacks
Celebrity Bad Sex Experiences
Celebrity Michael Jackson Stories, Jokes, Child Sex Junkets
Celebrity Sausage Factory
Celebrity Congressional Hearings
Celebrity Chemo/Radiation Therapy
Uncontrollable Celebrity Priapisms -- with an entire episode dedicated to Charlie Sheen
Celebrity Spelling Bee
Celebrity Motorcycle Jousting
Celebrity Kamikaze Attacks
Celebrity Chainsaw Massacre
Celebrity Paybacks / Penance -- where celebs sit in stocks and everyone with a grievance (assistants, hairdressers, etc.) spews their bile and throws food at them
Celebrity Plastic Surgery Disasters
Seems like every entertainment idea either starts with celebrity input or eventually converges on a celebrity angle.
Celebrities vs. Zombies (alternate title -- Zombie Cannibalism)
Celebrity Minesweepers
Vile, Humiliating, and/or Dangerous Things a Celebrity Will Do To Get Work
Celebrity Random Political Careers
Celebrity Lab Test Subjects
Celebrity Panhandling
Celebrity Organ Donation (Pre- And Post-Mortem)
Celebrity Ice Cream Trucks
Celebrity Bullfighting
Celebrity Excretions / Hemorrhoids / Constipation (aka Celebrity Acting Lessons)
Celebrity Insomnia Attacks
Celebrity Bad Sex Experiences
Celebrity Michael Jackson Stories, Jokes, Child Sex Junkets
Celebrity Sausage Factory
Celebrity Congressional Hearings
Celebrity Chemo/Radiation Therapy
Uncontrollable Celebrity Priapisms -- with an entire episode dedicated to Charlie Sheen
Celebrity Spelling Bee
Celebrity Motorcycle Jousting
Celebrity Kamikaze Attacks
Celebrity Chainsaw Massacre
Celebrity Paybacks / Penance -- where celebs sit in stocks and everyone with a grievance (assistants, hairdressers, etc.) spews their bile and throws food at them
Celebrity Plastic Surgery Disasters
In Honor of Steak Shapiro
I'm not a big fan of sports talk, but Mr. Shapiro has a pretty cool name. And it gave me an amusing half hour or so of thinking up other cool names.
Crabb
Phish / Physh*
Cucumber
Banana
Lamb
Caviar
Chutney*
Apple*
Cherry*
Pineapple
Shrimp -- a great name for Steak's spouse or kid
Spaghetti
Rose
Cabernet
Peach
Hotdog
Pizza
Chocolate
P-nut
Macadamia
Cabbage -- stretching here a bit
Hericot / Bean
Spinach -- maybe Steak has a niece?
Martini
Cosmo*
Cake
Shake
Pie
Jello*
Raisin
Figg / Phigg
Pigg / Pork
Toast
Dumpling
Pudding
Merlot
Soup / Soupy*
Potluck
Squash
Chili*
Bacon
Sammich
Bonbon
Gravy
Tater
Or maybe some school subjects --
Psych
Calculus
Gym
* already taken
Crabb
Phish / Physh*
Cucumber
Banana
Lamb
Caviar
Chutney*
Apple*
Cherry*
Pineapple
Shrimp -- a great name for Steak's spouse or kid
Spaghetti
Rose
Cabernet
Peach
Hotdog
Pizza
Chocolate
P-nut
Macadamia
Cabbage -- stretching here a bit
Hericot / Bean
Spinach -- maybe Steak has a niece?
Martini
Cosmo*
Cake
Shake
Pie
Jello*
Raisin
Figg / Phigg
Pigg / Pork
Toast
Dumpling
Pudding
Merlot
Soup / Soupy*
Potluck
Squash
Chili*
Bacon
Sammich
Bonbon
Gravy
Tater
Or maybe some school subjects --
Psych
Calculus
Gym
* already taken
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)