Resume Updated – Job Hunt Continues

After receiving the news on Monday, and after the initial shock, I finally updated my resume.  Some at co plan on sticking out until the end.  Not me.  If I can help it, I am going to be out of here as fast as possible.

I hate, I repeat HATE looking for a new job.  The entire process is long and tiresome.  First off, I have to network with everyone I have ever worked with past and present, and forward my resume to as many people as I can think of with the off chance that their employer is hiring.  Then I am stuck on craigslist, monster, and dice all day searching for jobs, writing cover letters for all those positions, and attaching my resume.  Not that I’m a BS’er, but I am not a good salesman.

While sending my resume, I have to hope that someone calls me.  If I do receive that call, I am then left hoping that I can score an interview.  This means I have to send my suit to the dry cleaners, get a hair cut, and take time from work to go to that interview.  Once at the interview, I have to make sure I remember the names and numbers of everyone I am to interview with, have enough copies of my resume, and be prepared to try and shoot the breeze with someone I have never met, and chances are I will never see them again.

If after multiple interviews with a variety of companies maybe one of them will seek to hire me.  This is where the negotiations begin.  I must know if the benefits are comparable to my current package, and the salary is a fair salary.  If both are not met to my desire, I am back at square one.  Also, there are also factors to consider when on the job search.  Commute time cannot be longer, and I hope the job does not have more office hours.

Once hired to job, I then become the new guy.  Everyone knows who you are, but you have no idea who anyone else is.  The first few weeks are spent in a whirlwind trying to figure everyone’s names and job roles, the IT infrastructure, and the company culture.

I’ve been through this a few times in my life now, and I have a couple years before I hit thirty.  I don’t despise work, in fact I enjoy it, but I am like most others, and get used to my job, and my company.  The comfort zone set in a long time ago.

Most here have seemed to reach the resigned stage of grief.  We all believe that everything will be all right.  With each month, there will be fewer and fewer people here.  I was asked to stay until the end, but again, I can’t take that risk if I can help it.  Thankfully, I am left with plenty of time to try and find the right fit for me.

Now that things are quiet, I am wondering if I should brush up on my technical skills.  I was thinking about learning SQL during the downtime.  I am not a programmer by trade, but if I want to get a job working as an admin, it seems that SQL knowledge is a must.  I will be in the city in about a month for SMS training.  That will be a nice respite from the office.

This is something I have never experienced before.  For the time being, I am going to use this medium as a way of venting about the job situation.  Also, I am finding it increasingly difficult to put the same amount of pride and effort into my job.

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March 28 Severance Package Will Be Issued

My company announced to the majority of employees that major job cuts will be occurring in the next few months.  The entire IT department will be phased out with the mother ship in Boston assuming the regional roles.  So, in March, my job will be done.  The package is so small that I can’t afford to wait for the end. I am on the job market once again.

Having recently purchased a new home, and looking at my 1 year old daughter, I can’t help but feel a bit anxious about everything.  I do believe that God will never leave us hanging, but I am only human and with that comes the emotions attached.

Thankfully they are keeping me on until the end of March.  This gives me the opportunity to find a different but comparable position with a different company.

If you know of any companies looking for a Network Specialist or 3rd level support analyst, please feel free to comment here!

LISTENING: Social Distortion, “Live at the Roxy”

First Time I Donated

I just donated a paltry 10.00 to the Ron Paul campaign. This is the first time I have ever donated money to any presidential candidate. 10 bucks is all that I could afford right now.

Those that want to donate, it is as easy as can be. Go to http://www.ronpaul2008.com and click on the Donate Today button underneath the Lady Liberty drawing. With every multi-gazillionaire running with disposable incomes, RP can use as much of our support as possible. 10 bucks here, 20 bucks there can go a long way when added up.

I want to show the world that Americans are serious about liberty and the war. We are serious about restoring our nation to a stable economy, bringing the dollar back to the gold standard, and pursuing positive foreign relations with other nations.

Mindless Self Indulgence

Yesterday evening was pretty much spent in front of the television watching one stupid television show after another. I can say with all honesty, that I’m not a television junkie. The latest TV shows are a mystery to me, as I don’t watch them, and I can live without missing them. Yesterday was a waste of precious time.

I can easily zone out in front of the telly and not realize how much time has passed. Yesterday was just one of those days. I don’t have a large cable package, in fact, I receive all of my transmissions from an antenna. The signal is terrible in my town, but I can get Fox, PBS, ABC, and NBC. That shows how pathetic last night was.

Am I the exception to the rule, or are we all becoming so materialistic that we are losing touch with creativity? I claim to be a musician, yet, some nights I let the television or internet get in the way of practicing. I enjoy deep conversations with my wife, but somehow we usually become distracted.

Vox’s blog had a short entry about art and religion. As a society becomes more secular, it becomes more focused on materialism and less focused on creativity. As he said, the society that becomes more secular grows more materialistic. That society will have no artistic legacy.

Back From Beautiful Burlington!

Took a ten day trip visiting family in Connecticut and exploring Vermont. The Burlington area was beautiful, though the colors have not changed yet. On Wednesday, I took a 20 mile bike ride alongside Lake Champlain. No, I did not see Champ, but I did behold some gorgeous scenery. I will definitely be making a stop in Burlington again.

The Sox did not crumble as I previously predicted. They finished strong and swept the Angels in typical fashion. The Angels have little success against the Red Sox in the playoffs. Here’s hoping that the Indians can get it done this week. ALCS starts Friday, and the Sox have made it once again!

Plenty has happened since being on hiatus. Ron Paul has raised 5 million dollars in record speed. Finally the media has to take recognition that those for liberty are serious. Buh bye McCain! You’re done, even before you know it. Move over Romney and company, here comes a real man. Beware Hillary, we’re coming to stop you too. You have no chance if you face off against Dr. Paul.

I created an adsense account, debating on putting it up on this site or not. Not that this site generates a lot of hits, but the extra cash could come in handy. If not, I’ll probably just put it up on my very inactive guitar blog.

After being out for about 10 days, I feel more at ease with everything. The world moved on without my needing to go to Drudge Report every hour, or checking the lines on ESPN. Oh yeah, the Patriots continue to roll over their opponents. Dallas v. Patriots this coming Sunday. Finally, a game worth watching.