Job Hunt Thread

[cabiness42]

I work for a utility company, and while I can start daydreaming about working for an organization that is a bit more dynamic or organic, there is something to be said for stability. There is something to be said for knowing the check is going to be in the bank every two weeks and it's going to clear. And there is something to be said for being on a career trajectory that is pretty much known, give or take a few variables.

 

I have a job that is probably about as high on the stability/reliability meter as there is, but I'm sick and tired of it. My wife is finishing school and will be employed in a few months, and I'm willing to risk that stability to find something that's meaningful to me. Plus I really don't like living down here. Everybody says I'm crazy, but that's how I feel.

[iamshack]

I have a job that is probably about as high on the stability/reliability meter as there is, but I'm sick and tired of it. My wife is finishing school and will be employed in a few months, and I'm willing to risk that stability to find something that's meaningful to me. Plus I really don't like living down here. Everybody says I'm crazy, but that's how I feel.

I hear you...everything has its pros and cons...I get sick and tired of the red tape and the politics, but if you're raising a young family, it isn't a bad place to be.

[Chisoxfn]

Steve, so let me get this straight...you've been working for this company for a few years now...I have followed this thread and read that you have been promoted several times in the last 18 months or so, your salary has more than doubled, etc. So at some point, the powers that be identified you as a top talent/successful leader/innovator and tapped you to lead a team to create and implement a separate product than what the core business of the company is, which is this digital marketing arm which you have successfully launched, but are still looking for your first client. Now, these same powers that be are thinking of pulling the plug on this project after like 3 months.

 

Is that basically it in a nutshell?

 

So say they did pull the plug, are they pulling the plug on the entire company or just the digital marketing arm you spearheaded? If the latter, will they pull you back into some other position within the broader company, or will they send you packing?

 

Ultimately, you've got to watch out for Steve and Steve's family. I understand this is sort of your baby, but you've got a real baby on the way. Start looking or let it be known that you might be looking. My feeling is if these folks are bailing on this thing after three months, that this isn't going to be the last time you're going to be put under stress like this.

 

I work for a utility company, and while I can start daydreaming about working for an organization that is a bit more dynamic or organic, there is something to be said for stability. There is something to be said for knowing the check is going to be in the bank every two weeks and it's going to clear. And there is something to be said for being on a career trajectory that is pretty much known, give or take a few variables.

 

I watched a feature on Bill O'Brien, the coach of the Texans last night, and they were talking about how he took the HC position at Penn State after the Paterno/Sandusky mess, stabilized it, but then left for Houston after only two years. He was highly criticized in Pennsylvania for the move. Well, it turns out that Bill O'Brien has a son with a rare genetic disease and Texas Children's Hospital happens to be the largest children's hospital in the country, with many specialists who treat this very same disease his son has. The moral of the story is that jobs are just jobs. You make the best decisions for your career you can, and that may include loyalty to a company or to employees, but ultimately, you've got to watch out for Steve and Steve's family. Do what you think is best for them, and everything else be damned.

This is a great post.

[StrangeSox]

I wouldn't be surprised if in 5-10 years that is pretty common place in the work environment. I'd take one although I'd also want a regular desk in my office too.

There are motorized desks that allow you to raise or lower them at the push of a button.

[southsider2k5]

Steve, so let me get this straight...you've been working for this company for a few years now...I have followed this thread and read that you have been promoted several times in the last 18 months or so, your salary has more than doubled, etc. So at some point, the powers that be identified you as a top talent/successful leader/innovator and tapped you to lead a team to create and implement a separate product than what the core business of the company is, which is this digital marketing arm which you have successfully launched, but are still looking for your first client. Now, these same powers that be are thinking of pulling the plug on this project after like 3 months.

 

Is that basically it in a nutshell?

 

So say they did pull the plug, are they pulling the plug on the entire company or just the digital marketing arm you spearheaded? If the latter, will they pull you back into some other position within the broader company, or will they send you packing?

 

Ultimately, you've got to watch out for Steve and Steve's family. I understand this is sort of your baby, but you've got a real baby on the way. Start looking or let it be known that you might be looking. My feeling is if these folks are bailing on this thing after three months, that this isn't going to be the last time you're going to be put under stress like this.

 

I work for a utility company, and while I can start daydreaming about working for an organization that is a bit more dynamic or organic, there is something to be said for stability. There is something to be said for knowing the check is going to be in the bank every two weeks and it's going to clear. And there is something to be said for being on a career trajectory that is pretty much known, give or take a few variables.

 

I watched a feature on Bill O'Brien, the coach of the Texans last night, and they were talking about how he took the HC position at Penn State after the Paterno/Sandusky mess, stabilized it, but then left for Houston after only two years. He was highly criticized in Pennsylvania for the move. Well, it turns out that Bill O'Brien has a son with a rare genetic disease and Texas Children's Hospital happens to be the largest children's hospital in the country, with many specialists who treat this very same disease his son has. The moral of the story is that jobs are just jobs. You make the best decisions for your career you can, and that may include loyalty to a company or to employees, but ultimately, you've got to watch out for Steve and Steve's family. Do what you think is best for them, and everything else be damned.

 

[slow clap]

[bigruss]

Shack that was a fantastic post, as always!

[nitetrain8601]

Steve, so let me get this straight...you've been working for this company for a few years now...I have followed this thread and read that you have been promoted several times in the last 18 months or so, your salary has more than doubled, etc. So at some point, the powers that be identified you as a top talent/successful leader/innovator and tapped you to lead a team to create and implement a separate product than what the core business of the company is, which is this digital marketing arm which you have successfully launched, but are still looking for your first client. Now, these same powers that be are thinking of pulling the plug on this project after like 3 months.

 

Is that basically it in a nutshell?

 

So say they did pull the plug, are they pulling the plug on the entire company or just the digital marketing arm you spearheaded? If the latter, will they pull you back into some other position within the broader company, or will they send you packing?

 

Ultimately, you've got to watch out for Steve and Steve's family. I understand this is sort of your baby, but you've got a real baby on the way. Start looking or let it be known that you might be looking. My feeling is if these folks are bailing on this thing after three months, that this isn't going to be the last time you're going to be put under stress like this.

 

I work for a utility company, and while I can start daydreaming about working for an organization that is a bit more dynamic or organic, there is something to be said for stability. There is something to be said for knowing the check is going to be in the bank every two weeks and it's going to clear. And there is something to be said for being on a career trajectory that is pretty much known, give or take a few variables.

 

I watched a feature on Bill O'Brien, the coach of the Texans last night, and they were talking about how he took the HC position at Penn State after the Paterno/Sandusky mess, stabilized it, but then left for Houston after only two years. He was highly criticized in Pennsylvania for the move. Well, it turns out that Bill O'Brien has a son with a rare genetic disease and Texas Children's Hospital happens to be the largest children's hospital in the country, with many specialists who treat this very same disease his son has. The moral of the story is that jobs are just jobs. You make the best decisions for your career you can, and that may include loyalty to a company or to employees, but ultimately, you've got to watch out for Steve and Steve's family. Do what you think is best for them, and everything else be damned.

 

I've been with my organization for about 7.5 years and in my current position for 3. I always go back and forth as to whether I should apply for better paying jobs(there's been a few which double my salary and I'm qualified for) or should I simply stay and try to work my way up to positions which still wouldn't pay nearly as much as the others, but I know I have tons of control and will be comfortable in the looser environment. I think you put things in a great perspective.

[Steve9347]

Steve, so let me get this straight...you've been working for this company for a few years now...I have followed this thread and read that you have been promoted several times in the last 18 months or so, your salary has more than doubled, etc. So at some point, the powers that be identified you as a top talent/successful leader/innovator and tapped you to lead a team to create and implement a separate product than what the core business of the company is, which is this digital marketing arm which you have successfully launched, but are still looking for your first client. Now, these same powers that be are thinking of pulling the plug on this project after like 3 months.

 

Is that basically it in a nutshell?

 

So say they did pull the plug, are they pulling the plug on the entire company or just the digital marketing arm you spearheaded? If the latter, will they pull you back into some other position within the broader company, or will they send you packing?

 

Ultimately, you've got to watch out for Steve and Steve's family. I understand this is sort of your baby, but you've got a real baby on the way. Start looking or let it be known that you might be looking. My feeling is if these folks are bailing on this thing after three months, that this isn't going to be the last time you're going to be put under stress like this.

 

I work for a utility company, and while I can start daydreaming about working for an organization that is a bit more dynamic or organic, there is something to be said for stability. There is something to be said for knowing the check is going to be in the bank every two weeks and it's going to clear. And there is something to be said for being on a career trajectory that is pretty much known, give or take a few variables.

 

I watched a feature on Bill O'Brien, the coach of the Texans last night, and they were talking about how he took the HC position at Penn State after the Paterno/Sandusky mess, stabilized it, but then left for Houston after only two years. He was highly criticized in Pennsylvania for the move. Well, it turns out that Bill O'Brien has a son with a rare genetic disease and Texas Children's Hospital happens to be the largest children's hospital in the country, with many specialists who treat this very same disease his son has. The moral of the story is that jobs are just jobs. You make the best decisions for your career you can, and that may include loyalty to a company or to employees, but ultimately, you've got to watch out for Steve and Steve's family. Do what you think is best for them, and everything else be damned.

You're pretty much on point with everything. Been here 6+ years and they'd pull me back in to the other side, but still, the product sucks, which is why they wanted me to do this in the first place. I'm just sick of the unknown. I want to work for some big badasses that aren't going anywhere.

Edited October 21, 2014 by Steve9347

[ChiliIrishHammock24]

Well I got the Costco job pending a background check. They basically offered my 5 different positions. I finally accepted the 4th one, but may move to the 5th one because the hours are exactly what I'd want, 3pm-8pm. Just picked up a Thank You card for my current employer and just have to write up a letter for my 2 week notice and I should be finally out of that place. Now I just cross my fingers that they either keep me once the seasonal job is over, or I get a baseball job by then, because although Chili's will take me back, I'd really hate to have to go back.

[pettie4sox]

What did you do at Chili's? If you were were serving, I can't imagine you'd make more money working at Costco.

[ChiliIrishHammock24]

What did you do at Chili's? If you were were serving, I can't imagine you'd make more money working at Costco.

 

Host. I could have served if I wanted, but I have no interest in being a server. After being in the restaurant business for 8 years, I never want to have to serve.

[pettie4sox]

Drama is neverending in life.

 

At my current gig I'm a temp. The president of the company is busting my balls about the hours I work. It's weird because no overtime is involved but for some reason he seems hellbent that I'm not working the hours I put down. So I told him that he is more than welcome to fill out my timecard and submit it but he refused to do so.

 

The guys sounds bat s*** crazy. I do my job, keep to myself, and ask questions to make sure I'm doing my job properly. I hate to bring the race card into this but I can't really figure out what other reasons he has to be complaining. The guy brought me into my office today and said my hours are pure Stephen King fiction. I don't mind constructive criticism to improve my skills for the job but he's basically calling me a liar and I don't take to kindly to that.

Edited October 27, 2014 by pettie4sox

[southsider2k5]

Drama is neverending in life.

 

At my current gig I'm a temp. The president of the company is busting my balls about the hours I work. It's weird because no overtime is involved but for some reason he seems hellbent that I'm not working the hours I put down. So I told him that he is more than welcome to fill out my timecard and submit it but he refused to do so.

 

The guys sounds bat s*** crazy. I do my job, keep to myself, and ask questions to make sure I'm doing my job properly. I hate to bring the race card into this but I can't really figure out what other reasons he has to be complaining. The guy brought me into my office today and said my hours are pure Stephen King fiction. I don't mind constructive criticism to improve my skills for the job but he's basically calling me a liar and I don't take to kindly to that.

 

Sounds like he is working on a reason to not keep you on. I'd be looking elsewhere.

[LDF]

Drama is neverending in life.

 

At my current gig I'm a temp. The president of the company is busting my balls about the hours I work. It's weird because no overtime is involved but for some reason he seems hellbent that I'm not working the hours I put down. So I told him that he is more than welcome to fill out my timecard and submit it but he refused to do so.

 

The guys sounds bat s*** crazy. I do my job, keep to myself, and ask questions to make sure I'm doing my job properly. I hate to bring the race card into this but I can't really figure out what other reasons he has to be complaining. The guy brought me into my office today and said my hours are pure Stephen King fiction. I don't mind constructive criticism to improve my skills for the job but he's basically calling me a liar and I don't take to kindly to that.

 

you are at a loose, loose situation. there will be a time that you have to cut your losses.

this is pure and simple harassment.

 

I did 18 yrs in civil rights, of those I did 3 yr in dc for redoing the women rights at the work

force in the late 80's -91. you are a temp with somewhat no recourse. this is against the

president and there should only be 1 higher level above him and that is the owner.

 

so here is rhetorical question, who can you complain too.

[pettie4sox]

I have been interviewing and I can go back to the old gig if need be. I just found the situation odd because I keep to myself and don't talk to anyone. I do good work too. I never had any intention of staying on as I'm going back to school next year.

 

I just think the guy is racist. There are no other black people who work at this company.

[BigHurt3515]

Host. I could have served if I wanted, but I have no interest in being a server. After being in the restaurant business for 8 years, I never want to have to serve.

 

My first job was a busser at Chili's when I was 16 for about a year and a half.

[LDF]

I have been interviewing and I can go back to the old gig if need be. I just found the situation odd because I keep to myself and don't talk to anyone. I do good work too. I never had any intention of staying on as I'm going back to school next year.

 

I just think the guy is racist. There are no other black people who work at this company.

 

I am not going there. at what cost is peace and happiness worth. I do not mean in $$$$

[cabiness42]

Wife brag: Wife is finishing her Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy in December. Without even applying, her #1 hospital choice contacted her to offer her a position, and they want her to start right after graduation in December as opposed to waiting until after she takes her certification exams in March. They said they did it because they weren't going to be allowed to hold the position open until March and didn't want to risk not having another open position for her before someone else hired her.

 

On my front yesterday I had what I considered to be a throwaway interview. It was to manage a call center for a third-party shareholder services firm. I almost didn't even apply for the job because while I have extensive call center experience, none of it is in the field of financial services and I've been told by other companies that's a nonstarter. I almost cancelled the interview because of the traffic involved getting there. But I went anyway and it was a fantastic interview and I think my odds are better than 50/50 that I'll get an offer.

[Iwritecode]

My first job was a busser at Chili's when I was 16 for about a year and a half.

 

In my head, working at someplace like Chili’s is a lot like the movie Waiting.

[southsider2k5]

In my head, working at someplace like Chili’s is a lot like the movie Waiting.

 

I adore that movie.

[Rowand44]

I adore that movie.

Great movie.

[bigruss]

My department has a new leader as of 3 weeks ago. I know it's only 3 weeks but man I've got this feeling that this is NOT the guy I want to work for. He's a 180 from the leadership that I've had and not in a good way, fortunately I've been put in really tough situations lately and have performed really well and i'm getting noticed a lot. That may come in handy real soon as I'm not sure if I have a future in IT Security at my company or if I really want a future there anymore.

[iamshack]

My department has a new leader as of 3 weeks ago. I know it's only 3 weeks but man I've got this feeling that this is NOT the guy I want to work for. He's a 180 from the leadership that I've had and not in a good way, fortunately I've been put in really tough situations lately and have performed really well and i'm getting noticed a lot. That may come in handy real soon as I'm not sure if I have a future in IT Security at my company or if I really want a future there anymore.

Why not? What happened? Is it all because of this new guy?

[bigruss]

Why not? What happened? Is it all because of this new guy?

Pretty much, he's the Sr Dir for the department, and he has shown a lot of preference over technical leaders compared to people leaders. Even if he viewed me as a future technical leader (which I don't think is my strength) it doesn't follow what I would want to do. While I fully think you need to understand the technology you manage in IT, I don't think the actual manager should be the technical leader, your engineers should be. He's looking (at least has indicated, again only 3 weeks but it's pretty apparent) they he wants engineers leading his teams. I don't agree with that since there's too much second guessing by the manager on his top engineers and the manager should be focused on developing/enabling his engineers to succeed rather than designing/building sytems.

 

It's a difference in philosophy, and while there are cases it works I've seen it fail way more often then succeed, mainly because your technical leaders typically can't effectively lead people and that spawns way more issues then any pros you get from being the leader in that technical area.

 

I've got a great reputation with his direct reports, but I honestly see a lot of them being pushed out or moving along. As mentioned, I'm just happy that I've been getting recognized outside of the department now, hopefully it leads to some good opportunities which may never have opened in Security anyways (it's a 40ish person department, much more limited then other departments).

[iamshack]

Pretty much, he's the Sr Dir for the department, and he has shown a lot of preference over technical leaders compared to people leaders. Even if he viewed me as a future technical leader (which I don't think is my strength) it doesn't follow what I would want to do. While I fully think you need to understand the technology you manage in IT, I don't think the actual manager should be the technical leader, your engineers should be. He's looking (at least has indicated, again only 3 weeks but it's pretty apparent) they he wants engineers leading his teams. I don't agree with that since there's too much second guessing by the manager on his top engineers and the manager should be focused on developing/enabling his engineers to succeed rather than designing/building sytems.

 

It's a difference in philosophy, and while there are cases it works I've seen it fail way more often then succeed, mainly because your technical leaders typically can't effectively lead people and that spawns way more issues then any pros you get from being the leader in that technical area.

 

I've got a great reputation with his direct reports, but I honestly see a lot of them being pushed out or moving along. As mentioned, I'm just happy that I've been getting recognized outside of the department now, hopefully it leads to some good opportunities which may never have opened in Security anyways (it's a 40ish person department, much more limited then other departments).

I don't disagree with that at all.

 

We have a ton of technical experts in management positions here and while they do well with certain things, their teams are usually underdeveloped and unhappy. My wife works for one and he sucks.