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| Posted by: Tree
- [41371322] Wed, Jun 17, 2009, 16:45
so, here's my dilemma.
i've been unemployed since being laid off 7 months ago.
i was just offered a part-time, hourly position which is an interesting one, and a temporary one, and not really doing what i want to do.
but it is income.
however, since i'm not currently paying taxes on unemployment (but i know i will at some point), my take home on unemployment is more than my take home if i work 25 hours a week on this job, and only 50 bucks less if i work 30 hours a week.
so...aside from knowing i'd have to pay taxes down the road for unemployment, is there any real incentive for me to take this job?? |
| | | 1 | Boldwin
ID: 26451820
Wed, Jun 17, 2009, 16:47
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The liberal work ethic.
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| | | 2 | C1-NRB
ID: 2911103011
Wed, Jun 17, 2009, 16:52
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Which runs out first, the temporary employment or unemployment? And those unemployment taxes can bite you- that's always something to take into consideration.
The less deferred tax the better (in my book.)
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| | | 3 | biliruben
ID: 461142511
Wed, Jun 17, 2009, 16:58
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I had this conversation 10 years ago with my sister.
There are people who need food-stamps and unemployment more than young, able-bodied adults with job opportunities.
Also, the longer the gap in your resume, the harder it will be for you to get a job.
Plus, working provides intangibles, such as self-worth and self-esteem. And tangibles, such as health and retirement benefits.
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| | | 5 | sarge33rd
ID: 535111716
Wed, Jun 17, 2009, 17:11
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if the temp position ends prior to the unemployment ending...I'd be inclined to keep looking. All depends though, on your states unemployment laws.
IA (where I know the rules/laws the best) unemployment income requires that you be actively seeking work and submit weekly verification of the same. Decline a job offer, and you lose the unemployment immediately. (There are some caveats, so that a recently laid off Comptroller for ex, doesnt HAVE to take a job at the local Burger King.)
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| | | 6 | Tree
ID: 41371322
Wed, Jun 17, 2009, 17:25
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Also, the longer the gap in your resume, the harder it will be for you to get a job.
Plus, working provides intangibles, such as self-worth and self-esteem. And tangibles, such as health and retirement benefits.
these are things i have certainly considered. FWIW, my resume doesn't really have a gap in it, because i am doing some freelance writing, and i did begin my own Social Media Marketing business this spring - whether it takes off or not is another story, but i do have that going on.
and yes, the self-esteem thing is big. the tangibles, however, don't exist, as this is a part-time gig.
IA (where I know the rules/laws the best) unemployment income requires that you be actively seeking work and submit weekly verification of the same. Decline a job offer, and you lose the unemployment immediately.
i have to confirm it, but it isn't until you are in the final 13-week period of unemployment where NY State requires you to take a job that is at a lower wage than your previous job.
and to all - sorry about that outburst above, but i really am sick of Baldwin and his cute little attacks. and this one was personal. and i don't take kindly to it at all.
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| | | 7 | DWetzel
ID: 278201415
Wed, Jun 17, 2009, 17:39
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Don't blame you a bit. I'd tell him to screw off too.
Is there any likelihood at all that this temp job will lead to longer-term employment, either directly or via connections you might make with the job? Even a tiny chance of that would make it clearly worth doing.
There's also the boredom factor. You know this 100x better than we would, but it's usually good for mental health purposes to get out and get to doing something.
Financially, it probably doesn't make a great deal of sense. If you can afford the "loss" of income, it's probably worth doing.
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| | | 8 | PuNk42AE
Donor
ID: 036635522
Wed, Jun 17, 2009, 20:16
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I was going to ask the same thing as DWetzel. Would it help with networking, but then I see that you said it isn't really what you want to be doing. But is it that far away that it wouldn't help get into that field?
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| | | 9 | Boldwin
ID: 26451820
Wed, Jun 17, 2009, 20:18
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A conservative would not find bringing up work ethic to be insulting in this situation. This is actually a worthwhile thread in the larger scheme of things. Every retired person has to make the same calculation and that wide spot is well on it's way thru the anaconda. Shades of Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
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| | | 10 | Tree
ID: 41371322
Wed, Jun 17, 2009, 20:34
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only an idiot would turn this into a liberal vs. conservative thing, Baldwin. YOU are that idiot.
do you really think i like the idea of turning down a job because it pays me less than unemployment? i f*cking hate the idea, but i've still got to put food on my table and a keep a roof over my head.
i don't need to defend myself against you, because i am true to myself, and to my beliefs.
YOU, are the fraud, pal.
and those are my last words to you on the topic.
Punk - in theory, it could help with networking. however, much of the position is field interviewing, and it's supposed to be anonymous, so it would be difficult because of the ethics involved to stay in touch with these people.
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| | | 11 | Seattle Zen
ID: 535221713
Wed, Jun 17, 2009, 20:49
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sorry about that outburst above
If you really are sorry, then you should edit your post. Seriously. Baldwin's remark was snide but did not deserve the nastiness with which you replied.
What is the part-time job and what do you want to do permanently? How important is it that you remain free during the part-time gig's hours? Another way of asking is, can you still apply and possibly interview for a full time gig while working part-time?
I don't know how it works in NY, but in WA, you are given a dollar amount that represents your maximum unemployment payout. If you work during the year of your claim, the amount remains the same, as you are not lowering the balance with weekly withdrawals. When the part-time gig is up, you start claiming unemployment again, the finish line has been pushed back.
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| | | 12 | DWetzel
ID: 33337117
Wed, Jun 17, 2009, 21:46
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"A conservative would not find bringing up work ethic to be insulting in this situation."
A thinking, caring one would. You wouldn't of course.
It's fairly obvious that he's asking a fairly legitimate, personal question. A legitimate, personal response would be non-insulting. You had any number of ways to phrase your otherwise fairly legitimate point in a way that was not clearly meant to be insulting.
You instead chose the opportunity to take a snarky, pointless cheap shot at "the liberal work ethic", if I can paraphrase your point--oh wait, I quoted the whole thing.
You're either a heartless, brainless nincompoop or being deliberately obtuse. I would like to think it's the latter. Prove me wrong.
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| | | 13 | Tree
ID: 41371322
Wed, Jun 17, 2009, 23:48
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post 4 deleted. the sentiment, however, remains.
thank you to the rest of you for the thoughtful responses - both to my original request, and my outburst.
i will say that some of the outburst was a bit of an emotional response. seven months of unemployment, nearly 200 resumes sent, countless networking, and not one interview.
then, finally, i get one, i ace the interview like i always do, and i get offered the job. and i take home less than i do unemployment.
that's frustration.
and seeing Baldwin's snarky little completely unrelated comment was the straw that broke the camel's back...
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| | | 15 | Boldwin
ID: 26451820
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 01:12
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I'm trying to see the difference between my post#1 and Bili's Post#3 besides brevity.
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| | | 16 | Perm Dude
ID: 154552311
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 01:32
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Yours was a slam against liberals. Bili's was an argument against not working.
Take your time...
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| | | 17 | DWetzel
ID: 33337117
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 01:55
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15:
Try tone, lack of snark, and a genuine interest in communicating rather than trying to land a verbal jab.
If you don't get it, I can see that I was wrong to hold out hope in #12.
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| | | 18 | Tree
ID: 41371322
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 02:53
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I'm trying to see the difference between my post#1 and Bili's Post#3 besides brevity.
which pretty much explains your approach to EVERYTHING.
you simply are unable to see the forest for the trees. you are so obsessed with trashing liberals, you forget that life is much bigger than that, and much more important than that.
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| | | 19 | Boldwin
ID: 26451820
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 09:00
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Now would be a good time for Razor to make his semi-annual appearance.
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| | | 20 | Khahan
ID: 391582715
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 09:06
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A conservative would not find bringing up work ethic to be insulting in this situation.
I'm pretty conservative and I found your comment insulting. As Tree mentioned, he has legit concerns about taking a paycut, as does everybody.
Sure when you look at a situation in a vacuum as you so often do, its easy to make absolutes and rude comparisons. But when you consider the reality of life a paycut is a paycut and that does affect him putting food on the table.
Maybe rather than attacking Tree for grappling with a real life problem and trying to weigh reality vs his conscience, you could attack the unemployment system. Or better yet, not attack it but rather offer ideas to improve it. Or better yet, since this is a request for personal help, just leave side issues out altogether.
Tree, you said you started your own business. Will this part time position interfer with you getting that off ground?
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| | | 21 | Tree
ID: 41371322
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 12:06
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Tree, you said you started your own business. Will this part time position interfer with you getting that off ground?
potentially. it would obviously give me less time to work on it, because it would eat into the hours of the day.
the job in theory is flexible enough that it won't cut into hours in a direct fashion, because i can probably do my business around it. it's just less hours in the day to do so.
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| | | 22 | Building 7
ID: 471052128
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 12:24
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At the risk of receiving a barrage of insults, I thought #1 was funny. Baldwin and others have posted far, far worse comments.
We're still hiring in Texas, if you want to come down after your unemployment runs out.
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| | | 23 | Seattle Zen
ID: 565581811
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 12:59
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What is a "Social Media Marketing" business? And what is the part-time job?
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| | | 24 | Boldwin
ID: 26451820
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 14:00
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Twitter is gonna start selling ad space?
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| | | 25 | Boldwin
ID: 26451820
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 14:57
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Last I heard Twitter isn't making a dime. Tell them you can sell ad space on Twitter and see if they contact you. But only if they give you the NYC franchise exclusive.
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| | | 26 | PuNk42AE
Donor
ID: 036635522
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 15:33
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And this Tree is why if you want something actually answered, goto the Baseball or Football forum and put OT - *****
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| | | 27 | Tree
ID: 41371322
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 16:28
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B7 - i've got family and friends in Texas. it's certainly in the realm of possibilities, but, i dunno. it's texas.
SZ - the job is working for NORC at the University of Chicago, as field interviewer.
in a nutshell, Social Media Marketing is using tools such as Twitter, Facebook, ning, LinkedIn, digg, reddit, various blogging sites, etc etc as marketing tools.
Baldwin - Last I heard Twitter isn't making a dime. Tell them you can sell ad space on Twitter and see if they contact you.
no, Twitter isn't making a dime yet. they're still trying to figure out how. but plenty of people are making money using Twitter, and that's what *I* care about.
and selling ad space is the exact opposite of what web 2.0 and social media is all about. it's a bit of a shill, but read the first entry in my blog about Social Media, which explains it in pretty simple terms...
it's about interaction, not interruption.
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| | | 28 | holt
ID: 303502019
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 17:10
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Speaking of Twitter, can anyone explain to me why I never heard of it til a few weeks ago, and now it's suddenly plastered everywhere. I mean I went from hearing it mentioned zero times a day to 50 times a day virtually overnight.
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| | | 29 | biliruben
ID: 461142511
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 17:19
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It's been around for a while.
It's currently being used extensively for organizing and dissemination of info in the uprising over the Iran.
I don't find it particularly novel or useful technology, and predict it will have a very short lifespan.
The only reason why I was on it was my mortgage broker was twittering changing interest rates throughout the day, and I was shopping for a house and looking to lock a low rate.
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| | | 30 | Tree
ID: 41371322
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 17:47
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It's currently being used extensively for organizing and dissemination of info in the uprising over the Iran.
I don't find it particularly novel or useful technology, and predict it will have a very short lifespan.
those two statements contradict each other.
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| | | 31 | Seattle Zen
ID: 565581811
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 17:51
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The gig with NORC at Univ. of Chitown sounds cool. I'm not very optimistic about the $$ to be made in Social Media Marketing, to be honest.
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| | | 32 | Tree
ID: 41371322
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 18:27
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i'm sure at some point someone said "i'm not very optimistic about the $$ to be made in building webpages."
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| | | 33 | Building 7
ID: 9329258
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 18:47
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We're hiring field interviewers where I work. We're doing a four state border alcohol study and an HIV project in Dallas. Last year we had to wait outside a gay bar in Dallas and do HIV related interviews. That'd be good for you.
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| | | 34 | biliruben
ID: 461142511
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 18:47
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I think there is a niche where it is useful right now, but that niche will be replaced very quickly with a better product.
Just my wild ass guess, and I don't think there is any contradiction if you understand temporal progression.
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| | | 35 | Texas Flood
ID: 17210916
Thu, Jun 18, 2009, 21:39
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I sold my business back in 05' and retired at age 56. It was
great during the summer, but by October I knew I had to get
busy again. I was also paying for my own health insurance and
then the stock market started to slide.
I took a non thinking job that paid about 1/3 of my previous
income, but the benefits were simply amazing and I enjoy what I
do. Working with a bunch of younger people and a 4 day 32
hour work week.
A couple of thoughts for Tree.
Get Busy.
Network.
It's easier to find a job while employed.
Be willing to move anywhere.
Look way outside of your comfort zone.
Continue or improve you're education.
Fine tune your resume.
Apply for many jobs and interview to improve your interviewing
skills.
Look for something that you really love to do, but be willing to
take something less than that for the time being.
I'm sure you've heard all of this before but its always been good
advice. Good luck in your search!
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| | | 36 | astade
Sustainer
ID: 214361313
Fri, Jun 19, 2009, 01:45
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Great advice Texas Flood. I echo those sentiments and wish Tree (and every other unemployed person) similar success in such a difficult time.
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| | | 37 | Tree
ID: 41371322
Fri, Jun 19, 2009, 09:18
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Get Busy.
Network.
definitely. probably the most important suggestions. at first, networking was a little frustrating, because in the music/video business, where my most recent background is, everyone knows at least a half-dozen people looking for work.
but once i started thinking outside the box, my contact list increased tremendously, and while there hasn't been any significant fruit yet, this is where i think it will come from.
It's easier to find a job while employed.
absolutely. of course, i liked where i worked previously, and had become complacent. :o)
Be willing to move anywhere.
this is the toughie. i LOVE living in NYC, but i am slowly realizing that unless something breaks soon, i may have to look at NYC as a playground, and not where i live.
Look way outside of your comfort zone.
like networking, this was something that took me a bit of time to grasp, but it's getting there.
Continue or improve you're education.
like grammar, perhaps? ;o) just teasing. actually, there are a few places in NYC where you can swap one night a week of office work for free spanish coures, and i've always wanted to move my spanish from passable to fluent, so i am strongly considering doing this.
Fine tune your resume.
or, dumb it down. seriously. it's annoying.
Apply for many jobs and interview to improve your interviewing skills.
the first is obvious, the second is out of my control. a couple hundred resumes sent, and ONE interview gained, is beyond frustrating. FWIW, i am a very good interview. i won awards for my skills as an interviewee in high school, and it's a skill i've had since then. i can be nervous as anything inside, but outside, i am cool, jovial, and very engaging, and i've never had an interview where i wasn't offered the position. obviously, i think in this economy that would change, but the interview is probably the strongest part of my game.
Look for something that you really love to do, but be willing to take something less than that for the time being.
at this point, if i can make ends meet, i'll do nearly anything. :o)
thanks for the tips and thoughts...
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| | | 38 | rockafellerskank
Dude
ID: 27652109
Fri, Jun 19, 2009, 10:05
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re: social media.
I am a member of a professional association whose average member age is 47. we have 2 conferences per year We have a generation gap in understanding facebook, twitter, linkedin, etc... and how to relate to our younger generation and how to use these tools to network, advertise, recruit, etc... We recently contracted a speaker with a background similar to Tree's and paid $1000 plus expenses for a 2 hour presentation.
Food for thought...
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| | | 39 | Tree
ID: 41371322
Fri, Jun 19, 2009, 11:50
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the funny thing, RFS, is that i'm not too far from that average age, being over 40 myself.
but i've had a computer in my house since i was 12, and i have always tried to stay ahead of things, the one exception being when i nearly got in heavy trouble for hacking as a teenager, and for my own benefit, stayed away from computers for anything other than baseball sims and word processing.
i've been blogging since 2001, been on Myspace pretty much since the beginning and have been on LinkedIn for a few years now, joined Facebook and twitter before they exploded in popularity, and have been exploring other areas like ning.com (a pretty cool site that lets you set up your own social network, either public or private) and applications that enhance your twitter experience, such as Tweetdeck.
now, how to get those speaking gigs, especially since i'm a peer. lol
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| | | 40 | Boldwin
ID: 25282121
Sun, Jun 21, 2009, 22:28
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See, I try and get ya in on the ground floor and I just get slapped around fer my trouble.
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| | | 41 | Boldwin
ID: 25282121
Mon, Jun 22, 2009, 06:22
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Speech Title:
Peer-to-peer file sharing. No charge.
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| | | 42 | boikin
ID: 532592112
Tue, Jun 23, 2009, 16:04
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Re: 40, in other words twitter moves from next big thing to last big thing.
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| | | 44 | sarge33rd
ID: 17681812
Thu, Aug 13, 2009, 15:48
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seemed like the most appropriate place for this...
been a long time since "payday" excited me at all, and even longer since the dollar amount involved did. HOWEVER, I get my first bit of income since November...tomorrow. *insert sigh of relief here*
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| | | 46 | Razor
ID: 14791320
Thu, Aug 13, 2009, 21:09
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Interesting that there was almost no change in the top 0.01% income share for 30 years, including Boldwin's favorite era. Reagan changed things and we haven't looked back since.
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| | | 47 | DWetzel
ID: 33337117
Thu, Aug 13, 2009, 21:53
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Well, there's also a big-time correlation between stock market crashes (see: 1929-35ish, mid-70s, 1987) and dips in this chart. Reagan had a pretty good stock market.
What makes this chart fairly remarkable is the last few years, when that percentage skyrocketed DESPITE a fairly lackluster (ahem) stock market.
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| | | 48 | Boldwin
ID: 15738146
Fri, Aug 14, 2009, 07:38
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Every Troll has his day:
Obama hiring trolls on Craig's ListEarn $400-$600 per week. To apply for a job, call Chris at 612-331-1434.
The Fund for the Public Interest has been working for over 25 years with organizations such as Sierra Club, Environment America, Human Rights Campaign, Progressive Future and U.S. PIRG to win concrete victories for the public interest. We are the nation’s premier nonprofit for raising money, building membership and winning grassroots campaigns.
* Location: Minneapolis
* Compensation: $400-$600 Per Week
* This is at a non-profit organization.
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
* Phone calls about this job are ok.
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
PostingID: 1303502752 Not sure if 30K a year is enuff to get you to relocate to the land of liberalism and lakes.
You too could be astroturf.
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| | | 49 | Boldwin
ID: 32741146
Fri, Aug 14, 2009, 07:41
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If you need character references to prove you are quite the boo-er, I'll vouch for you.
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| | | 50 | DWetzel at work
ID: 49962710
Fri, Aug 14, 2009, 09:43
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Obama's first name is Chris now? I could have sworn it was Hussain.
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| | | 51 | Boldwin
ID: 147241413
Fri, Aug 14, 2009, 14:24
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When it comes to democrat rent-a-mobs the buck definately stops at his desk.
And you aint seen nothing yet in that department. He's gonna have a rent-a-mob the size of the US army if he gets his way. His words.
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| | | 52 | sarge33rd
ID: 17681812
Fri, Aug 14, 2009, 15:24
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His words? Show me a link to that exact quote.
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| | | 53 | Razor
ID: 371502414
Fri, Aug 14, 2009, 15:43
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Boldwin's used quotes and claimed "his words" twice this week and will have twice have had to rescind.
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| | | 54 | Tree
ID: 41371322
Sat, Aug 15, 2009, 10:31
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Baldwin doesn't rescind. His conscience and his religion both apparently accept lying as perfectly reasonable thing to do.
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| | | 56 | Boldwin
ID: 30758159
Sat, Aug 15, 2009, 10:58
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This has already been posted if you were keeping up.
An Acorn trainer's wet dream.
BTW part of the socialized medicine plan builds a mandatory voluntary service, government run army of doctors.
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| | | 57 | biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Sat, Aug 15, 2009, 11:12
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Army of flying monkeys
Wicked Witch of the West
This is why Baldwin
Thinks Obamacare is the Best!
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| | | 58 | Tree
ID: 41371322
Sat, Aug 15, 2009, 12:05
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funny Baldwin. in previous posts over the years, you came out strongly in favor of a civilian security force, particularly on our borders.
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| | | 59 | sarge33rd
ID: 17681812
Sat, Aug 15, 2009, 12:46
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soooooooo now Boldwin was for it, before he was against it?
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| | | 60 | Boldwin
ID: 39751513
Sat, Aug 15, 2009, 14:05
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Always been for a functional border patrol.
Never been for Acorn employees paid for with my tax dollars banging on my door to see if I lived up to my health plan commitments and government child rearing plan.
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| | | 61 | DWetzel at work
ID: 49962710
Sat, Aug 15, 2009, 14:27
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So as long as the border patrol only shoots people in the back, you're okay with it.
Got it.
At least you have your priorities straight!
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| | | 62 | Tree
ID: 41371322
Sat, Aug 15, 2009, 16:47
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you're in favor of a civilian security force when they are doing work you specifically believe in.
but when it comes to a request from a DEMOCRAT for a civilian security force, you're against that aspect of it.
add the word "hypocrite" to "liar" as words that describe you. i'm sure your god is proud.
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| | | 63 | Boldwin
ID: 517541515
Sat, Aug 15, 2009, 16:54
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The reason the border patrol is a civilian' security force is because the founding fathers were afraid of standing armies inside the country and until recently had a posse comitasus act prohibitting the kind of military abuse of the population we saw at Waco.
So the border police fall into a gray area where they are truly protecting the security of the USA against foreign invaders if they were actually allowed to do their job which they are not.
Yeah, I am for protecting the USA from foreign invaders and there is no contradiction in my positions.
I don't want brown shirts answerable only to one demogogue intimidating the public.
I'm sure there are so many people who would get sucked in by Tree...not.
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| | | 64 | Boldwin
ID: 537571515
Sat, Aug 15, 2009, 16:57
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Then again even bili is devolving into Tree lately. Following PD's loss of mind a year and a half ago.
Madman, I'm glad you haven't had to watch this sad spectacle.
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| | | 65 | holt
ID: 587581515
Sat, Aug 15, 2009, 16:59
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yeah Baldwin, good luck in hell you big dumb jerky poop-pants!
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| | | 66 | Boldwin
ID: 26711516
Sat, Aug 15, 2009, 17:01
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Heh, yeah Holt. Tree is a religious expert now. Didn't ya know? Lol!
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| | | 67 | Tree
ID: 41371322
Sat, Aug 15, 2009, 17:15
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Baldwin - you're right. everyone else is off their rockers, and you're the bastion of sanity.
i'd put my recent arguments and discussions here up against yours any day, and let the lurkers judge.
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| | | 68 | biliruben
ID: 461142511
Mon, Aug 17, 2009, 12:56
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Then again even bili is devolving into Tree lately.
Not every one's a lover of art so fine,
It garners squeals of joy from the finest of swine.
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| | | 69 | Tree
ID: 248472317
Fri, Jan 15, 2010, 09:46
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a bit of a follow up...
One of the main reasons I re-located to Texas for because I felt there would be better opportunities for me here.
After hundreds of resumes sent, less than a dozen interviews, and ZERO job interviews in NYC, my frustration level was at an all-time high.
Here in Texas, it's been different. I've actually gotten interviews at a clip of about 70 percent. I've had more interviews in six weeks here than i had in 6 months in NYC.
I received my first "real" offer yesterday.
In this case, it's a reasonable offer. It's not exactly the job I want, and the pay is lower than I was hoping.
But the health plan (which includes dental AND vision after 30 days) is pretty solid (after 180 days you're eligible for their "high" plan, which *includes* things like chiropractic care).
The hours are also pretty nice, as I'm out of there at 4:30, which enables me to enjoy my evenings and afternoons, or actually take some evening classes and work towards a Master's without totally killing myself. :oD
the only slight trepidation i have is that i might be sacrificing other opportunities of better paying jobs doing what i like. That being said, I'm a big proponent of "not taking points off the board", so turning this down is only in the back of my mind, and not something i'm likely to do.
so, there you go. my update.
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| | | 70 | Khahan
ID: 391582715
Fri, Jan 15, 2010, 09:55
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Congratz Tree. I'm glad Texas is looking brighter for you.
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| | | 71 | Razor
ID: 57854118
Fri, Jan 15, 2010, 10:21
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I was unemployed for three months from Nov 08 - Jan 09. My advice to you, Tree, is that you turn up the intensity on your job search now that you have an offer in hand. If you have had some other opportunities that you feel good about, buy a week of time with the company that extended the offer to mull it over, and then be relentless with the other places you've interviewed. I received an offer last January, and by the time 7 days had passed, I had received two more final round interviews and another job offer for 25% more than the initial offer at a better company and closer to home. I accepted the latter. You'd be amazed how much better of an interviewer you are with an offer in hand.
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| | | 72 | Tree
ID: 248472317
Fri, Jan 15, 2010, 10:54
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Thanks Khahan.
Razor - the ace in the hole this company has is that they have someone else in the same department starting on Monday and they want both people to start on the same day.
I just went back at them with a counter offer.
Several people have said the same thing to me "as long as you don't have a contract, there's nothing to stop you from continuing your search..."
and that's a pretty solid point, imho.
as for my interviewing skills, that's probably the sharpest part of my game. I won awards for it in high school, and always walk in and out of the interview feeling confident, and never overly nervous.
the funny thing is, that the night before an interview, i have a CRAPPY night of sleep. always. and i always wondered why, and decided that it must be all that nervous pre-interview energy leaving my body beforehand. lol
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| | | 73 | Seattle Zen
ID: 1410391215
Fri, Jan 15, 2010, 11:53
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Congrats Tree, and you, too Razor. Hope the job you landed a year ago is keeping you happy.
What Master's program are you considering, Tree?
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| | | 74 | Myboyjack
ID: 447112610
Fri, Jan 15, 2010, 11:54
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Good news; bur bear in mind that you're going to have less
time to cruise the fantasy baseball waiver wire if you're
gainfully employed.
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| | | 75 | weykool
ID: 530551510
Fri, Jan 15, 2010, 11:55
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Tree....Contratz.
Having been out of work for 5 months last year I know how it feels to finally get that offer.
Best of luck to you in your new line of work.
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| | | 76 | Perm Dude
ID: 5510572522
Fri, Jan 15, 2010, 11:56
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You say that as though that were a bad thing, MBJ.
:)
Congrats, Tree. A job with benefits in Texas--who knew? Can you tell us what the job is?
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| | | 77 | Tree
ID: 248472317
Fri, Jan 15, 2010, 11:59
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SZ - lol. let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. it really is just a "consideration" at this point. I was never a good student. Got decent enough grades, just didn't enjoy the academic experience. but, that was also close to 20 years ago, so maybe i've actually matured slightly.
it would be a library science program, but more in the information science degree part of it, as pertaining to the knowledge management field.
it's a growing field, and i think it ties in strongly to not only my skill set, but something i would totally enjoy doing.
and MBJ, i know, i know. defending my hard-fought championship is going to be a big challenge! lol
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| | | 78 | Razor
ID: 57854118
Fri, Jan 15, 2010, 12:16
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Thanks, SZ. Best job I've ever had.
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| | | 79 | DWetzel at work
ID: 49962710
Fri, Jan 15, 2010, 12:34
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"i think it ties in strongly to not only my skill set, but something i would totally enjoy doing."
Then I'd snap-take it. Unless something else that is out there fits the bill. Why go for a job for somewhat more $$$ and twice the heartaches?
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| | | 80 | Doug
ID: 351027518
Fri, Jan 15, 2010, 12:57
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He's talking about the potential masters program, not the job.
Tree, that sounds like a great long term win-win... identifying something that you would love doing and that there's also likely a solid career path for (i.e., going into a growing field with a masters should mean you have no trouble getting a job you love). Most jobs requiring (or at least preferring) masters degrees pay reasonably well too, though certainly not an absolute rule.
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| | | 81 | Biliruben movin
ID: 358252515
Fri, Jan 15, 2010, 13:15
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Congrats man
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| | | 82 | Nuclear Gophers
ID: 7115138
Fri, Jan 15, 2010, 15:44
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Congratulations Tree-hope everything works for the best.
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| | | 83 | sarge33rd
ID: 280311620
Sat, Jan 16, 2010, 21:31
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Indeed Tree, congrats. Been out of work since Nov '08 when we left TX. Spent a couple months at a small dealership this past summer till they lost their franchise due to declining sales. Only other offer I got, I declined. The hours, would have been 8:30a.m.-11:00p.m. Mon-Sat, 11:30a.m.-9:00p.m. Sun, then the Mon-Sat again to get the next Sunday off. Also would have to move again, and they offered zero assistance with that, along with no demo. I decided, 190 or so hours every 2 weeks with virtually no benefits, just isn't in the cards for me anymore.
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| | | 84 | Tree
ID: 248472317
Mon, Jan 18, 2010, 18:32
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First day. had a lot of fun. learned a lot. am totally drained.
great work environment. the company pretty much has the attitude that they don't want you to "take your job home with you", so while they obviously want you to get your work done, their is no pressure to stay late, and they don't want you going home and worrying about what didn't happen.
business casual, jeans are ok, and so on.
and, aside from the graphic design department which is all male, every single other person in this division - except me - is female. it's kind of weird.
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| | | 85 | Nuclear Gophers
ID: 7115138
Mon, Jan 18, 2010, 19:13
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and, aside from the graphic design department which is all male, every single other person in this division - except me - is female. it's kind of weird. Some people have all the luck.
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| | | 86 | rockafellerskank
Dude
ID: 27652109
Mon, Jan 18, 2010, 19:25
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Nice to hear good news Tree. Grats.
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| | | 87 | PuNk42AE
Donor
ID: 036635522
Tue, Jan 19, 2010, 01:21
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Tree's going to be able to synch his period with everyone. :')
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| | | 88 | Taxman
SuperDude
ID: 029463114
Tue, Jan 19, 2010, 23:36
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TREE.....Great to see the move "pay" off. I'm able to discuss my situation now. Send me an e-mail and I'll start filling you in.
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| | | 89 | J-Bar
ID: 150131920
Wed, Jan 20, 2010, 00:03
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Congrats Tree, Welcome to Texas. Where you located?
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| | | 90 | Tree
ID: 248472317
Wed, Jan 20, 2010, 01:04
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Welcome back to Texas, since i grew up here. :o)
Ft. Worth.
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| | | 91 | biliruben
ID: 461142511
Fri, Jan 22, 2010, 15:22
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Tree - a job! Right up your alley.
Right down to the publisher's name.
This is really the only must read local daily in Seattle, now that PI is all but dead. And they are expanding.
Don't quit your day-job, but can't hurt to send up some samples.
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| | | 92 | Tree
ID: 248472317
Tue, Apr 06, 2010, 17:01
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speaking of right up my alley, as i continue the job/career/whatever pursuit...
i was just hired as a content writer on a contractual basis for a Human Capital Marketing company here in town.
this company is the ideal fit for me - jeans and t-shirt environment; beer cooler, and bumper pool and foosball tables in the office; and an 8-block walk from my apartment.
once i'm brought on full-time, the benefits kick in immediately: 100 percent paid insurance, whether i am single or have a family; 100 percent matching on 401K up to 4% of the salary; unlimited PDOs (if you want to go on a 6-week African Safari, plan it out and have your work done before you go); and so on and so forth.
now i just have to figure out what a contracted content writer makes per hour in Ft. Worth, TX.
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| | | 93 | boikin
ID: 532592112
Tue, Apr 06, 2010, 17:17
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I kind of want that job, though i have a feeling i would suck as content writer.
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| | | 94 | Building 7
ID: 232122716
Tue, Apr 06, 2010, 18:37
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Good luck with that. We used to have a bumper pool table in the bar for awhile. That's an interesting game, if you learn the official rules. I once beat Gordon from Sesame Street in a game. That's my brush with greatness, which is sad.
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| | | 95 | Tree
ID: 248472317
Tue, Apr 06, 2010, 19:32
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hey, beating Gordon from Sesame Street in bumper pool, as far as i'm concerned, is among the greatest feats a man can achieve, because i'm not sure there are many who can make that claim.
of course, the reason for the "fun" stuff in the office is because they want you to enjoy coming to work, which is because it's likely meaning some long hours. but i'm perfectly ok with that, as long as it doesnt conflict with my roller derby or wrestling... ;o)
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| | | 96 | Seattle Zen
ID: 1410391215
Tue, Apr 06, 2010, 19:36
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I had always thought that your ideal job would be "clothing optional" - jeans and t-shirt ain't too shabby, though.
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| | | 97 | astade
Sustainer
ID: 214361313
Tue, Apr 06, 2010, 23:52
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Can you elaborate on what a content writer is for those of us outside the industry?
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| | | 98 | Tree
ID: 248472317
Wed, Apr 07, 2010, 01:48
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in a nutshell, i'll be writing whatever the client needs. everything from web content to white papers, although apparently we're so busy right now it's going to be a lot of white papers .
i don't have a ton of experience writing that sort of stuff, but i've had enough people tell me i'm a very good writer, so i believe it. a good writer can learn and adapt - and this certainly will be a learning process for me.
but as a good writer, i feel i'm pretty strong at adjusting my style when i need to, so i don't really have a lot of concerns.
i'm fairly excited that my blog played a big role in me getting hired, as i wrote it primarily to get my writing back out there.
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| | | 99 | bibA
ID: 2933879
Wed, Apr 07, 2010, 10:55
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Tree, I would assume you have no say as to content. They give you the content, and you make it pretty, right? So, how would you feel if you were given an assignment to write espousing why doctors feel the health care bill is bad? Or why the country would be better off with a President Limbaugh? Must you remain 100% objective, like an umpire? Or are you tempted to do just a bit of editorializing?
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| | | 100 | sarge33rd
ID: 280311620
Wed, Apr 07, 2010, 10:58
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Or why the country would be better off with a President Limbaugh?
Now that's some funny sh*t right there, I don't care who you are.
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| | | 101 | Seattle Zen
Leader
ID: 055343019
Wed, Apr 07, 2010, 11:00
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Or why the country would be better off with a President Limbaugh?
Who in the world would pay for that trash? Transgendered amputee smut stories are less objectionable.
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| | | 102 | Tree
ID: 248472317
Wed, Apr 07, 2010, 13:46
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So, how would you feel if you were given an assignment to write espousing why doctors feel the health care bill is bad? Or why the country would be better off with a President Limbaugh?
fortunately, i won't have to be doing any of that drivel. not the sort of stuff we do.
we're in the human capital marketing sector, not the pandering to the moronic sheep sector.
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| | | 103 | astade
Sustainer
ID: 214361313
Thu, Apr 08, 2010, 01:50
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RE: 98 Thanks for elaborating. Good luck with your job. If you feel comfortable, looking forward to you sharing some of your published writing so we can see the end result.
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| | | 104 | Tree
ID: 248472317
Thu, Apr 08, 2010, 10:19
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re: 103 thanks! i look at this as a turning point for me, because it's one of the few ways someone can legitimately make a living writing, and if i don't enjoy it or suck it at, i'll probably go to some sort of mindless day job that has insurance, which will in turn allow me to write at night for magazines and so forth.
as for the gig, i'll share what i can. a lot of it is likely to be proprietary, so i wouldn't be able to share that.
as for other stuff of mine that is out there, here's the online version of a recent story i did about a bicycle builder here in Ft. Worth.
follow the link to the digital version, and then it's on page 40 of the current (April) issue.
(i posted this previously in the I Like Bikes thread, so if you read it there, it's the same article. lol)
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| | | 105 | astade
Sustainer
ID: 214361313
Thu, Apr 08, 2010, 23:31
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nice read on the bikes. i know you probably can't post white papers but anything else from your new job might be cool.
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