Sharing Great News
 

As most of you know, in September I was unceremoniously escorted out of the building, and away from the job I had for 7 years. It was not a good time in Dagney-land.

I took a (hopefully & thankfully) temporary position with a recently merged Wireless communications company, as a grunt front line customer service rep. (It's not a bad job, I've done it, and jobs like it for years...I am just burnt out on it, and the money sucks)

My resume had been spread far and wide thanks to our friends at Monster.com (Radar, take a hint, I'm seriously pimpin this site now). Out of the blue, I had an email requesting a phone interview. The phone interview resulted in a face to face interview. The face to face led to a second phone interview, with a second face to face interview yesterday.

All during these interviews, I was asked when I could get out of my lease, if I'd be interested in relocating, where I'd like to meet for carpooling...etc. All positive signs.

About 10 minutes ago, I got my call....I start Monday Morning at 0830.

And the question that I can't help but remember...."we start our technical writers at 42K....is that _enough_?"

Cool! I like to hear good news. Do you have to relocate far?

Right now, I won't be relocating at all - I'll just be driving 1.5 hours one way....(so yes, I'm also in the market for a new car).

After a few months, I'll be moving to the Lewistown area, which is about 60 miles north of where I am now.

Excellent!! Congratulations.

I'm very familiar with all the sites for techs. The problem is in my last few moves since the tech sector fell through the floor, I've lost my resume. I couldn't possibly remember all of the places or dates of all the places I've consulted at. There are literally dozens. Also I'm not sure how to desribe the hundreds if not thousands of software packages, computer network architecture, hardware configurations, etc, I've worked with and can support and all of the computer networking certifications, education, etc. I've got, etc.

I'm a very good tech but a very bad resume writer. And even if I hire someone, they'll want me to provide this information. Also I don't think there's any way for me to show all the places I've consulted at since 1996, my skills, education, etc. within 2 pages let alone 1.

Did I hear a cue for Lumberjim?

Radar - get a resume writer to help. Discuss the WHAT and not the WHERE of the things you have done.

Get the skills and accomplishments on paper in no particular order. Then sort, group, summarize, highlight and omit the lesser things. Get the ten-pager down to a two-pager.

Then, make up some bullshit company names and say they all went under. Believe me, its about the interview and what you can do for them. But none of that happens if you don't get in the door which, without a resume, you won't.

Start at the beginning and not the middle.

Good luck - think of the wife.

YEAH, RIGHT. she might buy from me. and it might rain beer tomorrow.

'sok, I'd probably blast her, anyway. triple dip of undercoating, coming right up!


congrats, dagney.

Congratulations Dag. I wish you the best of luck. I'm glad you're getting a position that you want and deserve, plus the money ain't bad either. I bet you have a party the day you quit that other job.

Brian

Excellent company too, whoever they are. They're savy enough to hire the best. ;)
Have you heard anything about your former boss being stoned to death yet? Or the company being closed and the assets distributed among former employees?

Congratulations Dagney!! It's always a joy to see someone pull themselves out of the temporary-employment grind.

The worst thing in the world is the rejection of losing a job you love. The best thing in the world is finding out that someone else wants you.

Congrats, Dagney!

Congrats, Dagney! Hope it's everything you want it to be.

Actually Jim, I would...if you cut me and my so so credit a deal :)

Water/beer/other liquids under the bridge and such

But unless you're a VW dealer, I'm not sure you'll be hearing from me....cuz right now, i'm looking at a Turbo Diesel Jetta..... But i'm open for suggestions for sporty looking, somewhat affordable, gas friendly cars.

Dagney
(who really isn't as much of a bitch as some folks would like to believe *G*)

The party is tomorrow night at our regular hangout. There will be imbibing of much vodka, much flirting on my part (cuz, well, hey, I don't work with these people anymore), and if everything works out well, a nice hangover to nurse with turkey the next day.

Life is good. I am blessed......my most recent fortune cookie was VERY on the mark...

"You will have success in the immediate future"....and here I thought it was my shoes would match my purse.

Dagney

The ethics board of the formerly employer found 'no fault' with the previous boss. Not a lawyer in the immediate are that will touch it because the company is an international behomoth....you send one lawyer, they send a dozen. Eh....no biggie.

I took what the former company taught me, and I'm going to be a hell of an asset to a competitor who's leaner, meaner, and employs PEOPLE, not 'resources'. Karma comes in odd shapes and sizes sometimes....I keep thinking of David and Goliath.....and there ARE some government contracts up for grabs......*innocent grin*http://www.cellar.org/images/newsmilies/biggrinhat.gifhttp://www.cellar.org/images/newsmilies/biggrinhat.gif

CF,

I can honestly say that my time at afore-unmentioned recently merged wireless company has been a great time. It's a good job, very little stress, and for a people type person, is one that fits my personality very well.

I'm going to miss the 13 people on my team, as well as the other friends I made during my 6 seemingly endless weeks of training.

I knew going in there that that was either going to be a permanent job that would be very good for me (i've never heard a bad thing about them), or it was going to be a launch pad to a different permanent job elsewhere.

I was quite suprised to find out it was actually the latter.

Dagney

So monster.com really works? I've never tried it because there never seems to be anything for me, but I graduate from law school in May and there's bound to be someone out there who wants me...

Any tips on how to make monster.com more effective?

Congrats on your new job - that rocks!

'Spode, you are so right...this has been an ongoing 'saga'....and I was so afraid I'd get the 'bad' phone call.

I was reflecting on the entire issue with a friend yesterday - it felt like rush week in college, and this job was THE sorority that I wanted to pledge. I felt the hauntingly familiar feelings when I was on site yesterday, and everyone was making the small talk you make when you're 'feeling someone out'. I actually was told...'This interview is the one where I decide if I like you or not"...(I was being interviewed by the person I'm going to be working very closely with. )

This is quite possibly why I drove home the whole way singing the Greek Alphabet and other songs from my pledge/sisterhood time.....

But yeah, it's a great feeling. I don't think i've STOPPED smiling.http://www.cellar.org/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Cute Jim...and thanks :)

Actually, yeah, it does feel like I'll be going back to 'work'....but I'm ready for it.

And if the travel parts of the job get me close to any of our Cellar Regulars, I'll be happy to meet ya'll someplace for dinner!

(First trip is more than likely to be to Colorado somewhere).

So far it is...but then again, I've not even had my business cards printed yet.

(Mannn I get BUSINESS CARDS!)

This is the job that I was angling for in college...one that I'd hoped to get at my previous employer, and one that I think I'll do very well in.

I'll be sure to keep everyone updated with the happiness!

"Monster works". I posted my resume for a few different 'types' of positions - both Technical Support AND Technical Writer. I also indicated that I was willing to relocate, and would travel outside of my area for a job. Basically, I indicated I'd do just about anything, any time, any where if they'd hire me. *grin*

For attorneys, I'm not sure how that works before you take the Bar exam. My cousin is an attorney in the PGH area, I can ask him if there are any types of recruitment sites or services that are available to new attorneys.

When do you sit the Bar?

Dag

Hey Dags,

Glad to hear everything is working out for you.

I can't imagine getting the gate after 7 years at the same job. Most of my (real, paying...dignified) work has been as a contractor, normally for about a year at a time. The companiy that effectively launched my design career laid me off back in 91 and my view of working changed overnight when that happened.

If that company would have cut me after seven years without as much as a weeks notice........wow!


Things often work out though. Just you wait, the same company that cut you, or the boss that made the decision may "have a newfound appreciation" for you and the service you provide in the future. The roles may very well change, as I have seen many times in my travels.

(Dag's phone rings at GreatNewJob)

Dag: GreatNewJob, this is Dag, can I help you?
OldCo: Hey Dags! How are you?
Dag: ................uh, ok.............
OldCo: Let me be right upfront here Dags, this place hasn't been the same since you left
Dag: .......ummmm....I didnt leave, you booted me (you Fing communist).
OldCo: Uhh, errr, ummmm......it wasnt my decision Dags, is there any way you could come back?
Dag:.....Well........No(you Fing communist)! (click)


Ok, it's not like that really but sounded funny in my head.


slang

I've already been told the place isn't the same since I left.

I told them I didn't care. *G*

And I won't tell them where I am, so i can revel in the look of stunned amazment on their faces when they see me at meetings with our mutual client....

You know..considering the former boss made mention that i'd never do anything more glorious than flipping burgers if she had her way about it.

Please tell me you didn't sign a noncompete?

I don't think it matters. It's been seven months since she left, IIRC. And I've never heard of one of those things sticking.

Non competes don't apply if you are let go. And 99% of them are unenforceable.

YAY DAGNEY!!!!

I'm SO happy for you!!!

Is there any growth potential at this new job??

And you know who to call when you get to NC...

*hugs*

Actually, it was only since September 9th.....7 weeks, not months :)

And no, a non compete wasn't signed....nothing was actually...so they have no leg to stand on. I don't know everything about how they do what they do, but I know enough to be dangerous when it comes to certain types of contracts.

Yeah me.

Go Japanese. My Civic does wonders on mileage and has not been any trouble at all to maintain (in fact every repair through 50k mi has been accident-related). And I hear VWs have lots of electrical/mechanical problems. I was close to buying a Passat ('99 1.8T) until several people told me about problems with their cars.

The Toyota Scion is pretty neat sporty-type car. My first impression was that it looks a lot like the Acura RSX (which is my top choice).

Oh and congrats with the job and all. :) I may be, but hopefully not, in the market for new work by next spring.

In theory, I will take it this summer. I would like to know where I'm going before I commit to taking it though - job first, then bar exam. It's a huge money and time investment, so it's a very difficult process. I am really looking for a job that doesn't require me to be licensed, so maybe monster will have some leads for that...

Thanks for you suggestions. :biggrin:

What kinds of legal jobs don't require licenses?

Day 8 of the new job...

Have written about 100 pages of documentation....have read approximately a cubic shitload of accompanying documentation....already have some 'me' stuff in the office, and am getting used to the change from a cubicle farm to an office that's in an old house.

There is a brick fireplace in my office....plenty of little hideyhole places to hide....and my desk is an absolutely awesome glass and steel thing that has NO cubicle walls :)

Oh...and the paycheck is NICE :) I'd have had to work nearly 16 days to get what I got today :D

I can honestly say, getting canned from the old place is quite easily the BEST thing that happened to me this year. It's funny....when you sit back and look at things after they happen, you're able to see exactly what makes them GOOD things.

Now, I just need to find a car that doesn't suck the money out of my wallet via a fuel pump, and I'm good to go.

Any suggestions for someone who drives 130+ miles a day?

Move?

Can't until at least next year......too much going on here in the area with a potential bone marrow transplant - and well, there's this lease thing.....

Glad to hear things are working out!

Any suggestions for someone who drives 130+ miles a day?

My mom's been very happy with her Civic hybrid. And they get better gas mileage if it's stop-and-go traffic, if that's descriptive of your commute.

Bone marrow transplant? Obviously, I've missed something...

I was just thinking the same thing!!! :eek: :eek:

Amazing what the Universe throws at us, innit?

One cold dish of revenge please...love it! And make sure when you see them, make sure you look flawless and just rub it in their faces like a dog's nose in shit!!! *I'm so evil, hehe*

Good luck!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: ;) :D

Why you didn't know about the possible bone marrow transplant...

I'm not talking much about it. Especially here. There's enough negativity going around, and I prefer to keep my exposure to such crap at a minimum - so I don't even chance it with discussing it in an open forum. Also, I'm dealing with this the best way I know how right now....keeping it to myself until I have all the answers.

Basically, my Mom's chemo and radiation therapy didn't work. Her tumors didn't shrink, they moved, and multiplied. So, right now, they've got her on a steroid treatment to let her body recover from the chemo for a bit (it takes a toll on the heart, kidneys, and liver). Next year, we're going to start testing the family for donor matches, and will probably start dosing Mom with high doses of chemo and radiation in a last ditch effort to kick the cancer's ass before resorting to the transplant.

To top that off, my grandmother's health is deteriorating rapidly. My mom and aunt are doing what they can with her at home, but she's to the point where they can barely transport her from her hospital type bed to a potty chair at the bedside. She's not eating, is urinating once a day (if that), and is in an extreme amount of pain. The doctors are at a loss as to what's wrong with her - and we're reluctant to subject her to more pain to take her out for testing that may not tell us anything.

Combined with the stress and trauma of losing my job in September, finding a new one, worrying about paying the bills, and some issues with my own health, I think it can be easily understood why I'm hanging on to a little bit of truly GOOD news. (Pictures from the office are available if someone wants to see my fireplace *G*)

Anyway....that's why you've not heard much about the new developments in Daggy land.....

Dags

wow, i'm truly sorry you've had to endure so much this year

Eh....it's nothing compared to what some people have gone through, and what's listed above isn't half of what I've put up with.

But I've learned a valuable lesson...whining gets ya no where. Faith and trust that you'll get through it.....that does.

Aint that the truth! Worrying doesn't help either. You'll get through it all just fine. Hope things get better for ya :)

Honda Accord Hybrid is actually a better car than the Accord. Better mileage AND faster.
Glad things are cool with the new job. :thumbsup: