OT: Career advice Part II

[will1066]

How are y'all doing? Any updates?

 

[HFsNumber1Heel]

Anyone ever have one of those interviews where everything leading up to it is going smoothly and then all of a sudden, about five days before the universe starts bothering you and wrecking your concentration (friends, relatives, work, etc.) ? Plus I had technical issues joining the virtual which has never happened before, and one of the interviewers had technical issues several times during.

Questions were all example-based and specific to me. Definitely wasn't easy. Writing the thank you emails seems like a "dead man walking" exercise but will still do it of course.

I'm not aggressively looking but there are sign my current role is going to be faded-changed in 12-24 months and I've been given the runaround for a promotion for over a year now despite excellent reviews.

Not the end of the world with this thing. I have vacation time coming up in the fall and as long as everything remains the same, another Rangers Road Trip.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

Anyone ever have one of those interviews where everything leading up to it is going smoothly and then all of a sudden, about five days before the universe starts bothering you and wrecking your concentration (friends, relatives, work, etc.) ? Plus I had technical issues joining the virtual which has never happened before, and one of the interviewers had technical issues several times during.

Questions were all example-based and specific to me. Definitely wasn't easy. Writing the thank you emails seems like a "dead man walking" exercise but will still do it of course.

I'm not aggressively looking but there are sign my current role is going to be faded-changed in 12-24 months and I've been given the runaround for a promotion for over a year now despite excellent reviews.

Not the end of the world with this thing. I have vacation time coming up in the fall and as long as everything remains the same, another Rangers Road Trip.

I've had technical issues a couple of times on my end and a couple of times on the interviewer's end. Once over the phone and my interviewer called me back. Another time was on zoom and it froze I emailed the interviewer with my phone number and we finished the interview over the phone. One time the interviewer couldn't get on and was significantly late and I was pissed before I knew what happened but he was super apologetic.

 

[LokiDog]

I’m gutted. I was let go from my new job this morning. I lasted 22 days, 3 weekends, 16 days of work. There was zero training or onboarding - yes, I’m an experienced recruiter, but not in the financial services industry; I came from construction and engineering. I was essentially told that “where the business is right now, and with it being Q4, which means not much gets done between Thanksgiving and New Years, we need results”. I don’t know how much results I was expected to produce within 3 weeks of my very first day. I submitted about 10 candidates for consideration but I don’t think it’s realistic to expect more than maybe 1 placement in the first month in any new job.

So now I’m in Texas, in a new lease, unemployed again and having spent almost every penny to get down here. I don’t know what to do. Food stamps and unemployment for now, I guess. I set up an interview with the director at one of my buddy’s companies, but even if that lines up perfectly, it will be weeks before I am getting paid. I’ve never been relieved for performance reasons in my life and I am dumbfounded that this is happening now, when it seemed like I was just over the last hurdle.

I have no particularly marketable hard skills. I’m getting old to consider going back to a law enforcement gig and even if I do bite the bullet and go back into it, the hiring process is lengthy and I can’t afford to not be supporting my family. All I can do is apply to more recruiting/sales roles and hope for a better ending.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

I’m gutted. I was let go from my new job this morning. I lasted 22 days, 3 weekends, 16 days of work. There was zero training or onboarding - yes, I’m an experienced recruiter, but not in the financial services industry; I came from construction and engineering. I was essentially told that “where the business is right now, and with it being Q4, which means not much gets done between Thanksgiving and New Years, we need results”. I don’t know how much results I was expected to produce within 3 weeks of my very first day. I submitted about 10 candidates for consideration but I don’t think it’s realistic to expect more than maybe 1 placement in the first month in any new job.

So now I’m in Texas, in a new lease, unemployed again and having spent almost every penny to get down here. I don’t know what to do. Food stamps and unemployment for now, I guess. I set up an interview with the director at one of my buddy’s companies, but even if that lines up perfectly, it will be weeks before I am getting paid. I’ve never been relieved for performance reasons in my life and I am dumbfounded that this is happening now, when it seemed like I was just over the last hurdle.

I have no particularly marketable hard skills. I’m getting old to consider going back to a law enforcement gig and even if I do bite the bullet and go back into it, the hiring process is lengthy and I can’t afford to not be supporting my family. All I can do is apply to more recruiting/sales roles and hope for a better ending.

Didn't you do web design before or was that someone else?

 

[Zynbanejad]

Has anyone ever hit a point in their career where they feel just super low in confidence and like they're not good enough? Feels like everything I do at work I have a piano on my back while I'm doing it. And I'm getting bad reviews including being put on a Performance Improvement Plan last week. I've been told my entire life how smart I was, including by smart people but I feel like I'm not smart enough to have any sort of career success.

Yes as a software engineer. Imposter syndrome hits at least a couple times a month

I’m gutted. I was let go from my new job this morning. I lasted 22 days, 3 weekends, 16 days of work. There was zero training or onboarding - yes, I’m an experienced recruiter, but not in the financial services industry; I came from construction and engineering. I was essentially told that “where the business is right now, and with it being Q4, which means not much gets done between Thanksgiving and New Years, we need results”. I don’t know how much results I was expected to produce within 3 weeks of my very first day. I submitted about 10 candidates for consideration but I don’t think it’s realistic to expect more than maybe 1 placement in the first month in any new job.

So now I’m in Texas, in a new lease, unemployed again and having spent almost every penny to get down here. I don’t know what to do. Food stamps and unemployment for now, I guess. I set up an interview with the director at one of my buddy’s companies, but even if that lines up perfectly, it will be weeks before I am getting paid. I’ve never been relieved for performance reasons in my life and I am dumbfounded that this is happening now, when it seemed like I was just over the last hurdle.

I have no particularly marketable hard skills. I’m getting old to consider going back to a law enforcement gig and even if I do bite the bullet and go back into it, the hiring process is lengthy and I can’t afford to not be supporting my family. All I can do is apply to more recruiting/sales roles and hope for a better ending.

Hoping everything works out. It's really tough for everyone but especially recruiters right now.

 

[LokiDog]

I’m a little drunk(er than usual) and we’ve just put Henrik down and the wife’s watching her show, and I’m just reflecting and I’m utterly flabbergasted to find myself in this position. It’s really hard not to be angry and find the entirety of it unjust and, frankly, unbearable. I feel like I’m becoming hateful and - whatever is beyond - jaded. I don’t like it. It isn’t who I want to be as a man, or father, but I am just furious at the totality of this situation.

 

[Kane One]

Damn I’m sorry @LokiDog

 

[mrmovies779]

I’m a little drunk(er than usual) and we’ve just put Henrik down and the wife’s watching her show, and I’m just reflecting and I’m utterly flabbergasted to find myself in this position. It’s really hard not to be angry and find the entirety of it unjust and, frankly, unbearable. I feel like I’m becoming hateful and - whatever is beyond - jaded. I don’t like it. It isn’t who I want to be as a man, or father, but I am just furious at the totality of this situation.

Hang in there man.I had a similar thing happen to me after the birth of my 1st child.I know how you feel,the anger,frustration... but it will work itself out and a new opportunity will present itself to you and things will turn around

 

[Brutananadilewski]

Any suggestions for someone (Me) who would be interested in going into IT? I heard I could get 2 certificates to aid in me in at least getting my foot in the door.

I have become a sort of "first line of defense" when it comes to setting-up or fixing hardware issues with multiple devices, and fellow co-workers have stated I should try it, but, come on! I only took a few computer classes back in the day and my resume would make most people go "WTF?"

Research Assistant (College)

Driver's helper/customer service/inventory specialist

Warehouse Associate/Inventory Specialist/Logistics Specialist

Evidence Collection

Customer Care Operator for a secuirty company (Calling customers, police, fire department when signals would go off)

To where I am now a Caseworker for the City.

Hell, I also did marble/granite cutting and installations, office furniture delivery and assembly...and I won't even mention the other things I did. f*** you, FDA!!

 

[kovazub94]

I’m gutted. I was let go from my new job this morning. I lasted 22 days, 3 weekends, 16 days of work. There was zero training or onboarding - yes, I’m an experienced recruiter, but not in the financial services industry; I came from construction and engineering. I was essentially told that “where the business is right now, and with it being Q4, which means not much gets done between Thanksgiving and New Years, we need results”. I don’t know how much results I was expected to produce within 3 weeks of my very first day. I submitted about 10 candidates for consideration but I don’t think it’s realistic to expect more than maybe 1 placement in the first month in any new job.

So now I’m in Texas, in a new lease, unemployed again and having spent almost every penny to get down here. I don’t know what to do. Food stamps and unemployment for now, I guess. I set up an interview with the director at one of my buddy’s companies, but even if that lines up perfectly, it will be weeks before I am getting paid. I’ve never been relieved for performance reasons in my life and I am dumbfounded that this is happening now, when it seemed like I was just over the last hurdle.

I have no particularly marketable hard skills. I’m getting old to consider going back to a law enforcement gig and even if I do bite the bullet and go back into it, the hiring process is lengthy and I can’t afford to not be supporting my family. All I can do is apply to more recruiting/sales roles and hope for a better ending.

Sorry to hear. Hold on and reflect. Maybe start with that your family is alive and healthy and you have the inner fortitude to get back up.

 

[Black Tank]

I’m a little drunk(er than usual) and we’ve just put Henrik down and the wife’s watching her show, and I’m just reflecting and I’m utterly flabbergasted to find myself in this position. It’s really hard not to be angry and find the entirety of it unjust and, frankly, unbearable. I feel like I’m becoming hateful and - whatever is beyond - jaded. I don’t like it. It isn’t who I want to be as a man, or father, but I am just furious at the totality of this situation.

I'm really sorry to hear this. If it helps, I was in a very similar situation a long time ago and it was the darkest moment of my life. Things will get better and I ended up in a career that I've enjoyed for the last 20 years, but I wouldn't be here now if I hadn't gotten laid off first.

 

[HFsNumber1Heel]

So another round of layoffs at my job. This is round four. I've survived and while nothing is ever given, I would say I'm over 90% "needed" until at least spring 2024 due to requirements and the kids who I work with aren't up to speed. "Restructuring" and "interdepartmental" have absolutely been words used recently.

I'm not stupid (lol) as I've been applying. So this is where I'm curious what everyone here thinks and what you'd rather do:

1. I pretty much will have an offer from a very small company in the next two weeks. All I have to do is not make an ass out of myself to the CEO and make sure I shave for a final interview. I know some people in the org who I've worked with and trust me. It's a very small privately owned company, there is a lot of drama, and I know for a fact all of my 'friends" there are trying to get out ASAP. It would be basically walking into Sodom and Gomorrah but very little travel.

2. I interviewed with a much larger company with no previous contacts. It went very well and it looks like they need help asap. Less salary than #1 but it wouldn't be the drama filled mess. It was very recent so I'm hoping to hear back for next steps soon but I'm not putting all of my eggs in one basket or setting myself up for disappointment.

3. If #2 doesn't come through, stay where I'm at and keep looking. Reject option #1 because I know what's really going on.

What say everyone here? I'm going to keep applying of course because I know firsthand if you don't "stay hungry" you're setting yourself up for failure.

 

[NickyFotiu]

I’m a little drunk(er than usual) and we’ve just put Henrik down and the wife’s watching her show, and I’m just reflecting and I’m utterly flabbergasted to find myself in this position. It’s really hard not to be angry and find the entirety of it unjust and, frankly, unbearable. I feel like I’m becoming hateful and - whatever is beyond - jaded. I don’t like it. It isn’t who I want to be as a man, or father, but I am just furious at the totality of this situation.

Loki I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. Must be very hard on you. Unemployment is fairly low so I'm confident you can and will bounce back. With that said till you find your career is it possible to take some quick paying cash jobs? Also consider not getting drunk for now. Alcohol can be a depressant. It's unlikely to help. Plus it costs money you can use. I wish you the best of luck!

 

[LokiDog]

Loki I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. Must be very hard on you. Unemployment is fairly low so I'm confident you can and will bounce back. With that said till you find your career is it possible to take some quick paying cash jobs? Also consider not getting drunk for now. Alcohol can be a depressant. It's unlikely to help. Plus it costs money you can use. I wish you the best of luck!

I don’t even know what I can do. I’ve been looking. One of our accounts is now overdrawn and I’m frantically looking for ways to make a couple hundred here or there. I just got debt free essentially, and I really don’t want to live off credit. I genuinely don’t know how we’ll make next months rent right now. I have a second round interview Tuesday and even if I land that job, I won’t start making money for 3-4 weeks. It feels terrible. I’ve lived an honest life, worked hard, typically been a high achiever but I just cannot find my niche and successfully support a family on one income and the weight of it is getting pretty crushing.

 

[NickyFotiu]

I don’t even know what I can do. I’ve been looking. One of our accounts is now overdrawn and I’m frantically looking for ways to make a couple hundred here or there. I just got debt free essentially, and I really don’t want to live off credit. I genuinely don’t know how we’ll make next months rent right now. I have a second round interview Tuesday and even if I land that job, I won’t start making money for 3-4 weeks. It feels terrible. I’ve lived an honest life, worked hard, typically been a high achiever but I just cannot find my niche and successfully support a family on one income and the weight of it is getting pretty crushing.

I totally understand your fears and frustration. If possible avoid the overdrawn fees. Those are terrible. May I ask how much is your rent? Debt free is great. I was like that as well when possible. Can you do some food delivery for a few weeks while looking for more interviews? Can you switch off with your wife watching your child at times?

 

[LokiDog]

I totally understand your fears and frustration. I'm 100% blessed now. Blessed enough to retire young but I had those days. I had days when I didn't know if I had gas to get home. When I gave plasma for $60 a shot. When I went to grocery store with 25 cents to buy biscuits. If possible avoid the overdrawn fees. Those are terrible. May I ask how much is your rent?

It’s only $1650. I looked into selling plasma today actually. It’s just crappy. I guess it’s better if it’s now when Henrik’s too young to remember any of it, but I hate that this is the life I’m giving him right now. I’ve fought pretty hard to get my finances right, improve my credit, get rid of debt, and every time I get things going in the right direction, there’s a wrench thrown in. I don’t workout anymore. I drink way too much. I know I need to keep my head up and get back to the gym and back to healthy living, but I feel like I’m just spiraling without a parachute. Losing my job in NY because they closed the office was rough. I had been promoted, was doing great. Finding a new job and moving down to Dallas where life is more affordable seemed like a blessing but then them letting me go after 20 days just tore that apart. I spent everything on the move and now we’re here in a new apartment and I’m frantically looking to replace my income when I thought we were finally stepping into a better situation. I’m just angry, frustrated, scared that I’ll never claw my way out of this cycle. I don’t even know how to put the feelings into words really. It’s half anger and half apathy at this point.

 

[NickyFotiu]

It’s only $1650. I looked into selling plasma today actually. It’s just crappy. I guess it’s better if it’s now when Henrik’s too young to remember any of it, but I hate that this is the life I’m giving him right now. I’ve fought pretty hard to get my finances right, improve my credit, get rid of debt, and every time I get things going in the right direction, there’s a wrench thrown in. I don’t workout anymore. I drink way too much. I know I need to keep my head up and get back to the gym and back to healthy living, but I feel like I’m just spiraling without a parachute. Losing my job in NY because they closed the office was rough. I had been promoted, was doing great. Finding a new job and moving down to Dallas where life is more affordable seemed like a blessing but then them letting me go after 20 days just tore that apart. I spent everything on the move and now we’re here in a new apartment and I’m frantically looking to replace my income when I thought we were finally stepping into a better situation. I’m just angry, frustrated, scared that I’ll never claw my way out of this cycle. I don’t even know how to put the feelings into words really. It’s half anger and half apathy at this point.

Im going to be straight with you because sugar coating things will not help. I see good and bad in how you frame things. When you talk about giving plasma. That is a positive not a negative. You looking at that is a positive. You being honest about your situation is also a positive. The things I don't think are good is the alcohol and gym talk. Thats money going out that isn't needed. You can work out tor free at a park. Stop drinking for now. Now you need fast cash. The fastest cash would be tips. That could be working at a restaurant, delivering pizzas or something like doordash.
Try to get out of your head. Your son isn't thinking about this at this time. To put it in hockey terms you may be killing a 5 on 3 now but in 6 months you could be up 6-3. The point is things can change for you. I believe they will if you look at them as temporary instead of no way out. I think if you get some fast cash your mindset will improve a lot.

 

[LokiDog]

Im going to be straight with you because sugar coating things will not help. I see good and bad in how you frame things. Remember I have been there so I do understand your feelings. When you talk about giving plasma. That is a positive not a negative. It got me through some tough weeks. People who see my house or cars today would never believe I did that for gas and food money for months. You looking at that is a positive. You being honest about your situation is also a positive. I did not do that so you have me beat in that regard. The things I don't think are good is the alcohol and gym talk. Thats money going out that isn't needed. You can work out tor free at a park. Stop drinking for now. Now you need fast cash. Plama is okay but only twice a week and the money is limited. The fastest cash would be tips. That could be working at a restaurant, delivering pizzas or something like doordash.
Try to get out of your head. Your son isn't thinking about this at this time. Please remember I was there not knowing if I had gas to make it home. Searching for change in my car to buy biscuits. Now Im 7 figures of networth. To put it in hockey terms you may be killing a 5 on 3 now but in 6 months you could be up 6-3. The point is things can change for you. I believe they will if you look at them as temporary instead of no way out. I think if you get some fast cash your mindset will improve a lot.

I agree with every point - I don’t mean that I have to spend money on the gym and I don’t have any defense of the excess drinking; my only point was to stop drinking and start working out again - even if that’s pushups and going for a run - rather than drinking and stewing. I know that I need those healthy habits to help me through and not the unhealthy drinking. It’s just been easier said than done. Every night I’m going to bed saying tomorrow I’ll work out and be positive and healthy. I’m just grasping for things to keep me positive and productive and healthy while I try to weather this, because right now I’m sliding badly.

 

[NickyFotiu]

I agree with every point - I don’t mean that I have to spend money on the gym and I don’t have any defense of the excess drinking; my only point was to stop drinking and start working out again - even if that’s pushups and going for a run - rather than drinking and stewing. I know that I need those healthy habits to help me through and not the unhealthy drinking. It’s just been easier said than done. Every night I’m going to bed saying tomorrow I’ll work out and be positive and healthy. I’m just grasping for things to keep me positive and productive and healthy while I try to weather this, because right now I’m sliding badly.

Getting physically healthy is definitely a positive in many ways. Going for a run, shooting hoops at a park or doing chinups at a park are all basically free. That is a good mindset for you to have. The rent being $1650 is definitely something you can do but the key is fast cash to help mentally and financially. I know servers that are earning $200-$600 a shift. I know many make more than people with degrees. My neighbors 19 year old kid is earning $20 an hour working at a hibachi place. The point now isnt to find your lifetime career. The goal for now is a quick $2000-$3000 to tide you over a rough patch. If you can get unemployment fast great but whatever you can do is a positive. Have you considered Doordash, Uber, or delivering pizzas? I think you would feel a lot better with a quick $500 in your pocket knowing every night you could bring another $150-$300. I admire your openness and honesty. You can definitely do this. I know you have some doubts right now but I do not. I know in 1-2 weeks you can have some breathing room. We all are rooting for you.

 

[effen]

Any suggestions for someone (Me) who would be interested in going into IT? I heard I could get 2 certificates to aid in me in at least getting my foot in the door.

I have become a sort of "first line of defense" when it comes to setting-up or fixing hardware issues with multiple devices, and fellow co-workers have stated I should try it, but, come on! I only took a few computer classes back in the day and my resume would make most people go "WTF?"

Research Assistant (College)

Driver's helper/customer service/inventory specialist

Warehouse Associate/Inventory Specialist/Logistics Specialist

Evidence Collection

Customer Care Operator for a secuirty company (Calling customers, police, fire department when signals would go off)

To where I am now a Caseworker for the City.

Hell, I also did marble/granite cutting and installations, office furniture delivery and assembly...and I won't even mention the other things I did. f*** you, FDA!!

CCNA and Azure certs will get you in the door.

 

[LokiDog]

… I just realized this is the month NYR come to Dallas too. Bummer.

 

[Blueblood9]

So, I've seen others post their histories and from what I've read I feel like mine could maybe help others get thru the darkness.

I worked as a field engineer at EWR for 8 years (actually somehow fell into a specialty without trying). After the pandemic the construction money dried up in late 2020 and the new manager saw it as a way to clean out the old mangers people (me and others) and laid a bunch of people off. Since i worked as a consultant my company found me a landing spot 9 months then furloughed me. After 4 months with no work, I got a job with a fairly big construction company taking less money than i was used to in a position i didn't know too well (I worked for the owner for 14 years at this point). After 6 months they straight fired me but i saw the writing on the wall as we weren't a fit. Then started 4 months thru the holidays and no luck finding anything.

This past Feb a old coworker i haven't talked to in years and haven't worked with since 2010 called and said his company was looking for an APM in Orlando. It was the step forward i was looking to take so i said sure. After a month and a half i was hired packed up my life in Jersey and drove to Florida in April. I was hired by the regional manager of a top 3 engineering company to fill a roll in a team. I arrived the Wednesday before my 1st day and my hiring manager told me to contact the PM at the airport to get directions and any information i need. I called and he had no idea who i was. I called the hiring manager again and he forgot to tell everyone i was hired and i was starting. So here i was pushed into a team that didnt know i was starting nor did they want me. From day 1 i felt the tension. After 3 months no one was talking to me and if they did it was downright hostile. The environment was toxic and it was effectingmy work. I told the manger that hired me what was happening and he said hed figure something out. Meanwhile i was pushed out of my position and told not to return to work cause i was not wanted. 2 days later my boss said he set me up for an interview in Nashville.

Before the interview he told me this is my last shot with the company and don't screw it up. He said he was nervous cause i didn't perform in Orlando and he didn't want to me to screw up his reputation. I tried explaining that the environment along with a move accross the country effected the product. I felt unwelcome and it effected the work i did. I interviewed with Nashville with my company rep here and an airport rep (my future boss) and KILLED it. Ive been building airports for most of my career so i know the work and the terminology and it came accross. The day after the interview i was furloughed until my start date. Took a month and a half but i started 2nd week in October. Its been a month and i love it. On my 1st day there was a welcome card on my desk and all the office supplies i needed. Everyone came up to me and introduced myself. Its the position i thought i was getting in Orl. Im thriving so far. Ive implemented some things I've done in the past at other locations that streamlined the information sharing. The thing is nones been in my position in 4 years here, so no one remembers what my duties are so I'm learning new things daily and jump in where i needed. My boss here is happy so far and told me to get my PE so in a couple years ill be positioned to take over as project manager when the current PM retires. I'm happy i love my job and Nashville is a fun city.

My career has seen twist and turns and ive been layed off and furloughed 5 times in 20 years 3 times for economic restructuring, once for quality of work, and once waiting for my transfer to take place. Thru all this i am now in a position where im comfortable, im thriving, and can see a climb up that ladder. At one point after leaving the PA i though my career as an engineer was over and was severely depressed. But somehow i pushed thru with the help of a friend pushing me and now im happier than ever. If it is a career you want and its achievable there is a path its just covered right now. Keep up the hope and keep pushing thru. Its cliche but it is for a reason. The only way to go when you hit bottom is up. I struggled thinking that was true for a while but the saying was right.

 

[NickyFotiu]

So, I've seen others post their histories and from what I've read I feel like mine could maybe help others get thru the darkness.

I worked as a field engineer at EWR for 8 years (actually somehow fell into a specialty without trying). After the pandemic the construction money dried up in late 2020 and the new manager saw it as a way to clean out the old mangers people (me and others) and laid a bunch of people off. Since i worked as a consultant my company found me a landing spot 9 months then furloughed me. After 4 months with no work, I got a job with a fairly big construction company taking less money than i was used to in a position i didn't know too well (I worked for the owner for 14 years at this point). After 6 months they straight fired me but i saw the writing on the wall as we weren't a fit. Then started 4 months thru the holidays and no luck finding anything.

This past Feb a old coworker i haven't talked to in years and haven't worked with since 2010 called and said his company was looking for an APM in Orlando. It was the step forward i was looking to take so i said sure. After a month and a half i was hired packed up my life in Jersey and drove to Florida in April. I was hired by the regional manager of a top 3 engineering company to fill a roll in a team. I arrived the Wednesday before my 1st day and my hiring manager told me to contact the PM at the airport to get directions and any information i need. I called and he had no idea who i was. I called the hiring manager again and he forgot to tell everyone i was hired and i was starting. So here i was pushed into a team that didnt know i was starting nor did they want me. From day 1 i felt the tension. After 3 months no one was talking to me and if they did it was downright hostile. The environment was toxic and it was effectingmy work. I told the manger that hired me what was happening and he said hed figure something out. Meanwhile i was pushed out of my position and told not to return to work cause i was not wanted. 2 days later my boss said he set me up for an interview in Nashville.

Before the interview he told me this is my last shot with the company and don't screw it up. He said he was nervous cause i didn't perform in Orlando and he didn't want to me to screw up his reputation. I tried explaining that the environment along with a move accross the country effected the product. I felt unwelcome and it effected the work i did. I interviewed with Nashville with my company rep here and an airport rep (my future boss) and KILLED it. Ive been building airports for most of my career so i know the work and the terminology and it came accross. The day after the interview i was furloughed until my start date. Took a month and a half but i started 2nd week in October. Its been a month and i love it. On my 1st day there was a welcome card on my desk and all the office supplies i needed. Everyone came up to me and introduced myself. Its the position i thought i was getting in Orl. Im thriving so far. Ive implemented some things I've done in the past at other locations that streamlined the information sharing. The thing is nones been in my position in 4 years here, so no one remembers what my duties are so I'm learning new things daily and jump in where i needed. My boss here is happy so far and told me to get my PE so in a couple years ill be positioned to take over as project manager when the current PM retires. I'm happy i love my job and Nashville is a fun city.

My career has seen twist and turns and ive been layed off and furloughed 5 times in 20 years 3 times for economic restructuring, once for quality of work, and once waiting for my transfer to take place. Thru all this i am now in a position where im comfortable, im thriving, and can see a climb up that ladder. At one point after leaving the PA i though my career as an engineer was over and was severely depressed. But somehow i pushed thru with the help of a friend pushing me and now im happier than ever. If it is a career you want and its achievable there is a path its just covered right now. Keep up the hope and keep pushing thru. Its cliche but it is for a reason. The only way to go when you hit bottom is up. I struggled thinking that was true for a while but the saying was right.

Great post. I have considered Tennessee in the future as well. Hope you like the state itself.

 

[LokiDog]

Had four rounds of expedited interviews thanks to a friend getting me setup to speak with someone at his company and he said feedback has been very positive and to expect a decision next week. Base salary is lower by a good chunk than where I was but it’s also fully remote which has some allure with the kiddo at home and flexibility to let my wife actually work a bit and make up for the difference in base salary. The commission structure is also generous so it could be a good situation. Fingers crossed that I get it.

On the other hand, phone, internet, etc. have come out and my wife is about $350 overdrawn and as of this morning, I’m also at $0. I applied for unemployment but that won’t come through for a bit and even if I get the job, pay check won’t come for a few weeks. The last thing I want to do is be in a $2000 hole by the time I start getting paid because of overdraft and late fees and shit. So hopefully some light at the end of the tunnel but also very much feeling the stress here. Rent will be due in 21 days, so even if I started this job immediately and got paid within that 21 day period, which is unlikely, every cent would go to rent and we’d still be completely in the red through December. I have to figure this out. I have made about $500 cash this week doing local jobs, am scheduled for plasma and … other donations, etc., but with gas, groceries, diapers and bills I’ve got about $100 cash and $0 in the bank. It’s a bad situation presently.

Someone start a Go-fund-Henrik for my little man and his moron dad. Get Hank’s attention, maybe we can get a lifetime supply of cologne and some tickets lol