Re: You won't know unless you try

Post #119,915 by Nightowl 10/2/03 9:07:51 PM Reply	Re: You won't know unless you try But see, that's not the point. I'm sure I could learn the program, probably. But my point is, I didn't intend to take a job where I didn't already have a basic knowledge of what I needed to do, and learning a new program on a rushed basis, (which is what this sounds like), and getting it all right in time for the changeover, well it sounds like more than I intended to handle at this time. As John put it, he doesn't want me coming home stressed 4 days a week, and I see that ahead if I accepted this. Fortunately, she still hasn't called so maybe it's a moot point now, and I'm immensely relieved if that is the case. The object remember, is not to just go back to work, but to work in an environment that I can handle and isn't too stressful, and to be happy there. This just sounds like more than I am prepared to do right off the starting gate. Does that make sense? I have learned a great deal from it, though, I have learned a lot has changed in 6-7 years. Maybe data base operator (which used to mean an entry person) means manager now, as in able to create and run them more than enter data. These are things I need to figure out. Plus, I put my resume up here to see if anyone could give me an idea of what someone who made roughly $7.00 per hour that long ago should be making now. Ank thinks its probably more in the 8-9 dollar range. I still intend to learn Access, honest, but I don't think doing it under these circumstances will be a very good situation for me. Plus, I really just wanted to enter data, that is my favorite job, and maybe I need to clarify that differently now, because the field of data entry seems to have changed. Like I said though, she hasn't called and the place isn't open tomorrow, so maybe I can breathe and relax and set my sights on the next option. Ben suggested, "stretch myself" but see, I'm doing good just to be considering working, and stretching myself is going much farther than I'm ready for. You know some of the background, Norman, this is a major breakthrough to even have TRIED for a job, and my counselor recognizes that. But 30 hours a week is just way too much, for the starting gate. That combined with what they seem to want, is overwhelming. I'll still ask her the questions if she calls, but if she doesn't call, then I was smart enough to realize this was a little over my head and out of my league, and learn the lesson from it to get more experience with the program before trying another data entry option. Or does anyone even just DO data entry anymore, where they hand you stacks and stacks of papers and you input the data? That is really what I want to do most. Nightowl >8# "I learned to be the door, instead of the mat!" "illegitimi nil carborundum" Comment by Nightowl
Post #119,970 by orion 10/3/03 10:44:39 AM Reply	Data Entry jobs Well at the law firm I worked at, they had Data Entry Clerks that entered data into Access Forms, or directly into the tables. The Developers did the Database Administration for them. That was my job, import data from another source, update the queries, fix the reports and forms, etc. I got paid way more than $7/hr for that, more like $24/hr for Programming, Database Administration, Tech Support, Documenting of Applications, Report Writing (Database based Reports in Access and Crystal Reports), and other misc things that always came up like training people, etc. The problem as I see it, companies don't want to pay someone $24/hr anymore and would rather have the entry level people do some of the same tasks for a much lower pay. So they give some of the Developer or Database Administrator duties to the entry level people. That way they can eliminate the $24/hr position. Some companies are offshoring the jobs elsewhere were people in other countries can do the job for pennies on the dollar, or replaced by H1B Visa workers earning about as much as you are or a little bit more. All I can say is that if it is raising red flags for you on stress, you might want to consider a different job. Learn Access anyway, at least it can give you a good idea on how Databases work and you can work a job with Access in the future some time. I have worked jobs where I was given time to learn the new technologies. In 1994 I was handed a shrink wrapped box of Access 1.0 and was told to learn it, or else. So I installed it, started reading the manual, and made a few sample databases, much like the one I had you made to teach you a simple example. Sure I was afraid that I might not be able to learn it in time, but I learned it and was able to build my skills and get pay raises. I co-developed a Technical Problem tracker with a coworker and we were able to fix problems faster, keep track of them, and email our bosses a report each week. I even made a Network Management database for the Network Administrator so he wouldn't assign duplicate addresses to different boxes. No more network configuration issues, except when Engineering copied an existing hard drive to another one and created dupes on the network, that was fun to track down. :) I also dove into Oracle in 1996 with a Federal Contract job for the US Army, picked up some Unix skills too. I found that it was easier to learn since I knew SQL from Access and other databases like SQL Server that PL/SQL was easier to learn because of that. At the Law Firm I had to learn ASP and Crystal Reports, I aced those. Always learn something new as technology keeps on changing. Remember that sometimes you don't always have to take the first job offered to you. Learn from it and maybe the next few jobs will be more appealing. Maybe you can ask for $8 or $9 an hour at your next job interview, and maybe they can offer a 20 hour work week and Data Entry without DBA work. *"Lady I only speak two languages, English and Bad English!" - Corbin Dallas "The Fifth Element"*
Post #119,975 by Nightowl 10/3/03 10:54:54 AM Reply	Re: Data Entry jobs Well at the law firm I worked at, they had Data Entry Clerks that entered data into Access Forms, or directly into the tables. The Developers did the Database Administration for them. That was my job, import data from another source, update the queries, fix the reports and forms, etc. I got paid way more than $7/hr for that, more like $24/hr for Programming, Database Administration, Tech Support, Documenting of Applications, Report Writing (Database based Reports in Access and Crystal Reports), and other misc things that always came up like training people, etc. Yeah, see? I mostly wanted to be a data entry clerk. So the first thing that tells me is maybe my resume should be changed from "Data Entry Operator to Data Entry Clerk" that could be one of the confusions, since operator seems to have changed meanings. All I can say is that if it is raising red flags for you on stress, you might want to consider a different job. Learn Access anyway, at least it can give you a good idea on how Databases work and you can work a job with Access in the future some time. I intend to learn it, honest. My book should be here today, and I'm excited about learning the program better, but you're right, there are several red flags about this job, so I'm probably not going to accept it. Bear in mind, she hasn't offered it either, and it's Friday, and I got the impression she was going to call right away if she did, so... maybe she realized the limitations too and decided against me, which makes us both smart. :) I might like a job with Access down the road, doing more than data entry, but I still don't want to start at 30 hours a week, regardless. I'm trying to ease into this, not jump in with both feet and possibly drown. John is still willing to help me, and he said we could both learn it together, because he doesn't know it either, although he has a much better grasp of data base logic, being a programmer. :) I have worked jobs where I was given time to learn the new technologies. In 1994 I was handed a shrink wrapped box of Access 1.0 and was told to learn it, or else. So I installed it, started reading the manual, and made a few sample databases, much like the one I had you made to teach you a simple example. Sure I was afraid that I might not be able to learn it in time, but I learned it and was able to build my skills and get pay raises And there was a time in my life once where I was up for that sort of a challenge, but this isn't it right now. Maybe again down the road, when I get more confidence and have worked again and been ok first, but not now. I've never failed to learn a new program, yet. I always worry there will be a first time though, guess that's normal. Remember that sometimes you don't always have to take the first job offered to you. Learn from it and maybe the next few jobs will be more appealing. Maybe you can ask for $8 or $9 an hour at your next job interview, and maybe they can offer a 20 hour work week and Data Entry without DBA work. That's what Ank says too. He says I'm feeling compelled to accept something that I feel is way over my head, just because it might be offered. He keeps telling me "you're in the driver's seat, YOU have the right to accept or reject any job" and that's all new to me, having been used to having my ex-fiance PUSH me into whatever job was offered, no matter what. So I'm trying to feel positive about it regardless, and learn what to change from it to make the next one better. :) And I do appreciate everyone's input here. Nightowl >8# "I learned to be the door, instead of the mat!" "illegitimi nil carborundum" Comment by Nightowl

Welcome to IWETHEY!