Ross and Skip

Post #129,249

12/6/03 10:04:29 AM

Ross and Skip

Believe it or not, the thing that really got me get out of the "Year without Work" Blacks (worse than Blues):

A goto place. A placewhere I went nearly everyday. A place similar to work, but a place where you are at least around other people, around perhaps other IT folk. Perhaps a place where you'd like to spend time hanging, something that pertains to a favored hobby. You can ask if you can hang around or something...

If you can get your own puter hooked up there... all the better.

I really really suggest this.

--
[link|mailto:greg@gregfolkert.net|greg],
[link|http://www.iwethey.org/ed_curry|REMEMBER ED CURRY!] @ i_wethey

That's what Brian Boitano'd do!

Post #129,260

by deSitter

12/6/03 10:31:09 AM

Re: Ross and Skip

This is a good idea - I don't do taverns any more so I've become reclusive. Might look up a coffee shop..

However, you should not minimize the problem. YOU have marketable skills. I don't. I've done too many things to be really GREAT at one or two of them (other than the ones that aren't needed like C and APL). (That's the nature of contracting, but it's a catch-22..) I feel that both Skip and I could be productive in any number of ways, but that's not what hiring people care about, and we have the disadvantage of being old and large, which doesn't give people much of a happy-happy. Today, you have to give people a happy-happy or they freak out.

-drl

Post #129,285

by Another Scott

12/6/03 11:40:16 AM

Have you checked Monster recently?

[link|http://jobsearch.monster.com/getjob.asp?JobID=20067720&AVSDM=2003%2D12%2D02+17%3A35%3A27&Logo=1&col=dltci&cy=US&brd=1%2C1862%2C1863&lid=497&fn=&q=C|Here] is the first thing I found searching for "C" in St. Louis:

Requirements:
This position requires a strong UNIX background with 3 - 5 years experience troubleshooting complex hardware, OS, network and application problems in an Operations environment. An advanced level of knowledge in applications for Sun Hardware, Solaris, TCP/IP and ISP is a must. Knowledge of Cisco routers, Foundry switches, and Shell Scripts are a plus. The ability to partner with peers, Technical Development, Project Management and vendors to manage the ISP complex, develop technical solutions, and restore services are a requirement of this position. Candidates must have strong written and verbal communication skills as well as the ability to manage problems through to resolution. Candidates must also work well as a member of a larger team. Shift work is required.

Ref ID:\t303121-2196-12-88332. It's Volt Services Corp. $30 - $45/hr for a 365+ day contract position.

There were 92 other listings there that you may have seen, but maybe not.

Keep looking. Good luck!

Cheers,
Scott.

Post #129,336

by deSitter

12/6/03 8:24:16 PM

I *live* on Monster

..but that one was not in my agent filter - thanks for pointing it out. I think I even know where it is.

-drl

Post #129,440

by imric

12/7/03 3:39:42 PM

An avenue

I haven't entirely neglected - though my finances contribute to my relative hermitude.

At the 'local' (my friend and his wife take me out for 1 or 2 on Fridays) I am known for computer knowledge (a possibly overblown rep, but I like having my ego stroked; I don't disabuse anyone of the level of knowledge they credit me with).

I help people with computer advice (usually Windows, but I've actually gotten a coulple of Linux questions I've surprised myself by being able to answer) there, looked at a couple of laptops, etc. I've helped a few people at work - even alerted the main Federated (they own the Macy's name) home office that it appeared that someone had the gnutella port open on thier point-of-sale software server (it's exposed to the 'Net!), not that they cared. I have a 'rep' there, at least.

As to finding a place to go daily, well that might be a challenge. There's not a lot here. I appreciate the advice, though - it's good. Maybe I'll really join njlug, rather than just thier mailing list...

Imric's Tips for Living

Paranoia Is a Survival Trait
Pessimists are never disappointed - but sometimes, if they are very lucky, they can be pleasantly surprised...
Even though everyone is out to get you, it doesn't matter unless you let them win.

Nothing is as simple as it seems in the beginning,
As hopeless as it seems in the middle,
Or as finished as it seems in the end.

Welcome to IWETHEY!