Thank you very much for the warm welcome back! I am glad that I am back at work. I feel at home with what I am doing for a job. Much less stress at this position than at the previous one.
I want to share some thoughts and experiences. I hope this will help others in looking for work. To skrpndiva, I understand how you feel. Back in 2000, I was one of the first Mortgage Sub prime victims-First Alliance Mortgage. I managed their mailings. I remember the feelings when I said I worked for a mortgage company--and the looks. Hopefully, what I have learned will help.
1) Apply for Unemployment: I know sometimes that it feels odd and embarrassing. But think of it this way, you paid for it.
2) Contact every one you know--Vendors, Friends, Former Colleagues: I have received at least two interviews from recommendations from former vendors. Think of the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon. You never know who knows who.
3) Try all avenues of a job search: I have landed jobs through Newspaper ads, Internet postings, Referrals, Headhunters and old fashion cold calling. This last one, I walked into the business, left my resume and followed up.
4) Join the One Stop Center in your area. For those who are not in Southern California, One Stop is like an office. You can use computers, photocopiers and phones for your job search. Additionally, they have classes to sharpen your interview skills , resume and follow ups. They will also test you to help your change your career.
5) Network, Network, Network! Everyone out there is a potential employer or a way in. See (2). I received my last job from networking with an old vendor.
6) This will be very familiar to all Sales Reps out there. Looking for a job is selling a product--you. You will get a ton of people saying no to you--Sales reps will rationalize it by saying each no they receive will bring them closer to Yes. In looking for a job, you only need one yes!
7) Bad times do not last forever. It may certainly feel that way, however, do what you need to do and the bad time will pass.
8) Anyone that tells you--Unemployment is a vacation--has never been there. On Unemployment, you worry about conserving money, looking for a job and paying bills. This is no vacation. I had just as much stress on unemployment as on my last job.
It has been a long five months and I am grateful to be back in the land of the unemployed. I hope you do not have to experience it and if you do--I hope it is short.
B.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
I'm Baack!!!
In my last post, I spoke of being laid off. Well after almost five months, I will be starting a new job on Wednesday. I will become a General Manager at a local Mail, Print and List broker.
What has happened these past few months? I finished my programing class. Still waiting for the grade. I had two sections that I had real trouble understanding. There was one homework problem that only 3 people in the class that got it. Professor did not go over it with the class. That gives you an idea of how it went.
Unemployment insurance pays far better than I remember. However, I got within one month of it ending. I found out about a very good group and resource. The One Stop Center of the EDD. They help you refine your interviewing skills, sharpen your resume and teach you how to network. I joined a Experience Unlimited Group and went to Saddleback Church Networking meetings.
I have been to almost all Direct Marketing operations within a thirty mile radius. Within a month of my layoff, I had my first interview. I didn't quite fit. I have been to interviews as far south as northern San Diego county. I was negotiating with a Printer/Mailer about 3.5 miles from my house. I would have practically lived at the facility and what he offered wasn't what I was looking for--So I passed.
In February, I was involved in an automobile accident. I was in a parking lot and someone backed into my truck. Since it was a 13 year old Toyota, the damage was such--the truck was totaled. I went to buy a car on the internet--it turned out to be a scam. The woman was transferred to England and wanted to sell the car. She said it was in a garage and I couldn't see it. She needed a deposit to come to California. Wanted me to wire money to an escrow company--I started to get suspicious when I could not find the address of the company, her accountant and her home address was bogus. Thankfully, I did not fall for it. The old saying "if it is too good to be true--it usually is!"
Friends lent me the use of a 1996 Buick LeSabre Custom. Nice car. As a thank you, I am fixing all the little things before I return it. We named it the Buickmobile! So once I get working, I will buy a used Japanese car.
What I have I learned these past five months? Well there is no one way to look for a job. Keep in touch with your friends. Help your friends when you can--I worked with a friend to help start his company. Take care of your better half.
Do I still regret being laid off? I am relaxed--I worried a little about not finding a job. Talking to my friends still at the last job--Things have gotten weirder.
What have I learned with this whole ordeal? I will be networking for my next job and working with my friends and contacts in the business.
I am sorry you all haven't heard from me--I really wanted to post happy news.
What has happened these past few months? I finished my programing class. Still waiting for the grade. I had two sections that I had real trouble understanding. There was one homework problem that only 3 people in the class that got it. Professor did not go over it with the class. That gives you an idea of how it went.
Unemployment insurance pays far better than I remember. However, I got within one month of it ending. I found out about a very good group and resource. The One Stop Center of the EDD. They help you refine your interviewing skills, sharpen your resume and teach you how to network. I joined a Experience Unlimited Group and went to Saddleback Church Networking meetings.
I have been to almost all Direct Marketing operations within a thirty mile radius. Within a month of my layoff, I had my first interview. I didn't quite fit. I have been to interviews as far south as northern San Diego county. I was negotiating with a Printer/Mailer about 3.5 miles from my house. I would have practically lived at the facility and what he offered wasn't what I was looking for--So I passed.
In February, I was involved in an automobile accident. I was in a parking lot and someone backed into my truck. Since it was a 13 year old Toyota, the damage was such--the truck was totaled. I went to buy a car on the internet--it turned out to be a scam. The woman was transferred to England and wanted to sell the car. She said it was in a garage and I couldn't see it. She needed a deposit to come to California. Wanted me to wire money to an escrow company--I started to get suspicious when I could not find the address of the company, her accountant and her home address was bogus. Thankfully, I did not fall for it. The old saying "if it is too good to be true--it usually is!"
Friends lent me the use of a 1996 Buick LeSabre Custom. Nice car. As a thank you, I am fixing all the little things before I return it. We named it the Buickmobile! So once I get working, I will buy a used Japanese car.
What I have I learned these past five months? Well there is no one way to look for a job. Keep in touch with your friends. Help your friends when you can--I worked with a friend to help start his company. Take care of your better half.
Do I still regret being laid off? I am relaxed--I worried a little about not finding a job. Talking to my friends still at the last job--Things have gotten weirder.
What have I learned with this whole ordeal? I will be networking for my next job and working with my friends and contacts in the business.
I am sorry you all haven't heard from me--I really wanted to post happy news.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Joining the Ranks of the Unemployed
Yes, It happened to me. I am now known as Unemployed Floyd.
My company had a big slowdown in work, so they decided to cutback on personnel. I had only been there a year and they had hired a replacement for me at a lesser rate. It was a high pressure job and it affected me about mid year causing some medical problems. They were not happy with how I was doing--hence the replacement. I was asked to train him for a period--then I was to be laid off. My replacement had convinced them to keep me on--The job really required 1.5 people to do. Thanksgiving came and people became focused in the holidays--the job market dried up. I was about to fire up the job search again and now this.
How did I feel?
Since I had been a manager, the process was very familiar to me. However, this was one of the very few times I was on the receiving end. I really wasn't sad--I felt a bit relieved. Short of leaving the job for another, this was an excellent way to leave. When interviewing, I can really say that I was laid off for lack of work. They were planning to reduce the division I was in.
So what's next..
I applied for unemployment. I have applied two prior times--1983 and 2000. In 2000, the company that I was working for ceased operations. Since, by law, I received two month's severance--I was ineligible for unemployment payments. Fortunately, at the end of two months, I found my next job.
I'll take a few days off to clear my head. I have contacted vendors and friends--put the word out that I'm back on the market...in the job search, that is. Clean up a few things around the house. I also start a programing class this next week.
What for the future? For the first time in a long time, I have different directions I could go. I will find a job. If I have to work part time--No Problem. I have never been afraid of work. I just need to keep my spirits up and persevere.
Or I could just stay home and be a kept man.
Kidding.
My company had a big slowdown in work, so they decided to cutback on personnel. I had only been there a year and they had hired a replacement for me at a lesser rate. It was a high pressure job and it affected me about mid year causing some medical problems. They were not happy with how I was doing--hence the replacement. I was asked to train him for a period--then I was to be laid off. My replacement had convinced them to keep me on--The job really required 1.5 people to do. Thanksgiving came and people became focused in the holidays--the job market dried up. I was about to fire up the job search again and now this.
How did I feel?
Since I had been a manager, the process was very familiar to me. However, this was one of the very few times I was on the receiving end. I really wasn't sad--I felt a bit relieved. Short of leaving the job for another, this was an excellent way to leave. When interviewing, I can really say that I was laid off for lack of work. They were planning to reduce the division I was in.
So what's next..
I applied for unemployment. I have applied two prior times--1983 and 2000. In 2000, the company that I was working for ceased operations. Since, by law, I received two month's severance--I was ineligible for unemployment payments. Fortunately, at the end of two months, I found my next job.
I'll take a few days off to clear my head. I have contacted vendors and friends--put the word out that I'm back on the market...in the job search, that is. Clean up a few things around the house. I also start a programing class this next week.
What for the future? For the first time in a long time, I have different directions I could go. I will find a job. If I have to work part time--No Problem. I have never been afraid of work. I just need to keep my spirits up and persevere.
Or I could just stay home and be a kept man.
Kidding.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Ok, I finally fell victim to....
I finally bought an iPod.
I had resisted up to now. It was very expensive in my opinion just to play music.
What sold me? I had a friend that purchased one and had it plugged into his car. He has a Music Keg (Kenwood Hard Drive) hooked up too. He told me that he hardly ever uses it. He really loves his iPod.
Then I started looking at the Classic. As you have read from my previous posts, I fly up to Reno on a regular basis. I have tried to watch movies on the way up with both the laptop and portable DVD Player. Both were very clumsy to pull out and set up. The DVD player battery only lasts an hour and the flight is over an hour especially with a layover.
This iPod (80 gig) will last up to 5 hours playing video and 14 hours just playing music. It will hold 15,000 songs and untold movies. With that much room, I can store all of my music and then some, all on a device that is a little wider than a pack of cigarettes and about 1/2 inch thick.
Just amazing. Even though it was expensive, I view it this way. Way back when, I bought my first hard drive for a computer--it was a 20 MG hard drive. It was used and I got for a steal at only $200. Now the iPod with 80000 times the capacity for just $50 more.
I have to hand it to Apple. The packaging was very elegant and minimal. I am used to i-Tunes for transfer. Had a few problems with iTunes conflicting with some of my software, however with an update of iTunes and reinstall of the conflicted software--it smoothed out.
Now, in case anyone from Apple reads this, i do have a list of demands for the next generation of iPods:
1) Include an AC power unit. After spending that kind of money--you would think they would include one. They do not.
2.) Reduce pricing at the Apple Store. Pricing at the Apple Store is very high. To get that AC adapter, you would need to spend $26 for it. Now I bought just a charging unit with an AC and Car adapter for only $19 (Not Apple brand) at Radio Shack.
3) Get a sales force at said Apple Store to be able to let me as a consumer play with their equipment. The Salespeople at Apple Store are not much help. I guess when you can't open up the Macs or other equipment--you do not learn much about it.
All in all, I really like my iPod. I am trying to interest Valerie in getting one, however she is having more fun with her Nintendo DS...trying to reduce her Brain Age from 69 to at least her real age.
Now to load all that stuff..
I had resisted up to now. It was very expensive in my opinion just to play music.
What sold me? I had a friend that purchased one and had it plugged into his car. He has a Music Keg (Kenwood Hard Drive) hooked up too. He told me that he hardly ever uses it. He really loves his iPod.
Then I started looking at the Classic. As you have read from my previous posts, I fly up to Reno on a regular basis. I have tried to watch movies on the way up with both the laptop and portable DVD Player. Both were very clumsy to pull out and set up. The DVD player battery only lasts an hour and the flight is over an hour especially with a layover.
This iPod (80 gig) will last up to 5 hours playing video and 14 hours just playing music. It will hold 15,000 songs and untold movies. With that much room, I can store all of my music and then some, all on a device that is a little wider than a pack of cigarettes and about 1/2 inch thick.
Just amazing. Even though it was expensive, I view it this way. Way back when, I bought my first hard drive for a computer--it was a 20 MG hard drive. It was used and I got for a steal at only $200. Now the iPod with 80000 times the capacity for just $50 more.
I have to hand it to Apple. The packaging was very elegant and minimal. I am used to i-Tunes for transfer. Had a few problems with iTunes conflicting with some of my software, however with an update of iTunes and reinstall of the conflicted software--it smoothed out.
Now, in case anyone from Apple reads this, i do have a list of demands for the next generation of iPods:
1) Include an AC power unit. After spending that kind of money--you would think they would include one. They do not.
2.) Reduce pricing at the Apple Store. Pricing at the Apple Store is very high. To get that AC adapter, you would need to spend $26 for it. Now I bought just a charging unit with an AC and Car adapter for only $19 (Not Apple brand) at Radio Shack.
3) Get a sales force at said Apple Store to be able to let me as a consumer play with their equipment. The Salespeople at Apple Store are not much help. I guess when you can't open up the Macs or other equipment--you do not learn much about it.
All in all, I really like my iPod. I am trying to interest Valerie in getting one, however she is having more fun with her Nintendo DS...trying to reduce her Brain Age from 69 to at least her real age.
Now to load all that stuff..
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Veni,Vidi,Vici!!!!
Veni,Vidi,Vici--first spoken by Julius Caesar in 47 BC. Translation from Latin "I came, I saw, I conquered." This is how I feel today. I took the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam.
This quest started back in 1972, Dad purchased a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12. He had been a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force in the late '50s. I guess once it gets into your blood, it never lets go. We would go flying. Going through school, I did very poorly in math, but I could navigate.
1978, took basic Aviation class in high school. Ended up moving to Northern California just after graduation. No chance to take the test.
1979, Took my first ground school class at Santa Rosa Community College. Passed the class. Took the test in the classroom on paper. Sent the results to Oklahoma City and waited about 6 weeks for their return. Missed passing by 3 points--Missed 20 questions out of a 60 question test. I was devastated. I had my girlfriend at the time help me study.
1981-1982 Started flying. made it to 38 hours (40 is the minimum) Got to my last dual cross country flight and my instructor told me it was time to take the written. I started college at the time and really started to get into my studies. College and Flying do not mix. Did take Ground School in college--don't quite remember why I did not take the test.
Fast forward to 2002: I decided to go back and try ground school again. College was finished and I was working. It was a bit complicated-I was diagnosed with Diabetes. I did not think I could pass the physical, but got a waiver. Finished Ground School in the Spring--went to take the test, however, my Dad fell, went into the hospital and died a few weeks later. Did not have the heart to proceed.
2005: I started back at it again. Same teacher and Class as 2002. Passed that class with an A. Put off taking the test for about a month and then the time stretched--Mom took a turn for the worse and I spent time going back and forth to Reno (every few months) to see her and give my sister a break. Unfortunately, she passed away that summer.
2007: Everybody else is healthy, so different college and teacher. This time, I decided to take the test. One week after the class, here I am. I was apprehensive--It was a tough test the first time I took it. However, technology changed everything. Now it is on a computer. It was so much simpler. Instead of the 2.5 hours allowed for it, I finished in 4o minutes. The proctor administering the test was surprised on how quickly I came back.
How did I do?--I missed 4 questions or 93% correct . I kicked its ASS!! I have finally beat this test after 28 years.
Now on to get the medical and back into the Air. I want to say thank you to all of you that have supported me on this quest.
This one is for you Dad.
This quest started back in 1972, Dad purchased a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12. He had been a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force in the late '50s. I guess once it gets into your blood, it never lets go. We would go flying. Going through school, I did very poorly in math, but I could navigate.
1978, took basic Aviation class in high school. Ended up moving to Northern California just after graduation. No chance to take the test.
1979, Took my first ground school class at Santa Rosa Community College. Passed the class. Took the test in the classroom on paper. Sent the results to Oklahoma City and waited about 6 weeks for their return. Missed passing by 3 points--Missed 20 questions out of a 60 question test. I was devastated. I had my girlfriend at the time help me study.
1981-1982 Started flying. made it to 38 hours (40 is the minimum) Got to my last dual cross country flight and my instructor told me it was time to take the written. I started college at the time and really started to get into my studies. College and Flying do not mix. Did take Ground School in college--don't quite remember why I did not take the test.
Fast forward to 2002: I decided to go back and try ground school again. College was finished and I was working. It was a bit complicated-I was diagnosed with Diabetes. I did not think I could pass the physical, but got a waiver. Finished Ground School in the Spring--went to take the test, however, my Dad fell, went into the hospital and died a few weeks later. Did not have the heart to proceed.
2005: I started back at it again. Same teacher and Class as 2002. Passed that class with an A. Put off taking the test for about a month and then the time stretched--Mom took a turn for the worse and I spent time going back and forth to Reno (every few months) to see her and give my sister a break. Unfortunately, she passed away that summer.
2007: Everybody else is healthy, so different college and teacher. This time, I decided to take the test. One week after the class, here I am. I was apprehensive--It was a tough test the first time I took it. However, technology changed everything. Now it is on a computer. It was so much simpler. Instead of the 2.5 hours allowed for it, I finished in 4o minutes. The proctor administering the test was surprised on how quickly I came back.
How did I do?--I missed 4 questions or 93% correct . I kicked its ASS!! I have finally beat this test after 28 years.
Now on to get the medical and back into the Air. I want to say thank you to all of you that have supported me on this quest.
This one is for you Dad.
Friday, November 23, 2007
The Flight from Hell
Early Thanksgiving Morning, Valerie and I headed down to Ontario Airport to board our flight to Reno. It did not start well and went downhill from there.
Ok, first things first: we woke up a bit late and were thirty minutes behind schedule. At o'dark hundred, there is no traffic to speak of and thankfully no trouble finding off site parking (we made reservations--the lot was full when we arrived.) We thought at that early hour (4:30am), we would go straight to the terminals. We had to make several stops to pick people up--it took awhile to get to the terminals. Then when we arrived, we took one look at the line to check in and quickly decided to check in curbside.
We were two people away from checking in when the Skycap escorted some bags in and never came back. We rushed into line to check inside. We make it through the line and went to face the TSA.
TSA--Thoroughly Slow Actions.
With apologies to my Brother in law, Government and efficiency are two words that do not go together. They were backed up and were moving very slowly. Then they changed people and it seemed to speed up a bit. By the time they picked up our bags, we heard the announcement that our flight was closed and leaving. So we make our way to the gate.
TSA Continued
We look at line to go through security. It was almost back to the ticket counters (those of you who are familiar with Ontario Airport will know what I mean)--Imaging 700 feet of people. We finally get through it and out to the gates.
Southwest
We went to our original gate and talked to the agent. They were unable to give us a confirmed flight, so they put us standby for the next flight. It was dicey. To add insult to injury, the weather in Ontario was socked in from fog, and the flight coming into continue our journey was delayed. But we were lucky enough to get a couple of seats to San Jose. Now if we were unable to get a flight from there, I was going to rent a car and drive from San Jose. Valerie was totally against it . If we never left Ontario, we had two invitations for Thanksgiving. Finally, Valerie and I got the last two seats to Reno. Roughly two hours from the time we supposed to arrive--we made it to Reno.
They say that you need to arrive two hours before flight time--On Thanksgiving or other holidays, that should extend to three or four hours. We were late and lucky. Since I have been flying commercially (35 years), this is the first time I have missed a flight. So, next time, Valerie and I will take the day before the holiday(or Tuesday for Thanksgiving) and travel. This way, we beat the crowds. Two hours before flight time, I am at the gate. Do not get upset--it doesn't pay to blow up. We got farther being very nice.
The main question of the day--Was it worth it?
You bet--I had the world best welcoming committee waiting for me and Valerie. Two kids who we love a lot waiting in the car that picked us up from the airport.
That's what Thanksgiving is all about, after all.
Ok, first things first: we woke up a bit late and were thirty minutes behind schedule. At o'dark hundred, there is no traffic to speak of and thankfully no trouble finding off site parking (we made reservations--the lot was full when we arrived.) We thought at that early hour (4:30am), we would go straight to the terminals. We had to make several stops to pick people up--it took awhile to get to the terminals. Then when we arrived, we took one look at the line to check in and quickly decided to check in curbside.
We were two people away from checking in when the Skycap escorted some bags in and never came back. We rushed into line to check inside. We make it through the line and went to face the TSA.
TSA--Thoroughly Slow Actions.
With apologies to my Brother in law, Government and efficiency are two words that do not go together. They were backed up and were moving very slowly. Then they changed people and it seemed to speed up a bit. By the time they picked up our bags, we heard the announcement that our flight was closed and leaving. So we make our way to the gate.
TSA Continued
We look at line to go through security. It was almost back to the ticket counters (those of you who are familiar with Ontario Airport will know what I mean)--Imaging 700 feet of people. We finally get through it and out to the gates.
Southwest
We went to our original gate and talked to the agent. They were unable to give us a confirmed flight, so they put us standby for the next flight. It was dicey. To add insult to injury, the weather in Ontario was socked in from fog, and the flight coming into continue our journey was delayed. But we were lucky enough to get a couple of seats to San Jose. Now if we were unable to get a flight from there, I was going to rent a car and drive from San Jose. Valerie was totally against it . If we never left Ontario, we had two invitations for Thanksgiving. Finally, Valerie and I got the last two seats to Reno. Roughly two hours from the time we supposed to arrive--we made it to Reno.
They say that you need to arrive two hours before flight time--On Thanksgiving or other holidays, that should extend to three or four hours. We were late and lucky. Since I have been flying commercially (35 years), this is the first time I have missed a flight. So, next time, Valerie and I will take the day before the holiday(or Tuesday for Thanksgiving) and travel. This way, we beat the crowds. Two hours before flight time, I am at the gate. Do not get upset--it doesn't pay to blow up. We got farther being very nice.
The main question of the day--Was it worth it?
You bet--I had the world best welcoming committee waiting for me and Valerie. Two kids who we love a lot waiting in the car that picked us up from the airport.
That's what Thanksgiving is all about, after all.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Over the Meadow and Through the Woods...
This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving.
Valerie and I are heading up to Reno early Thanksgiving morning (o'dark hundred) to stay with My sister and her family. We try to rotate holidays between each side of the family. We will join my brother and Cousin from Ireland.
Things have changed over the years, We used to go over Grandparent's house in Long Beach, CA or they would join us in Orange County--Less than 20 miles away. As we moved around the country, it started changing. With our year in Canada, we celebrated it in October. As we lived in different areas, we celebrated with our parents.
When Ma moved to Reno, we started traveling up to my sisters. Instead of driving--we now fly. Two years ago, Valerie and I drove up there and ended up snowed in for two days. Now, we worry about making the flight, parking and getting through security. And of course, the weather.
This is all about family and now our family is concentrated in the Reno-Sacramento area. We will spend Christmas with Valerie's side. They are located in Long Beach--not too many issues such as parking, security or snow.
I will enjoy celebrating with nieces, nephews and the rest of the family. I will eat too much good food. Most importantly, I will share the experience and create memories with family.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Valerie and I are heading up to Reno early Thanksgiving morning (o'dark hundred) to stay with My sister and her family. We try to rotate holidays between each side of the family. We will join my brother and Cousin from Ireland.
Things have changed over the years, We used to go over Grandparent's house in Long Beach, CA or they would join us in Orange County--Less than 20 miles away. As we moved around the country, it started changing. With our year in Canada, we celebrated it in October. As we lived in different areas, we celebrated with our parents.
When Ma moved to Reno, we started traveling up to my sisters. Instead of driving--we now fly. Two years ago, Valerie and I drove up there and ended up snowed in for two days. Now, we worry about making the flight, parking and getting through security. And of course, the weather.
This is all about family and now our family is concentrated in the Reno-Sacramento area. We will spend Christmas with Valerie's side. They are located in Long Beach--not too many issues such as parking, security or snow.
I will enjoy celebrating with nieces, nephews and the rest of the family. I will eat too much good food. Most importantly, I will share the experience and create memories with family.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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