How is your career going?

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Captain Caveman
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Captain Caveman »

Ralph-Wiggum wrote:I applied for my first tenure-track faculty position last week. :shock: The likelihood of even being invited for an interview is low, but I thought it was time to at least put together a package. Plus, I figure I better start looking now before any likely federal hiring freeze goes into effect...
We have a faculty position open here in my department, and I'm on the search committee. We have over 150 applications. Most are imminently qualified. The job market right now is no joke.

But I believe in you and in the power of horseshoe crab ejaculate. Go forth and conquer.
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Max Peck
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Max Peck »

Captain Caveman wrote:We have a faculty position open here in my department, and I'm on the search committee. We have over 150 applications. Most are imminently qualified. The job market right now is no joke.
That should simplify things. Tell those ones to get back to you once they're actually qualified, and then you can just focus on the smaller pool of eminently qualified applicants.
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Octavious
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Octavious »

Paingod wrote:
malchior wrote:I have a BS in Business Administration and a CISSP currently.
Out of curiosity, how hard was that CISSP to get? It's listed as an "Expert" level certification, and I've eyed it - but something like a 6 hour test with 250 questions is a touch on the daunting side. Not that I doubt it would be worth it. I had found a couple sample test books on Amazon for like $25 and thought I might try one to see how I fare without any prep. My biggest drawback is my generalist nature in IT - a little of everything, no great focus, but I also feel that security is going to remain a HUGE factor going forward, and only get more intense and in-demand with time.

My next career goals include basically following your path - I've already got an Associates in Computer Science with 10 years of practical application, and a BS in Business Admin with a couple 'high level' certifications should tidy up my resume and shift it closer to a Director job eventually, or at least a larger organization where I'd manage a number of people and stop doing everything myself.
Octavious wrote:Seems they have stopped laying off all the old people, but now this is like the most depressing place ever. Everyone is just miserable and it's dead silent in here. I think I would prefer the DMV to this. I so want to find somewhere else to work, but I totally stink at finding something. Which is why I have put up with all their insane shit for 14 f'n years. :doh:
As someone who's shifted jobs a few times in the last decade, each step has been horrifying when I make it, but rewarding when it's done. I don't know if I could stay anywhere for 14 years if it was making me crazy. I lasted 7 years with one employer because I kept moving up there, but when I peaked I left with my chair still spinning before the door had closed behind me.
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In case you think I'm making it up. ;)

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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Isgrimnur »

Looks like I'll be targeting a summer start for work to pay for a Master's program. I wanted to target a March date, but that's Spring 2, and would have eliminated the ability to defer my current student loans. Their 3-credit, 2-month mini-semesters don't meet the normal requirements for full-time status, and they still operate under the full semester guidelines for enrollment confirmation.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Jeff V »

So after our company split October 1, several regional managers (the level above me) were compelled to retire. It was decided one of the regions would no longer exist, and has been divvied up among the other regions. The punchline is I now have Kentucky as well (2 large plants and a sales office, possibly others strewn around the state). With my wife going back to work, it'll be interesting to see how we can handle my occasional travel demands.
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PLW
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by PLW »

Captain Caveman wrote:
Ralph-Wiggum wrote:I applied for my first tenure-track faculty position last week. :shock: The likelihood of even being invited for an interview is low, but I thought it was time to at least put together a package. Plus, I figure I better start looking now before any likely federal hiring freeze goes into effect...
We have a faculty position open here in my department, and I'm on the search committee. We have over 150 applications. Most are imminently qualified. The job market right now is no joke.

But I believe in you and in the power of horseshoe crab ejaculate. Go forth and conquer.
We got 650 for our all-rank/all-subfield tenure-track opening in economics. We just cut it to 30 for interviews at our annual meeting in January. If I never see another CV it will be too soon.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Isgrimnur »

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It's almost as if people are the problem.
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PLW
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by PLW »

Now look what you did.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Smoove_B »

I've noticed my employer has recently started hiring non-tenure track "teaching professors", probably to fill in the ranks and start differentiating between researchers and administrators. Meanwhile, I'm 5 weeks away from the Spring semester and have no contract. I'm confident it's coming, but thankfully we don't rely on my paycheck to keep the electricity on, pay for the mortgage or buy food. I can't even imagine what others are going through, but 8 years of work carved into 15, 6, and 4 week contracts is bananas.
Maybe next year, maybe no go
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Isgrimnur »

PLW wrote:Now look what you did.
:D
It's almost as if people are the problem.
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Ralph-Wiggum
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Ralph-Wiggum »

PLW wrote: We just cut it to 30 for interviews at our annual meeting in January.
:shock:

I think the norm in Biology is to invite 3 - 5 candidates for an interview.
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PLW
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by PLW »

Smoove_B wrote:I've noticed my employer has recently started hiring non-tenure track "teaching professors", probably to fill in the ranks and start differentiating between researchers and administrators. Meanwhile, I'm 5 weeks away from the Spring semester and have no contract. I'm confident it's coming, but thankfully we don't rely on my paycheck to keep the electricity on, pay for the mortgage or buy food. I can't even imagine what others are going through, but 8 years of work carved into 15, 6, and 4 week contracts is bananas.
We've starting pivoting away from contract lecturers and starting investing in longer term teaching professors. They aren't quite tenure track, but they are better paid and are on much longer contracts (3+ years I think) than contract lecturers. We call them "clinical professors".
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PLW
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by PLW »

Ralph-Wiggum wrote:
PLW wrote: We just cut it to 30 for interviews at our annual meeting in January.
:shock:

I think the norm in Biology is to invite 3 - 5 candidates for an interview.
We have an intermediate stage. 30-40 minutes interviews at the annual meeting. Of those, we'll choose 3-5 candidates/position to bring to campus for a day and a half.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Smoove_B »

PLW wrote:We've starting pivoting away from contract lecturers and starting investing in longer term teaching professors. They aren't quite tenure track, but they are better paid and are on much longer contracts (3+ years I think) than contract lecturers. We call them "clinical professors".
Never thought I'd say it, but I think I would actually entertain the idea of something like that depending on the details. I teach anywhere from 9-12 credits a semester, always on a 15 week contract. At this point I'm pretty sure I am teaching more credit hours than some of the F/T tenured staff.
Maybe next year, maybe no go
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by hitbyambulance »

will be laid-off on Thursday, since the company i work for is looking to outsource as much as possible outside the US over the next few years. i have applications out now - talked to a few recruiters, talking to more later.... not expecting to see many job openings in December. i'm looking for work as a Senior Software Test Engineer/Junior Software Development Engineer in Test in the Seattle area.
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PLW
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by PLW »

Smoove_B wrote:
PLW wrote:We've starting pivoting away from contract lecturers and starting investing in longer term teaching professors. They aren't quite tenure track, but they are better paid and are on much longer contracts (3+ years I think) than contract lecturers. We call them "clinical professors".
Never thought I'd say it, but I think I would actually entertain the idea of something like that depending on the details. I teach anywhere from 9-12 credits a semester, always on a 15 week contract. At this point I'm pretty sure I am teaching more credit hours than some of the F/T tenured staff.
It seems to suit our guy. He's never really done much research, so it's going to be a teaching role, for sure. Our tenure standards require an international research reputation, so that's pretty much out. I actually would support a parallel tenure-track for teaching specialists, but there's just not sufficient support for that, institution-wide.
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Xmann
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Xmann »

My wife was given 3 weeks severance pay today and let go.

Merry fucking Christmas.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Isgrimnur »

Damn, that blows. May the Krampus get to work over who made that decision.
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Smoove_B
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Smoove_B »

Geez, two in one day. There's a special place in hell for someone that greenlights a layoff two weeks before Xmas. Awful.
Maybe next year, maybe no go
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Xmann
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Xmann »

We have Christmas 25th, son's 14th birthday 31st, Anniversary Jan 1, wife's birthday Jan 4.

Looks like I'll be working serious overtime for the foreseeable future.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Smoove_B »

PLW wrote:It seems to suit our guy. He's never really done much research, so it's going to be a teaching role, for sure. Our tenure standards require an international research reputation, so that's pretty much out. I actually would support a parallel tenure-track for teaching specialists, but there's just not sufficient support for that, institution-wide.
Well, at least it's something. I never actually thought I'd see teaching positions opening up but I guess maybe the times are changing? I also have zero interest in the nuts and bolts of research (though I've recently proposed a partnership with researchers) and I think there's value in being able to completely focus on students and teaching. It's been years, but students are still amazed (and appreciative) that I answer and respond to email. Apparently the bar is quite low. :D
Maybe next year, maybe no go
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by RunningMn9 »

Damn, that sucks on both counts. :(
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by hitbyambulance »

my layoff was 'presented' to me back in mid-October, so at least i didn't get three days notice - i was just posting here because the thread was bumped and there hasn't been any change in status since then. but not having looked seriously for work in the past...almost seven years, i've forgotten how much of a drag this whole process is. start your job search *while* employed, if at all possible...
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Xmann
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Xmann »

my wife is hurt, but I'm pissed.

they could have waited until after the holidays. or done it a month ago. we are talking about 2 damn weeks until Christmas.

Karma is a bitch
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by hentzau »

Well, the change my team put in last night that started off as a piece of cake ended up causing a selective wipe to be done on about 3000 mobile devices. Heading into the holidays. Where the folks will be relying on mobile email.

We call that a CLM* around these parts.

Been up for 26 hours now. I'm too old for this shit.


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Re: How is your career going?

Post by hitbyambulance »

hitbyambulance wrote:will be laid-off on Thursday, since the company i work for is looking to outsource as much as possible outside the US over the next few years. i have applications out now - talked to a few recruiters, talking to more later.... not expecting to see many job openings in December. i'm looking for work as a Senior Software Test Engineer/Junior Software Development Engineer in Test in the Seattle area.
started a new job this week as a contractor. i actually turned down several interviews/phone screens, as the first interview i had was at a company with a client roster and work culture so appealing to me that i felt i would be foolish to not take this one. it's a huge turnaround from the company i had been working at for the past few years (they purchased the start-up i was with, at the time) - to the point where i'd say being laid-off was the best thing that happened to me, last year. it's even somewhat disappointing (to me) to realize how much longer i would have just kept going trudge-trudge-trudging along had i not been shocked to action.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Smutly »

hitbyambulance wrote:
hitbyambulance wrote:will be laid-off on Thursday, since the company i work for is looking to outsource as much as possible outside the US over the next few years. i have applications out now - talked to a few recruiters, talking to more later.... not expecting to see many job openings in December. i'm looking for work as a Senior Software Test Engineer/Junior Software Development Engineer in Test in the Seattle area.
started a new job this week as a contractor. i actually turned down several interviews/phone screens, as the first interview i had was at a company with a client roster and work culture so appealing to me that i felt i would be foolish to not take this one. it's a huge turnaround from the company i had been working at for the past few years (they purchased the start-up i was with, at the time) - to the point where i'd say being laid-off was the best thing that happened to me, last year. it's even somewhat disappointing (to me) to realize how much longer i would have just kept going trudge-trudge-trudging along had i not been shocked to action.
I stayed in my first position after college way too long. I wasn't forced to leave, but it really opened my eyes as to what opportunities existed and that all of the things I was pointing to (poor management and oppressive work policies) could be so much better somewhere else. Hopefully this will open new doors for you or improve your work environment.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by LordMortis »

hitbyambulance wrote:
hitbyambulance wrote:will be laid-off on Thursday, since the company i work for is looking to outsource as much as possible outside the US over the next few years. i have applications out now - talked to a few recruiters, talking to more later.... not expecting to see many job openings in December. i'm looking for work as a Senior Software Test Engineer/Junior Software Development Engineer in Test in the Seattle area.
started a new job this week as a contractor. i actually turned down several interviews/phone screens, as the first interview i had was at a company with a client roster and work culture so appealing to me that i felt i would be foolish to not take this one. it's a huge turnaround from the company i had been working at for the past few years (they purchased the start-up i was with, at the time) - to the point where i'd say being laid-off was the best thing that happened to me, last year. it's even somewhat disappointing (to me) to realize how much longer i would have just kept going trudge-trudge-trudging along had i not been shocked to action.
Awesome. Congrats.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by hentzau »

So, anyone have any "Hey, I'm 52 years old and am about completely fed up with my current employer of the past 28 years and I need something new" recruiter websites they can recommend?

Asking for a friend...
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Jeff V »

hentzau wrote:So, anyone have any "Hey, I'm 52 years old and am about completely fed up with my current employer of the past 28 years and I need something new" recruiter websites they can recommend?

Asking for a friend...
Recruiters tend to specialize in industries more so than applicant age. AFAIK, Monster, Careerbuilder and the like still support a broad base of occupations, however.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Isgrimnur »

Update your resume on LinkedIn, and there will probably be a few contacts in short order.
It's almost as if people are the problem.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Jeff V »

Isgrimnur wrote:Update your resume on LinkedIn, and there will probably be a few contacts in short order.
Last time I did that the flood of recruiters were all ones who wanted to SELL me people, not pimp me to other places.
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Reemul
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Reemul »

I have an interview in 2 hours. For a senior management role that really fits my work experience. It looks like a great company and location with a good future as well. It's a big step up from what I am doing at present but similar to where I was in the past.

Trying not to get my hopes up too much and hoping it goes well but you just never know. If this one doesn't come off there are a couple more that look promising.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by tjg_marantz »

Break their legs!
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Smutly
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Smutly »

I was just promoted to a new position, am being given full latitude to develop a vision and re-engineer our work processes to meet it, and the resources to execute and sustain it. I start interviewing people in two weeks. Love my job...
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Reemul »

I didn't get the job, I felt I couldn't do any better but as an experienced manager I have yet to meet anyone that is a Business/ General Manager that is

1. Qualified to write Health and Safety Policy and qualified in H&S
2. Fully Project Manager trained and qualified
3. Accountancy qualified
4. Manage all aspects of the business as well as a real interest in Ecology.

The small company actually wants to bring all business management tasks in house and be managed by just one person. The company has up to 35 staff in the busier times all are full qualified ecologists and they have never had anyone that works for the company not be an ecologist.

The recruitment agency have advised them this is not likely to be do able but as I was only the second interview I felt it may take some time to sink in. A little disappointed but not surprised.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by tjg_marantz »

Did you try the breaking of the legs?
Maybe they'll come around.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by Paingod »

tjg_marantz wrote:Did you try the breaking of the legs?
Maybe they'll come around.
With the broken legs, he'll need to cripple a wheel to get them to go in little circles... though it sounds like they're doing that already. They've failed to realize that it's easier to find the right person and train them to have the skills you want than it is to find someone with the skills you want and hope they're the right person.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by LawBeefaroni »

Almost at my 1 year anniversary of the new job. The honeymoon is definitely over and I'm getting swept into the office politics nonsense. And of course I'm too busy to post on OO regularly :( . However, I still like it here, love the mission, and see a ton of opportunity. .

Personally it's been huge, I go to the gym here at least 3 days a week. I get about 30 minutes back per day in reduced commute. I'm approved for MBA tuition starting in March. Liking the bonus structure.

Had a rough day yesterday, and not just because I was in meetings straight from 7:30am to 2pm. But came in this morning and sorted things out. Now I have to survive the decimation of Medicaid/care, two sepearate complete EHR and billing system upgrades, and a Linac install over the next 5 months.
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Re: How is your career going?

Post by dfs »

Paingod wrote:They've failed to realize that it's easier to find the right person and train them to have the skills you want than it is to find someone with the skills you want and hope they're the right person.
Easier for the company, but not for HR.

I have an elderly friend who worked in HR decades ago. He claims at one time the folks in HR were there to help employees navigate the benefit system and to help hiring departments get the best candidates. He got out....well decades ago when everything became about covering your tracks with paperwork.
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