Those Funky Eurostyle Beats

Mar 18, 2009 00:55

So, over the weekend, I came to a decision: it's time to look for another Job. And, yes, I can hear you all screaming, "ABOUT *$($# TIME!", even through my earplugs. I got the good ones, too. those little squishy foam ones that mold to fit your ear, and hide really well. A couple of things finally cemented it for me. The first thing was sitting down and really giving genuine thought to where I'd like to be in 5 years, and the immediate thought that came to mind was, "Not at Samsung.", the other was talking to my Dad over the weekend about it, and he told me, "I'm going to tell you what my old boss at Houston Electric told me, 'Get happy, or get out.', also, there's no harm in looking discreetly." It's been about two years since I've become unhappy at Samsung, and although the environment and my management have improved considerably, some changes have happened in IT that make it obvious that if I stay here, my marketable skills will stagnate, and that should I be faced with the situation where I get laid off, it's going to be even more difficult for me to find a new job. So, I'd rather head that off at the pass.

So what's been the holdup? Well, for one, I've always been very leery of taking risks and leaving stability when it comes to my career. I'm not really sure where that came from, as I began working in the tech industry at the age of 17 during the .com boom, where job hopping was rampant, startups were happening left and right, and "signing bonus" no longer applied to only professional athletes and Military recruits. Even though I was immersed in that environment, I never got bit by the bug. I knew that most of those startups were selling neither a viable product or service, that getting paid largely in stock options was stupid, and that some day, the bubble would burst, and the honeymoon would be over, and this was back in '98. I began college in 2000, and sure enough the bubble burst. I knew a lot of people who had great job offers vanish, and others who couldn't find a job even though they were total Rock Stars. It wasn't a great time for me, either, I was very lucky to obtain employment at a small software company and that got me through for a little while until I was laid off. When things were really bad in 2003, I got a temp job working in a manufacturing facility building computers. (Unquestionably, the worst job I've ever had.) And out of the blue, a company quite fond of the color blue made me an offer I couldn't refuse, and I very happily jumped ship for that job. During the time I was working at this company, I actually got a lot of job offers that I turned down. I was at a very stable company, making good money, and working on cool stuff. One of my worst fears, which stems from the experiences of several people I knew in College is to leave a stable job for a new one, only to be laid off shortly after starting the new job. With a wife, two mortgages and a horse to take care of, that would suck.

Well, I suppose the suckage is tacitly implied, but I still think it bears mentioning. Or, I could mention bears, but I don't want to talk about the stock market.

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW SNAP! (suckitcramer.)

Now then, which neurosis should I elaborate on for the world's edification and entertainment next? Ah yes, fitting in. As a human(I believe that is the current consensus for my species classification.), I am a social animal, hard wired with the desire to fit in with a group. Well, I suppose that would apply to the rest of you as well, to varying degree. Except you, Zrxrydewck, take your alien ass elsewhere. Anyway, I've always been an odd one, and it takes me a long time to "fit in" at a company. I suppose that's partially because the companies I've worked at (including Samsung) have all tended to be rather conservative, and I've been really the only "geek" around. (Seriously. The other day I was in a meeting and made a Monty Python reference and nobody got it) It took me about 2 years to finally feel comfortable at Samsung, and having to start that over again isn't exactly a thrilling prospect. One could make the argument that finding a new company would make that easier as I would be able to be a lot more picky about where I got hired, except I just did. Haha! Stupid One. I thwart you yet again! But still.

Next!

Confidence. I has it. Well, sort of. I know I can h4c|< l337 c0d3$, but in interviews, I tend to forget terminology, and that makes me look incompetent. I also catch myself not applying for jobs that I seem to be qualified for, but I don't feel that I have enough experience with whatever the company's desired skill set is. I really should cut that out. Sending a couple more emails that never get responses won't hurt anything. So, I will endeavor to change that habit. If I do, will you buy me a pony? Wait, I already have one of those. How about a Brand. New. Car!?

Well, it's about 1230, and my hour of subversion is up, so I'm going to get back to work. Yee ha.
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