RL Looking For a Job Dynasty

[CraigSca]

I've wavered over this off and on for...let's see now...almost 6 months. I suppose the best I can hope for is some online therapy and the worst...well, I guess I can shoot myself in the foot. I'm hoping for the former, rather than the latter.

So....where should I start? 5 months and two days ago I was given my walking papers by the $500 million a year company I worked at for 9+ years. It was a complete shock. Sure, we purchased our #1 competitor in April of that year, and our competitor was located in the exact area I worked from (and we thus had tremendous double-up in my position), but being laid off never really crossed my mind. I continually made my number as a presales consultant my entire career and never saw the freight train a-comin'.

I'd seen many managers come and go in my tenure, many on the sales side, as well as the consulting side (my direct report). A couple years ago, the company decided to shift from hardware sales to consulting services and made a great many hirings to justify this shift. My manager moved on, and the "new guy" was definitely from the consulting side of the house. He visited me right after 9/11 and wanted to go on a few sales calls with me. I agreed, thinking it would be a great opportunity to meet with him and have him "see my in action." I remember the day well, as it was the day of the huge plane crash at LaGuardia airport. While we were driving to an account, the news came on the radio of a plane down near NYC, and I distinctly remember him continuing to talk sales strategy when I gave him a semi-polite "shhhh!" when the crash was broadcast on the radio. It was my fear that we were seeing a 9/11 Version 2.0, and I frankly couldn't have cared less about sales strategy at that time. Well, all in all, I think we had an okay day. Nothing major occurred from a company point of view, he got to know me and I got to know him. He did ask if I knew when and where to present my VERY dry sense of humor in a sales situation, and I assured him I knew when and where. After 10 years, you know to remain professional at all times, and only use one's sense of humor with customers with whom you've developed a rapport.

At our year end, it was company policy to do a self evaluation of your skills and performance. I dreaded this as I always feel uncomfortable evaluating myself (as I don't like to blow my horn). I gave my self "average"s and "above averages" throughout the evaluation. It was then my manager's turn. Weeks later I received a raise and my evaluation - my manager marked me better that I marked myself in every category.

2003 began and I was having my best year as a consultant. We had a HUGE deal in the 1st quarter for over $2 million in sales. I was there from day one and it was a huge payoff for me and the salespersons involved. Basically, this set me for the entire year and I ended up making about 40% more than I ever had in my life - until December when I was laid off. Go figure.

So...in early December I was laid off and out of work for the first time in my entire life. I'm only 35, but it's still quite a shock to the system (especially with a wife and two kids with a mortgage). Quite frankly, it sucks.

I've always been the kind of person who says, "you do what you have to do" so I began to look for work the next day. I joined monsters.com, hotjobs.com, the whole gamut. I started calling friends and contacts, etc., to see what was out there. Immediately, I received a call from a headhunter who said a competitor of my former company was looking for someone. Woohoo! He immediately set up a phone interview with the hiring manager and I interviewed the next day. The problem was, they had already made their decision on someone, so I was coming in after the fact. After having an extensive interview with the manager, he told me that I had come in a close second, but that they were still going to go with their original offer.

Still...it took one day and I almost found a job...this shouldn't be too hard...

-to be continued-

[CraigSca]

Things were awful in December, but I attribute that to the year-end Holiday non-hiring madness. After placing my names with assorted recruiting firms I basically heard next to nothing (except for the standard "your resume' looks great, I can't wait to show it around!").

Finally, in mid-January I lineup my first real interview. When my original company bought our competitor they inherited a product line of switches that were basically enterprise class but were sorely lagging when it came to market share. My interview would be with the company that had cornered the market. I drove a little over an hour for the interview, a little nervous, but determined to be myself. It had been over 10 years since my last interview, so I wasn't sure what to expect. We had coffee and really hit it off. It seems our attititudes and priorities were almost identical and we both really liked each other. At the end of the interview, he said, "I fully expected not to like you when I came here today, but now I find that I have one more person to worry about in this world." He told me they had no job openings at this time (I knew this going into the interview, but thought it best to "practice" anyway) but may have some openings in May. In the meantime, I was to accept his card and call him anytime I wanted to discuss anything.

Time drags on...no interviews, despite my applications into a NUMBER of companies daily.

Finally, in March I receive word from a recruiter that a local bank is looking to hire someone who's an expert in backup/restore. In interview there, and realize the job isn;'t right for me in 5 minutes. I'm on the pre-sales side and I'm no expert in the various IT disciplines. About 10 mins later I'm out the door with the hiring manager saying I'd be an asset on the pre-sales side, but not in-house.

Later that month, I receive an email from my contact at the switch company saying that they're looking for a salesperson. I had a former manager tell me that I would be great in sales, but I've always hedged on this as I wasn't sure how I'd deal with the inherent "clumpiness" of cash flow. You know, the whole "bought a Porsche this month, eating Ramen noodles the next month" issue. I figure now is a good time to shed that possible negative and apply. About a week later I met with the sales manager at the airport and have a great 1+ hour interview. He says he has a number of candidates with more sales experience than I have, but this is a position that he could take a chance on a person if he felt the need to. He said the original manager I met with at the company had nothing but good things to say about me, and that the next step would be to interview with one of the salespeople. A few days later I was at a TGI Fridays in the mall meeting with one of the better salespersons in the company. For whatever reason, I could just "feel" we weren't hitting it off. There was nothing tangible, it just felt a little off. We exchanged pleasantries after our lunch and I came home feeling awful. Sure enough, a week later I heard from the manager. He said that I was an excellent candidate, but they decided to make an offer to someone who had sales experience - he said that was the differentiating factor.

Sigh.

April rolls around and I continue to apply like mad hoping my luck will change. Finally, I receive a phone call from a company somewhat out of my area looking for a person with presales consulting experience. Even though it is out of my area (a more expensive area, in fact) I decide to go for it - again, sometimes you have to what you have to do. They send me an email with a few technical questions and I return it that same day. Later, they set up a phone interview with the hiring manager.

He prefaces the phone call with a, "after our interview, I'll speak with the recruiting manager and then we'll see whether to continue." He says something to the same effect midway through our interview and it occurs to me he's giving himself an "out" if he sees that I'm not a proper candidate. Fortunately for me, all the questions he's asking are business ethics and professionalism that you learn from experience - the one thing I have. At the end of the interview he says, "well, it's pretty obvious we're going to want you to come down here - when can you make it?" Woohoo! This job would be a GREAT opportunity - and industry I want to be in at a very reputable company.

Later that day I receive a large email from the internal recruiter - a job application, various other forms and a waiver saying they can do a complete background check on me. I complete the application and send it back in, looking forward to my interview. My interview is scheduled, and I drive the 3+ hours it takes to get to their site (yeah, it's quite a hike). I'm told to prepare a 10 minute technical presentation (gulp) and to be prepared to spend a couple hours there.

Let me backup a little - I have a distinct phobia of public speaking. During high school, I opted for the gifted program so I wouldn't have to take speech. I skipped speech while in college as well. I hated it and was scared to death of it. I know, I know, you're going to say EVERYONE is afraid of public speaking...well, my voice breaks and I shake. That's how deathly afraid of it I am. Oddly, my career in presales has forced me to face the situation head-on (and has been a godsend). Now, when I need to speak to people, most of the time it's an absolute piece of cake and I really enjoy. However, there are still some situations that give me trouble - speaking to 20+ people at a time (especially when it would require a podium and microphone) or...something like and interview, with a lot on the line.

I head into the office, and I am nervous. I'm not looking forward to the presentation at all. We sit down for a few minutes, he asks me a few more questions and then directs me to a conference room where I am to present. Within seconds, about 5 to 10 people enter the room and I am to begin. Yuck. I begin to speak about different business continuance strategies on the white board and I can feel my right leg shaking. Arrgh. Of course, your brain works faster than you can speak, so as I'm speaking I'm fully concentrating on, "can they see my leg? is my voice breaking?". Needless to say, they begin to ask questions and as they do, I begin to feel much more comfortable (whenever I can interact, I always do) and begin to roll. At the end of the presentation I say I was a little nervous but I had fun, etc. They, of course, said I did a great job. What are they going to say?

I then meet with people who are currently in my role, another manager and then the hiring manager again. The entire day was a whirlwind - I LOVED it there (and really, didn't want to leave). After about 2.5 hours, I'm on my way home and I'm told that the manager will be out a week but he usually makes his decisions fast so it will probably happen so after his return.

The next day, the recruiter calls me again, and goes into a 30 minute dissertation on why her company is great to work for, the people are wonderful, etc. All I'm thinking is, "does she intend to be this cruel?" :) I would jump at an offer, there's no reason to sell me on this!

I then receive a phone call from a major storage vendor. A former co-worker of mine was let go during an earlier layoff and submitted my resume' to his current company. I'm called in for an interview last Thursday...

-to be continued-

[fantastic flying froggies]

Craig, I'm currently unemployed as well, as I've just been 'terminated' (to use the word of the month) at the end of april. Things are still fresh and it hasn't as long as it for you but still...
This morning as I got up, I was thinking to myself : hey, why not make a dynasty out of it ? only to find this when I fire up my PC...bummer. (j/K) you beat me to it !

Anyway, just to let you know I'll be reading...

I wish you all the best in your pursuit of a job...

[CraigSca]

Thanks for the warm wishes. I hope your layoff doesn't last as long as mine has - it really, really stinks.

[CraigSca]

Last Thursday - May 6th

I call up Mapquest to get directions to the building, Mpaquest says it should take me about 2 hours and 5 minutes to get down there, so I safely leave 3 hours before my interview. 3 hours and 30 minutes later, I'm finally in the parking lot. I called the hiring manager on the road and apologized but it always makes me feel sick inside when a Cardinal rule of interviewing is broken.

I get up to their floor and he assures me it's no big deal (though I am leery). We sit down in the lobby and I learn that there are a number of jobs available and today seems to be massive interview day. They're whisking people in and out and rotating them amongst the interviewers. Honestly, I thought I was just being interviewed by him, so I made lunch plans with my friend before the day began. I figure I'll wing it, and if the interviews go long, I'll just give him a call.

My first interview was with a manager and he was, by far, my toughest interview ever. I've heard horror stories about interviewers asking completely abstract questions ("how many quarters would it take to reach the moon?") - he asn't quite that bad, but he really kept me on my toes. The funny thing is, I rather enjoyed it. I was getting questions like - "What was the toughest decision you made in the last year?" I would answer, and then he would ask, "Ok, now relate that to the sales cycle." Ugh. It was a very, very interesting interview.

Next, I met a manager from teh commercial side (I was interviewing for a Federal DoD position) and things went very well there. Afterwards, it was getting close to lunch time, so I called my friend and let him know that I wasn't going to be able to make it. I was then told my next meeting would be over lunch with a person currently in the role for which I was interviewing. Lunch was great, we shared some horror stories of what's difficult about our jobs and what we like as well. We also talked of housing in the area as I would have to move my family if I received a job offer. Overall, lunch was a lot of fun. We came back to the office, and it was finally time to sit down with the hiring manager (who had been "hosting" me all day). This piece lasted about 45 minutes - we went over the technology, sales ethics, etc. At the end of the interview he told me that he hadn't spoken to anyone directly, but he could see I was well-liked by the people who interviewed me. He then asked me what kind of salary I was looking for. I told him what I had made in the past, and he said that was certainly within the range they were looking to offer - so salary was not an issue. I asked him when I should expect to hear from them, and he said, "Let's see...today's Thursday? How 'bout tomorrow?" I was elated.

On the way out of the building, I tried to call my friend, but was unable to, due to lack of cell phone service. Arrgh. On the road, I was finally able to get into contact with him. He told me he submitted my resume to management as well as another friend who has Top Secret clearance (obviously of huge value when your customer is the military). He said that his friend was there for an hour and 15 minutes. When I told him I was there a total of 4 hours, he said, 'You're in man, you're in!" He was also surprised to hear that I was to hear back from them the next day (as it took him weeks to get a job offer from them). I drove the 3 hours home in a pretty good mood - I called my wife (she said, "I know they're going to make you an offer!") to let her know and finally got home around 6:30pm.

[CraigSca]

My wife and I are big sushi lovers. We used to get take out about every other week. Since being laid off in December, we've obviously had to cut out a few things, sushi being one of them. Usually when the kids are in bed, we sit out on our porch and shoot the you know what. Invariably, the conversation always seems to turn to "when I get a job again". Well, during these talks we've made a lot of promises to each other regarding the day I receive a legitimate job offer. That night, we'll go out for sushi, I can buy Championship Manager 03/04, she can buy clothes, and then we'll schedule an overnight stay in the Baltimore Inner Harbor (maybe catch an O's game and sit in a bar and relax as adults - hard when you have children).

Needless to say, when I woke up Friday morning, I was definitely looking forward to having sushi that night :). I made a conscious decision not to leave anything out to defrost for dinner as I knew that phone call was coming. Hours pass by, and finally it's lunch time. I'm beginning to figure that the calls will probably go out right after lunch (perhaps they were having meetings amongst all the interviewers in the mornning?). I get an IM from my friend, "what's the word? hear anything?" I told him no, and he said, "really? I would have thought you would have heard something by now." Me too :(

More hours pass...and it's 3:30. My friend IMs me again - "any word?" Nope. I decide to give him a call - it's my fear that I won't hear ANYTHING and I'll have to wait the entire weekend on pins and needles. We talk and he says that it's not out of the question for me to call him around 4 or 4:30. I don't want to be a nudge, but I decide my friend is probably right. After all, I was promised an answer today - what's the harm in calling? Finally, 4:30 rolls around and I decide to call. The phone rings (I just KNOW I'm going to get VM) and rings and rings...and then finally the phone is picked up. I say "hello, this is Craig, I was just wondering if you had made your decision..." He apologized saying that he wanted to give everyone a call today but he got hit with a late RFP and they've been working on that all day. He also said that everyone really liked me but they found someone with more experience. Sigh. Admittedly, I knew I didn't have direct experience with their product set, but I do have 10 years experience in the role they are looking for. I thanked him for the opportunity wished him well, and hung up.

This is going to sound ridiculous, but for the first time in my job search I felt heartbroken. I really thought this one was within my grasp.

If you've never been out of a job before, you probably won't understand. I admit, since I've had a job ever since college (17 years ago) I never really appreciated what I had. Sure, I have a job - doesn't everyone? The thing is, once you don't have one, you begin to question everything about yourself. Am I good enough? Maybe I'll NEVER get another job. What happens when the money runs out? etc...etc...

Well...after hearing the news on Friday, it was a pretty crappy weekend. I've been pretty upbeat through this entire process but this weekend it the news really hit me, and I couldn't fake it anymore - at least internally.

I'm still waiting to hear back from the company I interviewed with the week before, but I no longer have my hopes up. Well...I do...but I don't. This job is even further outside my area of expertise - the only things I have going for me are my charisma (haha) and my 10 years of experience. We shall see, we shall see...

[CraigSca]

Knowing the the hiring manager is back from vacation, I wait around the house all day waiting for a call. Around 4:30pm, I decide to give the internal recruiter a call to see if she's heard anything. I reach her on her cell, and she calls me back a few minutes later from a land line. She says the manager is back from vacation, but that he has more interviews to do. However, I am still on the "active" list - whatever that means. At this point, I'll take it and continue to cross my fingers. I ask her how long she thinks it will take for a decision and she says to expect something in about a week, but she'll call me beforehand if she hears something. She's been nothing but nice to me from day one and exemplifies what I like about this company. Everyone has been honest, kind and straightforward. I would LOVE to work for this company.

On a side note, a few days ago I received a call from a recruiter about a presales position for a middleware company. This job would be local :eek: , and he wanted to know if I'd be interested. I haven't turned down an opportunity yet - it would be foolish to. So, I submit my resume' in Word format and write a little outline regarding some big wins I've had in the past. I've had a number of these opportunities that really don't pan out. At this point, I'm willing to try anything.

In my writings, I've forgotten to tell you that I actually have had a job offer - about a month ago. Unfortunately, the offer was a lot less than I was used to - no salary and 20% commission on profits - a pure sales opportunity. It's a job offer, and that was a good thing, but I can't risk making absolutely $0 the first few months as I try to feed a family of four and pay a mortgage. Sigh.

[Raven Hawk]

Craig,

This is a good read. I'm not sure if you're looking for advice or not, but I have some for anybody that finds themselves without a job. I have been working in Human Resources for 7 years now and I know a little about the pre-screening that goes on.

First point that I would like to make, however, is that if outplacement is available to you, take it. Many people forego this resource because they don't think that they need help finding a job. We all think that we are intelligent and don't need somebody else's help to find a job. Yet, we may find ourselves in a position where we haven't searched for a job in 10 years. The rules change. Outplacement firms are wonderful resources to use to learn the new rules and to network. If it's offered to you for free, there is no reason that you shouldn't go. If not for yourself, at least make your old company pay for something else. If you don't go, they don't have to pay. Make them pay. Use ALL the resources that are available to you.

There is a general rule of thumb also that states: "When you're out of work, it usually takes you 1 month per $10,000 of salary to find a new job." Therefore if you make $60,000 you should expect to be out of work for near 6 months. Obviously, this changes depending on the economy, but a decent rule instead. Also remember that it is easy to get a job, it's hard to get a job that you like. You could land yourself a fry cook job in no time, but let's get realistic, you need to spend the time doing a good job search so that you can land a good job with adequate pay for your lifestyle.

I'd also like to qualify my statements in another light. Not only have I been in the HR field for 7 years, but I have also been laid off. I was out of work from December '02 through July '03. I know how much it sucks. No, I don't have a family, but I still had a mortgage to pay. I can sympathize.

Craig and FFF - I wish you both the best of luck. I'll try and post a few more things in this thread for the benefit of everybody who is on a job hunt.

[CraigSca]

Raven,

Thanks much - I will accept and use any and all information I receive.

During my final meeting with my manager (when I received the nice, thick envelope), I did indeed ask if the company would help me get a new job. He told me that the company currently does not offer any program to do so. At least I tried :).

Oh...and one more thing that's absolutely LOVELY about my situation. I'm a disaster genetically - my cholesterol has always been high and I learned I was diabetic a few years ago (runs in my family). My health plan is currently being extended via COBRA, but my payments are over $1100 a month. I've tried to get other health insurance but I've been told point-blank that I will be turned down due to the diabetes. Wonderful. So, not only am I unemployed, but I get to dish out an additional $1100 a month while I'm at it. Good times :)

[Franklinnoble]

My wife and I are big sushi lovers. We used to get take out about every other week. Since being laid off in December, we've obviously had to cut out a few things, sushi being one of them. Usually when the kids are in bed, we sit out on our porch and shoot the you know what. Invariably, the conversation always seems to turn to "when I get a job again". Well, during these talks we've made a lot of promises to each other regarding the day I receive a legitimate job offer. That night, we'll go out for sushi, I can buy Championship Manager 03/04, she can buy clothes, and then we'll schedule an overnight stay in the Baltimore Inner Harbor (maybe catch an O's game and sit in a bar and relax as adults - hard when you have children).

Needless to say, when I woke up Friday morning, I was definitely looking forward to having sushi that night :). I made a conscious decision not to leave anything out to defrost for dinner as I knew that phone call was coming. Hours pass by, and finally it's lunch time. I'm beginning to figure that the calls will probably go out right after lunch (perhaps they were having meetings amongst all the interviewers in the mornning?). I get an IM from my friend, "what's the word? hear anything?" I told him no, and he said, "really? I would have thought you would have heard something by now." Me too :(

More hours pass...and it's 3:30. My friend IMs me again - "any word?" Nope. I decide to give him a call - it's my fear that I won't hear ANYTHING and I'll have to wait the entire weekend on pins and needles. We talk and he says that it's not out of the question for me to call him around 4 or 4:30. I don't want to be a nudge, but I decide my friend is probably right. After all, I was promised an answer today - what's the harm in calling? Finally, 4:30 rolls around and I decide to call. The phone rings (I just KNOW I'm going to get VM) and rings and rings...and then finally the phone is picked up. I say "hello, this is Craig, I was just wondering if you had made your decision..." He apologized saying that he wanted to give everyone a call today but he got hit with a late RFP and they've been working on that all day. He also said that everyone really liked me but they found someone with more experience. Sigh. Admittedly, I knew I didn't have direct experience with their product set, but I do have 10 years experience in the role they are looking for. I thanked him for the opportunity wished him well, and hung up.

This is going to sound ridiculous, but for the first time in my job search I felt heartbroken. I really thought this one was within my grasp.

If you've never been out of a job before, you probably won't understand. I admit, since I've had a job ever since college (17 years ago) I never really appreciated what I had. Sure, I have a job - doesn't everyone? The thing is, once you don't have one, you begin to question everything about yourself. Am I good enough? Maybe I'll NEVER get another job. What happens when the money runs out? etc...etc...

Well...after hearing the news on Friday, it was a pretty crappy weekend. I've been pretty upbeat through this entire process but this weekend it the news really hit me, and I couldn't fake it anymore - at least internally.

I'm still waiting to hear back from the company I interviewed with the week before, but I no longer have my hopes up. Well...I do...but I don't. This job is even further outside my area of expertise - the only things I have going for me are my charisma (haha) and my 10 years of experience. We shall see, we shall see...
This post echoes exactly how I felt after being out of work from November to April. I've been in the same line of work for 11 years now, and I had, for the last 5 years or so, felt that I was pretty damned good at it. Then I got laid off right before the holidays, and spent about 6 months looking for a new job. You really start to lose your self confidence after a while.

Right now, nothing's going to really make you feel better until you get that first paycheck at your next job, but I can tell you a few things I got out of my own personal drought:

1. Take something from every interview. Even if you don't get hired, every time you talk to a recruiter and/or hiring manager, you can learn a little more about what the market is looking for, and tailor your resume and interview questions to match. Don't be afraid to ask at the end of an interview what they think of you at that point... if they have gotten a bad impression about one or more of your answers, that's your best chance to correct it. And if they don't hire you, ask detailed questions about why not... what are they looking for... what made another candidate more attractive... etc. They have no reason not to tell you and help you have better luck elsewhere at that point.

2. Throw out everything that happened before March of this year. NOBODY was hiring before then. It was about the worst time in the last ten years to be out of a job. I got NO calls from November through January, a few in February, and then, Boom! All of a sudden, I was interviewing three times a week in March. Companies have already laid off as many people as they possibly can - they have to begin hiring again to meet demands and keep up with a recovering economy. You WILL get a job, it's only a matter of time at this point.

3. Stay positive. The market is saturated with out-of-work folks, but there are more jobs being made available every day. Network with as many people as you know. I called on old friends, college buddies, people from my church, etc. to get "plugged in." Talk to contract agencies. Search online for headhunters in your field and in your area. Buy the Monster.com premium service (you can't put a price on priority listing of your resume, and it's not that expensive). Because there are a lot of candidates for a lot of jobs, chances are where you end up will be a GREAT fit for you... companies can be discerning about who they hire, and that actually works out best for you in the long run... when you get hired, you'll know it's because you are EXACTLY what they want.

I started a contract job in April, and I will probably be hired full-time very soon. So far, this is the best job I've ever had working for the best company I could possibly hope for. I know it's brutal for you now... I've been there... but stay confident and stay focused. It'll work out for you, probably when and how you'd least expect, but as long as you're exercising every job hunting tool at your disposal, you can sleep at night knowing you're doing the best you can for your family, and you WILL get a good job soon.

I'll keep you in my prayers...

[CraigSca]

Thank you so much for the kind words and the insight. I've also noticed an upswing in the amount of calls and interviews I'm getting (of course, anything is an improvement over NONE).

As you very well know, it's easy to fall in the "will I ever find a job?" trap. My response to that thought in my head has always been, "Oh yeah...20 years down the road I'm SURE I'll still be looking for a job." :rolleyes: The problem is, as more time passes, the easier it is to actually think that way.

Thanks again for writing. It's nice to know there are others that were like me and have come out the other side unscathed.

-Craig

[Raven Hawk]

Craig,

I got a little information for you. COBRA is a bitch, no doubt about it. However, you can thank the government for HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Here is a general summary of the act as found at www.shrm.org (http://www.shrm.org) (a professional association for HR people).

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, (HIPAA) became effective on July 1, 1997 with staggered effective dates for certain provisions of the law, depending on a particular plan's plan year. Under the new HIPAA regulations, certain requirements are imposed on group health insurance plans to make health benefits more "portable" for employees moving from one employer to another. The law also requires that any individual who had coverage under a group health plan be provided with a certificate of credible coverage, stating the actual length of the coverage period. HIPAA also prohibits denial of an individual's coverage, based on that particular individual's health status. In addition to the above, certain limitations are now also placed on a health insurance plan's pre-existing condition exclusions.
Since you have so much extra time. I'd start looking for a cheaper insurance policy. You can find them just about anywhere. If you're looking, you might want to start with organizations that you belong to. Sometimes they have group health programs that are priced pretty decently. Other good sources to look at are schools, spouse's employer (if applicable), current insurance companies that you get home, auto, or life insurance through.

I hope this helps.

[CraigSca]

The policy I applied for was from a subsidiary of the company I currently use. By law they are not allowed to deny me? Is that what you're saying?

[CentralMassHokie]

Having now been back at work after being out of work for about 3 months, here's my thoughts (I don't want to call them advice, since every situation is different).

1) It's cliche, but networking works. I ended up in a position completely different than what I ever thought I'd do, but it's a good fit and it's fun. And it only happened because someone at the company knew me and recommended me. Sometimes having some vouch for you is about the best thing you can have.

2) Look at fields that are tangential to what you're good at. I'm in marketing now, but I'm a computer engineer by education, and spent a bunch of time as a program/project manager on hardware/software projects. Now I'm doing database, web, and fun algorithmic stuff. It's a blast and I'm getting to also learn a completely different set of skills (the marketing side). I never in a million years would have looked for a job like this.

3) As much as you can, enjoy your time off. It sucks and it's worrysome, but it's not often you'll get to spend this much time with your wife and children. Take advantage of it. Not having a family, I stayed on top of newish technology, read a bunch about baseball, and attempted to put Netflix out of business.

My 3 cents. Good luck in your search and I'm still thinking that you should continue your work on Franchise Baseball :)

[MacroGuru]

2) Look at fields that are tangential to what you're good at. I'm in marketing now, but I'm a computer engineer by education, and spent a bunch of time as a program/project manager on hardware/software projects. Now I'm doing database, web, and fun algorithmic stuff. It's a blast and I'm getting to also learn a completely different set of skills (the marketing side). I never in a million years would have looked for a job like this.
This is so familiar, and I was in the same boat as you Craig. I was a Sales Engineer for Macromedia, and I was laid off right as they acquired Allaire. I did have a job lined up contractually, it turned into 6 months and poof I was done.

I was able to line up one more contract with Corel for 6 months, after that, I was out of a job for over a year and a half. In that time, I tried sales for a variety of companies including insurance sales. My initial background was Multimedia and Web Dev.

Well, I lucked out through Networking, and I am a Technical Project Manager/Business Analyst for an Investor Education company. I do a lot of SQL DBA work, just ramping up some .NET development, and doing a lot of HTML work.

It's a fun job, I am picking up new skill sets (SQL DBA and .NET) and moving myself forward in the company and better pay.

Honestly, the willing to learn and move oneself into a different aspect of the/an industry will help you out drastically.

[CraigSca]

Thanks for the kind words, all. It's always great to hear people that were at one time in my position but have since moved on to better things.

As far as looking for jobs that are a little outside of my domain - I started that quest a few months ago. I know I have sales skills and I do have a CERTAIN level of charisma and a good sense of humor (man, that sounds arrogant). I also know that I'm intelligent and can pick up things fairly quickly. The problem I'm having is finding a company that wants to pursue a candidate like that. I think because the way the economy was, employers are finding that they could be more and more selective and are therefore less apt to take a risk on someone like me (when my skills don't exactly match what they're looking for). FWIW, the job I'm pursuing now (that I interviewed for a couple weeks ago) is completely different than what I'm used to. It would be a presales consultant role, but the industry is not the same whatsoever. I look to it as a challenge and a way to broaden my skills. I'm hoping the manager is thinking the same. :)

Oh, and regarding FB. Yeah, I sometimes wish I was still pursuing that, but working with Markus has been great, and I look forward to playing a part in the new OOTP with SIgames. It'll be nice to start from scratch :).

-Craig

[Raven Hawk]

The policy I applied for was from a subsidiary of the company I currently use. By law they are now allowed to deny me? Is that what you're saying?
That is the way that I interpret the law. Here is a link to the US Department of Labor that highlights some more HIPAA related facts:

http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/newsroom/fshipaa.html

They say:

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top scope=row width="100%">Discrimination Prohibitions

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top scope=row width="100%">

Ensure that individuals are not excluded from coverage, or charged more for coverage offered by a plan or issuer, based on health status-related factors
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Unfortunately the DOL is not the governing body on HIPAA, Health and Human Services is. From doing more research, the law looks a little rough around the edges where you are concerned. HIPAA does guarantee that you can get individual coverage outside of a group plan, but that is if you are ineligible for COBRA with your former company for some reason. Also, this falls under the category where individual states can make more restrictive laws than the federal government, but they can't supercede the federal law. Therefore, your home state may have a law that is more restrictive to insurance companies.

HIPAA is a relatively new law that hasn't really been challenged in the courts yet. Most companies were not forced to comply until April 2003, with some getting exceptions until April 2004. Also, it focuses more on moving from one employer to another employer and how those health plans are concerned. It doesn't specify much on moving from employer group based insurance to a third party external plan.

I would ask the person that told you not to bother if their company is HIPAA compliant and if they could truly deny you coverage based on your medical history under HIPAA law. Most companies will run around like chickens with their heads cut off when the HIPAA card is played because nobody wants to be company to have a precedent set against.

What it boils down to is this: I wouldn't give up looking for better health insurance just because one person told you that you couldn't get covered.

Good luck to you in everything, I'll try to find out more if I can. I hope that this has helped.

[damnMikeBrown]

I love it when knowledge can produce good things. . .

[CraigSca]

Just a quick update on the situation...

I called the company I interviewed with a couple weeks ago. The latest and greatest is that they still have a few candidates to interview, but that I am still on the "active" list. I am to check in with them in about a week.

I also received a call from a recruiter yesterday about a possible interview today. It's kind of a stretch as 20% of it is post-sales (something that's not necessarily my forte', but I'm willing to try anything. Well, the recruiter got back to the company about a possible interview for me and they mentioned they were looking for someone to "hit the ground running". Therefore, no interview today.

Guess I'll go cut the lawn. :)

[sachmo71]

Good luck, CraigSca!
I was surprised by my excitment when I saw that this thread was updated. Just know that I'm pulling for you!

[sachmo71]

Dola.

Have you seen Oddtodd (http://www.oddtodd.com/)? Funny stuff!

[CraigSca]

Small update for everyone...

I spoke (again) to the company in Northern Virginia and spoke with the hiring manager. He apologized for the length of time this is taking, but he said it's been difficult getting people in for interviews (apparently I was the first one). He said I'm still on the active list and he said I should hear something by midweek. My impression is: "we interviewed you - you're ok, but we're hoping to interview someone better" - but that may be the defeatist in me coming out.

I've been sending apps lefts and right from monster.com, including one that would actually be perfect for me and in my area. I'm hoping something happens with this one, but all too often I've witnessed the "apply via monster.com" blackhole. The good thing is, my experience more than satisfies every requirement they listed in the job description. Here's hoping.

Yesterday my wife and I started talking worst case scenarios, just in case. Well...unfortunately, it got pretty heated :(. After a "semi-argument" we talked some more, and it was determined we will have to put the house up for sale in September if things don't improve by then. Doing this would setup a whole chain of events that could throw us back years financially. I pray it doesn't come to this.

Also, yesterday I received an email from an old friend/co-worker who said his company is looking for people in my area of expertise, but that the majority of the work would be in NYC and require 80% travel. I've always shunned NYC - I love the town, but I hate the pain in the butt to get in and out. At this point, I'm willing to give it a shot and told him so. Hopefully I'll hear something about this one soon.

That's about it from the homestead. Oh, and to top it off, my 2 year old had a stomach virus on Sunday. She's better, but now my 5 year old and my wife have it. It's awful. So far I've managed not to become a victim myself, but in the meantime casa del Scarborough is pretty miserable.

Take care...

[Franklinnoble]

Have you got your resume on careerbuilder.com and dice.com?

Dice.com isn't nearly as popular as Monster, but for some reason, I've found it to be a favorite amongst technical recruiters.

Also, I'm not sure if you've already tried this, but look at the websites for large companies with offices in your area. Many of them don't bother with outside advertising, but often have great job postings on their own websites.

[CraigSca]

I have my resume on careerbuilder but I've never heard of dice.com. One site that I've found that's been great is directemployers.com - a LOT of job listings in every area of expertise.

Possible good news - I have an interview scheduled tomorrow in NYC for the job I heard about yesterday. I spoke with my former co-worker about it and he says they're a great company and he's having a lot of fun there. The best part about it is I'd be working with him again (we worked together about 7 years at my previous job and he was a blast). I'll update everyone tomorrow after my 3pm interview.

[Franklinnoble]

Definately give dice.com a shot... won't take but a few minutes to get your resume on there, and you'll get yourself in front of a few more recruiters.

[CraigSca]

Done! Thanks, Franklinnoble!

[CraigSca]

Well, it turns out I had to cancel my 3pm interview on Wednesday because the stomach virus that ripped through the family earlier in the week decided to make a U-turn and visit me. Ugh. I was out of commission for 1 and a half days and had to reschedule the interview for next Wednesday. I'll be meeting the hiring manager for a 3pm interview in Manhattan and then he and I will get together for dinner. I have a real good feeling about this one (as the opportunity came about via old fashioned networking) but I'm trying not to count my chickens before they hatch.

Still haven't heard from the company that promised to give me an update by mid-week - but that's the modus operandi, it seems.

[Desnudo]

Well, it turns out I had to cancel my 3pm interview on Wednesday because the stomach virus that ripped through the family earlier in the week decided to make a U-turn and visit me. Ugh. I was out of commission for 1 and a half days and had to reschedule the interview for next Wednesday. I'll be meeting the hiring manager for a 3pm interview in Manhattan and then he and I will get together for dinner. I have a real good feeling about this one (as the opportunity came about via old fashioned networking) but I'm trying not to count my chickens before they hatch.

Still haven't heard from the company that promised to give me an update by mid-week - but that's the modus operandi, it seems.

Hey, good luck with the search. It sounds like you're motivated and pushing hard so I'm sure you'll have something in hand soon enough.

In my opinion, usually when someone says "lack of experience" it means something else. Although it could be something out of your control. Generally, if they really thought your experience was a deciding factor you wouldn't be interviewing in the first place. It can certainly come down to liking a candidate just a bit more even though they also like you, and that may include experience as a factor.

You can pin it down a little bit more by asking questions like "what about my experience makes you concerned?" The reason why I mention this is because if you can nail down the reasoning a little more concisely then you can work on a strategy to proactively eliminate that concern. If it's within your control of course.

[CraigSca]

Spoke with my friend today regarding Wednesday's interview - he thinks I'll probably need to meet with the president of the company before any kind of offer is extended. That makes sense and is to be expected, but I was really hoping to have at least the possibility of an offer on Wednesday night. Oh well.

It's really getting to be crunch time job-wise. Our only car comes off lease in early July. Unfortunately, banks seem to want to have someone employed before they loan them money to get another car (go figure! unfair!). My Dad has offered to co-sign. At this point, I'll take it, though it is a little emasculating.

On the plus side today, I received my old company's annual report (as I am still a stockholder in my 401k). They had a really awful year, but it was nice to see the CEO and VP of Sales take home $250K in bonuses (plus salary). You know, I'm a strict conservative, and I'm all for a free-market capitalist society, but something's wrong when the company can lose millions (and cut a great many jobs) while the higher-ups continue to increase their salaries. A proprietorship - sure - they're the one facing all the risk, they should reap the profits. But the VP of Sales comes in (it's his first year) and gets a nice bonus as the company loses a few million.

Good times.

[Franklinnoble]

Spoke with my friend today regarding Wednesday's interview - he thinks I'll probably need to meet with the president of the company before any kind of offer is extended. That makes sense and is to be expected, but I was really hoping to have at least the possibility of an offer on Wednesday night. Oh well.

It's really getting to be crunch time job-wise. Our only car comes off lease in early July. Unfortunately, banks seem to want to have someone employed before they loan them money to get another car (go figure! unfair!). My Dad has offered to co-sign. At this point, I'll take it, though it is a little emasculating.

On the plus side today, I received my old company's annual report (as I am still a stockholder in my 401k). They had a really awful year, but it was nice to see the CEO and VP of Sales take home $250K in bonuses (plus salary). You know, I'm a strict conservative, and I'm all for a free-market capitalist society, but something's wrong when the company can lose millions (and cut a great many jobs) while the higher-ups continue to increase their salaries. A proprietorship - sure - they're the one facing all the risk, they should reap the profits. But the VP of Sales comes in (it's his first year) and gets a nice bonus as the company loses a few million.

Good times.
I'm with you. That sort of crap really pisses me off. The problem is that execs at EVERY company have this sort of thing hard-coded in their employment contracts, and none of them have the balls to turn the money down.

[Desnudo]

I'm with you. That sort of crap really pisses me off. The problem is that execs at EVERY company have this sort of thing hard-coded in their employment contracts, and none of them have the balls to turn the money down.
The board of directors are the ones to blame. If someone hands me money, I'm not giving it back. Every company except Berkshire Hathaway. Although it does get tiresome holding them up as the only ones with any internal fiduciary responsibility.

[CraigSca]

FYI, my interview has been pushed back to Thursday due to a conflict on their side. We're also changing to mid-day, so there will be no dinner involved, possibly just a lunch. Will let you all know what happens...

[CraigSca]

Probably no lunch - interview begins at 12, and they have an appointment at 2pm. So...probably an hour to an hour and a half and I am on my way home.

On an unrelated topic, I made arrangements to make my first withdrawal from my 401k to pay bills. Sigh.

[Franklinnoble]

Probably no lunch - interview begins at 12, and they have an appointment at 2pm. So...probably an hour to an hour and a half and I am on my way home.

On an unrelated topic, I made arrangements to make my first withdrawal from my 401k to pay bills. Sigh.
Are you drawing unemployment?

I know it's not much, but it's better than nothing...

[CraigSca]

Franklin,

Yes, and I applied 2 days after I was let go. Unfortunately, it ends after 6 months (June 8th for me). It's actually helped out a whole heck of a lot. I'm not sure where I'd be without it.

[Franklinnoble]

Franklin,

Yes, and I applied 2 days after I was let go. Unfortunately, it ends after 6 months (June 8th for me). It's actually helped out a whole heck of a lot. I'm not sure where I'd be without it.
Ah.... well, I will pray that your pending interview bears fruit... I know you must be stressing out pretty bad right now.

[thealmighty]

Craig (and fff, too), I am following along and also offer best wishes and prayers in your search. Though it has been years and years, I have been in this situation as well, and whereas it sucked- ass for sure, I put the time to use by bonding with the children I had at the time. The reading and playing we enjoyed (they were quite young) still resonates in our relationships to this day.

Good luck...

Michael

[CraigSca]

Just wanted to reiterate...thank you to all who have sent their well wishes and prayers. Although I don't know you all face-to-face, it's gratifying to know that there are people in your camp. As time goes on, you really begin to wonder whether that day will ever come. I know SOMEDAY it will, and when it does, you'll all be among the first to know. To celebrate, I'll probably buy something off of QVC or Home Shopping Network. Not because I need it, but because I can :).

Take care,

Craig

[CraigSca]

Had my interview on Thursday. The majority of it was spent at a diner with my old friend, his boss (the VP of Sales) and my potential boss. The diner was great, as it was a great ice breaker and I was very comfortable since my old friend was there. After lunch (grilled cheese with bacon and a diet coke), we went up to the office to talk a bit about the company and the direction they're headed.

All in all, it went very well. The pace will be hectic as they are short-staffed, but it's an excellent opportunity. The hiring manager asked me if I wanted to pursue it (of course I said yes), so we're scheduling a trip for me to go up to Boston (headquarters) to meet with the CEO, president and some more technical people.

According to my friend, the feedback on their end is extremely positive (he would make an excellent addition, has a great presence, etc.). They just want to verfiy that I have the technical expertise.

So...I'm super excited, but I again don't want to get my hopes too high.

On an unrelated note, I still haven't heard about the job in the D.C. area who said they'd have more info for me over a week and a half ago. Sigh.

[fantastic flying froggies]

Crossing my fingers for you on that one, Craig...

[thealmighty]

Good luck there, though I always prefer skill and personality, which you seem to have already. :)

[CraigSca]

Thanks :)

Called the internal recruiter about the job in D.C. She said that she meant to call on me on Friday but forgot. It seems they've found a number of people with the requisite experience, and although I was great, impressive (yada yada yada), etc., they've decided to focus on those candidates. So...here I am.

Guess I'll wait to hear about Boston. I'm ready when they are.

[judicial clerk]

Good Luck!

[CraigSca]

Got an email late this morning - they want me in Boston tomorrow :eek:

Still waiting to hear back regarding scheduling and travel arrangements, but it looks like I'll be waking up early tomorrow :)

[sachmo71]

WhooT!

[Franklinnoble]

Got an email late this morning - they want me in Boston tomorrow :eek:

Still waiting to hear back regarding scheduling and travel arrangements, but it looks like I'll be waking up early tomorrow :)
Dude... that's a VERY good sign. In my experience, if you get to that level of interviewing, you're their guy, barring something unforseen in the final interview, or the unexpected emergence of a more preferable candidate.

Good luck, and congratulations... be sure to keep us posted when you can. :D

[CraigSca]

From what I've heard, the hiring people like me very much, but they want me to meet with a series of people in Boston to make sure. So far, the list of interviews stands at 6 :eek: for tomorrow. CEO, Marketing, and technical gurus in a number of subjects. I think that's what they need to confirm - that I'm technical enough.

I'll be there all day, and then get home after-hours. Then, I suppose it's the waiting game (again). As always, the waiting is the hardest part and I dread it especially now as I've been "0-fer" when waiting to hear back the past 6 months.

This is, by far, the best opportunity. Hopefully it's the one :).

[thealmighty]

Hopefully, indeed.

Don't sweat it, though. You have the knowledge so just relax and articulate that

fact and let them bask in the aura that is... :cool: Craig. :cool:

[CraigSca]

:lol

20 mins until I leave for the airport - wish me luck :)

[Alf]

Good luck !

[wade moore]

Good Luck! Just read this whole thread and I hope you do well!

[thealmighty]

What about "Bon chance, " Alf? :)

Good luck, Craig.

[TLK]

this is a very good read..... good luck!

[Desnudo]

From what I've heard, the hiring people like me very much, but they want me to meet with a series of people in Boston to make sure. So far, the list of interviews stands at 6 :eek: for tomorrow. CEO, Marketing, and technical gurus in a number of subjects. I think that's what they need to confirm - that I'm technical enough.

I'll be there all day, and then get home after-hours. Then, I suppose it's the waiting game (again). As always, the waiting is the hardest part and I dread it especially now as I've been "0-fer" when waiting to hear back the past 6 months.

This is, by far, the best opportunity. Hopefully it's the one :).
Geesh, is this for your doctorate? Good luck and I hope you're a morning person. ;)

[Alf]

What about "Bon chance, " Alf? :)

In French I would have said "merde" to him to wish him good luck and he would have needed not to respond to me to have the effect work.

[sachmo71]

WELL!?!?!

[CraigSca]

Ok, an update for everyone...

Got to their location at about 9:30am yesterday, and immediately began interviewing. I was driven back to the airport around 3:30pm, so it was 6 hours STRAIGHT of interviews, with about 7 different people (including a lunch interview) and I was exhausted. I felt like I met the entire company :). Again, the opportunity sounds great and I could tell the people there are just genuinely good people.

On the way back to the airport, I was driven by a very high-level in the company. He said that the response towards me has been "generally positive" but that there were two issues. One, that I have never actually done a deliverable before (i.e. company hires consulting firm and the consultant "delivers" a 25 page document). I've presented my findings to customers, but never actually delivered a document for a fee. He told me that's not an insurmountable issue. Second, that the job would entail a LOT of travel. Apparently, they've had 4 guys on the job previously who just couldn't take it, and therefore they're very cautious not waste my time and there's. I told him the only way travel would be a problem for me is if I was away from my family for weeks at a time. Other than that, I have no problem traveling.

I asked him when I should expect to hear something and he said they're looking to make their decision soon - about 1-2 weeks. Ugh. I HATE waiting. He also said the hiring mgr has a couple other candidates (major UGH!) that he'll be looking at, but that I'll hear from them soon.

So...I was a little early to the airport and decided to call my friend (who works for them) to give him the scoop. I told him about the 1-2 weeks (he said they said the same thing to him, but that I'll probably hear back tomorrow :eek: ) and also that the hiring mgr ISN'T looking at anyone else.

So, it's Friday, 11am, and here I wait. Because I've tempted fate so much during the last 6 months, I'm only cautiously optimistic. Otherwise, I think I'd be pretty gosh darned optimistic (haha). As the saying goes, "I've been hurt before".

Really, this is a pretty nerve-wracking day - definitely the most since I've been on "extended vacation". I just so want this to be over so I can get on with my life and kick butt at this new company. As usual, however, it's out of my control (the worst part) and so I sit...and wait...and wait.

Take care all...

[CraigSca]

Dola...

Not that this even needs to be said, but if I don't get this job I'll be devastated. :(

[Franklinnoble]

Don't just sit and wait. Keep up the job hunt in the meantime.

And good luck... I've been praying for you.

[CraigSca]

At around 3pm est today, I received an excellent job offer and wholeheartedly accepted. The only caveat is that I need to work out of their home office (in Boston) for the first 3 months and therefore see my family only on weekends. However, my wife and I both feel we can easily overcome this "inconvenience" and we've basically been jumping for joy for the past 45 minutes.

I am currently employed. :eek:

I wanted to thank everyone for reading this dynasty, for the words or encouragement and for making me feel I'm not alone. You have no idea how much you have all helped me and I truly appreciate it.

And now...without further ado...


THIS DYNASTY IS OVER!!!!! :) :) :) WOOHOOO!!!!!

[cwilloughby]

Congrats and good luck! Thanks for the Reality Dynasty.

[jeff061]

Congrats man, good to hear.

[Desnudo]

At around 3pm est today, I received an excellent job offer and wholeheartedly accepted. The only caveat is that I need to work out of their home office (in Boston) for the first 3 months and therefore see my family only on weekends. However, my wife and I both feel we can easily overcome this "inconvenience" and we've basically been jumping for joy for the past 45 minutes.

I am currently employed. :eek:

I wanted to thank everyone for reading this dynasty, for the words or encouragement and for making me feel I'm not alone. You have no idea how much you have all helped me and I truly appreciate it.

And now...without further ado...


THIS DYNASTY IS OVER!!!!! :) :) :) WOOHOOO!!!!!
Congratulations. This dynasty shows how much more interesting real life can be. Now how about a "Starting my new job Dynasty?"

[digamma]

Congratulations.

[Franklinnoble]

At around 3pm est today, I received an excellent job offer and wholeheartedly accepted. The only caveat is that I need to work out of their home office (in Boston) for the first 3 months and therefore see my family only on weekends. However, my wife and I both feel we can easily overcome this "inconvenience" and we've basically been jumping for joy for the past 45 minutes.

I am currently employed. :eek:

I wanted to thank everyone for reading this dynasty, for the words or encouragement and for making me feel I'm not alone. You have no idea how much you have all helped me and I truly appreciate it.

And now...without further ado...


THIS DYNASTY IS OVER!!!!! :) :) :) WOOHOOO!!!!!
That's awesome! I thought they were gonna sweat you out for a few weeks... but, hey, you da man!

This just totally made my day... I've been there, and I know how good it feels to be back in the saddle after a long layoff... congratulations!

[sachmo71]

YAY!!!!

Congrats, Craig! And don't forget, absence makes the heart grow fonder, so when you do get to see your family, it will be that much sweeter!

[Alf]

Congrats :drink:

[JAG]

Awesome news, congrats to you.

[Kam]

Excellent Craig. Congratulations.

Now stop reading messageboards and get to work. ;)

[3ric]

Way to go, Craig! Congrats!

[CraigSca]

Not really an update, but I just thought I'd comment on the timing of everything...

Yesterday I received the offer, and it was also my little girl's 3rd birthday :). Today is her b-day party (many friends and family coming over - it'll be fun to spread the news). I asked to start on Tuesday instead of Monday as I promised my 5 year old that we'd go to the zoo on Monday (and my new employer was extremely flexible in this regard :) ). Tuesday, my first day of work, will be exactly 6 months from date of layoff - unemployment benefits run out on that exact date.

The timing was just downright perfect :).

Oh, and it'll be nice for "TGIF" to actually have meaning again :).

[MacroGuru]

Craig,

Congrats! I will hoist a few for you tonight!

[thealmighty]

Let's see. Nine months from your first weekend home with the family= Craig, Jr. is Born Dynasty. ;)

:D Congratulations!! :D

[Franklinnoble]

Not really an update, but I just thought I'd comment on the timing of everything...

Yesterday I received the offer, and it was also my little girl's 3rd birthday :). Today is her b-day party (many friends and family coming over - it'll be fun to spread the news). I asked to start on Tuesday instead of Monday as I promised my 5 year old that we'd go to the zoo on Monday (and my new employer was extremely flexible in this regard :) ). Tuesday, my first day of work, will be exactly 6 months from date of layoff - unemployment benefits run out on that exact date.

The timing was just downright perfect :).

Oh, and it'll be nice for "TGIF" to actually have meaning again :).
Consider the possibility that in life, there are no coincidences. You are blessed... and I'm glad things have worked out so well for you. :)

[Pyser]

congrats man. im going on 6 months (minus 6 weeks of freelance). this gives me hope.

very happy for you and the family. enjoy boston.

[Raven Hawk]

Congrats Craig! WOOT! WOOT!

[perez24]

So how did it go???

[fantastic flying froggies]

Way to go Craig ! Hope you enjoyed that sushi !!! You sure deserved it...