The Job Hunt Thread

[Lizard Queen]

Oct 28, 2015 8:42:25 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

Oct 27, 2015 13:29:22 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

Great, just great.  DS1 has been whining lately about missing his sitter.  School is out early on Mondays, so I take him to his sitter for a few hours every Monday.  Head hunter agency contacted me about a job that's about 40 minute commute, 20-30 hours per week.  How can I squeeze in 20 hours in the afternoons 4 days a week with that commute?  Ugh!  I'm going to have to talk to DH and DS about this later.

You are looking for a second job?

If you count going to my mom's 2-3x a day to give her med's/Food + taking her to numerous Dr appointments and translating for her, then yes.    Oh, also managing all of her bills.  I need a job to go on my resume though, so I don't have too much of a gap.  It's a bitch finding anything that will work around the schedule, though.  Now that I have after school care lined up, I have more availability  (and I won't have to schedule Dr appointments around getting him out of school.  One that I had to cancel I couldn't get in to reschedule until February!).  The only reason I'm taking DS to his sitter on Mondays right now is because he misses her so much.  There is a job posting on CL that is close to his school/sitter's, so I could possibly run out to transport him on Mondays.  Unfortunately, the pay sucks balls.  I'd take it if I had to, but I'd be disgusted by the paychecks.  Another job just popped up that is a flexible part-time.  It involves a 45 minute commute, but I could telecommute!  That would be awesome.  Bet it pays better, too.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

It is all about the $$ in indirect costs that institutions get, Drama. If you consider that many are about 40% of the grant, that is a hefty chunk of change that BT would lose. So as long as they have grant funding, they have a home

Yeah I know, doesn't mean I like it.   And I still feel it gives research a bad name. At some point crappy blood like this should be let go and new blood brought in.

BUT that doesn't happen b/c funding is as much about the old boys network as it is anything else.

Everything has been quiet this week which is exactly how it should be.  Took immense delight in throwing my badge in the garbage.

Haven't gotten ahold of HR at UNMC yet, I only have one lady's number. I'd like to get the paperwork dropped off so I don't end up losing it. I figure I'll try again tomorrow and ask if I can come up on Friday.  Otherwise no big deal I'll either hang out in the lobby till someone shows up to let me upstairs or go across the street for breakfast then come back.

Been catching up on chores, hung out with my BFF and engaged in some retail therapy.

Starting to get nervous waiting for the other shoe to drop.   DH and I are never this lucky so I keep waiting for someone to tell me "Ha ha sorry you are on candid camera"

I know that's all in my head and related to all the stress I experienced recently and over the course of this year.  I probably won't be "normal" and settle down for awhile yet.

Can't wait to start next week.  I get my own workspace, I'll have people to talk to and windows!    It almost makes me want to cry I am so overwhelmed at how far in the opposite direction this job is from the one I just quit.  I can't wait to work in a healthy work environment again.

[Lizard Queen]

Replied to the recruiter.  Speaking with DH, he didn't think it was worth the scramble we'd have to do.  Factoring in the hassle of our schedules, + the commute with winter coming, I gave her a number (still lower than what I used to make) that probably won't fly with the lack of experience that I have in that area. 

Emailed the 2 job listings from CL asking for more information.  They seemed legit, but didn't have the company listed on either one.  I worry that there's so many scam listings on there all of the time, and don't want to just send my resume out to unknown places.  Hopefully the way I handled it was cool. 

[andi9899]

I got an email from a life insurance company that has an opening. We'll see what they say. There were two positions I think I would be good at.

[mojothehelpermonkey]

I just heard back from a place that I applied to last August. That position was filled, but a similar one opened up, so they were wondering if I am still looking. Otherwise, I haven't seen much posted in my field. I hope it doesn't stay this slow until after the holidays.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Got all my paperwork done at UNMC.    I am going up to hopefully get my permit/badge tomorrow. They told me it would be a good idea to get the permit in advance b/c with all the construction they are having issues with parking and employees sneaking into the visitor lots. It'd be a $100 ticket if I got caught, so better to have my parking in order before Monday.

HR lady goes "I bet they weren't thrilled when you gave one week's notice". I said that is the understatement of the century.   She agreed with me that BT forced my hand I have to look out for myself and my benefits first.

Excited to start on Monday.

[NastyWoman]

Oct 30, 2015 10:43:19 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

Excited to start on Monday.

 and get your home computer fixed so you can tell us all about it

[taz157]

Oct 30, 2015 16:44:25 GMT -5 NastyWoman said:

Oct 30, 2015 10:43:19 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

Excited to start on Monday.

 and get your home computer fixed so you can tell us all about it

You can tell DH to get it fixed on Sunday since Halloween will be over and the free games he had are gone.

[TheHaitian]

I did not hear from them... I was going to email or call but my wife saiid not too.

Something about HR hating it and it looking desperate. So for now I wait...

[shanendoah]

TheHaitian - Contact HR. This is not about looking desperate, this is about being respectful of your time. HR can hate it all they want. You don't start the precedent that they can ignore you before you are even hired.
Reach out to your HR contact. Make it simple. Just say that you are following up on the last contact you had about being scheduled in for an interview with the VP, and are wondering if you can be given a status update.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Howdy everyone!   Still having trouble with our home computer, we need a new router.

Not much going on since it's my first day.  Sitting thru a 2 hour video on sexual harassment in the workplace.   Yay.

Walked all over campus between signing up for benefits and my employee physical.   They got me parking two blocks away from campus and the building I work in another four blocks away.    Fortunately I should move up sometime this century to a new spot since I retain my seniority.

So far everyone here is really nice.   It's a huge change for me working with people.   I sit right in front of a window that makes me happy.

Tomorrow is the big day where I'll be learning what they do with the animals which is the primary focus of my job.

Feel a lot better, this place is a lot healthier emotionally than the department I was in at Boys Town.

[Peace77]

Drama,

         

[Wisconsin Beth]

Gulp.  Um, without disclosing too much, there may be an opening here soon.  I think I need to pull a job description and salary range. 

[Wisconsin Beth]

Shit, they want a BS in IT.  And a lot of background knowledge I've lost due to lack of use.  There may be a way though.  Salary starts at what I make now (top of pay scale) and maxes out around 63K.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
1. Bachelor’s Degree in information technology, computer science, mathematics or closely related field from an accredited college or university.
NOTE:College transcripts are required and must be received within three business days after the application period closes. Student copies are acceptable.
Only applications with transcripts will be considered; applications without transcripts will be rejected.
2. Two years of experience providing technical support services at both the file server and end-user levels in a local area networkenvironment or performing other duties related to this position.
NOTE:Equivalent combinations of training and experience may also be considered. For example, a related Associate’s Degree plus two years of experience as described above may be substituted for the Bachelor’s Degree
3. Valid driver's license at time of appointment and throughout employment

My AAS is in Networking and I've been employed in our IT Dept. in one form or another since 2006, most of which is damn boring.  Damn, it'll be 9 years on Friday. 

ETa - there may be an existing list that they're supposed to use for hiring too.  Not sure about that. 

[Wisconsin Beth]

I think I have to ask about it but not today.  And the person hasn't actually quit or been fired, so it seems premature to actually talk to my bosses about this.  I did tell my immediate boss that I'd do anything to help out in the meantime. 

I'm starting "hell week" right now too.  It's actually 10 days but why does stuff come out of the blue during busy/stressful times and never calmly?

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Cool I am still up to date on my IACUC and IRB training.   That means I can hit the ground running as soon as I am added to the protocols.

So far it appears to be that I've only lost my vacation time (I got paid out) and my parking spot.   Everything else appears to be reverting back to what it was at the beginning of the year.   That makes life easier.

Oh score I got my sick leave bank back!  I also have two days of vacation, not sure where they came from but yay!

[andi9899]

My phone interview is today with an independent brokerage. I hope they are paying decent.

[andi9899]

I don't think I'm taking the independent job. It's not enough to make me leave my customers.

[Wisconsin Beth]

Nov 2, 2015 16:38:50 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

Cool I am still up to date on my IACUC and IRB training.   That means I can hit the ground running as soon as I am added to the protocols.

So far it appears to be that I've only lost my vacation time (I got paid out) and my parking spot.   Everything else appears to be reverting back to what it was at the beginning of the year.   That makes life easier.

Oh score I got my sick leave bank back!  I also have two days of vacation, not sure where they came from but yay!

Wonderful news! 

[Wisconsin Beth]

Nov 2, 2015 20:31:37 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

I don't think I'm taking the independent job. It's not enough to make me leave my customers.

Bummer Andi. 

[swamp]

Nov 2, 2015 16:38:50 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

Cool I am still up to date on my IACUC and IRB training.   That means I can hit the ground running as soon as I am added to the protocols.

So far it appears to be that I've only lost my vacation time (I got paid out) and my parking spot.   Everything else appears to be reverting back to what it was at the beginning of the year.   That makes life easier.

Oh score I got my sick leave bank back!  I also have two days of vacation, not sure where they came from but yay!

What?! You lost your parking spot?! I'd quit!!!

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

It's tempting.    I figure I'll finally get approved to move up when I'm ready to retire.

It's always been insane here but it's really gotten out of control since I left.   They tore up two employee lots to make shiny new buildings and then decided on top of that this would be a great time to work on one of the garages.   Then another one collapsed early this year b/c it was so old.  Instead of building a new one they put in an itty bitty teeny tiny parking lot and used the rest for yet another building.

[giramomma]

Nov 3, 2015 13:00:54 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

It's tempting.    I figure I'll finally get approved to move up when I'm ready to retire.

It's always been insane here but it's really gotten out of control since I left.   They tore up two employee lots to make shiny new buildings and then decided on top of that this would be a great time to work on one of the garages.   Then another one collapsed early this year b/c it was so old.  Instead of building a new one they put in an itty bitty teeny tiny parking lot and used the rest for yet another building.

They do that here, too. I don't know how many parking spaces they actually have, but it's never enough.

Paying for parking is pretty expensive. If I did, I'd be looking at 1K/year.  Thankfully, we get bus passes cheaply. So I park and ride. Because 1K.

[Cookies Galore]

Nov 3, 2015 13:19:52 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Nov 3, 2015 13:00:54 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

It's tempting.    I figure I'll finally get approved to move up when I'm ready to retire.

It's always been insane here but it's really gotten out of control since I left.   They tore up two employee lots to make shiny new buildings and then decided on top of that this would be a great time to work on one of the garages.   Then another one collapsed early this year b/c it was so old.  Instead of building a new one they put in an itty bitty teeny tiny parking lot and used the rest for yet another building.

They do that here, too. I don't know how many parking spaces they actually have, but it's never enough.

Paying for parking is pretty expensive. If I did, I'd be looking at 1K/year.  Thankfully, we get bus passes cheaply. So I park and ride. Because 1K.

Parking/transit is one of the biggest perks we have at work, aside from the obvious biggies of insurance and retirement. My employer covers parking and public transit. Monthly parking in the area of the city where i work would cost over $200, and my transit pass is $100, so definitely a huge perk. Even when I worked at Temple U seven years ago, parking was a little over $100 a month. I can never leave here.

[flamingo]

I've been very lucky and never had to pay for parking at the places I've worked (I work in higher education). The one place I worked where they were about to start charging staff to park, we decided to part ways the month before that went into effect.   And now I walk to work. If I needed a transit pass, they subsidize it, so it's really not bad.

At that place that I almost had to pay at, I was on the committee that was researching what our parking rates would be. I can't believe what some universities charge for staff parking!! Compared to what they pay staff, it's exorbitant!!

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Creighton charges you $90 to park.   The one good thing was you could park in ANY lot that was your color tag so you had plenty of options.

Here it is assigned and if you are caught in another lot you get in trouble.   At least I only pay $14 to park in the middle of nowhere.

One year I was here they got the brilliant idea to demolish a huge student parking lot a week before classes started.   So parking wasn't ready to move that many students yet.   They started parking in employee lots forcing employees to move.   You'd have to hurry up and call parking before you got towed and explain the students crowded you out of your lot.

Took quite a while to get resolved, security had to sit outside and check everyone's permits.    They are doing that now with visitor parking since employees have been sneaking into the lots.   I can't say I blame them for it.   You can park there for free AND it's closer to where we all work.  

[debthaven]

Drama I'm so happy for you!!!

[debthaven]

My DD has been on a 2-month "trial period" at her new job. The two months end on 5 Nov, I think. 

Last Friday they fitted her for 2 new suits / uniforms, which are only given to permanent staff. (She's a hotel receptionist.) The hotel has ordered them. So although she still hasn't had official notice, it looks like she made it! 

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

It's sad how much satisfaction I am getting out of being able to pee whenever I want again.

I got done all the training that has been assigned to me so far.  Now I sit around waiting for the appropriate people to pass me and be granted access.   There is A LOT since this lab works with HIV.   I can't do much until I am BSL-3 certified.    Just turned in my 5 page written test and I am waiting to be assigned the online test.

[debthaven]

I have a really funny story about parking at work ...

This is my 5th year at my job, as an adjunct professor. It's a 13-min train ride, 30 min door-to-door. Short commute for me compared to all my former jobs. 

At the beginning of my second year, we were going to the main campus for a meeting (3h away), and we ran into the CFO (who is local) at the bus stop. My friend / colleague introduced us. He asked me where I live, I told him. He said, oh, but I live in the same suburb! How do you get to work? I said, by train. He said really?! Why don't you drive?! I always drive! I said, with a big smile on my face, well, given your position, you probably don't have to pay for parking. 

He said, oh, I'm sorry, I didn't think about that! I said no problem, the train is fine, it's very convenient. 

The next day, I had an email from his Admin asking me if I would like to pick up a parking card LOL. You bet!!! I use it sparingly (the train is faster, even outside of rush hour.) But I do use it sometimes, especially at the beginning/end of a semester when I have to carry a lot of stuff. I'm very happy/grateful to have the option!

ETA I did point out that it was a good decision for the school too, because Paris is plagued by a lot of transport strikes. Since I'm so close, I always make it in on time.