Entering the Job Market

[vogue65]

From an over the hill retired guy:

1.  Wish I had gone for psychological testing sooner and knew myself better.
2.   Saw earlier the value of taking a humble J O B.
3.   Avoided the attitude of entitlement.
4.   Relied more on my smarts, philosophy and intuition.
5.   Understood that networking is highly over rated.
6.    Looked at work as being of service.
7.    Studied true leadership.
8.    Been willing to do what others are unwilling to do.
9.    Moved around more early on, loyalty is also highly over rated.

Oh, and prayer and or meditation can't hurt.

When does the season start?  Time to get serious....

[mu_hilltopper]

You will be in high demand. Lots of businesses have older legacy systems and need a pro like you who understands them. For example, if you have expertise in programming something like the I Series, there are plenty of companies who will will be interested.

It happens that indeed, I am an iSeries guy.  Unfortunately, I've been writing in a IBM language that's long been forgotten .. likely the only guy in 500 miles who knows it.  My coding days are likely over, it was a good run.

[Archies Bat]

Careerbar!

Seriously, it may be a good new topic area.  Some of us old guys (or young guys) maybe able to provide advice to others in job transition.

[Archies Bat]

I have zero idea if I'll be employed in 6-12 months. 

Don't wait.  Now is the time to get your butt in gear. 

[vogue65]

It happens that indeed, I am an iSeries guy.  Unfortunately, I've been writing in a IBM language that's long been forgotten .. likely the only guy in 500 miles who knows it.  My coding days are likely over, it was a good run.

Great attitude, the best is yet to come.

[Herman Cain]

It happens that indeed, I am an iSeries guy.  Unfortunately, I've been writing in a IBM language that's long been forgotten .. likely the only guy in 500 miles who knows it.  My coding days are likely over, it was a good run.

You will be surprised. When you put the word out that this language is your specialty, there will be some interested parties. You know this stuff cold and that is worth something to those in need. Remember there is always someone out there that has customized so much of their system that they need a guy like you who will be able to step right in. All it takes is one company.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

It happens that indeed, I am an iSeries guy.  Unfortunately, I've been writing in a IBM language that's long been forgotten .. likely the only guy in 500 miles who knows it.  My coding days are likely over, it was a good run.

Wow, you are like one of those Amazon tribes that speaks a language that only 10 people still speak.

[T-Bone]

It happens that indeed, I am an iSeries guy.  Unfortunately, I've been writing in a IBM language that's long been forgotten .. likely the only guy in 500 miles who knows it.  My coding days are likely over, it was a good run.

Well in (you) being a (former) developer, there are a lot of unrealized skills that you have that you can put to use.  Project management skills are unavoidable in doing what you have done (get a PMP if interested).  The mindset of a developer - agile, extreme programming - is high in demand.  The other area that may be of interest:  is you have sunsetted a system or two.  There are plenty of businesses that have legacy systems that need to retire.  How to find a position doing that, would probably come with PMP skills. 

[Benny B]

This is the best advice I can give to someone looking to change careers or get a fresh start:

Call your local community college/tech school right now and enroll in two classes this semester: Basic Refrigeration Systems and HVAC Electrical.  Next semester take Residential Heating and A/C Split-Systems.  During winter break, get your EPA Certification and start making a list of HVAC shops in your area (if they haven't already found you first). 

By the time next summer rolls around, you could have a job making upwards of $20/hr out of the gate, even more if you can put in overtime.  Quickly, your path will diverge into two... you can either continue on in residential HVAC and be making $40-50/hr in a few years or you can continue taking a couple classes every semester and join on a commercial HVAC outfit.  Either way, you can continue working for the man (or woman) as long as you want or - since you obviously have business acumen - you can set yourself up to be your own man within a matter of a few years.

And the best part.... the world is always going to need HVAC technicians, as evidenced by the demand there already is today, which is evidenced by the fact that four classes at a community college is all you need to write your own ticket.

Sure, you're not going to get rich schlepping around light gauge sheet metal and condenser coils, but it's a very sustainable job with a comfortable salary... especially if you don't have six-figures in student loans to pay off.

[MU82]

This is the best advice I can give to someone looking to change careers or get a fresh start:

Call your local community college/tech school right now and enroll in two classes this semester: Basic Refrigeration Systems and HVAC Electrical.  Next semester take Residential Heating and A/C Split-Systems.  During winter break, get your EPA Certification and start making a list of HVAC shops in your area (if they haven't already found you first). 

By the time next summer rolls around, you could have a job making upwards of $20/hr out of the gate, even more if you can put in overtime.  Quickly, your path will diverge into two... you can either continue on in residential HVAC and be making $40-50/hr in a few years or you can continue taking a couple classes every semester and join on a commercial HVAC outfit.  Either way, you can continue working for the man (or woman) as long as you want or - since you obviously have business acumen - you can set yourself up to be your own man within a matter of a few years.

And the best part.... the world is always going to need HVAC technicians, as evidenced by the demand there already is today, which is evidenced by the fact that four classes at a community college is all you need to write your own ticket.

Sure, you're not going to get rich schlepping around light gauge sheet metal and condenser coils, but it's a very sustainable job with a comfortable salary... especially if you don't have six-figures in student loans to pay off.

I think that's excellent advice, Benny ... as long as somebody actually wants to work in that business, of course.

But yes, I have read multiple times that there is big demand, and the pay/benefits are decent.

[reinko]

I think that's excellent advice, Benny ... as long as somebody actually wants to work in that business, of course.

But yes, I have read multiple times that there is big demand, and the pay/benefits are decent.

My FIL is one of the most respected writers on home heating (shoutout to his and the fams fantastic website www.heatinghelp.com), y'all are exactly right.

This countries HVAC infrastructure is approaching 100+ years old, and buildings will always need to be serviced, it's far too expensive to replace and gut buildings for newer tech.

His words always stuck with me: for all of mankind, people want to be cold when it's hot out, and hot when it's cold out

[vogue65]

This is the best advice I can give to someone looking to change careers or get a fresh start:

Call your local community college/tech school right now and enroll in two classes this semester: Basic Refrigeration Systems and HVAC Electrical.  Next semester take Residential Heating and A/C Split-Systems.  During winter break, get your EPA Certification and start making a list of HVAC shops in your area (if they haven't already found you first). 

By the time next summer rolls around, you could have a job making upwards of $20/hr out of the gate, even more if you can put in overtime.  Quickly, your path will diverge into two... you can either continue on in residential HVAC and be making $40-50/hr in a few years or you can continue taking a couple classes every semester and join on a commercial HVAC outfit.  Either way, you can continue working for the man (or woman) as long as you want or - since you obviously have business acumen - you can set yourself up to be your own man within a matter of a few years.

And the best part.... the world is always going to need HVAC technicians, as evidenced by the demand there already is today, which is evidenced by the fact that four classes at a community college is all you need to write your own ticket.

Sure, you're not going to get rich schlepping around light gauge sheet metal and condenser coils, but it's a very sustainable job with a comfortable salary... especially if you don't have six-figures in student loans to pay off.

Meets or beats all my criteria.   A smart person who knows how to learn and work can do almost anything.  We could add dozens of other industries / J O B 's .   

Or, we could suggest playing a lot of golf and "networking" and waiting for the phone to ring.....

[warriorchick]

Or, we could suggest playing a lot of golf and "networking" and waiting for the phone to ring.....

It's sounds to me like you don't know what networking actually means.

[Benny B]

I think that's excellent advice, Benny ... as long as somebody actually wants to work in that business, of course.

But yes, I have read multiple times that there is big demand, and the pay/benefits are decent.

99% of us would be movie stars, porn stars, professional athletes or sports journalists if we all got to work in the business we wanted.  For far too long we've been telling kids "you can be anything you want" when the truth is quite the opposite.  Strive to be anything you want, but when reality hits, strive to be the best at what you can do.

"Not everyone gets to be the lead singer of the band, some people have the play the tambourine." - Chris Rock [paraphrased]

[warriorchick]

99% of us would be movie stars, porn stars, professional athletes or sports journalists if we all got to work in the business we wanted.  For far too long we've been telling kids "you can be anything you want" when the truth is quite the opposite.  Strive to be anything you want, but when reality hits, strive to be the best at what you can do.

"Not everyone gets to be the lead singer of the band, some people have the play the tambourine." - Chris Rock [paraphrased]

You have to have some level of interest in what you do for a living, or you are going to miserable every working day of your life.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

You have to have some level of interest in what you do for a living, or you are going to miserable every working day of your life.

So you are saying that Benny should be a porn star, aina?

[Benny B]

So you are saying that Benny should be a porn star, aina?

I've been barking up that tree for so long, I'm not even sure the squirrel's still up there.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I've been barking up that tree for so long, I'm not even sure the squirrel's still up there.

No nuts, hey?

[WarriorFan]

This is a great thread.  My additional suggestion for those of us who are employed who could easily end up unemployed tomorrow (all of us)... This is advise I got about 15 years ago and have adhered to ever since:

Send 3-5 resume's per month.
Push hard for interviews when you get a call.  Ask for one.
Make sure you're getting at least 2 interviews per year.

I've been doing this for a long time now and it keeps my resume current, it keeps me current on the interviewing process, it takes the nerves out of it, and it makes you better at it. 

Through all of this I've changed jobs only once.  I went from a great job to an amazing job.  I have been very lucky to be happy with all of my jobs, but I still kept up the process.  Happy doesn't guarantee future employment.

The other nice thing - employers do prefer candidates who have jobs.

Every single opportunity that made it to a face to face interview (in 15 years - every one!) has led to me getting a job offer. 

In summary - my advice on entering the job market:  Never leave it. 

[Benny B]

This is a great thread.  My additional suggestion for those of us who are employed who could easily end up unemployed tomorrow (all of us)... This is advise I got about 15 years ago and have adhered to ever since:

Send 3-5 resume's per month.
Push hard for interviews when you get a call.  Ask for one.
Make sure you're getting at least 2 interviews per year.

I've been doing this for a long time now and it keeps my resume current, it keeps me current on the interviewing process, it takes the nerves out of it, and it makes you better at it. 

Through all of this I've changed jobs only once.  I went from a great job to an amazing job.  I have been very lucky to be happy with all of my jobs, but I still kept up the process.  Happy doesn't guarantee future employment.

The other nice thing - employers do prefer candidates who have jobs.

Every single opportunity that made it to a face to face interview (in 15 years - every one!) has led to me getting a job offer. 

In summary - my advice on entering the job market:  Never leave it.

Maybe it works in some jobs, but generally, I don't think this is very good advice.  If someone asked me for an interview before I was ready to offer an invite, that would be the end of that call.  (Unless I was a sales manager for a car dealership, of course.)  An aggressive, go-getter attitude is good in moderation, but presumption and arrogance... not so much in any quantity.  What I think would be better general advice is to follow up with the caller immediately after (by email or letter) and state that you are interested in interviewing to discuss the opportunity further and how your experience is a good fit for the job.

But if one of my employees was constantly putting out resumes and going to interviews regularly, far be it for me to make that a waste of their time.

[Silkk the Shaka]

Maybe it works in some jobs, but generally, I don't think this is very good advice.  If someone asked me for an interview before I was ready to offer an invite, that would be the end of that call.  (Unless I was a sales manager for a car dealership, of course.)  An aggressive, go-getter attitude is good in moderation, but presumption and arrogance... not so much in any quantity.  What I think would be better general advice is to follow up with the caller immediately after (by email or letter) and state that you are interested in interviewing to discuss the opportunity further and how your experience is a good fit for the job.

But if one of my employees was constantly putting out resumes and going to interviews regularly, far be it for me to make that a waste of their time.

https://brians.wsu.edu/2016/05/22/far-be-it-for-me/

Totally beside the point and I don't care at all, just been seeing that phrase misused a lot lately for some reasons

[vogue65]

It's sounds to me like you don't know what networking actually means.

You're probably right again, it is really difficult being a retired loser.

[warriorchick]

https://brians.wsu.edu/2016/05/22/far-be-it-for-me/

Totally beside the point and I don't care at all, just been seeing that phrase misused a lot lately for some reasons

There are certain posters on this board who say "would of" and "could of" instead of "would have" and "could have" and it makes me stabby.

How did these people pass Freshman Comp at Marquette?

[ZiggysFryBoy]

There are certain posters on this board who say "would of" and "could of" instead of "would have" and "could have" and it makes me stabby.

How did these people pass Freshman Comp at Marquette?

I could care less.   

[warriorchick]

I could care less.   

I know you could, irregardless.