WTF!

Two months into the new job, and it's been, well, let's say 'interesting'.  A lot of 'new' stuff to learn under tight deadlines; clients questioning our ability while giving us only pieces of the puzzles while hiding other pieces.  Archaic and unsophisticated technology is the 'way they roll'.  They say the grass looks greener on the other side.  In this case, it's true, but I've found that the grass is artificial.  Live and learn.  This isn't going to cut it.

Gold and Silver, Oh my!!

Precious metals have gotten hammered over the past 6 months.  This has been predicted by the experts that follow pm's.  The USD rallied based on 'ifs' spouted by the Fed-czar, Bernanke.  Then he backtracked a couple of weeks later, and the USD tanked in the short-term and the stock market rallied.  One week, cash is king; the next, it's toilet paper.  

Since the Fed can't really stop QE (to infinity), pm's will rebound and most likely will start the next bull run up.  Everything the pm experts have predicted has come to fruition, so far.  Barring some truly universal event (like discovering gold in shit), I find no reason not to follow their lead.

Here I go again. 14th Company (second-time around)

I was contacted by the firm that I worked for and left over two years ago.  It's local office had gone through a major restructuring (nice term for "laying everyone off" including most of the management team).  They wanted to know if I was interested in coming back.  I said I was willing to listen to what they had to say.  I spoke to the new director of operations and the head recruiter, both whom retained their jobs after the 'mass cutting'.  After a few weeks, an offer was made, re-negotiated and finalized.  I have formally accepted this new job and new role, but I haven't informed my current manager and company yet.  That will happen on Monday.

In retrospect, I was prepared to stay where I am for as long as the company continued employing its current staff up to the point that it sells its current asset portfolio.  It appeared that a sale wouldn't be possible for at least three more years.  But, now I guess that won't matter in the short-term, since I've decided to move on.

I'm taking a risk in this economy, but there are no guarantees regardless where you work.  If the new job doesn't work out, maybe I can go back, or maybe not.  I'm not going to worry about that, since I believe this move will be a successful one in the long run.

Change is good.

Back in the Saddle Again

Accepted an offer from an international bank.  I start on 08/27, provided I pass their background checks.  Went today to pee in a cup and got finger-printed like a criminal .. well like "today's" job seekers are required.  Nine weeks between jobs is better than 13 months.  All is well for now.  Using my unemployment pay to pay owed income taxes from last year.  Can't win from losing .. hate taxes.  Does this mean that the current administration gets credit for increased job opportunities?  I'm thinking that doing away with income taxes is the way to go.  Replace it with a national sales tax, or in other terms, a consumption tax.  Then you can get rid of the IRS and run everything with computers controlled by a handful of chimpanzees.

Nothing Lasts Forever

Thirteen months later .. the change has ended.  It was good while it lasted.  I worked from home, saved a lot on gas by not commuting.  The business is not doing that great as circumstances and competition has altered the business landscape; consequently, I am now out of a job again.  I was not the last one in, so LIFO does not apply here.  I wonder if it had to do with my pay .. maybe.  Doesn't really matter.  Contacted my previous employer.  We'll see what is shaking.  Meanwhile, I'll ponder what I really want to do and see if I can make it happen. 

Say it, don't spray it .......

Skeptics usually have no knowledge of what you're talking about.

People can change. Most do not and will not.

Man who speaks with sour tongue, has lemons for brain.

Another Change

I made another change this week. I resigned my current job, as I have accepted an offer at another company. I will be still be a computer jock (or geek), but will get to apply more of my experience, hopefully. Once again, I am looking forward to helping another corporation reach its goals and objectives; however, this time, I may be able to actually contribute to its success and be rewarded. Time will tell.

Changes

I've gone back to my old golf swing, or a facsimile of it. Naturally, my game is suffering due to the change, but persistence will prevail. My swing is no longer, as my golf buddies tagged it, 'Furyk-like and flat'. Although effective and somewhat consistent, I began to lose control as I tried to fine-tune it. Either fine-tuning killed it, much like going back to a traditional swing, or I just peaked with that swing style. So, here I am, re-working my game in order to bring consistency and lower scores to my efforts in 'conquering' this confounded game. But that is the challenge .. to work through the obstacles towards obtaining a desired result. I give myself 3-6 months to cutting my index by 1/3.

Tribute for Lucy

No Mas

I've decided to not discuss gold & silver and the 'almighty' USD with anyone, unless I am asked.  Most people are just not interested, so why bother.  I am even trying to stop mentioning the new highs that silver and gold are reaching every few months, without being asked even to my beloved wife.  I want to see if the general public (in my surroundings) will start to talk about these things.  I want to see if my ultra-conservative relatives and friends start mentioning it first.  I think, if so, then it may be time to take profits off of the table.

Drain is wide open for USD

Gold is reaching new record highs in terms of the US Dollar.  The dollar index is falling hard .. govt-induced inflation.  Gold is projected to double to over $2000 per ounce within next 6-9 months.  Anyone with savings will be losing value big time.  People are jumping into stock market to fight inflation ... not sure why, but DOW will most likely rise to higher highs.  Silver is also reaching 30 yr high .. not quite $50 per oz, but about halfway there.  This doesn't mean much to most people, but cash assets will suffer if you are invested in those instruments.  Check the price of groceries near and after Thanksgiving .. should be higher, along with gas.  I'm thinking about selling the old gold jewelry to get some Christmas money .. when gold surpasses $1400 an ounce.

Finally! A Job!

Thirteen months and 10 days later, I am no longer on the unemployment rolls.  At least, until I pass a drug test and background check.  The only drugs they'll find are Ramipril, Lovaza (fish oil) and benedryl, the miracle drug, second only to aspirin, IMHO.  Regardless, after an hour-and-half interview today, an offer was made and I took it.  I'm anxious to get back to the challenge of helping a company achieve its goals for itself and its clients.  I thank all of the businesses and taxpayers who paid for my unemployment compensation.   Right now, my second career will be part-time, but hopefully will save me in the event of another financial crisis that could take us out again.  Don't count that out as a possibility, as the world nations continue to print fiat money to float their existences.  It is a perilous game that is nearing the 'Game Over' status; i.e., time to start a new game, as the old one has reached its limitations of substainability.

States Without Income Taxes

CORRECTION: I think I'm mistaken about Social Security.  From those in the know, I was told that you don't get taxed on SS benefits.  That's good to know.

We get taxed enough as it is.  Feds tax us to death .. literally.  You pay Social Security, then get taxed on benefits.  Talk about double taxation.  You even pay taxes on unemployment benefits and disability beni's.  Why the hell is that!  You don't have a job, and you still have to pay taxes.  If it weren't for hurricanes, I'd seriously think about moving to the Cayman Islands where there are no income taxes.  Of course, one would want to check out the caveats of living there.  It can't be all that bad.  Hmm .. research.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_income_tax#U.S._States_without_a_personal_income_tax

Recovery, resmovery!

Per the political pundits, tv economists and politicians ... Dow exceeds 10,000!! .. we've recovered.  Yeah, like that's never happened before.


Tell that to the 16-18% unemployed individuals, yours truly included, and those with their impending job loss due to downsizing and outsourcing.


It's been a week, and no word from my last interview.  My guess is that 'they found someone else'.  The description of the job is somewhat perplexing, that is, there are two different versions of the important skills needed, depending upon who one talks to.


So, I have two other possible gigs, as I await for corporate decisions to be made.  One could say they are being cautious, but I'm not buying it.   I wonder if I changed my last name to Smith or Patel, would it make a difference?  I prepared for the negative, so I won't dwell on it after this.  Next!

Finally! A Job Interview

Eight months have passed.  I had one technical interview to assess my skillset about three months ago.  Nothing came from that, as I had not expected it to, due to the inexperience of the recruiter and her firm.  I've sent out countless cover letters with my credentials, posted my resume on boards and emailed to those who my friends have suggested.  Out of those, I got two actual rejection emails.  Still no interest, until last week. 


I got one email from an ex co-worker inquiring if I'm open to an upcoming project in Tampa.  I said 'Sure, I'm open'.  The next day, I got a phone call from a recruiter in Jacksonville, FL about a short-term contract there, which just so happened to be with the same firm that my friend emailed about the day before.  Ok, now I'm thinking my budgeting timing theory is unfolding (more opportunities near the end of 3rd quarter into beginning of fourth quarter budgeting theory ... spend money now or lose it for next year).  Then, the following day, I got a call about my submission for a job at JPMorganChase (which I had applied for in August, with no response).  Lo and behold, I've finally landed a more realistic interview with JPMorganChase, where Deb works.  I had a brief interview with HR, and then had an technical interview with three guys in the technical group that has the opening.  It seemed to go well, despite me not being able to completely dazzle them.  At least, I think I ended with good rapport ... I had them laughing.  My weekly golf outing with the JPMChase boys may be proving to be beneficial, since I did get an insider referral.  We'll see if I was up to their standards ... waiting to see what is next in store for me .. another interview or maybe an offer of some type.  I'm not going to even mention a rejection so as to not jinx myself.  Oh, too late. 


In the meantime, I've yet to hear anything regarding the other two contract leads.  Maybe in the next few days, something will come about.  Maybe I'll just call the Jacksonville recruiter tomorrow to followup.  


My long vacation may be coming to an end soon.  I hope so, but then again I was getting used to "forced retirement" and the "self-domestication".  Maybe I can now pay someone else for those things-to-do that I neglected to do myself.  That will be my contribution for economic recovery.  Well, I shouldn't count my chickens before they hatch.