Dog Community

changes, again

ron2

Posted : 12/13/2006 3:25:08 PM

I've been laid off since the 4th (Monday of last week.) I spent last week investigating and studying the feasibility of starting my own business and I just can't do it. There are some business skills I lack but most importantly, I lack the small fortune it takes to even set things up, let alone enough pending contracts to make a go of it. So, I've been putting in apps. One at a company that hasn't called back, yet. It can be hard to get hired if you have a master license. Another re-app at the company I worked at before this last one.

Last night, eating dinner at a restaraunt, I ran into a former co-worker still at that previous company. He found out from an inspector in a town where he is completing a project, that they will be hiring more inspectors. I already know the guy from inspections and seeing him at the inspector's seminar that I go to for the CEUs required to maintain my state license. This morning, I d/l'd the app form, filled it out, attached a resume (necessary when you have a work history that spans 23 years), got a replacement SS card, since I lost mine, and turned in an app. But it may take a week or so. The nice thing about the inspector job is the starting pay is about what I have been making but the bene package is excellent. 8 govt. holidays, gobs of vacation, insurance, retirement. I am qualified for the position as I have known several inspectors with creds similar to mine. Many of them are masters with 10 to 20 years in the field.

This requires another change. At the previous company, where I re-applied, I could keep my hair long because his longest running employee has long hair, as well. The city job, however, would require short hair, which is fine with me. Long hair only puts food on the table if you are Fabio. Unless necessity makes it sooner, I have an appt. next Monday to get my hair cut short.

I have been assimilated. We are Borg.

melindar

Posted : 12/13/2006 4:12:00 PM

Good luck on the job!

Regarding the long hair, are you completely sure that they do not allow long hair (even when pulled back)? It is so hard for me to think that they can descriminate you because of the length of your hair (especially when you would be around people on jobsites and not sitting in an office all day).

ron2

Posted : 12/13/2006 4:20:17 PM

It's city govt. They expect a corporate appearance. And, even I have a sexist view. I fully accept the cultural taboo against a man showing up for a meeting wearing a skirt and blouse, though I wouldn't want to wear that, myself.

Yes, it could be unfair to have to cut my hair. Plenty of things in this world are unfair and I am equally powerless to change those things, too. My being laid off was patently unfair as it was not a performance related issue but a result of me asking some fair questions and receiving a lay-off for my efforts. I don't have the time or money to pursue a case. Suffice it to say that my recently former employer is digging himself a deep hole and all I have to do is get out of the way.

melindar

Posted : 12/13/2006 4:29:34 PM

It sucks how you're pretty much SOL. *sigh* Government. But again, good luck!

bragg1120

Posted : 12/13/2006 4:50:52 PM

Suffice it to say that my recently former employer is digging himself a deep hole and all I have to do is get out of the way

Isn't that called karma? [

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Good luck with the city job.... you might want to ask if Fabio's job is up for grabs before having a haircut! [

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sherrida

Posted : 12/13/2006 5:05:50 PM

when i met my current hubby 4 years ago he had a mullett. It was not the style I would have chosen however he rode a bike and i was all about the "bad boy" image at the time.

Well he has since got his hair cut and he looks much more attractive. I look at old pics of him with the mullet and say "what was he thinking??"

that hair cut might spark up your romantic life a little! [sm=kiss.gif]

cakana

Posted : 12/13/2006 5:27:19 PM

Ron - I wish you luck with the city job. As a govt employee myself, I can tell you that the benefits are great. Like you, I'm quite the pragmatist. It sounds like you've got good reason to be optimistic about the position and if you find out later that long hair is tolerated, you can always grow it back out. My DH just went thru a firefighter academy and had to cut his longish hair quite short. I think he looks great now and I think he's happier with it too.

g33

Posted : 12/13/2006 5:37:57 PM

Best of luck, glad you were able to find something so quickly!

I have to ask though...I would love to see some before and after pics! I love long hair on guys.

Boxermom4

Posted : 12/13/2006 5:49:24 PM

Oh good luck!! My Dad's the Plmbg inspector in town and Hubbie is a plmbr in town[sm=smile.gif] Dad has no benefits with inspecting and hubbie has bennies through me at my job, sounds like a great plan for you!!! My Dad heard about this he'd throw a clot[

] small towns don't wanna give you anything. good for you!!!We'll keep our paws crossed over here.

snownose

Posted : 12/13/2006 5:52:47 PM

This requires another change. At the previous company, where I re-applied, I could keep my hair long because his longest running employee has long hair, as well. The city job, however, would require short hair, which is fine with me. Long hair only puts food on the table if you are Fabio. Unless necessity makes it sooner, I have an appt. next Monday to get my hair cut short.

Ouch, that's gonna leave a mark......[

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How about before and after pics, eh......[

]

ron2

Posted : 12/13/2006 7:35:27 PM

you might want to ask if Fabio's job is up for grabs before having a haircut

I've been told that I should be a model but I don't have the contacts for that or even a composite to hand over. But just once, I would like to do the "I can't believe it's not butter!" commercial.

ron2

Posted : 12/13/2006 7:37:45 PM

How about before and after pics, eh

I might do that after it's cut. A few weeks ago, I had about 5 inches cut off but it's still down past my shoulders, as opposed to halfway down my back. I was going to cut it short, then but my wife's hairdresser talked me out of it, as it is usually a sudden shock and you end up not liking it. She cuts my hair for free since we do her favors, like helping her move, etc. I haven't been informed that the city requires short hair on men but, when in Rome ...

The city is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. A few years ago, it had a 395 % growth rate. 10 years ago, it was just a wide spot in the road. Now, it has 2 sports centers, an athletic center, a minor league baseball team and gargantuan shopping centers. Those who live in the D-FW area probably know now where I am talking about. And they have the biggest, gaudiest fire station I have ever seen. It's one of the most expensive places to live but they have everything.

DPU

Posted : 12/13/2006 8:30:33 PM

Good luck in the interview and good luck getting the job. My advice is to practice different interviewing techniques. I like conversational interviews but hate situation interviews and the I talk then you talk type. You are lucky to get an interview so fast. After working at only one company my entire life, after 25 years I was laid off. It was a full time job for an entire year before I was hired by a state university. The benefits are great and the time-off fits in perfect at this stage of my life…but on the other hand there is a lot of bureaucracy to deal with.

Don't worry about the hair. In a decade it will be either be gone or gray and kinky. Either way you will probably keep it short…again from experience.

olinda

Posted : 12/13/2006 8:34:35 PM

Good luck Ron.

TAOofGoldyShep

Posted : 12/13/2006 8:42:04 PM

May I humbly suggest that life is change...for some of us more than others it seems...and also may greater opportunities come your way in the very near future!