So I got fired today...

Well technically 'I was made aware that my position has been terminated under the new company restructuring'

It was kind of surreal, I knew the minute my bosses boss tapped me on the shoulder - there was something up. And then when he took me into the little conference room with my bosses, bosses boss in it and an HR lady I've never seen in my life, I knew exactly what the 'talk' was going to be about.

I wasn't the only one who got the walking papers today, my old boss (who got promoted a year ago) got called into the small conference room too. They said about 45 people altogether were getting the pink slip.

In a sense I was fairly relieved because they told me I could take the rest of the day off and I don't have a final, final day at work until about 2 months from now.

I've told the fiance the wedding is off until I find a new job but, she doesn't want to tell anyone until the two months is up.

So many things going through my mind right now but, one main thought is
- on a certain level, I do not want to be dependent on someone else or some corporation for my paycheck from this point forward. I need my independence.

The other thought that comes to mind is - a brother needs to eat...and pay the rent...and pay the other bills...

I know I'll get through this - I just pray I get through it sooner rather than later.

Article/News bit of the week: new career time

Again, I've been a little bit busy but, after sifting through a couple online articles, I'd say this article
found on yahoo's finance site is the best.

It's an article entitled "The Right Career Is Yours for the Taking"

Penelope Trunk gives 5 tips for finding the best job for you. The 'tip' that I can learn the most from would have to be:

4. Start caring about how you present yourself.

Luckily, I will be able to do this without going broke very shortly. I'm started to get excited for my impending shopping spree.

Blog of the week: for 8/6/07

This week I've been a little busy so I didn't get a chance to read as many blogs as I'd like but, of those I did, I'd have to say Debt Hater's blog "Wheeling and Dealing, I hope" Has to be the one I can identify the most with.

I definitely would love to be able to make ends meet one day without relying on a 'boss' or several bosses to tell me what to do.

I think that's part of the reason I've had so many jobs over the past several years is largely because I have little to no respect for authority. I'm not sure If it's just a Generation-X gene or if I am just mentally and physically incapable of doing what others tell me to for an extended period of time.

Whatever it may be hopefully 5 years from now I will not be forced to answer to that many people or a very small number of people at least.

[edited] recruiter annoyance

I was annoyed at a recruiter...not as much now as I did earlier today but, I wish she would just listen.

I work for a fairly well sized company and I'm trying to make a lateral or slightly vertical shift, away form my current position. I want to switch to a different specific department and unlike other departments - there appears to be only 1 recruiter for those types of positions.

I always send her my resume, a cover letter detailing the multitude of reasons why I would be a good fit for the position and she reluctantly calls me (or my boss) and tries to give the benefit of the doubt by giving me a 'screener interview' over the phone.

I can tell when I'm explaining myself she is just going out of her way to listen for reason's NOT to give me an in-person interview.

Of the 4 times I've applied, at least 2 of the positions have been listed as 'entry level'. When I talk to her on the phone though she says "well actually we're looking for 3 years of experience in 'ABC systems'"

When I tell her "I have the the 3 years experience in 'ABC systems'" she says "Well we're looking for 3 years of experience in ABC systems with a XYZ emphasis..."

She of course ended the conversation today by stating " I don't feel you have the right skill set...."

At this point I was frustrated because I love my company yet, HATE my job. I asked her point blank what I need to do in order to get an interview - she said 'get more experience' a general vague reference and I have a suspicion that experience is not the issue here - I have plenty.

Another problem is that we have no kind of rapport whatsoever I'm beginning to think this recruiter doesn't like me. I'm already beginning to dislike her.

I simply want to work in a less stressful position, with better pay so I can have some 'me-time' at some point during the week.