Need to vent...

[Roadtrip]

OK. Small update on things here. Got a call on Monday from the potential new employer. As expected I didn't do well on the test. What they want to do is provide me with study materials and for me to take a few weeks with the book and software and come back in and take the assessment again.

Everything else seems to be in right where they want it... they just want to see higher score on the technical assessment.

Apparently they like me enough to give me a second crack at the test. I'd also get a considerable bump in pay (10-15k more then I make now), but commute is about an extra 15-20 minutes (daily commute would be about 40 minutes each way) each way, plus the work is a little more fast paced then I've been used to the last few years.

My current employer likes to do sprints from a cold start. So I could go weeks punching the clock and getting routine things done, then a huge project (that upper mgnt has been stewing on for months) suddenly "has" to get done-- yesterday-- so we go to DEFCON 1 in an instant.

Not the best of environments to work under and totally preventable-- with proper planning and project management from top down.

I just wished technical books weren't so dang dry. WOW. This one is sure to have you cured of insomnia in a New York minute.

Shannon

[Thorn]

Hang in there....I know where you're coming from all too well. Subtract a little of your politics and add to your saga a mentally ill owner and you've got my situation. Don't know your age, but at 50 I'm having a heck of a time even getting in the door.

So, while you may see the book learning as a little frustrating, inside I'm doing a major happy dance for you. You see, to me it indicates that there is hope. Go for it. Study hard and good luck.

[emily_in_nc]

Wow, that's really encouraging, roadtrip! In this economy, from everything I hear, there are so many qualified applicants for each open job (I'm also in software development), that if you don't meet every requirement to a "t", you don't stand a chance. The fact that this new company is bending over backwards to help you succeed is huge -- they must really like you and want you there. Good luck learning the dry stuff and acing that exam the next time!

[Bike Writer]

Shannon, this company must really want you. Good luck with the books, study hard and grasp your prize. I hope all goes well for you.

[hebe]

shannon, this company must really want you. Good luck with the books, study hard and grasp your prize. I hope all goes well for you.

+1!

[Roadtrip]

Well, took the assessment again, so while I'm confidant I did better I'll have to wait to see if I did good enough.

Should know in a day or so.

Shannon

[smilingcat]

If they were willing to give you a second chance on technical things, they must really like what you have to offer.

The thing you have to ask yourself though..., is this job really for you? You've mentioned about going DEFCON 1 all of sudden. A project that lays around for a while then all of sudden its on the front burner with all the flames is a classic warning sign of bipolar management style.

Only time you want to jump ship is when you clearly see an opportunity. And jumping into a frying pan on a front burner, is this your cup of tea? Some like it that way, others don't.

And do they want to hire you NOW because the project is in hot water and need a warm body to fill? This is the downside I see.

The upside is, your current employer is self-destructing. If they continue to operate as you describe, there is only one place for them, down the toilet. Also not having a COLA of any sort is also an indication of poor management, even in this bad economy. Maybe taking this new job will buy you some precious time while you look for your real job. And to boot, a pay increase. Remember too, that in this economy, it becomes considerably more difficult to land a job once you are out of one. It's best to find a safer place while you still have a job.

I was on a losing side of a management battle and I lost my job in January. Ten month later, I took a job (and came out of early retirement) for about half the pay. It keeps me out of trouble and I get lot more money than unemployment. And that's about the only reason. And it turns out, the employer desperately needed my service. So it was a mutual, I scratch your back and you scratch mine. So far everyone is happy.