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re: Do any of you own or work at a computer company

Posted on 5/13/13 at 1:38 am to
Posted by foshizzle
Washington DC metro
Member since Mar 2008
40599 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 1:38 am to
quote:

he designed the first & only intranet across 2 hospitals, built a training room, implemented toasters throughout to avoid purchase of extra computers, not to mention he worked across 2 facilities AND provided Tech Support to very demanding users. He also dealt with surplus equipment and developed relationships with local area educators


Good. That is what he should be emphasizing very heavily. Minus the toasters.

Again, I would wonder why someone with 15 years of experience is struggling to find work - it should be banging on his front door wanting to be let in.
Posted by rickgrimes
Member since Jan 2011
4178 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 2:01 am to
1. Has he tried LSU? Tons of departments there that might need someone with his skill. How about becoming an instructor/researcher in the Computer Science Department? He could start off as a post doc. Is that an option?

2. New Orleans has a startup scene that is getting bigger everyday. www.startupneworleans.com, www.neworleansstartupfund.com and lp.co (Launch Pad) are great places to find out about exciting tech startups in the area. Maybe one of the companies there is looking for someone with his skill? If he can't find something that 'challenges' him at a startup, I doubt he will find anything that does at a bigger established firm.

3. 'Gatorworks' is a company that came out of the startup incubator scene at NOLA. I know the founder is looking to move onto a more strategic role which might mean that he maybe looking for a senior level person to run day to day operations. You can check them out and see if anything fits.

4. www.flatstack.com is another company that is located on Magazine St. in New Orleans that might be worth looking into. He might get to travel to Russia too once in a while!

5. NASA - Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville Alabama is another option if you guys can move.

6. Like others have already mentioned, lots of tech companies are hiring in the BR/NOLA area these days. I hear IBM alone is looking to hire 750 or 1500 people or something crazy like that. There has to be something he is a fit for.

Also have him check out 'Silicon Bayou News' for latest info and/or job leads.

That's all I got. Hope something works out for him. Good luck.
This post was edited on 5/13/13 at 2:13 am
Posted by Evolve
Texas
Member since Aug 2012
3117 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 10:54 am to
So lets get this straight. You live in Hammond, LA. Your not willing to relocate. He has a great resume but has not put in the effort to contact managers via phone and sell himself to every computer company within 200 miles. He is unwilling to do certain jobs (i.e. programming) because he views it beneath him. You and him sit on your arse and ask why oh why can we not find a job.

If all you do is send out a resume it will be a black hole. Finding a job is not easy, and being as particular as your husband is being he better sell his arse off on why someone would or should want to hire him. You don't always get to do what you love to do in your job. It comes and goes. The point is to not be a bitch about it and be thankful you have a job.

Sounds like you and your husband need to revaluate your approach because based on the information you have provided thus far, it is no wonder why he can't find a job.
Posted by LSUTigers00884
Lafayette
Member since Oct 2011
1160 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 11:02 am to
None of this makes sense.
I work at a software engineering company.

And computer science is one of the most sought after degree and he has a masters and 15 years experience?

He needs to quit being so nitpicky and find work man. Be a man.
Posted by BayouBengal
Member since Nov 2003
28275 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 11:10 am to
Where is he looking? The market in Houston isn't slowing down. We're hiring lots of people. Heck, we're even hiring fresh college grads to keep up with demand.
Posted by Cali 4 LSU
GEAUX TIGERS!
Member since Sep 2007
6507 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 11:23 am to
quote:

rickgrimes



Thanks a ton! I'll pass on all that information to him (except #5...I don't want to move).

Posted by Cali 4 LSU
GEAUX TIGERS!
Member since Sep 2007
6507 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 11:38 am to
quote:

So lets get this straight. You live in Hammond, LA. Your not willing to relocate.


Bingo!

quote:

He is unwilling to do certain jobs (i.e. programming) because he views it beneath him. You and him sit on your arse and ask why oh why can we not find a job.


I have a full time job AND work as an adjunct. He worked full time AND had 2 part time positions (which he still has those). I can assure you...we aren't lazy or "sit on your arse" type of people. Speaking of sitting on your arse: he never said programming is beneath him, he said he doesn't like it. It is a preference and I'm sure there are things in all of our lives that we prefer not to do...not sure why that's such a huge deal. Plus, he doesn't feel anyone would hire him for programming since he hasn't done it day in-day out in years.

quote:

The point is to not be a bitch about it and be thankful you have a job.


He is thankful he has 2 part time jobs...but they aren't a "career". He is making a career change so why not find something he really wants to do or that will lead to something he really wants to do? I'm just trying to help him look for leads...

quote:

Sounds like you and your husband need to revaluate your approach because based on the information you have provided thus far, it is no wonder why he can't find a job.


What do you suggest?
Posted by Cali 4 LSU
GEAUX TIGERS!
Member since Sep 2007
6507 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 11:51 am to
quote:

None of this makes sense. I work at a software engineering company. And computer science is one of the most sought after degree and he has a masters and 15 years experience? He needs to quit being so nitpicky and find work man. Be a man.


Would a Houston job allow him to commute? We aren't moving so we are somewhat limited apparently.
Posted by reb13
Member since May 2010
10905 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 11:55 am to
quote:

We aren't moving so we are somewhat limited apparently.


yeah. You gotta move where the money is.
Posted by Cali 4 LSU
GEAUX TIGERS!
Member since Sep 2007
6507 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 12:11 pm to
quote:

yeah. You gotta move where the money is.


Well forgive me b/c I'm not a Computer Guru but you'd think working from a computer could be done from ANYwhere with some travel when necessary...guess it isn't that simple.
Posted by AngryBeavers
Member since Jun 2012
4554 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 12:24 pm to
quote:


Well forgive me b/c I'm not a Computer Guru but you'd think working from a computer could be done from ANYwhere with some travel when necessary...guess it isn't that simple.


Unless he is programming from home, which you already say he doesn't want to do, then I'd say he will have a very long commute or no luck.
Posted by Evolve
Texas
Member since Aug 2012
3117 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 12:53 pm to
quote:

What do you suggest?


He needs to actively pursue jobs and leads. You can't just send out a resume and then whine when you get no response. He needs to apply to jobs, email his resumes to managers, follow up with phone calls, and follow up with emails and phone calls a month later until they tell him no. Call managers and ask them out to lunch, attend meetings, search forums. Find a recruiter to help you out and search for a job that meets his qualifications.

Given his experience it doesn't sound good that after 15 years he has no networking whatsoever. 90% of jobs are attained through networking. Not saying he can't get a job without it, but it will take considerably longer.

Last time I was in LA there was a brand new hospital being built in Walker, LA called Our Lady of the Lake Livingston. Maybe he could do some IT for them?

quote:

I have a full time job AND work as an adjunct. He worked full time AND had 2 part time positions (which he still has those). I can assure you...we aren't lazy or "sit on your arse" type of people. Speaking of sitting on your arse: he never said programming is beneath him, he said he doesn't like it. It is a preference and I'm sure there are things in all of our lives that we prefer not to do...not sure why that's such a huge deal. Plus, he doesn't feel anyone would hire him for programming since he hasn't done it day in-day out in years


Two points from your above response. One, he is being lazy in his approach in applying and finding a job. He needs to be more aggressive. Two, I nor anyone else is going to choose your Husband who is particular in what he will be assigned to do over a another person who doesn't mind being a team player and doing whatever needs to be done for the better of the company. His particulars speak volumes about what type of employee he will be.
Posted by Cali 4 LSU
GEAUX TIGERS!
Member since Sep 2007
6507 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 1:21 pm to
quote:

His particulars speak volumes about what type of employee he will be.


That is so far from the truth which is what makes not getting an interview so frustrating. I was one of his customers/users (as a nurse at the hospital) so I speak from a knowledgeable standpoint. When I called the IT department, I specifically called him (not his coworkers or boss) b/c #1. he wasn't lazy...he came to my office and fixed whatever needed to be fixed regardless if it was software, hardware, wiring, etc..., #2. Others in the hospital called him when they had a problem b/c they knew they would get an employee with a good attitude and was more than willing to solve their problem or work on it until it was solved, #3. He was a team player by not only training his coworkers but also assisting them throughout their careers (even if/when they left the hospital), #4 HE built a training room for orientation of new employees/required training of hospital employees...not his boss, not any of his coworkers, not anyone in employee training. He used old computers that were sitting around in their department, identified a need, and produced a solution. This was unsolicited but a tremendous benefit to many departments in the hospital. He did network with vendors (who he dealt with often) but most of those are road warrior jobs. He just wasn't appreciated at the hospital, which is often the case at state facilities.

quote:

His particulars speak volumes about what type of employee he will be.


THIS is what I mean by why it's so frustrating...a manager takes one look (or no look) at his resume and discards it without knowing his true potential or personality. I defnitely agree with you on the "selling yourself" part but his problem is he doesn't like to toot his own horn. I wish he were less humble but it is nice that he isn't too arrogant, ya know what I mean?

Thanks for your advice though, it is greatly appreciated!
Posted by wickowick
Head of Island
Member since Dec 2006
45793 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 1:38 pm to
He doesn't have any contacts that can open doors?
Posted by Cali 4 LSU
GEAUX TIGERS!
Member since Sep 2007
6507 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 1:49 pm to
quote:

He doesn't have any contacts that can open doors?


I guess not...? He had contacts with vendors (a few) but like I said, they are road warrior jobs. He wants to take his career in a new direction and is having a hard time finding that niche. He would be a great asset to any company b/c he is very knowledgeable/competent, isn't lazy, and has very high morals. His references consist of his old boss (who is retired), and some of the directors at the hospital since they are most familiar with his work. Hi references are impeccable but I don't even think they are asked for when he applies for a job...
Posted by reb13
Member since May 2010
10905 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 1:53 pm to
quote:

When I called the IT department, I specifically called him (not his coworkers or boss) b/c #1. he wasn't lazy...he came to my office and fixed whatever needed to be fixed regardless if it was software, hardware, wiring, etc...


Aren't you his wife?? I mean I feel like he is more than obligated to do that.
Posted by Cali 4 LSU
GEAUX TIGERS!
Member since Sep 2007
6507 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 3:04 pm to
quote:

Aren't you his wife?? I mean I feel like he is more than obligated to do that.


No, I wasn't at the time. As a matter of fact, I worked with him for years before we ever even became close friends. Then our friendship grew. I was sowing my wild oats and he isn't the "wild" kind. He eventually tamed me though...
Posted by AngryBeavers
Member since Jun 2012
4554 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 4:34 pm to
Why do you not want to relocate exactly? That is the biggest thing holding him back.
Posted by Cali 4 LSU
GEAUX TIGERS!
Member since Sep 2007
6507 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 4:56 pm to
quote:

Why do you not want to relocate exactly? That is the biggest thing holding him back.


His dad is elderly and hubby takes care of things. I have a very good job and I'm not exactly willing to leave it. I have a chronic illness and he doesn't really want to leave me for 75% of the time on a travel job. Plus, I love it here and really just don't want to leave my family. He works in computers, it shouldn't be that hard to find a project manangement position or a consultant job in Louisiana with some travel...he's got great experience.
Posted by Zilla
Member since Jul 2005
10599 posts
Posted on 5/13/13 at 7:58 pm to
What sort of money is he looking to make? Sounds to me like he is basically more of a systems admin with a lot of general experience and a nice degree... I'd look to find a mgmt position with a small company where he'd be qualified just with his 15 years of general experience (no mgmt experience)...I'm betting also his resume needs work ... meaning you need different versions of it depending on the position ...I bet the resume comes off as either over qualified, or under qualified ...never just right....

Is he on linkedin ? ....sounds to me like what others are saying, ya'll just aren't being creative enough...there are TONS of small shops that need a good leader...
This post was edited on 5/13/13 at 8:01 pm
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