Random Thought Thread, aka The RTT (**possible spoilers**)
07-18-14, 12:59 PM
Making a kilometer blurry
It's been interesting here. We're in defense, and have had a tough time starting any new 5-year types of software programs (higher-ups don't seem to realize that those days are over for software). As such, we have been stagnant for 3 years. Meanwhile, tech in Austin is booming. I still get really cool software assignments on some larger platform programs for other companies (F-35 and Shadow UAV). So it's strange to be in this failing tech company in a town with amazing tech success.
I'll only leave for something extremely interesting. I'm still in talks on the fitness device/software research position, but hiring on those types of overhead positions is so glacially slow.
I'll only leave for something extremely interesting. I'm still in talks on the fitness device/software research position, but hiring on those types of overhead positions is so glacially slow.
07-18-14, 01:04 PM
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I graduated in 2010 and am doing fine... Been at the same position (Research Associate) and same company for about 3 years now after doing a couple temp/contract science jobs.
My issue is finding the motivation to get another job and/or go back to grad school, because I'm comfortable. Growth/Upward mobility at this small company is very limited, and I'm under payed compared to what I would make doing the same thing at a large company. After my rent (1 bedroom apartment), student loans and other bills I don't have a whole lot of money to spend/save/invest, and I'm ready to step up to the next level of income and acquire more expenses.
I need like a life coach or someone to give me a pep talk. I work hard and am a valuable asset at work, taking higher levels of responsibilities on my team. but staying here for more than another year or so would definitely be complacent.
My issue is finding the motivation to get another job and/or go back to grad school, because I'm comfortable. Growth/Upward mobility at this small company is very limited, and I'm under payed compared to what I would make doing the same thing at a large company. After my rent (1 bedroom apartment), student loans and other bills I don't have a whole lot of money to spend/save/invest, and I'm ready to step up to the next level of income and acquire more expenses.
I need like a life coach or someone to give me a pep talk. I work hard and am a valuable asset at work, taking higher levels of responsibilities on my team. but staying here for more than another year or so would definitely be complacent.
Man, I hear you. Though I graduated in 2009 and went right to grad school, it's a similar situation for me, albeit still working in academia for now. I'm coming up on a year at my current position, it's a great job with great people but it is hard to be patient - like you, I feel that I am fairly underpaid for my education and skills relative to what I might make in industry, or even in a more advanced academic position. But a year ago, I was struggling to find a job at all, and the reasons for that don't disappear in a single year. So, logically, I'm not quite the asset I imagine myself to be in the eyes of potential employers. I probably can at some point graduate to a position with 50% or perhaps even greater pay, but building skills and a CV takes time. It's tough, though, when what you're making is more-or-less just enough. I've been making just enough or not quite enough for quite a few years now, and it wears you down.
07-18-14, 02:06 PM
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Man, I hear you. Though I graduated in 2009 and went right to grad school, it's a similar situation for me, albeit still working in academia for now. I'm coming up on a year at my current position, it's a great job with great people but it is hard to be patient - like you, I feel that I am fairly underpaid for my education and skills relative to what I might make in industry, or even in a more advanced academic position. But a year ago, I was struggling to find a job at all, and the reasons for that don't disappear in a single year. So, logically, I'm not quite the asset I imagine myself to be in the eyes of potential employers. I probably can at some point graduate to a position with 50% or perhaps even greater pay, but building skills and a CV takes time. It's tough, though, when what you're making is more-or-less just enough. I've been making just enough or not quite enough for quite a few years now, and it wears you down.
I'm not interested in long-term academia or research, so MS is likely a better option for me, but who's gonna pay for it********** lol.
5 years in the same position as you two find yourselves in is what drove me back to grad school. I was relatively happy where I was but grew bored of the job and knew I needed more of a challenge. It was tough to adjust, very tough, but in the end will be the right move. I'll have so many more doors open than I ever would have with a just a BS. Going on the 6th year in grad school though, biomed PhDs take time, and I'm ready to move on. The hardest part was taking the pay cut to go back to school. A huge adjustment for sure, but one more easily handled when younger.
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"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
07-18-14, 02:36 PM
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07-18-14, 04:25 PM
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IT project management isn't IT? No wonder you're having problems filling open positions.
07-18-14, 06:02 PM
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TMonk you work at a lab that lets you wear shorts and drink beer at work, never quit.
I've been in basically the same position for almost 12 years and I don't mind. It's a pretty cushy gov't job with a nice pension plan. I worked in private industry for a while and saw people crying at work fairly regularly (mostly low paid tech's but still). I'll gladly trade ambition and stress for comfort and security.
I've been in basically the same position for almost 12 years and I don't mind. It's a pretty cushy gov't job with a nice pension plan. I worked in private industry for a while and saw people crying at work fairly regularly (mostly low paid tech's but still). I'll gladly trade ambition and stress for comfort and security.
07-18-14, 06:20 PM
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. I think it's good for me at this point in my life, and later on in the future after my kids grow up, but I think I'm reaching the time and place where I need to hustle!EDIT: I'm actually drinking beer and wearing shorts right now, while the CETAC is chugging away doing ICP-MS for me..... I think I might put my feet up on the bench, we're almost done here.
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"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
07-18-14, 06:36 PM
**** that
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07-18-14, 07:18 PM
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Mikey:
Cannondale Six13 Road Bike 48cm
She's a club member so I can take a look at it for you if you want.
Cannondale Six13 Road Bike 48cm
She's a club member so I can take a look at it for you if you want.
07-18-14, 07:29 PM
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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07-18-14, 08:35 PM
**** that
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surely the guard dogs would thwart robbers?
07-18-14, 09:45 PM
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"Release the Hounds!"
__________________
"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
07-18-14, 11:21 PM
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Git em!
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"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
07-19-14, 03:06 AM
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I'll be getting surgery for the clavicle next Friday. It has apparently shortened since the first x ray last Saturday. Yeah, it costs us, but at least I don't have to be worried about this lump where the bone end is poking up.
07-19-14, 05:08 AM
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Aaron - I had this surgery last April after having broken my right clavicle in a bike race crash at the end of March. Make sure you discuss with the ortho doc the negative outcomes that may come with surgery. In my case, it resulted in reduced range of motion of my right arm when I try to reach behind my back; I used to be able to scratch between my shoulder blades with either thumb, now I can barely get my right hand above belt line. That means accessing jersey pockets happens only with my left hand now. Part of this may be due to my age (62).
Don't get me wrong - I'd go with the surgery again. My doc just never mentioned any possible negative outcomes, so it was an unpleasant surprise.
Don't get me wrong - I'd go with the surgery again. My doc just never mentioned any possible negative outcomes, so it was an unpleasant surprise.
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Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
07-19-14, 05:48 AM
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TMonk you work at a lab that lets you wear shorts and drink beer at work, never quit.
I've been in basically the same position for almost 12 years and I don't mind. It's a pretty cushy gov't job with a nice pension plan. I worked in private industry for a while and saw people crying at work fairly regularly (mostly low paid tech's but still). I'll gladly trade ambition and stress for comfort and security.
I've been in basically the same position for almost 12 years and I don't mind. It's a pretty cushy gov't job with a nice pension plan. I worked in private industry for a while and saw people crying at work fairly regularly (mostly low paid tech's but still). I'll gladly trade ambition and stress for comfort and security.
I'll leave my excitement for after work hours
07-19-14, 06:14 AM
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If you fear range of motion issues, don't ask, demand, that your doctor prescribe PT, and do it rigorously. With an injury it's more important than anything you do on the bike.
07-19-14, 06:45 AM
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07-19-14, 08:53 AM
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Mikey:
Cannondale Six13 Road Bike 48cm
She's a club member so I can take a look at it for you if you want.
Cannondale Six13 Road Bike 48cm
She's a club member so I can take a look at it for you if you want.
thankfully specialized warrantied my frame. if anyone is in the market for a 49cm tarmac sl4 pro frameset, i'm going to let it go far below retail.
07-19-14, 09:55 AM
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if you were buying your first cross bike (to use as commuter, winter bike, some racing)…canti or disk? same frame/build kit otherwise, disk is ~$300 more.
07-19-14, 10:58 AM
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Cantis. Sense you're racing and commuting on the same bike, I imagine that swapping wheels will be easier than tires and you probably don't want to buy more disk wheel sets then you have to. The euro pros still race cantis so they are working for some people.