New Blog

After 200 days of employment (today is day 200!), I have decided to try my hand at blogging again. Check me out at: http://ericemployed.blogspot.com

So far so Awesome

Well I've been employed now for 47 days, and things are really going well. I like the company, the people, and I'm learning lots. Recently I've gained more experience with SSIS and SSRS, and I get to peek in on SSAS as well, all skills I haven't had a chance to use before. I'm guessing this will be my last message for a while, I just wanted to put a link to the first post, in case someone finds this in the future, they won't have to try work their way back.

Thanks to all my readers, I have really enjoyed this blog, and I think that there is a good chance I'll find a new topic to create a new blog on...if that happens, I'll post a link to that as well.

Take care, and I wish you all the best!

Eric...

Link to first post: http://ericunemployed.blogspot.com/2008/12/good-morning-now-get-out.html

Eric Employed: End of Week 1

The first week is over, lots of new concepts, new ideas. I started the week, a slight bit worried that the self training I did at my last job wouldn't prepare me to be a DBA in another company, and while there are somethings I need to learn, I feel that most of the basics are there, and that I will make a good addition to the team shortly, after I get up to speed on a few new concepts. The new company does things very different from my last company, the new one has structure, regular meetings used to keep staff on task, as opposed to not having meetings at all, and then projects spirling out of control, until everyone has to work 60 hour work weeks to get it back on track.

The 12 hour days (3 hours drive time to St. Cloud and 8.5 hour work day) are a bit tireing, but once I'm done with my probationary period and able to work from home 3 days a week, I think things will get much better.

I really like the people, environment and openness of the new company. They are up front about the state of the company at all times, employees are not only allowed, they are encouraged to keep track of the company financials, because bonuses are based on company meeting profit goals, so seeing how we are doing, is good incentive to keep up the hard work, or to step it up if needed.

By the way, the company is looking for .Net developers and DBA's so if any of you reading this are in the market (and you know me), feel free to let me know if your interested, and I'll pass on a resume to the right people.

Eric Employed: Day 1

I'm not making this a regular thing, but I wanted to post a Day 1 review. Wow, lots of new info to digest. The new company has a lot of databases, and uses some impressive technology, for security reasons I am not going into any specifics, but it's going to take me a while to get my head wrapped around it. The people were nice, and I'm very impressed with what I am hearing from other employees about how they are treated. I think this will end up being a great fit.

I'm tired and I have a head ache, so I'm going to relax for a little bit, then head to bed and get ready for Day 2!!!

Day 86 Log

It's official, I have accepted the offer!

I need to sign all the paperwork and am still waiting to find out when the start date will be, but looks like I'm going back to work.

Day 85 Log

It is official, I have gotten the specifics on the offer and I'm very impressed. I'll be taking the day to think about it, but I am 99% sure I'll accept. If all goes well, tomorrow will be my last post for a while (I think I might publish a follow up or two).

Day 84 Log

Had in interview in St. Cloud this morning, 85 miles one way, seemed like a huge drive, but considering that when I worked in the Cities and lived in St. Cloud (for school) I drove back and forth almost every day, it didn't seem to take as long as it might if I was used to a shorter drive. It took about an hour and a half to get there, (my drive to the old work was about 45 minutes to an hour, so it wasn't really that bad, and for most of it I was on cruse control). I felt the interview went very well, they asked a lot of questions and I was able to answer all of them but one, and even that one, I think I answered enough to let them know I was at least partially familiar with it. Their office was nice, the staff was nice. All in all not a bad setup. After around 90 days of employment they will allow telecommuting 2-3 days per week. I had initially thought it was 2-3 times per 2 weeks (they have staff meetings every 2 weeks to keep everything on track), but apparently it's ever week...that may be a bit much, I was originally interested in the position because of the option to work from home, but I thought about it and 2 times a week is around 340 miles, which is about what I was doing going to and from Eden Prairie every day.
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Got a call on my way home, looks like another company is interested in me, this one is in St. Paul Don't know a lot about them yet, going to spend some time today researching them. Things finally seem to be picking up, I'm very happy to hear this.
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Got a call from my recruiter who setup the St. Cloud interview. She said that the people I met with were very impressed with my interview and are meeting later today to make a decision and will let us know tomorrow (probably).
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Guess they didn't need a lot of time to make their decision, got a call tonight, and I'm told they will be extending me an offer. I need to call them tomorrow to go over all the details, then I can make a decision....been a long crazy ride, but it looks like this blog will be ceasing new posts, starting very soon.