(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GzSoiOxXMAAGNLN?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
If someone were to ask me, "What IS a dream job?" I would answer that, if you're getting paid to do what you've always loved doing as a hobby, that's a dream job. Working for Parallax for 12 years was mine. Everything I did there were things I was already doing at home. And so I would finish work and go home and do more of the same.
Someone (young) said to me once, I could never do that. I asked why. They replied that they wouldn't want to do the same thing all day long as work and a hobby. I told them that they haven't found their dream job yet then.
It's sad the way things ended at Parallax. I literally felt like my heart got ripped out when they announced my layoff. I felt like my heart got stomped on when Ken Gracey told me they wouldn't endorse me as an authorized consultant and removed me from the website and banned me from posting business stuff on their forums.
For 12 years my whole life was built around Parallax. I guess you could say I was forced to rethink my life too. I just wish I didn't have to lose everything in the process. There is so much that is unreplaceable. :-\
Yeah, very sad. It was around that time that I noticed that Parallax forums were floundering. It seemed that they were so intent on putting feature creep into the P2 that they couldn't be bothered with anything else.
Quote from: granz on Aug 27, 2025, 03:38 PMYeah, very sad. It was around that time that I noticed that Parallax forums were floundering. It seemed that they were so intent on putting feature creep into the P2 that they couldn't be bothered with anything else.
Yeah, so many people left and never went back. I hope it was worth it. But yeah, I've had to "rethink" the term, "dream job".
Quote from: Chris Savage on Aug 27, 2025, 04:09 PMQuote from: granz on Aug 27, 2025, 03:38 PMYeah, very sad. It was around that time that I noticed that Parallax forums were floundering. It seemed that they were so intent on putting feature creep into the P2 that they couldn't be bothered with anything else.
Yeah, so many people left and never went back. I hope it was worth it. But yeah, I've had to "rethink" the term, "dream job".
I used to think (and still do, sometimes) that my dream job would be curator of an antique computer museum. That is something that I actually tried to do - but like my other careers, I'm a better technician than business man. I would love to be surrounded by computers from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s - that would be a dream. ;D
I gave up on even trying mine....
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Aug 28, 2025, 12:04 PMI gave up on even trying mine....
Your dream job? What was it?
Quote from: Chris Savage on Aug 28, 2025, 12:55 PMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Aug 28, 2025, 12:04 PMI gave up on even trying mine....
Your dream job? What was it?
Racecar driver... specifically NASCAR. All ever heard was crap like it being a childish dream..
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Aug 28, 2025, 05:58 PMRacecar driver... specifically NASCAR. All ever heard was crap like it being a childish dream..
So, did you ever do anything towards that goal? It would be cool to get into racing.
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Aug 28, 2025, 05:58 PMRacecar driver... specifically NASCAR. All ever heard was crap like it being a childish dream..
Ironically, I was told when I was younger that electronics and computers was just a pipe dream and that I needed to be realistic. When I was in a Rock Band I understood that. But can you imagine what I could have accomplished if I had been encouraged in my pursuit of electronics? So, I know how you feel.
Quote from: granz on Aug 28, 2025, 08:03 PMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Aug 28, 2025, 05:58 PMRacecar driver... specifically NASCAR. All ever heard was crap like it being a childish dream..
So, did you ever do anything towards that goal? It would be cool to get into racing.
Sadly, no... Didn't really have the cash, even though I kinda knew I'd need to do track racing to get noticed, since my non-existing famous racing relative is a stuck up... so being on my own, I really couldn't do anything. All I got is Games like Forza Horizon 3/4/5 and my 2 racing wheels for my pc/Xbox one...
Quote from: Chris Savage on Aug 28, 2025, 09:50 PMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Aug 28, 2025, 05:58 PMRacecar driver... specifically NASCAR. All ever heard was crap like it being a childish dream..
Ironically, I was told when I was younger that electronics and computers was just a pipe dream and that I needed to be realistic. When I was in a Rock Band I understood that. But can you imagine what I could have accomplished if I had been encouraged in my pursuit of electronics? So, I know how you feel.
I guess you would, huh? Kinda pathetic and sad.. I also tried to be a chef, lack of school didn't deter that one, home-studied. Had an interview at Buffalo Wild Wings, in my area, not too many options, and when I had the interview, 1st went great, 2nd, general manager, couldn't have cared any less about me knowing more then their current staff, as the first woman said... again, family wasn't really supportive, so when I tried Sonic as a cook, kept getting the run around, so I said HELL with it, NOT what I said, has an F, think you can figure it out... So here I am... Now, I'm more like, I DON'T really need or WANT anyone's help.... There are some exceptions, but not much... You, Granz, my Dad, friend in N.C., for the most part, the entire list...
Quote from: Chris Savage on Aug 28, 2025, 09:50 PMIronically, I was told when I was younger that electronics and computers was just a pipe dream and that I needed to be realistic. When I was in a Rock Band I understood that. But can you imagine what I could have accomplished if I had been encouraged in my pursuit of electronics? So, I know how you feel.
I was supposed to go, from high school, directly into college for a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (they did not have any degree in Computer Engineering at that time - at least not that I found.) Unfortunately, I got a severe case of senioritis (https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/education/what-is-senioritis) while a senior in high school. :-[ So, rather than do what I was supposed to do, I joined the Air Force as an enlisted man (rather than an officer,) and never got my degree. Over the years, I've calculated that I should have made 1.5 to 2 million dollars more than I did without the degree. :(
Quote from: granz on Aug 29, 2025, 06:43 AMUnfortunately, I got a severe case of senioritis while a senior in high school. :-[ So, rather than do what I was supposed to do, I joined the Air Force
I didn't have that, however I did suffer a lack of motivation throughout my 5-12 school years. The entire time I was being called lazy. I got 100s on testing, but never finished homework. Barely paid attention in class (I doodled). It was only the fact that testing counted more than homework that I barely skated by. A couple of years after I was out of school, a study came out that identified me as someone who was way smarter than my class (way ahead of the curve), and therefore I didn't feel challenged in school, so I didn't take it very seriously. Wish they could've identified that when I was in 5th grade instead of after I was out of school. Again, the things I could've done if properly diagnosed.
Quote from: Chris Savage on Aug 29, 2025, 08:36 AMI didn't have that, however I did suffer a lack of motivation throughout my 5-12 school years. The entire time I was being called lazy. I got 100s on testing, but never finished homework. Barely paid attention in class (I doodled). It was only the fact that testing counted more than homework that I barely skated by. A couple of years after I was out of school, a study came out that identified me as someone who was way smarter than my class (way ahead of the curve), and therefore I didn't feel challenged in school, so I didn't take it very seriously. Wish they could've identified that when I was in 5th grade instead of after I was out of school. Again, the things I could've done if properly diagnosed.
Interesting similarity here:
When I was in third grade, my teacher (Sister Mary Ernest) handed me a math paper, which I quickly did. The next day, she handed me the same paper. I told her that I already did it, but she insisted that I do it again - I refused. My doodling was drawing hot rod dragsters. ;D I stayed after school for detention
every single day, for the first half of third grade. At that point my parents went to the principal, and got me transferred to Miss Halpins class. The first day in that new class, Miss Halpin came up to me, and said "hey Art, my guppy died, do you want to stay after school to help me dissect him?" I stayed after school (not for detention) every day for the rest of third grade. 8) Miss Halpin gave me the challenge that I needed.
Then in fourth, or fifth, grade, our school went to IGE (Individually Guided Education,) where the student was supposed to go at his own pace. By the end of September (when we started in the beginning of September,) I had finished the entire school year's work. I asked my teacher what to do next (which
should have been to go on to the next grade.) She told me that she could not take time to help me because of having to deal with the slower kids, and to just go "over there" and read - so I read for the rest of the year (I am a voracious reader, having read many thousands of books.) So much for IGE. ::)
Then after seventh grade (I could not stay at that school,) my parents had me take the placement test at the local high school. I tested in at an average end-of-year sophomore level, with several subjects clocking in at a Junior level (just after finishing seventh grade. 8) )
It's no wonder that I like you so much - were kindred spirits (plus our similar hobbys.)
I like Granz wanted to be a Computer engineer but the colleges I wanted to go to didn't offer it. So I got an electrical engineering degree. At one point in college I was in the process of switching from a 4 year BS to the 2 year associates degree then do a 2 year associates in Computer Science but a engineer I knew talked me back into the BS engineering degree.
During my career I did migrate over to becoming a computer programmer for most of it. I found when I had an engineering job I would program as a hobby and vice versa. So I've always had my dream job. I also found if your job is also your hobby you become passionate about your work.
I'm close to retirement and I am looking forward to it since the past few years my company is making me more customer service than programmer and I really don't like that part of my job.
Quote from: granz on Aug 29, 2025, 06:43 AMQuote from: Chris Savage on Aug 28, 2025, 09:50 PMIronically, I was told when I was younger that electronics and computers was just a pipe dream and that I needed to be realistic. When I was in a Rock Band I understood that. But can you imagine what I could have accomplished if I had been encouraged in my pursuit of electronics? So, I know how you feel.
I was supposed to go, from high school, directly into college for a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (they did not have any degree in Computer Engineering at that time - at least not that I found.) Unfortunately, I got a severe case of senioritis (https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/education/what-is-senioritis) while a senior in high school. :-[ So, rather than do what I was supposed to do, I joined the Air Force as an enlisted man (rather than an officer,) and never got my degree. Over the years, I've calculated that I should have made 1.5 to 2 million dollars more than I did without the degree. :(
I want $1.5-$2 million!! lol
Quote from: granz on Aug 29, 2025, 09:24 PMI told her that I already did it, but she insisted that I do it again - I refused. My doodling was drawing hot rod dragsters. ;D
Atleast your priorities was in order. ROTFLMAO!
Quote from: Chris Savage on Aug 29, 2025, 08:36 AMI didn't have that, however I did suffer a lack of motivation throughout my 5-12 school years. The entire time I was being called lazy. I got 100s on testing, but never finished homework. Barely paid attention in class (I doodled). It was only the fact that testing counted more than homework that I barely skated by. A couple of years after I was out of school, a study came out that identified me as someone who was way smarter than my class (way ahead of the curve), and therefore I didn't feel challenged in school, so I didn't take it very seriously. Wish they could've identified that when I was in 5th grade instead of after I was out of school. Again, the things I could've done if properly diagnosed.
I just hated school, so no real interest, no friends for the most part, got made fun of, but tried still, so yeah....
Quote from: MicroNut on Aug 29, 2025, 09:36 PMDuring my career I did migrate over to becoming a computer programmer for most of it. I found when I had an engineering job I would program as a hobby and vice versa. So I've always had my dream job. I also found if your job is also your hobby you become passionate about your work.
I wouldn't know what it's like to have a job I enjoy... then again I am in retail... Which I HATE.... but pays the bills.
Quote from: MicroNut on Aug 29, 2025, 09:36 PMI like Granz wanted to be a Computer engineer but the colleges I wanted to go to didn't offer it. So I got an electrical engineering degree. At one point in college I was in the process of switching from a 4 year BS to the 2 year associates degree then do a 2 year associates in Computer Science but a engineer I knew talked me back into the BS engineering degree.
Thank God for that engineer, and that you listened.
Quote from: MicroNut on Aug 29, 2025, 09:36 PMI'm close to retirement and I am looking forward to it since the past few years my company is making me more customer service than programmer and I really don't like that part of my job.
I also hated that part of my jobs.
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Aug 29, 2025, 10:58 PMI want $1.5-$2 million!! lol
Yeah, although that is what a computer engineer (or embedded systems engineer,) from 1983 until today (or rather in a couple years when I should be retiring) would have made, above what I made. It would have been considerably higher if I had gone ahead and gotten my Master's, or PhD, or a Master's in Business.
Also, many of the jobs for which I applied did not even consider me (even though I was very well qualified) simply because I did not have the sheep skin.
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Aug 29, 2025, 11:03 PMI wouldn't know what it's like to have a job I enjoy... then again I am in retail... Which I HATE.... but pays the bills.
Hey, paying the bills is important; be glad that you can do that much.
There were several times that I couldn't get a job in computers, and had to drive taxis, Uber/Lyft, security guard, etc.
When my back first started giving me too much pain to work (2018,) I couldn't get any kind of income. We lived on our retirement (paying fines for each withdrawal) for several months. Killed off my whole retirement fund.
Quote from: granz on Aug 29, 2025, 09:24 PMIt's no wonder that I like you so much - were kindred spirits (plus our similar hobbys.)
My brother from another mother. 8)
Quote from: granz on Aug 30, 2025, 09:35 AMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Aug 29, 2025, 11:03 PMI wouldn't know what it's like to have a job I enjoy... then again I am in retail... Which I HATE.... but pays the bills.
Hey, paying the bills is important; be glad that you can do that much.
There were several times that I couldn't get a job in computers, and had to drive taxis, Uber/Lyft, security guard, etc.
When my back first started giving me too much pain to work (2018,) I couldn't get any kind of income. We lived on our retirement (paying fines for each withdrawal) for several months. Killed off my whole retirement fund.
That's rough, I'd go find something else but $16@40hr now easy to locate.
Quote from: granz on Aug 30, 2025, 07:31 AMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Aug 29, 2025, 10:58 PMI want $1.5-$2 million!! lol
Yeah, although that is what a computer engineer (or embedded systems engineer,) from 1983 until today (or rather in a couple years when I should be retiring) would have made, above what I made. It would have been considerably higher if I had gone ahead and gotten my Master's, or PhD, or a Master's in Business.
Also, many of the jobs for which I applied did not even consider me (even though I was very well qualified) simply because I did not have the sheep skin.
I know feeling, mines worthless... apperently they want tge certifications...
I just looked over the thread on ZappBots (https://zappbots.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=322) where we talked about our degrees. I thought that you had gotten a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology. But in that thread, you only talk about getting an Associate's degree. Did you mention elsewhere that you were pursuing, or had earned, your BS degree?
JK, I feel your pain. There was a 6 year period I couldn't find work. I ended up working at a connivence store and a grocery story 50-60 hours a week (30 on the weekend) with no days off. I appreciate people working in retail and dealing with the public.
Quote from: granz on Aug 30, 2025, 08:46 PMI just looked over the thread on ZappBots (https://zappbots.altervista.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=322) where we talked about our degrees. I thought that you had gotten a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology. But in that thread, you only talk about getting an Associate's degree. Did you mention elsewhere that you were pursuing, or had earned, your BS degree?
Associate in Applied Science in Electronics and Computer Technologies actually.
Quote from: MicroNut on Sep 08, 2025, 09:41 PMJK, I feel your pain. There was a 6 year period I couldn't find work. I ended up working at a connivence store and a grocery story 50-60 hours a week (30 on the weekend) with no days off. I appreciate people working in retail and dealing with the public.
Sometimes, I can't stand working in public... There's a guy that comes in often, claims can't talk, writing is even worse, but last time i helped him, he suddenly had the ability, IT'S A MIRACLE FROM GOD!!...., then was back to "I can't talk"..... or in one case..... thank GOD I NEVER saw her again!!!!!!!, woman with LEGENDARY BAD body odor.... I mean, skunk roadkill in Death Valley or a Porta-Potty convention in the Sahara ain't got NOTHING on this woman.... :o I held breath to keep from passing out bad.... cause I FELT like it WAS GOING TO HAPPEN! :o :o but at the same time there are good people to talk to.
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 08, 2025, 11:39 PMAssociate in Applied Science in Electronics and Computer Technologies actually.
Joe, you had mentioned that you were lacking in certifications.
I used to teach A-Plus, and MOUS (Microsoft Office User Specialist) certification courses. Recently, I checked for you, and found that you can take courses for low cost, or even for free. Take a look at: https://climbhire.co/career-development/how-to-get-comptia-certification-free/ (https://climbhire.co/career-development/how-to-get-comptia-certification-free/); that may help you. They offer free training (for certain people,) but also give info on other free, and low-cost, training.
Quote from: granz on Sep 09, 2025, 06:58 AMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 08, 2025, 11:39 PMAssociate in Applied Science in Electronics and Computer Technologies actually.
Joe, you had mentioned that you were lacking in certifications.
I used to teach A-Plus, and MOUS (Microsoft Office User Specialist) certification courses. Recently, I checked for you, and found that you can take courses for low cost, or even for free. Take a look at: https://climbhire.co/career-development/how-to-get-comptia-certification-free/ (https://climbhire.co/career-development/how-to-get-comptia-certification-free/); that may help you. They offer free training (for certain people,) but also give info on other free, and low-cost, training.
Thanks, I got an online service, just gotta find time, been really busy with stuff.
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 09, 2025, 10:56 AMThanks, I got an online service, just gotta find time, been really busy with stuff.
Yeah, it's a pain when "real-life" gets in the way of having fun. Marilyn and I were taking the girlfriend of one of our sons back to school, and we stopped for dinner. During the meal, I was asking her about prices (rent, utilities, tuition, books, etc.) and she blurted out "adulting isn't any fun!" After a laugh, I told her that this was one of the most mature things that I had ever heard.
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 09, 2025, 10:56 AMThanks, I got an online service, just gotta find time, been really busy with stuff.
What do you mean by "an online service"? Do you already have some training sites for your certification stuff? There is a lot of stuff out there.
Quote from: granz on Sep 09, 2025, 12:01 PMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 09, 2025, 10:56 AMThanks, I got an online service, just gotta find time, been really busy with stuff.
What do you mean by "an online service"? Do you already have some training sites for your certification stuff? There is a lot of stuff out there.
It was called IT Pro TV, can't remember current name
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 09, 2025, 02:48 PMIt was called IT Pro TV, can't remember current name
When I looked for that, I found a "try it" site (https://try.itpro.tv/business-demo/ (https://try.itpro.tv/business-demo/).) But when I stripped out the page, and the sub-domain, (I.E. www.itpro.tv,) it redirected me to: https://shop.acilearning.com/individuals (https://shop.acilearning.com/individuals).
Actually, $379/year is not bad. If you are unable to get into one of the "Climb Hire" programs, that could do the job.
Quote from: granz on Sep 09, 2025, 03:39 PMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 09, 2025, 02:48 PMIt was called IT Pro TV, can't remember current name
When I looked for that, I found a "try it" site (https://try.itpro.tv/business-demo/ (https://try.itpro.tv/business-demo/).) But when I stripped out the page, and the sub-domain, (I.E. www.itpro.tv,) it redirected me to: https://shop.acilearning.com/individuals (https://shop.acilearning.com/individuals).
Actually, $379/year is not bad. If you are unable to get into one of the "Climb Hire" programs, that could do the job.
That's it! Ok, I can try that, but what's a climb hire program??
Quote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 09, 2025, 10:29 PMThat's it! Ok, I can try that, but what's a climb hire program??
The program that I mentioned in reply #26 is from the organization called Climb Hire (the name is a pun on climb higher for getting hired.)
https://climbhire.co/career-development/how-to-get-comptia-certification-free/
Quote from: granz on Sep 10, 2025, 06:50 AMQuote from: JKnightandKARR on Sep 09, 2025, 10:29 PMThat's it! Ok, I can try that, but what's a climb hire program??
The program that I mentioned in reply #26 is from the organization called Climb Hire (the name is a pun on climb higher for getting hired.)
https://climbhire.co/career-development/how-to-get-comptia-certification-free/
cool thanks