OldCoder

7 ms·

1.
by OldCoder 12y ago
Vuong, you're welcome :P I helped with structure. But the piece, like the decision, is yours. The fact you're thinking about decisions, and were moved to compose the piece, bodes well. Keep the fact we're allotted only so muc
2.
by OldCoder 13y ago
Manager positions wouldn't have worked at the initial firm or the dot-com because both firms kicked the bucket. What I should have done is understand that things change and prepared for changes in advance.
3.
by OldCoder 13y ago
Not a bad idea. May implement down the road. Thanks.
4.
by OldCoder 13y ago
It could be worse. I could be an Old Coder in his 70s :P But, in all seriousness, though age discrimination is very real, I don't feel that it's as significant a factor for me presently as my lack of a social network or the fact
5.
by OldCoder 13y ago
The ":P" was intended to convey tongue in cheek. But the suggestions are useful and appreciated. And I like the idea that one might feel "froggy". I'm not sure what this means but it sounds lively.
6.
by OldCoder 13y ago
If I'm going to become a specialist, this is entirely correct. But is this the right path? Or is there a way to salvage a generalist career?
7.
by OldCoder 13y ago
Thanks both for the suggestion and the best of luck. I'll do as you suggest at some point.
8.
by OldCoder 13y ago
Recently, I'm failing at finding listings that seem to be a match. Friends have urged me to simply apply for random jobs even if I'm missing experience in particular frameworks. I've been reluctant to do so. Instead, I'v
9.
by OldCoder 13y ago
A targeted resume, intended to present me as a specialist in Linux, would zoom in and do precisely this. However, if I tried to add this level of detail to everything on the resume at once, I'd end up with dozens of pages. Remember tha
10.
by OldCoder 13y ago
So it's mostly about social networks, which I talked about myself and which I neglected to maintain. A number of other people here are focused on the resume. You yourself suggest a rewrite. But if it's of marginal utility I think
11.
by OldCoder 13y ago
These points are sensible. But aren't you simply confirming what I said to begin with? You're essentially saying that companies use checkbox filters to sift through applicants looking for specialists. Exactly what I was trying to
12.
by OldCoder 13y ago
Excellent point. And, conversely, how do I demonstrate, on my resume, that I'm proficient as a generalist without listing the things that specialist-oriented readers here suggest that I omit?
13.
by OldCoder 13y ago
Yes, regarding reasons for leaving. I'm going to drop those. DOS and AIX are included to illustrate breadth as opposed to depth. Not because I expect anybody to be impressed by 20-year-old work in these two OSes. Metrics are an interes
14.
by OldCoder 13y ago
The problem isn't presently the age or the resume. With you, the resume would be a problem. But this might be a good thing. As I've said elsewhere, I'd be pleased to obtain a junior tech position if it was a good match. B
15.
by OldCoder 13y ago
I started a few days ago. It hasn't been a good week for medical issues but things are looking up. I've been to the Emergency Room twice since Sunday. And I had a fever of 102 degrees just a few hours ago. But I'm feeling O.K
16.
by OldCoder 13y ago
The distro is named LACLIN. LACLIN will be 10 years old, in its current incarnation, on Christmas Eve 2014. I use it for all of my work. But I haven't created a public release yet. I'd hoped to create a public release this year bu
17.
by OldCoder 13y ago
Yes; you're correct about the "highly skilled" part. I should edit the point. I'm a highly experienced generalist as opposed to a highly skilled one. You're also correct about the fact that I do have a few specialti
18.
by OldCoder 13y ago
T-shaped is a good term. Thanks, I'll remember it. I'm only now learning the ropes as far as some things go. I haven't sought out firms of that type yet and advice would be appreciated.
19.
by OldCoder 13y ago
It's a fact of life that resumes are crucial and that structure makes a difference. But I've noticed that people often disagree about approaches. This particular resume is based on a template that people in a channel liked. I&#x27
20.
by OldCoder 13y ago
Agree with rewording the narrative part but not sure yet of the best way to handle some parts.
21.
by OldCoder 13y ago
The interest is appreciated. However, we have different perspectives. My 'C' experience dates back to 1976 and is probably still relevant. FWIW I never did much COBOL though my firm did have a COBOL-Lint. I don't think that y
22.
by OldCoder 13y ago
In everyday situations, outside of job interviews, if I feel confident about a situation, and I'm not under time pressure, I often come across as polished. I've been mistaken for an attorney repeatedly over the past few decades. A
23.
by OldCoder 13y ago
Some of my friends have told me I'm too literal about job listings. They echo a key point that you've made here, "JAP positions normally require just the basic coding skills". But if I apply for positions that need speci
24.
by OldCoder 13y ago
Doesn't experience count with Sales regardless of age? But you're correct in general. Age discrimination is probably more significant in some non-tech sectors than in tech. And I agree that the social network issue is crucial.
25.
by OldCoder 13y ago
Heh. I had to do all that at the dot-com because they fired everybody else after the money ran out. I was the only rank and file employee left except for one left-over junior marketing person. I turned him into a coder and he wrote a GUI fo
26.
by OldCoder 13y ago
Yes, it's relevant. It was part of the reason that I never built a social network. Additionally, in some face to face interviews, it was a significant factor. However, in recent months, I've done better. Four random strangers that
27.
by OldCoder 13y ago
Most contract jobs that I see seem to be apps or webdev. I expect to get up to speed more on native apps and/or web apps. So I've got a shot at this side. I've done basic webdev. I might be able to make a go of small sites. B
28.
by OldCoder 13y ago
I'd be pleased with a junior role if it's a good match for both sides. That's important to me.
29.
by OldCoder 13y ago
If I stay in the S.F. Bay Area, I think that a junior tech position here might work out. Above entry level and below lead. The trick will be staying above water long enough to find a good match. I'd expand my options, both tech and non
30.
by OldCoder 13y ago
Yes, it's U.S. specific. I don't think it will happen in the EU. The EU may go through some changes, but I feel that health care will continue to be seen as something that countries need as part of a sound infrastructure.

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