James Pearl Thinks Blogging is Dead

[Norm]

Work

So the new job. I don't know where this is going. After we got the axe at the last job, I landed at the new place at the start of November. By the end of the year we were merging with another org that was bigger than us, and has basically called all the shots since we got there. In addition to this, we are keeping their name. So is this a merger, or a consumption? If it quacks...

Anyway, it's not a bad setup. I've technically gotten a title upgrade and I'm now a "director" which is just a fancy name for, "We don't know what to do with this guy." It's a weird situation, because I come in with more experience in running a software delivery org than, well, everyone here. Pretty much top top bottom, the things we have done are far more mature than what I'm seeing from either org, as well as the combined orgs. Unfortunately, the promises that were made to me, that I would be "part of the inner circle" turned out to be bullshit.

I'm not necessarily in a bad spot but it's hard to watch things around me operate like this, then just sit back and say nothing. In talking with someone I trust, it seems that the new company management is being territorial and not admitting where they need to improve. It may be a case where they don't want to call their baby ugly. But in some cases, you know maybe it's best to turn down the light, if you know what I'm saying.

I landed under a new boss, and I like him more than the guy I was working for in the beginning. I also think he is the only person at the new org that could reasonably say he has as much experience in the tool as I do. So it's a good fit. I have a fairly easy job right now. I don't dislike the work. I don't need to travel. I have a good boss. I get a lot of vacation. We have more coworkers. We're better off together than we were separately. So what is it that I'm unsure about?

In a year from now, I don't know if this org can survive in its current form. So that begs the question, do I need to prepare an exit strategy already? Of course the answer is that yes, you always need to be prepared. But I'm not going to entertain any of those LinkedIn recruiters just yet. Well, at least not seriously.

I have like 6 years before I want to call it a career. Ideally, this would be the last job I ever have. Do I think that's likely? Given the above, no I do not. Do I think it's possible? Yes, absolutely. But there's too much up in the air right now so I need to just play it by ear and see how things go.

In any event, this is me & the pup.

 

[Mtbdog]

You know how to create a buzz

Well played!👏

 

[MissJR]

Work

So the new job. I don't know where this is going. After we got the axe at the last job, I landed at the new place at the start of November. By the end of the year we were merging with another org that was bigger than us, and has basically called all the shots since we got there. In addition to this, we are keeping their name. So is this a merger, or a consumption? If it quacks...

Anyway, it's not a bad setup. I've technically gotten a title upgrade and I'm now a "director" which is just a fancy name for, "We don't know what to do with this guy." It's a weird situation, because I come in with more experience in running a software delivery org than, well, everyone here. Pretty much top top bottom, the things we have done are far more mature than what I'm seeing from either org, as well as the combined orgs. Unfortunately, the promises that were made to me, that I would be "part of the inner circle" turned out to be bullshit.

I'm not necessarily in a bad spot but it's hard to watch things around me operate like this, then just sit back and say nothing. In talking with someone I trust, it seems that the new company management is being territorial and not admitting where they need to improve. It may be a case where they don't want to call their baby ugly. But in some cases, you know maybe it's best to turn down the light, if you know what I'm saying.

I landed under a new boss, and I like him more than the guy I was working for in the beginning. I also think he is the only person at the new org that could reasonably say he has as much experience in the tool as I do. So it's a good fit. I have a fairly easy job right now. I don't dislike the work. I don't need to travel. I have a good boss. I get a lot of vacation. We have more coworkers. We're better off together than we were separately. So what is it that I'm unsure about?

In a year from now, I don't know if this org can survive in its current form. So that begs the question, do I need to prepare an exit strategy already? Of course the answer is that yes, you always need to be prepared. But I'm not going to entertain any of those LinkedIn recruiters just yet. Well, at least not seriously.

I have like 6 years before I want to call it a career. Ideally, this would be the last job I ever have. Do I think that's likely? Given the above, no I do not. Do I think it's possible? Yes, absolutely. But there's too much up in the air right now so I need to just play it by ear and see how things go.

In any event, this is me & the pup.

View attachment 255814

Nice hair.

Not quite the same thing but I was having a conversation with my supervisor today about my long term plan/position in the company... The CEO very clearly wants an all online kind of news site and he's getting that with the other news organizations the company has acquired... But the news branch I work in has a lot of print/PDF subscriber fans... So what happens to me (the maker of such PDFs) when the CEO finally axes the version of what we do? Apparently there were talks about me doing more graphics across the board... The "we are publishing this article about XYZ and need something colorful with it" kind of thing... Maybe it would be a graph or a map or photo of a building... And while I do appreciate the concern and desire to keep me there, I could only kind of nod in agreement while thinking "IDGAF.... What would my severance package be?" and "Can I force myself to wake up early enough to make lattes and pour overs for the locals?"

 

[JDurk]

Work

So the new job. I don't know where this is going. After we got the axe at the last job, I landed at the new place at the start of November. By the end of the year we were merging with another org that was bigger than us, and has basically called all the shots since we got there. In addition to this, we are keeping their name. So is this a merger, or a consumption? If it quacks...

Anyway, it's not a bad setup. I've technically gotten a title upgrade and I'm now a "director" which is just a fancy name for, "We don't know what to do with this guy." It's a weird situation, because I come in with more experience in running a software delivery org than, well, everyone here. Pretty much top top bottom, the things we have done are far more mature than what I'm seeing from either org, as well as the combined orgs. Unfortunately, the promises that were made to me, that I would be "part of the inner circle" turned out to be bullshit.

I'm not necessarily in a bad spot but it's hard to watch things around me operate like this, then just sit back and say nothing. In talking with someone I trust, it seems that the new company management is being territorial and not admitting where they need to improve. It may be a case where they don't want to call their baby ugly. But in some cases, you know maybe it's best to turn down the light, if you know what I'm saying.

I landed under a new boss, and I like him more than the guy I was working for in the beginning. I also think he is the only person at the new org that could reasonably say he has as much experience in the tool as I do. So it's a good fit. I have a fairly easy job right now. I don't dislike the work. I don't need to travel. I have a good boss. I get a lot of vacation. We have more coworkers. We're better off together than we were separately. So what is it that I'm unsure about?

In a year from now, I don't know if this org can survive in its current form. So that begs the question, do I need to prepare an exit strategy already? Of course the answer is that yes, you always need to be prepared. But I'm not going to entertain any of those LinkedIn recruiters just yet. Well, at least not seriously.

I have like 6 years before I want to call it a career. Ideally, this would be the last job I ever have. Do I think that's likely? Given the above, no I do not. Do I think it's possible? Yes, absolutely. But there's too much up in the air right now so I need to just play it by ear and see how things go.

In any event, this is me & the pup.

View attachment 255814

Paragraphs 3, 5 and 6 hit home for me.

 

[Carson]

Sketcher step-ins FTW.

You all are doing it wrong...

View attachment 255809

Doppleganger.

 

[2Julianas]

I feel you @Norm. I had the same career reckoning conversation at dinner last night with a co-worker. I have two retirement milestones to reach that give me access to better benefits from the company I have been at for 26 years, and we were talking about whether we can see that happening in the current roles we are in. The first is age 55 and that is three years from now for me. Barring any major societal or economic hiccup with the US (which I currently have at a >50% probability) I can likely say my current job will get me there. However, I will still need an income to bridge me to the age where I can draw benefits and not get taxed like crazy (62? 67? 99?). The second is in 6 years where I reach the magical number to get me 100% full legacy retirement perks. But with all the uncertainty that milestone feels so much less achievable. And hey, the BoD might vote to tank all retirement benefits and then it was all for nothing.

Oh and Bear always has a slightly worried look in pictures! Its adorable.

 

[Norm]

Oh and Bear always has a slightly worried look in pictures! Its adorable.

This is because I'm holding a tennis ball in the other hand. This is the only way, and I mean only way, to get him to stand still for more than 1/10000000 of a second.

 

[Norm]

Coffee Culture

There's a small coffee shop in Berkeley Heights that opened up a few years ago, right across the street from where we adopted Bear, and where we still buy his dog food. I tried it right after it opened, and was so NOT impressed with the beans that I never went back. Until today. I'm running real tight right now and with the trip coming up, I don't want to mail order something that won't get here before we leave. So I decided to give it another chance.

Sadly, it still sucks.

That said, I admire what this guy is doing and I tip this in Joy's direction with this thought. When I went in a few years ago, it was a small shop with some bare bones stuff. I went back in today, and while it's still a small shop, he has a bakery section, all sorts of merchandise, and a ton of beans for sale. While he doesn't offer a pour over, he does have pretty much everything else you can offer in a small shop like this. He's done well, and I can appreciate that.

His shop is open 6 days a week, from 7-11am. That's it. I doubt I'll go back anytime soon, as his roast was as uninspired as I remember it. But I have to admire that he's living his dream life, with his dream job. And that's something I can appreciate, and get behind. I mean, I can get behind it every 2 years or so when I go back to confirm that he hasn't gotten any better at roasting. But the people like it, and he's doing well. So good on him.

Is this something I would do? No. No, I'll keep on with the profession I'm in until I have enough to hang up the skates. But I do appreciate what this guy, and Joy to an adjacent extent, are thinking. Some days, I'm sure we all feel this, it seems like it might be better to have a mindless job where you make the widgets, or the coffee, and go home. Would this last long? No, I know I would hate it in no time. And it wouldn't challenge me in the least so I would probably lose my shit before too long. But I can appreciate it all.

For Alex - we have some time together very soon. This is 1 of the things we'll need to discuss. For the rest of you, keep punching the clock when it's...time to make the donuts. Or open a coffee shop. I'll come check it out.

 

[Red Mosquito]

Some days, I'm sure we all feel this, it seems like it might be better to have a mindless job where you make the widgets, or the coffee, and go home. Would this last long? No, I know I would hate it in no time. And it wouldn't challenge me in the least so I would probably lose my shit before too long. But I can appreciate it all.

I’m all for making the widgets at this point. Would it suck and be boring? Probably, but at least the widgets stay at the widget factory at the end of the day. The stress and challenger etc. of the job I have now comes from caring about the outcome. My goal is to slide away from that as I move into retirement.

In more realistic terms, my plan is to keep on it for as long as I have to, which is until the house is paid off and the kids finish college. The youngest is 4 so that’s at least another 16 or so years which puts me at 60. But by then we’ll hopefully have enough of a nest egg to hang it up. I figure I’ll get a job at Home Depot or some shit just to keep a little money coming in. That’s assuming home depot will still exist and will still be hiring people. But if they’re not, I’ll work part time at the doggy daycare. Point is I’m over the stress of work, so if I can make ends meet with less income to bridge me into the collection years, why the F not?

I’m in no hurry to expedite the passage of time but I do envy your proximity to the light at the end of the tunnel. Enjoy the rest of the ride!

 

[Patrick]

I’m all for making the widgets at this point. Would it suck and be boring? Probably, but at least the widgets stay at the widget factory at the end of the day. The stress and challenger etc. of the job I have now comes from caring about the outcome. My goal is to slide away from that as I move into retirement.

In more realistic terms, my plan is to keep on it for as long as I have to, which is until the house is paid off and the kids finish college. The youngest is 4 so that’s at least another 16 or so years which puts me at 60. But by then we’ll hopefully have enough of a nest egg to hang it up. I figure I’ll get a job at Home Depot or some shit just to keep a little money coming in. That’s assuming home depot will still exist and will still be hiring people. But if they’re not, I’ll work part time at the doggy daycare. Point is I’m over the stress of work, so if I can make ends meet with less income to bridge me into the collection years, why the F not?

I’m in no hurry to expedite the passage of time but I do envy your proximity to the light at the end of the tunnel. Enjoy the rest of the ride!

News alert. It is going to fly by. Enjoy all of it.

 

[JDurk]

Coffee Culture

There's a small coffee shop in Berkeley Heights that opened up a few years ago, right across the street from where we adopted Bear, and where we still buy his dog food. I tried it right after it opened, and was so NOT impressed with the beans that I never went back. Until today. I'm running real tight right now and with the trip coming up, I don't want to mail order something that won't get here before we leave. So I decided to give it another chance.

Sadly, it still sucks.

That said, I admire what this guy is doing and I tip this in Joy's direction with this thought. When I went in a few years ago, it was a small shop with some bare bones stuff. I went back in today, and while it's still a small shop, he has a bakery section, all sorts of merchandise, and a ton of beans for sale. While he doesn't offer a pour over, he does have pretty much everything else you can offer in a small shop like this. He's done well, and I can appreciate that.

His shop is open 6 days a week, from 7-11am. That's it. I doubt I'll go back anytime soon, as his roast was as uninspired as I remember it. But I have to admire that he's living his dream life, with his dream job. And that's something I can appreciate, and get behind. I mean, I can get behind it every 2 years or so when I go back to confirm that he hasn't gotten any better at roasting. But the people like it, and he's doing well. So good on him.

Is this something I would do? No. No, I'll keep on with the profession I'm in until I have enough to hang up the skates. But I do appreciate what this guy, and Joy to an adjacent extent, are thinking. Some days, I'm sure we all feel this, it seems like it might be better to have a mindless job where you make the widgets, or the coffee, and go home. Would this last long? No, I know I would hate it in no time. And it wouldn't challenge me in the least so I would probably lose my shit before too long. But I can appreciate it all.

For Alex - we have some time together very soon. This is 1 of the things we'll need to discuss. For the rest of you, keep punching the clock when it's...time to make the donuts. Or open a coffee shop. I'll come check it out.

View attachment 255861

Replying to this post as someone who is also pondering what to do after my career. With both of us being approximately 6yrs from the 62 retirement plan, we've been discussing what will we do. As an engineer that's part of a widget making operation that can't get out of it's own way, there is some stress I'd like to move away from. Hell a year ago this week I was using some of my vacation to return and call it a day with this place after giving them a 2 MONTH notice. Still here after some counter offers, however, with some glimmers of hope things will change, that are still the same.

My wife is a long time employee in higher education on both the admin and faculty side. She'll be fine with retirement and dabbling as a consultant or part time instructor with any college. We've come up with a plan for me try my hand as an adjunct instructor for an engineering class as they're having a really hard time finding full-time faculty to teach. In other words, come up with $$$,$$$ to pay someone to teach it. Was going to start next week with a 10wk class every Tues from 5p-8p. However, because of things out of my control, it's not going to happen and she was scrambling yesterday to find a replacement to run the class. Will still pursue this in the future though.

@Norm, assuming you're on a high level with extensive knowledge in your field of work. Would you consider doing something like I mentioned after you "retire"?

 

[Norm]

@Norm, assuming you're on a high level with extensive knowledge in your field of work. Would you consider doing something like I mentioned after you "retire"?

Yes, no, maybe. The goal is to retire with enough in the accounts to not have to do that, yet not lose any of the lifestyle we currently have. A problem with the above is that the tax rate on income after you retire is really high. I might consider the above as a bridge. Bridge to 59.5. Or bridge to 62. Another thing to keep in mind for us is that D is a Canadian citizen. We just need to have an address there for 6 months then our health care is free. This is a huge burden to not have to carry, since nobody knows how that old age thing will go. For sure we will get really old in Canada. Moderately old, who knows where we'll be.

 

[Carson]

Yes, no, maybe. The goal is to retire with enough in the accounts to not have to do that, yet not lose any of the lifestyle we currently have. A problem with the above is that the tax rate on income after you retire is really high. I might consider the above as a bridge. Bridge to 59.5. Or bridge to 62. Another thing to keep in mind for us is that D is a Canadian citizen. We just need to have an address there for 6 months then our health care is free. This is a huge burden to not have to carry, since nobody knows how that old age thing will go. For sure we will get really old in Canada. Moderately old, who knows where we'll be.

Is the healthcare quality good? My dad worked for a CA company in Toronto for a bit, and any time one of the execs had a real health issue (cancer, cardiac issues), they flew to the USA and paid out of pocket.

If you move to CA, can you still use medicare in the US if you come back across the border?

 

[2Julianas]

Yes, no, maybe. The goal is to retire with enough in the accounts to not have to do that, yet not lose any of the lifestyle we currently have. A problem with the above is that the tax rate on income after you retire is really high. I might consider the above as a bridge. Bridge to 59.5. Or bridge to 62. Another thing to keep in mind for us is that D is a Canadian citizen. We just need to have an address there for 6 months then our health care is free. This is a huge burden to not have to carry, since nobody knows how that old age thing will go. For sure we will get really old in Canada. Moderately old, who knows where we'll be.

Can't wait for these fireplace conversations! Can we form a polycule so I can also get Canadian citizenship? 🙂 On paper only ofc

 

[Johnny Utah]

View attachment 255786
Here was my not quite covid mullet for my short lived audition for sons of anarchy, look how hard i am

My wife offered this cut for me during COVID - then I offered the same to my buddy, he never came back after the initial cut - well that’s a lie, he had me trim it really low later in the week.

I would rock this daily, not sure it would work for my post COVID work life.

 

[Johnny Utah]

And? Would you go back? Would you let your mom stay there?

AFAF where the last F is Tom Bodett.

My go to on my cross country treks has been a Hampton Inn. Usually you can stay for under $130 and it comes with breakfast. Cheapest so far in the last 18 months has been $97 - they have member rewards, which I should do, that will make this cheaper. IAlways go the day of, but I travel in off season to keep rates down. Normally mid trip I VRBO or AirBNB a house to catch up on laundry and home cooking. If not, most laundromats will launder 10-20lbs of cloths for $20 same day (if you get there first thing) or 24 hour turn around.

I have found that you need to look up the reviews for the Hampton Inn you plan on staying at. One in Twenty are tired and it is pretty bad - the rest are fine and it comes with Breakfast (a least something that is passable) which IMHO takes $12.50 off the bill for the day per person. Yes, I would put my mom in one, and she can be super picky.

Also, on cross country trips when I sleep in the Van, I usually park and sleep in their parking lot late at night. The next morning I use the floor one bathroom to freshen up and grab a free coffee on the way out (I have not been confident enough to take breakfast). I waive and am polite when I do so. My van is small so it is not noticeable if I sleep/park in the lot for a night. No one has ever said anything for the last two-three years.

 

[Norm]

Is the healthcare quality good? My dad worked for a CA company in Toronto for a bit, and any time one of the execs had a real health issue (cancer, cardiac issues), they flew to the USA and paid out of pocket.

If you move to CA, can you still use medicare in the US if you come back across the border?

It's good. You gotta wait sometimes for an appointment which is 1 reason people go to the US. Also, you get the doctor you get in Canada. If you don't like that doctor, you go to the US.

I'm not sure how Medicare/Medicaid works. I have only vaguely looked into it. And like everything government-related, it's overly complicated. My takeaway is that nothing is free, and nothing is comprehensive. Since I paid Medicare taxes my whole career I should be eligible. I'm not worrying too much about this aspect just yet.

 

[Norm]

Live Your Best Life Now

RLB you bring up a point that I always try to keep in mind. Don't forgo today's enjoyment for tomorrow's anticipation. As much as I want to be retired I absolutely do not want to fast forward through the years to get to that point. Even though we'll be working, there are a lot of good years to live before we get there. And who knows, the market and inflation might translate to all of us working until we're 75 anyway. You can't put too much stock into that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. At least not yet.

We have a lot happening, and we plan to keep it that way. We both want to maximize the today. Who knows how long we'll live, anyway.

In the past year I've changed my perspective a bit. I'm not going to say I've ever been a work-o-holic. But more than ever I put the enjoyment in life first, and the work is something we both do to support that. I will say that everything is better with this outlook on everything. Life, the universe, and everything.

In between painting ski signs I have been working on a different kind of artwork, which you can see below. Now before you get too impressed, this is a color-by-numbers thing that you get with all the paints and brushes. And if I'm being honest, the picture below looks better than it does in real life. But it's been very enjoyable to chip away at this while I erode my brain on daily conference calls.

Little things like this, make the day-to-day better. What makes it all even better is that I got paid to do this.

 

[Cole]

Live Your Best Life Now

RLB you bring up a point that I always try to keep in mind. Don't forgo today's enjoyment for tomorrow's anticipation. As much as I want to be retired I absolutely do not want to fast forward through the years to get to that point. Even though we'll be working, there are a lot of good years to live before we get there. And who knows, the market and inflation might translate to all of us working until we're 75 anyway. You can't put too much stock into that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. At least not yet.

We have a lot happening, and we plan to keep it that way. We both want to maximize the today. Who knows how long we'll live, anyway.

In the past year I've changed my perspective a bit. I'm not going to say I've ever been a work-o-holic. But more than ever I put the enjoyment in life first, and the work is something we both do to support that. I will say that everything is better with this outlook on everything. Life, the universe, and everything.

In between painting ski signs I have been working on a different kind of artwork, which you can see below. Now before you get too impressed, this is a color-by-numbers thing that you get with all the paints and brushes. And if I'm being honest, the picture below looks better than it does in real life. But it's been very enjoyable to chip away at this while I erode my brain on daily conference calls.

Little things like this, make the day-to-day better. What makes it all even better is that I got paid to do this.

View attachment 255936

The posts above make me even more grateful for my work situation. I went from a corporate BS company where I had 150 direct reports and 7 locations to 1 with 20. My current situation was a result of a prior coworker/supervisor calling me after no communication for 5+ years say he turned down the position and thought I would be a fit... A year ago I was fortunate enough to land the job. Small company with actual great culture. I want to retire like everyone else, but I actually enjoy my job so I can wait. I know how it feels to have companies change hands.... the culture changes with it, and it sucks to go to work every day, so I relate to those above.

 

[JDurk]

Live Your Best Life Now

RLB you bring up a point that I always try to keep in mind. Don't forgo today's enjoyment for tomorrow's anticipation. As much as I want to be retired I absolutely do not want to fast forward through the years to get to that point. Even though we'll be working, there are a lot of good years to live before we get there. And who knows, the market and inflation might translate to all of us working until we're 75 anyway. You can't put too much stock into that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. At least not yet.

We have a lot happening, and we plan to keep it that way. We both want to maximize the today. Who knows how long we'll live, anyway.

In the past year I've changed my perspective a bit. I'm not going to say I've ever been a work-o-holic. But more than ever I put the enjoyment in life first, and the work is something we both do to support that. I will say that everything is better with this outlook on everything. Life, the universe, and everything.

In between painting ski signs I have been working on a different kind of artwork, which you can see below. Now before you get too impressed, this is a color-by-numbers thing that you get with all the paints and brushes. And if I'm being honest, the picture below looks better than it does in real life. But it's been very enjoyable to chip away at this while I erode my brain on daily conference calls.

Little things like this, make the day-to-day better. What makes it all even better is that I got paid to do this.

View attachment 255936

Add to your list of artwork. I plan to do some of these. Being a red/green colorblind dude, these should look perfect when I'm done.

Wander Painting | Paint with Diamonds, Shine with Creativity

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