The Old Joel on Software Forum: Part 4 (of 5)

Now I did it......

This time I've really screwed up.

I recently left a job in the midst of a lot of hurt. The company wasn't good, the boss did what he could to kick me out and that left me morally devastated.
I was looking for a job in *another industry* when a 6 month contract showed up. I immediatelly accepted it, it's better to work than to go hungry.
But my low morale has followed me. I walk around all day in a sulk, I don't care about learning new things or remembering what I learned so far, and my colleages noticed this.

Now the morale: I don't even know why I'm explaining this to you guys, but I sure hope I could give more of myself to this project.

RP
Friday, February 27, 2004

I know that feeling. Not to blame an employer, just to acknowledge an environment contributes to an attitude.

I was a different girl before I ended up working for a mob of accountants, too much office politics, and upper-class snobbery in a small city where you have to go to the right school.

I have never liked that sort of stuff, but being immersed in it has just turned me into an apathetic person. I just don't want to get excited about anything. I don't want to be part of the crowd, I don't want to sing and dance and jump around. I am not getting excited about the latest cool thing someone in the office does.

I mean, there was always this part of me that wanted to stand away from the crowd and over-analyse everything. But the longer I have been employed at this firm, the more that part of me has taken over.

I have been trying to make a conscious effort to get back to my normal fun self. I used to be called 'pyscho number 1' because of my general exctiement levels. Now I just want to sit on the sidelines and watch.

....Oops going to university now, will have to get excited, hit the uni club and join a congo line....

Aussie Chick
Friday, February 27, 2004

How long will your Electrical Engineering Bsc take?

RP
Friday, February 27, 2004

B Eng (Electrical) and it will take between three and four years full-time, I should get about a year exempted (because I already have a B. Comp Sci.). But then I am only taking a part-time load this semester (still strying to decide whether I am committed to this or not).

Aussie Chick
Friday, February 27, 2004

And uni life is exciting me again, I love to study, and nothing amps me like a thick textbook and the thought of new knowledge. Plus this time round I get to be an internal student...Woohoo.

Aussie Chick
Friday, February 27, 2004

That's funny, I have a B.Eng in Computer Engineering and am thinking of moving to software.

2_legit
Friday, February 27, 2004

RP,

Don't beat yourself over the head for having low morale. The reason why it's still low:

You took the contract job because you felt you were forced to, not because you wanted to. Context makes all the difference in the world.

Now most companies are mediocre, and maybe this contract place is also (then again, maybe not?). But one way you might get excited from this contract job, is to think of the networking potential it presents. Even crappy companies can still have a few cool people in it. The key is to find these people.

Now most people have this negative impression of what networking is. It's NOT about using and manipulating people. That's the stupid version of networking. Real networking in it's essence is finding people whose company you enjoy and helping them succeed or knowing how to let them help you succeed. It's simple, but is it easy to do? Hell no. Well at least at first. But once you get a hang of it, it's pretty darn fun.

I hope the other JoS readers who are successful at networking can chime in. Here's a few articles that you might enjoy reading:

http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/hanetwork1.htm
http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/hanetwork2.htm
http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/hamentor.htm

I have a horrible time explaining things verbally, but luckily I'm decent at listening and I can ask thoughtful question. That allows me to be mentored by others. I'm pretty good at writing, and that lets me help others.

Heh, there's more to solving your problem than this, but it's a good start. Remember, you're not alone in how you feel (sadly).

Good luck and best wishes!

VP
Friday, February 27, 2004

Bah! Throw some dirt on it and shake it off. Your letting your boss win and even worse, now he's probably yakking it up with all his cohorts at your former work place! Get in the game, man!

Anon-y-mous Cow-ard
Saturday, February 28, 2004