9.23.2003
CD of the day: Morphine "Good"
Books I'm reading:
The Addictive Organization - Anne Wilson Schaef, Diane Fassel (LIB)
Charging Ahead, The Business of Renewable Energy and What It Means for America - John Berger (LIB)
Energy Efficient Community Planning - James Ridgeway with Carolyn S. Projansky (LIB)
The Resume Handbook - Arthur D. Rosenberg and David Hizer (BC)
Resume Magic (second edition) - Susan Britton Whitcomb (BC)
Clinical Psychopharmacology made ridiculously simple - John Preston, Psy.D. and James Johnson, M.D. (AZ)
Yesterday spent the day with BC. Visited his tailor to order a tux for the Exotic Erotic Ball 10/18/03, browsed resume books at Borders and geeked together. I am growing more Mac savvy day by day. Lunch at the Tied House and dinner at my new favorite Southbay restaurant, Kabul, (833 West El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, 408-245-4350) and wrapped up the day with a tumbler of Grand Marinier in the hot tub. What a life!
Today made Lunch for MV. We talked about resume styles, the difference between the way you present yourself as a consultant and as an employee, some ideas for promoting his new project Sound of Mind. and the new book project I am working on with AZ, "The Relationship First-Aid Kit"
Over the past two years, I've sought to disconnect my identity from my job. I made a conscious decision to stop measuring my sense of self-worth by the title on my business card or the reputation of the company I work for. My reasons are personal and complex, but are related to the changing nature of work and the employee, the geographic dispersal of the American family and the state of the world. This would be a good topic for a future long blog posting, but not my focus today.
My career spans almost 20 years now, mostly within the software development industry, mostly on the West Coast of the USA. I've worked for small startups and large established companies and helped grow a consulting agency. Two years ago I started working as an independent consultant. I used to think that working for yourself was the same thing as starting a business. That you needed an idea sufficiently large it would eventually grow into a company. I didn't have an idea like that, so I didn't think of myself as an entrepreneur. After reading "Making a Living Without a Job" I realized that as simple as it sounds, "people will pay you to do things for them" and that lots of people are self-employed without forming companies. I discovered that as long as I was willing to deal with the uncertainty of finding my own projects and the additional overhead of book-keeping and tax-paying, I could make a living with a variety of projects. I've learned a lot doing this, but I'm no closer to understanding my "life's work."
Now, I want to find an occupation or avocation that fits me. When asked, "what do you do?" I've never really had a sound bite. At various times I've tried my job title "Producer," "Technical Account Manager" and "Design Manager" or my functional role "Product Planner," "Details Person," and "Information Synthesist." I don't feel any of these labels express my identity as well as someone who is a "Writer" or "Doctor of Internal Medicine" or "Architect." What I like to do doesn't seem to have a clear job title or career path.
I am doing the work to find out what I "really want to do" as a way to figure out if project work or employment is a better fit for me. Longer term, I believe that eventually I will develop a series of "income streams" that each provide part of my overall income. This provides me with greater security, satisfaction and financial independence. I am interested in "lifestyle companies" like craigslist that provide enough income for a few people, but won't ever grow into a huge company. I also consider cultivating skills that produce variable cash (massage therapy, life coaching, locksmithing). Real-estate is a classic part of the puzzle, but I plan to defer that until my cashflow builds to a point I can use the income shelter of a mortgage.
While talking with BC yesterday and MV today, I realized there is a key difference between the way you present yourself when you're seeking projects or employment
When you're a consultant, you get to define the project to match your abilities, and your range of experience is valuable. In a successful pitch, you listen to the client, frame his or her problem clearly and use examples from your experience to show how you would solve the problem. Supporting materials like a resume, work samples or case studies about projects you've done 1) help the client clarify the problem he or she may have by example or 2) show the client how adaptable and versatile you are.
When you seek employment, tightly targeted resumes are most successful. Before a manager gets approval to hire someone, they have to translate their need (the problem) into a job description. The HR person/department is charged with finding the most qualified candidates from the hundreds or thousands of applicants for a position. A successful resume will show how your experience matches that specific list of job requirements. You want to make it as easy as possible for the HR person to put your resume on the stack that goes to the hiring manager.
If you're seeking employment at a smaller company, talking directly to the hiring manager, you get more of a chance to define the problem (job) in terms of your skills, but it's harder to find these opportunities except through networking.
I've decided to prepare a series of targeted resumes focused on different job titles which I can tweak based on open postings I find. I will post a more complete "consulting style" resume on my website, as that's the resource more likely to be used by the hiring manager, or a client for a consulting project.
Books I'm reading:
Yesterday spent the day with BC. Visited his tailor to order a tux for the Exotic Erotic Ball 10/18/03, browsed resume books at Borders and geeked together. I am growing more Mac savvy day by day. Lunch at the Tied House and dinner at my new favorite Southbay restaurant, Kabul, (833 West El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, 408-245-4350) and wrapped up the day with a tumbler of Grand Marinier in the hot tub. What a life!
Today made Lunch for MV. We talked about resume styles, the difference between the way you present yourself as a consultant and as an employee, some ideas for promoting his new project Sound of Mind. and the new book project I am working on with AZ, "The Relationship First-Aid Kit"
Over the past two years, I've sought to disconnect my identity from my job. I made a conscious decision to stop measuring my sense of self-worth by the title on my business card or the reputation of the company I work for. My reasons are personal and complex, but are related to the changing nature of work and the employee, the geographic dispersal of the American family and the state of the world. This would be a good topic for a future long blog posting, but not my focus today.
My career spans almost 20 years now, mostly within the software development industry, mostly on the West Coast of the USA. I've worked for small startups and large established companies and helped grow a consulting agency. Two years ago I started working as an independent consultant. I used to think that working for yourself was the same thing as starting a business. That you needed an idea sufficiently large it would eventually grow into a company. I didn't have an idea like that, so I didn't think of myself as an entrepreneur. After reading "Making a Living Without a Job" I realized that as simple as it sounds, "people will pay you to do things for them" and that lots of people are self-employed without forming companies. I discovered that as long as I was willing to deal with the uncertainty of finding my own projects and the additional overhead of book-keeping and tax-paying, I could make a living with a variety of projects. I've learned a lot doing this, but I'm no closer to understanding my "life's work."
Now, I want to find an occupation or avocation that fits me. When asked, "what do you do?" I've never really had a sound bite. At various times I've tried my job title "Producer," "Technical Account Manager" and "Design Manager" or my functional role "Product Planner," "Details Person," and "Information Synthesist." I don't feel any of these labels express my identity as well as someone who is a "Writer" or "Doctor of Internal Medicine" or "Architect." What I like to do doesn't seem to have a clear job title or career path.
I am doing the work to find out what I "really want to do" as a way to figure out if project work or employment is a better fit for me. Longer term, I believe that eventually I will develop a series of "income streams" that each provide part of my overall income. This provides me with greater security, satisfaction and financial independence. I am interested in "lifestyle companies" like craigslist that provide enough income for a few people, but won't ever grow into a huge company. I also consider cultivating skills that produce variable cash (massage therapy, life coaching, locksmithing). Real-estate is a classic part of the puzzle, but I plan to defer that until my cashflow builds to a point I can use the income shelter of a mortgage.
While talking with BC yesterday and MV today, I realized there is a key difference between the way you present yourself when you're seeking projects or employment
When you're a consultant, you get to define the project to match your abilities, and your range of experience is valuable. In a successful pitch, you listen to the client, frame his or her problem clearly and use examples from your experience to show how you would solve the problem. Supporting materials like a resume, work samples or case studies about projects you've done 1) help the client clarify the problem he or she may have by example or 2) show the client how adaptable and versatile you are.
When you seek employment, tightly targeted resumes are most successful. Before a manager gets approval to hire someone, they have to translate their need (the problem) into a job description. The HR person/department is charged with finding the most qualified candidates from the hundreds or thousands of applicants for a position. A successful resume will show how your experience matches that specific list of job requirements. You want to make it as easy as possible for the HR person to put your resume on the stack that goes to the hiring manager.
If you're seeking employment at a smaller company, talking directly to the hiring manager, you get more of a chance to define the problem (job) in terms of your skills, but it's harder to find these opportunities except through networking.
I've decided to prepare a series of targeted resumes focused on different job titles which I can tweak based on open postings I find. I will post a more complete "consulting style" resume on my website, as that's the resource more likely to be used by the hiring manager, or a client for a consulting project.
9.17.2003
OK then, I'm going to write about tarot two days running...
Ever notice a playing card in the street? Since the modern playing cards are related to the tarot suits (hearts=cups, diamonds=disks, clubs=wands, spades=swords) you can do a sort of "found tarot" reading with cards that come to you. Not to mention the fun you can have in Vegas watching Blackjack games.
Well, In the past couple months, I've found THREE playing cards in the street outside my house in Oakland. The cards all have different backs, so I know they are from three different sets of cards. They're somewhat beat-up looking, so I know they aren't planted by someone playing a prank on me. Besides, who knows I have this thing about found playing cards (except everyone reading this blog, of course, but that's future history, neh?)
The cards are all diamonds/disks. To make it weirder, the cards form a 3-card run, the ace, two and tree of disks. Disks represent the body/resources/money. Considering that I've been thinking a lot recently about how I want to make a living and the kinds of projects I want to put my energy towards, I find this particularly interesting. Here's the reading of the specific cards...
Ace of Disks - The Body "sow the seeds, reap the rewards"
Two of Disks - Evolution "contemplate the changes in your life...what are you afraid of becoming?"
Three of Disks - Productivity "It's time to get to work, start by exploring what you love to do..."
Using another source, "Tarot Made Easy" by Nancy Garen I add to the mix...
Ace of Disks - ...a fresh start...the dawning of a period of manafestation, realization, proof and prosperity.
Two of Disks - ...a waiting period with partial success, more later...a reconciliation, reunion and/or surprise. You will be upset/discouraged, but it will be dealt with by a new approach.
Three of Disks - ...group activities...delay with promise of future success..you will come together with someone to discuss business and all will be in accord.
My friend Blue tells me "there is no such thing as a coincidence." It's moments like this I wonder.
Ever notice a playing card in the street? Since the modern playing cards are related to the tarot suits (hearts=cups, diamonds=disks, clubs=wands, spades=swords) you can do a sort of "found tarot" reading with cards that come to you. Not to mention the fun you can have in Vegas watching Blackjack games.
Well, In the past couple months, I've found THREE playing cards in the street outside my house in Oakland. The cards all have different backs, so I know they are from three different sets of cards. They're somewhat beat-up looking, so I know they aren't planted by someone playing a prank on me. Besides, who knows I have this thing about found playing cards (except everyone reading this blog, of course, but that's future history, neh?)
The cards are all diamonds/disks. To make it weirder, the cards form a 3-card run, the ace, two and tree of disks. Disks represent the body/resources/money. Considering that I've been thinking a lot recently about how I want to make a living and the kinds of projects I want to put my energy towards, I find this particularly interesting. Here's the reading of the specific cards...
Ace of Disks - The Body "sow the seeds, reap the rewards"
Two of Disks - Evolution "contemplate the changes in your life...what are you afraid of becoming?"
Three of Disks - Productivity "It's time to get to work, start by exploring what you love to do..."
Using another source, "Tarot Made Easy" by Nancy Garen I add to the mix...
Ace of Disks - ...a fresh start...the dawning of a period of manafestation, realization, proof and prosperity.
Two of Disks - ...a waiting period with partial success, more later...a reconciliation, reunion and/or surprise. You will be upset/discouraged, but it will be dealt with by a new approach.
Three of Disks - ...group activities...delay with promise of future success..you will come together with someone to discuss business and all will be in accord.
My friend Blue tells me "there is no such thing as a coincidence." It's moments like this I wonder.
9.16.2003
I read with the "Cosmic Tribe" Tarot by Stevee Postman and Eric Ganther. This morning ran a "doors of perception" spread on the subject of my search for a new occupation and my short-term plan to do temp work.
1: foundation- Princess of Wands "Tiger Tamer"
2. practical considerations - Knight of Wands "Impervious Clown"
3. obstacles - Magician
4. intiutive considerations - Ace of Disks "The Body"
5. outcome - 8 of Wands "Sieze the Day"
Surprised by the number of wands in my reading. Wands represent spiritual, sexual and creative energy. I am feeling a little undirected at the moment, but I do have a strong desire to do something. At first a little confused by the Magician in the "obstacles" position and wondered why there's a strong disks card in the intuition position, since disks represent resources, the body and the physical world. Here's my interpretation of the reading.
As I enter this new phase of my life, I bring with me an ability to work confidently with fear and turn my discomfort with new situations into focus on what needs to be done. As a practical consideration, I have an abundance of creative energy, but I understand how to work within proscribed bounds to accomplish my goals, and can keep an appropriate boundary between personal creative expression and professional accomplishments. The obstacle I need to overcome is my lack of direction. The Magician represents directed use of power over the world, but in those first creative flourishes, what shall be accomplished? The Ace of Disks in the context of this reading reminds me that I know it's time for a new financial start. In the central position the reminder to "sieze the day" isn't entirely helpful, but in the context of the reading, it reassures me because I am reminded that whenever I get started on a new project, everything falls into place and I always seem to land on my feet. It's the waiting that kills me.
1: foundation- Princess of Wands "Tiger Tamer"
2. practical considerations - Knight of Wands "Impervious Clown"
3. obstacles - Magician
4. intiutive considerations - Ace of Disks "The Body"
5. outcome - 8 of Wands "Sieze the Day"
Surprised by the number of wands in my reading. Wands represent spiritual, sexual and creative energy. I am feeling a little undirected at the moment, but I do have a strong desire to do something. At first a little confused by the Magician in the "obstacles" position and wondered why there's a strong disks card in the intuition position, since disks represent resources, the body and the physical world. Here's my interpretation of the reading.
As I enter this new phase of my life, I bring with me an ability to work confidently with fear and turn my discomfort with new situations into focus on what needs to be done. As a practical consideration, I have an abundance of creative energy, but I understand how to work within proscribed bounds to accomplish my goals, and can keep an appropriate boundary between personal creative expression and professional accomplishments. The obstacle I need to overcome is my lack of direction. The Magician represents directed use of power over the world, but in those first creative flourishes, what shall be accomplished? The Ace of Disks in the context of this reading reminds me that I know it's time for a new financial start. In the central position the reminder to "sieze the day" isn't entirely helpful, but in the context of the reading, it reassures me because I am reminded that whenever I get started on a new project, everything falls into place and I always seem to land on my feet. It's the waiting that kills me.
9.15.2003
Yea! JG came over tonight and brought his airport so now I can enjoy typing with bad posture all over the house and yard. Finished last load of dusty playa dishes and caught up with Friendster postings.
9.03.2003
Returned from Burning Man yesterday with a powerful craving for produce. Purchased peaches, corn and tomatoes at a farm stand near Sacramento. Unloaded the van today and rewarded myself with something special for dinner.
Corn Salsa
3 ears white sweet corn
1 small white onion diced (3/4 cup)
4 roma tomatoes diced (2 cups)
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
one jalapeno pepper, seeded, deveined and minced
juice of 1 lime
salt
husk, clean and boil corn 15 minutes (or until done)
chop onion, tomatoes, cilantro and jalapeno pepper, combine in bowl
cool corn in cold water, cut from husk, add to bowl
mix in lime juice, salt to taste
Corn Salsa
3 ears white sweet corn
1 small white onion diced (3/4 cup)
4 roma tomatoes diced (2 cups)
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
one jalapeno pepper, seeded, deveined and minced
juice of 1 lime
salt
husk, clean and boil corn 15 minutes (or until done)
chop onion, tomatoes, cilantro and jalapeno pepper, combine in bowl
cool corn in cold water, cut from husk, add to bowl
mix in lime juice, salt to taste
