Career Comeback

Its always a good idea to look at the signs, if any, and proactively work to not fall into any of the traps listed below (other than the "significant salary" item;-).
If your boss or mentor was no good to start with, then him or her losing power is good unless you are significantly tied in. Hopefully, you have an independent career as well as your boss relationship.
Sometimes going to a remote site is good, as long as you don't lose touch with the main office or stay away forever.
Reassignment to a low profile project can be an opportunity to hit one out of the park and regain your standing.
Also, I've met people who have passed on a relocation, but few who don't accept a new assignment.

Signs That Your Career Is in Trouble... or That You Are About to Get the Boot
go to: msn.careerbuilder.com
Excerpted from "Career Comeback" By Bradley G. Richardson

Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean that they aren't out to get me.
- Woody Allen

I want to be very clear about one thing. These are not absolute signs of a professional apocalypse. Don't overreact, panic, or work yourself into a frenzy thinking that evil forces are conspiring to get rid of you just because your boss's door is closed, you weren't copied on a memo, or your budgets are suddenly cut. Sometimes it is just business as usual and has nothing to do with you. As Freud once said, "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar."

If one or two of these things occur, don't pack your bags and head for the exits yet. Be rational and keep things in perspective. You are looking for consistent and dramatic trends.

- Your boss, mentor, or champion leaves or is suddenly rendered powerless.
- You fail to meet expectations or are a poor performer.
- You are on progressive discipline (verbal or written warning).
- You find yourself increasingly out of the loop.
- You are given a less desirable or lucrative territory.
- Your compensation structure changes dramatically.
- You are watched and micromanaged where you once had freedom.
- You are given new, unattainable goals or targets.
- You get a new boss who comes from the outside.
- You are in an underperforming unit.
- You are in a nonrevenue- producing or overstaffed unit.
- You are in a remote office.
- You have the least tenure or were the last one hired.
- You have a significant salary.
- You are no longer included in future plans or upcoming projects.
- You are passed over for a promotion.
- You fail to accept a position or relocation.
- Your opinion is now worthless.
- You are reassigned to a lower- profile project.
- You are demoted.
- You are given a "take it or leave it" or "no win" option.
- Management makes your life a living hell.

Your lives are in the hands of men who are no smarter than you or I, many of them incompetent boobs. I know this because I've worked alongside them, gone bowling with them, watched them pass me over for promotions time and time again . . . and I say, this stinks. - Homer Simpson
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Career Comeback by Bradley G. Richardson
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Dinner with Mom, Dad and Melissa in Worcester

Melissa and I are continuing our Wednesday night Father/Daughter dinners together. This week we had two special guests, my parents! They drove out to catch up with us. It was special because I bought dinner since:
1. They were on my turf and
2. It was shortly after my mother's birthday.
What color is that - rose or peach or both? Coordinated shirts, very nice!

We went to the 111 Chop House which is famous for its steaks and seafood. This night they had 20% off on some really good wines. My brother Jerry and I watched the start of the Iraq war from their bar in 2003! Here is a realy nice shot of Melissa with her grandmother.

Emma Goes to France

Emma left yesterday afternoon for her Junior year abroad in France.

Her 5 stated goals are:

1. visit Amsterdam.

2. become fluent in French.

3. find cool places to take John to when he visits in November (see #1).

4. get good grades in her classes.

5. find where her classes are, and, for that matter, where the school is.

They should have Sophomore year abroad because she really likes John and he really likes her.

Emma and her Dad.

Emma and her Mom. Emma and John.
Zoom in on the stairs and you can see Emma waving/ shading her eyes from the sun.
Take off viewed from parking observation area.
Way up there! Have a good flight and a great time!!

Butterfly Wing Collage

Albany Airport Art Gallery.

Escalator Art

This is looking outside from the 2nd floor walkway to the parking garage in Albany Airport.

Looking down the stairs to the 1st floor baggage claim area.

Looking out into baggage claim, see the suspended metal pieces as you begin the escalator ride down.

Half way down, the pieces line up to form a 3D cube.

At the bottom on the 1st floor, you can see the way the separate pieces are hung.

Extra Spools of Thread??

Albany Airport Art Gallery on 3rd Floor near observation deck.

Hurricane Katrina

It wasn't as if plans weren't in place or it wasn't obvious what would happen where. Assumptions made about population mobility and ability are not true for a significant segment. This is especially evident in the Evacuation Information below re: $, cars, communications and following "orders.".

Evacuating is like stopping smoking - if you don't, you will eventually, significantly impact your health. Public education reach all population segments is part of the solution the next time.

Eglin Air Force Base Hurricane History since 1886

and there will be a next time.

EVACUATION INFORMATION (from NOAA)
- Minimize the distance you must travel to reach a safe location; the further you drive the higher the likelihood of encountering traffic congestion and other problems on the roadways.
- Select the nearest possible evacuation destination, preferably within your local area, and map out your route. Do not get on the road without a planned route, or a place to go.
- Choose the home of the closest friend or relative outside a designated evacuation zone and discuss your plan with them before hurricane season.
- You may also choose a hotel/motel outside of the vulnerable area.
- If neither of these options is available, consider the closest possible public shelter, preferably within your local area.
- Use the evacuation routes designated by authorities and, if possible, become familiar with your route by driving it before an evacuation order is issued.
- Contact your local emergency management office to register or get information regarding anyone in your household whom may require special assistance in order to evacuate.
- Prepare a separate pet plan, most public shelters do not accept pets.
- Prepare your home prior to leaving by boarding up doors and windows, securing or moving indoors all yard objects, and turning off all utilities.
- Before leaving, fill your car with gas and withdraw extra money from the ATM.
- Take all prescription medicines and special medical items, such as glasses and diapers.
- If your family evacuation plan includes an RV, boat or trailer, leave early. Do not wait until the evacuation order or exodus is well underway to start your trip.
- If you live in an evacuation zone and are ordered to evacuate by state or local officials, do so as quickly as possible. Do not wait or delay your departure, to do so will only increase your chances of being stuck in traffic, or even worse, not being able to get out at all.
- Expect traffic congestion and delays during evacuations. Expect and plan for significantly longer travel times than normal to reach your family's intended destination.
- Stay tuned to a local radio or television station and listen carefully for any advisories or specific instructions from local officials. Monitor your NOAA Weather Radio.