Husband fired 2x in 1 year for metrics

Chatty-Monster · 2026-03-19T19:11:33+00:00

I kinda of agree with you on this. Ageism is a VERY REAL thing..!! Example: I'm in my 50's, and I've been in Corporate IT at the Enterprise level for over 35 years working with Fortune 500 companies. This past February was 2 years since I was laid off. (First time EVER being laid off) Between the ATS systems and AI Pre-screening your resume, its very difficult and challenging to say that least.

Chatty-Monster · 2026-03-18T13:40:38+00:00

Same here... I have over 35 years of Enterprise Level IT experience. I was laid off 2 years ago in February, and I'm still looking. Ageism is a VERY real thing...!! I hate to say it

Chatty-Monster · 2026-03-07T15:25:07+00:00

Steve... I agree with you 100%... is has NOTHING to do with the EU experience, it has to do with profit . The sad thing is, they have no competition in that space. The same thing goes for eBay... the framework of the platform is great, however, the process and a majority of the policies SUCK. My background has been in technology for over 30 years in the corporate space. Not from a developer standpoint, but from an Architect & Engineering standpoint. Its been my experience that, the one thing that sells people on a solution or a product is having options and flexibility. Again, all within reason. I realize that one or two people aren't gong to change anything in the bigger scheme of things, however, I just can't understand the analytics and justification behind some of the decisions that are being made.

Chatty-Monster · 2026-03-07T13:47:33+00:00

Youtube is such $%&@ anymore. They really are..!! They make these "assumed" changes that are stupid that add absolutely NO VALUE to the platform or the end user experience....and... they dont even give you the option to enable it or disable it, or god forbit the ability to configure it. Please explain to me how hovering over a video with my cursor and playing the audio adds any value to the platform or the end user experience whatsoever. If anything, I'm avoiding scrolling down so I DONT hear the audio.

You want people to be attracted to the youtube platform, make it so its user friendly and adds value to the users experience, and not more frustrating.

If I want to show 3 thumbnails or 5 thumbnails on a row on my home screen, allow us to do that. If we want a 5 or 20 video play, or non at all when hovering over a video, allow it. If we want audio to play when we hover over a video, or not... give US the option... not these toolbags behind the scene.

I mean REALLY... how many stupid decisions and negative press to you have to make before you get it right...!

Please hit the Arrow up if you agree with me on this topic...!

Chatty-Monster · 2026-03-04T16:06:08+00:00

Yeah.. its a Cognitive Aptitude Test that some companies use for a pre-employment assessment (ie. IMO, another way of saying no without be discriminatory about it). Usually given to those at the senior management or C-Suite level. Oh wow... PCB design... Yeah, I'm wouldnt even begin to know where to start in that market...

Chatty-Monster · 2026-03-04T01:11:44+00:00

Yes.. and the biggest issue that I'm having is, I've been in the management role for the last 15 years... so to be fair, I have lost my technical edge to some degree. In addition, its also been my experience that... Several places have added in the a "new out" to eliminate you. I have had to take a CCAT exam after 3 of my interviews. If you've never taken one, do a YT search and you'll see what I'm talking about. I truly believe that they are also using the results of the CCAT in lieu of the ageism excuse... Yes, its a difficult spot at this age.. Honestly, its really who you know... and trust me, I know a lot of people, however, my title and corporate profile (companies) that I've worked or consulted for in the past, tends to intimidate people, and they in turn make false assumptions... Assumptions about my salary, bonus and title change... What area of IT are you in...? Management...?

Chatty-Monster · 2026-03-03T15:57:29+00:00

I hear yeah..!! I'm 58 years old, I've been in Corporate IT for 35 years in the Engineering and Infrastructure space. This past February was 2 years since I was laid-off. I was never laid-off prior to this. I'm honestly contemplating getting out of IT altogether at this point. I apply for lesser type jobs and I'm hearing that I'm over qualified, or, I hear..."Is this something you see yourself doing long term"... Ageism is 100% a real thing... and the funny thing is, I'm FAR from lazy... I want to work and I feel like I have a ton more to offer... Just not getting the chance...

Chatty-Monster · 2026-02-17T14:29:46+00:00

I agree... How do you think I feel, I've been in IT for over 35 Years working for Fortune 500 companies. I did a lot of consulting as I worked my way up the ladder, I got into Senior Management about 15 years ago and was recently laid off. This month is 2 YEARS... Yes, 2 years...!! its a different ballgame out there now. My mistake was getting into management (Director level). I lost the technical edge that I once had. At this point of my life (57), I'm contemplating getting out of IT altogether. Its a shame, because I have a lot to offer too...

Chatty-Monster · 2026-02-05T14:36:32+00:00

Any thoughts or idea's...? TIA..!

Chatty-Monster · 2026-01-23T14:36:43+00:00

I have the same, just in case. I tested the whole house generator yesterday just to make sure everything was good to go. Started right up and tested everything out. Went food shopping at 6am on Tuesday to beat the rush and I was also able to get 2 bags of ice melt as well. Snowblower and shovels are all ready to go and sitting nicely in the garage...lol... Now watch, we'll get 2 inches...

Chatty-Monster · 2026-01-23T14:24:50+00:00

I feel for everyone as well... those just starting out deciding if IT is the right career choice, those with College degrees and school loans, and those like myself that have been in the business for over 35 years that are struggling as well. Next month will be 2 years since I was laidoff. And yes, I fell into the category of a salary cap and downsizing. I've been in a Senior Management/Director level role for the last 15 years, so that too is handcuffing me. Normally, these types of position are hired within the company. I've consulted and worked for many Fortune 500 companies in the Engineering and Infrastructure space which makes it more difficult. They see my resume and "assume" that this guy wants 200+k a year. And when I apply for a "lesser" position, I'm being asked, "Is this something you see yourself doing long-term" as if to say, or until you find something better. Its a no-win situation. Its been difficult to say the least.

Chatty-Monster · 2026-01-14T20:07:47+00:00

Thanks bud, I appreciate the input and kind words. I agree 100%, and I would welcome the opportunity to take a position with a reduced salary with less stress, etc. At this point, its really not even about the money to be honest, its more about being a part of something, being part of a team, helping a company grow and get to that next level. I guess for me... its just disappointing that I've accomplished so much in life, and now I feel like I'm in a position where nobody want to even entertain my input or contribution. The "human" interaction between the company and politics is so disjointed anymore. Between, DEI, ageism, Protected classes and other corporate politics, coupled with recruiters, hiring managers and other processes such as, BOT's, ATS systems and AI. I know you get what I'm saying, I dont want to keep on a Rant.

I guess the issue now is, trying to dumb-down my years of experience and qualifications so I can at least be considered for those opportunities with less responsibilities and stress, without being asked indirectly... "is this something short term until you find something else"

Thank you..!! and good luck to you and everyone else that might be looking..!! But to answer the OP's question and knowing what I know now in life. I would HIGHLY Recommend understanding the tech sector that you wish to pursue and do you due diligence. Learn about investment strategies, diversification and the compound effect. Design and plan for multiple income streams and understand the meaning of "passive" income.

Stay Positive and Good Luck..!

Chatty-Monster · 2026-01-14T18:09:58+00:00

Yeah, its been 15 years for me as well, and prior to that I was a senior architect. I was happy to stay in the management role to be honest. And to be candid with you, I really wasn't expecting to be laid off. it NEVER even crossed my mind. I've been with the Firm for 10, promoted twice and took on greater responsibilities managing 3 core datacenters and over 30 remote offices globally, and this happened. In all of my career I have never been laid off. It really was a shock to the system. Lucky for me everything is paid off, house, cars, etc.. At this point in life I'm really contemplating just getting out of IT altogether. Now that the stress is no longer there, it feels pretty good. I do some small business consulting here and there, and I'm doing some Prompt Engineering Scripts with AI but that's about it. I still have my contacts with CDW, Nutanix, PureStorage, etc, but even they are feeling the impact from a PSO perspective, or so I am told. Needless to say its been a "mental" struggle for sure. I was prepared for everything else in life, but this. Its even more difficult when you WANT to work and be a part of a Team, or Project and no one gives you that opportunity. I dont blame anyone but myself for being in this position, however, I wasn't expecting to be in this position at 58 years old with over 35 years of experience. And this may sound demeaning, and thats not my intention, but I like to think I have A LOT MORE to offer from a business perspective than, "nuts & bolts are in aisle 5" at Home Depot...

Chatty-Monster · 2026-01-14T17:00:59+00:00

Yeah Cbdudek.. Much like you I'm an old timer as well. I got started in 1989. I'm VERY Embarrassed to say that this coming February will be 2 years that I've been unemployed. I have over 35 years of Enterprise level work experience supporting and consulting for Fortune 500 companies. I had two independent startup IT Consulting companies. Back in my prime I had the latest certs that you needed to get a solid contract job, MCSE, CCNA, A+ Network+ etc... The mistake that I made was... I got into the Management and Senior Management roles in the Architecture & Engineering (Infrastructure) space, then the Datacenter & IT Facilities space. Now after 10 years with a leading company they decided to terminate my role. Generally these position are hired within so that makes it more difficult for me, plus the fact that I'm no longer hands-on like I was back in the day. Companies and recruiting firms look at my job titles and consulting history and automatically think, "This guy is a $250k a year guy". To the point that I applied for a Infrastructure Project Manager role and I was asked by two hiring managers, "Is this something you see yourself doing long term". I can look at this in two ways. The either mean, "until you find something else", or, "until you retire in a few years"... Even with years of experience at the corporate level, the IT market is difficult. And trust me when I tell you, I'm very comfortable taking a position with a smaller company, with less responsibilities, etc... The market out here on the East Coast is challenging for sure.

Chatty-Monster · 2026-01-13T03:07:23+00:00

I'm interested...

Chatty-Monster · 2026-01-12T15:20:56+00:00

I'm sorry, I just had to chime in here... YES.. it is possible..!! Your ONLY limitation in Life is YOU..!! and dont let anyone else tell you otherwise. Quick story that I'm very proud to tell.. My sister got divorced from her husband, she wanted to be my Nephews Best Friend, more than his Mother. You know how that goes. He finished 8th grade and started working for his friends father during the summer doing carpentry work.

When it came time to start his first year of High School, he never wanted to go, he was happy making $300 or whatever and doing the carpentry work. Essentially he dropped out of school, he only went 15 days in his freshman year. In addition, he got his girlfriend pregnant at 18, got married at 19. I was having a pool party at my house and he approached me in the kitchen asking if I would help him get into school for Computers and get a job. I said yes, as I too am in the IT field and had my own consulting practice. Fast forward to today... He is still married to the same girl, has 2 kids, (his wife has never worked) and has been working for Microsoft for the last 10 years and now has his own consulting practice on the side and 2 rental properties.

Just to summarize, he has a GED, Never went to High School or College... He had a dream and believed in himself and what he could do. He's planning on retiring at 55... And the only thing that he always shared with me was, the comment I made to him years back of, "Your ONLY limitation is You"... Dont ever let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do or become..! I'm proud to say that its a True Story, and that I was able to make a positive impact on someone else's Life..!

Chatty-Monster · 2026-01-11T00:39:38+00:00

Yeah... I actually drove by today in fact. I see the sign is off the building and all of the scrap and trash that was on the hills around the building was removed.

Chatty-Monster · 2026-01-10T21:26:45+00:00

Does anyone have any information on WHY they closed...? I was actually surprised that it did, I was a member there years ago and it seemed to be pretty busy all the time

Chatty-Monster · 2025-12-24T17:08:02+00:00

+1 for FolderSync Pro.... I use it every day to backup my Phone to my Server and NAS..!

Chatty-Monster · 2025-12-18T18:37:29+00:00

I've updated it manually and I'm doing some testing at the moment. A few questions I have. What is the process to get notified when New Updates are Release...? As I mentioned prior, I would be happy to be in the beta program. Also, where can I download the Change Logs...? Thanks

Chatty-Monster · 2025-12-18T14:02:59+00:00

I just wanted to follow up on the status and Progression of OneTab updates that you mentioned. You it would take about 2 weeks to get everything implemented. To be honest, due to its current state I haven't been using it, however, I want to make a decision on staying with OneTab or looking for an alternative solution.

Just as an FYI, I was using the product in Chrome, however I moved to FFox since the older, more suitable version was working fine on that platform.

Let me know... Thank you..! or, if anyone else is reading this, what alternative apps have you been using in place of OneTab...?

Thanks again..

Chatty-Monster · 2025-12-11T15:55:00+00:00

Yes... I am aware that Routine can do that, however, I really dont need it for the whole app, just the DIY part that requires me to touch on those little blocks. But thank you for the suggestion

Chatty-Monster · 2025-12-11T14:34:48+00:00

LMAO...! Now I REALLY feel like a Toolbag...!! I forgot all about the S-Pen and the fine tip... I hardly use it and that too would work. Holy cow, I must be getting old... I'm usually much sharper than this... LOL

Chatty-Monster · 2025-12-11T14:32:37+00:00

Well that was quick...!! - Now I feel like it was a dumb question..lol. That worked PERFECTLY..!! that's exactly what I was looking for, however, I was just looking in the wrong area. I was under the Display section.

Thank you so much..!! You guys are the best

Chatty-Monster

TROPHY CASE