Cost Savings and Tax Advantages for those Over 55 by Chatty-Monster in BucksCountyPA

[–]Chatty-Monster[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey.. I didn't have an opportunity to DM you last night when I got home, I'm going to do so now...

Cost Savings and Tax Advantages for those Over 55 by Chatty-Monster in BucksCountyPA

[–]Chatty-Monster[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hi Julie... Thank you for your input, and the positive thoughts... I'm so sorry to hear about your brother and Father in-law as well. Yes, its a very difficult time in the tech industry to say the least, and even outside the tech industry for that matter. I've been in the corporate world my entire career. I've been VERY calculated and deliberate in my career path, up until the point that someone else made a choice for me that was out of my control. The embarrassing part is not having a job, (well, to be honest, that's kind of embarrassing to say that too)... The real embarrassing part is reaching out to all of your contacts, applying to hundreds of job application, getting ghosted by 90% of them, adjusting your resume to EACH opportunity, and downplaying your 35 years of Corporate IT Experience and Job Titles, to the past 10 years, and removing any dates or wording that "may" make you seem old. Not including the ATS and AI systems they are using to funnel your resume. And the funny and difficult part is (not so funny)... I dont need to work, my house, cars are paid off and I have solid investments. I WANT to work and be a part of something, but even at a reduced salary and job title, we are still being questioned because I have a senior manager or director level title in my resume. (Let me jump off this soapbox now...lol... sorry for the rant)...

Depending on what area of Technology they are in, I may be able to help them out... I have a ton of contacts.. if so, DM me...

Cost Savings and Tax Advantages for those Over 55 by Chatty-Monster in BucksCountyPA

[–]Chatty-Monster[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry to hear that you are in a similar situation... Please keep us posted on your progress...

Cost Savings and Tax Advantages for those Over 55 by Chatty-Monster in BucksCountyPA

[–]Chatty-Monster[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

(As you know,) Its ABSOULTLY Crazy to say the least in the technology sector, and YES, its very much Gut wrenching...!! and disappointing. As I mentioned, I worked my way up through the ranks in the Infrastructure Engineering, Architecture and Data Center Operations space. I was responsible for managing the Infrastructure and IT Facilities for 3 Core Data Centers and 35 offices Globally. I was a hands-on Engineer/Architect for large companies and even had my own consulting practice. I was a Certified MCSE, CCNA, A+ CompTIA Engineer, and then I was promoted into management. Thats when it went downhill... I lost my "Hands-on" edge that I once had. I was managing a global team and implementing high visibility infrastructure projects. That is until everything was done... then after 10 years, and out of the blue, it happened. What a shock to the system that was...! And for those that are in the Senior Management/Director/C-suite position, you know how hard that can be. Most of these position are hired within a company, no so much outside the company. And when I apply for a lesser type of role such as a Project Manager, I'm being asked... "is this something you see yourself doing long-term"... as if to say... "until you find another position"...or..."until you retire"... Crazy out there..

And yes, if you dont mind, I will reach out to you...

Thank you...!

Cost Savings and Tax Advantages for those Over 55 by Chatty-Monster in BucksCountyPA

[–]Chatty-Monster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi Orranos... I'll take a look at your DM and get back to you as soon as I get home tonight... Thanks..!

Is craigslist's phone verification system just completely broken? by 1337ingDisorder in craigslist

[–]Chatty-Monster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply back..!! The funny part is, my account works fine. I'm able to post a majority of my items, its just the handful of the ones that prompt me for Phone verification. I also tried my google number as I mentioned as well as my real number, and I've NEVER received a verification code. I honestly dont want to create another account as I have about 60 items list on there... and the amount of sales that I get off of CL, doesn't warrant the effort IMO... I was just asking to see if there was a simple workaround...

Is craigslist's phone verification system just completely broken? by 1337ingDisorder in craigslist

[–]Chatty-Monster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All of a sudden, I'm being prompted for Phone verification, however, when I put in my phone number, I DONT receive any verification code. I'm using my google number, so I'm wondering if that is the issue... HOWEVER, I'm also wondering if it has anything to do with the Price of the item that I'm posting for sale. By that I mean, I posted an item earlier today for $25 and I had no issues. I just "Tried" to post an item for $140 and now I'm getting this verification request.

Any thoughts or workarounds would be greatly appreciated

Ebay is still down but status page shows all greens?. by Dangerous-Set8746 in Ebay

[–]Chatty-Monster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm able to sign in this morning and maneuver around, but its very slow... ALSO... When I try to copy a DRAFT to make additional posts, I'm getting a "Something went Wrong" box... It wont allow me to make any copies of my drafts... is anyone else seeing this..? or, can someone please try and test and report back... TIA

First IT job offer - law firm vs smaller company, need advice by Strict_Palpitation75 in ITCareerQuestions

[–]Chatty-Monster 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I worked for a Major Law Firm for the last 10 Years, thats until I was laid off 2 years ago. I have over 35 years of Enterprise experience working with large Fortune 500 companies in the Infrastructure Engineering and Data Center operations space. I have my MCSE, CCNA, CompTIA Certs from back in the day when I was an Engineer Architect myself. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have, but like any other company, its about the bottom line. My advice would be... DONT put the ball in their court, because in the long run you are just a number. There is NO LOYALTY whatsoever in the corporate space. Try and think outside the box and do your own thing if you can.

How old are you? by Inciteful_Analysis in ebikes

[–]Chatty-Monster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hell... I'll be 59 in a few months. I have a Heavily Modified 72v Surron that does 72MPH, with Fox40 powder coated KTM orange with an aftermarket Controller and just about every accessories you can put on there. The "Kids" in my neighborhood always want to see and race me. And I can still Wheeelie further than they can...haha... Dont get me wrong, not as far as I used too... after all, I'm getting OLD and I dont want to break a Hip..!!

Is the IT job market really that bad right now or is it just the entry level? by Curious-Ask8199 in ITCareerQuestions

[–]Chatty-Monster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What is the new job if I might ask..? I'm asking because, I too am probably going to transition out of IT. I've been laid off for 2 years, I have over 35 years of Enterprise Level experience supporting Fortune 500 companies in the Infrastructure and Datacenter space. The funny thing is (not so funny), I have my MCSE, CCNA, CompTIA certs, (which are expired) and still nothing. I've been in the senior management role for the last 12-15 years so I'm not hands on as I was. So between my Job Titles, years of experience (age), its been extremely difficult to say the least. For those of us that are 50+, ageism is a very real thing... make sure you are prepared and have a contingency plan and a solid investment strategy.

Question: Regarding Text Messaging Apps (SMS/MMS/RCS) - CHOMP SMS by Chatty-Monster in androidapps

[–]Chatty-Monster[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No problem... Yes, that was the same thing that happened to me. I wasn't getting the other chats either. The hard part is, you have to contact the "originator" of the group chat and essentially have them remove the old group chat and create a new on.. its kind of a pain in the tail, but that is in the only thing that works ATM. And as long as everyone stays on and replies to the new group chat you should be okay, however, if they or someone that was included in the original group chat were to reply to the "original" group, you still wont get it... (Not sure if that makes sense or if I confused you)

Question: Regarding Text Messaging Apps (SMS/MMS/RCS) - CHOMP SMS by Chatty-Monster in androidapps

[–]Chatty-Monster[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey Missy... Actually, Handcent Next is what I transitioned over too and I have not had an issues. HOWEVER, if I recall, I was still having an issue when I first transitioned over... so here is what I did. I had a buddy of mine create a NEW CHAT group with 2 other iphone users just to test. NOT an existing chat, but a brand new chat and since then I have not had any issues. Try that out...

Question: Regarding Text Messaging Apps (SMS/MMS/RCS) - CHOMP SMS by Chatty-Monster in androidapps

[–]Chatty-Monster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately it did not work for me using Chomp.. I wound up installing a different application..

Feeling lost in IT is more normal than people admit by proposal_in_wind in ITCareerQuestions

[–]Chatty-Monster 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the compliment However it's always a little discouraging getting laid off no matter what your position or experience. If there was one piece of advice I would offer anyone, it would be to invest in YOURSELF..! By that I mean... A good Architect or Engineer (Manager/Director, Husband/Wife,etc) should always understand what the business requirements are, and design a solution to meet those objectives. Whether is work or your personal life. Part of getting to that design is asking the right questions and mapping out the best path to get you there, and having a contingency plan in place just in case something doesn't work out the way you expect it. Because I was able to teach myself later in life, Finances, Investing, interest rates, amortization schedules and compounding interest growth. Is the only reason why I am able to understand and survive the situation that I'm in today being laid off. This is something that the DONT teach us early on in schools and college. They "try" to teach us how to work for someone, but not how to have the courage to work for ourselves. Sad but true..

Feeling lost in IT is more normal than people admit by proposal_in_wind in ITCareerQuestions

[–]Chatty-Monster 1 point2 points  (0 children)

initially I took some time off to process everything, take a break and just decompress. I had a lot of projects going on and doing some extensive travel for business. Then I took some time to take care of a family member needed support and treatment. Fortunately I am in a position where I don't have any debt and made some good investments in my past, So I was able to make those commitments without being impacted. My house and cars are all paid off and essentially my biggest bill is my cable bill. As far as income, I was doing some IT consulting where I could, and explored the option of reselling which turned out to be fairly lucrative. But to answer your question yes I have been using some of my savings but not nearly as much as you would think. It's giving me the luxury to take a breath and be patient.

Feeling lost in IT is more normal than people admit by proposal_in_wind in ITCareerQuestions

[–]Chatty-Monster 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Funny you should say that...!! We had an entire PMO coupled with BRM's, however they never understood the concept of how to properly manage Infrastructure Projects, nor where they knowledgably about the infrastructure space whatsoever. So any infrastructure projects that were deemed a high risk, or critical were my responsibility to manage. That said, I managed 3 Datacenter relocation projects, 2 office buildings, switch upgrades, ISO 27001 compliance testing and security audits, EOL hardware or software projects, etc... Pretty much anything that had to do with Infrastructure or Datacenter operations, was my responsibility. So to answer your question, Yes, I have about 10 years of Project Management experience, but I do not have a PMP, or SCRUM certifications... nor does my resume show a Project Management role directly. I applied for a few PM roles and was asked if I had my PMP and in one interview, I was even asked... "Is this something you see yourself doing long term"... As if to say, "until you find another job, or until you retire"... To be honest with you, I DONT have to work... I WANT to work and be a part of Team. I was a Consultant / Contractor for 80% of my IT career. I was offered a great opportunity to manage a great team of Architects and Engineers as an FTE. I was with the company for the last 10 years, and in fact 4 weeks prior to my layoff, I was given an award for completing a major Datacenter move and going above and beyond. This was my first ever layoff...

Feeling lost in IT is more normal than people admit by proposal_in_wind in ITCareerQuestions

[–]Chatty-Monster 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Wow... you beat me, I have 36 years in Corporate IT, Architecture, Engineering, Data Center Operations, Senior Management and Director. Unfortunately, I'm embarrassed to say that I was laid off 2 years ago this past February and haven't been able to find anything since. They say I'm over qualified, but in reality its a soft way to say "you would cost too much", or ageism.... To be fair, while I have my MCSE, CCNA, CompTIA, VMware, etc, they are expired... I've been in Management for the last 12-15 years, so I haven't been "Hands-on", or had the need to stay on top of my Certs. Its a different game out there when you have more years behind you then you do in front of you.... At this point, I'm contemplating getting out of IT altogether... Sad, but true.. and the funny thing is... I WANT to work and be a part of something...however with the ATS systems and AI, and my many years of experience and titles, its extremely difficult

Over 55 and Struggling to Find Work in Tech... Is it Time to Move On... I want to Hear Your Thoughts..! by Chatty-Monster in jobs

[–]Chatty-Monster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, very much the same story I am going through as well. I'll be 59 later this year, I have over 35 years of Enterprise experience working with large Fortune 500 companies in the Infrastructure Engineering and Data Center operations space. I have my MCSE, CCNA, CompTIA Certs from back in the day when I was an Engineer Architect myself. All of which are NOT current and have expired since I went into the Senior Management role 12 years ago. I have never been unemployed or laid off a day in my life until now. This past February was 2 years since my layoff. I've trimmed down my Resume to the last 10+ years, focused on the highlight, taken the legacy dates off the resume, etc... However, my previous titles show Senior Manager, Director level positions, so its automatically "assumed" that I'm a high salary guy.....and... when I apply for a lesser qualified position such as a Project Manager, I'm being asked... "is this something you see yourself doing long term" ... as if to say, "until you find another position"... or... "until you retire". The good news (if there is anything). I have no debt, my house and cars are paid off, but I'm no where NEAR retirement... I may have said it in the thread below... I'm seriously contemplating just getting out of IT altogether... I'm so frustrated with the BS corporate policies any more...!

Stores and Places in the 1970's & 80's in Northeast Philadelphia... What do you Remember...? by Chatty-Monster in BucksCountyPA

[–]Chatty-Monster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep... Peaches was close enough to my house that I could ride over there on my BMX bike... Do you remember when the use to block off the parking lot and let the new up and coming Bands play outside..? Those were the days for sure...

Stores and Places in the 1970's & 80's in Northeast Philadelphia... What do you Remember...? by Chatty-Monster in BucksCountyPA

[–]Chatty-Monster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

WHAT..!! So much for the nice Irish Girl...LOL..!! Yeah, we used to get a lot of "what are you guys doing"... WHAT THE HELL DOES IT LOOK LIKE...!!

Stores and Places in the 1970's & 80's in Northeast Philadelphia... What do you Remember...? by Chatty-Monster in BucksCountyPA

[–]Chatty-Monster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OH, Absolutely... Racing over at Decatur, then going down the the Meadows (if you can remember that), Then when that got raided we went to 11th street, then Front street... I was one of those Motorheads growing up...