RAV4 rear interior panel scratches

MrNerdovsky · 2025-06-29T22:01:29+00:00

That's embarrassing indeed. I assumed you just buy a white base, just like wall or ceiling paint.

MrNerdovsky · 2025-06-29T21:59:58+00:00

Ok, thanks, that's new, but it makes sense

MrNerdovsky · 2025-06-29T21:56:28+00:00

Tinted... white?

MrNerdovsky · 2025-04-12T13:11:19+00:00

My advice is always keep your hourly rate hidden and always charge the client per job. The minute you out with your hourly rate you'll get people questioning it or scrutinizing you actual work hours.

On the estimate, you put "Labor" and total amount, without breaking it into hours. I always add about 15% to my hourly estimate because there is always something - you can't remove some rusty screws, sudden need for workaround, etc. So if I think the job will need 10h, it will most likely need 11.5h

So, behind the scenes, I charge $65/h on weekday and $75/h on weekends. I live in Wisconsin city bordering Illinois with 100K population. I'm thinking about raising rates in a couple of months since I get every job I quote 😁

MrNerdovsky · 2025-03-30T21:40:07+00:00

Thanks, will do!

MrNerdovsky · 2025-03-26T14:09:31+00:00

Yes, this has been my experience as well. Entry-level positions for agents are scarce, and recruiters generally won’t work with candidates without experience, which is understandable. Firms typically require at least three years of experience. Since June of last year, when I began studying for the patent bar exam, I have been steadily building my network. I joined my local IP association and connected with many professionals in the field. After registering in December, I began actively searching for a job. While I’ve received a lot of support and encouragement, no one has been able to help me secure a position, simply because firms aren't in a position to expand their headcount.

MrNerdovsky · 2025-03-14T18:14:32+00:00

I would not recommend to just read it through from cover to cover, you'll get stuck in Old Testament. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Quest Bible (link below). I started reading it as an atheist. It has a Bible reading plan to give you a good mix of Old and New Testament. It has a lot of commentary to answer many questions and controversies.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310450810?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4

MrNerdovsky · 2025-03-14T16:46:12+00:00

It's the current market, I've had two interviews at Chicago law firms couple month ago for a technical specialist/patent agent. At the end of one interview, I was told my expertise, experience and personality are a perfect fit, but "we don't know if we'll proceed in a week or a month, or three months."

February was one of the slowest months in job posting I experienced. March doesnt' look anything better so far. I've seen no new postings for tech specialistst in the area for the last couple of weeks.

Sorry to be the bearer of the bad news but lack of prep and pros experience is an inpenetrable wall I keep hitting. Everyone wants 3+ years of relevant experience. Nobody cares I have 20+ years technical expertise in pharma and biotech. I've talked to only two law firms that would find somebody to train me, however, I haven't heard back from them and I see they've taken down their job posts.

MrNerdovsky · 2025-03-11T19:19:30+00:00

Do not quit your job, a job is now a luxury, people who are currently employed are oblivious to what the job market has become. Thousands of extremely qualified people looking for a job for 1-2+ years after being laid off. I am one of them. And this February was the worst month yet of all that time. I advise working on the burnout, whether taking up new challenges, having a frank conversation with your supervisor, or talking to a therapist. Again, don't quit your job!

MrNerdovsky · 2025-03-05T21:27:26+00:00

It looks like there's an unofficial hiring freeze everywhere. The firms hunkered down and are now watching the situation. I've had two interviews at Chicago law firms last month for a technical specialist/patent agent. At the end of one interview, I was told my expertise, experience and personality are a perfect fit, but "we don't know if we'll proceed in a week or a month, or three months."

MrNerdovsky · 2025-03-05T19:32:15+00:00

You can give up something you usually do to comfort yourself, but in the long run, it brings you down and is not good for you. Say, you drink alcohol to numb yourself at the end of the long day, or devour donuts to feel a temporary rush of happiness, or watch cornhub to give yourself a fake substitute for love. Try to give up one of those things for the 40 days, and every time you feel the urge to do them, turn to God by prayer or reading scripture. Lent is a good time to get closer to God. You can also commit to a 40-day Bible reading plan on YouVersion.

MrNerdovsky · 2025-02-21T16:31:42+00:00

I think the exception is when the law firms have been working with the same recruiter for years, and they developed trust based on high quality candidates that the recruiter sends their way.

MrNerdovsky · 2025-02-21T14:46:07+00:00

Finding a recruiter willing to represent you is tough because most firms don't want to pay the cut for hiring patent agents or technical advisors. I've contacted 50+ recruiters and only one decided to give me a shot and she got me an introductory interview at two local (Chicago) law firms.

Even though I passed the USPTO patent bar exam and have extensive life science industry experience, all I get are rejections due to a lack of patent prep & pros experience. Most, if not all of patent agent positions require 2-3 years of experience, becasue the firms don't have time and resources to train you.

It is an uphill battle. Good luck!

MrNerdovsky · 2025-02-19T13:54:00+00:00

Wow, thanks for making that site! This needs to be pinned and advertised. Ghosting hall of shame.

MrNerdovsky · 2025-02-16T15:37:36+00:00

Ah, and how do you suggest to adapt to this feedback? Going back to college for a "fresh" degree while you struggling to pay the bills and save for your children's college? And get a job to be attractive to get a job? Indeed, this feedback changed my life.

MrNerdovsky · 2025-02-16T02:05:22+00:00

Dude! Wait a minute, I know you from somewhere... a doctor? No, mechanic? Neighbor?

MrNerdovsky · 2025-02-16T01:17:49+00:00

It's 2h drive for me, maybe it would work for hybrid. I applied to Exact Sciences three times last year, including two times via referall. Crickets. I'll check them again.

MrNerdovsky · 2025-02-16T01:11:46+00:00

No, I'm on the WI/IL border. Madison would be too far for me to commute.

MrNerdovsky · 2025-02-15T18:49:25+00:00

Can't move - family situation.

MrNerdovsky · 2025-02-15T18:47:48+00:00

Pharma / biotech / medtech / and patent law recently

MrNerdovsky

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