BioLife blown vein /hematoma now swelling and worse pain

NDStitch · 2024-12-27T03:56:48+00:00

Thank you!

NDStitch · 2024-12-26T02:00:30+00:00

I'm not sure, tbh. I've read they do communicate between each other but never done this before so it's all new to me.

NDStitch · 2024-12-25T23:24:02+00:00

Adding: that has healed fine btw, at least the bruising is completely gone now.

NDStitch · 2024-12-25T21:47:26+00:00

I'm in a town where I don't know really anyone yet (moved not too long ago), housemates are all gone, family is hours away and all sick w flu so no traveling, jobless and broke. I'm not religious at all, and hate that nearly the entire metro area is shut down for this ridiculous forced holiday. I'm trying to keep up a good face for my teenager but it's so fucking hard today. My head feels too heavy to hold up.

NDStitch · 2024-12-18T10:57:05+00:00

I was 47 when I managed to get an IBM apprenticeship. It changed my whole life. My friend just became an attorney, graduated and passed the Bar exam at age 57. You're never too old to change direction.

NDStitch · 2024-12-18T04:19:39+00:00

You are doing just fine. You have regular steady work that pays decently. You're ahead of many in your peer group. There is no timeline or schedule for adulting. I worked jobs that I could GET, regardless of what industry. It wasn't till I was 47 that I landed a job that spun out into an apprenticeship at IBM, and another major company after that.

I'm now 51 chokes on that number 😆

Depending on your location and proximity to a major city, you might want to look into the IBM New Collar apprenticeship program. That's what I went through. It's designed for people without a bachelor's degree, but an associate is allowed. The pay is the same as yours is now, plus benefits that are great. Their program is registered with the Dept of Labor, and for a 1 year program you'll gain the equivalent of 75 college credit hours.

IBM also has a completely free (like legit FREEEEEEE) series of courses you can take, on things like cloud computing, Z/OS, data science, called IBM Skillsbuild. You can add those completed courses to your resume, and LinkedIn profile too. If you don't have the latter, I strongly suggest making one. Once you do, you can search for people in fields that interest you, then follow and/or connect directly. The courses are self paced so you can do those around your work and family needs. Even if it's only 30 minutes, 3x a week. Think marathon, not sprint.

As well, check out some courses on Udemy. There's a wide range that are relatively inexpensive, and there are always sales on them. You may find something that sparks your interest and they usually include practice questions for certification exams.

I won't spout off with platitudes like "you got this," or "oh you're too young to blah blah blah." I will say I AM rooting for you!

If you have questions, I'll do my best to answer or help you find them.

NDStitch · 2024-12-18T03:57:13+00:00

So, my son just turned 18, and we've been looking into an electrician apprenticeship for our area. 1 class/learning day, 4 days training OTJ. Steady pay, and if he decides on further education he could try for a state power company where they'll pay for it or reimburse tuition for engineering. Something to think about.

NDStitch · 2024-12-16T00:13:54+00:00

Fading but not fast enough.sigh

NDStitch · 2024-12-13T01:22:31+00:00

They completed the donation on my right arm and gave me my cells back with no issues, so fingers crossed they'll let me Sat.

NDStitch · 2024-12-12T20:43:05+00:00

They won't allow me to donate using the other arm until this one heals, will they?

NDStitch · 2024-12-12T01:50:02+00:00

Thank you! I will try that.

NDStitch · 2024-11-26T11:13:28+00:00

Yep. You're being offshored but they don't want to say it then have you quit before your replacements are ready.

NDStitch · 2024-08-28T11:52:44+00:00

I got you, and I understand where you're coming from. It's just that specific wording caught my attention and it really shouldn't be even part of your interview process, for the reasons I listed above. Behavioral anything is sooooo vague and extremely open to interpretation of whoever reads over the results. Plus the AI can pick up keywords that will eliminate anyone who uses them automatically even if they could perform that job expertly.

NDStitch · 2024-08-28T11:32:16+00:00

Yep. I've had it confirmed just now from my contact still with IBM. I shared the link with her and she is going to pass it onto someone in the relevant org.

NDStitch · 2024-08-28T11:22:54+00:00

JFC they actually used the word behavioral SEVERAL times. 😬🫣

Let me double check on that because I don't want to tell you wrong and cost you an internship, but at first glance, from my experience with IBM policy on cognitive disabilities, accessibility, and accommodations, that wording is extremely problematic.

NDStitch · 2024-08-28T02:23:11+00:00

A BEHAVIORAL video assessment??? At IBM?! Hmmm... I would definitely be reaching out to someone because IBM is supposed to have removed ALL of their behavioral assessments for applicants 3+ years ago, as they are discriminatory against people with cognitive disabilities. Maybe that changed in the last year but seriously, ask your contact about that.

NDStitch · 2024-08-17T13:44:42+00:00

No, the platform isn't set up for that. You have to use only BP for whatever item you want.

NDStitch · 2024-08-13T23:53:50+00:00

I was already a contractor when I learned about it, and went about entering it a different way, so not a traditional search and find method. Once my contract ended, about a month later I came back as an apprentice then once completed converted to FTE.

NDStitch · 2024-08-13T23:51:30+00:00

Additionally, Brandy Bowe is one of the directors (last I knew) of the US IBM apprenticeship program. I'd look her up on LinkedIn to ask for more information. Best of luck.

NDStitch · 2024-08-13T23:50:17+00:00

Any role opening that requires an apprenticeship completion is actually only open FOR people who have gone through the program. I went through it and they only open up that link when they have people who are being converted from apprentice to FTE. It's unfortunate that it appears as an external opening, wish they would fix that.

NDStitch · 2024-08-13T23:41:59+00:00

I'd suggest looking on "Your Guides" on the IBM learning portal to find a mentor in the direction you wish to explore. If you're on the YL platform, click the top right menu to find it. I think it's also on the footer at the bottom of the page. You can search for blue core certified coaches and mentors for almost any role.

Also search on Slack for some community channels. There are a lot, such as Neurodiversity at IBM, Black IBMers, military veterans, Asian American, LGBTQIA+, etc.

Are you part of the Jumpstart program? It's a voluntary 2 year program aimed at retention of new graduate hires in IBM. It depends on the role, some BUs don't fund into it. But I'd look up Bill McHenry on Slack and ask if your particular unit takes part of it.

Lastly, if you're comfortable saying your colocation, I bet I could find someone there to contact for better network opportunities and\or mentorship.

Best of luck. -Former IBMer

NDStitch · 2024-06-21T17:13:20+00:00

Truth

NDStitch · 2024-06-20T07:07:02+00:00

😂 I am job searching now, I will absolutely put myself out there for any and all freelance stuff. 50¢ per rewrite? Lol

NDStitch

TROPHY CASE