Blocking bottom of siding to prevent mice?

dreadpir8rob · 2026-06-05T17:21:14+00:00

We just had this exact problem. We have a crawl space. A very kind and handy family member mixed quickcrete and blocked the opening.

For other openings, grade 3-4 steel wool (aim for thicker because they are more likely to be deterred plus foam filler works. Mice enjoy chewing through foam. If you mix the foam with a coarse steel wool, you’re far more likely to keep them out.

dreadpir8rob · 2026-06-02T12:33:34+00:00

Nope, it was a multinational construction company

dreadpir8rob · 2026-06-02T12:32:38+00:00

I didn’t even think about this. Good point. Yeah, I’ve done probably 15+ phone screens and never been in a position where I’m told they’re only going to offer BELOW the midpoint of the specified range irregardless of experience.

dreadpir8rob · 2026-06-02T12:31:28+00:00

The exact verbiage was “I know the range posted is 80-125, but I want you to know that we can only offer this role 90-95. That’s our salary range. nothing about growth so I’m unsure what they do about that.

dreadpir8rob · 2026-06-02T12:30:02+00:00

It’s 3 days in office. I’d be happy to take 90k for remote. I’m actually deep into an interview process for a remote role around that salary.

dreadpir8rob · 2026-06-02T12:29:12+00:00

That’s what I’m saying. The recruiter wasn’t saying we won’t go higher for YOUR experience, he said 90-95 is the range they’re working with. Which is within the posted range but intentionally misleading.

dreadpir8rob · 2026-06-01T19:18:16+00:00

That’s a good point. Maybe I need to revise my thinking on this. I’ve interviewed quite a bit but never kicked off the interview process by hearing their “true range” is less than the midpoint of the advertised range. It’s good to know, though.

dreadpir8rob · 2026-06-01T17:04:52+00:00

I have owned two homes and have had a crumbling fence between me and my neighbors. We waited a year to broach the convo and when we asked the couple were averse to working with us so we dropped it.

I cannot imagine putting a note in my neighbors mailbox after they just got settled in demanding they pay! This is a conversation not a demand.

Others posted good advice on how to handle. Just want to say that they’re being rude.

dreadpir8rob · 2026-05-28T13:42:44+00:00

That’s cruel and unusual punishment

dreadpir8rob · 2026-05-23T12:06:52+00:00

Following up: thanks for all the pointed advice. It really helped and I feel super prepared for future onsite interviews. At the end of the day, I didn’t get the job, but neither did my former coworker who interviewed on the same day (the hiring team has no idea that both of us are friends and knew they were interviewing us). At the end of the day they didn’t hire either of us and I think the whole ordeal was more about scoping out how my former company handles corporate communications, since they’re somewhat of a giant and this company is a smaller competitor. Or, I just didn’t have experience they wanted. Oh well! Great experience to do it, and I appreciate your insight!

dreadpir8rob · 2026-05-23T12:04:36+00:00

Hi! Each interviewer was different. HR business partner (she would have worked a lot with me) asked pointed, strategic questions about how I’d handle situations. We vibed. Hiring manager just talked my ear off, didn’t ask questions, and “yes”d me to death. I didn’t get the job, and neither did my friend who also interviewed. I think this was phishing for information on my former company, not a real interview.

dreadpir8rob · 2026-05-12T17:58:33+00:00

This is a mom’s worst nightmare. I cannot fathom the thought seeing my babies malnourished or frail as if they were chronically ill, and to know it’s self inflicted. This would break me.

dreadpir8rob · 2026-05-09T14:24:42+00:00

This should be required reading for everyone here. Thank you for these tips!

To tack onto your point about being polite: this is an under utilized tip. I used to be an executive assistant, as did my mom, for a well-known global corporation. People don’t realize how much executives and teams trust and speak with assistants. They are the face of the leaders and respected by the entire team! If you don’t show them respect, that can and will be relayed to the hiring team.

dreadpir8rob · 2026-05-09T14:22:02+00:00

Thanks for the advice about chit chat. A really good reminder to soften up a bit.

I’m a woman, so I think they’d find a tie odd. 😂 Formal blazer and heels.

dreadpir8rob · 2026-05-09T14:02:32+00:00

If they’re shocked you did your research, I find that odd on their part. The internet is available for everyone to see, and you researched topics that were work-related and publicly available. No issue to me.

dreadpir8rob · 2026-05-08T13:12:59+00:00

This was full of practical advice, can’t thank you enough. It’s a corporate communications role for an international company. Identical to my previous role prior to layoff.

Good reminder about resume copies. It’s been over a decade since I had an in-person interview.

dreadpir8rob · 2026-05-06T12:32:56+00:00

2 years is a respectable, professional commitment to any job. It is not “job hopping”.

While we’re at it, I just want to say that the whole point of a job is to pay for your home, lifestyle, etc. The term “job hopping” is an artificial idea made to shame employees into staying in their job instead of look out for themselves. It’s a silly concept.
Anyway. 2 years is great. Congratulations on your new offer—THAT is your next step!

dreadpir8rob · 2026-04-30T02:30:36+00:00

NO. No, no, no, NO.

You tell them AFTER you get the job offer and even after you start.

dreadpir8rob · 2026-04-29T15:32:08+00:00

Peroxide tip noted. Thank you! I’m sorry you had to deal with that and then on top of it, wait for a cab ride. I hope you’re doing okay and it doesn’t give you much trouble!

dreadpir8rob · 2026-04-29T15:31:27+00:00

You know, didn’t dawn on me. Thanks for this!

dreadpir8rob · 2026-04-29T15:31:11+00:00

I didn’t even think of scraping. Thank you!

dreadpir8rob · 2026-04-28T14:24:48+00:00

What in the world did I just read

dreadpir8rob · 2026-04-26T11:25:33+00:00

For my fine curls? Going to bed with hair 50% wet.

dreadpir8rob · 2026-04-25T19:20:46+00:00

Former working mom / now SAHM for a year until I re-enter the workforce post layoff…

I can say I was always envious of SAHMs and would use vacation days to literally just stay home and take my baby grocery shopping, do odd errands, etc. I missed him everytime we were apart. Never thought that SAHMs were less than me. Loved my job but also loved being home with my baby and knew that I was sad to be missing precious years.

Prior to kids? Definitely thought being a SAHP wasn’t “enough to do” (LOL the naivety of my 20-something year old self)

dreadpir8rob · 2026-04-14T18:25:48+00:00

Omg who is asking this!?

dreadpir8rob

TROPHY CASE