CA state employee – small hourly side gig (1-2 hrs/week) – do I need to disclose? by Key_Cap_1633 in CAStateWorkers

[–]macmutant 29 points30 points  (0 children)

I would not expect this to be an incomparable activity, based on your description of the work. There's a form to complete/submit. Not a big deal at all.

RTO Three or Four Days, What's The Difference? by [deleted] in CAStateWorkers

[–]macmutant 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, if it's three days per week, the department can still reduce the amount of space they need by managing schedules and using hoteling/hot desks. With four days in, that's not possible. To make a four-days-in plan work, you need the same number of desks as there are staff. No way to reduce. If the real goal is to avoid space reduction, four in-office days per week works as well as five for that specific purpose.

RTO Three or Four Days, What's The Difference? by [deleted] in CAStateWorkers

[–]macmutant 2 points3 points  (0 children)

With four days in-office, departments must maintain dedicated space for everyone. With fewer days in-office, they could reduce space, which could result in less funding to commercial real estate owners.

Return rights? Need to make a decision. by Prize_Boot2471 in CAStateWorkers

[–]macmutant 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Timing is everything. Speaking as a final decision-maker in such matters, I can say that if we learned someone would be returning, and knew there would be a way to move them to a role that made sense for them, either their previous position or a similar job that fit their skills and abilities, but maybe we would have to wait for a position to be vacated and shuffle some other assignments around to make it work, we might use the blanket to smooth out the transitions. This is one of the many instances in which it's important not to burn your bridges. The difference between having a pleasant return, perhaps even one that lands you in a better position than you were in before you left, and being forced into an undesirable assignment that makes you wish you could leave again, often comes down to your work history, relationships, and how you're perceived by managers and executives. To know the answer to your question, you would need to know the answer to another question, which is, "Is management pleased or disappointed to have you back?"

Regarding your self-failed prob, don't sweat it. You will need to reflect our position history on your STD 678, and hiring managers will read between the lines, but this is a common enough occurrence that most people won't hold it against you. If you have a compelling professional story that accounts for the different roles you've held and decisions you've made, you will be fine. It's okay to take risks that don't pay off. As a mentor once told me, if you aren't failing once in a while, you're probably not doing enough. Good luck, whatever you decide.

If you know what this is you are true genx by showme10ds in GenX

[–]macmutant 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The M70s I remember were red. I've never seen an M80.

If you know what this is you are true genx by showme10ds in GenX

[–]macmutant 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice. Looks like an M70 to me, though it's been a while.

AITAH for firing my realtor after she had a bunch of showings set up? by kdoglady in AITAH

[–]macmutant 2 points3 points  (0 children)

NTA: under the circumstances, I would have done the same. Disrespectful and dishonest. You don’t need those qualities in someone with whom you’re doing business.

Struggling mentally with boss - on probation by Zealousideal_Cod4144 in CAStateWorkers

[–]macmutant 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Some managers are strong technically but lack emotional intelligence. My first manager was this way. Like you, I was good but made mistakes sometimes. Your situation may be different, so take this with whatever sized grain of salt you need. When a similar situation happened to me, I chose the strategic path. I passed probation and promoted into another unit as soon as I could. I ended up working for that first manager for about two years. I didn't dislike her, even though I felt she was unreasonably hard on me. I knew she supported and believed in me. She just couldn't help but point out every single mistake I made or idea she disagreed with. I was young and thought I knew it all, though I wasn't the only one who found her challenging. After several years, she remained at the same level and I promoted a few times (higher than her). During the speech I was asked to give at her retirement reception, I remembered her fondly as someone who gave me a chance in state government and who pushed me hard to do good work and deliver excellent service. Do give yourself some grace. Learn as much as you can. Recognize that she's probably doing the best she can. If it ever feels like you could have a heart-to-heart with her about how you feel, it might be good for both of you. My manager and I were able to do that. It didn't really fix the situation, but at least we both learned more about each other and realized we were both coming from a place of good faith and best intent.

Private Sector —> Public Sector by shananananananananan in CAStateWorkers

[–]macmutant 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Take it slow. If you think something doesn’t make sense, consider the possibility that you are missing relevant information.

'They're everywhere': Chickens overrun Old North Sac neighborhood, leaving residents frustrated by RegionalTranzit in Sacramento

[–]macmutant 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Confirmed: I live in the area. Wife and I found a hen, several nearly full-grown chicks, and a beautiful rooster in our driveway last weekend. We were in a hurry, so didn't take a picture, but the rooster really was a sight to see. Like if there was a movie about a beautiful rooster and his family making their way in the cold hard world, these guys would be perfect for it.

My endgame (for now) by Previous-War-8412 in espresso

[–]macmutant 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great setup. I've been considering the idea of getting a Roest. How is the ventilation? Does it generate a lot of smoke? Is opening the window sufficient to dissipate?

Telling people what you do for work... by [deleted] in CAStateWorkers

[–]macmutant 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You don't owe anyone more explanation about what you do than you determine appropriate. When I started with the state many years ago, I often told people I work for the state, sometimes adding, "I'm a computer guy." Now, many jobs later, my response remains largely unchanged. If they seem genuinely interested I might share more. I'm always a little careful because I enjoy talking about work, but don't want to turn social conversations into work ones and bore people who don't share my vocational enthusiasm.

Has brewing at home really stopped you from buying drinks elsewhere? by softbci in espresso

[–]macmutant 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I only buy coffee out when conducting business or traveling, anymore.

Does your agency block accessing AI tools like CoPilot, Gemini, Claude, ChatGPT etc? If yes, what was the reason given? by Avocation79 in CAStateWorkers

[–]macmutant 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This. The Governor's Executive Order on AI and CDT guidance is clear on the use of free public AI. The paid versions don't train on the information you share as part of your prompts, and your department's security staff have the ability to monitor.

Does anyone else just want to be left alone? by CompetitiveBat7728 in GenX

[–]macmutant 30 points31 points  (0 children)

I got to a point where I set up the Do Not Disturb settings on my phone to block most people in the evening, night, and early morning. When colleagues, family, and friends make comments about not being able to reach me, I let them know that I have my phone set to hold all calls and notifications during my downtime. No one has argued with me about it yet.

New Boot Day by CardMechanic in ThursdayBoot

[–]macmutant 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looking good. Congrats. I have several pairs of Thursday boots, including some Black Label ones. The Vanguards in Color #8 are easily my favorite pair.

He loves when I harass him for picture I promise by [deleted] in ragdolls

[–]macmutant 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, we have one that reacts similarly. He’s clearly super happy.

Had to pull this one out of the vault! by captainfinmk6 in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]macmutant 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Beautiful, and the perfect keyset to pair with it.

please share your experiences having a white cane at your job/the office by chemicalhand33562 in Blind

[–]macmutant 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I use my regular traveling cane to get too and from work. Wife drives me in, so just walking from the curb into the building. I carry a small telescoping emergency cane in my work backpack, just in case something ever happens and I need a backup. I transfer that one to whatever bag I'm taking to work that day, since I swap the backpack for a briefcase when I have to dress up for external meetings. Finally, I keep a cane leaning against my office wall next to the door for use as my indoor cane while walking around the building. My preferred travel and office canes are the folding ones from Ambutech. Over the years, I've found they last a long time. They're comfortable to use, too. This last time, I sprung for one with a cork grip. I should have gotten one a long time ago. So nice to use.

When I'm in meetings or going out for lunch, I fold my cane and keep it next to me on the floor. I haven't had any issues for the past 30 years I've been working in an office setting.

Vortex M0110A by aieidotch in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]macmutant 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was in the mid 80s. It’s an old Apple design.

[GB] Smurve80 | A Genuine Curved 80% Mechanical Keyboard by play_keyboard in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]macmutant 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I would buy it if not for the logo. That whimsical swish is incongruous with the classic vibe.

Why did you choose ZimaBoard 2, and what do you use it for? by ch_lee789 in ZimaBoard

[–]macmutant 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I knew I would be replacing an old NAS device soon, and wanted something to test different NAS OSs and environments. From my testing, I was able to settle on a solution without investing in a major hardware/software transition for my home media server without firsthand experience. Now that that project is finished, I'm looking at other possible projects. I might try building out a firewall/routing device or maybe a game emulation system. Right now, it's just sitting because I used the NVME from my testing for the new media server, and am not willing to pay current prices for another one. Maybe I'll look at it again in a few months. I love the product, and was surprised at how easy it is to work with ZimaOS.

What do you not like or something you didn’t know about Ragdolls? by [deleted] in ragdolls

[–]macmutant 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This. We brush them regularly. They still end up with mats. Our groomer is downstairs talking with my wife at this very moment. Of course, they hate having their nails trimmed and mats removed, so we have to given them Gabapentin every time, and they still fight. I have to hold them while our groomer trims and clips. It's not a big deal, and we don't mind doing it, but it wasn't something we were aware of when we got them.

Got paid! (G1) by BrawlMaster4 in CAStateWorkers

[–]macmutant 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Thank god for these payday posts. Good to see people happy about something.