Thinking out loud...

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Jack of all trades master of ___
Member Since: May 28, 2004

Couldn't ask for a better day...its October...cold and rainy, my kinda weather. Friday, payday AND I got the new RECORDING mag yesterday which carries an article on miking a Grand Piano, a magical wonder I have often carried in my head...and only dream of doing.

Since I am more of the engineer-type, slightly a producre-type and not the true musician...getting MORE KNOWLEDGE on learning how to capture good sounds always makes for a good day.



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Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Oct 15, 2004 03:31 pm

Yeah, it's a crappy day, I am sitting at work, left for lunch into a wet, cold, depressing day.

Add to that the fact I didn't get the job I interviewed for last week...and well...today ****** sucks.

Tomorrow my wife and I are supposed to have a "date" without the kids to go to dinner at a nice place in Minneapolis, have some drinks, go see an orchestra and just plain get the hell out for once...but I just ain't in the mood...

Just friggin' depressed as hell...

Hello!
Member
Since: Jan 12, 2004

Oct 15, 2004 03:39 pm

Well dudes...its also chuckin down with rain here as per usual.

Cold, wet n windy. Sucks today.

Throw that together with the great weekend I had last week and Im also depressed!! Aye..tis a crap day for sure.

Need the mad Wookie Spanker's mad ideas to cheer me up...wheres that nutter TonyD??

Coco.

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004

Oct 15, 2004 03:41 pm

Well sorry to hear that dB...I had that heppen to me recently with a position I kinda wanted badly, designing houses...the guy was actually a (richard) about it too...

Sept 4th was the 3 year anniversary of me getting the ole boot from my job before this...first time its ever happened to me....

But I honestly love this weather...might have something to do with my FB playin days...

I gotta go drop my deposit on the ESP KH-202 which hopefully will come at the end of this month, depending on when ESP finishes it. Funny...I will have 3 guitars at my expense but I barely know how to play...

Czar of Cheese
Member
Since: Jun 09, 2004

Oct 15, 2004 03:42 pm

I'm with you fellas. Here in western Wisonsin it's dreary and overcast and getting colder.

On the up side, I managed a day off of work today to take care of my sick daughter (who is feeling much better, thank you.) Although after spending two hours early this morning making plans for the sub, I feel like I have already put in a full day!

I'm gonna open up Band in a Box, and see what I can come up with.

Jim

dB, look on the bright side...at least the Vikes are winning!

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003

Oct 15, 2004 03:42 pm

i love cold weather, and sometimes wet is ok; both together is rare as balls here. however, i stepped outside into a different world. the humidity fell to 38 percent overnight, there is a gusty breeze, the sun is shining, and it's 74.

as long as i lose the *&%^$%$ humidity i dont mind the sun


Hello!
Member
Since: Jan 12, 2004

Oct 15, 2004 03:45 pm

Funny how both sides ay the pond are having the same **** day weather wise! Whats the odds of that...thousands of miles apart and yet still the same vibe!

Gez, am offski for a beer and a cig..back at ya guys later.

Coco.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Oct 15, 2004 03:45 pm

Quote:
I gotta go drop my deposit on the ESP KH-202 which hopefully will come at the end of this month, depending on when ESP finishes it.

Never give anyone money for an ESP beofre they have it...when I was managing a music store in Burnsville I went thru HELL with ESP, they so screwed me over a couple times, flat out lied to me all the time...argh...

That said I still love my ESP 5-string bass, but I didn't pay anything until it was friggin IN MY HAND.

On the upside, at least I am working...I really, really wanted that gig tho :-(

But, I have another interview for another next week and have a couple other contracts in the works, so it'll work out...I just REALLY wanted that one. My office would have been MY STUDIO.

I actually like this weather, if you don't you have no business living in Minnesota, it's just today, the whole day, everything aboot the day.

Hello!
Member
Since: Jan 12, 2004

Oct 15, 2004 03:50 pm

Quote:
aboot the day

Hey!! Its McdBMasters!! Aboot...just slips in there dude. Next yi'll be shoutin and haverin like me ! hehehe.

IF yer real lucky, auld TonyD will crack a thread on ya !! hehehe.

Aye, just cheeried masel up.

P.S. thats a bit crap dB losin the gig...as yi say - it'll work oot but its always a bummer to lose oot on something yer efter.

Now, for the beer.

Coco

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004

Oct 15, 2004 03:58 pm

Yeah I know what you mean...Something like that could darken even the brightest of days...

I love this weather cuz if its warm and sunny out people tend to think they are in Calif. and drive super carelss and ignorant as if they own the road...

With weather like this, it keeps everyone like they are driving on eggshells and I can go home pluck a few strings and maybe check the ole eyelids for light leaks....

As for ESP well they are shipping the ax to a M-G-R in Burnsville...thats who I am giving the $150 to...Should I say f-it and go with MusiciansFriend...free shipping and no sales tax?

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Oct 15, 2004 04:04 pm

Yup,

It's cold outside
and my feets are wet
been lookin fer a job
ain't got none yet
Ole ladies all mad caus I just sit around
I'd like to kick sumpin but ain't got no hound
Whilst writin this note the cat don bit me
Things just ain't grand no that's an ah-pifney
If I could play get fiddle I'd play d ,f an a vowel
If I had me a dawg I'd have him howl
Why I'd be rich in a minute in the country sceans
All the weemons be peekin at my jeans
But here I sits with a whine and a wheeze
Anybody see where I left my cheese?

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Oct 16, 2004 12:22 am

I just wihs if it was gonna be this friggin cold it would just snow. But wait, I gotta get the snow blower outa the shed before it does. And find the stinkin snow brushes for the cars.

But in my case , I just need a sunny day here and there. Without that I get pissy and cranky and depressed.

Time to lock meself in the studio for a long winter jam.

Nice one Walt, very nice indeed.

Member
Since: Apr 22, 2004

Oct 16, 2004 03:45 am

I agree, nice one Walt.

'Looking out the window
It's raining and cold weather
I wish I was two puppies
So I could play together'

Sorry to hear about that dB but like Coco says it'll work out. I've always found the above short poem cheers me up.

Cheers,

BM


another day another ray of hope
Member
Since: Oct 14, 2004

Oct 16, 2004 12:37 pm

hey everyone. Don't mean to sound selfish, but I'm having a great weekend. Had my son overnight, which is always fantastic, went up the studio this afternoon too discover that the reel to reel has been over hauled and now works properly. Miced up my new drum kit for the first time, rethinking the positioning of the mics to discover that it sounded awesome first time. Off to pub tonight and laying down some drum tracks tomorrow. There is no amount of rain that could wipe this smile from my face.

Sorry to be so smug

Dan

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Oct 16, 2004 01:01 pm

Ya Dan, Life just isn't fair. Just when I'm gettin comfortable with whinin and complainin, securely on the pitty pot, expecting to end the night with a fund raiser gig full of posession / ego centered teflonoids; what happens? Turns out to be a great gig full of principal centered folks having a ball. The band plays great. Even I play good. There I am having a great time.

What's a guy gonna do? Just not fair.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Oct 16, 2004 01:27 pm

Yeah, Walt, I hate when that happens :-)

Congrats on the good luck and good fortune guys, I am still securely on my pity pot, personally...

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Oct 16, 2004 01:30 pm

dB,

I wasn't gonna comment, but well I hates to see you depressed. From what I can see your problem is a language barrier. Most folks think English is the main language spoken in the interviewing process. That is not true. All interviewers are trained in BSE (Bull Stuff Ese). Having been on both sides of the table frequently let me offer my services and an interpreter:

"You are over qualified" Trans: We are looking for cheep, not proficient.

"You don't have the education we are looking for" Trans: We are looking to impress not perform.

"We are concerned you will not be adaquately challanged" Trans: I am terrified that within 90 days you will have my job.

"You just don't fit the culture" Trans: You are much to honest and will no doubt expose our business practices.

"We found a more comensorate candidate" Trans: The owner is forcing his son to do somthing other than play Nintendo.

"Thank you we will be in touch" Trans: The HR department has not ok'ed the hire requisition and you will probable see the interviewer in the waiting room as you leave your next interview.

Early warning signals:

"Very nice suit" Trans: I saw my secretary look at you and I want that action.

"Impressive resume" Trans: This guy can spell things I can't understand.

"You just don't impress me as fitting in" Trans: The guy is gay and this isn't an ordinary job.

"Please have a seet" Trans: You're scaring me already and I need to look down at you.

"Be with you in a minute" Trans: Poop, he made it here, just when I was about to finish my Nintendo game.

"We have reviewed your resume" Trans: My boss wants to hire you to get rid of me and I need to do something fast!

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Oct 16, 2004 01:40 pm

OOps, Forgot the worst response of all:

Welcome aboard! Trans: Grab a bucket, we're sinking fast!

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Oct 16, 2004 02:08 pm

Thanks Walt, good info to have :-)

This last job really got me down more than most. Since I am consulting now I guess I should get very used to the interview game, so I better learn to get over things...this last job when I spoke with the dude he actually didn't sound very optimistic about the guy he DID choose (the running was between him and I) and asked if he could contact me later for possible contract work...it was really strange, like he doesn't expect the dude to work out...one of the stranger conversations I have had of that nature for sure.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Oct 16, 2004 02:43 pm

I am not fond of platitudes, but I truely you are better off for it. I have "won" (very hollow victory) in a situation similiar to that and got in the door. Real sorry about achieving the victory in a very short period of time. Many forces at work unseen, especially by the interviewee. I watched as one company I worked for stocked an entire department with unqualified bodies. Unanounced to the department manager who was at odds with the HR department for their final decisions the company was sold within 90 days as a "shiny apple" to two other companies. The grandchildren of the founder had grown tired of business ownership and found it boring. At the median age of 24 they wanted to play with their boats and cars.

There is always what we think will be best, worst, and a better plan that we can not appreciate until the post game review.

another day another ray of hope
Member
Since: Oct 14, 2004

Oct 16, 2004 06:47 pm

Yeah that's terrible walt. Some people have no consideration these days.

As for interviews. I don't know if this will help, but I try to take on the persona of someone that i would give the job to, usually Clint Eastwood. I just think Who wouldn't want to employ him. Mind you, it does freak them out a little when I toss my imaginery poncho over my shoulder. Needless to say, I have been in the same job for 6 years. Perhaps I should try Dennis Hopper??

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003

Oct 16, 2004 07:05 pm

haha no thats great. i'm going to use eastwood too. it'd be hard to not hire a man like eastwood.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Oct 16, 2004 08:05 pm

I'm thinkin Robin Williams. Great them with Nanu Nanu. Maybe through in a little Dustin Hauffman, I wanna work here wif you (best tard voice). End every interview with Swartzenager All be baak!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Oct 17, 2004 06:27 pm

You guys all crack me up. I have been lucky to say the least. Up untill almost 5 years ago, I had spent almost 20 years in the same profession, and the same company. I was hired as an assembly tech and quickly (within 6 months) made my way into customer service. Now mind you a small company which meant I still found myself doing work alongside the peeps who assembled our products. Alot of custom electronics. For 18 of those years I did the hiring and firing. Now imagine the feeling as I watched everything I had worked so hard to build crumbling before my eyes becuase of one greedy whench who stole everything she could for years, and I never saw it coming. At the advice of a lawyer, (as I was about to loose my house and everything I had worked for) I just up and packed it all up and left. I had however allready found a new job, at less then a third of my current salary. I had not been intervied in almost 20 years. At that interview, I was honest about that fact. And the guy who was hiring me for the job basically let me interview myself as we walked through the plant. He discovered I was capable of much more then the job I was interviewing for. And got all excited and jumped at the oppertunity to offer me something more then I can for.

I have been there almost 5 years now, some days good and some bad.

I guess my point is sometimes you need to just sell yourself, whether they are buying or not. I dont regret it, well maybe sometimes. But for the most part I am quite happy. And being I can drive to work in less then 5 minutes, the checks are always on time and never bounce, and it is clean and I am respected by my peers most of the time.

Member
Since: Apr 22, 2004

Oct 17, 2004 09:11 pm

Besides being a mum I've only really had two jobs. One straight out of university for six years before becoming a mum and my current position as self employed for 14+ years. I enjoy my job - its very varied...never a dull moment!!

I've never had an interview for a job...and I don't envy you ones having to do that either.

But even in my job I'm constantly selling myself and the business...and like Noize says...whether they are buying or not. I tend to try to treat the situations as having potential to create further opportunities...the more others feel positive about you the more likely they will reciprocate somewhere/sometime...

Just my 2c worth...hope it's helpful :-)

Cheers,

BM

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Oct 17, 2004 09:41 pm

Definately agreed with Noise and BM. I have always considered myself self employed even when an "empolyee" of an organization. That to me is just having an extended, open ended contract. My working postulate is the "bone soup" approach. "Wow what you have is great!...Now if you just added this..." which of course I am prepared to facilitate. Every day is essentially an interview, or an accessement of current conditions, what I can offer, and what my associates have to offer in return. I try to leave every table not only with comitement but with an offer. It's truely a balancing act. Make an offer, leave a free sample, keep your poles in the water. Calm on the surface and treading to beat @#$$ below the surface.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Oct 17, 2004 10:12 pm

Well, my next interview is on Tuesday with a company called "Accompany" that is a pretty short drive from home...15 minutes or so. The phone part was weird, very short, so I dunno what to expect, but I'll put on my Clint Eastwood face and see what happens.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Oct 17, 2004 11:22 pm

Ya, the Clint Eastwood face. That'll get er done.

And ya know Walt, now that you say it like that it explains my attitude when entertaining or eductaing a customer. Subliminoly I am trying to sell not only the company I work for but myslef as well. Maybe deep doww hoping one day someone will slip me a card and want to hire me away from there.

Dang I never knew I was doing that untill now. I am such a tramp. :-0

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003

Oct 17, 2004 11:27 pm

one time i tried to be eastwood at an interview and ended up shooting the guy. so, you have to be careful.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Oct 18, 2004 12:33 am

Yup Noise, I have secured quite a few peromtions by apealing to the customer rather than the company directly. I have especially had a lot of positive experiences with the european and asian theators. Per my experience those two communities have difficulty cutting through the Big Stories surrounding american business culture. Yes they have social aspects to their business, but they stay focused on critical issues much better than their american counterparts. I can most often connect rapidly with their needs and provide those needs. Not hard to procure a promotion when 4 or 5 major overseas distributors are asking for your personal services. Per my experience (the great disclaimer) american organizations are myoptic. I precieve all endevors in terms of projects. American organizations do well with brainstorming, scope definition, they start fladulating with deligation of responsibility and fall apart at implementation stages. European and Asiatic cultures excell in responsibility deligation and implementation and focus a lot of energy there. I do too. It is a tricky road to travel. The cultures are very much out of sink. I have found myself jumping 2,3 levels and working with the CEO which was disturbing to my chain of command. I had to carefully make it worth their while to play as well. Free samples, bla bla. To be honest I am tired of all that now and am looking for a simpler existence with greater structural integrity. But it was fun, and for the younger folks looking to taste the top end it is a excelent route. It has always amazed me at how easy it is to define ones own role within the US community. Clearly, few have a very defined vision.

another day another ray of hope
Member
Since: Oct 14, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 02:39 am

I like to see myself as a small cog in a very large machine, performing minor but very important tasks, without whom the business would fall apart..... Hang on, its just occured to me that the business is falling apart. Oh well, I guess that's what you get for hiring the Man With No Name.....Yup!

Good luck with the interview though.

Member
Since: Apr 22, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 02:52 am

I think people look to others for leadership...the more positive you are about what you're leading, the more comforted people become...consequently, the more at ease they are the more positive the view they have of your leadership abilities...all sorts of opportunities can open up..like Walt says.

But also, if you're passionate about what you do and who you are, this comes across. As opposed to going through the motions...people see through falsity.

But, I think when you're first starting out, it can be a bit of a steep learning curve before being able to establish yourself and allow your passion and skills to shine through.

I'm no expert dB, but in my view you are very talented and generous with it...it won't be long before those people interviewing you can see what we all here at HRC can see.

Cheers :-),

BM

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Oct 18, 2004 08:56 am

Oh my, passionate! My wrist just went limp, where's my purse. (sorry BM sincere lack of impulse control) I agree a "fire in the gut" (I feel better now) is always a positive indicator. In the periodic absenses of the fire (when everybody else is playing around) a firm comitement to principle will pull you through.

Establishment; Now there is a fickle term. In the new milinimum nothing much is too established. Visitudes run rampid, quick buck, pots running dry mentality is predomonent. With the obsesion of "youth" driving quick fix, instant gratification, "New, bigger, better, more!" thinking, one does better investing in personal integrity (knowledge, ability, motivation) investments. This has always been true, but especialy now it is "accute" for long term growth. One can always hope for establishment, vestment, and trusted value, but should probably not anticipate it.

The business world is continuing to act as the shrew. Run like @$%% in any direction, bite anything that comes in your path, If it tastes bad spit it out and keep truckin!

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Oct 18, 2004 09:29 am

Jeezuz, I hope this deal on Tuesday comes through, I just found out this contract may end on Friday...D'oh. It's good cuz I am kinda tired of it, but bad because, while I have other small stuff lined up, nothing major...but somebody lied to me and I can't remember who, cuz it should have 3 weeks left...oh well...such is life, the beat goes on.

Good thing I am the king of "backup plans" :-)

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 09:55 am

Well as quoted in the movie "Rounders"...

Always leave yourself an out...

Same goes for work...always leave yourself an out when the hard times hit...aka a backup plan.

I recently was given a little talk about "meeting expectations" and "taking the next step". Basically it was a review/suggestion to take another position in this company OR stay where I am at. I had to turn the tables on them and get them up on the ropes.

Let me note that in the 3 years I have been here, this was the first EVER talk/review/conversation about my position. Also I am not told when I screw up...Sounds like a pretty good deal untill they review you like "step up or die". So I questioned their review policy (which is written in) and their ways of dealing with screw ups and they back-peddled...

So its always good to look for loop holes then question them...I just didn't understand why I was in question about meeting expectations and stepping up when they have HARDLY addressed these issues through-out my tenure here....

So...this is why I am going to do my damnest to get my "microcosm of a recording studio" going this winter...trying to leave myself an out by doing what I love even tho I won't make much money doing it, but we all know every little bit helps...

Time, patience and persistance will heal all (dB)




another day another ray of hope
Member
Since: Oct 14, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 10:06 am

Nicely put Walt. Integrity is a word that seems to have no use in the business world of today. There are very few people that I meet in my work place, especially management, that would even consider their integrity in the decisions that they make. It's amazing that any of them sleep at night at all. But I have always maintained that this does not excuse me, and the way that I behave. As long as I am true to myself and always do that which I believe to be right, regardless of how that may hold me back in terms of forging a career, my nights will always be peaceful. It's a kind of benchmark, a constant that can be referred to when everything goes a little haywire. And you never know, my son may even grow up to respect integrity more than money, and then I will know that it was all worth while.

Crikey, did I just write that?? Sorry peeps
poo bum fart. There, that's better.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Oct 18, 2004 10:15 am

I generally follow the same theory of "being true to myself", and it usually works. However, I do remember one time where me and my supervisor just did not get along at all, as he was one of those unethical "yes men" to the supervisor above him (who didn't like me cuz my super didn't like me and no more of a reason than that). I do have to say, I went against my better judgement for for my own good, to make my day easier and started playing some major, internal political games at the company.

While I will spare you the long gory details of my 6 month political struggle (but they are funny) I wound up moving departments, making more money and outlasting both of the two supers at the company gaining respect from many people in many departments.

One valuable messon I learned during that time. When you get really frustrated and people start seeing that you are angry or disgruntled, don't make enemies with the immediate people, start making friends elsewhere in the company, poke around, see what games are going on around you and learn to play them and work the higher ups with the friends and enemies list you learn that they have. It's quite funny to watch the results when suit and tie execs start getting their egos hurt and you can just enjoy a front row seat.

I wrote my story down and emailed it to an employment professional that is syndicated in many newspepers around the US and he thought it was the greatest and funniest story he ever heard and actually used part my story in a few of his columns, I get email from him every now and then asking for permission to use it here and there. He said I played one of the smartest corporate games he had ever heard of. :-)

another day another ray of hope
Member
Since: Oct 14, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 10:52 am

I know what you mean dB. Doing the right thing is often a difficult call. But being unhappy at work or even getting fired is definitely not the right thing, doing something about it is. And how cool that it worked out in your favour. I know that if that had been me I would have made a right pigs ear of it and come off much worse.

Lost for words with all to say.
Contributor
Since: Sep 12, 2003

Oct 18, 2004 12:26 pm

I once hit a squirrel driving to work........

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Oct 18, 2004 01:11 pm

DSD, I want to hire you as soon as I can! I can teach most anyone most any task. Integrity is something I can only demonstrate and hope for in others. Your key words where "true to thine own self", few have progressed to understand that at any depth. And Dan my old friend, I can't let you off the hook either. I seriously doubt you lost your sense of true to self or internal integrity, just not your gig. You may have had to deny your ego the satisfaction of acting on negitive motivation for a time, but I am sure you acted on principal. In your case continued income to support you and yours.

My wife will often come home madder than a wet hen with some administrative fool at work who has thrown a monkey wrench in the machinery she has been fabricating. I'll ask her what is the principal. She is well grounded in her principles and will state her personal mission statement "to educate the children". Next question: Have they rendered you innefective? If yes, time to move out of their infulence, if no, figgure out a way to nulify or minimize their effects. Sometimes it's as easy as a little cheese will keep the rats at bay. A lot of people confuse integrity with face. Loosing face is a superficial experience which feels acute per the bruised ego and emotion involved, but does not begin to touch actual integrity. Then of course there are those who live on the surface having never discovered their structural integrity or it's value. They are frustrating little dweebs to work with. I have worked for numerous companies to date that dispite the CEO's efforts to destroy the company, the company thrived per the integrity of the people performing the work. The CEO's had capital, we needed that to continue our work. Everybody accomplished their mission. The CEO looked cool and impotent and we accomplished our mission.

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 01:44 pm

How Minnesotan..."Madder than a wet hen!" LOL


Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Oct 18, 2004 01:56 pm

Ultimately Walt, you're right, I did what I had to do to survive, and just took some liberties and had some yucks while doing it. I stopped going through accepted channels and started helping people all over the company with different tasks with which I was qualified to help. Pretty soon emails of thanks were getting sent to my supervisors supervisor telling him (and copying in various other people) what a great job I did for so-and-so doing such-and-such, which were jobs neither of the supers had any idea I was doing in the first place, so, as per executive ethics, they took credit but people started coming straight to me bypassing the two in the pecking order, I would up sitting better in the longs run and my name was now known, and they had no idea what I was doing any more and it was noticed.

Those games helped me stay employed for a long time into the technology bust of todays world.

Ultimately, I hated having to play the stupid games just for survival, but I will also admit I learned a lot about the stupidity, shallow nature and egocentric nature of people you would just hope for better from. Most importantly, I learned how to take those things and use it against them.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Oct 18, 2004 02:17 pm

Yup, good lessons learned. I learned the same lessons when I hit directors level. So I'm slow it took me a little longer. There were some real slime bags up there. Discusting little creeps. There were some fairly evolved human beings as well. Probably the same split as anywhere within any organization. Obviously these slime bags had greater influence and created much greater havoc. Although they were not much different than their kin at the other end of the food chain. Manic spending, sexual escapades, rampid drug and alchol abuse, sexual deases, drug and alchol overdoses, early retirement to the other side. A lot like a number of bikers I know that have never worked!

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 02:48 pm

You might have to include the word balance...and its something very hard to do when the boss thinks you could work a 9th or 10th hour "for the company" and YOU think if you do it, it will go unnoticed...It's also one of those "games" that are played.

I used to throw out "objective" cliche's that sounded good, and looked good on resumes. But after about 5 years and a few jobs I am just now about being true to myself, which (at this point) is about balance. I feel in actuallity the working life should be all about balance. Equal sides between personal agenda and working...I can't go balls to the wall if someone is going to ignore it, or better yet, feed off it and pat themselves on the back when the clients highly approve...feed their ole egos. I don't need my *** kissed but atleast recognize that I JUST put in a 12 hr day/night on a Friday. So have the dignity to mention my name when the clients are telling you 'the owner', that you did such a good job. Just tell me you understand I just canceled my personal schedule because you micromanage your agenda and didn't leave enough time for me to adjust something for your presentation (first thing in the morning). Nothing irritates me more when superiors show their ignorance and use the certificates and titles on their wall as if it's a forcefield for admitting screw ups.

In these instances I call for balance. I put my normal hours in, take the long route when it calls for doing something right instead of being lazy...and get my job done without making my hair gray.

With that said you can pretty much say I probably don't love what I do. Anyone who loves what they do says, 'screw balance' and goes balls to the wall cuz they love doing it. Having said that, this scares me in the case of working in the audio field...I constantly question...Is this what I love or do I love it because I don't do it as much as I wish I was. Is it a hobby or do I honestly love it. This question will remain unanswered unless I take the risk of changing careers...

This post wasn't intended to relate to anyone elses. Just kind of spinning things...

If the working man has to meet expectations, then the high man on the totem pole has to recognize when the working man goes beyond protocol, often a superior doen not know that MOST TIMES a couple few minutes of appreciation goes alot further than any paycheck/raise...

J

another day another ray of hope
Member
Since: Oct 14, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 03:11 pm

Hey dudes, you all speak a lot of sense. Balance is important in all things, its no good having integrity and no food on the table. And you are right about losing face, but for me that is part of my integrity. We are all different after all, I can't expect everyone to share my core values and if I get pissed with eveyone who thinks differently to me, well, I guess I'd be on a park bench right now.

Dan

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Oct 18, 2004 03:14 pm

ya mean you're not on a park bench?

In jealous...

another day another ray of hope
Member
Since: Oct 14, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 03:23 pm

Well I would be, but the rent for one is to high round this area,
and don't get me started on rent.

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 03:23 pm

Well...there are too many facets to be respected...

Sanity, Survival, Balance, Integrity, Image,

and so the game goes on...

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Oct 18, 2004 03:28 pm

Yeah, my wife and I spent all our money right after we got married on a down payment for a house just because rent was so high. We ended up with a house payment that was less than 70% of what we were paying in rent, and when we sold we made about 60% more than we paid for the house...after living in it for 7 years.

Real Estate...wow, it's a money maker sometimes. Plus it's so much more personal freedom.

another day another ray of hope
Member
Since: Oct 14, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 03:33 pm

I know, I never thought I'd get into DIY, but when you start...

J. It does my brain in when I start thinking about it all. I find it really difficult to put it all together... need a beer!!

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 03:36 pm

Its really sad to say...
"Too bad the planets weren't alligned..."

In light of all this...keeping in mind we don't really know the intimate details about each others backgrounds and work ethics and such.....

I would think that if a good group of us upstarted one facility, it would have it bumps and all but as a whole (day to day) it would be one hell of an operation.

(insert visual dreamwave effect/fade to future setting) ;)


another day another ray of hope
Member
Since: Oct 14, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 03:38 pm

Apart from the fact that it would be full of people who thought they were clint eastwood!!

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 03:39 pm

Well it would be too much work to try to accomodate all facets so the simplest form of putting these issues to waste...often lie in those desirable barely soda beverages we often wet our whistles in.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Oct 18, 2004 03:50 pm

Jason, Nice platitude, but no upper management does not have to regonize jack. They, he, or she, may know no-one but themselves. If the forementioned has any concept as to how to build a stable organization they will build in rewards, but unfortunately that is not prerequsite for short term gain, which seems to be what business is all about today. Don't look outward for validation. Look inward. Set your goals, access your progress every week. When a business relationship is no longer mutually benificial, try to fix it, if it can not be fixed, time to do some marketing. Build another relationship where the potential for mutual benifit exists.

You are absolutely correct about balance, however let's take it one step further. Make a mission statement for yourself. Include family, personal asperations, work, etc. Plan weekly to facilitate the balance necessary to achieve your personal mission statement. Acolades and recognition at work are warm and fuzzies, but when one looses a family in liu of making others rich it hardly speaks to balance. I've helped make a lot of widgets in my time, got a lot of praise, some awards, presteige, and some money. Now I'm back to trying to re-teach my muscles how to play upright bass among other delayed core needs, wants and asperations. I'm just glad I have the oportunity today. Had I not woke up at some time I would have never had a personal mission statement, just regrets.

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 04:15 pm

Nice post Walt! I do see your point. Recently I started changing that short term because of a lady who has recently put a spin on my world. Something like that occurs and it often wakes you up to what you really should be doing.

Being true to myself is working hard and equally playing hard...Going the extra mile at work as long as I can do that with family/personal agenda. Being consistant (a term often forgotten in business operations) with my word and abilites at work, and doing the same in my home life. If one bleeds too heavily into the other, we have issues...But I often run into situations where the uppers want me to live my job and I just dont play that way...Which is why I know I dont love what I do...

I don't necessarily look for validation...A lot of times I walk out of work after a long, hard day just KNOWING I did well, feeling good, and the day gets better when I can go home and do what I love to do there. I look for it situations occur where I have save someones ***...I find it equally frustrating and arrogant when upper management misjudges something and the low man has compensate by doing the dirty work because of it...then once compensated the ole pat on the back goes to the person with the highest title.

I am not going to bust my hump to get someones upper management *** out of a hole and have he/she/they walk on as if nothing happened. I am just saying, all they would have to do is let me know..."My bad"...And we move on.

Thanks Walt!

another day another ray of hope
Member
Since: Oct 14, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 04:16 pm

A mision statement is an interesting idea. I think perhaps I have one but don't realise. Work has always been there only to provide for what lies outside of work. I've never really given much thought about work in any other way, it facilitates my way of life. I have deliberatly chosen a job which allows me plenty of free time, the pay off for that is wages. But I have no work related stress as such, in fact I barely notice work, although I would be up **** creek without it.

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004

Oct 18, 2004 04:34 pm

I don't hate my job I just get irritated...with inconsitant policy...

I don't have a college degree...but I am expected to meet those same expectations as some who do here...AND RIGHTLY SO!!

As I posted earlier...my company has a written policy that reviews are given at the beg. of each year...I haven't had one till my production amount came into question which they disguised as me "reaching my pinnacle of what I do"...which to me is total BS...Along with the fact that I know they want me to attend classes to further education but are too p***y to tell me...

Once again "balance"...If I do good, tell me! If I f*** up, tell me!...Don't beat around the bush...Or wait and let it all build up. It's simple...Walt pointed out some areas where I might need to change my thinking and I could hug him for it...You don't mold good employess with written policies and passive agressive, cliche'd miandering.

Does a sculpter mold a fine piece or work by breathing on his media??? Of course not.

(Example)
A gal here who recently graduated from college got a 6 month review and a $3000 raise and she has no more responsibilty than I, let alone work load. Good for her, she just bought a 250,000 crib...but be consistant...

Appears to be that I am whining...and its ok by me...Just as long a dB knows...he's not alone when it comes to f'd up situations...

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Oct 18, 2004 05:19 pm

Absoltely Jason! A little hump busting to retain a job while looking for a better one is definately in line with most folks personal mission statement. Doing it soley to sustain the charecter defects of another individual is most often not!

Now, in as much as I am enjoying the acolades of positive comments, thank you Jason and DSD; per my conviction to integrety and personal mission statement let me say PLEASE read the 7 habits of highely effective people by Dr. Stephen Covey. A repetitive theme in this tread is "wow, I do that and never fully realized it". Dr. Covey's writing solidifies these intuitive understandings into a perspective that can be pragmaticly practiced. I had the exact same reaction reading his liturature. It is truely a survival manual for the new melenium. (obviously it doesn't cover spelling)

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Oct 18, 2004 06:11 pm

That is one of the greatest books I have ever read, and right now I am only about 100 pages into it.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Oct 18, 2004 07:37 pm

I was going to move away from this thread as I can't imagine what more I could write per all of the babbling I have done already. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to hear you are reading it! I have been through countless personality based (again the good doc gives me words to express my intuition) hype sessions. Always the same crap. A few folks react like they have just watched a Bruce Lee move and ram their heads into the wall only to discover it still hurts. Post read I am finding myself starting to be able to practice the disconnect meditiation of Anwar. I am able to paradigm shift. That after hearing the word until I could puke in hype sessions that left me with no practical applications. The definitions in that writing have assisted me with clarity that now draws from other experiences and knowledge that I could never fully tap prior. It's odd. I recomended it to a friend who is having employement difficulties. He has a masters in EE and as I listened he was suffering from the cloud of personality ethics he learned in the past. I asked him to read the book. He said he had some time ago and not bought into it. I talked a little more about what I had gleamed from the read and admited that the book had sat on a shelf for 7 years prior to my reading it. I also admited that it was a God thing as I would have not "heard" the text at that point in my life. He is in the process of re-reading it.


Congradulations!

another day another ray of hope
Member
Since: Oct 14, 2004

Oct 19, 2004 05:57 am

Well this thread all started with Jason enjoying the finer, simpler things of life: weather, recording, etc. Things that can be enjoyed when the bigger things are not having an adverse effect. Maybe that's the key to it all, keeping the bigger things in check allows for the smaller pleasures to come through. As Bill Nelson sung "another day, another ray of hope". I also heard a definition of rich and poor, here goes.

"No matter how much wealth and possesions you might have, if you aspire to something that you cannot achieve, you are considered poor. Adversley, no matter how little wealth and possesions you might have, if you have everything that you aspire to, you are considered rich."

Thanks eveyone for an interesting thread.

And Walt, I'd love to take you up on that job offer, but I have absolutely no idea what a widget is. Maybe you mean midget?

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Oct 19, 2004 07:45 am

Yeah, Walt, that book is a great read, and I am not a "reader" perse'. I don't like reading as a whole, I like doing. But the insight into the human animal of that author per his education and per his personal experience is wonderful. I take my daughter to her dance lessons on Saturday morning, whilst waiting all the moms are sitting and gossiping and crap, I am reading that book...it's teaching me a lot about my "lens". My lens is a little more out of focus then some I guess just from my rather off-center path through life. At least compared to my wife's perfect little world of experience. :-)

Oh, and speaking of my daughter...we JAMMED last night. Seriously, we really did. She sat behind the new Alesis/Hart Electronic drum kit and played a little beat while I played some simply rhythms on the guitar, doing small chops just to see if it would throw her off, and it didn't...the smile and that kids face when we were on beat was friggin' priceless. That was one of the coolest jams I have ever had the pleasure of being involved with, me and my 6 year old daughter...wow...I gotta record one of those soon.

another day another ray of hope
Member
Since: Oct 14, 2004

Oct 19, 2004 08:56 am

Hey dB, that's so cool. I take my 5 year old up to the studio and let him bash around on the drums while he conducts me on the darabuka. It's all a noisy mess, but that smile on his face, and he looks so cute behind this drum kit that he can barely see over the top of. I'm glad it's not just me that gets excited about that sought of stuff. You're right, those moments are priceless. And how cool that our children are going to grow up surrounded by music and musicians.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Oct 19, 2004 09:04 am

Yeah, that is totally cool. My mother in law is very musical as well, though my wife isn't. Ashley loves my studio and all that, she loves the drums, but is now at the point where it's frustrating for her cuz she is trying to do things that take some practice. I have her playing a good steady beat on the hihat while hitting the beats on alternating kicks and snares and it's a pretty solid beat, that I can play to, it's very cool.

She has a very natural sense of rhythm that really inspires me to work with. Even in her little preschool and kindergarden concert things, she was always the only one who you could see tapping her foot in time while singing and stuff...just naturally.

it's wild...she is also quite good at drawing, I really think (though doesn't every parent) that she has the artist touch...you can just see it in everything she does, it's weird.

Czar of Cheese
Member
Since: Jun 09, 2004

Oct 19, 2004 10:04 am

Ah, dB, you've hit the nail right on the head. I, too, have a six year-old daughter, and one of my favorite things to do is to help her with her piano lessons. She'll play the left had part while I play the right hand part, or vice-versa. And her three older brothers are very musical as well. I'll never forget last Christmas eve, when all three boys accompanied me singing a song at church. Very cool.

Will the circle be unbroken? Yes, I believe it will.

Jim

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Oct 19, 2004 10:05 am

That would be a proud papa moment, very cool, indeed.

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004

Oct 19, 2004 10:17 am

A day for me truly to be desired...

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Oct 19, 2004 11:52 am

DSD, I wasn't sure if you were really questioning widgets or making a joke about midgets. (Wow rymen Symon) I think both. Here in the us the term "widgets" is often used as a slang term for anything a company might manufacture. Kinda a family name for: gigets, gagets, thing-a-ma-bobs, whosits, and whatever it is(s).

I truely love this community. I have noted that musicians have an inherant understanding of a higher order than wondering heard of TV zombies, searching for the next bigger, better, more, thing to bring them happiness. My band is comprised from every walk of life from me the unemployed to full time musicians,doctors, lawyers, professors; and one thing shines through. We all show for the gig! And quite franly, there is no telling us apart. In that fabric there are a lot of common threads. Family first, children and grand children are our joy, we typicaly do, what we do at work very well, but work serves us, not the reverse. And of course music is our passion (I always fee gay when I say that). I feel very blessed to have found so many avenues to share my core values. The TV zombies just look past me with that dull confusion in their eyes when I talk about me. And off they go chanting bigger better more...bigger better more. I have met a lot of misserable people.

another day another ray of hope
Member
Since: Oct 14, 2004

Oct 19, 2004 01:06 pm

Hey Walt, you're a good man. I do find that I chuckle a lot whilst on this site. I'm glad it's not midgets Walt, that would be slightly unethical.

Happiness is an easy commodity to come by, it's amazing how so many people struggle to find it. I do think to myself how lucky I am having music in my life, the places I go, the gigs I have played, whilst others sit at home in front of the tv etc. and you're right tv offers very little in terms of (real)experiences, at least that is true of most tv.

I too am liking this community

Member
Since: Apr 22, 2004

Oct 19, 2004 07:13 pm

Wooh...alot has happened while I've been away.

I agree DSD, Walt is a good man.

QUOTE:...'passion (I always fee gay when I say that).'

...now I understand. :-)

Hopefully your interview went well dB!

Cheers,

BM

> > > Thinking out loud...

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