Archive through November 27, 2001

The ClubHouse: Archives: Do you come to these threads while at work?: Archive through November 27, 2001

Kep421

Monday, November 26, 2001 - 03:10 pm Click here to edit this post
I'm curious and being unemployed, I'm starving for work related conversation.

If you feel like sharing, could you post what type of work you do and how posting at these boards fits into your schedule?

Like I said, I really miss working....

Gail

Monday, November 26, 2001 - 04:25 pm Click here to edit this post
I can't get to this particular board from where I work. For a brief time I could and I would peek in from time to time. I do know if I had an internet accessible computer on my desk at work full time, I would be checking in all the time though. :)

Alib

Monday, November 26, 2001 - 04:39 pm Click here to edit this post
I access the board from work. I am a regulatory drafter in the (Canadian) federal government and the internet forms a major part of my job, for research. I don't really work "by the clock" so I when I need a break I take one and visit TVCH.

Max

Monday, November 26, 2001 - 08:50 pm Click here to edit this post
Yup, add me to the "access from work" crew. I work for a software company, managing the internal communications group. OUr main function is communicating via the intranet. So, I'm connected all day to everything and check this site and others periodically. :)

Sunshinemiss

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 01:11 am Click here to edit this post
I pop in from time to time. I work customer sevice in a big call center and am on the 'net all day.. there are times when I am tied up on a call, on hold with a different department or what not, and will post a bit here or there. I keep this board minimized and logged on all day, so I can just bring it up easily when I get a chance.

It is only recently we have been given permission to websurf at our individual stations, I think they got tired of people doing it anyway and decided that as long as it doesn't interfere with work (keeping your call time up etc) that its ok. I try to make sure to do it responsibly so they don't tkse it away. It really helps pass the time and give much-needed relief from the non-stop pressure.

Good luck with the job search Kep.

Spygirl

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 05:20 am Click here to edit this post
I now only have two jobs (yeah!!!) and one of them (research assistant) I do primarily from home, so I'm online all the time .

The other job, however, where I work as a family therapist has NO Internet access (!!!!). They are working to lay the coax and whatever else they need to get the intra and internet up in the next year. Until, then, I am internet-free for 20 hours a week. But, it isn't as though I could check in during a session anyway

Car54

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 05:25 am Click here to edit this post
My job really varies- some days I am out all day driving from place to place installing or repairing equipment, but other days, I may be in the office doing database work-very tedious- and then I check in while things are loading and processing- keeps me from getting too bored!

Kep421

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 05:31 am Click here to edit this post
Thanks Sunshinemiss....

I'm a computer support tech and since I haven't been able to find anything in my area, I'm trying to break into the field of "Help Desk". This means working in a big call center too.

I was a little worried that a) I wouldn't be allowed to use the net; and b) the pressure of making daily call quotas would be hard.

Sunshine, I don't want you to give away any company secrets, but is there any advice you can give me?

When I was working, researching difficult PC problems and new products was part of my job and I was on the net quite a bit. But I didn't find these boards until I lost my job last March. Sure glad I did though!!!

Kep421

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 05:33 am Click here to edit this post
Jeez, Car54, your profession sounds similar to mine!!!!

Kep421

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 05:51 am Click here to edit this post
Hey Spygirl, its all in how you look at things. Maybe you should have an internet connection during your therapy sessions. I mean, think about the possibilities!!!!

If one of your patients is feeling very down, just whip out the laptop and logon to TVCH. A few moments with the people on this board would lift anyone's spirits....

If someone mistakenly thinks they are crazy, introduce them to some of the sweet oddballs we have around here and show them that being crazy doesn't have to be a bad thing...

I only say this because these boards have been a kind of anti-depression therapy for me ever since I lost my job. I come here so much everyday I could probably be one of your compulsive obsession examples!!!

Micknrc

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 06:03 am Click here to edit this post
I access from work WAY too much!

I work for a University based Transportation Center and we take Federal contracts and State Transportation Cabinet's contracts to do research, facilitate workshops, any and all kinds of work...

I just started this summer as a jack of all trades for them--my background is research/editing etc., but i'm beginning to take over their web-development stuff as the current kid who's been doing it for them has a teaching contract in Japan and will be leaving in March.

Unfortunately, some days are less busy than others and when I have time on my hands, I surf, shop on ebay, and check out these boards. I only discovered TVCH towards the end of BB2--I started reading the live feed transcripts about 2 days before the infamous hot-tub incident--and I must've spent 3 days solid catching up!lol

I am only now discovering these other threads, (games, poems, general discussion)since becoming a posting type person I've stuck pretty exclusively to the BB2, Survivor, and TAR threads...

Honey51

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 06:18 am Click here to edit this post
I work in the research division of the East Baton Rouge Public Library. We rotate posts every hour and one of my posts is working with the public access terminals and another is answering questions for patons who either call in or come into the library.

I am able to checkin while I'm at these posts and also on my break. It helps me to relax to checkin during the work day.

Jeep

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 07:26 am Click here to edit this post
I access from work, too. I'm an insurance agent with an independent agency, which means we represent many companies. Almost all our companies have a web site to rate new business or check on current clients, so I'm on the internet just about all day. I can jump in anytime I have a minute or two. The agency is very flexible and I have shared many interesting things with other employees including the president of the agency. He loved all the info I got from the Big Brother live feeds! What a hoot!

Sunshinemiss

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 07:55 am Click here to edit this post
Sure Kep anything I can do, no problem. I live in Sacramento, CA, and since it is a big city we are fortunate to have LOTS of call centers here; I found mine through a state-operated work assistance program- NOT the unemployment office, I had no luck there and I found it very discouraging. If you are in Cal, check out CalWorks- I initially just went in to use their resume-writing class as mine seemed to not be doing the job, and was AMAZED at the resources they had. Literally thousands of openings. I put in 5 applications and got 4 job offers. I took the highest one. Now service rep is not exactly a high skill occupation, so I don't know how a more technical field would do, but if you are in a major city I would say your prospects are good.

Don't let the fear of call quotas and the like get to you. The first couple of months can be a bit daunting but once you get into the flow it is easy if you have half a brain, and I can tell from your posts that you more than fill that qualification (jk). Try to talk to some of the people that work there before you decide for sure its the place for you- some companies are a LOT more laid back than others and there is no way to tell ahead of time unless you do, and it sucks to commit yourself to something and then get to the point where you hate to go to work. If there is anything specific you'd like to ask me, feel free to email me, my addy is in my profile.

Mostly don't be too hard on yourself, it is sooo easy to get discouraged when you are job searching- just know there IS a great job waiting for you, you just have to trudge through the muck until you find it.

Car54

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 10:24 am Click here to edit this post
hahahaha- Kep, the funny thing is, when I read that you were not working, I looked at your profile to see where you were- if you were in the area, I would offer you a job! That is tooo funny!

Oregonfire

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 10:42 am Click here to edit this post
I pop into the student computer labs between classes if I have time. I like to be reminded that I'm not a "teachamoton" and can have real conversations with people who won't make fun of me! I'm such the moving target at my job--it's very stressful. I'm an introvert, goshdarnit!

Mssilhouette

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 11:34 am Click here to edit this post
Kep,

You're actually starved for work related convo? Wooboy!

Well I do access these boards from work and am doing so right now.

I'm an administrative assistant for an environmental project manager on a large construction site.

We've moved into a larger trailer with other contractors so now we are all together. (Yippee!..Yawn) We were in our own separate trailer but now its like one big office.

I liked the job because it WASN'T like an office. Now I have to pass a dozen people to get to the copier and naturally everyone has to say "Hi! Hello" even if they've just seen you walk the hall not some 5 minutes ago. I used to have my own copier and didn't have to bother anyone. *Sigh*

Okay back to work talk...Since I work for an environmental guy I get to hear, and sadly after working here so long I actually understand, stuff like: NoX reports, Rule 1166, boring logs...okay the latter who's name is extremely appropriate because those logs sure are BORING!

I also work in acronym hell...SCAQMD, CRWQCB etc. I mean I ACTUALLY know what that stand for....Someone help me! :)

I also know construction stuff: shoring, trenching, surcharge, (nope that's not a charge you get on your card), wet utilities...ACK!

Grooch

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 11:39 am Click here to edit this post
MsS, maybe Kep would like to hear about your work related fantasy involving your boss and his tie?

Kep421

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 11:44 am Click here to edit this post
Aw man...most definately Grooch...If MsS would so oblige!!!

I'm sitting here all ears (or eyes)!!!

Kep421

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 11:48 am Click here to edit this post
Thank you so much Sunshine...I will take you up on your offer if I ever feel the need. We have an OhioWorks internet job site, but I haven't had much luck there either...But like you said, it just takes time

Grooch

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 11:49 am Click here to edit this post
Wait, here's the link to her story. Link

Kep421

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 11:51 am Click here to edit this post
Thanks for the thought Car!!! If you know of anyone who needs computer service in the Ohio area, please feel free to email me!!!!

Kep421

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 11:57 am Click here to edit this post
Thank you Grooch, I found that most interesting...!!!

I used to be an admin assistant years (and years) ago. I guess somethings never change...

Dahli

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 02:01 pm Click here to edit this post
HI there I am a Canadian prairie gal working for a US based software company, out of my home. I have clients with whom I work in a tech support/training environment both online and on site. When I am here in my office (in the middle of nowhere) there is a constant connection to the internet via my DSL - so when it's quiet I'm in here a lot. I enjoy it a great deal. Since our software is travel related, things have slowed down somewhat lately, so it's more often than I'd truly like, that I'm here looking for good stuff to read.
Thank heaven you're all here though, since working at home can feel so isolated at times, this helps me feel 'connected'
Good Luck Kep

Littlebreeze

Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 04:35 pm Click here to edit this post
Ooooo, Kep, you may wish you didn't ask this question. No, I don't come to these boards or anywhere else online while at work.

I'm an Exec. Admin. for a major trucking company. Trucking is a wild and wooley business on its best day. When you're moving freight halfway up the eastern seaboard for overnight delivery, or through customs into Canada for overnight delivery, or from the east coast to the midwest for second day delivery, or making sure export freight makes its boat, the pressure of deadline on-time service doesn't allow you a free moment. Coffee break? What's that? Lunch? I seem to vaguely recall the idea of what that is. Yeah, it involves food, doesn't it?

Since 9/11? Forget it! We don't make on-time service without major headaches. Just try getting an 18-wheeler into an airport, or onto a military base, or into any government facility, or any state facility. For that matter, water plants, chemical plants, schools, hospitals, malls, and the beat goes on. About the only thing they aren't requiring is a driver blood sample. The driver's held up for hours as the truck is gone over inch by inch, inside, outside, underside, topside. Try getting a truck into almost anywhere in NYC. Many places in NYC are not only doing the thorough truck search but are x-raying each piece of freight.

We're a general commodities carrier, meaning we carry just about everything, including firearms and hazardous materials, both extremely tricky right now. When you carry haz mat, the trailer must display haz mat placards. The authorities are pulling our drivers over left and right when they see those placards, checking out the manifest, the freight and the driver's haz mat license.

All this is necessary, that's understood, but when you have 100 city drivers on the road each day, each with a truckload of freight, say 15-20 deliveries on each run, when the drivers are held up for long periods of time at one stop, the other customers with deliveries manifested on that truck, and customers who are waiting to have their freight picked up after the driver has all his freight delivered, well, pardon me, but those customers are screwed. Therefore, so are we. Those hundred city men are from our terminal alone. Multiply that times the 40-plus terminals we have around the country and the effects are major.

The problems don't lie only with the city drivers. For the city men to have any freight to deliver, the freight has to be brought in by our linehaul drivers (road drivers moving freight between terminals). Even those linehaul drivers who are carrying unplacarded loads are being stopped simply for random checks as they cruise down the highways as the terminals are waiting for that freight so it can be offloaded from the linehaul trucks and loaded out onto the city trucks for delivery. Linehaul drivers leave all terminals sometime during the night, usually by 10-11 p.m. if all goes well, and they head for all the other terminals. When they roll into the terminals, all their freight has to be stripped off those linehaul units and then loaded onto the various city trucks for delivery that day. We have 50-75 linehaul trucks coming into our terminal each night and this routine has to be done on each and every one of those units and it all has to be completed and the city trucks loaded and on the road by 9 a.m. That's quite a feat when the linehaul men are spending hours on the side of the highways with the authorities. Do the customers want to hear "Your freight didn't get here on time due to...."? Noooooo. They don't care. They want their freight next day, no ifs, ands or buts, or your head is ripped off. At this point, I could use some of those Frankenstein neck bolts.

We're getting a better handle on it as time goes on, but the demands and restrictions of both the authorities and the customers seem to grow and change daily. It's a royal mess.

We've been put on notice by many customers that if there's one trace, one speck of anything even resembling a white powder anywhere inside the trailer, the truck will be turned away and all freight refused, be it a full truckload or 4 skids. There's always something hanging around inside the trailers that's leaked out of someone's freight, so we have the dock guys and drivers sweeping out trailers like a bunch of housewives with a broom fetish. We have no choice. Teamsters don't make chump change. It's unbelievably costly to pay a dockman to load a truck and pay a driver to deliver the freight, only to have the freight refused at time of delivery and have it return to the terminal to do the whole thing over another day.

The terrorists did a number on this country on 9/11, first and foremost the tragic loss of so many lives on that day, then all that has resulted since, for example, the economy and business in general. Trucking is the backbone of American business. Like the saying goes, "If you bought it, a truck brought it." Well, thanks to those highjackers, we're having a very hard time bringing it to you. They've made an already stressful business much, much more difficult.

After a day from hell, consider me tired but vented. Sorry, people. I should erase this whole thing but a good vent is a terrible thing to waste. I should've at least headed it up with a warning.... "May cause drowsiness due to boredom. Read at your own risk." Now, aren't you glad you asked that simple question, Kep? Don't answer that.