Easy question: what's your job/profession? I know it about some of you but not everybody...
Let me start: I got my M.Sc. degree in chemical engineering last year and now I'm a PhD student of the university in co-operation with a giant international company's (General Electric) lighting factory.
currently I have two independent jobs, and this will go on until next summer at least.
I like them both, though its hard to earn a decent salary, but I enjoy not having a 9to5 job and setting my daily schedule on my own.
1. I'm a soon to be vice president (I'm already nominated by the president, on Sept 29 will be the vote) of the Hungarian Cyclists' Club. I'm in charge of bicycle tourism and you can enjoy the results of my work soon at http://www.hunbike.hu
2. I'm the webshop and marketing manager of a small company which is selling used computer products. Access us here: http://outlet.77.hu
From next summer we'll might go abroad for the duration of 1-3 years with Andi and try our luck and life there. We are considering Denmark too :)
@ Zak: I thought you studied hotel management. Don't you want to work in that field?
Not that I have a deep knowledge in those fields, but the job's you currently have sound like jobs you could have done without studying at all? Or am I wrong about the management job?
@CTG: Nice career 8)
About me: I got a master in economics this year and am now studying/working at a graduate school.(PhD)
I studied science of education and have got a Diploma on that (Dipl.-P?d.). Now I am product manager and consultant at b+m Informatik AG for health care software and medical process management: http://www.bmiag.de/index.php?id=2747 (http://www.bmiag.de/index.php?id=2747).
I've also got my own company: Böhm-Kalpen-Maass GbR (http://www.boehm-kalpen-maass.de (http://www.boehm-kalpen-maass.de))
For more professional stuff see https://www.xing.com/profile/Oliver_Kalpen (https://www.xing.com/profile/Oliver_Kalpen)
I have a MSc diploma in environmental studies, specialized in ecology, plus a two-year special translator course for this major (providing me an advanced written language exam in my major). I'm looking for a job now as a newly graduated man. If I don't get a job around my hometown, I'm going to try to remove to Debrecen or Budapest. Firstly, almost any kind of job would be fine.
I got my MSc degree in geology one year ago, than I started a PhD project. We are also co-operating with some oil companies (MOL and Norsk Hydro), but unlike CTG, I got my scholarship from the university. However, they will probably offer me a job after getting the degree. (This summer I was working for Statoil in Norway, but it was only a temporary job, not related to this project.)
Btw, I would prefer to make a career as a researcher at a university or an institute, but nowadays there are much more possibilities and higher salaries in oil industry...
Quote from: Argammon on September 10, 2007, 07:04:32 PM
@ Zak: I thought you studied hotel management. Don't you want to work in that field?
Not that I have a deep knowledge in those fields, but the job's you currently have sound like jobs you could have done without studying at all? Or am I wrong about the management job?
I studied tourism and hotel management. The job I'm currently having at the cyclists' club demands all my abilities and skills I have learned. I have to coordinate volunteer workers, have often meetings and have to sign contracts with hotels, restaurants and companies, explain them why it is financiall good for us to become bike friendly, and help them do investments correctly.
I absolutely don't want to work in a hotel unless I have to. I'm planning to open my own hostel in Budapest maybe, I have a nice concept, which would be surely succesful. I only miss around 200.000EUR to start :)
But most importantly, I do not care about my salary at this point. I can earn enough to live along, and to see that the results of my job end ip in something useful for a whole country, and not just a company makes me incredibly happy. Honestly.
I'm a student of (Argammon will like it) economics at UNLP (La Plata National University).
Quote from: zaqrack on September 10, 2007, 09:18:48 PM
I'm planning to open my own hostel in Budapest maybe, I have a nice concept, which would be surely succesful.
I'll be first guest! 8)
Quote from: zaqrackI only miss around 200.000EUR to start :)
"only" ? :o :D
I've got a diploma in biology but didn't want to do a PhD. I'm working right now in food industry as quality/formulas manager after spending some years in R&D department as a project leader.
Quote from: Krys TOFF on September 13, 2007, 12:44:55 PM
I've got a diploma in biology but didn't want to do a PhD. I'm working right now in food industry as quality/formulas manager after spending some years in R&D department as a project leader.
Ah so your job is tasting yoghurts. ;D
No, my job WAS to prepare fuit preparations and test them in yoghurt/fromage frais when I was in R&D department.
Now, my job is to be sure that the 2 French plants produce properly the food preparations validated by our clients after R&D samples.
Why do I feel that you were removed from your previous job because of having sex with yoghurt jars? (something like Akoss Poo and CDs) ;D
loooool ! No. :P
So as you know I have changed my profession, so now I'm a vice president assistant at a company specialized in consulting and commerce between China and Hungary. :)
Great! Which company?
a small Hungaian one :)
http://www.tradeland.hu
The first girl shown at the site is HOT! ;D
Duplode: as a "colleague", I already wanted to ask earlier, just forgot... what's your special field? Mine is (thermo)analytical chemistry (usually working with TG/DTA, EGA-MS, EGA-FTIR, sometimes XRD and flame-AAS too), mainly inorganic materials. As far as I know thermoanalytical measurements are quite popular in Brasil, we have partnership with some Brasilian researcher groups.
/me is a victim of the credit crunch and stands without a job... :(
Quote from: zaqrack on April 09, 2009, 08:14:56 PM
/me is a victim of the credit crunch and stands without a job... :(
??? :-\
Details?
Exactly when I started to search for a job and found almost nothing suitable...
Quote from: zaqrack on April 09, 2009, 08:14:56 PM
/me is a victim of the credit crunch and stands without a job... :(
That sucks man! I came here and wanted to post about me finding a job and see this... sorry pal.
no problem, I'll find something new soon, I'm sure of it.
might be a sign that I have to change. Did not like my job in the past months anyway.
Quote from: zaqrack on April 10, 2009, 12:43:00 AM
no problem, I'll find something new soon, I'm sure of it.
might be a sign that I have to change. Did not like my job in the past months anyway.
I admire you, you know? I really admire the way you are, always positive about everything. Good luck with your search for a new (and better) job!
Quote from: zaqrack on April 09, 2009, 08:14:56 PM
/me is a victim of the credit crunch and stands without a job... :(
Too bad you've got hit, guess your company downscaled their operations in China... :-\ good luck with finding a new job, though I'm sure you'll do fine.
Quote from: CTG on March 04, 2009, 11:07:14 AM
Duplode: as a "colleague", I already wanted to ask earlier, just forgot... what's your special field? Mine is (thermo)analytical chemistry (usually working with TG/DTA, EGA-MS, EGA-FTIR, sometimes XRD and flame-AAS too), mainly inorganic materials. As far as I know thermoanalytical measurements are quite popular in Brasil, we have partnership with some Brasilian researcher groups.
Sorry, I missed this post last month! As you might have guessed from my ZakStunts post a few days ago, I work with computational simulation of liquids, mostly of ionic liquids and other electrolytical systems by molecular dynamics. Our research group is within a larger group of Raman spectroscopists, though, and there is quite close cooperation (I would post the link for the group site, but for some reason it seems our web server went down...). As for thermo-analyists, I know there is one specialized group within our campus (Prof. Dr. Jivaldo Matos, maybe you guys have worked with him?), but I'm not too well informed about their activities.
Quote from: zaqrack on April 09, 2009, 08:14:56 PM
/me is a victim of the credit crunch and stands without a job... :(
Damn. Too bad for the money and travels in China. :(
But maybe it's for good. I always was slightly afraid that one day some Chinese guys discover this site by Zak's access from China, and then come here and stop ZakStunts because it doesn't fit Chinese government way of thinking. I don't like Chinese government, I don't like all Europeans (and Americans) governments saying yes to anything from China just to get some business there. China and North Korea need a revolution and get rid of their crappy leaders. Long live democratia and freedom of speech.
But it's unlikely the Chinese people will revolt with their 9% yearly economic growth and the fastest decreasing poverty rate in the world :D
"Freedom of speech won't feed my children"...
La liberté ou la mort (http://www.latribunedelart.com/Expositions_2005/Regnault_-_Liberte.JPG) (Jean-Baptiste Regnault, 1795)
(http://www.christ-roi.net/images/1/1b/Libert%C3%A9_Egalit%C3%A9_&_Fraternit%C3%A9_ou_la_mort.JPG)
There's something familiar about this... ;D ;)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f283/Duplode/pgtpca.png)
Erm... This article is not my work, only measurements and their evaluation. :D
Next one is coming in the same journal but I'm too lazy to make the corrections suggested by the reviewers.
Seems like I can get the job... My future boss (?) called me and told they want to employ me. Only a single interview is left with some main leaders of the company (quite a hard one: about pharmaceutical researches in general, GLP/GMP and many other topics in English...), so he gave me some piece of advice about how to prepare for that one. Maybe I'm a bit too optimistic but I think my chance is about 80 percent at the moment.
Good job!
and I'm also back to employment since monday.
I decided to accept the offer of a company so now I am an English Technical Writer.
I turned down the offer from the Cyclists' Club (can not guarantee a steady standard of living), failed at the last interview round at Walt Disney (don't mind though, lots of money for selling my soul), and there was nothing related to China available as of now (keeping an open eye on this topic though)
I am not yet sure whether I will like my new job or not. I tend to like jobs where I can sink deeply into the tasks and concentrate on what I am doing. Well this sure is such a workplace. Very calm, very relaxed and totally flexible in terms of when to start my work, how to dress for work and such. Oh and my window is overlooking the Danube :)
And one thing is sure: My English will be further improved by quite a lot.
My only concern is that I dont know how I will bear that the tasks are quite monotonous and I don't need to use much creativity. We will see. But as long as we are expecting and later raising a small baby, steady existence is the top priority.
I guess in the end I'll work as a cook. Day by day I feel more the need for creating something real, something tangible and something what causes satisfaction not only to me. Too bad cooks have to work in the evening and weekends and their salary in Hungary is barely enough to live on from day to day.
Perhaps I'll open a small buffet in some years serving quality fastfood. This may be a market gap. :)
(or a Hungarian restaurant abroad. Investors are welcome :D)
Quote from: zaqrack on May 21, 2009, 08:50:08 PM
and I'm also back to employment since monday
Great!
Quote from: zaqrack on May 21, 2009, 08:50:08 PM
I decided to accept the offer of a company so now I am an English Technical Writer.
Too bad for you, I'll ask for advice quite often then... :D Kidding!
Quote from: zaqrack on May 21, 2009, 08:50:08 PM
failed at the last interview round at Walt Disney (don't mind though, lots of money for selling my soul)
WOW! Could you tell a few words about that? I wonder what kind of job did Walt Disney offer.
Quote from: zaqrack on May 21, 2009, 08:50:08 PM
I am not yet sure whether I will like my new job or not. I tend to like jobs where I can sink deeply into the tasks and concentrate on what I am doing. Well this sure is such a workplace. Very calm, very relaxed and totally flexible in terms of when to start my work, how to dress for work and such.
Sounds like an ideal job.
Quote from: zaqrack on May 21, 2009, 08:50:08 PM
Oh and my window is overlooking the Danube :)
I'll lose Danube with the new job, I had 5 years with that kind of panorama at the university (Ch building, Danube side, 1st floor), Köbánya is not that attractive (but nice building anyway with hypermodern labs and 90% glass surface... kind of weird, but I like it). :D
Quote from: zaqrack on May 21, 2009, 08:50:08 PM
And one thing is sure: My English will be further improved by quite a lot.
Even better English? Native level?
Quote from: zaqrack on May 21, 2009, 08:50:08 PM
My only concern is that I dont know how I will bear that the tasks are quite monotonous and I don't need to use much creativity. We will see. But as long as we are expecting and later raising a small baby, steady existence is the top priority.
There's the point. Maybe a bit too rational from the well known Zak McKracken, but it's really the best choice in this situation.
Quote from: zaqrack on May 21, 2009, 08:50:08 PM
I guess in the end I'll work as a cook. Day by day I feel more the need for creating something real, something tangible and something what causes satisfaction not only to me.
That's the real Zak!
Quote from: zaqrack on May 21, 2009, 08:50:08 PM
Perhaps I'll open a small buffet in some years serving quality fastfood. This may be a market gap. :)
(or a Hungarian restaurant abroad. Investors are welcome :D)
Just don't forget chili beans from the menu! :D
I'm glad you found a job!
Quote from: zaqrack on May 21, 2009, 08:50:08 PM
failed at the last interview round at Walt Disney (don't mind though, lots of money for selling my soul)
Too bad... Those jobs are usually the best paid!
BTW, I hope to find one of those in the future...
Congratulations on that job! It's very important because now you can think without stress about what you want to do in the future.
Even if it's not a creative job, at least you can watch the river and dream :)
Quote from: BonzaiJoe on May 22, 2009, 09:06:18 AM
Even if it's not a creative job, at least you can watch the river and dream :)
Amen! (And that means a lot coming from an atheist... ;))
Quote from: zaqrack on May 21, 2009, 08:50:08 PM
I turned down the offer from the Cyclists' Club (can not guarantee a steady standard of living), failed at the last interview round at Walt Disney (don't mind though, lots of money for selling my soul), and there was nothing related to China available as of now (keeping an open eye on this topic though)
Cyclists' Club update: they would offer me the same salary I earn here and a position guaranteed for at least the following three years.
That would mean no financial development for me in the near future, but a lot of professional opportunities and good connections in case I'd like to open later a guesthouse or something like that. I'd coordinate EU funded projects which I think is also a very useful thing to learn. The salary is enough to maintain my current standard of living and provide the same for my family, with being able to spare at least 100EUR/month, perhaps more. It is not enogh (and probably never will) to maintain the same standard of living when my kid(s) get bigger.
Downside:
- my job and my free time would be not so much separated as it is now (which I like more)
- it is good experience if I ever want to start my own business later or continue working in the NGO sector, but would be wasted time if I want to return to the financial world.
Upside:
- interesting, versatile and independent work.
- working to propagate cycling? come on! :)
Other factors to consider:
- Interview process pending for the tourism office of Great Britain (junior position responsible for online appearance and marketing in Hungary - great possibility to enter the online marketing world which I am interested in, and also great experience if I ever want to work abroad. Downside: it is still in progress, position is not sure. What if the recession forces the Hungarian office to be closed?)
- I pretty much like my current work, but I am unsure if I would be able to enjoy it 6 months later...
So, what do you suggest?
Choose the one with the best money/invested energy ratio! Sounds like a lazy opinion but if you think it over: acceptable salary and some free time with family - the right balance.
How do you feel?
The jobs seem almost equally good in cold facts, so get the one you want.
But can you be sure the guarantee really counts in these tough times?
I am pretty sure about the guarantee, because I am highly valued in the eyes of the Cyclists' Club boss, because of my previous efforts while working there. He would not replace me if I'd take the job.
The project was won, the funding is guaranteed, it wont be stopped until it phases out in 2011 and someone needs to coordinate things.
My biggest concern is, that maybe I can not draw a line between work and free-time when working there. And I know I need that line in order to be happy and relaxed.
The most important hours of my life are coming in the afternoon. I have a crate of Borsodi for a failed interview. Anyone to bet against that?
Weren't it for the fact I do not drink, I would bet, as it seems that your negativity tends to be just a defence mechanism :-) Good luck ;-)
Thanks but luck won't be enough. Now really sleeping.
Quote from: CTG on June 15, 2009, 02:08:43 AM
Thanks but luck won't be enough. Now really sleeping.
Another useless cry from CTG, probably not the last one ever (I won't ever get PhD degree... ;)). Job in pocket, flying high over the bar. Confident and high quality application, they said. My ego is in the sky now, don't let me post more today. ;D
I told ya... congratulations! ;)
congrats! enjoy the working life ;)
Well done!
so briefly summarizing what happened in the last days, before we completely flood facebook :)
I was not satisfied with my new job, I liked that it is a new thing for me interesting and I really did enjoy the atmosphere, but did not feel like I could do this kind of job (100% in front of computer) for a longer term.
So I was looking for other opportunities. Almost got a job at the Tourism board of Great Britain, related to marketing Britain as a tourism destination in Hungary, but failed in the last round.
Apart from this, I got an offer from the cyclists' club, because their main project manager was leaving and they were looking for somebody to replace him. I was offered the same salary I earn here, a guaranteed place for at least 3 years - and of course a really interesting job connected to my profession - and so I was considering a change.
I hesitated for a week, and finally decided to take the offer. I would have started working there the next monday.
On wednesday I announced the office manager that I don't feel like this job could remain interesting for me in the long-term and mid-term, also got another offer, so I decided to quit.
She said that she's really sorry about my decision, but she also felt my current tasks are not interesting for me, and wanted to move me to a slightly different position, but looks like my decision was quicker. She asked me to wait a bit, because she wants me to talk with the owner and operations manager of the company, maybe we can work something out.
Only stupid people turn down offers without hearing them, so I decided to listen to them. On Thursday I walked in the office being sure that I'll change soon, and just listen to their offer out of curiosity.
But I came out from the office totally puzzled. They offered me not to do the technical writing itself, but as they see a lot of potential in me, they wanted to teach me in short term the industrial and structural backgrounds of the technical writing industry, and train me to be an adviser, telling possible clients how to improve their existing documentation to be more productive and effective. This offer really caught me as it is not about doing repetitive tasks, but being intuitive, think analytically and strategically - things I consider my strengths and enjoy doing. On the other side it is a healthy mix of technology, economy and business. Also, this training involves such fields and knowledge, what only very few people know in Europe - and being an expert in a rare, but demanded knowledge is always the best investment.
On the top of this they offered me an instant 10% raise (even though I'm only here since a month!), and of course a huge raise when I'll become trained enough to be an advisor.
I said I need one day to decide, but with every minute I felt more, that this is not an opportunity to be missed.
Today we had another talk and the have played the ace - I asked, as a last question whether I can use my Chinese skills in the future - and it turned out the company is planning to open an office in China in 2 years.
This settled it. I'm staying :)
Take that job sounds great! It makes me happy zak! :):):)
That really does sound good! Congratulations on that and good luck with the future challenges...
Well done Zak! Looks little Zacky did bring some luck!
Great news! And I get what you mean on "being intuitive, think analytically and strategically" - text analysis and communication strategies seem something quite enjoyable to work on to me :)
Zak being an advisor of "technical writing" is really interesting. If I recall correctly, your english was quite mediocre during the first years of Zakstunts competition. Looks like it must have improved quite a lot.
Of course technical writing is about more than fancy english, but still... Good job!
Quote from: Argammon on June 21, 2009, 02:27:30 PM
Zak being an advisor of "technical writing" is really interesting. If I recall correctly, your english was quite mediocre during the first years of Zakstunts competition. Looks like it must have improved quite a lot.
yep, the main boost in my English skills was done from 2003 to 2007. It's still far from perfect though, and my verbal skills were always a lot better than the written.
Anyway, being a technical writer needs very good English skills. Being an advisor of technical writing does not :D
Really? Doesn't your task include things like telling your subjects "You should not write like .... but like ..." ?
You see I have no clue ;D
Nope, a technical writing adviser tells the clients, how to handle effectively huge amounts of previously available information, which is currently present in incoherent or diverse structure and format. This includes transforming and changing the information itself and the data structure according to modern industry standards. This is the part where my analytical skills are useful.
The point is to make information extension, change and update easier and cheaper, thus achieving optimal cost-efficiency. (Savings can be huge, as we are usually speaking about 10000s of document pages structured to different, but closely related booksets.) This part is, where economics come in the picture.
These industry standards and conversion methods are what I'll have to get familiar with in the upcoming months in order to become an expert, because currently I have only minimal experience in this field.
What you mentioned, that I correct grammar and writing style is my current duty. This is what I have found uninteresting in the long term and led to the changes mentioned in my previous post. But in order to be a successful expert, naturally I have to get familiar with the basics of the procedure.
Congratulations to CTG and Zak!
From September, I will also have to find a job, as my PhD scholarship will expire. Here are the possibilities:
1. Geological Institute of Hungary: the vice-president is a good friend of my supervisor, and they both want to see me there as a researcher, so I got an offer from them. That job would be interesting and not too hard (in average, not more than 8 hours/day), and I would have the possibility for realizing some own ideas, and I would have the chance for publish my results under my name. This is important for me, I don't want to die without leaving anything useful here for the next generation. However, the president of the institute doesn't know me, and he will make the final decision. So, motivation letter (vomiting smiley) and CV have been sent to him, reaction is still not known. Btw, salary is quite ridiculous there (I would be a public servant...), barely higher than my PhD scholarship. Chance for getting the job: 60%, chance for going there: 51%.
2. StatoilHydro, Norway: I will go there for a two-month "student work" for the second time this summer. As I'm finishing my studies now, I have the chance for getting an offer for staying there. Salary is 6-8 times higher than in version 1, but it would be not easy to decide to move there with my family. (Not to mention leaving them in Hungary, and seeing them for 1 week in one or two months.) Last but not least, own ideas and ambitions for publicating results are not really welcomed in oil industry... Chance for getting job: 30%, chance for going there: 15%.
Other possibilities, without details:
3. Unemployment: 15%
4. Working somewhere else in Hungary (maybe at MOL) as a geologist: 10%
5. Working in Hungary, outside geology (Tesco, etc.): 6%
6. Working abroad as a geologist, outside StatoilHydro: 2,9%
7. Ordinary death: 0,095%
8. "End of the world" (nuclear war, asteroid impact, etc.): 0,005%
By the way, my "dream job" would be something like I would do at the Geological Institute, but not in Hungary. I would prefer any N-NW European location which can be reached by plane directly from Budapest. (StatoilHydro is in Stavanger, needing at least one change.) But I won't have significant chance for such a job before getting my PhD degree - and in the best case, it will take 1 year from now...
I am sure you wont end up in the Tesco. ;D
Based on your "dream job" description I think if you will have a job offer from StatoilHydro, accept it, but only together with a relocation package for your family. You could work there for some years founding your existence and then its the time to move to the real science. The best scientists always have additional background in other fields and jobs. With about 5 years experience gained at both locations, your dream job can become a reality.
I have a good chance to get a job finally. If everything goes right, from 1st/15th October or 1st November, I'll work at the University of Miskolc, at the Research Institute of Earth Sciences. I'll be a junior member there (doing/helping researches, measurements, writing reviews of English articles in Hungarian, learn etc.), first for a six month test time, and if everything continues fine, I'll get a two year contract, when I can start a PhD course there, too. I won't get too much salary there, but it's the best for the improvement of my knowledges, and I won't need to work there too hard. So I got a chance from life to qualificate even more higher, I need to take this. It seems I don't have to push buttons in a factory at night shifts among low-IQ people... My would-be boss liked that I have a degree in a science close to earth sciences, I'm a chemistry technician as well, so I can help in the lab, and I have decent English. He said that it's 99% that he can apply me from October/November, 1% is only a possibility of an unexpected event. I say that it's 90%, let's be a bit pessimistic. Let's hope my hand will also say OK, at least I'll try, it feels better now, and the medical treatment goes on. BÖFF!!!
And from August, I have my own internet access, too. I'm translating from Hungarian to English album reviews/critics and interviews to a Hungarian metal magazine on the Internet. The 'salary' for it is the fee for the Internet access. It's not too much, but until I start working, it's okay.
great news!
will we also see you back on the scoreboard too? :)
Congratulations Akoss! I hope it works out for you. If it doesn't, you've still proven that you are a valuable commodity for employers.
Everything will go fine. BE OPTIMISTIC!
Thanks! It's really great news. I also hope that everything will be fine. If my hand is okay and I get time to learn the new things and settle there, I think I can stay there even after the 6 months of probation time.
Finally, I got the job which was the most probable: from next Monday, I'll work as research assistant at the Geological Institute of Hungary. My contract is for three years, beginning with 90 days test time. Although I'll be only an assistant (as a junior member without PhD degree, we can't start at any higher level), I'll have to train a team of 10-15 people for the computer-based interpretation of seismic surveys, in which they don't have any experience, but I have been doing it for 3 years as a part of my PhD project. That will be my first task there.
By the way, yesterday I got an invitation to an interview from StatoilHydro. The interview will be held on 5th November, and it will take two and a half days with travelling to Stavanger and back. (My travel expenses will be covered by them.) But I wonder how could I get an extra holiday for that after 2 days at a new workplace... let's hope I won't be fired immediately.
I think I'll write the related news in the topic "Be failed"...
Finally, I'm having a good job for a relatively good salary, at University of Miskolc, Research Institute of Applied Earth Sciences. I'm also a research assistant there like Usrin. Though I'm a research assistant there with a degree, I must attend some classes there to enrich my knowledges, because I came from a different field of science there. I'm learning there, I'm about to get to know the measurements there, the boss uses my English knowledge, too (I'm translating), and I'm helping in the lab, too. I have an option to start my own PhD project there, that would enlong my contract, which is 1 year now, but if I work there and do the things without a serious problem, I can stay there if I want. With that, my financial problems also about to get solved.
great! work diligently, go for the PHD, but most importantly, enjoy your job!
Meanwhile I became a lead writer on three writing projects and also project leader on a smaller development project and a huge data conversion. I am gaining a lot of professional experience and also this is a great opportunity to show off my management skills. The work is more and more interesting, leaves me quite a lot of free time to spend with my family, and I am a valued part of the team. Financially it is OK (can support my family alone, spare money and eat whatever I want, and these things are the most important :)), but I am on the way to become a junior consultant for Europe - hopefully within two years from now - meaning a huge raise both salary and importance wise.
This is just such good news! :) Congratulations both Zak and Akoss. Keep moving and believe in yourselves. I'm really happy to hear you're doing well.
I got a decent raise! :)
what's even better, my boss said that he sees great leadership capabilities in me. ::) ::) ::)
My dream job: somebody paying 100,000 USD/month for NOT spamming. ;D
Total burnout after 19 months... I must stay as long as I don't get my PhD degree. Why? I can get a lot better job with PhD in the pocket - on the other hand it's weird to say that I made my PhD work at "Company A" (lighting technology), worked almost two years without completing it at "Company B" (pharmaceutics) and still pushing this private problem to "Company C" (?). But I'm unable to finish it after 10-12-(14) hours work/day - lack of time and energy...
My PhD deadline for this topic is June 2012, I have to hurry up... :-\
I promise: if I can't complete at least two of the missing things because of my work before July 2011, I'll leave "Company B".
Some on-topic news I've been meaning to share for a while:
I have made occasional mention here of being a Chemistry student; and indeed, I completed my graduation and proceeded to the initial stages of the PhD route... last year, however, a serious "writer's block" episode triggered a major motivation and self-evaluation crisis. Among other things, I became aware of how my academia-based career thus far was based on hasty choices from which I did not reap enough gains; and, most importantly, how the long-term prospects of a career devoted to the pure sciences looked, at least in the way I was unfolding them, far less enticing than when I dived into it some years before.
So, after a period spent re-examining goals and priorities, I eventually realized the only acceptable decision would be
rip it thoroughly and start over, and that it was not too late -
yet - for doing so. It was a bit of a rough ride at first, but since March things settled down somewhat, and I have been on a double track, so to say:
- Half of my workweek is been spent with business programming, in an apprenticeship-of-sorts though which I am honing the programming skills I acquired semi-informally with my work with scientific simulations (and, more informally, with some other kinds of activities you might be familiar with... ;))
- The other half of my time is dedicated to a new graduation - the one thing I always wanted to study but never had enough courage to consider it seriously, namely... Philosophy :)
(By the way, that accounts for my rather erratic activity here, as well as why I have been claiming busyness so often lately. Nevertheless, I have the major advantage of quite flexible schedules both at both work and University, something that is quite unthinkable for most Chemists...)
All of that may look a bit crazy, but overall it's been great. Few things are as good as recovering the sense of wide open possibilities ahead!
I always believed, that good knowledge in several fields is much more valuable than excellent knowledge in one field only, so I think you made the right choice.
Serious thread, heh! 8)
So, on a serious note, I want to mention that I am happy that everything seems to work out well for the members of the "old" stunts community. It is in particular nice to read that Akoss has finally found a good job and has good opportunities after the harsh time he went through. Congratulations Akoss!
As far as Zak is concerned, It was always clear to me that he would be successful in life. What are you doing at the moment, BJ? Maybe you wrote it somewhere, but I missed it.
I also want to congratulate Duplode. Such a life changing decision can be very hard. If you feel better now, you did the right thing. I hope you have all the energy you need.
CTG seems to pursue a very stressful career. Because you are under pressure not only for a short period but for several years, I can understand that a forum community like this one can act as a valve to release some of this pressure. At least, that is how I felt at times.
As mentioned in some other thread, I finally finished my PHD. That does not mean that my life will be less stressful from now on. If I decide to pursue tenure, the next few years won't be easy for me. On another note, my health is back to around 90%. I thought about doing more sports and possibly even try to start a "minor" career. That is, if I am back at 100% soon. I still feel young and whereas it may be to late for many disciplines, this may not hold true for all of them. And I am not thinking about golf. ;D But maybe this is only wishful thinking after all! ;D
Speaking about career, since March I am Operations Manager for the newly started China branch of our company. Its like having a startup: we started with no work, no China legal entity and I was the only one here - now we have a fully registered business entitiy and I am leading a team of three (currently looking to hire more people, but it is really hard here in China) and coordinating two projects.
My responsibilities and amount of work have been multiplied at least threefold, and there is no longer a clear line between my work and the rest of my life - it was really hard to cope in the first months. But I do not complain, as my salary was also considerably raised and I get a not too big but still decent expat package - but sill, life is expensive here in Shanghai quite much compared to Hungary. We are not here for money - I wanted to try living in a foreign culture, and it seems to work well. I think the long time benefits will outweigh all the trouble and shitloads of work we are going through lately.
Negative impact: no time on Stunts or biking (no hills here anyway), but you have noticed. All the free time I have goes to my family. We will stay here for about 1-2 more years, hopefully a team of 10-15 and stable operations by then, and then we will see where to proceed...
Oh, yes, I've got a new job as well. I entered a new company (Crosssoft) with five people from my team. We went away from the old company because it's star is sinking and the whole ship almost hit the ground, so we dicided to go to a company, which is smaller (>40 people) and which has its focus on producing and selling health care software. MY job beside account management, training, coaching, selling etc. is to organize a customer and sales management system, which makes my time slip away from my hands... but I'm happy! 8)
3rd June 2012 - the day when it turns out if I'm going to have a PhD or not (very final deadline for the thesis). If it depends on my boss, the answer is 'no' - he suspects that I'll leave this workplace as soon as I finish my PhD. And yes, I will.
Pro and contra list for leaving, here, tonight.
Quote from: CTG on October 17, 2011, 05:15:00 PM
3rd June 2012 - the day when it turns out if I'm going to have a PhD or not (very final deadline for the thesis). If it depends on my boss, the answer is 'no' - he suspects that I'll leave this workplace as soon as I finish my PhD. And yes, I will.
Pro and contra list for leaving, here, tonight.
Or tonight.
practically means the same day to me :)
Quote from: zaqrack on October 18, 2011, 09:16:29 AM
practically means the same day to me :)
Damn, I'm too sleepy again.
I feel my profession is comic book writer. I don't live with that, it doesn't give me money, but I would like to.
Quote from: zaqrack on September 10, 2007, 09:18:48 PM
I'm planning to open my own hostel in Budapest maybe, I have a nice concept, which would be surely succesful.
So what about this plan, later on? ::)
Somebody said a meeting in zak's hostel? ::)
Quote from: alanrotoi on October 21, 2011, 04:33:43 PM
Somebody said a meeting in zak's hostel? ::)
Yeah, you two should have a private meeting there, doggy. ;D :P
Kidding.
CTG, there are no girls on the forum. Really no girls.
Quote from: BonzaiJoe on October 21, 2011, 05:26:02 PM
CTG, there are no girls on the forum. Really no girls.
Quite sad fact.
Quote from: CTG on October 17, 2011, 05:15:00 PM
Pro and contra list
+ My work (research) is interesting with various practical problems to solve.
+ I can use the techniques that I was always fond of (solid state analytical methods).
+ Theoretically I have to work less than others (36 hrs/week instead of 40) and also have +5 days off, because I work with the X-ray diffractometer. Practically only the latter is right, I always have 8-10 (rarely 15-20) hours overtime in a week.
O - Salary is fair enough, although I could earn a lot more at other companies (money is not that important in this question).
- Here I have no time and energy to do my PhD - mainly because I'm restrained in it. My boss doesn't really want me to get it, as he knows I'm going to leave as soon as I finish PhD. It's really hard to find somebody for my job in this very specific field, especially a good one (I don't want to be uppish, but I'm quite good in this).
- Active pharmaceutical ingredients are dangerous, when you work with the pure material. Imagine a hormonal tablet, containing ~100 micrograms of a steroid. When I get the pure material for a complete analysis (powder), there's 2-10 g in the vial. Most of my workmates are not really careful, leaving the lab in mess and contaminated by these materials. My liver is not enough good to resist: too many problems with ALT and AST in my blood, sometimes pain in my liver - I can't prove it's the effect of the chemicals, but it's really suspicious.
- I hate this community: some lazy dogs, few malicious people, some bootlickers and many snobs too. Also a former roommate from the hostel, we lived in the same room for a single semester - he was (and still is) so annoying, that I had to persecute him away before I got really mad. I can't name a single workmate I really like - or maybe one, but I think it's rather the respect of his great knowledge.
Plan: survive the next few months with as few lab work as possible, writing my PhD thesis and then... leave (finally). Working in an office fits me better.
Funny, I write this from my workplace - hopefully nobody is watching my internet "traffic".
Quote from: alanrotoi on October 21, 2011, 02:12:12 AM
I feel my profession is comic book writer. I don't live with that, it doesn't give me money, but I would like to.
Actually a friend of mine has quit his job as a well-paid marketing expert, has relocated to Italy to work in a bicycle manufacture as an apprentice and at the same time write comics on the internet.
His comics became popular and he has already issued 4 compilation books and is asked by companies from time to time to write short strips for money Now he has relocated back to Hungary to start his own bicycle frame building shop.
Earning far less than earlier but enough to make a living and he fulfilled his dreams. :)
Quote from: CTG on June 15, 2009, 05:23:38 PM
Quote from: CTG on June 15, 2009, 02:08:43 AM
Thanks but luck won't be enough. Now really sleeping.
Another useless cry from CTG, probably not the last one ever (I won't ever get PhD degree... ;)). Job in pocket, flying high over the bar. Confident and high quality application, they said. My ego is in the sky now, don't let me post more today. ;D
Once upon a time I was happy with that...
Next week I'm going to talk with our HR generalist - maybe she can suggest me a new job at my current workplace.
Next job I'm going to suggest with our HR workplace - maybe she can talk me a new week at my current generalist.
Quote from: BonzaiJoe on December 09, 2011, 06:14:50 PM
Next job I'm going to suggest with our HR workplace - maybe she can talk me a new week at my current generalist.
böff, you have so little logsize in 2011 (drunk mode ON)
It's true. Facebook killed the MSN Messenger star.
Quote from: BonzaiJoe on December 11, 2011, 09:33:55 PM
It's true. Facebook killed the MSN Messenger star.
Star? LOL.
Quote from: CTG on December 12, 2011, 12:36:08 AM
Quote from: BonzaiJoe on December 11, 2011, 09:33:55 PM
It's true. Facebook killed the MSN Messenger star.
Star? LOL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiJ9AnNz47Y (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiJ9AnNz47Y)
Tomorrow we will have a Danish inspection. It's all about paperwork - that's what I really hate. I also hate my high and mighty boss, but it's another topic.
My boss is my role model. We have a great work relationship and fully trust each other. It certainly makes a difference.
Soon I won't have boss anymore :) ::) ::) ::)
So you will
a, be the boss?
b, be fired?
c, kill him?
If he kills his boss, he'll still have a boss, just it won't be the same person
/me just registered to _ _ _ _ 's site, as a job applicant.
Ask for V and T, buy E or A.
Here's my profession history in the last 6 months.
June 2011: I had been working as a researcher at the State Geological Institute since 2009, with a salary of x HUF.
July 2011: A job was offered to me by a company doing very similar works for the market. Probably I would have had to work harder there, for a salary of 1,5 x HUF.
August 2011: I told my bosses about my plans to leave. They asked for two weeks, then they offered a 0,5 x HUF rise for staying. So I worked further at the Geological Institute, for 1,5 x HUF.
October 2011: I was invited to teach at the university as a secondary job, for 0,5 x HUF. I accepted the invitation, so started to earn 2 x HUF in sum. (I wouldn't have had enough time for teaching if I had chosen the private company before.)
January 2012: The government ordered to stop paying extra money to the employees of state institutes like ours. It means that my salary went back to x HUF. However, I still have the secondary job, so I earn 1,5 x HUF in sum.
February 2012: ? ? ? The only thing I know: one of my colleagues was fired last month, two of them yesterday - because of financial restrictions.
I have more and more reasons for searching a job abroad than ever. Having a relatively good (?) salary is useless if the future is so unpredictable.
That's why I don't want to go back to the university...
About 1.5-2 X: Usrin, you were/are a bourgeois! ;D Kidding, of course.
I suggest you should really find a new job as soon as possible. Is it important for you to stay on the field of geology or will you look also for other possibilities?
Yesterday I tried to summarize my own possibilities as I want to leave my current workplace in the next few months:
1, Staying at my current firm, but moving to another department (no laboratory work) - maybe I won't be allowed to do that, because my current department has lack of (experienced) employees. Probably my salary would go down from Y to 0.7-0.8 Y.
2, Staying in pharmaceutical industry, but moving to another firm (Teva) - I should practice english heavily (it's horrible at the moment) and also have to repeat statistics and quality management subjects to have a chance at the job interview. It would be too much before finishing my PhD. Salary: a lot better, 1.2-1.5 Y.
3, Staying in industry, but leaving pharmaceutical field (food industry, scientific consultant in any field of chemisty, whatever) - too few possibilities at the moment, mainly far from Budapest.
I am sad to read these posts, especially Usrin's. Hopefull you will find a stable and well-paying place soon, anywhere in the world.
Language is key. All I have achieved (not much) is mainly due to my knowledge in foreign languages.
Quote from: CTG on January 26, 2012, 03:12:37 PM
I suggest you should really find a new job as soon as possible. Is it important for you to stay on the field of geology or will you look also for other possibilities?
I'm sure that I won't leave geology. It was a real choice in 2006 (when I graduated), but since than, I have gained experience, collected references, and built a personal network as a geologist. That would be worth nothing in another field, so now I have far the best chances in geology. Moreover, I've almost always enjoyed my work (except some stupid administrative tasks), so I've absolutely no reason for changing to another field.
I've not started job hunting yet, but the only thing I'm waiting for is getting PhD degree. Until than I try to improve my English as much as I can. (I totally agree with Zak, but in my field, English level seems to be more important than the number of other spoken languages.)
Quote from: Usrin on January 28, 2012, 01:57:54 PM
except some stupid administrative tasks
It can't be worse than Good Manufactury Practice (GMP)...
Some news...
1. From the next month, I'll get the higher salary (1.5 x HUF) at the Geological Institute again. In exchange, I'll have to organize the work of ca. 20-25 people in one of our major projects (with a lot of unreal deadlines). It means that it's my responsibility to produce a good final report for 30 June. But being the 'leader' of this project doesn't mean that I became the boss of these people... so I can't do more than kindly asking them to work hard.
2. I've been invited for a job interview by a geoscience consulting company in Norway. (They have had my CV for more than one year, but now I updated it with my PhD, which made me more interesting for them.) The interview will be held on 15 March.
good luck for the interview!
Quote from: Usrin on February 22, 2012, 11:14:47 PM
The interview will be held on 15 March.
Tell them that you are the mighty Slovak foretold already by Nostradamus and you will get the job for sure. ;D
The plan, I want to keep myself to my own deadlines:
tomorrow - calling the HR assistant again if she found me something at another department or not (no offers since December? kidding!?!?!?)
if yes: problem solved
in not...
Monday - sending my CV, motivation letter and other necessary papers to the big fish (the biggest generic pharma... !hint: headquoters in Petah-Tikva)
still Monday - talking to my boss: I want to leave this department, but preferably staying at the company - but if I don't get a decent offer before 31st March, I'm going to leave in a month (maybe to the big one, maybe to another place)
31st March - still no offer? Announcing my quit, so I can leave on 30th April. Still no new job? No problem, at least I'll have time some to finish PhD.
30th April - hopefully my last day here. I hate my boss + workmates + dangerous materials (especially steroids and carcinogenic solvents). Office is a better playground for me...
Quote from: CTG on February 27, 2012, 05:09:50 PM
Tell them that you are the mighty Slovak foretold already by Nostradamus and you will get the job for sure. ;D
They already know that from my CV. 8)
Quote from: CTG on March 01, 2012, 03:24:53 PM
The plan, I want to keep myself to my own deadlines:
tomorrow - calling the HR assistant again if she found me something at another department or not (no offers since December? kidding!?!?!?)
if yes: problem solved
in not...
Monday - sending my CV, motivation letter and other necessary papers to the big fish (the biggest generic pharma... !hint: headquoters in Petah-Tikva)
still Monday - talking to my boss: I want to leave this department, but preferably staying at the company - but if I don't get a decent offer before 31st March, I'm going to leave in a month (maybe to the big one, maybe to another place)
31st March - still no offer? Announcing my quit, so I can leave on 30th April. Still no new job? No problem, at least I'll have time some to finish PhD.
30th April - hopefully my last day here. I hate my boss + workmates + dangerous materials (especially steroids and carcinogenic solvents). Office is a better playground for me...
If you are such determined about what to do (and with the qualification you have), I wonder why you are whining about this whole thing...
Quote from: CTG on March 01, 2012, 03:24:53 PM
30th April - hopefully my last day here. I hate my boss + workmates + dangerous materials (especially steroids and carcinogenic solvents). Office is a better playground for me...
From your plan, it seems that it will be
definitely your last day there. If you can afford several months without a job, you have absolutely no reason for staying further. If I were you, I would in no case change my mind.
Because I'm loyal. No, no... that's the "official" answer (targeted to HR). Because I can't stand the change, even if it will be probably better. On the other hand I am a coward. Even more likely I'm a hidden psychopath in real life: I'm always quiet, everybody thinks I'm a modest good guy who loves his job. Well, I'm not that kind of man. And it will be a huge surprise for all the assholes.
Next step: I asked my boss for a 20-30 minutes long talk. It will be on Monday.
Btw I can afford a few months without job, but I don't want to stand without a fixed one for a long time. And touching our reserve money would fvck up the plans about buying a house as soon as possible. Conditions in our current flat are... well... damned annoying because of the neighbourhood. Details about the whole situation (work, PhD, flat): only if you want to hear them.
Quote from: CTG on March 02, 2012, 05:19:00 PM
Details about the whole situation (work, PhD, flat): only if you want to hear them.
I do
Yesterday the facts were announced. Now waiting...
Quote from: zaqrack on February 23, 2012, 03:52:35 AM
good luck for the interview!
Interview done. The result will be announced in the 2nd half of April, I give myself a 20 percent chance for getting the job. Reasons: it turned out that they have 3 candidates for the position, that would mean 33% for me. However, my spoken English was far from perfect (lack of practicing). I think my level would be absolutely enough in Norway, but the company has some clients in the UK. Moreover: their projects focus on the analysis of core samples and geophysical data from oil wells, in which I have only slight experience. (My PhD and my current work are based on seismic interpretation, which is seldom done by this company.) Btw, I don't know anything about the expertise of the other candidates.
Translation: Usrin will get the job FOR SURE. ;D
14:00 - Job interview for a status at our Regulatory Affairs department
[sing="Chili beans song"] Sucker, suckeeeer, sucker CTG!!![/sing]
Quote from: CTG on March 20, 2012, 03:06:05 PM
Translation: Usrin will get the job FOR SURE. ;D
Your bet was right, I got it. 8)
You won a friendly pat on the back, and you're welcome for a Globus Liver Paste or a bottle of Carlsberg (you can choose).
;)
BÖFF!
Congratulations!
So Norway, is it? When will you move?
Quote from: Usrin on March 30, 2012, 02:44:31 PM
and you're welcome for a Globus Liver Paste
Keep it, because I did not pay the one for the Betelgeuse issue.
Now I have to bet with Tomkafasz again: after 10(+2) years I still couldn't skid the CBA girl. :D
Congratulations Usrin! And a warm welcome to Scandinavia. I'm sure you'll be happy... until you see the beer prices in Norway ;D
Good luck!
Quote from: zaqrack on March 30, 2012, 03:11:15 PM
Congratulations!
So Norway, is it? When will you move?
Thanks to everybody! I'm going to start on 1 June, so I'll have to move to Stavanger in the end of May. My wife and my son are going to join me several months later, when it turns out whether I'm contented with the job, whether my boss is contented with me, and whether I can tolerate Norwegian beer prices.
:)
Btw, I'll come home to Hungary quite often (every 2-3 months), so I won't have to miss cheap beer too long. Or maybe I can make beer trips to Denmark.
;)
Quote from: CTG on March 29, 2012, 12:44:04 PM
14:00 - Job interview for a status at our Regulatory Affairs department
[sing="Chili beans song"] Sucker, suckeeeer, sucker CTG!!![/sing]
Any result? Or you'll be announced later?
Quote from: Usrin on March 31, 2012, 11:29:44 PM
Quote from: CTG on March 29, 2012, 12:44:04 PM
14:00 - Job interview for a status at our Regulatory Affairs department
[sing="Chili beans song"] Sucker, suckeeeer, sucker CTG!!![/sing]
Any result? Or you'll be announced later?
That offer is a joke: more work, more stress, less money. But as long as I have no better choice... And first I should pass the competence tests: language (as you can see, I'm still damned shitty in English), psychology and general talk with HR. I don't know how will it go.
I don't check this topic regularly as I don't have changing my job at the moment, but:
Congratulations, Usrin. I hope you'll have a good time in the homeland of true emancipation.
It's strange but what you mentioned as your disadvantage (core sample analysis) would be an advantage for me, though I'm not a geologist and not a reservoir engineer...
Waiting for the official evaluation of my competence & psychological tests. No problem with the first one (all the skills were found to be far over the average), but the result of the psycho part seems to be really critical and annoying according to the expert's first opinion.
Quote from: CTG on April 19, 2012, 07:38:54 AM
Waiting for the official evaluation of my competence & psychological tests. No problem with the first one (all the skills were found to be far over the average), but the result of the psycho part seems to be really critical and annoying according to the expert's first opinion.
Failed. skid you HR!
Quote from: CTG on April 23, 2012, 12:51:20 PM
Quote from: CTG on April 19, 2012, 07:38:54 AM
Waiting for the official evaluation of my competence & psychological tests. No problem with the first one (all the skills were found to be far over the average), but the result of the psycho part seems to be really critical and annoying according to the expert's first opinion.
Failed. skid you HR!
So you are instable maniac, right? They discovered the old truth known by all stunts pipsqueaks. :)
Quote from: Friker on April 23, 2012, 11:54:42 PM
Quote from: CTG on April 23, 2012, 12:51:20 PM
Quote from: CTG on April 19, 2012, 07:38:54 AM
Waiting for the official evaluation of my competence & psychological tests. No problem with the first one (all the skills were found to be far over the average), but the result of the psycho part seems to be really critical and annoying according to the expert's first opinion.
Failed. skid you HR!
So you are instable maniac, right? They discovered the old truth known by all stunts pipsqueaks. :)
Nope, I have problems with co-operation and teamwork. According to them... (Strange, my boss is absolutely satisfied with these "skills".)
Quote from: CTG on April 24, 2012, 12:16:04 AM
Quote from: Friker on April 23, 2012, 11:54:42 PM
Quote from: CTG on April 23, 2012, 12:51:20 PM
Quote from: CTG on April 19, 2012, 07:38:54 AM
Waiting for the official evaluation of my competence & psychological tests. No problem with the first one (all the skills were found to be far over the average), but the result of the psycho part seems to be really critical and annoying according to the expert's first opinion.
Failed. skid you HR!
So you are instable maniac, right? They discovered the old truth known by all stunts pipsqueaks. :)
Nope, I have problems with co-operation and teamwork. According to them... (Strange, my boss is absolutely satisfied with these "skills".)
Sometimes it's problematic to be better than others. I wish you good luck next time. :)
Thank you. Next interview: tomorrow morning (patent attorney candidate). It's ways better than the regulatory affairs thing. Details: only if they employ me, but I'm afraid they won't.
sounds boring to me, but that's what people usually say about my job too, which I enjoy a lot. :)
Let me know if I need to ask Cork to provide a recommendation on your teamwork capabilities! :D
Semi-official: the patent attorney candidate job is mine, I can leave the current place on 1st June.
Quote from: CTG on April 26, 2012, 02:34:44 PM
...patent attorney...
That sounds like a lawyer to me, please tell me what will you be doing, as I don't think I'm right
PS: CONGRATS!
Thank you! It's still the same pharmaceutical company, so my work at this department will be a strange mixture of chemistry (write and evaluate pharmaceutical patents) and law. The first one is no problem for me - I have to grow up to the second one.
Quote from: CTG on April 26, 2012, 10:19:45 PM
Thank you! It's still the same pharmaceutical company, so my work at this department will be a strange mixture of chemistry (write and evaluate pharmaceutical patents) and law. The first one is no problem for me - I have to grow up to the second one.
Uh.. good luck with that job. :)
Quote from: CTG on April 26, 2012, 02:34:44 PM
I can leave the current place on 1st June.
At last! :)
13 days left... :D
(but my exercises would be enough for 50 >:()
Thanks, the same for you.
I should start to work.
21 days at the new position and still did not work? :)
Quote from: zaqrack on June 21, 2012, 08:15:29 AM
21 days at the new position and still did not work? :)
I meant for today. :D
Testing my own limits: /me is extreme tired (sum 12-13 hours sleeping in the last three nights), having terrible stomachache and headache, remaining exercises to finish the current work would be ~3 working days for a top shape CTG and deadline is tomorrow afternoon. It's my fault: the task was underestimated, that's why I started it too late.
Stupid, stupiiid, stupid Cetegeee!
But now it's completed successfully, I guess. Am I right? :)
Well... extended deadline, low quality work. :D
Quote from: CTG on September 10, 2012, 07:16:00 PM
Well... extended deadline, low quality work. :D
Seems like I'm in weak form now, burning myself again... Maybe this job wasn't the best choice.
At my new workplace (the first where they haven't heard about me before I applied), I realized that it's better if I don't do always my best... It helps to keep expectations at a lower level.
Quote from: Usrin on October 18, 2012, 10:37:27 PM
At my new workplace (the first where they haven't heard about me before I applied), I realized that it's better if I don't do always my best... It helps to keep expectations at a lower level.
The same here, about one year ago. What's the prize of the hard work? You get even more exercises and your workmates start to behave like parasites.
I realized today I have probably the best job I will ever have - I practically have no boss!
- I have 5 direct coworkers, all of them being my subordinates
- I report weekly to our Budapest office, but this is just to sync up on projects - we are on the same level in the chain of command.
- I "report" monthly to my "boss" in the US, who I consider my friend. As we have full mutual trust, this is alo basically a status report on what I have done and plan doing - just to keep him in the lopp.
The closest "boss" I have are the clients we deliver to. But clients are clients.
Yet I work hard - to meet my own demands. Happy, stress-free life... 8)
I will most likely start with a new job next week.
One week ago I have been in Copenhagen. Got an offer. Chance that I will take it is ~40 - 50%. I thought about trying to meet BJ but then again I did not have much time and also a lot of stress.
If I move there, it would be nice if you could introduce me to the city, BJ. Maybe you know some nice places or whatever. 8)
Btw, do you have a job, finally?
Oh, I forgot to mention that even if I don't move to CPH, I am going to move abroad with 95% probability. Nowadays "experience abroad" seems to be very important on most career paths. :o
Well, sure :-) No, I still don't have a job - apparently the few jobs available here are given to Germans :P What's the job you were offered?
Hahaha, they were impressed by my crappy Scandinavian language skills. I had to translate some danish article. I am going to tell you what kind of job it is, should I take it.
In that case it makes no sense to hide as you could easily find me on the Internet anyways. ;)
Btw, where do you live in CPH?
And: Which areas are nice and would be a good choice for someone with a decent income? ;)
Well, that's the issue. I suspect that we have very different ideas about what areas to hang around in. But still, I can probably tell you a lot of useful things. There are eight 'boroughs' in central Copenhagen:
Indre By (Historical city centre. Pretty, active and densely populated, but very full of tourists, shoppers, businessfolk. Feels more like an open air museum or theme park to me than a real city)
Østerbro ('nice' area with a lot of well-to-do young couples with children, who like to eat high-quality 'home-grown' food and go to the movies or the theatre once in a while and eat at Italian restaurants.)
Nørrebro ('cool' area with a lot of independent artists and other ventures, galleries, bars and cafés with personality, populated both by rich-ish people, 'hipsters'/students and by poor immigrants. Historical home of the Danish extreme left wing and countless clashes with the police.)
Frederiksberg ('fine' area full of what one might call the 'nouveau riche', 50-60-year old ladies with shopping bags, big apartments, beautiful gardens and that kind of stuff)
Vesterbro ('trendy' area. Previously the poorest part of Copenhagen, now gentrified. Center of hipster culture and a lot of city life, but also of drug trade, prostitution and alcoholism.)
Christianshavn ('cute' small area consisting of six islands separated by small canals. Old buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. Very nice in summer. Also home of the famous free town of Christiania.)
Amagerbro ('dull and authentic' area, populated by lower-income population (but still higher income than the more distant suburbs).
Islands Brygge (newly developed area, with some fancy architecture alongside standard residence buildings. Very nice promenade by the canal, fantastic in summer)
To me, there are only three real places in Copenhagen: Nørrebro, Vesterbro and Amagerbro. I live in Indre By, but just across the lake from Nørrebro. At Gothersgade. I don't know exactly how decent your income will be. Housing anywhere in Copenhagen is generally very expensive. The richest parts are some select parts of Indre By, followed by Frederiksberg, Østerbro and Islands Brygge. The really rich people live in houses, in Hellerup, north of Copenhagen.
Thanks for the information. :)
I would be curious to know which areas you think I hang around in. ;D More seriously, it would be just nice if you could show me around a bit. Whether I hang out at these places later on or not then remains to be seen.
I don't need a special place to live in. Any area that is not full of criminals after 11 pm is good for me. May I ask how you finance your flat considering housing is very expensive and you don't have a job?
One point I am worried about is car tax. To pay between 105% and 180% of the car's value in tax, just to register it, is insane in my opinion. ::) I guess my car must remain in Germany.
That's good. You don't need a car in Copenhagen. 99,5% of Copenhagen is not full of criminals after 11pm, so you'll be safe there.
About financing: 1. my flat isn't as expensive as it should be, considering its geographical position and its size, because it's a special arrangement ( :-X. Nothing to do with the mafia, or with my parents.) 2. In Denmark, welfare payments for all unemployed people are stable and reasonably high. When you're newly graduated or newly laid off, the payments are actually at a level which is higher than what I suppose you'd get for a low-wage job in Germany (but lower than for any full-time job in Denmark). So you don't have to live on the street just because you don't have a job.
I hope you find a job soon though. Should be possible considering your education and abilities!
I am sure I don't need my car. However, I like it. Which makes it a bit difficult. ;D
Edit: I figure it is not possible to get more "special arrangements", right? ;)
Quote from: BonzaiJoe on December 16, 2012, 01:22:10 PM
No, I still don't have a job - apparently the few jobs available here are given to Germans :P
:D :D :D
Quote from: Argammon on December 16, 2012, 11:58:32 PM
I hope you find a job soon though. Should be possible considering your education and abilities!
Thanks!
Quote
I am sure I don't need my car. However, I like it. Which makes it a bit difficult. ;D
My former flatmate who also moved here from Germany says the same. I convinced her not to bring her car along, and she says she agrees it's not needed in Copenhagen, but she misses driving... Anyway, it's up to you. As far as I understand, parking is troublesome but possible.
Quote
Edit: I figure it is not possible to get more "special arrangements", right? ;)
Definitely not these special arrangements.
Quote
My former flatmate who also moved here from Germany says the same. I convinced her not to bring her car along, and she says she agrees it's not needed in Copenhagen, but she misses driving... Anyway, it's up to you. As far as I understand, parking is troublesome but possible.
It is not up to me as I can't afford that insane tax! :(
Quote from: BonzaiJoe on December 19, 2012, 07:18:36 PM
Definitely not these special arrangements.
Sounds like you're doing the house owner...
Shhhhh! ;)
I hope the owner is a woman.
Quote from: Argammon on December 19, 2012, 07:42:37 PM
Quote
My former flatmate who also moved here from Germany says the same. I convinced her not to bring her car along, and she says she agrees it's not needed in Copenhagen, but she misses driving... Anyway, it's up to you. As far as I understand, parking is troublesome but possible.
It is not up to me as I can't afford that insane tax! :(
At least you have the freedom to decide bringing your car. No used cars outside from China are allowed in China. Not even temporarily.
Not that I have a car or would want to bring it to China. Public transport is great, taxi is cheap. :)
I know many who don't own a car. I, however, don't like public transportation that much. It's a matter of lifestyle.
Taxi's may be an exception though. However, it is not affordable to use them on a regular basis in western Europe.
Btw, Zak, I think you are in an excellent position in China. At least if you get a salary on "western European level" which I am confident you get.
Living expenses in China are so low that you can do so much more with your money.
I don't understand people with such mammonist thinking. Why don't you tell us something about your motivation? Why are you interested in a foreign job? Was there any other reason to apply there? Do you find it exciting?
For me, money is not that important - I would rather choose a place full of challenge and potential success, where you can fight for respect and glory with your pure skills. If you can keep up a satisfactory life style from your salary and you can even spare the half of that every month, you mustn't look for another one with more money. When I was a researcher (before the last year horror), I got some offers from other pharmaceutical companies - one of them is known for the outstanding salaries (at the time 50-70% higher than mine) and the disgusting policy. I stayed...
I only wrote that I like the freedom I have driving a car. I do not see how that is mammonistic.
I also don't understand "other reason to apply there". Other than what exactly? All I wrote is that I will not own a car anymore. I did not even claim that I would earn more. I really don't see your point.
Somehow I have the feeling that I can write whatever I want and you are always trying to make it sound negative. :(
Quote from: Argammon on December 19, 2012, 10:48:56 PM
Btw, Zak, I think you are in an excellent position in China. At least if you get a salary on "western European level" which I am confident you get.
Living expenses in China are so low that you can do so much more with your money.
It's a mixed story, if we include all benefits and consider my whole expat package, I am on a fair western-EU level, if we don't include these items, it's a fair local Shanghai salary for my position, nothing more. Anyway, I don't complain, it's an investment, a lot of challenge, fun, and I still I can spare much more than I could back home.
I don't agree with your statement on living expenses. China in second/third tier cities may be cheap, but Shanghai is pretty expensive, on par with most major European capitals. E.g. our apartment rent is 1000+EUR/month, kindergarten only slightly less. Any proper leisure option is more expensive than back home, e.g. cinema, sports, etc.
On the other side, transport, utility fees, services and food price is decent unless you want to eat luxury products such as non-sweet bread, milk without plastic additives or cheese :) And of course I pay much less taxes than anywhere in the EU but also won't get any pension for the time I work in China.
I know a great comparison site on living expenses:
Shanghai vs Copenhagen:
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities.jsp?country1=China&country2=Denmark&city1=Shanghai&city2=Copenhagen
Shanghai vs. Budapest:
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities.jsp?country1=China&country2=Hungary&city1=Shanghai&city2=Budapest
you can see that overall cost of living is much higher in Shanghai than in Budapest. Shanghai is more-or-less on par with Berlin. Of course none can compete with Copenhagen :)
Thanks for the information Zak. Of course you know China a lot better than I do. :)
I can imagine that it is a great adventure to live in a total different culture (wrong again?).
Quote from: Argammon on December 19, 2012, 11:50:01 PM
Thanks for the information Zak. Of course you know China a lot better than I do. :)
I can imagine that it is a great adventure to live in a total different culture (wrong again?).
most welcome. :)
It is mostly positive in the majority of time and in my opinion has more benefits than drawbacks.
Speaking the language helps a great deal avoiding the expat bubble filled with stressed foreigners on the constant verge of a nervous breakdown :)
anyway, Copenhagen is one of the best places I could imagine to live. You should take the offer. Which makes me wonder whether Copenhagen will take the World Stunts Capital title?
Bonzai Joe, Argammon, SuperBrian?, Dinmor?, ManonMoon? and Sampi.
Quote from: Argammon on December 19, 2012, 11:40:10 PM
I only wrote that I like the freedom I have driving a car. I do not see how that is mammonistic.
Not the car issue. But what do you start with (think on the Forum talk)? Money. What do you talk about fluently? Money. And remember our conversations few years ago: you were always interested how low is my salary at PhD school. I won't look for the log files unless you really want to see it (but I guess you remember that).
Before you misunderstand it, I don't want to charge you - I'm only interested in the more important details about your career motivations and your choice.
Quote from: Argammon on December 16, 2012, 01:30:12 PM
And: Which areas are nice and would be a good choice for someone with a decent income? ;)
Quote from: Argammon on December 16, 2012, 11:03:49 PM
May I ask how you finance your flat considering housing is very expensive and you don't have a job?
Quote from: Argammon on December 19, 2012, 10:48:56 PM
Btw, Zak, I think you are in an excellent position in China. At least if you get a salary on "western European level" which I am confident you get.
Living expenses in China are so low that you can do so much more with your money.
About Copenhagen:
Pro: - I have friends and relatives in Malmö and Göteborg.
- People seem to be friendly and life seems to be more relaxed
- Job is more challenging and definitely a step up. I would also get more money which is, however, mitigated by higher living expenses.
- I had many "business trips" and decided I want to experience some other places than Germany. Experience etc.
- Experience abroad does not hurt should I decide to return to Germany at some point
- Improve my Scandinavian (and English) language skills
Cons: - When I was there it was COLD :o
- No car anymore. (mine is customized a bit so it hurts) ;D
That is what I can think of right now. I am sure I forgot a lot. :)
Quote from: zaqrack on December 19, 2012, 11:59:42 PM
Quote from: Argammon on December 19, 2012, 11:50:01 PM
Thanks for the information Zak. Of course you know China a lot better than I do. :)
I can imagine that it is a great adventure to live in a total different culture (wrong again?).
most welcome. :)
It is mostly positive in the majority of time and in my opinion has more benefits than drawbacks.
Speaking the language helps a great deal avoiding the expat bubble filled with stressed foreigners on the constant verge of a nervous breakdown :)
anyway, Copenhagen is one of the best places I could imagine to live. You should take the offer. Which makes me wonder whether Copenhagen will take the World Stunts Capital title?
Bonzai Joe, Argammon, SuperBrian?, Dinmor?, ManonMoon? and Sampi.
That is a nice and varied collection of pipsqueaks. ManOnMoon is currently living in London, where he is an investment banker, working about 168 hours per week, earning truckloads of money and having no time to spend it.
Quote from: Argammon on December 20, 2012, 12:10:15 AM
- No car anymore. (mine is customized a bit so it hurts) ;D
Hexeditor? :P
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/conceptscars/R4ojY6HD3II/AAAAAAAAA_8/-vpTSOlfX24/s800/tuning05.jpg)
CTG:
I will - definitely- not start another argument with you. If you don't like what I write (about) just ignore me and communicate with other people. I will do the same.
BTW: Good job finding a picture of my car. ;D
Quote from: Argammon on December 20, 2012, 12:18:39 AM
I will - definitely- not start another argument with you. If you don't like what I write (about) just ignore me and communicate with other people. I will do the same.
As far as I see you answered my questions. Why to argue with that? :D
Just keeping Shanghai as it was used in both previous comparisons...
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities.jsp?country1=Argentina&country2=China&city1=Buenos+Aires&city2=Shanghai
You would need around 20,977.61¥ (16,480.25ARS) in Shanghai to maintain
the same standard of life that you can have with 14,000.00ARS in Buenos Aires
(assuming you rent in both cities).
This calculation uses our Consumer Prices Including Rent Index.
I know that site and am a bit surprised about the basket of goods they use. For example there are no electronic articles like smart phones or notebooks. Neither are there computer games, movies etc.
BJ: could you find another job?
Nope. I'm working on it and maybe getting places, but still no job.
Quote from: BonzaiJoe on March 06, 2013, 08:45:11 PM
Nope. I'm working on it and maybe getting places, but still no job.
:-\
It sounds so strange. I thought it will be an easy task to find a decent job with your skills.
Well, the general job situation for young people here is really crappy, and my degree is hardly of the most useful sort.
Not to mention BJ tries to stay away from a 9-5 existence
Not really. I'm not a big fan of 9-5 existence, but the reason I don't have one is just that I don't have a permanent job, and so I'm always working on applications, writing articles, projects.... (and music).
Quote from: BonzaiJoe on March 07, 2013, 11:31:17 AM
Well, the general job situation for young people here is really crappy, and my degree is hardly of the most useful sort.
Haven't you thought about moving abroad?
I don't know if they're really looking for such people here, but your knowledge would be very useful for the Stavanger area. This city is growing like mad, but with really poor planning. I always find some weird development ideas and debates in the news - today's examples: http://www.aftenbladet.no/nyheter/lokalt/jaeren/Her-stoppes-boliger-pa-stadion-3135922.html http://www.aftenbladet.no/nyheter/okonomi/Ett-skritt-narmere-flere-hundre-boliger-i-Sandnes-sentrum-3135930.html
To be honest, cultural and nightlife can't compete with Copenhagen's, and living here is way more expensive here than in Denmark: http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities.jsp?country1=Denmark&country2=Norway&city1=Copenhagen&city2=Stavanger However, probably there are lot of interesting places with good opportunities for you over the world.
Btw so many Stunts pipsqueaks left their own country: Dinmor, dreadnaut, Usrin, Zak, Argammon... Although I feel it would be the best choice to leave this rotten place, I still can't. It's too comfortable to speak your mother language...
Yeah, to be a strager must suck, but it must have good things too.
Quote from: alanrotoi on March 12, 2013, 03:10:59 PM
Yeah, to be a strager must suck, but it must have good things too.
Like hot blondies in Scandinavian countries? :D
Yes, they suck (indys) :D
Based on that reasoning, Chulk should find a job in Moscow. ;D
Quote from: CTG on March 19, 2013, 10:15:34 AM
Based on that reasoning, Chulk should find a job in Moscow. ;D
I would if I could...
I just signed a loyalty contract with my workplace for the next 3 years...
(Because they'll pay my studies for a second degree.)
why do you need a second degree? :-O
Why would they require a loyalty contract? Oh, right... I remembered now ;)
Quote from: zaqrack on May 29, 2013, 05:09:11 PM
why do you need a second degree? :-O
It's necessary, if I want to be a patent attorney - without that IP degree I'm not allowed to represent the company in any legal cases. Now I'm only an attorney candidate or we can rather say some kind of "scientific advisor".
Quote from: Chulk on May 29, 2013, 05:39:16 PM
Why would they require a loyalty contract? Oh, right... I remembered now ;)
If you sign such a contract, the company is paying your studies, gives you extra days off for the exams, etc.
I thought you dislike your current job.
Quote from: zaqrack on May 30, 2013, 08:00:27 AM
I thought you dislike your current job.
Ssssssssssh, I'm right there now. :D
Yes, I don't really like it. But as long as I can't find a better one, I'll stay. The main problem is that I want to be close to science, but it's almost impossible without working in a lab, which is not really recommended with such a crappy liver. Here, as a "beginner" (strict hierarchy, I'll be considered as a beginner until I get that degree), my work is mainly searching and evaluating the relevant scientific literature / patents of a given topic, consulting with the specialists of the field, writing the technical parts of our legal documents e.g. search reports, petitions, evidences for patent revokations, etc. Later, the number of bureaucratic tasks will increase.
As a chemical engineer, I could go to regulatory affairs or quality management area, but it has nothing to do with chemistry. Other fields are even worse.
Well I don't know... 3 years sounds awfully lot to study and move into a direction you don't want that much.
Quote from: zaqrack on May 30, 2013, 10:06:39 AM
Well I don't know... 3 years sounds awfully lot to study and move into a direction you don't want that much.
Sure. Maybe I won't stay for 3 years, if there's a possibility to get a significantly better position with at least the same salary. If you have to do something you don't really like, money starts to play a more important role than before.
(although I'm satisfied with my current income)
Quote from: CTG on May 30, 2013, 10:10:17 AM
(although I'm satisfied with my current income)
BOURGEOIS! ;D
Quote from: Usrin on June 06, 2013, 11:38:46 AM
Quote from: CTG on May 30, 2013, 10:10:17 AM
(although I'm satisfied with my current income)
BOURGEOIS! ;D
Nope, I don't require that much.
just saw a senior chem/pharma patent attorney job posting on linkedin :)
Quote from: zaqrack on June 14, 2013, 05:00:05 PM
just saw a senior chem/pharma patent attorney job posting on linkedin :)
5 years and I can apply. ;D
got an offer to work in the US.
I am not going to take it (it's not really the place I want to live and have made some committments I have to keep), but maybe keep it as a fallback plan if things don't work out in Hungary they way I expect them to be or if the country goes further down the drain.
I will revisit this decision in 1.5 years from today.
It sounds cool, congratulations!
Quote from: CTG on November 20, 2014, 01:43:16 AM
Quote from: BonzaiJoe on November 20, 2014, 01:09:34 AM
Good luck! What are you planning?
Applying for a decent job. Not in Hungary. (Since the language skills are the most important for that, I have only 2% chance. Unfortunately I have to refresh my German knowledge - and start French studies, too.)
Not this time, European Patent Office has no vacant positions at my field... ::) Next chance in the autumn.