Rare FART!

Well, it's not my first fart, by any means. It's just that I don't post my FART's for some reason. I've certainly had a bunch, too many to mention. I thank God every day for giving me the gift of WLS, without it I would not be at the weight I am today.  Something else I don't mention often, I have mentioned it before though, is the fact the I graduated from college in December and haven't been able to find a job utilizing my degree(s). I worked for a newspaper prior to attending school, and my boss and I have become really good friends. We were friends while I worked there, but it's hard to be a boss and a friend. Anyway, we were having lunch a few days ago and he mentioned the idea of working for him, not as an employee, but as a contractor. I will back up a bit and say that I worked at the paper from 10-97 to 8-04. My first night back to work was Saturday night. Nobody from the paper has seen me since having WLS. That means the last time they had seen me I weighed 351 lbs. Imagine everyone's suprise when the new me walked in weighing in at only 244 lbs. It was embarossing how many OOhhhs and AAhhhs there were from the crowd. It may me feel really good about myself though. Just wanted to share. The Job Hunt Continues.... Ronnie

Ronnie, Congratulations!  The staff at the paper must have been really surprised.  Now at least you have an income while you continue to look for a permanent full time job.  That is a good position to be in. If you can, get out and network in your professional organizations.  If they have meetings or business card exchanges, you should go and introduce yourself.  Then follow up your meetings with a note (It was nice to meet you...) and send along a copy of your resume. Are you interested in relocating?  That may call for a different strategy. Good luck.

Thanks Jim, I'm not against relocating. My wife works here in D/FW for Yum Brands, they own Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Long John Silvers, A&W All American Foods, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Hey, want to know how I got so FAT? FREE food! Yum Brands is nationwide, but she is on tap for a promotion here in the Southwest Territory of the company. I really don't want to mess with her career, if I can help it.  BTW,  You're Looking Good in the avatar! Ronnie

Congrats Ronnie - how fun to get all that positive reinforcement from people you haven't seen in so long. Good luck on the job hunt - what are your degrees in?  What type of job are you looking for?  Job hunting can be a real GRIND, but Jim's suggestion for networking is a great idea.   If you have Continuing Education requirements for your profession, then conferences and trainings/seminars are a great way to meet local people in your field as well. Best of luck to you in the job hunt, and keep on FARTing......... Chuck

Thanks Chuck, BS in Occupational Safety and Health, and BA in Communications. I had imagined in my mind that finding a job would be easier with the education. What I am finding out is the opposite of that. I started looking a couple of months before graduating, now nearly 4 months after graduating, I'm still looking.  I'm looking for radio and television related or safety related jobs.  Ronnie

Gave them something to chatter about around the break room, didn't you.  Congrats. OSHA used to be a hot field here in Michigan. However, anything manufacturing related has taken a pounding here in the last decade. Construction has really dropped off in the last year or so, too.  I keep hearing the West and Southwest are going gang busters. Something should open up soon for an educated, experienced, and slim fella like yourself. Keep the faith, brother. DD 

The biggest problem I've had getting into the Safety field is lack of experience. Even though I will only interview with companies advertising entry-level, or education will take the place of experience. Nothing is more humiliating than being told by the interviewer that he/she is not interested in my educational experience or any other non-safety experience. That doesn't leave me with much to offer.  The second degree I earned is Communications: Media Studies: Broadcasting My passion is video editing. If I could find even a low paying job doing that, then my life would be complete. For now, at least I'm working, and don't desperately need a job like before.  Ronnie

 

 

Congradulations on giving your old fellow employees a shock! I cant wait until I go see people that I havent seen in awhile to show them the real me that was trapped in a giant body. Does that sound selfish? For too long have people looked at us and judged us by our weight and its great to hear that your journey has been recognized in the outside world. Great job and keep up the fight. Maybe you can ask Rocko if he has any ideas about how to get into radio, doesnt he still work for a station in Florida?

A big tip-o-the-hat Ronnie! And moving from employee to contractor is DEFINITELY the way to go too! Jim