What's an antiquated programmer to do?

[BarTopDancer]

That's great Sca!!!!!!!

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Congratulations ! I'm sure it will work out for the best, one way or another.

[scaeagles]

Nothing is set yet....many, many things to think about.

Staying in Phoenix is top priority, so that's a plus.

However, I've been working from home in shorts and a t-shirt for 10+ years as my own boss. A cube farm environment will be WAY different. Distractions, a boss.....scary.

But it keeps food on the table and a roof over the head and gets me into the real world of current tech, ridding me of my dinosaur status.

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Nothing is set yet....many, many things to think about.

Staying in Phoenix is top priority, so that's a plus.

However, I've been working from home in shorts and a t-shirt for 10+ years as my own boss. A cube farm environment will be WAY different. Distractions, a boss.....scary.

But it keeps food on the table and a roof over the head and gets me into the real world of current tech, ridding me of my dinosaur status.

Once the bird is in the hand (no I don't mean a REAL bird. I mean the new job). There's no downside to taking a shot at the two in the bush (a reference to the old job). Send them a note congratulating them on the move to SAP letting them know about your intention to leave them high and dry (move on) and offer to accept a kings ransom (enough cash to retire) if they really need you to help with the conversion. On a, what was it a $100,000,000+ job? There are sure to be a few loose millions floating around.

[scaeagles]

I'm currently formulating a strategy as to what exactly to do.

The new company, from what I gather, is exceptionally aggressive in their growth. I plan on making the suggestion to them that as SAP is the 800lb gorilla, perhaps adding someone to develop this capability within their company migh be to their advantage, particularly since I come with a big project possibility.

I also plan on continuing to work on a minimal basis for the current job so they aren't left in a world of hurt. No need to burn bridges.

As I develop my strategy, I will certainly update the thread.

[scaeagles]

Well, a scant three hours from now I will be sitting in an interview. I haven't interviewed for a position in 13 years (a position was offered that would have moved me Sacramento - with a friend who has informed me I can go work for him anytime). Surprisingly, I'm not nervous.

Tips? Tricks? No-nos? I know the basics, such as not inquiring about salary, benefits, vacation time, or sick time. Those things present themselves when and if a position is offered.

[Gemini Cricket]

-Arrive early.
-Wear a tie or a suit.
-Smile.
-Only talk about those no-no subjects if they bring it up first.
-Don't shake someone's hand with clamy, cold hands. Run them under warm water beforehand.
-Use that charm you said you have.
-Don't be sweaty.
-Prep yourself on some of the questions you know they're going to ask you. (Why you want to work here, why did you leave your last position, why should we higher you, etc.)
-Give him/her eye contact.
-Don't fart during the interview process. In fact, don't eat greasy or gas inducing foods prior to your interview. Even a supressed fart can be audible.

[Moonliner]

I'm not sure I would bring up the SAP idea in an interview...

Hi!, I know what YOU need better than you! You need SAP capability!
Well, no, I don't really know SAP but I could learn it...

Is the vibe I'm getting from that.

The best advice is, Relax. Confidence not arrogance, stress ability and adaptability. It also matters who you are talking to. Is it a techie nerd, or a clueless (about tech) manager? You would have to approach each very differently

[Gemini Cricket]

Originally Posted by Moonliner

Confidence not arrogance...

Give it a try, Leo.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Do your homework. Find out as much about the company as you can. Have some questions ready to ask them about the job, the work environment, expectations, etc.