Harihead Posted March 27, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2016 27 minutes ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said: I'd say you did really well maintaining while on the death march. Thanks, Tank! I really relied heavily on this community for support. Thanks so much for sticking with me through a difficult time. Let the Rebels prevail! 1 Quote Level 9 Ranger STR 13 | DEX 10 | STA 21 | CON 19 | WIS 20 | CHA 15 Challenges: Current | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 Groups: | Rangers | Walk to Mordor Nerd Fitness Academy level: 0 | Starting over Eat clean, walk strong, age gracefully with joy. Link to comment
Swampling Posted March 27, 2016 Report Share Posted March 27, 2016 You did a lot better on Death March than I did with my crud bug. Kudos! Keeping my fingers crossed for the phone interview, and for "Project Renew" in general! 1 Quote Hobbit Challenges: 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1My shiny new "battle" log - probably more of a plodding-along log, but hey, it's mine! Link to comment
Harihead Posted March 27, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2016 Thanks, Swampling, for the kudos and finger-crossing. I want to put down some thoughts for the next challenge. April Challenge Prep: I'm officially in transition. What do I do about it? Exercise: Cardio = elevate heart rate at least 25 minutes 6x weekly. Natural progression for the month. A = >6/week, STA +3, STR +2 Diet: Try to improve the score on my 2 worst stress-handling fails: processed food and alcohol. - <=1 processed food/week - <=3 drinks/week total Refresh: Get myself out of this sleep-deprived zone! - regular bedtime (tracked by my Jawbone UP) with healthy herbal prep - Tai Chi or meditation every single day Renew: Handle the transition to my next opportunity gracefully. - Try to do >2 fiction items per week, and/or >2 job-related activities per week - Count down the days by recording "a blessing per day", so I can move through this change with gratitude and awareness. 3 Quote Level 9 Ranger STR 13 | DEX 10 | STA 21 | CON 19 | WIS 20 | CHA 15 Challenges: Current | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 Groups: | Rangers | Walk to Mordor Nerd Fitness Academy level: 0 | Starting over Eat clean, walk strong, age gracefully with joy. Link to comment
Harihead Posted March 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 Week of March 27: Sleep: 4.5 hours, 3.5 of it "sound" - Poor in anyone's book, despite the 2 pills. Back to clean prep tonight. Sun: Super clean diet, no exceptions Phys: long walk + laundry, meditation MFP projection = -2 pounds/week Renew: Clean and press interview clothes Sleep: 6.5 hours, 5 of it "sound". Anxious. Mon: Very clean diet, but I had to eat dinner at work (bagel and cream cheese) Phys: Nada. Spent 15 hours in the chair today, working from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. MFP projection = -1.5 pounds/week Renew: Chat with sister re: interview prep Quote Level 9 Ranger STR 13 | DEX 10 | STA 21 | CON 19 | WIS 20 | CHA 15 Challenges: Current | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 Groups: | Rangers | Walk to Mordor Nerd Fitness Academy level: 0 | Starting over Eat clean, walk strong, age gracefully with joy. Link to comment
shaeon Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 Good work, Hari! I'm hoping for new jobs for you and me both in the next challenge. 2 Quote SHAEON Jedi Apprentice Druid Character Sheet Daily Battle Log: Shaeon Restores Balance to the Force Past Challenges: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Current Challenge: Shaeon Focuses "With great boots comes great responsibility." Link to comment
Harihead Posted March 29, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 Thanks for the good wishes, everyone! I _still_ haven't finished this deadline. Posting modules for the last 2 days, starting at 5:30 each morning. It is what it is. Sleep: 6 hours, 3.5 "sound". Needless to say, I'm pretty wasted. Tues: Very clean diet, one small glass of port Phys: walk + med MFP projection = -2 pounds/week Renew: Phone interview! I thought my phone interview Tues morning went well, but then, I always think that. I thought we were getting along great, but she closed with "I have to interview some other candidates before I get back to you." Which completely depressed me. It's like, she was humoring the non-fit so she could have a clear conscious selecting someone else. Bummer. It would have been great fun. We'll just see what happens. Time to send out some more applications! 1 Quote Level 9 Ranger STR 13 | DEX 10 | STA 21 | CON 19 | WIS 20 | CHA 15 Challenges: Current | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 Groups: | Rangers | Walk to Mordor Nerd Fitness Academy level: 0 | Starting over Eat clean, walk strong, age gracefully with joy. Link to comment
Harihead Posted March 30, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2016 Whahoo! Last module was posted at 10:15 last night (after another 5:30 AM start). In the last 5 days, I've worked 60 hours, which includes one "light" day-- Saturday I only worked 5 hours. Glad to put this behind me. As I said, the Death Marchiest of Death Marches! I have my performance appraisal today. Oh, joy and rupture! Let's see how badly I get spanked for not performing. O_o Sleep: 7 hours sleep, 5 of it "sound". I feel like a new woman. Phys: zip. My bad. Weds: Pretty clean diet, some butter, little port MFP projection = -1.5 pounds/week Renew: Thank you letter to interviewer Blessing: I sold a story! 1 Quote Level 9 Ranger STR 13 | DEX 10 | STA 21 | CON 19 | WIS 20 | CHA 15 Challenges: Current | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 Groups: | Rangers | Walk to Mordor Nerd Fitness Academy level: 0 | Starting over Eat clean, walk strong, age gracefully with joy. Link to comment
Swampling Posted March 30, 2016 Report Share Posted March 30, 2016 YAY! Congrats on finishing the Death March! Those hourse sound brutal! Glad you survived! 16 minutes ago, Harihead said: I have my performance appraisal today. Oh, joy and rupture! Let's see how badly I get spanked for not performing. O_o I hate these things with a passion! Congrats on selling the story, too! Awesome! Oh, BTW: Any chance you will re-publish your "old" material in ebook format? 1 Quote Hobbit Challenges: 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1My shiny new "battle" log - probably more of a plodding-along log, but hey, it's mine! Link to comment
Harihead Posted March 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 On 3/30/2016 at 8:42 AM, Swampling said: YAY! Congrats on finishing the Death March! Those hourse sound brutal! Glad you survived! I hate these things with a passion! Congrats on selling the story, too! Awesome! Oh, BTW: Any chance you will re-publish your "old" material in ebook format? Swampling, you're a mind reader! I am, in fact, planning to bring out my backlist in a series of ebooks. I'm dividing them up into Fantasy, Scifi (funny), and Scifi (Drama). I have the lists set and am still looking for an artist (activity put on hold due to deadline) to design me a branded series of covers. Then I have one previously published novel that I'm going to rerelease, followed by my newest novel that no trad publishers picked up because it's not genre enough for them. That should give me five books by end of year. Regarding the performance appraisal, I was wrong. I only got spanked a little, regarding being too "easily frustrated" by the complete lack of support for my projects during the entire last year. My half-time contract resource (hired in January) was deemed too expensive. I convinced my boss to hire an actual real employee, because just one person in my role puts the company at risk. This means no help until July at soonest. The upcoming work is largely drudgery-- rebranding and updating courses for the new company look. It would be a good intro for a newbie, assuming I'm still around to orient them. Still, overall it went well; I got the highest rating, which means I'm eligible for whatever raise and bonus the company chooses to award me. I won't find out until early May. This will, of course, make me even more expensive. If the learning gigs don't want me and I have to go corporate, they're going to have to pay me every penny and then some to return to yet another cube. Random thought for the forum: What would you do-- leave a place where I'm actively isolated and overworked, but pays really well, or move on to something that's more personally fulfilling? My sleep has averaged 5 hours a night all through March (thank you, UP device). That's stress, because even when I don't have a hard deadline in the morning, I wake at 5:30 anyway (like today). Pure adrenalin. I got some "baby aspirin" level sleep aids from the doc, and they help a little, but I haven't had a full night's sleep since sometime in February-- I'd have to go back and check. I found this really helpful article about addressing anxiety. I putting it here for future reference: http://tinybuddha.com/blog/the-gift-of-anxiety-7-ways-to-get-the-message-and-find-peace/ Quote Level 9 Ranger STR 13 | DEX 10 | STA 21 | CON 19 | WIS 20 | CHA 15 Challenges: Current | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 Groups: | Rangers | Walk to Mordor Nerd Fitness Academy level: 0 | Starting over Eat clean, walk strong, age gracefully with joy. Link to comment
Tanktimus the Encourager Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 I'd find a happy place to work. All that money's not going to do you any good if you work yourself to death earning it. 2 Quote Current Challenge "By the Most-Righteous-and-Blessed Beard of Sir Tanktimus the Encourager!" - Jarl Rurik Harrgath Link to comment
Swampling Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 ^^ I'm with Tank! Do what makes you happy (or at least happier). You spend so many hours of your life at work, and it should be worth your while. I know that isn't always possible - I dragged out my last gig from hell for three extra years, more or less. In the end I got out and went for the low profile job in a more Swampling-compatible environment. While this, too, has its ups and downs, like any other job, it's a lot easier for me to handle. And HOORAY on the upcoming ebooks! Please keep us posted! 2 Quote Hobbit Challenges: 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1My shiny new "battle" log - probably more of a plodding-along log, but hey, it's mine! Link to comment
shaeon Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 Congrats on selling the story! You'll need to give us links to the eBooks once they are out! 4 hours ago, Harihead said: Random thought for the forum: What would you do-- leave a place where I'm actively isolated and overworked, but pays really well, or move on to something that's more personally fulfilling? As you and I have noted a few times, we are in the same boat in a lot of ways. Last year, I was miserable. Then things got comfortable, and I began to look at the massive amounts of paid time off I get, and my general comfort level with not leaving when I already know how to do this work. I kept telling myself I needed to put out applications, but I also kept waffling on it and saying "well, I dunno, maybe I should stay, things aren't so bad..." And now I'm miserable again. The job hunt is a long and arduous process. A friend of mine that was applying in the same cities I am for basically the same kind of work took 6 months to find a job. But even if that's about how long it takes me, I could have been out 6 months ago if I'd kept at it. Move on. They don't appreciate you. They are probably only willing to pay you so much because it's still cheaper than paying a second employee for the help you need. And the part you got dinged for in your review - being "too easily frustrated" - is crap. If you're distressed at work, your management should care about that. It's really not worth it to stay there and be miserable just because they are willing to pay. Also, I think you are correct that it's a risk to the company that you are the only one in your role. If you find new work, I would leave without feeling sorry for leaving them in the lurch. They've treated you like you're a resource they should use for everything they can get while giving as little as possible back instead of treating you like a person. Places like that don't hesitate to let someone go very abruptly when things change. They really haven't earned your loyalty. 3 Quote SHAEON Jedi Apprentice Druid Character Sheet Daily Battle Log: Shaeon Restores Balance to the Force Past Challenges: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Current Challenge: Shaeon Focuses "With great boots comes great responsibility." Link to comment
Harihead Posted April 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 Shaeon, I totally loved your rant!!! You are so spot on in so many ways. I just got back from a drink where I had to fire the friend I'd hired as a consultant to assist me with my project. He'd turned down other work to work for us, was promised a continuing commitment which he never got, and now headquarters is taking away his "committed" budget. He said, in short, "This is sleazy." And it is! Seeing how they treated my friend, they are totally into working me into the ground as long as I will take it. They're going to hire an "as cheap as possible" resource, which of course will take a minimum of 3 months to get into place. All of this has crystallized my thinking. I'm getting out. The first eligible offer that comes along, I'm going to take. I really hope this company that I interviewed with will want me, but I need to get out more apps this weekend. I don't want to work for these bean counter/dehumanizers any more. Stats: Sleep: 6.5 hours sleep, 3.5 of it "sound". A bit distressing that I'm not relaxing now that the deadline's met - do the blog steps! Phys: Nada. Snowing outside and working all day. I'll meditate, though. Thurs: Very clean diet, except 2 wines while I was firing my long-term friend. MFP projection = -1 pounds/week Renew: Actively soliciting advice from friends about my next step, signed contract for new story Blessing: Such a wonderful, supportive community I live in. I'm so fortunate. 3 Quote Level 9 Ranger STR 13 | DEX 10 | STA 21 | CON 19 | WIS 20 | CHA 15 Challenges: Current | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 Groups: | Rangers | Walk to Mordor Nerd Fitness Academy level: 0 | Starting over Eat clean, walk strong, age gracefully with joy. Link to comment
shaeon Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 I'm glad you feel sure about it now. It's definitely important to feel convinced. 1 Quote SHAEON Jedi Apprentice Druid Character Sheet Daily Battle Log: Shaeon Restores Balance to the Force Past Challenges: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Current Challenge: Shaeon Focuses "With great boots comes great responsibility." Link to comment
Harihead Posted April 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 10 hours ago, shaeon said: I'm glad you feel sure about it now. It's definitely important to feel convinced. Yes, too many decisions are being made unilaterally without my consultation. My consulting budget was slashed, boss decided to "fire" this contractor without asking my input, changes deadlines without my input, and basically distrusts me-- all because I was 2 mos late on a crap project with software that didn't work, no technical support at all, a couple of blizzards, and a meltdown she precipitated. So I'm furious again (and sad) and have no intention to remain. My loyalty to my friend supersedes my professional obligations to this unprofessional company. In other news, my health is improving. Since I've been working at home so much, my diet has improved. I can eat 2 healthy meals per day around 10 and 5, which is all I want. I can take a walk when I want. I dropped 3 pounds in the last 2 days. Body is doing much better. Sleep: 7 hours sleep, 5 of it "sound". Took 2 pills, but I do think I'm starting to wind down. Phys: long walk + meditation Fri: Very clean diet, champagne MFP projection = -0.5 pounds/week Renew: Updated BWA profile for potential job seekers, added samples to LinkedIn Blessing: Wood ducks! 2 Quote Level 9 Ranger STR 13 | DEX 10 | STA 21 | CON 19 | WIS 20 | CHA 15 Challenges: Current | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 Groups: | Rangers | Walk to Mordor Nerd Fitness Academy level: 0 | Starting over Eat clean, walk strong, age gracefully with joy. Link to comment
shaeon Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 1 hour ago, Harihead said: Yes, too many decisions are being made unilaterally without my consultation. My consulting budget was slashed, boss decided to "fire" this contractor without asking my input, changes deadlines without my input, and basically distrusts me-- all because I was 2 mos late on a crap project with software that didn't work, no technical support at all, a couple of blizzards, and a meltdown she precipitated. So I'm furious again (and sad) and have no intention to remain. My loyalty to my friend supersedes my professional obligations to this unprofessional company. In other news, my health is improving. Since I've been working at home so much, my diet has improved. I can eat 2 healthy meals per day around 10 and 5, which is all I want. I can take a walk when I want. I dropped 3 pounds in the last 2 days. Body is doing much better. Sleep: 7 hours sleep, 5 of it "sound". Took 2 pills, but I do think I'm starting to wind down. Phys: ? Fri: clean diet, MFP projection = -x pounds/week Renew: Blessing: Oh man. They are just firing people left and right, sounds like. What a mess. Just sounds like such a chaotic workplace. Good to hear about the health improvements! 1 Quote SHAEON Jedi Apprentice Druid Character Sheet Daily Battle Log: Shaeon Restores Balance to the Force Past Challenges: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Current Challenge: Shaeon Focuses "With great boots comes great responsibility." Link to comment
Harihead Posted April 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2016 I'm preparing the entry for my next challenge. It will be posted here: Harihead is Moving Ahead For some reason, UP didn't record my sleep last night. It was very short, so details are unimportant. I'm still distressed over firing my friend (hopefully not my former friend). Sleep: ~5 hours sleep, on 2 pills yet. Stomach a tight ball this morning. Phys: Bike ride (12 miles made interesting with construction, but gorgeous day) Sat: Super clean diet, until we got to the 3 glasses of wine! MFP projection = -0 pounds/week Renew: Completely updated and refreshed LinkedIn profile. Blessing: A day with no meetings. Quote Level 9 Ranger STR 13 | DEX 10 | STA 21 | CON 19 | WIS 20 | CHA 15 Challenges: Current | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 Groups: | Rangers | Walk to Mordor Nerd Fitness Academy level: 0 | Starting over Eat clean, walk strong, age gracefully with joy. Link to comment
Swampling Posted April 2, 2016 Report Share Posted April 2, 2016 "A day with no meetings"... Blessed, indeed. 1 Quote Hobbit Challenges: 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1My shiny new "battle" log - probably more of a plodding-along log, but hey, it's mine! Link to comment
Harihead Posted April 3, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2016 Yes, you may well laugh. I have two appts today, plus one deadline (taxes). I had only 1 other day in all of March that wasn't scheduled. I'M SO GLAD THE DEATH MARCH IS OVER!!! Thanks to all of my terrific supporters. Quote Level 9 Ranger STR 13 | DEX 10 | STA 21 | CON 19 | WIS 20 | CHA 15 Challenges: Current | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 Groups: | Rangers | Walk to Mordor Nerd Fitness Academy level: 0 | Starting over Eat clean, walk strong, age gracefully with joy. Link to comment
Swampling Posted April 3, 2016 Report Share Posted April 3, 2016 HH, I wasn't laughing at you. I totally get the bliss of an unscheduled day, especially at times like your Death March. 1 Quote Hobbit Challenges: 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1My shiny new "battle" log - probably more of a plodding-along log, but hey, it's mine! Link to comment
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