Off to seek my fortune...
POSTED BY: SergeantX
UPDATED: Saturday, August 27, 2005 00:09
VIEWED: 2698
PAGE 2 of 2
Good luck! Have a great trip!
Settle in to the new job,
find a place to live,
but whatever you do...DON'T forget the BDM is coming out on Sept 30th!
Hope to see you back here to discuss it!
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Oh... wow! That's great! Stressful, but great!
But now I'm piqued- what kind of programming? And, how did you EVER find these people in the first place? Lawrence and Philly are kind of distant... I won't expect and answer cause I know you're busy, but it sounds like you've found a group of kindred spirits. Be prepared for housing sticker shock. And have a Philly cheesesteak on me! 
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Quote:
And, how did you EVER find these people in the first place? Lawrence and Philly are kind of distant...
It's been kind of a freak deal, honestly. I decided I wanted to pursue programming as a career a little over a year ago. But with no college degree, and no formal training, I'd figured it would be a long haul and that I'd have to take some pretty crummy jobs to break into the field.
This spring I saw an ad on GameDev.net and answered it on a lark. The company is very openminded and not at all interested in the industry SOP. Their application consisted of five essay questions. They don't even read resumes, which is fortunate since mine was quite sparse.
Anyway, much to my surprise I got a response! Then I got a phone interview and flew out there a couple of months ago for an on-site interview. They liked me, but felt I need more practice coding before I'd be ready. That's what I've been working on for the last couple of months. Things went well and they're convinced I'm ready to start!
My head is still spinning with the unlikeliness of it all. Of course the icing on the cake was finding out the CEO was Firefly fan. The conversation just goes a little smoother after that, ya know?
Initially I'll be working on Web apps in C# and Asp.NET. They're starting a game division and I'm slotted as an 'apprentice' on that crew when things kick into gear. That would be in C++.
SergeantX
"Dream a little dream or you can live a little dream. I'd rather live it, cause dreamers always chase but never get it." Aesop Rock
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Most wonderful news, all the best with it! I made a major career change a year ago this month, at age 43, and it was every bit as scary/exciting for me as it seems to be for you. I've never looked back, may the same hold true for you!
----
I can see you.
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Quote:
Originally posted by SergeantX:
Bright and early Saturday morning I'll be leaving my hometown of Lawrence, KS, for my new base of operations in Philadelphia, PA. A couple of weeks ago I got a job offer that represents a major life change for me. I'll be moving to Philly to start work as a computer programmer.
Say hello to Pete for me. He's my computer nerd ex-roomate who works as a programmer in Philly. He'll be the one sitting alone in the cafateria with the REALLY thick glasses wondering why he's never felt the gentle touch of a woman's hands. You guys should get along fine, he really likes Firefly.
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I'm scared silly!
You should be. I grew up in PA and Philadelphia is no city to be messed around with. They kill people there. My suggestion, a firearm and avoid North Philly, South Philly, the West Side and East Philadelphia. That always worked well for me. The only safe places are inside the new baseball park and that little glass building where they keep the Liberty Bell and for Gods sake don't go there at night.
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I'll try to stop in here every now and then and whine about Bush, but some of you may have to fill in for me while I'm getting things rearranged.
Wait till you get a lode of Ed Rendell's worker's paradise. You are so screwed...
Good luck. If you need anything let me know, I've got a buddy working for the PA Senate Republicans.
...so, so screwed...
H
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Best of luck to you, I'm sure it's a change for the better.
Don't forget, we're here for you, and you can access us at any cybercafe, library or Kinko's.
To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites. Moderation is for monks. --Robt. Heinlein
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Thanks to everyone. Your thoughts were touching, even yours Hero (but more in a 'bad touch' kind of way).
It's time to pack this puter up and get ready. See ya on the other side.
SergeantX
"Dream a little dream or you can live a little dream. I'd rather live it, cause dreamers always chase but never get it." Aesop Rock
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Firstly as I said earlier, good luck.
Secondly:
Quote:
Initially I'll be working on Web apps in C# and Asp.NET. They're starting a game division and I'm slotted as an 'apprentice' on that crew when things kick into gear. That would be in C++.
You... Have... My... Dream... Job...
I have training university all that
*starts counting notes*
So how much for the good words to the right people?
Q: What do you have when you are holding two little green balls in your hand.
A: Kermit's undivided attention.
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Sarge, two words for you, in hopes that you get them where you're goin'...
Fortune and glory!
Chrisisall, who's gonna miss your brilliance for a while
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Sarge, I hope you get this before you completely pack up, but if not, it'll wait for you in Philly. Best of luck in your new adventure. There's nothing better than earning a living doing what you love to do. And let us know when you get plugged back in - your words of wisdom be missed in the interim.
perfessergee
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