From Wikipedia: “In golf, a mulligan is a shot retaken, due to an errant shot. Like gimmes, mulligans are strictly prohibited in the official rules of the game, but are commonplace in social golf.”
A few weeks ago, I took a position at JPMorgan Chase as a SQL Server database administrator.
Today, I turned in my resignation, and my last day will be Friday the 18th.
I hate doing that. I reeeeeeally hate doing that. That is so not like me. I’m cringing at the thought of putting a one-month job stint on my resume, because that looks so shady. I’ll probably just leave it off altogether.
I look at this as a personal failure. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t fail at doing the job – quite the contrary – but I failed at asking enough questions during the interview process. Sounds crazy, especially for a guy who writes blog posts about interview questions, but that’s life.
In failure, we can succeed if we learn lessons. I learned a lot about more questions to ask, and I’ll definitely post those here.
We’ll start with a simple one: don’t accept a job position without getting a tour of the work space.
Hi Brent and thanks for this blog. I am currently in the process of looking for other options for work and would gladly take any advise as far as questions to ask the potential employer. The way I see it, the interview should go both ways, not just one way. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Wouldn’t you love to live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest? The Cascade mountains and the Pacific ocean are both a short drive away. Ski in the morning and relax by the shore that night. Hiking, biking, and gorgeous scenery await. Check out our job posting at http://www.piercecountylibrary.org/about-us/employment/current-job-openings/technology-database-administrator.htm
Hi Brent!
Sorry to hear that your position didn’t work out with JPMorgan Chase! I look at resumes all day long and ran across yours today…I have a SQL DBA position that I’d love to talk with you about…and if you’re lucky…I can probably get you a tour of the workspace as well
I’ve sent you and email and left you a message.
Sorry to be forward but I’d like to talk with you about your next DREAM job!
Michele – howdy! Sorry that the position wasn’t a good match, but let me know if you run across anything else.
Jill – wow, that’s a fantastic description right there! Unfortunately, Erika (my significant other of 8 years) is an air traffic controller here in Houston, and I’d be an idiot to leave her. Well, that and my salary range is around double what you’re offering – doh!
I guessed as much. I didn’t real think we could afford to keep you in the style to which you’ve become accustom…but perhaps some of your readers would be interested. Any public service minded SQL DBAs looking for something with moderate pay but excellent locational benefits?
I’m sending you an email now
Brent/Greg: I understand your experience. Sorry to hear about it.. Anyhow just looking at some pics of yours, is that a wedding ring? If so congrats.. Anyhow boat trip this summer if you have the time.
Z
Hey Zach! Funny story there. A few years ago, Erika and I found this cheap jewelry place in Mexico with thousands of rings. We decided to split up and go through it, and if we picked out matching rings, then we’d buy them. Sure enough, we did. You know the concept of “promise” rings, right? Well, somehow we decided to call these our “promise” rings, as in “I promise not to marry you.” Heh. We’re a little odd.
I’ve worn mine every day since, but I don’t think she’s ever worn hers. She just doesn’t like wearing jewelry. (Or getting married.)
I’m sorry it didn’t work out the way you hoped, but I’m sure you’ll find something wonderful!
G and I went to the Mercedes-Benz corporate 5K last night with SWS…we didn’t run, but Chris sure had a good time walking around and saying “hi” to all the runners!!
Maybe I’ll give the next one a shot. When I saw that most people were done around a half hour, I realized that it wasn’t as bad as I thought!