Author Topic: I was laid off from IT part 2.. opinions please (Read 475 times)

SunKing · « **on:** July 30, 2003, 02:51:03 PM »

I was laid-off in Jan from my IT tech position job. Haven't been able to find another job out here in CA yet.

I'm 31 now and considering the ARMY... yes the Army. I'm 3 credits from my AA which will be completed in Dec. After that I will talk to the recruiters.

But ... only if I can get placed in their IT networking system. The other reason would be to get a security clearance that comes with the service. The plan would be get out in 4 years, use my VA preps, current IT training, and secruity clearance to land a real job in DC.

I have an Uncle that is the President of a Company that works with the Pentagon. What I hear is the jobs are good and plentiful out there because no foreingers are able to get the jobs do to the security clearances needed for the IT positions since all the companies work with the government.

So what do you think? It's a desperate plan , but these are desperarte times especially in CA's ecomony.

ra · « **Reply #1 on:** July 30, 2003, 02:56:34 PM »

Sounds like a good plan, not desperate at all. A top secret security clearance is better than a set of big boobs for getting a job nowadays. If I was a little younger I would be thinking along the same lines.

However, the DC area sucks to live in, IMHO.

ra

MrCoffee · « **Reply #2 on:** July 30, 2003, 03:01:56 PM »

Sorry to hear about thet sking. Good luck with what ever it is you do.

Have you considered jumping out of airplanes for a few years?

DiabloTX · « **Reply #3 on:** July 30, 2003, 04:27:27 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by MrCoffee
Sorry to hear about thet sking. Good luck with what ever it is you do.

Have you considered jumping out of airplanes for a few years?

"Why would anyone want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane?" -WUFFO

"Show me a perfectly good airplane and I won't jump out of it."
-Chris W., my oldest brother and 10 year Golden Knight veteran on jumping out of airplanes. He retired last March after 28 years of service.

jamusta · « **Reply #4 on:** July 30, 2003, 04:38:15 PM »

Thats a good plan. The MOS (military occupational specialty) you want is 74b Information Systems Analyst. It is what I do and Im scheduled for the school in Sept. It is a 17 week course in Ft Gordon Georgia. You will automatically have to get a secret level clearance just to get into the field. Just make sure everything is in order and start working with a recruiter ASAP on your clearance. The worse thing is to be stuck at a school after you have completed training cus your clearance hasnt come through. They will put you on every crapy detail you can think of.

Dnil · « **Reply #5 on:** July 30, 2003, 04:42:28 PM »

why the army? Do the Air Force, will be much easier on ya. I have been unemployed for almost a year now, sucks big time. I can't wait for 2003 to end. Divorce, job loss and a move, blech.

I had a top secret clearance, didn't get me crap. Maybe the guard will do for ya?

SunKing · « **Reply #6 on:** July 30, 2003, 04:55:08 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Dnil
why the army? Do the Air Force, will be much easier on ya. I have been unemployed for almost a year now, sucks big time. I can't wait for 2003 to end. Divorce, job loss and a move, blech.

I had a top secret clearance, didn't get me crap. Maybe the guard will do for ya?

The Army because the AirForce and Marines wouldn't take me due to age. Army will up to 34 and they have the field I want.

Jamusta - Do the recruiters work with you or show a program to get in shape for Bootcamp? I'm soo out of shape thanks to Aces High. I have to get my sheet in gear quick.

rc51 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 30, 2003, 05:07:36 PM »

If you smoke STOP!!
Start doing push ups and sit ups.
you will want to do some running(slow jog)
You should be able to run 5 miles.
I think that The PT test are graded according to you're age.
So you will not be held to the same standard as an 18 year old.
Chit they let you run in tennis shoes now so i think that with a little training you will have no trouble at all.
I loved my time in the Army.
I think you will to:D

jamusta · « **Reply #8 on:** July 30, 2003, 05:16:41 PM »

They will tell you what you should do but wont hold your hand. If you are over the weight limit they might not let you sign up until you reach the requirement. The physical training test is not that difficult. I can the look up height and weight scale for you if you like.

The PT test consist of max Push ups in 2 minutes and max sit ups in in 2 minutes and a 2 mile run. The minimum for each category is 60 points. For our age group thats 40 push ups in 2 minutes, 45 sit ups in 2 minutes and a 17 minute 2 mile run. I suggest you be able to do the minimum in these events when you get to basic.
The best advice I can give you for this is to just do them in that order to prepare you for it.

Dnil · « **Reply #9 on:** July 30, 2003, 11:32:14 PM »

do the guard, think they take up to 34. Course it doesnt pay as much, but you aint gonna be making much anyway. The whole time I was in I was below the poverty line, with a wife and 2 kids. Nothing like working an outside job and being on foodstamps while serving your country. Only time I ever took government assistance was while I was in.

I joined when I was 25. At 27 I had a new butterbars in charge of me, fresh outa school, that was 20 years old. I remember when the commander bought him his first beer. I had to take orders from this guy.....gimmie a friggin break.

You think I would be bitter about my time....loved most of it and would re up if I could.

jonnyb · « **Reply #10 on:** July 31, 2003, 12:30:40 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by SunKing
The Army because the AirForce and Marines wouldn't take me due to age. Army will up to 34 and they have the field I want.

Jamusta - Do the recruiters work with you or show a program to get in shape for Bootcamp? I'm soo out of shape thanks to Aces High. I have to get my sheet in gear quick.

The Marines will take you. You just need to get an age waiver. Your recruiter should have told you that.

gofaster · « **Reply #11 on:** July 31, 2003, 10:10:59 AM »

I hear the data networking infrastructure in Iraq is a complete wasteland. I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding employment in an environment where you'll get to travel to faraway lands and meet diverse cultures and interact with strange and exotic people just before you get sniped.