A lot has changed since I was last in the job market. I had done a little looking around in the past, but in doing a full fledged job search I have seen how the whole process has changed.

Up until a few months ago I was working for Flextronics, doing Tech Support for Verizon Wireless. I started the job back in January of 2001 and was almost to the 10 year point when layoffs and the removal of tech support was announced. I could have kept my job, if I wanted to have an hour long (or more) commute to the other side of the city.  The layoff was a turning point that allowed us to make a life changing move to the Twin Cities area.

So (to shorten a long story) I am in the process of looking for work.  And I have noticed a few things that have changed.  What used to be a pen and paper search, where you would pick up the daily paper and search through listings has turned into a lot more than just the electronic version of hunting through the newspapers online listings.  Today it is all about using online tools to make the job easier.  Even making tools like Twitter work for your job search.

Some of the biggest tools that I have been using have been variations on the Twitter service.  Many companies out there have been tweeting new jobs as they open up.  Services like twitterjobs and TweetMyJOBS.com have been a great way to setup alerts for tweets that match your search criteria.  Also remember that you can go right to Twitter.com and do a search right from there.

The other tool that I have been using is LinkedIn.com.  LinkedIn gives you the ability to network yourself through your own colleagues, friends and people you meet at various places,such as job fairs. The only real downside is that if you want some of the more advanced features you would need to sign up for a paid subscription.  I have found a few workarounds for this, though. If you do a custom Google search (ex: charlie d site:linkedin.com) it will help you find names and info about companies.  The main thing to remember is that you cannot fully access their profile unless you are a direct connection with them, and to request them as a connection you have to have a job link with them, or know their email address.

So it has been a learning experience, but I feel these internet tools have made the search for a job, and probably the interview process easier.  Mainly because it is so easy to find out more about the companies, and people that work for the companies before you go to an interview.

I have been pondering over setting this up for a few weeks now and finally put it online.  I was a little worried about regular content, but the girl is full of 1 liners, so it shouldn’t be a problem to keep it updated just about daily…

So everyone that reads this message needs to go to twitter and follow it: http://twitter.com/5YearOldSays

So my current portable computer is dead.  I use the word “portable” because the laptop has a dead battery and I can’t justify $40 or $50 to fix it. Also, by “dead” I mean the hinge is broken on it… I am still considering doing a little drilling on the top part of the flip and using a small bolt and washer on it. Hey, it might work.

So the state of mind I have been in over the last few days (ok maybe a week or more) is trying to decide the best way to go about this. I have been pricing new vs used, and windows vs mac. What it has actually come down to (at this point) is Acer Aspire One 10.1" -vs- Apple iBook G4 12".

Out of the blue the other night we ran into some WiFi issues. The wireless portion of the router decided to just stop working. Normally when it doesn’t work a simple reboot of the modem and router fixes it, but this didn’t. It almost seems to have been factory reset.  So I have spent the last couple of days (on and off) changing settings and testing.

From Craigslist:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/vgm/2196387062.html

Sega genesis games to play on your TV.

Email is always on, I should be able to get back to you quickly.

I have more for sale. See everything here: http://www.charlied.co.cc/p/stuff-for-sale.html

• Location: Monticello
• it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

From Craigslist:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/vgm/2196380191.html

Atari 2600. Needs power cord and connectors put back on video cable.

Email is always on, I should be able to get back to you quickly.

I have more for sale. See everything here: http://www.charlied.co.cc/p/stuff-for-sale.html

• Location: Monticello
• it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

From Craigslist:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/sys/2196377477.html

Commodore 64 built into a joystick so you can play it on a modern TV. Includes 30 games. Very rare. Apparently it can be hacked (with some basic solder skills) and have a keyboard added to it. I had never used it until tonight and hesitated to post it, so this ad might not be up for very long.

More info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C64_Direct-to-TV

Email is always on, I should be able to get back to you quickly.

I have more for sale. See everything here: http://www.charlied.co.cc/p/stuff-for-sale.html

• Location: Monticello
• it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

From Craigslist:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/hab/2194656837.html

Ab Lounge Max 2

Abdominal workout chair for focusing ab workout on stomach muscles
Sturdy floor-based position helps users experience total range of motion
Supports body, head, neck, and back; works out upper and lower abs
Unique rolled steel frame supports up to 250 pounds
Measures 39.5 x 44.5 x 30 inches (W x H x D)

Email is always on, I should be able to get back to you quickly.

I have more for sale. See everything here: http://www.charlied.co.cc/p/stuff-for-sale.html

• Location: Monticello
• it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

From Craigslist:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/hab/2194645594.html

Get 10 exercises in one easy workout with the Gazelle Freestyle with Thumbpulse:
The Gazelle Freestyle elliptical trainer provides aerobic, stretching and strength training exercises all in a fun, calorie-burning, low-impact total body workout. It’s one of the hottest-selling exercise machines, and is now available at an every day low price. Includes heart-rate monitor and other useful features, as seen on TV.
Gazelle Freestyle with Thumbpulse:/b>
The Gazelle Freestyle elliptical trainer “As-Seen-on-TV” also monitors your heart rate
Easy-to-use computer display helps you maximize your workout by giving you immediate feedback on your heart rate, speed, distance, time and calories burned
Full range of motion stride length
2-¼-inch heavy gauge steel holds up to 300 pounds and adds extra stability
Dual-action, split-suspension provides complete range of motion and freedom of movement
Extra-wide foot platforms for sure-footed stability
Handlebars covered with high-density foam, adding comfort to your workout
Low-impact workout provides both an aerobic workout and resistance training
Lets you go from a slow walk to a full run with no sudden stops
Gazelle Freestyle elliptical trainer folds quickly for easy storage
Completely smooth and quiet
For all fitness levels and ages
Some assembly required
Not available in stores
Gazelle Freestyle with Thumbpulse Includes These Features:
30-minute Personal Trainer workout video
Eating plan help book
Water bottle with mount
90-day manufacturer’s warranty
Why buy the Gazelle Freestyle elliptical trainer?
Made by Fitness Quest (well known for popular fitness machines like the Total Gym 1500), the Gazelle Freestyle with Thumbpulse has been one of the hottest selling fitness products in the country. It gives you all the benefits of stretching, walking, running, cross-country skiing, aerobic dancing and resistance training without jarring impacts or damaging movements to your body. This is extremely important when starting a new exercise program; even the most minor injuries or sprains can act as a roadblock on the road to a healthy body. The smooth movements of the Gazelle protect against such injury, making this machine perfect for beginners and fitness buffs alike.
Learn More: Fitness Facts About Ellipticals

Ellipticals simulate cross-country skiing, giving you a smooth low-impact workout
They are becoming one of the most popular forms of exercise equipment
Using an elliptical lets you burn calories quickly and use many different muscle groups across your entire body
Muscle Zones Targeted by the Gazelle Freestyle with Thumbpulse:
Hips (gluteus maximus)
Front of thighs (quadriceps)
Back of thighs (hamstrings)
Calves (gastrocnemius)
Shin/lower leg (tibialas anterior)
Shoulder (deltoid)
Front of upper arm (bicep)
Back of upper arm (tricep)
Chest (pectorilis major)
Back (latissimus dorsi)
Stomach (obliques)

Email is always on, I should be able to get back to you quickly.

I have more for sale. See everything here: http://www.charlied.co.cc/p/stuff-for-sale.html

• Location: Monticello
• it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

From Craigslist:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/vgm/2194583272.html

Plug this directly into your TV to play: Breakout, Canyon Bomber, Casino, Circus Atari, Demons to Diamonds, Night Driver, Steeplechase, Street Racer, Super Breakout, Warlords, Arcade Pong, Video Olympics, and Warlords Arcade. 4 AA batteries required (not included). For Ages 5 and Up.

Email is always on, I should be able to get back to you quickly.

I have more for sale. See everything here: http://www.charlied.co.cc/p/stuff-for-sale.html

• Location: Monticello
• it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests