So what does a Computer Print Operator do you ask? Well, I am responsible for looking after the 5 huge printers we have, that combined, print over 8 million pages a year. I am also responsible for looking after the mainframe and the servers. Among the many things I do on the server, the one that takes up most of my time is running COBOL and JCL jobs for the other departments working at Empire Life. it’s neat being able to have so much power and yet at the same time it worries me because I don’t want to mess up and do the wrong thing and cause a huge problem for Empire Life. I have some pictuers of my work place over on my flicker account. (Empire Life has kindly asked me to remove my pictures from my flickr account. Sorry everyone)

I’m sure I will be making more posts about this place as time goes on. I also want to start posting more on this site as I feel like I am letting my cousin David down by not putting this site to good use. Since he is paying for the server and I think still is paying for the domain name, I feel like I need to keep this updated to show him I am getting value out of this site. Thank you very much David!

Many have even given the thought of being there own boss. I have started more and more thinking that this might be a good way to go. But sadly, I don’t know if I am willing to put in the 10-13 hour days, 5 to 7 days a week, in order to get my name out there. I am by no means a business man, so I would not be starting a store front business of my own, but rather as a freelance writer/ web specialist. After knowing two people that have been doing this sort of thing for years and both of them telling me how hard and frustrating things are, it really makes me wonder if this is something I want to do.

I have also given the thought of possibly doing this as a side project and still trying to find a job working part time somewhere. But after putting out at least two dozen resumes to different companies and not hearing a work back from ANY of them other then to let me know they received my electronic application, I am starting to give up hope of ever finding a job. I know that a majority of my content on this site has been all over the place and about my personal life. This is mainly because I can’t think of one thing I am really good at that I might be able to capture a niche market’s attention with. I think what I need to start out doing is possibly picking two or three topics that I like writing about, and try finding which one I have the most success with and go with it. I know that in order to get my name out there I will need to use application such as Twitter, Facebook, del.icio.us , digg, reddit and many other social media/bookmarking sites. I don’t know if I want to start doing that though. It all sounds very easy, but to put good content out into the world that people are will to read is another story. So the question is, should I start small, only working on one site and get that up and running while I continue to look for a new job, or should I just go all in and work on two sites and promote the heck out of them and see about making that my permanent job?

My ONLY grip about sending out resumes is that employers do not need to contact potential employees if they are not selected. This means that I could apply for a job and never know if anything went wrong with my application or if I was not what the employer was looking for. I really wish it was mandatory for employers to contact ALL potential employees that submit a resume and let them know either way. This would eliminate the constant worry that I have been doing something wrong. I mean, I have taken the time to apply to your company, the least you can do is give me a 5 minute call stating that, “Sorry, we are not interested in continuing with an interview.” Give a very brief explanation why: “Over qualified”, “Not enough experience”, “Not the right fit”, etc. This would cut down on people calling in to the company to find out what is going on. Yes, I understand that not everyone takes rejection well and might have a million questions as to why they were not considered, but then the employer can just say that they wish not to discus the issue further and wish the now unsuccessful candidate a good day and hang up. This way people are not left hanging in nowhere land.

Working at a minimum wage job for 40 hours a week just wont pay my bills. I will go farther and farther into debt and that is not somewhere I want to be at this point. And it seems such a shame to have wasted four years of my life learning something I may never use in a job.

Another problem is the fact that I don’t have a car and would have to rely on the Kingston Bus system to get me to and from work that may be to far to walk. So it makes it hard to find jobs just slightly outside of Kingston.

“What about going to another city?” Well there in lies another problem. I don’t want to leave Ontario or really the Ottawa – Kingston Area. I like both cities and would like to start a life in either one. But finding a permanent full time job with good pay in Ottawa is hard. Or I have found it to be.

An old co-worker of mine suggested that I send my resume to “head hunters” because a lot of companies turn to consulting firms before going to the public to find a job. So I think in the next week I will be doing some research on a few firms and see what they have to offer and if they are able to help me find a job.

If there is anyone that knows of a place looking for a computer programmer or computer networking & technical support specialist in Kingston or Ottawa, please leave me your email and I will get back to you as soon as possible

• Edyy was put down due to contracting Feline Infectious Peritonitis. (FIP)
• I was layed off from my programming job at the Ontario Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care
• Amy and I purchased a new kitten and we named her Lily Marie Fox
• Amy and I are now engaged. No date has been set yet, but are both very excited about it
• I had an interview with the Information Management Systems with the Correction Services Canada Regional office at Collins Bay Penitentiary

So far I have not heard back for CSC, but am hoping to soon. I a going to try and start updating my site more as I have more free time. I have been very depressed because of losing my job and the loss of Edward but I am trying to look on the bright side of things and am glad that I still have a roof over my head and good health.

So I spent the time not working for the Ministry of Health with my cousin David who was coming down to Kingston anyway for some much needed R&R. We got to hang out and look around and hang out a bit. I decided to take in a play and went to see Jersey Boys again at the Toronto Theater for the Arts. I was lucky in that I baught my ticket at the door and was able to get a seat for $35 (Tickets are normally $65 to $130.)  I was also lucky because I got a seat in between two people but one of them did not show up. This was good for me as I am very broad shouldered and dont fit into the seats very well. But I was able to enjoy the play and took the TTC “Red Rocket” back to the hotel room.

Then David and I boarded the VIA train back to Kingston to spend the weekend shopping for xmas gifts for my family and for Amy’s family. So far I only need gifts for about 4 or 5 more people then I should be all done. Hopefully I can get that done this weekend. It was nice to hang out with David and Amy as it gets very quiet in my apartment with only Edyy and myself living there.

I want to apologize for the lack of updates these past two weeks but I have been really busy at work and have been spending some over time at work to get things done. Also I have not had a lot to talk about since I have been not doing much other then working and playing Fallout 3 when I have a few minutes at home.

Just a small update. I wrote a qualifying test for the COBOL and JAVA SO2 positions in the ministry and did not end up getting a call back for an interview. I guess that’s just the way things work out. Hopefully I will be able to get another contract and stay with the Ministry of Health a little longer, but we’ll see how that all works out. I might be looking for a job in the next month if things don’t pan out.

Other then that, nothing else is new. Hopefully some new and interesting things come up and I can start talking about them instead of the horribly boring updates I am giving you right now.

Over the weekend I had family and friends come down for a “House” Warming / Birthday Party. It was really fun having everyone come over and visit. Made it really feel like I have become an adult. It started at around 3 pm and went on for the entire night until about 2 am. It was a great time.

I will keep this short, but here is a list of the things I got for both my house warming gift and birthday.

• Birthday
  • 4 quart slow cooker
  • 14 cup rice cooker
  • $20 gift card for Wal-Mart
  • $25 gift card for Second Cup
  • $200 check for something fun
  • Wine Rack
  • Chef Knife
  • Picture of the Beach made by hand
  • mini pocket gerber
  • 3 XL Shirts for the gym
• House Warming
  • A Lamp
  • A blanket
  • Dim sum set (4 bowls, 4 chopsticks, and a wire basket)
  • 4 red and black oven safe custard bowls

Once again, Thank you to everyone that showed up and for the wonderful gifts.