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Age Discrimination discussion. It does happen.
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Here's what people are saying about yesterday's post about OSU coach, Jim Tressel and his 'hot seat'...

Robert W. Price
Global Business Advisor & Author - Global Entrepreneurship Institute
Thanks Dave for setting up this great discussion. I am from OSU, and living in Southern California. I went to the OSU-USC game and had to suffer the flight back late last night. All my friends in Columbus and I agree: Tressel has to go. Robert
Posted 23 hours ago Reply Privately

Eric Bush
Sr Manager of Retail Operations
Your point about losing the big games is valid. OSU has been able to beat a few top 5 teams over the last 7 years, but the offense continues to struggle. Take the shackles off Pryor and let the kid make plays. For once, the O-line played well, but tripped up during the key plays. Tressel can stay, but please bring in an Offensive Coordinator that has creativity.
Posted 19 hours ago Reply Privately
Joe Shaughnessy
US Financial Controller at Xyratex
Dave.....keep calling radio talk shows and let the Coach coach.
Posted 13 hours ago Reply Privately
Mark Hensley
Consultant Services
I am a Tressel fan even though it is somewhat difficult after a loss to USC. I think we have to face that OSU is not a top tier elite football team. We are a second tier team with the potential of becoming a top tier program. Every major national power-house we have lost handedly. We played Texas and USC as we should, but it was like reliving the same type of lost on the last drive. How many times have we seen the exact same surge from the opposing team stick a knife in us in the last few minutes of the last quarter? We all saw Tressel made some questionable calls, likewise Pryor still has a learning curve under the way the coach wants him to play the game. I can't see Tressel being the Coach and let someone call the offensive plays, he is a self admitted micro-manager. When have you known a micro-manager to take a hands off approach so someone else can do the job they think should be done, their way. For that reason alone, it can't and will not happen, not while Tressel is coach. We have to live with his foibles, until his time is up. You can best believe no time soon.
Posted 12 hours ago Reply Privately

David Curtis
Owner, Apparatus
It was a good game. OSU was one big D play away from closing the door. Better than those painful blow outs.
Posted 12 hours ago Reply Privately

Christopher S. Italiano
President at Italiano Developer's Ltd
The Buckeye Nation is tired of hearing from Tressel about how great the other programs are. We are a World Class educational institution with a proud heritage of great sports teams (namely football). It is time to win big! There is no excuse for settling for less than the best on and off of the field. Our players seem to be good citizens and students, for which we are all proud. BUT, $3.5 MILLION PER YEAR IS A LOT OF REASONS TO BEAT THE SH@% OUT OF ALL EVERYBODY ON OUR SCHEDULE! GO BUCKS!
Posted 12 hours ago Reply Privately
Joe Shaughnessy
US Financial Controller at Xyratex
And your solution would be somebody like Rich Rodriguez???? GET REAL!! Careful in what you ask for.....because you might not like what you get!
Posted 12 hours ago Reply Privately
Serf Hernandez
Vice President - Tax Outsourcing at ZC Sterling
OSU does not need to get rid of Tressel. We need to change coordinators. In his tenure, I don't recall him ever firing an assistant coach. I think this is the time to finally cut ties with Bollman and Heacock. It's time to bring in new coordinators. Yes, it's frustrating to see OSU loose close games to top 10 teams but keep in mind that he has won the Big Ten conference 4 years in row and has been in BCS championship games. Just remember the suffering that the fans had to go through with John Cooper. Those were frustrating years!
Posted 12 hours ago Reply Privately

Christopher S. Italiano
President at Italiano Developer's Ltd
How many of us have had hundreds of thousand of professed armchair experts critique our weekly job performance? Pryor is a 19 year kid with a lot of grown men's egos riding on his shoulders. Lets keep the slappings to the coaching staff, they are the only ones who draw a legitimate pay check every week.
Posted 12 hours ago Reply Privately

Nicholas McKay
Developer at iSYS LLC
I think most of us are at least old enough to remember OSU prior to Tressel. He has issues, but as fans we need to keep perspective -- it could be a lot worse. That said, he needs to be the CEO and stop trying to be the HC/OC at the same time. Hire a legitimate OC and relinquish the choke hold on the offense. It's time. Handle special teams if he has to get his hands dirty in something.
Posted 12 hours ago Reply Privately

Christopher S. Italiano
President at Italiano Developer's Ltd
Out of the 200,000 or so possible qualified applicant pool right here in Central Ohio, you would think that replacing the OC should be rather easier. If anybody has a connection, I am ready with my play book.
Posted 11 hours ago Reply Privately

Kenneth Kent
V.P., Trust and Estates at JPMorgan
We lost to the #3 team in the nation by 3 pts, and we're not a top tier team? We were ranked 8th. We were an underdog. Reality check ppl.
Posted 4 hours ago Reply Privately

Richard Rolandelli
Business Development Manager
Sure, get rid of Tressel and become the next Michigan!
Posted 4 hours ago Reply Privately
Kathy Hawkins
Internet Research/Project Coordinator at Management Recruiters of Pickerington
I don't claim to be a football expert, BUT we have been unable to pull of a win in the championship game for a few years. There is a lot of money in the football program at OSU - not just in salaries. We recruit great talent. Maybe there needs to be some changes in the way our players are taught how to handle their positions and some changes in our tactics to pull of the wins. If the current coaching and support staff aren't up to the task, they are not earning their money and should be replaced. Michigan looks like they may be ready for us this year (did I actually say that?). Will we be ready for them?
Posted 4 hours ago Reply Privately

Daniel Gibbs
Professional Engineer, LEED AP
"Oh, don’t talk to me about the 6 straight victories over Michigan. Ohio State fans are the only ones who think that annual rivalry game means anything anymore. Sure, it usually has something to do with the Big Ten title, but, frankly, who cares?" Obviously Dave, you were not at OSU in the 90's when we lost to Michigan almost every year. Yes, I want to win the big games. Yes, I was think that Tressel out Tresselballed himself the last three games vs. top 5 teams. But don't ever say "Who Cares" about Michigan. Those are fighting words to someone who grew up on the border. I can tell you from personal experience that it is much better to beat Michigan and lose your bowl game than to win a bowl game and lose to Michigan. In fact, the only reason we are usually in all of those big games is because we beat Michigan. Tressel is not an idiot, stubborn, but not an idiot. He will make adjustments. Remember, this is a young team that will return almost eveyone next year. They still need to learn things the hard way. Hopefully, Saturday is a lesson learned for the players and Coach Tressel.
Posted 4 hours ago Reply Privately
Terry Fadem
Director, Corporate at Penn Medicine
Until there is a national playoff system for college football...none of the games that follow the season mean a thing! So, the only two achievements that count for OSU are winning the big ten and beating Michigan. Period. tressel was hired to reverse the trend that had set in with Michigan...until we have another objective for him to shoot for, his job remains secure. the bowl games are for advertisers and NFL scouting...
Posted 3 hours ago Reply Privately

Craig Fusco
Business Development Executive: IT Staffing/Managed Services/Blackberry Mobile Solutions
I am an alum of OSU, as well as a huge fan. I get diappointed with each "big game" loss like most folks. However, those people calling for Tressel to be fired or to be placed on the hot seat are completely ignorant and know nothing about college football. Before anyone starts talking about getting rid of Tressel, that person should try considering who should replace him. It's easy to fire someone but can you hire a coach that will consistently win the conference, beat Michigan, take the team to a BCS bowl every year and contend for a National Title???? There are a handful of coaches in the country that can accomplish this and Tressel is one of them. (despite some conservative play calling, which by the way, along with defense, helped us dominate the game against USC) Ohio State fan, please try to conceive some rational thoughts from time to time. Is it disappointing? Yes. Could it be worse? See Notre Dame!!!! (still makes me laugh)
Posted 3 hours ago Reply Privately
Rick Happe
Sr. Architect at Viewpointe
For such a 'conservative' coach, 2 out of three plays being downfield passes before halftime when he could have run the clock out seems kind of 'un-conservative' to me. Tressel calls the plays that he thinks can be successful in a given situation. If they work, he's a genius - if not, he's a goat. Let's face it - the Buckeyes were supposed to lose big. The reason it was close was because the guys in the trenches stepped up and handled the USC big uglies. If Pryor had stepped up like they did, we'd be talking about the big win in the 'Shoe. As far as Tressel goes, I'll take this 'goat' over the last 2 before him anytime.
Posted 3 hours ago Reply Privately
Curtis Littlegreen, CFA
Financial Counselor at Strategic Resources International , Inc
Anyone who thinks a 7-1 record versus the weasels is no big deal didn't live through the '90's with me! JT has 5 Big Ten titles and a national championship to boot. He has won big games since the win over Miami: @ #2 Texas and over #2 scUM in 2006 pop to mind. The pendulum will swing back. Keep the faith, Buckeye fans.
Posted 3 hours ago Reply Privately

Jeff Friess
Recruiter at Logiicsoft (jeff.friess@logicsoftusa.com)
If Notre Dame does not do good this year maybe we could hire Charlie Weis to call offensive plays for OSU.
Posted 3 hours ago Reply Privately

Tressel on the Hot seat? Maybe he should be...

Maybe it’s time to put Jim Tressel on the hot seat.
Since the undefeated National Championship in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, Tressel has failed to produce a single ‘big game’ win.
Oh, don’t talk to me about the 6 straight victories over Michigan. Ohio State fans are the only ones who think that annual rivalry game means anything anymore. Sure, it usually has something to do with the Big Ten title, but, frankly, who cares?
Since that unlikely victory over the Hurricanes in January of 2003, the Buckeyes have been embarrassed in TWO more BCS title games. And in case you forgot, Tressel’s defense couldn’t stop Texas’ offense late in last years Fiesta bowl either. And then there was Texas in 2005, when Vince Young and the Longhorns ate up 12 of the 15 minutes in the 4th quarter.
The Penn State game last year at the ‘Shoe was another game where Tressel couldn’t put the ball in the end zone enough in a game that would’ve virtually clinched the Big Ten title. And do I even have to remind you what USC did to us last year at the L.A. Coliseum?
Tressel is old school. Kicking game, field position, smash mouth football. Three yards and a cloud of dust, Woody vs Bo.
For you die hard Buckeye fans, those days are over.
This is the 21st century. Passing game, a stable of big, fast tailbacks who run past giant linemen and linebackers who just aren’t quite fast enough to keep up with the thoroughbreds who get a 7 yard running start from behind the quarterback.
The college game isn’t about the kicking game and field position anymore. It’s not even about rivalries. It’s about big games and TV money and putting the ball in the end zone. If you have to rely on Terrelle Prior to engineer a drive TO THE END ZONE, you’re in trouble. He runs like Robert Smith (but can’t take the punishment like Robert), but throws like Cornelius Greene. If Prior is the best we’ve got at quarterback, we’re in for 3 more very long seasons.
The upside is that will give us time to scout around the country for an innovator who can come in and REALLY restore some pride to the program.
And beat Michigan while he’s at it.

Five Things Managers and Supervisors Can Learn From 'The Dog Whisperer', Cesar Millan

Patience: Cesar never gives up on his clients. He rehabilitates dogs and trains people to practice patience and perseverance. Managers who have patience can rehab their operation and train their people to achieve greatness and stability.
Insight: Cesar uses his instincts and experience to recognize the root cause of the problem almost immediately. Managers who use their experience and best judgment to guide their decisions will have an impact on their organization’s success.
Positive Energy: Cesar always encounters a situation with a positive result in mind. Managers who are ‘reactive’ rather than ‘proactive’ almost never achieve success.
Fearlessness: Cesar faces every challenge knowing the risks involved and visualizes the steps he needs to take to get the job done. Managers who see obstacles as opportunities approach each challenge with confidence in their abilities.
Get Help When You Need It: Cesar recognizes when he needs to employ the help of his family, his co-workers, or his ‘pack’ and never hesitates to ask for their help. Managers who seek out the help of others minimize the risk of not getting it right.

While the economy languishes indecisively in the process of recovery, and jobs creation seem to be starting out in third gear, chugging sluggishly along, I cast a wary eye on my future.



While I am optimistic that "things will turn around", I'm not so sure what shape the jobs of the future available to me will take. I'm afraid the days of one job, one paycheck are gone, for me.



My gut tells me that companies will proceed cautiously for a few years as they struggle to gain a firm grasp of the slow churning wheels of progress. Instead of creating jobs, companies will be investing in technology (rightfully so) hoping to gain an edge on their competition. Searching for firm footing in the marketplace will require a firm hold on the cost of goods sold, which includes payroll and benefits.


All the more reason for individuals who have been moved out of jobs onto the streets should invest in themselves by learning a new trade, learning new skills by furthering their education, forging new paths toward successful careers and defining their working life differently.



Just as our society evolved from a one income society to a two income society in the 50's, 60's and 70's, we may see more families and individuals who have to rely on 2, 3, or even 4 sources of income by starting their own business, working part time at different jobs, or taking on contract or temporary work assignments.

It may take a while for all of this to take place. Workers and their families need time to adjust and prepare for the dynamics of this new economy.

Companies won't be paying what they use to pay before the great recession, before the banks and auto and real estate industries strangled themselves to near death. It will be up to the individual to find his way through the maze that will reshape and define his livelihood.

I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

February 17, 2009

Today is my first day blogging my job search.



I've been in the job search universe many times in the past, most recently since January 19, 2009 when the company I worked for decided to scale back to 2005-06 levels. No hard feelings. I understand that in today's economy, things happen.



By extension, things happen for a reason. Or so they say.



Today, I bought generic business cards online. I read somewhere that it was a good idea. You're supposed to hand them out when you are networking, working the crowd so to speak, so people can get in touch with you if they need you or want you to come to work for them. They were 'free' except for the shipping and handling and you could add window decals, car magnets, T-shirts, return address labels and a whole bunch of other stuff (for a price...everything has a price). I had a 2009 calendar put on the back of mine for an extra $2.99. My tagline was "Pursuing excellence since 1976", the year I graduated from college.



I also read somewhere that it was a good idea to start a job blog so you could invite potential employers to read what you've been doing with your time since you got laid off. I got tired of watching Billy Mays and "Fritz" trying to sell me stuff I don't need on TV. So, I started this blog.



Some of today's thoughts, inspired (or borrowed) by job search gurus and other predators:

• I borrowed this from one predator. Sometimes, you reach a critical point in your life when you have to decide if you want to continue doing what you're doing. You have to ask yourself whether or not it's time to pursue something new and different and challenging. And if you decide that it is, you then have to find something that is going to hold your interest and captivate your focus.

• I like helping my fellow former co-workers get their process going. Some are still wandering aimlessly, trying to figure out what they want to do or what to do next. Some are considering career changes or re-entering or returning to a former career path. Some are toying with the idea of starting their own business. Some are still stunned and in a rut. Those still fighting the desperation and hopelessness they are feeling are the ones I like to help. I suggest 'keywords', action words, resume formats. I send them websites that will help them create a resume. Some appreciate the help. Most take the advice and get started right away

• Your network of friends and former coworkers can hold you back. Even the most well meaning of your network contacts can dampen your optimism when you explain that you are contemplating a career change, even if it does mean taking a cut in pay. It makes me wonder if they are trying to help you or hold you back or if they wish they were in your position--at a critical juncture in your life and facing such monumental and life changing decisions.

• A job search can be frustrating and depressing. No matter how good your resume is, no matter how good a match you are for a job, sometimes, you just don't get the call, never mind the interview, and much less, the job. It's understandable. With millions of resumes on Careerbuilder.com and Monster.com and other job search sites, you gotta be really lucky to get noticed. That's why career change is so attractive to some of us. A fresh start, a new challenge, a new learning experience.

• Some potential employers, like insurance companies or businesses trying to get you to 'be your own boss' are predators. Some 'opportunities' you see online are not much more than businesses trying to sell you a book that will explain to you the secrets of real estate or 'the art of selling', luring you and your $29.95 to your financial and emotional freedom. These opportunities are also known as scams to those who live in a relatively unadventurous comfort zone.