Just found out this morning that my position as Network Manager of the Newport Public Schools is being eliminated at the end of June. Apparently the people in charge figure that a district of 2000 networked devices and 3000 users can somehow be managed without an actual network/server/senior desktop/security person (there is NO other networking person in the district - the only one which had some experience in network management, the computer systems teacher at the career tech center was let go last year).

So if any of you know of anything out there please let me know. I'll be freshening my resume this week I imagine and will post this as time comes by...

Bummer John!
back to the Private $ector

That sucks John! You are a talented individual and I am sure you will get gobbled up by someone! Best of luck on that end! Maybe they will realize what you already know....they need you!:btu:

Sorry to hear that John. With your credentials I'm sure you'll bounce back in no time.

We still have 2 Level 2 desktop support positions open
~55k i think..

You just missed the Help Desk Supervisor job.. started today.

That sucks. Good luck on the new job hunt John.

John, sorry to hear that. I had to tell five individuals in our District last week that they had been victims of the Budget Crunch 2007/2008.

It really sucks let me tell you to tell someone that though they have been good soldiers for the school system that because the towns people, who have no idea what you do, how hard you work and would never submit to being told what they should make in thier own personal professions can tell us what we should be making in ours.

Tough pill to swallow for sure and I didn't sleep the night before or after.

I will canvass the district to see if thier is anyway I can help. Amazing that in this day and age that a Tech Director would be cut and not replaced nor with anyone of sufficient background on a lower rate scale in the wings. With decisions like this being made you are probably better off in the long run not being involved in a school system such as Newport.

I will ring you up if I come up with anything. Hang tough buddy, it's just a bump in the road and no one died. The sun still shines on your face if you klnow what I mean.

Steve

On the bright side, maybe you can push them for a retention bonus. It's very common in the private sector to pay key individuals to stay on until the end after a reduction in force has been announced.

Best of Luck John ! I've been there and it's scary, but with your credentials you should have no problem finding something.

that does suck.like they say when one door closes another one will open.

john

it really sucks but I'm a firm believer in "everything happens for a reason"

better opportunity awaits you in the future

Good Luck w/the job hunt John. I'll keep my ears open around here.

I'd offer you a job turning lures but I know your still working on the same one from 6 years ago :hee:

sucks dood nobody cares anymore they probably outsourced it to india

Thanks guys.. This will probably be a good opportunity for me..

sucks dood nobody cares anymore they probably outsourced it to india


hehehehe - no, they actually feel that someone else can do it. My boss is a good guy but not a net guy and he will unfortunately be asked to do things he does not have low level understanding of - not his fault - I never really wanted to do his job either. But the first time there is a jabbering NIC (happens often enough with the average age of a computer at 4 years old) they won't be able to find it. When we were port scanned by machines in Panama and China today, they wouldn't know. Aww hell, just venting a little ;)

that sucks- good luck w/ the job hunt. if i should hear about any openings ill let you know.

I know it is a long ride to Westford, MA but I work at Juniper and we are looking for 3 tech support folks who have high level routing and switching skills. We have a few folks who live in RI..one is in Cumberland and one is in Providence.

Send me a PM if you are interested and I can forward the res to the hiring folks.

scary time to work in the public sector. we have a 3.5 million dollar school budget deficit and they are potentially looking to close the biggest elementary school in the district to compensate. Thats over 100 jobs down the pooper and over 500 students getting crunched into the already over crowded other elementary schools.

sorry to hear that man.
you'll find something...im sure of it.

maybe it will work out that you will have the summer off... so much fishing is coming your way :btu:

John, best of luck in your search.

Update the resume, print up some business cards and they'll prob. hire you back at 2x the salary for the same job on a consulting basis.

Good luck.

Sorry to hear that John...Hang in there as best you can and start looking immediatly...network...network.....network....

Ice

Thats a bummer dude -


Good Luck -

did you say you will be un-employed in june?? perfect timing :happy:

we all know you have the skills to get a good job anywhere..

Lots of talk in the development world about the need to develop "knowledge networks" and "networks of expertise." But, here is the key "but" none of these people have any ideas what a real knowledge network is.

However, what you are doing here is running a knowledge network where, in the parlance of the development world, "experts and novices alike voluntarily communicate and share knowledge and best practices with each-other." So you have a specific field of expertise which is valuable. I can't tell you how much money is thrown at development projects that propose to create "knowledge networks" and then they waste hundreds of thousands of dollars and at the end of 4 years they have a website where maybe less than 10 people have posted some random comments relevant to nothing.

Not kidding. So to these people, you are a very marketable commodity. I think something like "Knowledge Network Development and Management Consultant" is around the right title that could put you down in the southern hemisphere for the winter consulting in South America, and back up in the NE for the summer.

PM me, I have ideas.

Thats to bad John, but everything happens for a reason. You're a smart guy and know your stuff in and out, get the resume on Monster and Dice then pick and choose (accept no less than 4weeks vacation.)

nothing lasts forever, I'm sure you'll find something John. It does suck though having your position eliminated like that.
Good luck

Lots of talk in the development world about the need to develop "knowledge networks" and "networks of expertise." But, here is the key "but" none of these people have any ideas what a real knowledge network is.
That's why they hire me :hihi:

Oh, and you're a few years behind the times...they're called "innovation networks" today, and Global ones at that :lasso:

Bummer on the news, but it just may bring something a whole lot better!

-spence

John,

Sorry about the news, will keep an eye out within my clients' respective businesses.

Lots of talk in the development world about the need to develop "knowledge networks" and "networks of expertise." But, here is the key "but" none of these people have any ideas what a real knowledge network is.

However, what you are doing here is running a knowledge network where, in the parlance of the development world, "experts and novices alike voluntarily communicate and share knowledge and best practices with each-other." So you have a specific field of expertise which is valuable. I can't tell you how much money is thrown at development projects that propose to create "knowledge networks" and then they waste hundreds of thousands of dollars and at the end of 4 years they have a website where maybe less than 10 people have posted some random comments relevant to nothing.

Not kidding. So to these people, you are a very marketable commodity. I think something like "Knowledge Network Development and Management Consultant" is around the right title that could put you down in the southern hemisphere for the winter consulting in South America, and back up in the NE for the summer.

PM me, I have ideas.

John this may be your opportunity.

You could be referee for a couple thousand computer geeks instead of fisherman, they are sorta the same ya know. All types from certifiable to humble and wise.

I went thru the same thing last year when my middle management position was eliminated and it ended up being a good thing. Positive thinking is the key and don't spend a minute wasting your time thinking about what will happen to them now without you.

sorry to hear that john, will keep ears open even though i live pretty damn far from salty water.

Sorry to hear that John. Can you swing a hammer or run a screwgun? :huh:

Just kidding on the construction thing. Like others have posted, this could be a good thing. A blessing is disguise if you will. Good luck with your job search.

John,

Sorry to hear that, check out the NETC base or with Rayheon. I am sure they would love to have someone with your talents.

the last time ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,:boots:

look to the pharmaceutical sector companies for the most stable
and growing business ...job security and bennies.
good luck and i'll keep my eyes peeled and my ear to the ground.


Anyways sorry to hear the news...

John, Sorry to hear the bad news, you have a skill it shouldn't be hard to find something, good luck

that stinks:mad:

That stinks John !
I hope you don't end up slipping on a wet floor or a banana peel and end up injuring yourself at that school before june and have go out on a disability !:eyes:

John, good luck on the job hunt. I know you'll land on your feet.

After the pit in the belly goes away, you will find something to your advantage. Be patient and I am sure you will be offered something as good or better.

hang tough.

everything happens for a reason..wishing you well.

Ever think of running an IT franchise? I talked to CMIT Solutions once and they seemed a pretty reasonable operation.

Not sure if you know about the Rhode Island Networking Group (RING). You'll find them on the web. Pretty good network.

Well yea it sort of makes sense why they let you go....you know computers basically run themselves and everything. Plus no one really knows if this whole computer thing will catch on so why pay someone to manage something that may not stick around!!!!:realmad: :wall:

Brilliant people over there running that show John. I'm sorry to hear this but things happen for a reason and I am willing to bet you land something better. You do a great job here and this is a big community so I'm sure there are lots of eyes and ears out for something, I know I will. Good luck.

Sorry to hear it John. Best of luck to you. Good people like you always land on their feet though, so im sure you will find something even better. One door closes another will open.

Sorry to hear this John. Sometimes another ,better door opens when one closes. Hey it would be a real shame if they were left with no tech support and the whole system sorta "fell apart". Man that would be terrible....

you're a few years behind the times...they're called "innovation networks" today, and Global ones at that

Nice- I'll phone that one in to the old boss- he'll love it. Now he talks about "innovation" as one concept and "knowledge networks" as another, but the chance to mix the two of them together can't be missed.

john ...its a shock at first ... i know the feeling , keep going , n- good luck.......dave..

Being self-ployed I fire myself all the time,,know what the feeling is like,,never knowing when the next job will come,,perhaps now is the time to open your own H:eyes: er's....you'd have enough customer's from here alone to keep you going.... ///G- Luck to ya boss.

heck yeah.... that would be grand....!!

too bad the liquor license is so pricey....$$$$

All of us who have ever been there know how you feel.

If you need help with the site, let us know.

Let me know if you want to be a code poet :laughs:

Sorry to hear that John, plenty of time for them to change their minds. Real honest of them to let you know ahead of time so you can make the nesc arrangements, etc instead of showing up to a box on your desk.

Let me know if you want to be a code poet :laughs:

Sorry to hear that John, plenty of time for them to change their minds. Real honest of them to let you know ahead of time so you can make the nesc arrangements, etc instead of showing up to a box on your desk.

I agree - but I just found out that I was let known yesterday because there is an article in the Projo today that would have raised a red flag or two anyway... The article has a paragraph "In addition to the teachers, he is proposing eliminating three other positions — an electrician, a social worker and a technology systems manager."

sucks John , can't believe these towns not supporting tech stuff

I doubt if you want to work close to Boston but my girlfriend manages IT contractors at State Street Bank and she has a million connections in the IT industry. If it gets close to June and you don't have anything close to home, let me know and I will put you in touch with her. I am sure that you will have something by June.

I've got my headhunter hat on, here is one for you John, -->



View Job Postings
Job Description

Job Title:
Application Prog II

Location:
100 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cr
City:
Cranston



State:
RI
Reference:
320674
Equal Employment Opportunity
Citizens Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Citizens Bank does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, military status, veteran status or any other protected status.
Pay,Benefits, & Work Schedule
Hours per Week: 40
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Qualifications
Thorough knowledge of Classic ASP coding utilizing HTML, VBScript, JavaScript, and Cascading Style Sheets.
Expert in ASP.net coding utilizing HTML, VB.net, and C#.
Strong experience with web based reporting environments such as WebFocus, Crystal Reports, or SQL Web Reporting.
Expertise with Microsoft SQL, ORACLE, and OLAP Cubes, as well as the ability to code extremely complex SQL Stored Procedures.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
Ability to work well within a team environment.
Ability to adapt to an ever changing environment.
Ability to learn and put to use new skills and technologies quickly.
Ability to manage many different tasks and priorities simultaneously.
Responsibilities
Design complex databases, web based applications, and reporting solutions from Business Requirements documents. Code and maintain complex Classic ASP applications using HTML, VBScript, JavaScript, Microsoft SQL Stored Procedures, and Cascading Style Sheets. Code and maintain complex ASP.net applications using HTML, VB.net, C#, Microsoft SQL Stored Procedures, ORACLE SQL Stored Procedures, and Cascading Style Sheets. Code and maintain complex reports in Focus using the WebFocus development environment. Thoroughly Unit Test, Regression Test, and QA Test applications prior to user QA Testing. Utilize version management utilities such as PVCS to maintain code. Create Functional and Technical Specifications for complex new applications, and update these documents for existing applications. Estimate project timelines, track time allocated to projects, and maintain clear communication on project status. Communicate with end users, business liaisons, team members, peers, and management in a professional, timely, and efficient manner. Mentor junior level developers and guide them in their development of technical skill sets. Manage complex projects and multiple junior developers. Proactively research and utilize new coding environments, languages, and skill sets, and bring that information to the team for further discussion. Formulate and enforce coding standards.


Please apply before:

John,
Sorry to hear it happened. I was hopeful after we talked that you would be spared. Anyway, let me know when you have the resume together and I'll put it in up here. You never know!

Let me know if you want to be a code poet :laughs:

Sorry to hear that John, plenty of time for them to change their minds. Real honest of them to let you know ahead of time so you can make the nesc arrangements, etc instead of showing up to a box on your desk.

When I got it, they gave me one month. :af:

John, Sorry to hear about your job being eliminated. With your computer skills, I'm sure you will find something soon, maybe more $.

Sorry John, that is a horrible feeling, but with your abilities someone should snap you up quick. :)

John, this might be addition by subtraction, for you that is.
When one door closes, another one opens. :kewl:

time for plan B bossman...:hihi:

ya good luck, everything happens for a reason.
riprunner on here is a headhunter too, plus he's pretty good peeps.

Bummer John, but change can be good, it was for me and I hope it will be for you too. Good luck.

you'll be fine.....I checked for you...:wavey:

I can see it now. RI newspapers headlines July1........Unknown virus cripples school computer network, said to cost millions in loses.....

Good luck on the job find John......

Hey Guy ....... that REALLY sucks ......... but you know you WILL have the last laugh when they call you to fix something they can't because you are the only one that knows the quirks of the system. Then you can charge a hefty fee and have the educated idiots that don't understand technology personally hand it to you while they kiss your a## ............. Make sure you get a picture of it !!!!!!!!

Shoot ....... you'll make more money for 1/2 the work on the outside anyway ........

Totally agree w/ RHahn427! (Not "the" Bob Hahn?)...

You'll make a bundle offering them Consulting services when they inevitably need you again once gone (if you so wish to)... or certainly get a better- paying & more growth- oriented job in the private sector (ahem... Finance/ Trading Co.!) :humpty:

Generally it's always better for a techie in most ways (learning/ adding skills/ environments) in a private Co. w/ $ to burn on the latest & greatest new Techs... and other guys there you can learn from, vs. running the show & being "Mr. everything!" in the public sector. Boy, I guess I know which schools in RI I won't be sending my kids to!

Good luck regardless-- I know you'll be fine from this John, be confident! If you're open to the NYC area (I know, horrors!)... perhaps I could assist?

you'll be fine.....I checked for you...:wavey:

Thanks Ghandi :hihi:

I can see it now. RI newspapers headlines July1........Unknown virus cripples school computer network, said to cost millions in loses.....

It won't be a virus on July 1st it will be a High School student on the 1st week of school with whatever tricks they tried to figure out over the summer to circumvent the firewall / state content filters (TOR / Teredo anyone?). If that's not it then it will be the fact that daily all over the world compromising people or compromised machines hit US school districts due to the fat pipes and often poor tech we have. Think cyberwar and ground zero being your local public school system...

Hey Guy ....... that REALLY sucks ......... but you know you WILL have the last laugh when they call you to fix something they can't because you are the only one that knows the quirks of the system. Then you can charge a hefty fee and have the educated idiots that don't understand technology personally hand it to you while they kiss your a## ............. Make sure you get a picture of it !!!!!!!!

Shoot ....... you'll make more money for 1/2 the work on the outside anyway ........

Beyond $75/hour consulting has to go to bid ($100 I think for higher stuff CISCO, etc). But I told my boss I'd do it for $75 if I have to go onsite or $65 if I do it remotely :hihi:

Totally agree w/ RHahn427! (Not "the" Bob Hahn?)...

You'll make a bundle offering them Consulting services when they inevitably need you again once gone (if you so wish to)... or certainly get a better- paying & more growth- oriented job in the private sector (ahem... Finance/ Trading Co.!) :humpty:

Generally it's always better for a techie in most ways (learning/ adding skills/ environments) in a private Co. w/ $ to burn on the latest & greatest new Techs... and other guys there you can learn from, vs. running the show & being "Mr. everything!" in the public sector. Boy, I guess I know which schools in RI I won't be sending my kids to!

Good luck regardless-- I know you'll be fine from this John, be confident! If you're open to the NYC area (I know, horrors!)... perhaps I could assist?

The Bob Hahn?

Yes - I'm looking as to where I will go and make a lot more. I figure doubling my Pub Education salary is not out of the question. But I do miss doing it all (the last job desctiption I want is to be called "Patches" because that's all I do in a large environment :hihi: :wall: ), and so will they.

Check Verizon, and email your old job a virus :P

I just checked into it for ya btw, I know you dont want to wait 3 months, but we will have an opening.... call me if you wanna hear more boss man

Chris - in Boston? Doing what?

Thanks,

John