Day 54 - Cracks in the optimism

Not being in a single job interview after submitting 20 job applications has created a tiny crack in my positive thinking. But I gotta keep pushing. I already found targets for resumes #21 and #22.

Meanwhile, I'm going to some trainings to refresh my knowledge.

Day 19 - Integrity & Balance

Our firewood rack started losing it's integrity and it became unbalanced, hence I removed the firewood and fixed the whole thing.

Integrity has always also been high on my values during my career. Be it the concern on data integrity or being incorruptible; that's me.

At the end, that didn't help me much in Nokia, did it?

Anyway, the rack can now carry even more firewood. Time to chop more. :)

Day 14 - Would've-Been 29th Service Anniversary

So, it's been 29 years since I joined Nokia. It was a totally different company back then. The company culture, ethics and team spirit were at a totally different place compared to the company which I left behind two weeks ago. I truly miss those early years.

I found this Finnish Nokia ad (1969). :)
The company was still making tyres, when I joined.

Today I sent two more job application; one for a position that I particularly like. Let's see how #14 & #15 will do in the competition.

Day 9 - On the Road Again

Today I drove about 350 miles to pick up my daughter from school - and tomorrow we're gonna drive 350 miles back home. She studied for 6 weeks in the Finnish city of Kajaani. And that tale may not end here.

Sent my 13th job application when I had settled in my hotel room today. Let's call it Lucky 13. :)
The position wouldn't be my first choice, but 2nd choice is close enough.

Day 8 - And ... Action

Most of the recruiters are about to return from their summer vacations next week and I'm ready. So far I've submitted 12 job applications (one this morning); 3 of those are generic and 9 are specific to an open position. In the latter I've already received two "Thanks, but no thanks" responses.

I could've submitted far more applications, but I can still afford to be picky and apply only for the positions that really interest me. The threshold may get lower as time and money goes by. Beggars can't be choosers.

I was still in contact with my ex-boss yesterday. He wanted to check if his recommendation text was ok. It's the least he could do, appreciated though.

So how does it feel now? Dunno ... maybe something like this.
:)

Day 5 - I Coud Get Used To This

I'm the Time Master! This is kinda nice. Too bad nobody's paying me to do this and I'm not financially mature enough to have an early retirement. :)

It's still summer and it's gonna be a scorcher of a day. Maybe I'll just wash the car and take it easy today. My choice.

Day 1 - The Unemployment Begins

Woke up at 6:15 AM and drove my wife to work. At least someone still has a job. :)

This is my first day of unemployment - ever! I got out of the army in February 1986 and I have been employed ever since. Man, this is kinda weird! It's like a vacation, but it's not. I've got to establish a routine, to stay focused.

I need to find and apply for jobs; just found a couple and I'm adapting my cover letter and resume to those. This has to be more or less a daily task.

I need to study to enhance my competence tool box. I can do a shitload of stuff, but I don't have any certificates to show for it.

Also, gotta keep an eye on expenses. That should be a weekly follow-up. I created a nice Excel tool for that (yea, that's a part of my nokiaism).

I need to stay fit to maintain my drive. I'm not getting younger. Therefore, a minimum of 3-4 physical exercises per week are in order; at least 30 minutes each.

House maintenance/improvements are to be done. Such work pays off in the long run and there's always something to do in that area.

I must have time for FUN and hobbies. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Do stuff with the family, keep the hobbies, go out for a ride or fishing.