I 'finished' university (note: did not graduate per se - I have a retake exam next month - I hate having to tell people this, it's like I am a walking disclaimer) in Computer Science back in autumn and I've been fruitlessly searching for a job. I've finally found one. It's not revolutionary technology but the people there seem nice and understand the sort of experience I'm looking for (learn the ropes?). More importantly, they want to hire me.
We are currently discussing when I will start (I have been offered the salary that I asked for, which is a relief). It's going to be hard at first - I have not got much money right now so I will have to commute for a few weeks at least, while looking for a place to live in London and finally move out from my parents' house. A lot of my classmates have complained to me about how they always a bit short of money in the first month, before getting their first paycheque. Damn I'm so excited!!!
Sorry this isn't much of a catalyst for discussion, but I have been thinking about being a little more active on this site (you're a nice bunch) and I'm pretty happy about this.
Some observations:
Meetups are really fun, I actually really like schmoozing and talking to strangers. I was supposed to be the awkward kid! I am still somewhat nervous about initiating conversation which is something I want to work on. But I can be encouraged to do so by the potential reward of finding out about other peoples' lives!
Free beer tastes better. I don't know why, I don't even really like Stella Artois. There's something a bit weird about people who are probably quite well paid fighting over it at tech events, however. Have some perspective!
I have absolutely no idea how to budget. I haven't had to learn this the hard way, I just know that I don't know how.
I've been a damn entitled brat. Well perhaps not a brat, but I underestimated the difficulty of finding a job even when you are supposedly very employable. You still have to bust your arse a little bit and head out there and get peoples' attention.
Are there any hubski-ers in London, UK? I should make that into its own thread. Don't answer it here ;)
Congratulations! How exciting!
As a veteran of 30 years in offices around the world, please go into your job with the motto "Big ears, Small mouth."
Mostly listen. Talk little. You don't actually know what you think you know, and avoid the inclination to insinuate yourself into every single conversation around you. Speak when spoken to, or asked for your input.
I don't think the newbie sitting next to me will survive today. I may kill him. It is his first job, and he has immediately assumed that his thoughts/opinions/input are incredibly valuable to every single person and conversation in the entire room!
He may have to die.
For the good of humankind.
I'll report back later.