The Hobbit Hole XIX - Tomorrow we may come this way...

The Freeper Hobbit Hole ^

[ecurbh]

Is it really enough of a resume boost to be worth trying to scrape up the cash?

As one who got an A+ Cert on my own a few years ago, I'm not certain that it is. Ramius can probably speak to this better, but most employers seem to view experience (street smarts) as more important than certifications (book smarts). Most ads I've been looking at put more emphasis on how much experience they want applicants to have, with certifications as a footnote - "nice if you've got it, but not vital."

But anywho, if you need/want more study materials, I have a copy of Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Second Edition from when I was considering getting a Net+. It is hardcover, basically new, with the CD still sealed. If you want it, its yours. I have no use for it - I'm getting more into the programming side of things these days.

[Bear_in_RoseBear]

Regarding the trip... my Dad (who at one time was a truck driver) had a rule of thumb: subtract your starting time from your finishing time, multiply by 60 mph, and that's how far you'll get in a day. His theory was, if you're driving at highway speeds, then with stops for food, bathroom breaks, etc. you can figure on averaging 60 miles per each hour from start to finish. I've done a lot of driving between Texas and Michigan since then, and even though most of it was on Interstates with a limit of 70 mph (and I drove a little over that) we still only averaged about 60 mph over the course of the day. So, if you start at 8 am and finish at 8 pm, figure on getting about 780 miles driven.

Regarding the Network+ cert, I would say yes it is worth getting. Lots of employers look at certs now the way they used to look at college degrees: proof of competency. But... if you're not going to let your current job reimburse you for it, then I don't know if it's worth spending your own money on. You may want that money for the move before all is said and done.

As for the reimbursement, I would take it. Consider it a benefit of your current position; if you had passed the test six months ago, would you even consider not taking the reimbursement?

[300winmag]

the lack of sheaths is puzzling... odd that...

I talked to Michelle this morning. She said it was a complete screw-up by their shipping department, and sheaths will be sent ASAP.

I went through every box, and ONE of 24 knives had a sheath.

[g'nad]

sheaths will be sent ASAP

kewl...

[RosieCotton]

As for the reimbursement, I would take it. Consider it a benefit of your current position; if you had passed the test six months ago, would you even consider not taking the reimbursement?

Well...no...but in this case, it'd kinda feel like I'm sayin' "Thanks for the handout, goodbye!"

Not like I've been overpaid here, but...

[ecurbh]

'Cept it ain't a handout - it's a benefit that you have rightfully earned! I would agree with Bear, if they are offering reimbursement, take it.

[RosieCotton]

Trouble is...it's only if I pass. So I still have to pay up front.

I guess I'll have to think about it a little. Now's the time to do it if I'm going to and can swing it, but I also don't want to end up with a bill I can't pay.

[2Jedismom]

Now there are two police cars over at my neighbor's house...hmmm...wonder what's up...

[Bear_in_RoseBear]

Yeah, the paying up front part is a pain. Rose's employer used to have the same policy: pay up front for the test, and they would reimburse her if she passed. They recently changed that, thankfully.

[RosieCotton]

I think I may be selling the bookcase.

One piece of furniture down, about a dozen to go...

Though...there are several things that will go to the dump if no one hauls them away. Not critical.

[2Jedismom]

Doot-tuh-doo...

Busy hobbitses...

[JenB]

Oh, found someone you can get to pay you for the shelf? Cool. I think there's an IKEA near Denver, we can always get some cheapo shelves. Shelf space is at a premium around me, naturally.

[RosieCotton]

There's a lady who's coming to see it tonight. Sounds like likely she'll take it.

Ya know...I've never been to an IKEA, so far as I know.

But yeah, bookshelves will be one of the first things I need to get. THEN a bed. ;-) The air mattress should work fine for the foreseeable future.

[JenB]

My feelings exactly! There's no room for a real bed, anyway, until we get a two-room apartment.

[RosieCotton]

Heh...when we were little and alllll of us at home, we mostly used mattresses or cots anyway, because it meant we could put them away during the day and have play space.

I have no problem with that!

[JenB]

Heh, good! But hopefully we can get a different aparment quickly. I really like my complex, it's a little less bleak than a lot of them. There are trees outside. And it's not so busy.

[2Jedismom]

Ugh. I'm dizzy. Called Steve on the phone and flopped down onto my back while talking to him.

Mistake.

Gonna have a cup of coffee and collect myself! LOL

[RosieCotton]

The closest thing to an apartment complex I've ever lived in was the barracks.

Granted...being Air Force it was prolly more like an apartment complex than some barracks would be, but...I kinda think there won't be QUITE as many all-night parties and drunks trying to get your door open 'cause they haven't realized they're on the wrong floor and such...

[JenB]

All-night parties, you might be surprised. At least late-night parties. I'm so glad those guys moved out. I haven't had the second lovely issue yet, though.

[RosieCotton]

Boot-in-the-dryer music at three AM - oh joy!

I got so I could sleep through just about any kind of racket. Mostly.

But sound, to me, is the easiest way to get on my nerves. I can handle pain more easily than irritating noise. That was the hardest part of that experience!