OT: How long do you wait until putting in applications?

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

I'm in a situation, and it's kicking my ass, so I could use some help. There is a good possibility I'm going to get kicked out of the Navy in about a month. I won't have much warning when I do find out any more information. So I'm getting my resume ready and stuff like that.

However, I don't for sure if I'm going to get kicked out, because my chiefs are fighting to keep me in. So I'm not sure if I should go ahead and start submitting applications yet or not. Is it bad if you decline a job offer? And would employers be willing to inverview me considering my current situation?

Ugh, fvck. I don't know a single thing about this sh!t, and it's driving me nuts. I don't know how many references I'm supposed to have, or how much crap I'm suppose to have on this resume`. Damn this sucks.

Anyway, any info ya'll can help with would be great. I'm posted my resume on usajobs.com as soon as I get some more references, and I'll post my resume on there for the DoD jobs. Plus I'll search for the other sites as well. Gonna see about working at some colleges in the area as well, as that would be fun.

Thanks for any help ya'll...

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Another issue. I created a web page just for work, so that the dispatchers (I work in Navy security) could enter information in quicker. Well, with them kicking me out, it leaves a big question as to what I should do about the quick text. I have the paperwork required for me to get it copyrighted--I would just need to submit it.

I really dont' know if I should be bitter about all of this or not. But I don't know what would be the appropriate thing to do. Because if they are kicking me out, I don't feel they really have the right to use and benefit from something that I did in my off time and of my own free will. Ugh, I don't know about this one either.

 

[amdxborg]

Ahh man that really sux Chocobo! I hate the uncertainty and not knowing what's going to happen!!

I honestly won't be much help since I don't have much experience in the job hunting department either.. But I hope and pray everything works out pretty sweet for you!

 

[petrusbroder]

I do not know how things work out in the USA, but ...

Here in Sweden I would write a letter to the possible employers that I am looking for a job provided I loose my current one, and explain the problem, add my CV and thus show my interest in the position offered. Then, as soon as I know I would write a new letter applying for the job or thanking for their interest and time.
IMHO that way you keep the doors open, you are polite and considerate and thus attractive in the job market.
OTOH: this is in Sweden and may be the wrong tactics in the USA ...

 

[Soggysocks]

It's my recommendation to start with your current MOS. You might be able to get work as a civilian contractor. You also have a good shot at working for Homeland security. Your military training alone will give you an edge.

You might just consider a job as a border guard for US Imagration....kind of a hot topic at the moment.
Have you also thought about retraining to a different MOS. You might be able to stay in if you choose a different or parallel occupation. In any event ....you have a multitude of choices and shouldn't worry so much. Remember, you have recieved some of the best training in the world. It's up to you how you choose to use it.

I wish you luck and know what ever you decide will be the right thing for you.

 

[panhead49]

i agree with what socks said........another thing maybe to think about...........with your current "job" in the navy..........go back to school (on them) get into some kind of law inforcement...gov. stuff whatever....the point dont let your benifits go to waste....get into an occupation that pays well, security for yourself and family.......think about all your opitions and ask questions.......we are here for you!!

 

[RobertE]

I feel for you. Back on the job search myself. Trying to sell life insurance is a whole lot harder than one would think.

Anyway my $0.02 worth.

I would go ahead and get those resumes out there and do some interviews (time permitting). I would make it clear during the interview as to what is going on and what sort of time frame you are looking at from hearing from the Navy. That way the prospective employer knows that you are not currently available, but may be in 6 weeks or whatever. That would go a long way in my book.

Besides you never know what you may get offered. The longer you wait, the more oppertunities might pass on by.

We could use a help wanted/available section here on AT.

 

[Assimilator1]

Sorry to hear about the job situation mate
I hope it works out well for you.

Oh & I think what Peter & Robert says is the thing to do.
Btw is their any reason not to copyright your web thing?

GL mate

[edit]btw I start a new job in 2 weeks.... I hate the transition period!

 

[mondobyte]

The copyright issue is moot.

You probably signed away your rights when you joined the Navy. In general terms, work produced for an employer (the Navy in this case) is the property of the owner or, at minimum, the employer has the right to use the work as they see fit, copyright notwithstanding. This includes the right to use and/or license the work with or without your permission and with or without any further compensation.

Let us presume that the above is not the case ... once you installed it for Navy use, there was an implicit license for them to use your work irrespective of copyright. If there was a written agreement of some sort about licensing, terms of use, payments or royalties and such, then you might have some rights.

Now lets suppose that neither of the previous situations applies - if you used Government owned equipment or resources in the develpment or implementation even if it was done during non-duty time ... and if you attempt to market or otherwise profit from the product ... you will likely get slapped with a criminal charge for improper use of government resources for personal gain.

Now ... let's go a bit further and say that none of the above occurs or applies and you attempt to stop the Navy from using your software or demand payment for usage ... the Navy has deeper pockets than you and they will likely run you into the dirt long before you get anywhere.

The copyright situation is probably a very expensive and deep dry hole that you are drilling. Any potential employer that finds out about any ongoing litigation (that is usually a question on employment applications these days) is likely to pass on you and it could make you unemployable, particularly, with any employer with government contracts or projects. When an employer finds out about the situation (whether resolved or not), it is likely to be instant termination or a red flag that will prevent your employment. Once you submit the copyright ... likely that will be a permanent no-hire situation for any government related opportunities for employment.

My suggestion ... walk away from the copyright situation ... let it go.

mondo

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Originally posted by: mondobyte
The copyright issue is moot.

You probably signed away your rights when you joined the Navy. In general terms, work produced for an employer (the Navy in this case) is the property of the owner or, at minimum, the employer has the right to use the work as they see fit, copyright notwithstanding. This includes the right to use and/or license the work with or without your permission and with or without any further compensation.

Let us presume that the above is not the case ... once you installed it for Navy use, there was an implicit license for them to use your work irrespective of copyright. If there was a written agreement of some sort about licensing, terms of use, payments or royalties and such, then you might have some rights.

Now lets suppose that neither of the previous situations applies - if you used Government owned equipment or resources in the develpment or implementation even if it was done during non-duty time ... and if you attempt to market or otherwise profit from the product ... you will likely get slapped with a criminal charge for improper use of government resources for personal gain.

Now ... let's go a bit further and say that none of the above occurs or applies and you attempt to stop the Navy from using your software or demand payment for usage ... the Navy has deeper pockets than you and they will likely run you into the dirt long before you get anywhere.

The copyright situation is probably a very expensive and deep dry hole that you are drilling. Any potential employer that finds out about any ongoing litigation (that is usually a question on employment applications these days) is likely to pass on you and it could make you unemployable, particularly, with any employer with government contracts or projects. When an employer finds out about the situation (whether resolved or not), it is likely to be instant termination or a red flag that will prevent your employment. Once you submit the copyright ... likely that will be a permanent no-hire situation for any government related opportunities for employment.

My suggestion ... walk away from the copyright situation ... let it go.

mondo

I would like to copyright it regardless, because it is my work. I'm questionable about doing anything after that, however. But for the record, all of the work was done on my equipment, with my time, and it was all on my own. They did not request the work, nor was it a duty or obligation of mine. I just think it's rather unfortunate that I might be seperated from the Navy, and something that I have worked months on will go unrecognized and unnoticed. But I definitely see your point about the rest. At the very least, I will copyright it to get credit for the work, and have some proof of the work I did.