The Wall Goes Up

When my IT career first got really going, way back in 1995-1996, I had applied the "modern" tools of job searching.  These were advanced things like online job ads, fax modems, and so forth.  Yes, there was a time when people not only used faxes a lot, doing it from your computer was impressive.

So as my career progressed in 1996, I was speculating on my career and noting the role of technology in the job search.  I met people who were keeping up with technology in their job searches, and I sensed something happening, a division among people in how they used technology in their careers.  Technology was an "enhancer" and people using it would get more and better connected, and it would produce a cultural shift.

I christened it "The Wall."  As technology advanced, some people would be more on the "inside", connected by technology and social understanding to career opportunities, some would not keep up on the technical changes to the job search and career building and loose out.

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Progreek Pride: Communication In The Geek Nation

Halo action figures once made my job easier.

I had to get to know a team operating several servers on a project I worked on at a past employer – and being the Project Manager I had to get to know everyone.  This included people who I'd never met,  on a team I didn't know existed.  I needed to get to know them – and get some things moving project-wise.

Fortunately, someone had Halo action figures.  Sensing a fellow geek, I struck up a conversation with that team member, and had an instant in to the team.

Being an unrepentant geek helped my communications with others.

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