[aforce1]

Hey fellas,

Work let me go today (I'm a contractor). Had a feeling this would occur (though not quite this early) so I put my resume out there right before the holiday break.

Except the thing is, I'm getting no love from hiring managers or headhunters (past and present). Qualifications, experiences, references lineup and my social media presence is also on point.

Call me crazy, but I'm starting to believe there's a negative attitude towards HB-1s and though I'm a citizen, my IRT sounding name might actually be hindering my prospects. Or, is it cause I look black (I'm actually mixed with a bunch of things)? Are these concerns valid? Obviously, you can tell I'm frustrated.

Anyway, please PM me if any of you are aware of any project manager openings in the SF Bay Area (preferably marketing but I can do IT too). I have a master's degree (I know doesn't count for anything in these circles) but I believe it provides a way of thinking and I also come with a few years of experience.


Thanks guys.


quick pink slip bitter rant...Mid-level beta male managers/directors are as detrimental to society/economy as anything else mentioned on this forum. That is all.

[TheBMan]

File for unemployment if you are eligible.

[Veloce]

(01-10-2014 06:34 PM)aforce1 Wrote:  

Call me crazy, but I'm starting to believe there's a negative attitude towards HB-1s and though I'm a citizen, my IRT sounding name might actually be hindering my prospects. Or, is it cause I look black (I'm actually mixed with a bunch of things)? Are these concerns valid? Obviously, you can tell I'm frustrated.

Well, you're quoting IRT, but here you are, borderline race trolling.

I know we've got quite a few black forum members, but you don't really see them coming on here making the same complaint you are.

If you've got some money, take some time off. Travel, exercise, do something you enjoy.

Come back, re-write your resume, lose the insecure and self-defeatist attitude.

Bring tons of game to your interviews. It's insane how well game works during interviews.

[Katatonic]

I hear a lot, and completely agree that we should be issuing many more H-1Bs than we have been as a country.

I also have to ask. Why the hell with your background would you want another job? I'm less than a year into this internet marketing shit and I already make nearly $1,500 a month on top of my regular income by just stumbling around in the dark. I did find someone to help me out with direction though, but I still have a lot more to learn.

Hopefully you have some savings, and can wait a few weeks to a couple of months to get some traction in this. I know that when I become proficient enough at this to cash out of my main venture, I'll help other members here get in to this racket free of charge. Shit I'll even buy them the essential pieces of software they will need.

[Gas]

(01-10-2014 08:20 PM)Katatonic Wrote:  

I hear a lot, and completely agree that we should be issuing many more H-1Bs than we have been as a country.

I also have to ask. Why the hell with your background would you want another job? I'm less than a year into this internet marketing shit and I already make nearly $1,500 a month on top of my regular income by just stumbling around in the dark. I did find someone to help me out with direction though, but I still have a lot more to learn.

Hopefully you have some savings, and can wait a few weeks to a couple of months to get some traction in this. I know that when I become proficient enough at this to cash out of my main venture, I'll help other members here get in to this racket free of charge. Shit I'll even buy them the essential pieces of software they will need.

Got any pointers for newbies getting started in this? i.e. books, blogs, podcasts, case studies

[aforce1]

(01-10-2014 08:05 PM)thedude3737 Wrote:  

(01-10-2014 06:34 PM)aforce1 Wrote:  

Call me crazy, but I'm starting to believe there's a negative attitude towards HB-1s and though I'm a citizen, my IRT sounding name might actually be hindering my prospects. Or, is it cause I look black (I'm actually mixed with a bunch of things)? Are these concerns valid? Obviously, you can tell I'm frustrated.

Well, you're quoting IRT, but here you are, borderline race trolling.

I know we've got quite a few black forum members, but you don't really see them coming on here making the same complaint you are.

If you've got some money, take some time off. Travel, exercise, do something you enjoy.

Come back, re-write your resume, lose the insecure and self-defeatist attitude.

Bring tons of game to your interviews. It's insane how well game works during interviews.

My fault, on a second read, I suppose it did come off borderline race trollish. You're also right, it is an insecure and self-defeatist attitude. Trust me man, deep down I know race, color, legal status, unique names have absolutely nothing to do with attaining a job but sometimes it's easy to vent by pussying out and relinquishing to an easy scapegoat. Not going to lie, though, it does irk me a lil bit to see incompetent dudes captaining the ship blindfolded and failing miserably while I get the boot but let's leave that for another time.

Finally, I'm also quite aware it's all part of game and professional development/success is the facet I completely fail at even when I do have a job. In the professional work/context of game I'm the equivalent of a thirsty clueless beta. But I guess, that means you just gotta put in more work. Even when it doesn't reward you with a paycheck.

[samsamsam]

(01-10-2014 08:38 PM)aforce1 Wrote:  

Not going to lie, though, it does irk me a lil bit to see incompetent dudes captaining the ship blindfolded and failing miserably while I get the boot but let's leave that for another time.

Talent is only one element in doing well in a corporate job type environment. There are people who lack skills but are highly political and smooth. High situational awareness and are able to dodge problems. A form of game if you want to call it that. I have a friend, a fucking genius and I don't ever think anyone is smarter than me, but it is fucking clear to me he is in a different league. He has terrible political skills, he doesn't value office politics, he just works like an animal but should be a fucking CEO somewhere but he is not. Like the kids who go to college all they do is study get great grades but have no social skills, hard to get a job. Life is about being social, can't avoid it.

I know it was a slight tangent, but my whole point is talent is one thing - marketing it or faking it to others is also a skill.

[aforce1]

(01-10-2014 09:03 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  

(01-10-2014 08:38 PM)aforce1 Wrote:  

Not going to lie, though, it does irk me a lil bit to see incompetent dudes captaining the ship blindfolded and failing miserably while I get the boot but let's leave that for another time.

Talent is only one element in doing well in a corporate job type environment. There are people who lack skills but are highly political and smooth. High situational awareness and are able to dodge problems. A form of game if you want to call it that. I have a friend, a fucking genius and I don't ever think anyone is smarter than me, but it is fucking clear to me he is in a different league. He has terrible political skills, he doesn't value office politics, he just works like an animal but should be a fucking CEO somewhere but he is not. Like the kids who go to college all they do is study get great grades but have no social skills, hard to get a job. Life is about being social, can't avoid it.

I know it was a slight tangent, but my whole point is talent is one thing - marketing it or faking it to others is also a skill.

I'm with you on the point that talent is only one element and it takes another skill set or sets that require one to demonstrate value, navigate office politics, and wield influence.

I feel like I'm a genuine dude. I just don't vibe well with the posturing or the other extreme, divide and conquer. I can't bring myself to do it.
I'm trying to find the game in it, but don't feel it like game in its traditional context. To add to it, I think sometimes folks dismiss ideas/opinions cause they can't get through the caricature of me being the fun, black dude with a lil swag ( I'm whining but I honestly don't know how else to frame it ). For instance, the recent 22 yr. old grad with no game outside of the 4ft radius of his office cube got managers swinging off his dick and in my opinion his work is sub-par at best.


I'm probably rambling and prolly looking too much into it but interested in thoughts/ideas on how to negotiate this.

[Checkmat]

What is your degree in?

Have you considered the military option?

[paninaro]

(01-10-2014 06:34 PM)aforce1 Wrote:  

Call me crazy, but I'm starting to believe there's a negative attitude towards HB-1s and though I'm a citizen, my IRT sounding name might actually be hindering my prospects.

I doubt it's that, but if you're worried about that, just list you're a US citizen on your resume. This is commonly done so that they know you're eligible to work, and in some cases because then they know you're eligible for a government security clearance.

[Veloce]

(01-10-2014 08:38 PM)aforce1 Wrote:  

My fault, on a second read, I suppose it did come off borderline race trollish. You're also right, it is an insecure and self-defeatist attitude. Trust me man, deep down I know race, color, legal status, unique names have absolutely nothing to do with attaining a job but sometimes it's easy to vent by pussying out and relinquishing to an easy scapegoat. Not going to lie, though, it does irk me a lil bit to see incompetent dudes captaining the ship blindfolded and failing miserably while I get the boot but let's leave that for another time.

Finally, I'm also quite aware it's all part of game and professional development/success is the facet I completely fail at even when I do have a job. In the professional work/context of game I'm the equivalent of a thirsty clueless beta. But I guess, that means you just gotta put in more work. Even when it doesn't reward you with a paycheck.

I feel you man, I've been there. When you're wrapped up in the work mode of living, not having a job can be devastating. I've been months out of work with zero financial prospects, wondering what the fuck I'm going to do. I wound up taking a job that paid $12/hr just to keep me in my shithole studio and keep me occupied. 3 months later an opportunity came up to be an opening sous chef that paid 45k annually so I took it. Then 75% of kitchen management got fired and I got promoted and raised to 65k. Went from rags to a decent living wage within a few months. This was years ago and I've been on top ever since (different job but my salary has only gone up)

Ever had a solid job, and gotten offers while you're employed? You feel pretty confident, right? Just like girls. When you've got a nice rotation going, you're awfully picky with new girls. You need to capture that mindset.

Don't go into interviews being an arrogant prick because that'll get you nowhere. But you go in knowing your own worth and confident with what you bring to the table.

I've found game tactics more useful in my professional life than my sex life. A new bang...who cares? New bangs are a dime a dozen.

But using those same game principals can drastically change your life when it comes to work. From how you interact with other managers, to clients/guests, to negotiating a raise.

You're going to see incompetent dudes in high positions for the rest of your life. You can't let that irk you. You should look at what they're doing and emulate them. Men in power are often aloof and appear to be incompetent but you have no idea what's going on in their head or behind the scenes. I'm sure to many people at my current job I appear to be a dufus. One of the best Laws of Power is "Seem dumber than your mark." It's amazing what you can get away with by being aloof.

But you gotta focus on recovery. That's an internal fix first. Take a couple weeks off if you can, hit the gym, slay some poon, watch a few sunsets, whatever it is that makes you feel good. Then get back out there with a warm smile, a touch of aggression, and the ability to sell yourself.

[AntiTrace]

Sounds like your hating on the younger college grad.

I went on a training trip with an older extremely skilled guy in my profession. I look up to him as a mentor because not only he is extremely good at his job, but he is also a really cool down to earth guy.

He ranted a bunch about the politics of the job, which at my level I am not involved in, and filled me in on a bunch of the behind the scenes stuff that goes down.

But I will always remember this gem, it's so simple and so true. He told me:

"Its like a little community piggy bank. If you keep putting stuff into it, when you need to take something out someone is also going to be there willing to help. If your the guy that never puts anything in, and then expects to pull something out, you will find yourself shit out of luck on a deserted island."

Remember: No one really gives a fuck about your race/color/height/looks/smell/etc. The only thing they care about is that you put something into the community piggy bank. Help people, and they will help you.

on the race/color thing: I have some openly racist friends. But they would do anything for a certain black guy in our social circle, because that black guy would do anything for them in return.

[Thomas the Rhymer]

(01-10-2014 06:34 PM)aforce1 Wrote:  

Hey fellas,

Work let me go today (I'm a contractor). Had a feeling this would occur (though not quite this early) so I put my resume out there right before the holiday break.

Except the thing is, I'm getting no love from hiring managers or headhunters (past and present). Qualifications, experiences, references lineup and my social media presence is also on point.

You haven't mentioned anything about your networking efforts.

[Katatonic]

(01-10-2014 08:29 PM)Gas Wrote:  

(01-10-2014 08:20 PM)Katatonic Wrote:  

I hear a lot, and completely agree that we should be issuing many more H-1Bs than we have been as a country.

I also have to ask. Why the hell with your background would you want another job? I'm less than a year into this internet marketing shit and I already make nearly $1,500 a month on top of my regular income by just stumbling around in the dark. I did find someone to help me out with direction though, but I still have a lot more to learn.

Hopefully you have some savings, and can wait a few weeks to a couple of months to get some traction in this. I know that when I become proficient enough at this to cash out of my main venture, I'll help other members here get in to this racket free of charge. Shit I'll even buy them the essential pieces of software they will need.

Got any pointers for newbies getting started in this? i.e. books, blogs, podcasts, case studies

Definitely. First and foremost don't buy any of that "Business in a Box" shit that people are peddling around in the IM community. In fact, don't buy anything until you become well informed in whatever area of marketing you want to do.

There is plenty of great information out there for free, that is usually better and more up to date than paid products. Go read the different sections of forums like Wicked Fire, Digital Point, and the Warrior Forum (in that order) to get an idea of what direction most interests you.

When you think you have a niche that appeals to you, start researching everything you can about it. For example: Say you want to start domain flipping. Search for the best forums, blogs and podcasts out there covering it. You'll probably end up at DNForum and DomainSherpa. Read the forum and blogs. Download the podcasts out there (DomainSherpas is very good) and learn what you can from the experts. Do not spend a dime until you've done that.

One thing I learned early on is that some of the best information you'll find on a specific area like choosing a theme for your site will be found on the sites that teach you how to write content, and not on those who teach you how to choose a theme. The reason for this is that usually the person teaching you to pick themes will have a vested interest as an affiliate for certain themes that may not be what's best for your needs. Whereas the content person will generally give you an unbiased opinion of what theme is best for your needs, because they care about selling you content writing shit.

Make certain you get a notepad and write down questions while you're reading about that area. When you're done reading whatever article you were, do not move on until you've found an answer to the question(s) you asked. Use the search function on blogs, forums, or Google. Just make sure you answer the question(s) before you start reading anything else. I learn really fucking fast doing it that way.

Finally. The most important thing I can tell you is to not give up. So many people have given up without ever really trying, and some have given up right when they were on the cusp of success. People are told that they can make shitloads of money with little or no effort in IM, and when they are cockslapped by the reality of building a business I think it crushes their hopes. It's a lot of learning and a good amount of work, but I have yet to find a business in the physical world with this much low hanging fruit that any asshole can come along and pick in a somewhat short amount of time.

[svenski7]

If you have anything saved up, consider traveling the world.

Read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

File for unemployment -- you paid into it, it's yours.

When I finally realized that educational qualifications do not confer good jobs, it was like a weight was lifted from my shoulders. So much of what happens in the job market is based on nepotism or the opinion of some feminazi HR "specialist."

Don't sweat it but never forget it either. Always remember when you had a Master's Degree in Finance but got turned down for a part-time teller position. Remember when you worked for a bunch of manhating catwomen and wanted to burn the place down.

Remember these things when you have 100K in that same bank and close your account because the manager gave you a hard time. When you start your own business and get involved with the Chamber of Commerce, remember that piece of shit non-profit that you worked for with catwomen earning 80k/year to check their Facebook and cut their funding.

It sounds bitter but the disdain in your membrane can be harnessed. Use it at the gym or while studying for a new qualification. Use it when you start a new business and things are rough. The world is your oyster and sometimes losing a job can be the best thing that ever happens to you.

[elabayarde]

(01-10-2014 11:00 PM)paninaro Wrote:  

(01-10-2014 06:34 PM)aforce1 Wrote:  

Call me crazy, but I'm starting to believe there's a negative attitude towards HB-1s and though I'm a citizen, my IRT sounding name might actually be hindering my prospects.

I doubt it's that, but if you're worried about that, just list you're a US citizen on your resume. This is commonly done so that they know you're eligible to work, and in some cases because then they know you're eligible for a government security clearance.

After a lot of applying after college I became employed but poorly paid. Then eventually got a job that pays. Now, I put out 1000's of resumes... And it never ever crossed my mind that my name DOES NOT sound American. That absolutely has to be a factor, especially with certain jobs. I will have to put something to make it more clear or use my middle name. This is golden point.

[Richiavelli]

(01-11-2014 12:03 AM)Thomas the Rhymer Wrote:  

(01-10-2014 06:34 PM)aforce1 Wrote:  

Hey fellas,

Work let me go today (I'm a contractor). Had a feeling this would occur (though not quite this early) so I put my resume out there right before the holiday break.

Except the thing is, I'm getting no love from hiring managers or headhunters (past and present). Qualifications, experiences, references lineup and my social media presence is also on point.

You haven't mentioned anything about your networking efforts.

Tap the network, job boards are for positions where people leave.

[Dr. Howard]

If you have an HB-1 sounding name, I agree with the above that you should find a way to put on your resume that you are a US citizen. This is especially the case if you are in a visa thirsty field like engineering or IT. SF Bay seems busy enough to me, based on the number of competing firms and clients in my field that are there.

[Peregrine]

Why don't you just list an Americanized name on your resume? Give HR your official name after they decide to hire you.

[J.J.]

Don't asians usually take on American name? Take on an American name on your resume then tell them your real name.

[aforce1]

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the words of advice and encouragement. Looking into everything mentioned in this thread including unemployment benefits, internal recovery and piggy banks.

Apologize again for initially coming off race trollish. Looking back, I was probably looking for confirmation from all of you to assuage a primal fear/insecurity of mine (name and race). Either way, I'm optimistic about my prospects and will do what I need to do to make it work. Besides, I should know better. Thought women factored race heavily but a little time in the gym, travel and seizing my subconscious need for validation from women (aka confidence) led me to believe otherwise. Not only did I conclude pussy is color blind but that there's an abundant supply and that my initial insecurities were illusions grounded upon an subjective reality made up in my mind. Not gonna lie though, took a little work. Hopefully, I internalized some of the same strategies so that developing my career game and continuing to evolve my life game in general wont be as daunting.

Anyway, thanks again for being hearing me out. Been lurking since DCBachelor.com days in 2007. Not gonna lie, experiencing a little fatigue from fat shaming and product whoring but encouraged the value fundamental to this forum's dna, dudes helping each other dudes out, is alive and well.