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        Daily Chat >> General Posts >> could use a little luck (update)
        
(Message started by: Ghost on May 19^th, 2008, 11:17am)

Title: could use a little luck (update)
Post by Ghost on May 19^th, 2008, 11:17am

Well here is the basic scenerio
I have an opportunity to go to work doing what I really love.
(running into burning buildings)
Tonight is the 1st phase, the civil service test. Now granted I should do ok on the test I need to kick butt!
I have a few strikes going in.
1. 45 years old.
2. male
3. Caucasion
4. would take a pay cut.
5. did I mention 45?
I have to compete for a physical job against 599 other applicants half my age. There is only 12 openings.
Basicially I will need to get at least 95 to even be considered.
I have studied but in my opinion not enough. every practice test I take I keep getting between a 85 and 90.
My stress level is off the charts and the beast usually hits around 6:30 to 7:00 and the test starts at 6:30.
Will need to consentrate and do a 200 question test in 2 hours.
Oh did I mention I am a 45 year old cauc male going for a civil service job and a pay cut to boot. One would think with age I would get smarter. it does however have a better retirement and benefit plan, and I would not have to move half way across the country again.
I just hope I can do the right thing and still do what I love doing.

Wish me luck and I will update as able.

Mike

Goat Attack!

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Brew on May 19^th, 2008, 11:29am

Kick ass and take names, Goat Boy! We're behind you 100%!

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Karla on May 19^th, 2008, 11:48am

You can do it. At least you are trying and giving it your best shot to persue something that you love. That takes guts. I will say a prayer for you that all goes well.

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Melissa on May 19^th, 2008, 12:16pm

http://www.dixiesmiles.com/Good_luck_horse_shoe.jpg

:)

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Cathi_Pierce on May 19^th, 2008, 1:12pm

YEAHH... but goats are stubborn, nad they get what they want.............and you have heart, and spirit, and desire..........and...I'll tell ya what, goatie-boy, I'd rather entrust my back to someone with YOUR desire to really help rather than some unproven hunk, who may or may not have your strength of will and level of intelligence!

GOOOOOOOOOOOO>>GOATIE!

PF all the time(or at least through the exam)

Cathi

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by mummymac on May 19^th, 2008, 1:59pm

Good luck all fingers and toes crossed for you.

Rob always wanted to be a police man. He joined at 41 having been turned down twice in his younger days.

He finds the fitness harder but he gets it done, and all that learning can be a bit tougher when you are older,

He also took a pay cut, but after 4 years brings home a lot more than if he had stayed where he was.

He looks pretty good in uniform as well (I think)

45 is only a number with some twinges thrown in

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Ray on May 19^th, 2008, 2:05pm

Mike,

You have my best wishes to get what you want. Being stubborn is a sign of determination. With that, you'll conquor the obsticles.

Ray

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Linda_Howell on May 19^th, 2008, 2:12pm

I'm confused as to why you say number 2 and 3 are a "strike" against you.

As for your age...you have been doing this as a volunteer for some time now, right? THAT is a big positive that you have going for you. Your passion about the job is also a big positive.

Take whatever arsenal you have (Trex, energy drink, etc) into the test area. When starting the test take some deep breaths to calm yourself and just do your best Mike.

You've got everyone here on your side sending you test-taking vibes. You've got it made. ;)

Linda

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Ghost on May 19^th, 2008, 3:34pm

on 05/19/08 at 14:12:50, Linda_Howell wrote:

I know people refuse to believe it but I have lost the same position 4 times because of 2, and 3. I had better test scores, better times on the agility test but they had to have a certian percentage of 2 and 3 so I got toasted the last time they claimed because of age but the opening was given to a female I used to date that barely passed the test and failed the physical agility but they made compensations for then she dropped out after 1 week.
Its sad but happenes all of the time.

Mike

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Brew on May 19^th, 2008, 4:02pm

Linda,

It's called reverse discrimination, and it's very, very real.

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Jonny on May 19^th, 2008, 6:11pm

Mega luck, Goat dude!!!! [smiley=headbanger.gif]

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by George_J on May 19^th, 2008, 6:32pm

I'm pretty sure you can do it, Mike. Age and treachery trumps youth and skill, you know. ;)

Go for it, I say. Kowabunga, eh?

Best of luck,

George

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by M.R. on May 19^th, 2008, 7:40pm

Quote:

Linda,

It's called reverse discrimination, and it's very, very real.

Man, that is so way true. It actually been that way for a while. Don't get me started.

Go Goatdude. Show them that us old white guys can do it all for them.

Mike

Edit for typing spasm

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Linda_Howell on May 19^th, 2008, 8:22pm

Quote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Linda,

It's called reverse discrimination, and it's very, very real.

WOW! well that indeed sucks then. I had no idea. Shows you how naiive I am. I always thought the most qualified, the most experienced and the most passionate gets the job. silly me. :-/

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Brew on May 19^th, 2008, 8:48pm

on 05/19/08 at 20:22:37, Linda_Howell wrote:

WOW! well that indeed sucks then. I had no idea. Shows you how naiive I am. I always thought the most qualified, the most experienced and the most passionate gets the job. silly me. :-/

Not when there are quotas to meet. ;)

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Charlie on May 19^th, 2008, 9:37pm

Good luck Mike. http://www.netsync.net/users/charlies/gifs/good.gif

Charlie

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by sandie99 on May 20^th, 2008, 1:23am

We believe in you, Mike! LOTS of good luck! :)

Sanna

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Guiseppi on May 20^th, 2008, 1:48am

Take it from another old timer, old age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill! ;;D

Guiseppi

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Mastifflvr28 on May 20^th, 2008, 2:05am

good luck vibes goin up to ya's Ghost!!
Mast

Title: Re: could use a little luck "update"
Post by Ghost on May 20^th, 2008, 9:21am

Passed the test and waiting for the list to go to the next stage of the process. have to wait to see if I go to the physical agility portion. That part is saturday and sunday. I will know if I go tomorrow morning.

Oh by the way I got a 91 out of 100.

Mike

Goat Attack

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Brew on May 20^th, 2008, 9:57am

Atta-Goat-Boy!

http://www.slimtainment.com/idol/images/goatboy.jpg

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Langa on May 20^th, 2008, 9:57am

Goatie, i'm so proud of you for passing the test. Good for you!

Continue to keep us posted - i'm anxious to know if I have to bring you a congratulations gift to Dallas. You will be coming by to say hello riiiiiiiight???

Love,
Langa

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by sandie99 on May 20^th, 2008, 11:20am

Congrats already, Mike! :)

Sanna

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by mummymac on May 20^th, 2008, 12:07pm

Well done you :D

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by artonio7 on May 20^th, 2008, 12:29pm

it doesn't sound as though you need any luck... You seem to be doing quite well using the old fashioned methods... hard work and perseverance. You deserve the best!

with warm regards,
Tony

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by notseinfeld on May 20^th, 2008, 2:25pm

~~ghost~~ errr... Goatst

Please be sure to keep us updated-- Where is the station located? (Easier to direct those vibes in the cosmic consciousness that way!)

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Ghost on May 20^th, 2008, 2:29pm

Richardson Texas ;)

Ok every one grab a hose and pull.
I know I will get strenght for the physical agility phase (if I make it) from all here and will push beyond my limits.

Mike

Goat Attack!
8) ;) 8) [smiley=cowboy.gif] [smiley=guyflash.gif] [smiley=oops.gif] [smiley=spit.gif] [smiley=smokin.gif]

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by alchemy on May 20^th, 2008, 2:38pm

Good luck Goat!!!! hope you get what you want

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by Ghost on May 20^th, 2008, 6:01pm

Here it is early results at 12:30 on sat 24th I will need all I can get i have to test then!!!!

I made it only 14 scored above me so I need to wipe them out on the physical agility test.

Mike

Goat Attack!

Title: !!
Post by Cathi_Pierce on May 20^th, 2008, 6:16pm

WOOO-FLIPPIN HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
[smiley=shore.gif] [smiley=shore.gif] [smiley=shore.gif] [smiley=shore.gif] [smiley=shore.gif] [smiley=shore.gif]

Alright Goatman!!!!! I knew you could ace em all out!!!

Now, not that you need em, but I'll be sending all my vibage to you on Sat...........
can't wait to hear the results!!!

ROCK ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cathi

Title: Re: could use a little luck
Post by Gator on May 20^th, 2008, 9:51pm

on 05/19/08 at 16:02:23, Brew wrote:

Linda,

It's called reverse discrimination, and it's very, very real.

Sorry to pick nits, but there is no such thing as "reverse discrimination." If a white male doesn't get a job because he is a white male, it is discrimination.

Affirmative Action quotas is government sponsored discrimination where the most qualified does not necessarily get the job. On the contrary, sometimes grossly under qualified people get jobs purely for the sake of having enough of a particular race or sex on staff.

This subject really gets my goat. No pun intended. Well, maybe a little pun intended. LOL I'll get off my soapbox now before I lose control.

Mike, I wish you all the luck in the world and I'll be pulling for you all the way.

Mike

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by Brew on May 20^th, 2008, 9:55pm

Nit picker. ;) ;;D

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by Racer1_NC on May 20^th, 2008, 10:05pm

on 05/20/08 at 21:55:55, Brew wrote:

Nit picker. ;) ;;D

Nits need picking too. ;;D

Good luck on the next phase Goat!

B

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by barry_sword on May 20^th, 2008, 10:18pm

Mike, 45 is young. Go show them how it is done using your maturity. I love it when I make a technical area on my bike that a 20 year old cannot. Feels good at 49. ;)

Live your dream. [smiley=cool2.gif]

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by George_J on May 21^st, 2008, 1:59am

Kick fireman butt, Mike.

Best,

George

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by notseinfeld on May 21^st, 2008, 11:48am

Fabulous--I've got something caught in Nit and a professional picker such as Gator is just the man!

I agree with ya Gator and would take it one step further to remind folks that no one has a 'right' to a job. As an employer I believe it's both your duty and obligation to be able to hire and fire someone for ANY reason. It's your risk, and your financial life on the line. What kind of idiot employer would hire a substandard worker that would generate less revenue for the same pay as one that would generate more? Alas, you do have a right to be ignorant and will usually suffer the consequences thereof.

Oh, almost forgot: Go get 'em Goatst! In my finite capacity I'm pulling for you, sir.

nots

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by DennisM1045 on May 21^st, 2008, 12:23pm

WTG Mike! You've beaten most of em with your brains, now go show em that a 45 y/o cauc can still kick all their asses! Experience in the trials can still give you an edge over an over-eager 20 something.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by mummymac on May 21^st, 2008, 4:48pm

All the best wishes for Saturday, I know you will do well.

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by Jackie on May 21^st, 2008, 5:26pm

Keep after it, Sweetie.....every department needs a good goat.... :)

Good Luck Vibes,
Jackie

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by Charlie on May 21^st, 2008, 7:55pm

http://www.netsync.net/users/charlies/gifs/armwave.gif http://www.netsync.net/users/charlies/gifs/egypt2.gif

Charlie

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by Linda_Howell on May 21^st, 2008, 8:11pm

Let us know how our cheer-leading went.

Mike you are our super hero where fires are concerned and I would be so proud for you to put out any fire in my neighborhood.

Lifting weights for the next few days might help. ;)

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by LeLimey on May 22^nd, 2008, 8:42am

yeah and lifting "weights" does so NOT mean cases of beer my friend!

Go for it, I know you can do it!!!

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by Ghost on May 23^rd, 2008, 9:18am

Latest update so far:

We dod the course last night and OMFG!!!!!!! I am OLD! I couldnt even finish much less in time. I havent surrendered though. Saturday 12:30 I will push farther and do everything I can . I just hope I dont look like to much of aa fool.

Mike

Wish Me Luck I really do need it.

Goat Attack!

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by sandie99 on May 23^rd, 2008, 11:45am

Lots of luck, Mike! :)

Sanna

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by LeLimey on May 23^rd, 2008, 5:13pm

Goatie, just imagine all the chens are chasing you with me in front wielding my unholy rolling pin of retribution, if that doesn't put wings on your heels nothing will!! ;)

Give it your all, you can't do more!

love
Helen xxx

Title: Re: could use a little luck (update)
Post by Brew on May 23^rd, 2008, 5:18pm

What does a goat boy crave at the end of a hard workout? A tin can to chew on, of course. Think of that tin can. Be the can.

We'll be prayin' and vibin' you on to greater heights! You can do this!