Circling the drain

So I figured out that my small division of a much larger company (which has remained nameless for good reason here at barnson.org is circling the drain. Going belly-up.

Unfortunately, the division was created to provide certain services to a customer which didn’t materialize. Stinks when that happens, but my job is going to be “collateral damage”.

So here’s my question: when you’re searching for a new job, what are your primary resources? And, of course, know anybody that’s hiring a Sr. UNIX Systems Administrator?

My first stops are, of course: * Monster.com * Washingtonpost.com (Hey, I can hope for a good job in/near DC, but the cost of living is going out of control there) * Dice.com * hotjobs.com * saltlakecityhelpwanted.com (you mostly end up with government jobs there, but it’s a start) * Talking to friends (this is the most important lead type I’ve ever used)

The weird thing to me is that I’ve been getting a call nearly every day from one form of recruiter or another until three weeks ago. Then the calls dried up. I felt like I was kind of “in demand”, and now… I’m not so sure.

There are days I’m sick of the technology rollercoaster. And others, when I solve a major problem or figure out a terrific optimization, that I remember why I got into the business in the first place, because I love this stuff.

It’s still nearly enough to make me want to give up and try my hand at being a novelist sometimes!