RE: Word to PowerPoint Conversion/Job advice (long)

["Swallow, William" <WSwallow -at- courion -dot- com>]

Hi Michelle.

>>>First, the backstory. 

Mergers and acquisitions can be tough all around. I've been through a
couple, one ending in a better situation, one ending in a worse situation
(eventual disintegration of the company). No matter which direction the
acquisition goes, there'll be a lot of bumps and bruises along the way.

>>>At lunch, one of my co-workers told me that it's pretty much 
>>>impossible to advance in this industry (defense) without moving 
>>>to another company.

Given that you are entry level, I think you might see a promotion to a
normal and eventual senior level. I don't know much about the defense
industry, but I'd think that progression within your job sphere should be
expected.

>>>Also, I found out shortly after starting the job that the main 
>>>project I'm working on will likely be scrapped next year, thus 
>>>costing me my job.  

The fact that the project will be discontinued doesn't always directly
result in the loss of a job. They *may* move you laterally, given that you
have *company* experience.

>>>Not only that, they're unsure if there will even be enough money in 
>>>the current contract to take us until new funding comes in in November.

Now *that* is an issue. Funding/budget problems/issues *can* result in job
loss.

>>>The company has adopted an inane policy on Internet usage...

This I've seen before, and though I disagree with how strict an Internet
policy can get, I see the company's point as well. Sounds like you've gone
through the correct process to state your case for Internet usage. If you
can't get that usage, perhaps you should propose the purchase of the images
and so forth (Photo Disks and such). Maybe when they see the cost in that
they'll reconsider the Internet usage expansion. Just make sure you include
the Internet policy and your petitions in your purchase request as reasons
for needing the materials.

>>>Ask me about the hand lotion incident.  Please.

Asking. ;)

>>>And I don't go to anything I would deem "inappropriate."

Ah, but you said "I", not "they"... ;) These Internet policies are in place
for two main reasons. 1) Liability - they don't want people visiting sites
that could result in a law suit or other legal/social problems. 2)
Productivity - unfortunately many see the Internet as more of a playground
than a resource. Funny, as these people were around when the Internet was
nothing *but* a resource.

>>>None of my co-workers in my division are happy about working 
>>>for the new company, and they complain about it bitterly and 
>>>constantly.  

You need to distance yourself from this. Show the company that you are a
"team player". It's hard to do, but if you do want to stay there and
possibly advance or be considered for other projects, you need to show them
that you are proactive and positive.

>>>It's gotten to the point where I think, Well, they've been in this 
>>>industry for a long time and if they don't like this company or 
>>>where it's headed, why do *I* want to work here?

Some people complain as a means of release, others because they cannot
tolerate change. It may not have anything to do with the company's direction
(though they may say otherwise). On the other hand, it could be just as you
state.

>>>The icing on the cake is that this job is a 140-mile roundtrip commute.

I can relate. I have a 320 mile round-trip commute now (out of necessity and
I guess choice) that I do weekly. In a former job I had a 106 mile round
trip that I did daily, but the commute took about 3 hours round-trip given
the regional traffic.

>>>My friends and family keep asking why I'm still there, and the only 
>>>answer I can give is that I need the experience, which is a really 
>>>strong reason to stay.  But I wonder if it's worth it?  

Only you can answer that question for your situation. We can provide insight
and our feelings, but when it comes right down to it, you need to determine
if the experience is worth it and if you could get that experience
elsewhere.

>>>Is this just how today's workplace is?

In some cases, yes. In others, no. It's a gamble with any company.

Good luck!

***************** 
BILL SWALLOW 
Technical Writer 
C O U R I O N   C O R P O R A T I O N 
1881 Worcester Road 
Framingham, Mass.  01701 
T E L * 508-879-8400 x316 
F A X * 508-879-8500 
www.courion.com 
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