linux in the workplace

[keith@christianexchange.org]

I once had an attitude, I hope it never returns!  I ruined numerous
relationships and I lost out on many opportunities.

I find those who go with the flow get much further.  I worked at a company a
number of years ago where my boss had some problems, to say the least.  He
had mood swings and was a terror.  I was a senior application developer with
many years of experience.  I often had heated arguments with my boss.  In
the cube next to me was a new hire.  He was new to programming.  I often had
to help him.  He was a nice guy and got along with everyone.  He set his
boundaries in a nice way.  Next thing I knew he is my lead.

It is my experience that getting along and bending a little will get you
along way.  Take it from me. I learned the hard way.

Life is much easier now.

You say you made a complaint with the Veterans Administration.  This makes
me think of the time in 1975 or 1976 while in the Marine Corps. Long before
wearing an earring became popular with men. I was standing in formation when
I heard the sergeant yell at a private that if he did not remove his earring
he was going to rip it out.  The earring made its exit from the scene never
to be scene again. I often wondered why female marines where allowed to wear
earrings and have longer hair.  I knew for sure I was not about to rock the
boat over this issue because all it would have done is cause me grief.

As I grow older I find there are things that are not worth fighting about.
I would like to wear my earring again, never cut my hear, wear shorts, and
never wear a tie.

I did a test a number of years ago.  I had grown my hear very long and
dressed very casual.  One weekend I got a haircut and bought some
conservative clothing.  Monday I arrived at work with a tie and a
conservative haircut.  I was actually treated differently.  People treated
me with more respect.  Interesting hu?  I had another programmer tell me he
had had the same experience several years prior.

So what is important?  To me Jesus, my wife, family, house, cars, low
stress, decent pay with reasonable expectation.

As I think back, I cannot think of very many things I fought about that
really made a difference.

Just my 2 cents.

Respectfully,
Keith Smith


----- Original Message -----
From: Rooster <dbarker6@uswest.net>
To: <plug-discuss@lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us>
Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2001 12:30 PM
Subject: Re: linux in the workplace


>
> > I'm no expert, but if I were looking for an apprenticeship or something
> > similar, I would be more interested in getting into the position than I
> > would be about whether I could take my earring with me or not. Just an
> > observation...
>
> true. but if i'm doing something for free, i'm gonna dress my way. if i
were
> 20 that might be differant. instead, i'm 34 and know what i want to do.
> besides, i'm looking more at learning to support linux in the workplace
> instead of a job working with linux. haven't seen anyone yet that wants
> someone on the job with less than 5 years experience. and i'm far from
that.
> so with that in mind, the earring stays. and yes, i passed on a job that
> said i had to take it out. i then filed charges on sexual harrassment on
the
> company with the veterans administration. don't remember what the fine
was,
> but the company policy was soon changed.
>
> just my 2 cents.
>
> rooster
>
>
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