I'm part Irish and Scottish. I identify very strongly with my Celtic roots, if you are into that kind of thing.

the scariest and best thing that ever happened to me was losing a job. it pressed me to develop the web and design skills that i now possess which allow me to work for myself at the moment. i don't feel that the web is "my calling" or anything, but it has been a HUGE learning experience. i always thought i was bad at computers... who knew?

best of luck to you darkaether... i hope that if you do get laid off, it turns into the positive experience that you're hoping for.

The M'Gregors fought like lions bold,
M'Phersons, none could them control,
M'Lauchlins fought, like loyal souls
Upon the Haughs of Cromdale.

It really is an exciting feeling. About 5 years ago when my company was half merged, half acquired, I was really worried. So I've had a long time to get used to the idea. I think the only reason I'd held out here is becuase I had the groundwork done to move up and I've gotten 2 promotions since then. I think that positions me better if I want to go to another large company. I'd really like to work for myself in some capacity though.

my FFL disagrees with me completely. He says he'd rather have his worst job than the stress of running his own business. In a way I can understand how he feels, but I am highly stressed by following other people's plans when I don't think they are right. And I am infuriated by micro-management, which my company gets closer and closer to all the time.

I'd rather just be set loose with a specific mission to conquer however I see fit. That is what it was like when I worked at a smaller facility(maybe 25 total employees) for the same company.

lucky for me, my fl worked for himself for 20+ years and is 100% in support of my new venture. he's been a great supporter of all my adventures, but i think that's because he trusts my judgment, which is lucky as a son in law!

oh, and running a small one man shop is pretty stress free, as long as you have a contract or two to keep you running. i hired a company to take care of my taxes for me, mainly because it is good to have a buffer between you and the irs/state. i feel FAR LESS stress since striking out on my own than i did working for THE MAN. i'm my own boss! 'nuf said.

yeah I'm pretty Rogue. I just can't stand behind stuff I know is wrong. Nobody has the cajones to stand up and say it. They've come to live with my style of complete autonomousness as long as I don't do anything high profile and inflammatory. They accept that they can't control me and that I always do what I think is right.

I'm only 30 though, so I can really do anything. I worked myself into the ground for 8 years and only last year decided my health was more important than my job. Now a year later, with one simple priority change I'm as healthy as I was in college.

I'd definitely like to get a bastard sword, hand and half(same?), or a katana. I already have an AK but I want something bigger. I'm not interested if it isn't worthy of steel on steel. anybody have any thoughts? I like the looks of the Albion Mercenary but I really don't know anything about them.

i'm 31... now's the perfect time to redefine your professional life. never too old to learn new skills <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />