I snapped a couple pics using my phone this past week at and around the new job. One is looking out into the lab area from my office. The other two show Charlotte. One is in downtown Charlotte and the other is just outside of town that turns into cornfields and farms very quickly just a few blocks out of town. I'll try and take more the next few weeks and post them up here.
You have an office? Lucky you!
Looks interesting but then part of that is a simply US/UK comparison I think.
Looks like you could do some interesting Halloween experiments in your office.
It's alive...it's alive!
You could be Dr. Rickenstein.
Quote from: Feathers on October 31, 2009, 09:07:27 AM
You have an office? Lucky you!
Looks interesting but then part of that is a simply US/UK comparison I think.
Well, let's just say I share a narrow closet with some equipment. But it does have a desk in it. Not sure I could even unblock the door to close it.
Hey, at least you are not a pod-thrall....
;)
Looks like a nice drive to work Rico. Definitely beats mine. Toronto rush hour and all of the office buildings really makes you feel closed in. I think that a nice drive into work really sets the rest of your day. Congrats!
I used to drive down to Detroit every day so I've had plenty of city driving. Currently I drive up her on Monday morning and the hotel is like 1-2 miles from the job. So once I'm up here for the week it's really easy getting to work.
Was the hotel your choice or a sweetner from the employer? I'm also interested to know if it's cheaper than a 1.5hr(?) drive twice a day.
(When we move I will have a 1 to 1.5 hr drive each way depending on traffic and congestion around Gatwick Airport)
Quote from: CMOHamm on November 02, 2009, 04:19:46 AM
Looks like a nice drive to work Rico. Definitely beats mine. Toronto rush hour and all of the office buildings really makes you feel closed in. I think that a nice drive into work really sets the rest of your day. Congrats!
I guess the subway/Go Train is out of the question?
Quote from: Feathers on November 02, 2009, 05:41:21 AM
Was the hotel your choice or a sweetner from the employer? I'm also interested to know if it's cheaper than a 1.5hr(?) drive twice a day.
(When we move I will have a 1 to 1.5 hr drive each way depending on traffic and congestion around Gatwick Airport)
I was wondering the same thing! An hour and a half commute seems kind of easy to me! I had a job that was about 70 miles from my house in Texas and the commute was about that.
I won't drive 3+ hours a day - in my view that's just too much. Keep in mind that when bad weather hits that number can easily double - or more. Also, the gas cost and miles on my car. It's more like 81 miles one way - I rechecked it this morning. That would be about 162 daily. My car gets about 24 mpg, so that's about 6.75 gallons of gas per day and at current pricing here (2.80 x 6.75 = $18.90) gas cost daily (or about $100 a week or $400 a month just in fuel). Anyway, just my view on things.
I would expect once full on Winter hits, there would be times when conditions would be so bad that either you would not be able to go to work, or you would have to stay in town. When I used to go into the office, my commute was usually 30 to 45 minutes each way, but my City is small compared to the ones in the US. Double that and throw in variables like weather or even road work or traffic congestion and I can see where your decision to stay close is made.
That makes sense. My prospective 1hr (to 1.5hr) drive is just to get 30 miles from home. We get more traffic congestion but I was making more assumptions from the time than I realised.
That distance would be like driving to the mother in-law and back every day - a no-no for all sorts of reasons ;)
Quote from: Rico on November 02, 2009, 07:01:53 AM
I won't drive 3+ hours a day - in my view that's just too much. Keep in mind that when bad weather hits that number can easily double - or more. Also, the gas cost and miles on my car. It's more like 81 miles one way - I rechecked it this morning. That would be about 162 daily. My car gets about 24 mpg, so that's about 6.75 gallons of gas per day and at current pricing here (2.80 x 6.75 = $18.90) gas cost daily (or about $100 a week or $400 a month just in fuel). Anyway, just my view on things.
I can understand the time factor, but I'm just used to long commutes and 3+ hours doesn't seem like much to me for a round trip (I think it's because I'm from Texas and there is a lot of ground to cover). As for the gas factor, is the price of gas more than hotel and food for the week?
If I didn't drive in snow for months during the year I would agree with you pretty much. I'm not paying for the hotel and food for this first month - so that isn't an issue. You also have to always consider what is your time worth to you. Hours spent in a car every day is not a good situation, again in my opinion. I've had hour long drives for many, many years and it's about my limit.
Quote from: Rico on November 02, 2009, 07:28:47 AM
If I didn't drive in snow for months during the year I would agree with you pretty much. I'm not paying for the hotel and food for this first month - so that isn't an issue. You also have to always consider what is your time worth to you. Hours spent in a car every day is not a good situation, again in my opinion. I've had hour long drives for many, many years and it's about my limit.
Very good points! I'm all for free hotels. The time factor away from home, probably because of my young daughter and my wife, would be the directing factor for me. However, I do get you side and would agree with it if the kid wasn't so young and the wife wouldn't kill me for being gone most of the week.
Yeah. We've decided I'll drive to the new place but only to try and avoid having to take everyone else out of their lives by moving. It will still be awrenc since I've walked the two miles to the office most days for the last ten years.
If we were talking travelling those sorts of distances we'd probably think again about moving but even then might stick with driving - at least we never get enough snow to be a concern (well 2 days last year).
It's personal choice at the end of the day (but it's neat to get the hotel as part of the contract).
Twice a week I have a miserable commute to Newark, NJ - I live in the northern suburbs of Philadelphia, so it is a 75 mile \120 KM 1-way trip. The Prius (and podcasts) help, but it is soul - sucking. Metro NYC traffic is miserable....
Thankfully I can work locally the other few days a week - or work from home if the weather is bad.
There are pluses and minuses to all decisions and choices. I've had 45 minute commutes turn into 3 hours (one way) when it snows hard, which happens quite often up here. For right now, it's nice to be close to the job and only have the long commute twice a week. Since Lynn teaches if this continues we wouldn't even consider moving until the spring anyway. But in the meantime after the first month I will probably have to find a little apartment near work - again, if this continues.
Rico's bachelor pad. With a load of podcasting gear and a fat broadband connection no doubt ;)
Should we expect a few more 'Attics' if that happens?
...and on weekends your sons can use it as a party pad near MSU :)
KEGGER AT RICOS!
Quote from: billybob476 on November 02, 2009, 11:18:25 AM
...and on weekends your sons can use it as a party pad near MSU :)
KEGGER AT RICOS!
Oh crap - don't give them any ideas! LOL!
P.S. I do want to get back to doing more "Attic" podcasts - sometime.
Quote from: Rico on November 02, 2009, 08:57:02 AM
There are pluses and minuses to all decisions and choices. I've had 45 minute commutes turn into 3 hours (one way) when it snows hard, which happens quite often up here. For right now, it's nice to be close to the job and only have the long commute twice a week. Since Lynn teaches if this continues we wouldn't even consider moving until the spring anyway. But in the meantime after the first month I will probably have to find a little apartment near work - again, if this continues.
My guess you can find a room-2-rent somewhere. Probably be furnished and much cheaper than apartment. Maybe something in between like S. Lyon or Brighton?
If I'm going to live away from home during the work week, I'm going to live as close as possible to the company. No point in doing it halfway. Brighton is still 60 miles away from this place. That plus a room-for-rent sounds a bit scary! But I might look into that a bit up here in Charlotte.
I have done a commute, a walk and stay at home. All of them have their benefits and drawbacks. :)
I just think it's cool that you are trying out this job Rico. The best to you!
Quote from: Rico on November 02, 2009, 01:12:45 PM
If I'm going to live away from home during the work week, I'm going to live as close as possible to the company. No point in doing it halfway. Brighton is still 60 miles away from this place. That plus a room-for-rent sounds a bit scary! But I might look into that a bit up here in Charlotte.
I have done the room for rent gig a few times and have had some mixed success. Actually a guy like yourself is the ideal tenant for someone renting out a room. You would only be there on business nights not on the weekend. It is a cheaper way to avoid the commute. Given that, I can still understand you reluctance.
Yeah, I'm going to look into it a bit. One problem for me on the room thing is I really can't handle smokers anymore. So if anyone smoked in the house I wouldn't be able to do it. Anyway, I've got some time to look around for the best fit for me.
Finding a place to live (even temporarily) is always a bit challenging. I hope you find a place that suits your needs.
I hope it goes smoothly for you Rico
Well, strike one. The apartments right next door to work only have two-bedrooms available and that's more than I need or want to spend for right now. Heck, maybe I should just rent a small house.
Quote from: Rico on November 03, 2009, 09:44:18 AM
Well, strike one. The apartments right next door to work only have two-bedrooms available and that's more than I need or want to spend for right now. Heck, maybe I should just rent a small house.
Hmmmm...maybe a pup-tent and 1KM of extension cord..... ;)
You could get a van like Vork and drive around looking for open wifi!
Quote from: billybob476 on November 03, 2009, 11:52:05 AM
You could get a van like Vork and drive around looking for open wifi!
Ahh - now I like that idea. Actually this place close by isn't too bad price wise for what you get. I'll have to take a look soon at them inside.
Did you check rent.com?
Quote from: sheldar on November 03, 2009, 12:58:34 PM
Did you check rent.com?
Yes - Charlotte doesn't have a lot of choices.
Some more pics from the lab and the new job....
And a few more glamorous pics for you....
Hey, did I see an airbrush...along with a few Warhammer 40K figures hiding on one of those workspaces? :)
I hope no Smurfs were hurt in the process?
I don't trust companies that put all their money in their furniture. What counts is that you have the materials you need and some nice colleagues and a good boss! :)
Making blue icing...?
You think it would disagree with me?
It is very bright! I assume that's deliberate rather than a coincidence of the chemicals used?
Isn't that one of the prime ingredients in 'Gagh'?
Quote from: Feathers on November 12, 2009, 08:09:30 AM
You think it would disagree with me?
It is very bright! I assume that's deliberate rather than a coincidence of the chemicals used?
Yes - certain customers want that type of color/look. There's quite a bit of TiO2 (titanium dioxide) in it which makes it bright. That plus a little thalo blue pigment.
I like the word "Pigment" don't ask me why. :)
How do you like spending your days there Rico?
titanium... i think im gonna name my dog Titanium
"Ti" for short
LOL!
Quote from: SPOCKFAN on November 12, 2009, 01:25:28 PM
How do you like spending your days there Rico?
...and a follow-up question, when do you have to decide/get to hear whether this could become a full-time, permanent position?
Quote from: Feathers on November 13, 2009, 04:30:34 AM
Quote from: SPOCKFAN on November 12, 2009, 01:25:28 PM
How do you like spending your days there Rico?
...and a follow-up question, when do you have to decide/get to hear whether this could become a full-time, permanent position?
As far as the day-to-day at the job, it's ok. Nothing too demanding so far, but the plant is old and frankly stinks of chemicals quite a bit. But it's tolerable. It certainly wouldn't be my first choice of a place to work, but it will do for now.
I should know soon if this is to become "permanent." Might even hear something today. I've gotten the idea and heard they are good with me so far, they just want to make sure I'm good with it all. The fact that this means getting an apartment and possibly even moving from our house to another at some point is a pretty big step. But at least I can put that off for awhile for now.
I'm guessing the podcast kit might move to the appartment (when you gat that far) as a way of filling the boring weekday evenings? (That and avoiding locking yourself in the basement to record all weekend!)
Quote from: Feathers on November 13, 2009, 05:00:42 AM
I'm guessing the podcast kit might move to the appartment (when you gat that far) as a way of filling the boring weekday evenings? (That and avoiding locking yourself in the basement to record all weekend!)
Yeah, that will probably happen. I may just record during the week and release on the weekends still or I might release them earlier. Haven't quite decided on the details yet.
Yes, I have been expecting an 'Attic Of My Mind' podcast done to fill the time! :)