The Move and Resume

posted Feb 25, 2013, 11:11 AM by Jon Rumfelt

I see it has been a while since I've posted up here. I also have a lot of photos to upload. I need to get back into maintaining this site, but I've been so busy studying for Net+, Sec+, and my CCNA along with the new job that I have been too tired at home to post anything. So here we go. You read that right, I have a new job! I no longer work out at Red Flag-Alaska. For eight years I had the best job ever, and built a cryptographically isolated, geographically separated mission network of nearly 200 end user terminals and 14 servers to support joint coalition exercises in the premiere exercise of the Pacific. I loved my job out there, maintaining nearly 50 servers (physical and virtual) across 4 networks and classifications. The pilots and support staff of the squadron were sad to see me go, but contract changes just made it too uncomfortable for me to stay, and with cuts in funding I fear it will only become worse. So I started looking for a new job. I landed this job here at Fort Wainwright at the Re-configurable Vehicle Tactical Trainer (RVTT) with the help of Scott Ahlstrom. While this position is fun, it's boring. I was warned when I was offered the position that it would be compared to the stress I've had out at Eielson and setting up for exercises with 1500 participants. Here I simply turn on the simulator, test it (that's the fun part!!), and hand it over to the instructors. Six hours later the instructors hand it back and I turn it off. Why did I take this job? I did it for those 6 hours! I have a full 6 hours available for me to study for my three tests. And the bonus is once I take the tests, the company will reimburse me if I pass. So this job will afford me the ability to make myself more valuable in the IT field. And while it may look like a step backward on my resume, it is a welcome furlough of reduced pressure. Speaking of Resumes, have you updated yours? Try something new? I did, and it seems to have backfired. I decided to add flare to my resume's first page by highlighting my career's top 3 positions, along with fancy graphics and borders. I called it my "modern" resume. Then I tried to apply for several positions across the country. I had a few interviews as a result, however, each one politely requested a "not so fancy" version of my resume, in their words. So what's wrong with a modernized resume? Why don't prospective employers want to see something flashy that get's their attention off the bat? Why do I have to conform to boring black and white resumes? I know if I were an employer looking to hire, I would want someone who stands apart, cutting edge, ready to take my company to the next level, not some person who simply wishes to fit in, blend, obey blindly, and just do their job. But alas, I am not hiring, I am seeking, and as a result, I have to conform. So my resume will be reverting to a traditional (read boring) style portfolio, and I'll start trying again. "Wait, Jon, you just said you started a new job, why are you still looking?" Because we are moving! Alaska is a beautiful state, and living in North Pole is a once in a lifetime experience. That is, if you are from some other place. My wife and kids, this is all they know, and the wife is done "knowing" Alaska's winters. I am concerned with her health, which doctors have told her if she were in a warmer climate, many of her health issues would go away. So we are looking for employment outside of Alaska, and towards the east cost near Virginia. Specifically Virginia near DC. Many of the jobs I am qualified for are in DC. And we have friends there to help us land on our feet. We knew God wanted us to move, but it took several years to figure out that He wanted US to move, not He wanted to move us. There is a difference. For the longest time I thought God was just testing our willingness to leave. But now I know it is a Peter test, a test of faith, am I willing to take my family, step out of the boat, and walk on water? The answer is a resounding Yes! And while there is a bit of fear and reluctance, it is only because North Pole is what I know. I have connections here, established friends, memorized the roads. Where we go I have no knowledge of the area, I don't know the bad areas of town, I have no connections other than my best friend there. I will have to rely completely on God, faith in the water, and keep my eyes on Jesus while trusting in my friend to help us plant our feet on new ground. Quite a step of faith, but I know it is for the better. I can't wait to see what this new chapter will be like!! OK, I know I've said this before, but I'll say it again for those to whom it still may hold merit. I'll try to post more often!! Thanks everyone Jon