No exam that I know of. I'm a photog. I dont know what kind of test I can take to prove that...:lol: Thats why I have a demo tape. My pay now sucks. And I work weekends. And holidays. And I never see my wife. While not nearly as exciting...the state gig would be ALOT more money, 9-5 Monday through Friday and holidays off. Not to mention the state beni's.


That being said...I'd rather stay where I'm at...if I was monday through friday.

Here, from what I understand, a civil service exam of some sort is required in order to be considered for any state employment.

As much as I loved my old job, the pay wasn't exactly the best but the benefits were good. I had considered in the past applying at their competitor's because the pay was a little better, although I don't know much about their benefits. I just put in an online app (the only way you can apply for the job) so hopefully I'll hear something back from them. I mean, how many licensed operators could there be in this town trying to get the position? The old job trained you. This one wants someone who's already been trained and licensed. Hell, I had been in the security industry for a few years before I knew about the trainining and licesning. Not to mention that there was actually a monitoring center or two in town. Imagine my surprise! :lol:

The problem here is I really like my job. But the industry is changing. Everything is changing. I've never wanted to do this forever...but I'm not ready to leave yet. But at the same time...I need to pay the bills. At the time of the lay offs...anyone who didnt lose their job took a 4% pay cut...along with no OT...I'm down almost 15% of what I made last year.

I got into this industry by accident, in a sense, and I've grown to love it. There's so much more to it that I want to learn! So if possible, I'll continue in this field. And the plus is, as long as there's thieves, fires, and mandated fire codes, there's always a possibility for a job in it. It's almost one of those "who you know" type jobs as they typically hire from the inside. It's hard for someone to start in this field, be it as an installer or an operator, without knowing someone.

That sucks about your pay cut. And it's sad to see how many people are getting laid off lately. :( Knowing that makes job hunting even more nerve wracking.

actually you were number 4999 :lol:

well I'm almost done... I'll pack everything tomorrow... and head out monday morning around 5am. think'n I'll hit Fargo around Wednight or thursday morn.

give me a shout you little bitch, I'll buy you a beer.



As for the job thing, I count myself lucky right now... I have to be one of the few people that has 2 good job offers available, and I just need to decide which one for sure I want to take.
It's a great problem to have.

I will... I'll be in town till Sunday morning...

Sounds good. I have nothing going on next weekend either, so hit me up.

and you'll be happy to know that a vast majority of our snow is gone due to the few days of rain we had.
Further, the temps are supposed to be in the 20's all week... all in all not bad.