HARD times call for HARD decisions - How much should I ask?

[hemihead]

As long as he aint asking you to move to broke back mountain  

OMG,I hope he isn't a Cowboy!

[Charger_Fan]

Reading this thread, there's quite a few good sounding ideas. I hope one or more of them will work for you & you won't have to sell your Charger. I almost sold mine 3 separate times through the years, for the very same reason.
I ended up selling other stuff instead.

I hope things turn around for you soon.

[Arthu®]

It's called R E A D I N G ...top to bottom, left to right., string words together to make sentences....you should try it sometime.

Bill, and this comes from a place of concern, it's that attitude that seems to simmer right under the surface that you just have to control.  It's a turn off, people don't like it, and it seems like it controls you. 

You said "I could learn ColdFusion, java, CSS and ASP authoring to make myself more marketable."  I am surprised that you are in web graphic design and not up to date.  It's true that everyone thinks they can be a graphic designer (I noticed that your degree is in business, not art and that surprised me) but very few can do it, much less support themselves doing it.  I know for sure that I do not have the artistic eye for it, although I can use many of the applications.  That being said, in my mind you absolutely must keep abreast of the latest applications and/or languages (if you decide to stay in your field).  I mean, css, asp and java are not exactly cutting edge.

I think (though I can't read the whole post as I write this) that you mentioned something about sending out a lot of job applications.  Well, sending an application cold is usually not enough to separate you from the herd.  You need to call those companies, speak to the secretaries, find out who makes the hiring decision, talk to that person personally (it's easier than you think) and ask just what they need.  Then tailor the application to that, plus then you have a contact.  Hey, if the person won't talk, ask the secretary.  Or send the application directly to the person and cc it to hr and maybe even the person's boss (carefully decide the pros and cons when you go out of the box).  I have done several different things in my different job searches, some good, some not so good, but all focused on one thing, making contacts, making a temporary friend, and focusing on what I can do for the company.  In you case, why not attach a customized web page of their home page and ask them to compare it to what they have -- if you are skilled and have new and better ideas, they will hire you. 

But remember (this goes back to my first comment), an employer has to make a choice from a lot of more or less similar applications.  That choice can be based on a lot of things, but one thing is paramount.  That is how one relates to people.  When I applied for my last job I was competing with 70 other attorneys, some with much more experience than me.  At the end of the third interview, this one with the big boss, I offered a copy of my resume and directed her to the references.  I told her, you know, you could call up those judges and they will tell you I am a good lawyer.  But don't do that.  Instead call up their secretaries and ask them what kind of person I am.  Her slight smile told me I had gotten the job.  Good luck, Kim.

Now that is the advice I would take, well said. People rarely hire on skills only (you should know this as you have a degree in business) it's much more important to sell yourself. Though don't pretend to be something you are not. Interviews are hard as you have to be yourself yet sell yourself for the position they have open. If I were you I would take Kim's advice, try to put a face to the application. Otherwise it is just another application as there are milions of them, because don't worry you are not alone. Good luck and I hope you don't have to sell the Charger in the end.

Arthur

[ChargerBill]

Kim, that is a quote from Tommy Boy (the movie)...and did you notice the smiley at the end?   Silver NEVER reads anything before he starts to ask questions...to say that this is the core of my personality or my general attitude is a gross exaggeration. For every smart @$$ remark I make here is someone going to keep track of the encoragement, help, positive or self depricating remarks I make? Probably not, because it's easier to point out the bad than it is to recognize the good...and more fun too. Right?

As far as NOT having a degree in design goes, I have had many with a degree tell me that I am better at what I do than many (even most) in the field. I have seen many with a degree who were complete hacks and couldn't design a handle for a toilet. besides, IMO a design degree is a a NOTHING degree...you're locked into ONE field. At least I could if I wanted go into management, sales, administration or somewhere else out in the business world...I think I made the right choice. Also, employers looking for designers don't ask SPECIFICALLY for a design degree, they ask for a bachelors or the equivalent in experience. With 24 total years in design (4 years of which took place even BEFORE I went to college) I'd say I have MORE than the equivalent of a bachelors in design. Heck, I see design graduates who don't know WHAT to do without their instructor looking over their shoulder telling them or a template to follow.... And if you ask over at GraphicDesignForum (where hundreds of design professionals gather) "Do you need a design degree to succeed as a designer?" over 70% of them will say no...and the other 30% are the ONLY ones who bothered to take CAKE coursework and get a degree in design...go figure, they're just defending their degree and the wasted money IMO. I also believe that a knack or an eye for design cannot be taught... Sure, you can learn the rules, the tools and programs and theory, but to truly be able to design, well, you either have it or you don't.

As far as not knowing CSS (as well as I'd like) or Java authoring...there hasn't really been a need on any project I've completed. The software I use creates it's own Java and CSS and I know enough about both of them to modify any script that isn't working according to the clients needs. ColdFusion is more of a back end app builder as is ASP, and again, there has never been a need up here in the Northern California Foothills. I am only now realizing that I need to fine tune my skill set if I want to work in the Bay Area or LA.

I agree that networking is the best way to get a good job, but living 3 hrs from the Bay Area and not knowing too many people down there kind of serves as an obstacle. As far as calling and following up, I have done that with about 30% of the applications I sent. As far as having the personality to get hired...I KNOW that if I get the interview I will get the job. Making people feel at ease and putting my best foot forward in person is probably what I do best.

Like I've said before in other posts, I belong to about 6 different discussion forums that I visit periodically, I have around 200 friends at the gym that I know by name (about 20 I'd consider close friends), I have around 300 friends at church and another 300 acquintances (about 30 I'd consider close friends), I know somewhere around 300 business owners here in town by first name (about 10 I'd consider close friends) and know about 100 people affiliated with my daughters school and after school sports, and I have around 20 alumni buddies from UCDavis and 100 from HS that I see and talk to periodically. Out of ALL of those individuals, the only ones that have any issues with me or feel the need to question my personality or friendliness suspiciously ALL exist here at DC.com. Don't get me wrong, there is a huge concentration of GREAT people here at DC.com and in the hobby in general, but since this hobby draws such a diverse group of individuals (income, race, religion, politics, etc..) there is more opportunity to disagree. Unfortunately, some people take disagreeing as disrespect. controlling or aggression...and I can't help that, yet I won't compromise my beliefs, ideals or opinions. Unlike the real world where there is a chance at a little privacy, or you can keep your voice low, or you can CHOOSE who you converse with and who you will ignore, the internet is a place where EVERYONE can listen to your conversation and comments...it is unique that way. Bottom line, I have never had any problem face to face with anyone...Kim, you know that first hand and I'm suprised that you question my attitude at all...I was cordial, even friendly and joking with you. If there's ANY aspect of my abilities or personality where I have absolutely no lack of confidence, it's in communicating with others and developing a strong and positive rapport. This website is an anomoly...because I believe wholeheartedly that most of the people here wouldn't say half the stupid or obnoxious or aggresive things that they do if we were all face to face with each other.

So, back to my car... I've heard $15,000 and $5,500...anyone think it might be somewhere else there in the middle?

[Neal_J]

Sorry to hear your plight, CB.  I genuinely hope things work out for you.

Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that you're totally screwed.  As someone who hires/fires them frequently, graphic designers & web designers are a dime a dozen here in NorCal (and one-tenth that cost offshore.)  As you noted, your living in the boonies doesn't help you any.  Perhaps you should take your career in a different direction & maybe harness that UCD business degree and focus on a niche without (literally) thousands of competitors.  Lastly, I do agree with Last426: your attitude, and thinly-disguised rage, are dreadful.  I honestly wonder how much of the "lost" business might ultimately be traceable to your demeanor.   Hmmm.

Oh, and don't bother ranting at the harshnest of my reply - you broached the topic.

I hope you're able to keep your car or at least receive a fair price on ebay.  My guess is $4,000 for a disassembled hulk and a buch of boxes.  Good luck.

Peace,

Neal

[Arthu®]

Like I've said before in other posts, I belong to about 6 different discussion forums that I visit periodically, I have around 200 friends at the gym that I know by name (about 20 I'd consider close friends), I have around 300 friends at church and another 300 acquintances (about 30 I'd consider close friends), I know somewhere around 300 business owners here in town by first name (about 10 I'd consider close friends) and know about 100 people affiliated with my daughters school and after school sports, and I have around 20 alumni buddies from UCDavis and 100 from HS that I see and talk to periodically. Out of ALL of those individuals, the only ones that have any issues with me or feel the need to question my personality or friendliness suspiciously ALL exist here at DC.com. Don't get me wrong, there is a huge concentration of GREAT people here at DC.com and in the hobby in general, but since this hobby draws such a diverse group of individuals (income, race, religion, politics, etc..) there is more opportunity to disagree. Unfortunately, some people take disagreeing as disrespect. controlling or aggression...and I can't help that, yet I won't compromise my beliefs, ideals or opinions. Unlike the real world where there is a chance at a little privacy, or you can keep your voice low, or you can CHOOSE who you converse with and who you will ignore, the internet is a place where EVERYONE can listen to your conversation and comments...it is unique that way. Bottom line, I have never had any problem face to face with anyone...Kim, you know that first hand and I'm suprised that you question my attitude at all...I was cordial, even friendly and joking with you. If there's ANY aspect of my abilities or personality where I have absolutely no lack of confidence, it's in communicating with others and developing a strong and positive rapport. This website is an anomoly...because I believe wholeheartedly that most of the people here wouldn't say half the stupid or obnoxious or aggresive things that they do if we were all face to face with each other.

People ask for criticism, but they only want praise. - W. Somerset Maugham (1874 - 1965)

You should take the criticism better than that. I read what Kim said and honestly it was positive feedback. Because this is what a almost perfect stranger sees and see that is what you should take interest in. This is what you are to the outside world (except the people that know you beter). I know this is a hard situation and I am really glad I am not in your shoes, but maybe this will make you stronger and better in the end. Really you should read Kim's advice again. It's probably the best so far in this thread as to making you come a little closer to keeping your Charger. Just remember that your new boss most likely doesn't know anything about you, so just relax a little take the criticism well and use it to become a better you. Hang in there.

Arthur

[ChargerBill]

 I honestly wonder how much of the "lost" business might ultimately be traceable to your demeanor.   Hmmm.

I thought I explained the loss of business pretty well above... A change in business leadership, a divorce and the unwillingness to spend the money...not sure I could have controlled any of those. I'm not sure why you guys are trying to psychoanalyze me here...I kind of feel that these comments are themselves passive agressive. So then where does it end? or begin? Who throws the first stone and points their finger at the other for starting it? I'm not seeing the "constructive" part of this criticism.

I agree that Kims advice was good, as is quite a bit here. My main question is this: If the people who are criticising my attitude are people who generally don't care for me anyway, then how much do I take to heart and how much do I ignore? Any of my friends here want to be honest with me about this?

[konigcharger]

good luck dude
hope you make it out ok and don't have to sell the charger
just remember its always a car and as much as you don't want to sell, it is replacable

[Chris G.]

So, back to my car... I've heard $15,000 and $5,500...anyone think it might be somewhere else there in the middle?

Bill, all the personal stuff has been covered here, so I'll answer your original question. Be happy to get 1-2K for a SHELL of a '69 383 auto Charger. It's on a rotisserie, correct? I would keep any NOS stuff you have and sell it separately. I would love to meet the maniac that would drop 15K to buy this project. 

PS- No buyer cares how much time you spent restoring a grille or fender.

[Neal_J]

Oh of course, Bill. It's everyone else who has the problem, not you. Silly me.

Ebay probably remains your best bet to sell the remains.   I hope you get a favorable price - or prices if you sell some parts.

Peace,

Neal

[HDCharger]

Jeeze Bill, Scaring the shit out of me.  I retire from the Army in a couple months and I am going to be looking for a job.  On your car I was thinking in the 8,000 dollar range but I may be way off since prices have skyrocketed over the last year or two.  I paid seven for a complete running, driving Charger needing nothing but it was 2 years ago.  Good Luck, Dave

[6pkrunner]

 Bill, I know what you mean about education and the real world education is better than classroom more often than not. However, in my line of work a degree is necessary to open the door for the interview. That is the absolute first screening process.  Applicable knowledge, references, character - none enter the equation until the degree box is checked off. And lately our department has been selecting those with 2 degrees - its that brutal out there. Are any of the last 4 or so hires into our department worth their weight - a resounding NO. But they had to have the paper to get in the door. I don't know about your neck of the woods, but sadly that's how it is here.
I realize that this puts you in a real Catch-22 in that you have to make money to live and cannot afford to take time off for school. And you cannot get a decent job without the education.
I have no crystal ball solution for you, but I do know of your plight and you do have me well wishes for you. The Charger as a basket case would fetch much more on eGouge piece by piece - sadly but true.

[1970440RT]

Sounds like between 5k and 8k should be reasonable.  If you had extra parts, ( two or more of anything ) I would ebay that stuff and just sell the car as disassembled but complete.  Heck, if I didn't live so far away, I have 5k cash right now for the car.

On a side note, job wise, did you ever think of sales?  Not retail sales or cold calling type work, but an entry level sales job selling anything; plumbing fixtures, hardware, cars, etc.  I left a well paying management job at a trucking co. a few years ago to take a sales job at a commercial construction supplier.  At the time I did not know much about the products but product knowledge seems to be about 1/5 of the job.  The other 4/5 is personality and how well you interact with the customer.  Believe me, I'm not the cheapest supplier and people know that.  They buy because I can talk their language, treat them like human beings and admit when I'm wrong.  Seems like you are pretty down to earth and would catch on quick doing something like that.  If your Salary is set up as commision against draw, and you can get into bid work, 40k is easy.

    I can honestly say that 90% of the people I went to high school with are teachers, work in construction, or are in some type of sales.

     By the way, my brother has a degree in graphic design, no steady job for him in that field going on 4+ years.

     Where in CA do you live?  How far from San Jose?  I have a couple contacts in some software companies I can check with.  I think the kids call that "networking".  

[Big Lebowski]

There's nothing wrong with attitude. I work for myself, Home building, remodels, kitchens, and I turn down work. My attitude is...."I'm not leaving the house for less than $$ per hour." That's it.
   Now go finish the car, if you want your money back.

[Charger Aficionado]

  I want pictures.  (Then I will give it a guess) 

[RD]

bill, if you are needing a vocational change, let me know.  I am a vocational rehabilitation counselor and might be able to help you identify some possibilities out there that you may not have thought of or knew exist.

[ChargerBill]

Geez, they all come out of the woodwork to take potshots. Is anyone SURPRISED at who the derrogatory comments are coming from?

PS- No buyer cares how much time you spent restoring a grille or fender.

Never said any buyer would care...I was explaining how much time I have invested, which makes it harder to part with. And BTW: If the grille looks like new AFTER my time and effort, then you better damn well believe it makes a difference on how much I could get.

Oh of course, Bill. It's everyone else who has the problem, not you. Silly me.

Like I already stated, cannot be friends with everyone here...so why try? The same guys who have problems with me here seem to chronically have probems with others here as well....and IMO that says something. Oh yeah, please disregard my request for an objective look at my resume as I'm not sure how objective it would be...



Like I already said, I really DON'T want to piece this car out...it's A complete project, the buyer could build a complete car from the parts and supplies that I have except for an engine rebuild kit, bearings/u-joints/shocks, front seat covers and foam and a few odds and ends...it's ALL there. I will probably run an ebay auction with a higher reserve first (if I DO actually decide to sell) and if I don't get something decent then I'll consider parting it out.

As far as retraining or higher education, I am seriously looking into that. RD, I will definitely take you up on that offer if you are serious. I can show you the results of a couple aptitude tests I've taken. As far as fields i'm looking at:

BioTech
Teacher...to ultimately become a Professor (am looking at taking the CSET)
Alternative Energies
Aeronautics
Civil or Mechanical Engineering

Tomorrow I am heading to the County Office to flip through their binder and find out what jobs are available and/or coming available soon. I know State jobs have a salary cap, so I'm not thrilled about the idea, but at this point I need to weigh all of my options.

Of course there are probably many jobs that I am qualified for and would not have to go back to school to get, but ultimately I think my best chances of advancing in a career will be continued education. Perhaps I could find a job and get in at a lower level and work toward a degree or certification at night while at that job. Whatever path I take, I have no apprehension about going back to school, and I'm pretty sure I could qualify for some grants and loans. I will however need to simultaneously work to pay bills, but I would be willing to downscale my life for a while if it meant I could accomplish the goal of changing careers and establishing some security for the future.

[Silver R/T]

You can always try truck driving

[ChargerBill]

You can always try truck driving

A friend of mine mentioned that at the gym tonight. He said they make good money (long haulers especially) but also said in the 3 years he did it he gained 40 lbs and NEVER saw his family. To me, the costs far outweigh the benefits.I don't think I coulde handle that - I have a hard time driving for 3 hrs, let alone 12!! I think I'd go stir crazy or end up falling asleep at the wheel...

[TheGhost]

It's called R E A D I N G ...top to bottom, left to right., string words together to make sentences....you should try it sometime.

Bill, and this comes from a place of concern, it's that attitude that seems to simmer right under the surface that you just have to control.  It's a turn off, people don't like it, and it seems like it controls you.

Hmmmm... do you not read any of Silvers posts?  The kid's retarded.  Previous posts in this thread held the answer to his questions.  Hell, I knew what Bill did, and all I did was just skim this thread.  I would have made a similar post to Bills had I been given the chance.  So would quite a few other members.

Bill, pictures would be of great value here.  I, for one, hope that it doesn't come to you having to sell your Charger.

[Charger Aficionado]

It's called R E A D I N G ...top to bottom, left to right., string words together to make sentences....you should try it  sometime.

Bill, and this comes from a place of concern, it's that attitude that seems to simmer right under the surface that you just have to control.  It's a turn off, people don't like it, and it seems like it controls you.

Hmmmm... do you not read any of Silvers posts?  The kid's retarded.  Previous posts in this thread held the answer to his questions.  Hell, I knew what Bill did, and all I did was just skim this thread.  I would have made a similar post to Bills had I been given the chance.  So would quite a few other members.

Bill, pictures would be of great value here.  I, for one, hope that it doesn't come to you having to sell your Charger.

Ghost,  I think you made your own point.  He is a "Kid" in his mentality (and literally (young).  He does not speak from experience what-so-ever, so I believe the inaccuracies in his posts should be ignored by those of us here who are "adults", don't you agree?  I take his comments at face value (considering the source).  We have all deducted how he operates, (i.e. partially reads, posts immature remarks, and has almost 4 times the amount of posts I have >Post Whore lol) so let's just move-on now, and not bicker.  I do not want to scare-away the "Lurkers" here that own RARE Chargers by them seeing this CRAP.  Let's keep it professional, so our forum will grow.  I'm sure there are lurkers that have ALOT of valuable info/stories/photos that we have not yet recieved.

  I am neither talking trash about you or Silver, but I am SICK of seeing grown men act like kids to chastise a "kid".  I have had my fair share of dis-agreements, but it all gets OLD.       /HIJACK

[89MOPAR]

 Is the car originally a 2bbl or 4bbl - i would think that would make some difference.

Just a quote from "old cars price guide" -  When it comes time to sell your car, parts are worth half what you paid and your time is worth nothing.
  [*  NOS parts excepted * for obvious reasons]

Gotta remember whomever buys the car will have the added expense of transporting it.  Any transporter I've ever talked to made a point of asking if the car was drivable.  Some do not want to accept non- drivers.  Others will charge more $$ due to difficulty in winching it / arranging their load as they travel across the country and drop off cars.

Have you sold the Chevy trucks yet ?  Maybe they could be sold first, sparing the Charger for a time.

As far as the job and losing money due to the management change/ newhire / cancelled project situation for $2600.   Even with no specific knowledge of the situation - it may not have happened if you had an "ironclad" contract signed by both parties.  Yeah , I know I watch too much "People's Court" 

If your situation is as bad/ desperate as it sounds, maybe don't fret trying to get every bottom dollar out of the car.  If you could get  3 or 4000$ for it- that would likely pay for several college classes.  And if you have storage / insurance expenses for the car - those would be gone - as well as the nagging feeling that you should continue improving the car.  Maybe cut your losses, retreat and regroup, and live to fight on another day from a stronger position  ??

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Bill, bottom line.....if you NEED money then parting the car out is the way to go.   The  story of "I dont want to part such a complete car" aint holding water if you NEED the money for you and your family.  Its your car and your need, not anyone elses.

If you dont NEED the money then you can do the Mopar PC thing of selling the car as a complete project on ebay to get the most you can.  I would estimate between 3-5k.



PS----do I have your registration info?

[Chris G.]

Geez, they all come out of the woodwork to take potshots. Is anyone SURPRISED at who the derrogatory comments are coming from?

PS- No buyer cares how much time you spent restoring a grille or fender.

Never said any buyer would care...I was explaining how much time I have invested, which makes it harder to part with. And BTW: If the grille looks like new AFTER my time and effort, then you better damn well believe it makes a difference on how much I could get.

Bill, my words weren't meant to sound sarcastic. If you honestly believe a potential buyer will care how much sanding and priming you did, then you're sorely mistaken. Bottom line, the car isn't going anywhere. You just needed a few pats on the back from the boys at DC.com. Here 'ya go pal 'o mine...

[nh_mopar_fan]

Bill,

Sorry to hear about your situation. Have you looked into temp agencies? If it's been mentioned and I missed it, sorry. But, I have friends that have been temping for years. The upside is that as soon as a contract is up, they have work the next day and the money is generally better than what the fulltime employees are getting. The downside is that it is usually without any benefits. Not sure if that is an option for you but I have a couple friends that went that route, worked steadily and eventually were hired fulltime by the company they were temping for. many companies use temps to "test drive" potential employees. I'm asuming you've been on Monster etc? Widen your search criteria. You never know. My wife was looking for something fulltime after we sold the business. She ended up interviewing with her current employer for a part-time job. During the interview, they mentioned that they were actually hiting two part-time people to do the job because they didn't think that one person could handle it all. She challenged them to give her a shot at a fulltime gig. It was supposed to be a 30 day trial. They gave her the fulltime position after the first week.

Good luck.

Daryll