So I'm guessing folks would want details. The job (which doesn't have a cool nickname yet) is a 6 month contract doing Linux administration, with a little Windows and network thrown in on the side. I'll be working with one of my close friends, who I've worked with before, so I know we can keep work and personal separate. It's via a staffing service, so no 1099 stuff, staffing company is pimping me out for the contract, and paying me via W2. The job made it clear it's a contract position, but the idea is to get in, show off my mad skills and make myself indispensable so that at the end of the 6 months they'll hire me on. But...even if that doesn't happen, I have 6 months to hone my skills, pick up some new ones, and blow the rust off. The fact they hired me on the basis of my friend's recommendation, my resume, and a phone interview gives me a good feeling.

It's a Redhat shop, so I'll have to get some practice in. Shouldn't be a big deal, I'll just have to stop thinking Debian-esque all the time. I'll also be running on a Wintendo, that will probably be what I spend more time dealing with, but since it's mostly Linux my work will be in a ssh session. And I've always bragged that I could make any setup work 'my way' with little effort, time to prove it.

The money is good, real good. But I'm planning on sticking to my old Shoggoth Pit budget for the most part, using the excess to seed my savings and pay down debts. If it goes perm, I'll probably juggle it somewhat, but for now I'm planning that I'll be job hunting again in 6 months. I get benefits in 60 days from the staffing firm, but they're not anything amazing (the recruiter's words). But it will probably be cheaper than paying for it myself, so that will free up some bucks in March. Not much else in benefits, but that's the price of contracting. Get paid every week, which is kind of weird...I don't remember the last time I got paid weekly...oh wait, when I was temping as a Dell salesweasel back in Austin. So that's going to take some adjustment and budgeting rethink.

My start date is next week, kind of vague on when. I've got to pass a drug screen *laugh* and a background check *more laughs*, and do paperwork at the staffer before I start. I'll get more details Monday.

So yeah, I'm majorly excited, been happy dancing since I got the FYI. The anxiety about change will probably kick in Sunday. I need to pick up some business casual stuff in the next few days, get used to waking up bright and early, etc. It will be ok, it really will be ok. So wish me luck and mad skills, and I'll catch you all later.

Excuse me...

YIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Back in the Linux world *happy employed fox dance* Just spoke to the recruiter. Technically I still have to pass the drug screen and background check, but that's not a problem. I'm a good cultist.

*Screams yippie!*

Interview done. I'm not sure how I did, I rambled a bit, and in a few spots I felt like I gave weak answers. But, this is my first real interview in 12+ years, and I'm always hard on myself. So, we'll see.

Well today has been busy. Got up after some crazy dreams about offering to fix Cacti for the Shoggoth Pit, but being turned down...something else that was memorable, but now it's gone. Got moving, went to the local library to renew my long ago lost card, and print out some stuff. New library is pretty cool, even if the main workstations run Windows XP. *wonders if a certain tech-raptor is wincing* Got my printing done, grabbed a random thriller novel with an interesting premise (yes the library has Lovecraft, yay Lovecraft). Went and got my sleep med refill, and got the crazy insurance updated. Came home, put up the meds and a few groceries. Talked to my recruiter, I have a screening call with job #1 tomorrow morning. I also got the details on another job, but it's mostly network, and I'm really trying to avoid going back to a pure networking position. So politely said 'no thanks.' I'm kind of wound up, I hate interviews, and I'd really like this position. Need to post a sign 'breathe, think, then speak', so I can avoid running off at the mouth as I do when I'm anxious. At least it's first thing, so I don't have to build up on the anxiety.

Been watching 'True Detective' season 1, alright crime drama, not enough Carcosa and King in Yellow references. Took out the trash, doing some laundry, need to do some dishes too. I think the plan for the rest of tonight will be finishing up show, chores, and making some notes for tomorrow's screen. Then bed, with books. Oh yeah, have to make said bed after the laundry is done.

So yeah, I'm wound up, but I'm not panicing. Lets hope for good stuff, good news and a lack of anxiety. Catch you all later.