Back To Life Online

Ok, I am back! (gulp.. I hope!)

I know I've been away for a LONG time, but now I will be able to update my website regularly. Here are some updates in my life since I've been away.

1 - I've found a WAY better job than the one I had before. I am now working in AT&T Bell Labs and it doesn't require me to take the train for 2 hrs each way, and there are no WITCHES!!! Can I complain? NO!

2 - I have the opportunity to explore different areas in usability. Meaning I can work on applications and websites, as well as wireless gadgets. AND my role is not strictly limited to Usability or Design. Which I find extremely challenging at times.

3 - I get to travel!! I've been to San Francisco already, and I loved it. Both the job assignment I had AND the city of course.

4 - I've decided to wait a while before starting my MBA. Maybe another year. I don't think I want to leave this job for two years, I might end up going to a part-time program somewhere around here.

When I was out of a job I didnt do anything really. I don't know why, but I preferred volunteering over doing anything on usability or my website. I didnt even keep in touch with most of you who were visiting my website. I apologize. I felt extremely useless, when I wasnt working, I felt betrayed by the profession when I couldnt find a job, and I felt extremely angry towards the people I used to work for. Now I have a different view on these things. I am extremely thankful to the Director at Information Builders for getting me laid off because I was able to see that I was seriously wasting my time working there. I wasn't gaining the knowledge I could. I wasnt getting all the experience out of the job. Well, writing and re-writing project plans isnt necessary the most important thing in ones career. Delivering products and actually finishing projects is possible afterall. And I LOVE IT!

And I must admit, I did think about getting away from Usability for awhile. Working in another field. But I don't think I can do it. I care too much about usability, human factors and User Interaction Design. My current job allows me to take my knowledge in the field while also giving me the opportunity to learn about project management and business issues. There are no restrictions about talking to people who are one or more levels above you. Don't need a written approval from the Director to say Hi to the VP when you bump into him in the hallway. ;o))

Now I am going to work on catching up on some of the things I missed. First I'm going to start with keeping up with WebWord and MadMan.

Please keep visiting my page, I promise not to betray you again.