I too am a digital immigrant and I find the journey very exciting. I’m glad my career lasted long enough to see all these cool changes.

The reason I wrote this post was specifically for these confused, mixed messaging execs who claim one thing and then behave in a completely different (unproductive) way. I wish I could say that I never heard about CEO’s ‘shutting down’ social at work. When I speak to groups of execs or HR I suggest that they might want to rethink that policy since people can still access these services through their phone, and by limiting access you are not building trust with employees. Furthermore, you limit the positive effects of employees as sales people and brand ambassadors and on and on. Just a bad business decision. They are afraid of losing ‘control’ — I tell them– you don’t have control!
I’m very glad you are out of that terrible work environment. No one deserves that kind of nuttiness!

This is so true. Although I am much older than a 30-something, I have worked many places that fit into this category. However, I think it’s important that people (especially recent college grads) not take this mentality to such an extreme that they brand themselves a spoiled brat who can’t take a little heat. Working long hours and with difficult people is a great way to build skills and determine what your passion/priorities are.

I laughed when I read David Meerman Scott’s blogpost. At my last job, which claimed to be the leading provider of digital technology, the company president banned employees from having access to social networking during work hours and refused to consider having a company Facebook or Twitter account. Yet, he only wanted to hire recent college grads. He acted like a crazed dictator (e.g. throwing chairs when he was angry) and then would get drunk with employees during happy hour. It was a very hostile work environment and one I am extremely grateful to be out of, but in the current job market, those 30-somethings are willing to take anything just to have a job and gain experience.

I’m glad you have COBRA to cover you for now and I’m hoping that when 2014 comes, the new health insurance law will help us find less expensive insurance alternatives.
Best wishes for a healthy and serene new year, Deb Mourey

I am an experienced tech. writer & editor, between jobs (as it were – sounds better than unemployed). I just finished a long-term contract. I’ve done occasional, small-scale freelancing, but I’m really looking for contract or direct-hire work – what I have done in the past. There are many of us out here. Fortunately, even though it costs a lot, I have COBRA health insurance for the next 18 mos., but many contractors are stuck with NONE. They fall between the cracks — income too high for many of the plans that individuals can afford. At least, contractors get paid regularly (when they have jobs.

Every freelancer I’ve known has complained about ridiculous delays in getting paid for work that’s finished.

Best wishes for the holidays!

Melanie