A few posts ago, I mentioned how I'm now going to have to double up on my courseload so I can get out and graduate on time. One of the two courses I'm taking — Internet-Oriented Programming — requires two prerequisites to take. Two more classes on top of the four I already have to take to get out? Yeah…I'm not having that. So I filed a claim to take the course without a prereq. I mean, just look at this course description:

This course focuses on Internet and Web programming, one of the fastest growing areas of system development. Students apply Internet programming languages such as HTML, Dynamic HTML and JavaScript to develop their own Web sites. The course also examines Internet application tools and commercial Web servers.

Prereq my ass…this class will be a cake walk.

As part of the claim, I had to not only fill out a form with a written appeal, but also submit my resume and any job descriptions for positions I've had which call on the experience necessary for the class. Getting a description from Big Company, Inc. was no problem (designers have been leaving left and right lately), but getting the one from the old gig with Micro-Manager would be difficult since it hasn't been updated since I left and may not even be readily available. (As I may have alluded to in a previous post, Micro-Manager finally gave up the ghost and resigned shortly after the tornado that hit downtown Atlanta. Personally, I know there were many more reasons behind it, but the fact that she's gone lifts a dark cloud from that place like nothing else.)

So off to Google! A quick search and I see that her position has been filled not just by an unknown from outside the organization (Hallelujah!), but by a man. Now I'm not a chauvinist, but you have to understand that when I did work there, Micro-Manager, Hortense and D.A.W.G. represented the Holy Trinity of bad female representation in the workplace to the nth degree. Hell, all you have to do is search for "Micro-Manager" here on this blog to read her numerous exploits. Her presence there was the only reason I left, regardless of it being the most diverse position I've ever worked.

Aaaaaannd…..scene.

I fired off a quick e-mail to the new guy, saying that I used to work there in that same department and that I was requesting a copy of the job description for a class I was trying to take. He replied, but in a rather interesting way:

Attached you will find the job description you requested. I'm curious though, from your time here, you definitely made an impact that's still lasting. Why did you leave, if you don't mind me asking? Also, are you still in the Atlanta area? I have something very interesting to discuss with you. Please call me upon receipt of this e-mail.

Now it may just be me, but is he implicitly offering me my old job? Nah….couldn't be. They have some milquetoast cat currently there. I met him…dude wouldn't even shake my hand. Naturally, he'd fit in well under Micro-Manager's regime since she prefers men she can break emotionally. Besides, he's still here from last I heard and doing a so-so job. I replied back to the new guy saying that I was still in the Atlanta area, but didn't give him the real reason I left there (I just said that it was time for a professional change). Two hours later, I get an e-mail from Evilene:

I just want you to know that your old job is available again. When do you plan to apply? The person who replaced Micro-Manager is very nice. Mouth of the South is out of control. She has taken me to HR twice within two weeks, mainly based on assumption and perception.

Stay in touch.

…well alrighty then.

Looks like I've got some thinking to do. With the cancer extracted from that department, a lot of things change. Hortense and D.A.W.G. no longer have Micro-Manager to cover their asses. They're still there, but the dynamic would be different. A plus of going back would be that it's a permanent gig. That's right — no more contracting. Full benefits and a 401k. Salary. Paid leave. It's close to home. I would have an office. And there's no more Micro-Manager. No. More. Micro-Manager. Can I say that enough? Because seriously…she's not there like the Zombies song says. And while I know it's not an explicit offer, the notion is something to consider, particularly since I'm not even emotionally invested in Big Company, Inc. and would really like not having to work weekends for a change.

I've got the weekend to think about it before following up on Monday. Stay tuned!

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