I've heard quite a few anecdotal reports of FFQ being slow on certain websites. I've had no such issues, and in fact really like Quantum. I've used FF for a long, long time. I may be biased.
Edit: Had no slow-downs or hang ups on any of the mentioned sites (including the whatsapp linked below)
This x1000.
Before you plan the next 10 years of your life in a certain direction, spend some time ensuring thats actually the direction you want to take.
Edit: Will also add, for entry-level success in the corporate world, learn to do what your told, without hesitance or question.
I can't specifically speak to this, but I would like to chime in with one thing:
A lot of your post reminds me of the common traits of Imposter Syndrome [1]. Even if you are actually below the norm, you may be exaggerating the gap through Imposter Syndrome.
My personal opinion backed by absolutely 0 scientific evidence would be to provide warm lighting with individual (desk based) dimmer switches - allowing the individual to adjust light levels to their own optimum comfort level. The closer the light mimics natural light, the better.
It's hard to make any recommendations without a bit more information.
1) Where do you find your view of the phone interview going from optimistic to feeling it's gone awry?
2) Are the positions you are applying for well within your skillset, related to last positions? Are they a level above or below your past experience? Lateral?
3) How much research do you put into your interviews?
4) Do you have a set of questions prepared for the interviewer? I have found (both interviewing, and being interviewed) that a single unique and well thought question can be a game changer in the interview process and can lead to better conversation with the interviewer.
5) Do you practice interviews / questions with yourself or a friend?
I also would suggest really putting yourself in the interviewers shoes, for each position. What do you think they are looking for? If you were interviewing, how would you want certain questions answered?
I understand where your coming from and I'm sure theres a happy medium. Doing just money or just enjoyment wont work as well as a proper balance.
But, to play devils advocate... Having worked in a high paying, crap job and moving into a job with lower pay but much more aligned with my passion I am MUCH happier
What is questionable, imo, is this worldview which you and another have mentioned.
What a sad way to live, fulfilling other peoples needs in exchange for 0's, instead of trying to fulfil your needs for intellectual growth, joy, etc. while _also_ supplying an end product or service of some sort.
You realize you can enjoy what you do, love what you do even, and still exchange a product/service for money? In fact, you'll likely do better as people will sense your _passion_ about what you are selling, as opposed to seeing you chase the 0's
I feel really sorry for you and your friends who spend your lives doing what you don't enjoy for the sake of some 0's on your bank account. Also, I'm not saying go pick flowers for a living. But you should at least enjoy what you do, which fosters continual growth (to become an expert, you must grow).
Regardless of experience, resume, whatever.. Networking is everyones number one way of getting a "foot in the door". Honestly, if I were you, any time you think you should spend polishing up your resume / brushing up on data structures whatever; you should instead spend your time getting out there and networking.
Ask people to refer you to other people. Meet people for friendly coffee, and don't even bring up that you're looking for work the first coffee. Start commenting on popular blogs, insightful articles on LinkedIn, etc.
I don't know if "impressive" is the word I'd use, I also don't know if this is the sort of story you're interested in, but...
I graduated Construction Engineering Technology, worked manual labour and moved into an estimating/quantity surveying role at a small construction firm. I was still site foreman at the time, and did just as much physical labour after graduating as I did before.
I decided physical labour was not the life for me. Got hired on at a small oil and gas engineering firm which engineers specialty products for large diameter pipeline construction. What was I doing? Reception. Answering phones. Doing dishes. Booking flights. All the administrative things which were (I thought) far and below me, the educated man.
Fast forward 6 months, I've had two promotions, two raises, and am having my IIBA membership and classes paid for. I still do some reception duties, but rarely.
I think there's a lesson to be had here. I was pretty upset moving into a role at the bottom of the pole, after being fairly "high up" in my old role (well, lots of responsibility even if the pay didn't quite reflect that). But, now I'm making more money than I was, with as much schooling as I (reasonably) want paid for. I showed up with a good attitude every day, and no matter how remedial I felt the work was, I put in 100% effort. It paid off. It's continuing to pay off.
tldr - Started as a receptionist, now am much more
I agree 100% and think that OP __should__ absolutely be able to approach a coworker and mention this sort of thing. But, in the OP's interest (assuming OP wants to keep job in good standing) I made my recommendations.
"Business setting" sucks. I'm in a "family-like" work environment where I can approach anyone from CEO to Reception with ideas, feedback, or ask for feedback. It's fantastic. I wish all companies were like this. Unfortunately, that's not the case.
I disagree with this, and would be very cautious of doing something like this in a business setting.
No matter how nicely you put it, you're going to come across as "I know more than you, I noticed this and you didnt, I can help and you cant". Especially stepping in and offering to coach, without being asked, in a department that isn't yours... I wouldn't like it if I were the other manager, I wouldnt like to see it if I was senior management.
If your environment allows for and encourages a more open structure, where you're confident you're not overstepping your bounds, yes this would be the tact to take. Considering you have to ask HN if this would be overstepping your bounds, just don't. Just stick to your stuff.
As Danso said, you could mention it to the person which the person in question reports to, and I would do so with caution and vagueness. You don't want to be seen as micromanaging someone elses department.