The GW Micro blog has been discontinued. For instant updates on GW Micro products and events, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
My new job with GW Micro - Part 1
by Raul Gallegos on Saturday, March 24 2007Getting a new job is always a wonderful thing. I mean, how often is a blind guy going to be hired on the spot by simply walking into a place and asking for help in filling out an application? The reality is that this sort of thing does not happen very often. I can say that it has happened to me, about ten years ago, but that is a story for another day. Let's get on with the new job at GW Micro.
This all started in December of 2006, just shortly after Window-Eyes 6.0 was released. There I was, doing my day-to-day thing with my family. This included, but was not limited to;being a stay-at-home-dad, playing on the computer, doing the dishes, doing the laundry (sometimes). Anyway, I took a break and got caught up on email. After sorting through all the spam, I noticed a message from Doug. We will call him Doug G, and that is only because he represents the G of GW Micro. In any case, I'm sure you know who I'm talking about.
In this email, Doug said he needed to talk to me and when would be a good time to do so on the phone. Since it was rather late, I figured that at that moment it would not be good. I replied back telling him the next day at ten in the morning would be good. To be honest, I thought that perhaps he was wanting to talk to me because of something which i may have written to the gw-info list. I tend to be a blunt person and that can come off negatively at times. So, I figured I was going to get a verbal handslapping or something.
As it turns out, the phone call did have a lot to do with my messages on gw-info, but not to tell me to stop, but rather to offer paying me for the support I've been doing already as a customer and fan. yes, he actually offered me a job with GW Micro. At first, I just sat there, not believing that I was actually getting a job offer. To be honest, I still do not know exactly what I said except that I was definitely interested. He said, that because of my obvious knowledge of Window-Eyes and my willingness to help on the gw-info list, and my participation on the beta team, along with a few other things, he felt I would be a great addition to the GW Micro family. Well, he didn't say it quite like that, but that was the point. Once I recovered from the initial surprise I asked the big question. That question was how soon did he want me to start. Of course, he said that sooner than later would be the best, but he understood my situation.
Because of that situation in Denver, I could not just pick up and move to Indiana right after Christmas. Being married, having kids in school, and owning a house are major things to consider. In short, being married prooved to be a good thing. I somehow chose the right wife because she was excited for me and said she would back me up 100% no matter what I chose to do. The kids are not a big deal. My youngest at 2 years of age is not in regular school and daycare/preschool type place is easily found in Indiana. My daughter who is six was going to full day Kindergarten and would obviously have to give up her few friends and get used to a new school. The nice thing about her being so young, is that it's easier to relocate then if she was in high school or something. My oldest son who is ten does not live with us full time so that part was easy. I asked him what he thought of us moving to Indiana and he said that he didn't care as long as we find a house next to a train track. The fact that instead of flying 1200 miles to see me in the summer time, he would have to fly over 2000 miles instead, did not bother him at all.
As far as the house goes, we were going to try and sell it. The market however, is not good right now. So instead, we decided to rent it out. It did not take us long to find a property management company and have them do all the leg work. So, at least, the house, wife, and the kids were all taken care of.
I told Doug that everything Denver-side was looking good and that I would definitely be interested in checking things out in Indiana. Both me and my wife flew out to GW Micro's office in the middle of January so we could meet everyone and check out the city for a bit. I had met many of the staff throughout the years in various conferences and things like that, but sadly, no one remembered meeting me. Either I didn't make a big enough impression, or they were just lying to me. In any case, we checked out the office and I had my official interview where I gave my official answer.
Let me just say that the job offer and the job interview was the most interesting experience I have ever had in regards to work. It does not seem to me that any company would offer a job and want to wait a few months for the person to start. Usually, they want someone a lot sooner than later. I told Doug the soonest I could start would probably not be until March or April. He was completely understanding and agreed. That showed me that GW Micro really wanted me. I certainly commend them for the casual atmosphere and the friendliness of everyone here. I spent the whole day here at the office hanging out with the tech support guys since that was going to be where I'd be most of the time. In short, I felt like I would fit in with no problems.
During the rest of January and all of February, my wife and I prepared for our move. We had to do all the relocation things like; finding a renter for our home, looking into a moving company, packing all our stuff, getting the kids and the dog caught up on their shots, making reservations for temporary housing in Indiana while we get our new house, etc. There are a lot more things of course, but those were the big ones.
Later on, I will have a post regarding the moving company. Let's just say that I highly do not recommend them one bit, but if I go on about them, this blog will never end. In short, our 1300 or so mile move has gone mostly well. I was able to start working here at the office on March 19th just as I planned. Also, my wife, kids, and dog are doing well for the most part. We still do not have our house, but that is a story for another day as well.
So now you know.
