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I agree with Russell that this is a toxic environment. I, too, have worked for a narcissistic, abusive boss. Personally, I would get out. It won’t get better, and you will continue to feel worse and worse.
 
Realize that you may have to relocate to find work and that it’s hard to find a job. If you can, cut back your hours. Just tell the boss the…[Read more]

Why is it a bad thing that they hired someone else? The hiring of another person should be a sign that the company is growing, which is what you want is it not?
 
That was the whole point of my outrage. The company is NOT growing, the demand for our services has NOT increased, they just hired this guy out of the wild blue yonder. They told us ‘…[Read more]

The whole designed landscape should be art. The un-designed landscape is art too. 
If you want to talk about art as being separate from the environment then that’s exactly what it is. An element in space that serves no specific purpose. It is not lighting, a bench, stairs, railing, grading, wall or planting, although those components can be…[Read more]

Chad, I think there have been other discussions regarding estimation software suggestions, but I’ll throw these your way, just in case I’m wrong. If you are looking for design/build related estimation software that utilizes assemblies for the materials you would be quantifying and turning around for a proposal to build said design, Include…[Read more]

Man I would love to! Unfortunately we have reduced hours at our firm which results in a half day on Friday. Since I am on the east coast that means I am gone or close to gone when the chat starts. blarggg….

Hey Matthew,
Like Jeffrey said, we do a weekly Friday chat and the topic is usually picked from one of the forums that have raised alot of discussion.  It’s a great place to speak to LA’s and designers about important topics.  Another cool part about the chat that I’ve found is that after an hour or so of chatting on topic, many stay on and talk a…[Read more]

Why is it a bad thing that they hired someone else?  The fallacy is that with less people and more hours, productivity increases.  Productivity doesn’t increase, its just less people doing more work.  Productivity is when your product moves and grows in proportion to your employees.  The hiring of another person should be a sign that the com…[Read more]

Andrew usually picks, you will get an email here in an hour or so regarding what the topic is and to remind you to log on to chat.

I’m trying to encourage an “everyday” general chat. What do the Friday chats usually entail?

usually there is a Friday Chat at 9 AM PST.

True to both posts.  “IF” you do a planting design, the palette will already be chosen, and you will be drafting a hand drawn planting plan. 
 
Also, don’t come to So Cal, I don’t need anymore competition for jobs.  Just kidding; it is almost harder looking for a PM or a Lead LA position to open up in this economy.

Stay with the accredited if it is your first professional degree. Andrew is correct, when you go to get licensed, it makes a huge difference. Some states won’t allow you to take the exam for a decade if you don’t have the accredited degree. If you already have an accredited undergrad degree, it doesn’t matter, as you only need one accredited…[Read more]

Land FX does some of that.  I’m not sure exactly what it all does, but I know it does planting, irrigation, etc.

There are toxic employees as well. There are times when employers have to manage payroll in order to survive. When that means a drop in pay or other loss to employees it is a downer that can result in negative attitudes. When it happens to all of the employees it tends to result in negative discussion between employees which can snowball into a…[Read more]

Look at the LA registration rules for the state(s) that you want to get licensed in. Most require an accredited degree or a very long internship of six or more years without an accredited degree.

Does this firm have a name? Sounds like real jerks are in charge.
 
Toxic workplaces exist. Toxic bosses also exist. Neither is a good thing.
The question one should ask is, if I’m miserable, treated poorly, and underpaid, can I find some place better to go? And start spending time and energy doing just that! I’ve has at least 3 situations in my…[Read more]

So quit. Having been on both sides of the coin. All good business owners are ALWAYS looking for the best. Most good business advice is …..if a great candidate walks in the door, figure out how to make it work and hire him. Your loyalty is great but……………business is business. Its not a personal slam against you, he has to do what he has…[Read more]

   Whats up? (that is the Massachusetts version of Aloha).
I agree with Bob about not needing to be fluent in regional plants in an entry level position. In a bigger firm, you’ll likely follow Bob’s description, but in a very small office you’ll do a little of everything and learn a lot more ….. if little offices were hiring. 

Thomas–my better nature says option “a”.
My dark inner monkey says “mess with they minds”.