:: So It Is Written... ::

:: Friday, April 01, 2005 ::

 

I feel like crap. Should I? you tell me... I got this offer, more or less, from my boss... he basically says he'll pay me to go work for NASA for a summer. It could lead to a more permanent employment in two years, he says. Said it could lead to my PhD on NASA's bill... sounds good so far, right? So I met with the guy in charge of this project. He told me, "we basically need someone to become an expert in solid rockets." Bad thing #1: Then he tells me the project is only for one year. Bad thing #2:

so let me back up... got a friend up at the ERC that I've worked with for years (you know, the years when I wasn't in Colorado)... Even lived with the guy for a summer, actually. He's been talking for months about rocketry. He has read books on rockets, and genuinely wants experience working with rockets... He currently is working on a numerical method project, but, for the kicker, he already works for the guy in charge of this project. He's miles ahead of me when it comes to rocketry... I mean, I really don't know much about it... Dr. Koenig kinda skipped that part of our propulsion class cause we had got so caught up in turbojets...

I've always been a very strong believer in using the best person for the job. Normally I'm egotistical enough to believe that that's always me. This is an exception. In this case, I do not believe I am the best person for this job. For that reason, I went to my boss and asked him why he wouldn't put this other person on this project. His answer was short and fairly harsh. In the end, he told me that it's none of my concern what happens to anyone else but me. Going back to bad thing #1, he also told me that this project IS only for one year, but I should be able to take what I learn and apply it towards a PhD.

so now I feel like crap. I have a project that is not my PhD project that could lead to me working with NASA if I can stick with it for that long... AND I am NOT the best person for this job. I'm just doing this job because it's my best option. My friend would be doing this job because he's dying to do it. I mean, really... who would you want working for you?

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for working at NASA... but not like this. screwing over a friend to get a job that you don't really want just so you can work for a department that you plan on transferring out of as soon as you get there... This is not on my list of "Things I Would Do To Work For NASA"...

Quote of the Day:
"Of course I make you pay a lot for me; that way you don't forget how much I'm worth." -- Deedee, on birthday presents

:: posted by Tmber :: 3:54 AM ::