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Off-topic Chatter
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Well, it's shaping up to be a very long, hot summer, but that's nothing new around here. What is new, or might be new in the near future, is me trying once again, to make this a job of sorts. Since I became unemployed, I have found that not many places are really interested in an old guy and so far, every job possibility has been a no go, "thanks for applying, keep in touch", kind of thing. At least a few employers have given me little bits and pieces of the real story, since it's Texas, the "rules are less clear and much looser about employment here". Basically, a trend is showing up and it's one that says if you are unemployed, you will not get a chance, because more and more places feel they only want people who are already employed and want to switch to another company. Unemployed people are starting to be considered as "unemployable" and they don't even get looked at. Of course, for me, my age stops most people right there. I have been told more than once that I am now "unemployable", except for the unemployment commission, who says I just need to go find a f----- job.

Well, I'm not looking for sympathy, really, so don't bother going there. That isn't what it's about.

What it is about, is me starting to do something at home, that might help a little, as far as making a few bucks, instead of just sitting here and going stir crazy, so I am starting a website and I will be starting to use affiliate links with every place that wants to be affiliated with me. I am looking at making a few "modded lights", not from scratch, but modded lights that I tend to like, such as the SS ZY-T08 and others. I will mod them and put them up for sale on my website and hopefully, I will also get back into doing knives and leather work. It's going to take time and it's no sure thing, but I don't have many other choices right now, so hopefully, I will learn enough to get better as I go.

I have included the link to the website in my Signature line and hopefully y'all will check out the affiliate links there. I do not plan on placing affiliate links here, in the forums. I just don't want to do that, so I will try it just on my website and see what happens. I got a lot to learn and make changes, but I got time right now too.

Thanks for putting up with my ramblings,

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Been there plenty of times, it doesn’t get easier as the years go on. The best employment read I have seen is this blog:

Ask The Headhunter

The guy puts it out straight. The blog comments are a silver mine for other information too. The best one I found was when you are writing your resume and it is for a specific position where they have you submit it to a computer based system for screening, is to put the job posting in between the paragraphs of your resume. Use a small font to get it all in there, then highlight ONLY the job posting text and turn the text color white. This makes it “invisible” to the humans, but the computers all see the text…. Now you will pass the keyword filter when you submit the resume and it will get to a real person. It worked for me on a couple of occasions.

I do this in MS Word, but I save all of my resumes and submit them as PDF files, which are harder to alter. If you do not have adobe, use CutePdF Writer and “print” it as a PDF. If you do not have MS Word, OpenOffice is free and compatible.

I hope you the best on the website stuff and staying busy can help you stay sane, so do what you have to. Regardless, you have more time to post stuff here… so I am conflicted a little if you do find other “real” employment. :wink:

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Same thing happened to me back in ’72. Graduated college in a recession year and couldn’t find a job in my field.
I remember getting angry after one last interview and as I walked back to my car in the parking lot I decided right then and there that I would NOT work for anyone. I would start my own business.
I did and I have NEVER received a paycheck since. Never regretted it, in fact I fully embraced my new direction and did OK.
I KNOW you are a “can do” kind of guy, and you know what? You Can Do It!

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A few years ago when I went to work for others to have insurance, after 20 years of self-employment, the common mantra was "over-qualified". Wtf???

Keep at it. It isn't our age. It is their fear of getting replaced or their lack of knowledge.

5

I have been here long enough to remember when Oldlumens was THE MAN to got to for modified Maglights.

Then slowly you migrated to LED based lights and modded them, and did a fine job at that.
You learned on the fly and adapted quick.
I am proud to have purchased some of your work and think it still has a place in the market.
I know you take pride in the Made in America theme and you should continue with that.

There seems to always be a market for Mag lights that are shortened up and modified.
Do that and charge what you need to make it worth your while.
The ZY-T08 is also a great platform, I have your 5 Nichia mod and it will never be for sale as long as I am able to use it.
Never sell yourself short.
Build them and they will come :slight_smile:

Thanks and Hang in there.
Keith

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I think you will do GREAT with your new adventure! I admire your skill, craftsmanship and attention to detail so I can’t wait to get some of your lights, knives and leather work!!! I for one will spread the word amongst friends and family for your soon to be works of art!! Your website is at the top of my book marks!! Good Luck and Give’er Hell!!! :wink:

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Hey OL,

good to see that you will continue with this.

Are you now considering getting a lathe?

I really think thats something you`ll need, to make money out of this,and not spend too much time on each light.

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A lathe is just a dream and a long way off from where I am now. I imagine I could do a lot with one, but I will make do as I have until it becomes a need instead of a wish.

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Best of luck with your new venture , Justin .

A workman works with his hands .

A craftsman works with his hands and his head .

An artist works with his hands , his head , and his heart .

And you , sir , are a damn good artist .

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Justin, all the best, my friend. While we are all in uncharted territory, I have faith that you will find a way to get where you want to go.

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i will get you a lathe.
pm sent.

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Nice...

a lil love from Mr Cone

Seems like we all believe in you

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Yeah… been there myself. Once you’re past 50 somehow you get passed over no matter how good or experienced you are.
But I’m glad you’re going to make a go of offering some super O-L modded monsters :smiley:

(My ‘dream light’ would be a modded DEEP-GREEN MAGLITE utilizing an MT-G2 emitter pushing out about 2300 lumens).

Best wishes for all your endeavors :bigsmile:

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I'll be checking your site regular as I know many others will. Will have to try think up another interesting mag-mod that I need!

All the Best.

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Great initiative OL !

Reviewed your website. Now just waiting for products in the knife and flashlight categories.

For what its worth: you’ve got my interest!

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Wish a positive, growing traffic to your Web site.

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can people in texas look for a small lathe that is near tyler, texas ?
in any ads, and at harbor freight.

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HEY!

Bring my green lights back!! I enjoy owning those every day. They live in my office along with the other OL-Customs I have. I wish you the best, if I need something from one of those affiliates, I'll sure go through your site!! If I can be of help, you sort of know where I am. Go get'em Justin. Dan.

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S__t aye. What can one say but bring em on. Are you on FB?