Microsoft Certified

At my last job, one of the senior developers was let go. He told me the only database jobs he could find were Microsoft based. A year ago I was let go from that project too. The only jobs I was able to find that seemed interesting were with Microsoft SQL Server. I thought I saw the writing on the wall. So I decided to learn SQL Server.

Why not get a certification while I was doing this? Might as well. I decided on the SQL 2016 Database Development one. It is an MCSA cert. That stands for Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate. I needed to hurry up though. Microsoft is retiring this certification in January 2021.

Well today I went to take my second and final exam required for this MCSA cert. My normal testing centers are closed due to COVID-19. I tried an alternate site for the first test. The exam crashed in the middle, causing the admins to run around rebooting stuff for 30 minutes. That is not the optimal environment for exam taking.

So I tried a new testing site today. The windows on the front of the building were covered so you could not see through. The front door was locked. They did not have any lockers you could secure your belongings in. I decided to lock my valuables up in my car. Still have to check in my car key with a guy who would "put it in a filing cabinet".

This second exam was difficult. Lots of DBA questions. Turns out I was sufficiently prepared. I passed and am now a recognized MCSA. Next up, I need to determine what to learn next.

Duplicate Credit Card Charges

I needed to pick up my car from the dealership. Was having some maintenance done. Before going in, I decided to stop by Little Caesars to get some bread sticks. I pulled up to their drive through window and tried to pay by credit card.

The dude had trouble running my card through. He tried a number of times. Eventually he said he got it to work. And I thought everything was okay. Then I got my credit card bill. Turns out they charged me four times that day.

I called the credit card company up. Told them 3 of the 4 charges were not valid. They told me to call the vendor and try to get them to refund the bad charges. I called the store. They told me to call Little Caesars management.

I called the manager. They saw my charges. But they said that they did not collect the money due to communication problems with the credit card machine. I said that seemed strange as my credit card company was passing the charges on to me.

In the end, the vendor said they would not credit the charges back. So my credit card company had to charge the money back. Lesson learned it to pay online using their web site, and just pick the food up from the local store.

Career Proposals

Momoko and I searched Little Kat's college offerings. We looked for a program with minimal classes in an industry with good pay. We wanted a program that was not difficult to get into. We also did not one a program that required a lot of difficult classes.

Our first choice was 3D printing. You can get a certificate in it with a little as 3 semesters. The average salary in the field is very high. There are some concerns. 3D printing is not a mature field. Also, it requires a physical sciences class that seems difficult.

Next program is CAD. It also only requires a couple semesters of study to get a certificate. The average salary is no that high. Another drawback is both new students (like Little Kat) and people experienced in the field might be going for the certificate, putting the newbies at a disadvantage. Finally you need to take labs starting the the first semester, which will be challenging due to COVID-19.

Last up is Cyber Forensics. It needs a few semesters of study. The average salary is decent. However like CAD, it requires labs starting in the first semester. It also requires tough courses such as a Python programming class, along with a very tough networks class.

Once Little Kat is done with the current semester at school, Momoko and I will pitch our ideas to him for a new college prorgram and career.