Turtle

Hey there Wiz! How are you?? I've been laying low since retiring in April 2020 (and no thanks to the pandemic!!). BUT...I'm tentatively planning on attending the Tri State. One of my former colleagues will be there presenting, too. As long as things go well here in SE MA, I will be there! Hope to see you there! --Turtle

WOW!! It's been a LONG time since I read your posts, Wiz!! Hope all is well with you! In case you haven't heard....I'M RETIRED! Left NWS BOX on April 30, 2020...just in time for the pandemic! I've been very quiet since then. Had my retirement party (finally!) on May 21, as the pandemic waned in early May. Only about 2 dozen people there, including my 2 sisters and a few other family members (one sister with her husband and stepdaughter), but it was really nice!! One Boston TV met (who just retired, too!) stopped by to wish me well!! EPIC! You can keep in touch with me through my new GMail account (the Comcast one just up and died on me!!). It's [email protected] . I'm on LinkedIn too. Anyone that reads this can reached out, too! Take care, my friend, and keep in touch!!! --Turtle

Glad I got in to see this....well, that is, if this can get done!!!! I'm available anytime, preferably afternoon or evening. (for those whom haven't heard, I'm retired!! ) I'll try and visit here more often. --Turtle

I nearly started crying when I started reading this. Then...I scrolled down...OMG! It is kinda serious talking about suicide, but this was classic once you see the photos and know how Garth is. --Turtle

Yes...yes...YES!!!! I totally agree with all this!!! --Turtle

I'm glad you posted this. They have updated the wording in this to include "applicants face keen competition" and "those with graduate degrees should enjoy better prospects than those with only a bachelor’s degree." Both these were not there only a year or two ago. I'm glad this has been updated. Now some of my feelings on the original post: For the most part I do agree. Yes, the AMS did publish an article which really tuned me into the ever increasing difficulty in newly graduated met students trying to break into the field. And I totally agree with this. I had seen this anecdotally for several years before it was quantified in the article. Part of my job is to go out to career days at high schools to promote students going into science and meteorology. I make sure I include mention for students to go for advanced degrees or double degrees (two BS/BA degrees). Several of my classmates at Lyndon got their double degrees in meteorology and math. I almost got an AS in Physics. Another natural is computer programming. It broadens students' horizons when looking for employment after college. I even have high school and college students into the office for "job shadow" opportunities. While it would be difficult for me to directly say, "Good luck getting a job with the huge backlog of people with met. degrees out there now!" I do stress how important to get all kinds of experience, volunteer (in our office, college students) internships or working part time at weather related locations (like Blue Hill Observatory in eastern Mass.). Just my two cents worth. --Turtle