My father has been working as a networking engineer for almost 40 years. He is exceptional at what he does. The problem is we live in a country, where things like perfection, attention to detail mean nothing. Also he is old, which is a big problem for most employers. 3 years ago he quit his job, because the owner of the company hadn't payed him for 7 months. My father didn't care for 5 months, continued doing his job, as if he was getting payed twice as much. After 7 months passed he brought the project to an end and the firm maid a substantial amount of money because of his work. He then resigned. My Dad didn't care if he wasn't getting payed, his work matters most to him and he proved it. It pains me to see him today (3 years later), still searching for jobs and going crazy, because he can't do what he loves the most. He started developing projects on his own, yet no one want to invest, because of the situation in our country(riots).
This has had quite the impact on our family in all the ways you can imagine.
I tried talking to him, yet he has grown distant and bitter. I'm loosing my father. He is in dire need of a job and i feel helpless.
Ask HN: How can i help my dad?
1–10 of 61 posts
Re: Ask HN: How can i help my dad?
#2> we live in a country, where things like perfection, attention to detail mean nothing
Is this actually true? Seems like a kneejerk generalisation. If it is true, then surely this is a huge opportunity.
Re: Ask HN: How can i help my dad?
#3People in this type of situation usually volunteer. Your local library, school, or place of worship are the most common.
It's not as much fun as building a huge network, so you have to replace that part of the experience with the people - get to know the people there, and enjoy having them appreciate you (i.e. quality of interaction instead of quantity).
Re: Ask HN: How can i help my dad?
#4> we live in a country, where things like perfection, attention to detail mean nothing Is this actually true? Seems like a kneejerk generalisation. If it is true, then surely this is a huge opportunity.
I dunno. I get the same feeling at my work a lot of the time.
Re: Ask HN: How can i help my dad?
#5So I've got to ask - what country?. Riots and a controlling government doesn't narrow it down. Is there any chance of emigrating? How are your dad's language skills - how's his English for example?
What things has he tried? Sending out speculative letters? Taking unpaid placements (if possible) to get a foot in the door?
Re: Ask HN: How can i help my dad?
#6Can he do these things remotely?
Can you help get overseas projects?
Can you setup a profile on eLance/etc where he can get projects?
Can you get an investment from Kiva or another crowd-funding site?
Re: Ask HN: How can i help my dad?
#7Could he start a hacklab? Find an old warehouse, put in some big tables and some equipment then invite people to come in and learn about engineering?
Some people got together nearby, got a government grant and setup a building to do just that. Charge a monthly fee to members and BAM! He's a business owner doing what he loves.
Re: Ask HN: How can i help my dad?
#8> we live in a country, where things like perfection, attention to detail mean nothing Is this actually true? Seems like a kneejerk generalisation. If it is true, then surely this is a huge opportunity.
There are entire countries where the modus operandi is finding a position of some power, then finding a way to cheat there so you can get something for yourself. Corruption is a measure of success.
Knowing the loopholes and exploiting them means you're the smart one among a sea of clueless idiots. People get "secret" respect for being corrupted. Former Soviet block countries are one example of this mentality.
There's a reason certain countries can't make quick progress, while others can. Culture is the operating system of the mind, it affects how we perceive the world, how we make decisions, and ultimately where we're dragging the entire society with us.
Re: Ask HN: How can i help my dad?
#9> we live in a country, where things like perfection, attention to detail mean nothing Is this actually true? Seems like a kneejerk generalisation. If it is true, then surely this is a huge opportunity.
Yes. Yes it is. The country is Bulgaria.
Re: Ask HN: How can i help my dad?
#10In times of crisis sometimes is good we try new areas, maybe your father finds happiness working with something else.
A small business, something that he can be independent, owner.