₦airaland Forum

"...nothing as dangerous as a h.o.r.n.y boss"

The headline should be: "Funmi Iyanda Opens Her Legs To Prove That She Is Not Bleaching"

When the PDP looters were sharing our money, were they not being selective? Now that the long arm of the law has caught up with them, they are crying that justice is selective. Doesn't it make sense that justice will only be meted out to the caucus that ate our money? Now they are pointing fingers...sigh!!

Outofsync:
Selective Justice is not justice. How can one claim to clean another man's house when his stinks to the high heavens?

Day11:
GEJ our Hero

We gonna bring Nigeria to the knees if you try to drag GEJ to the Arms deal.

Truss me, GEJ knows nothing about it

#LeaveGejAlone

I have two feelings in my heart for you.

1. Shame

2. Pity

Please don't insult me, but I think you may be blinded by sentiments.

Olisa Metuh: If you dare me, I will jump out of this retched prison vehicle and you cannot do anything

Prison Officer: Oga no dey shout na court we dey go..

Olisa Metuh: mimicking the prison official with a baby's voice"Oga no dey shout na court we dey go"

Prison Official: Oga please respect yourself

Olisa Metuh: Shutup my friend, retched man!

Prison Official: Oga I go put handcuff for your hand oooo...

Olisa Metuh: You wouldn't dare it. You don't know who I am

Prison Official: Ahmed!!! Handcuff am.

Olisa Metuh: I will not take it!! leave me alone *attempts to bite the Ahmed*

Prison Official: Oga respect yourself...*Struggling with Olisa Metuh............click!*

Olisa Metuh: Aiiiiii...my hand. This is against the law

Prison Official: Don't tell me how to do my job *vehicle pulls over at the court premises*

Olisa Metuh: I want to poo poo

Prison Official: You say wetin?

Olisa Metuh: I'm pressed, I wan sh*t

Prison Official: You no go fit, we don reach court.


To be continued..........

As an IT professional, how long should you stay in a job? This is my third year in my current job and I’m already feeling restless. It seems I’ve learnt everything the job has to offer and I still can’t see a clear path-way up the corporate ladder. I decided to write this post to blow off some steam.

The question; “how long should you stay in a job” also refers to “how long should you stay in a particular job or company”. This post addresses both interchangeably in some instances but focuses on a general idea by grouping both questions as a whole.

How long should you stay in a job in order to gain the required experience and remain attractive in the job market?

From an exclusive survey of 244 IT professionals conducted by Computer World in 2015; majority of the respondents recommended 1 – 3 years. see survey result: http://www.techbusiness101.com/how-long-should-you-stay-in-a-job/

A few decades ago, the answer to this question would most likely have been: “a life time”. Well that was then, this is now. As an IT professional, you have to keep up with new trends. To the average person, a life time career with a single company seems far-fetched. This is because people get bored with their jobs for so many reasons and companies go through financial cycles from time to time. So if you don’t leave on your own, chances are that you could get laid off during a bad financial year.

However, there might be an exception for jobs in government institutions and fortune 500 companies. Most of their employees still prefer the old religion; long service awards and loyalty plaques. This is because, government jobs are stable enough to provide security and a clear career path, while fortune 500 companies have the capacity to provide a robust experience that engages employees on different levels so as to keep them motivated. Unfortunately, employees in these institutions only account for a fraction of today’s work force.

So what about the majority!

In a bid to address the skill gaps, companies are constantly looking out for competent professionals with the required experience. As a result of this, the market now offers more options and more money to qualified IT professionals; hence, the new “grasshopper” mentality of IT professionals today.

From the survey result above, a cumulative total of 50% of the respondents agreed that their biggest concerns were:
1. Keeping skills up to date and being valuable to employer
2. Finding an appropriate new position for my skill set

This may have informed the resolve of 46% of the respondents that recommended 1-3 years in a job.

What are the Pros and Cons?

Pros & Cons of staying 1 – 3 years in a job
1. Nowadays, IT job requirements tend to be generalist in nature. Moving jobs can give you the right exposure/experience and make your resume look attractive to recruiters. Taking on new roles every few years can make you a more seasoned IT professional. Ironically, you may also be considered to be disloyal, unstable and hazardous. Companies don’t want to get their fingers bitten. After investing time and money on staff training, they want a return on investment.
2. Switching jobs present an opportunity for IT professionals to get higher pay for their work. However, this may not always be the case. Also, an employee may lose out on a company’s long term benefits plan that takes effect after “X” years of service and may continue to increase going forward; based on the number of years spent in the company.
3. Switching jobs often can also be an effective strategy for IT professionals to move up the corporate ladder quickly. Unfortunately, if you’re not moving to a supervisory or management role, it may not always be easy for you to tell if you’re moving horizontally of vertically.

Pros & Cons of staying longer in a job

1. Long tenure can be very attractive to recruiters. They see stability, security and most importantly loyalty. Ironically, your knowledge and experience may be too focused and not broad enough to meet their “generalist type” requirements.
2. Staying longer in a job may give you an opportunity to master your craft and perfect your skills. However, you may become stale and only see things from a particular perspective. To learn, develop and grow, you need to change your environment. In other words; go to another company and work with a different set of people.
3. Staying longer in a job can also give you enough time to build your reputation for integrity, technical knowledge and establish lasting business relationships. Unfortunately, companies don’t value loyalty like they use to. When the restructuring hammer falls, it falls on the old and the young.

My recommendations: How long should you stay in a job?
1. I would recommend that you spend at least 2 years in a job before you start thinking about moving to a new position. Holding a job for a long stretch of time has a lot to say about your integrity.
2. Try to exploit all opportunities to grow within your company before you think of moving out.
3. Do not focus only on remuneration at the expense of your career growth. You’ve got only about 30 years of value to bring to the industry. Strike a balance and try to ensure that you move vertically and not horizontally.
4. Companies always put their business first. You should also learn to put your career first. Don’t waste your time on a Win-Lose relationship that is in favor of a company. Always go for a Win-Win relationship that keeps you satisfied, motivated and makes the best use of your skills, talent and gifting.
5. Never trust a company with your future; you can quickly become redundant only to be laid-off whenever the company decides to restructure. Be vigilant and take ownership of your career growth.

Source: http://www.techbusiness101.com/how-long-should-you-stay-in-a-job/

Those who have left this world have no power to intercede on your behalf; only Jesus Christ. My pastor is alive and the bible clearly says that we the earthly body of Christ should pray (in the name of Jesus) with and for each other. You be the judge.

phrankchek:
soo why do u call ur pastor to pray for you?...."pastor please[b] pray for us[/b] my mum and sister is sick i don't know what is happening in our family" okkk your pastor is closer to God than Mary the mother of Jesus christ abi/

Do not make graven images - They make graven images
Do not bow down to graven images - They genuflect/bow down
There's only one name (Jesus) given among men whereby they must be saved - They infused mary.
Jesus was given the spiritual authority as our only advocate not mary - They sometimes pray through mary ("...mary pray for us)

The Catholic church is in clear disobedience. IDOL WORSHIPPING!!

MAKE UNA OPEN YOUR EYES AND DON'T GET CAUGHT UP IN A PAGAN RELIGION.

"...come and sit on my laps so I can show you another level of anointing"

100% correct. Op! you just wrote my mind. Ladies! follow this advice....

"...come and sit on my laps so I can show you another level of anointing"

This kind Congolese pastor sef! A Nigerian pastor would have waived his fifth amendment rights: "Touch not my annointed and do my prophet nooooo....harm! "...1Chronicles 16:22

Despite the fact that our brothers are not making things any easier for us in terms of the public perception of Nigerians, racism is still an issue in the UK. I remember back in Aberdeen, sometimes when you get on a bus alone and take a seat leaving a vacant one beside you. Some white folks would rather stand in the absence of any other vacant sit than sit beside you.

On the other hand I also met some really nice Brits. I met one at the store who was trying to speak Igbo to me. He told me about his fun times in Lagos and how some of his Igbo friends introduced him to "wayo" and that he made a lot of "Ego". They were all working with SNEPCO. His wife was standing there looking at us wondering what the heck we were talking about.

Ben1975:
Funny the topic is the UK. Of all the places in the world they like Nigerians there the least.

I lived among them for a few years so I know

NaijaCuzin:
pls remove united Kindom
...
#StayatYourCountry ....its best for you

I've always been an advocate for "staying in your country" because I've been around a bit and I know what's up to a large extent. However a few of my friends/colleagues are hell bent on going abroad, so I thought I could make some suggestions for the people that fall into this category. Employment for IT jobs in the UK has different faces. To some, it's difficult, to others its easy depending on your area of expertise, effort and preparedness. Given the disappointing feedback I got from my associates in the UK, I was tempted to exclude it from my list. However, I also could not ignore the positive experiences of a larger number of friends and classmates who were lucky.

Have you ever been hit by a Ransomware? Read my story: http://www.techbusiness101.com/data-security-for-your-business/

Data Security

Data Security is often a neglected subject in most small businesses. Most times, it is as a result of sheer ignorance. They usually think their data is not worth protecting and are unaware of digital/cyber security threats and corporate espionage. Some practical ways to protect your data from thieves, “no gooders” and competitors include:

1. Protect yourself from cyber attacks

a. Avoid opening potentially malicious files
b. Get paid antivirus software
c. Block/avoid high risk web sites

2. Protect yourself from surveillance and corporate espionage

a. Use secure applications: Learn about secured call and messaging apps like “Signal by open whisper systems” (endorsed by Edward
Snowden himself) and “Wickr”. They are mostly used by world leaders, business executives, journalists and human rights activists
for encrypted calls and messaging. Use them as a replacement for the popular BBM and Watsapp. The difference here is that, unlike the
popular apps, the companies do not have or store your data anywhere; conversations are anonymous, highly encrypted and purely end-to-
end. The company cannot see what you do and neither can any government or private entity.
b. Implement security in Document Control

If you think your data is valuable, then it should be protected. I’d recommend that your investment in data security should be commensurate with the actual and not perceived value of your data. An investment in the protection and security of your data makes common sense. Negligence and ignorance of the risks and possible threats to your data can be very fatal and costly to your business and intellectual property.

Detailed article: http://www.techbusiness101.com/data-security-for-your-business/

Have you ever had any ugly experiences regarding the security of your data? Post a comment...

The Misguided Merchants of Mecca have struck again, with their Meanness, Madness and Mayhem. These Muslim Militants...sigh!
The Confusion, the Chaos, the Calamity, the Carnage....

Please see detailed list: http://www.techbusiness101.com/top-10-countries-to-migrate/

Before listing the top 10 countries to migrate to, I’d take you back 4 years ago. I was possessed with an “abroad” spirit. It was certainly not the kind that would drive me into the desert or make me jump into an inflatable boat with fellow “desperadoes”. It wasn’t that freakish and I also can’t swim. I just had an intense desire to migrate to a different country; preferably a developed one. I needed a new experience in a new environment. So I decided to move to Scotland. Time won’t permit me to explain the criterion for my choice. I did the necessary paper work, got my visa and left for Aberdeen, Scotland via Paris.

The flight to Paris was extremely turbulent, to make matters worse, I was sitting at the tail end of the craft. The lady beside me was going berserk, crying her eyes out. The strong turbulence kept slamming her head on the passenger seat in front of her. She was almost peeling her hair out and was very convinced we were all going to die! Meanwhile, I was as cool as a house mouse. Baffled, she looked at me and asked in a British accent “aren’t you scared?” I looked at her and thought to myself “what is wrong with this woman? Doesn’t she know I’m going to the land flowing with milk and honey” So I replied “no madam”. I guess my strong desire to emigrate made me immune to fear. I’d write about my experience in Scotland in another post.

Migrating to another country is a major decision with far reaching effects. I know a lot of people (especially IT professionals) think there’s a greener pasture out there. This is not far from the truth. A number of countries provide better opportunities and also a higher standard of living. However, only a few are immigration friendly. When it comes to migrating, you must do your due diligence to determine which destination offers the best opportunities. You should consider career opportunities, remuneration, security and quality of life etc. I did some research and came up with the top 10 countries to migrate for IT professionals.

Top 10 Countries to Migrate - For IT Professionals
Please see detailed list: http://www.techbusiness101.com/top-10-countries-to-migrate/

1. USA

2. Canada

3. United Kingdom

4. Australia

5. France

6. Germany

7. Singapore

8. Spain

9. Netherlands

10. South Africa

The order may not be very accurate but if you are considering the possibility of seeking greener pastures, you should research the countries listed here so as to identify which of them best serves your interests.

Do you think this list is accurate? Please share your views to verify or challenge the information provided

Monalisa185:
nice piece

Thanks

I was careful to randomly list the companies with the highest market share.The categorizations here may not be accurate but I hope someone finds this information useful.

Please See detailed list: http://www.techbusiness101.com/top-it-companies-in-nigeria/

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs):

1. Cisco

2. IBM

3. Microsoft

4. HP

5. Check Point

6. VmWare

7. Oracle

8. EMC

9. Huawei

Information Technology and Services:

10. Business Connexion

11. Dimension Data

12. Vodacom

13. Wipro

14. Weco Systems

15. Resourcery

16. Layer3

17. Computer Warehouse Group

18. iTeco (Member of the Telnet Group)

19. Roe Ltd.

20. MicroAccess


Internet Service Providers:

21. MainOne

22. Internet solutions

23. Galaxy Backbone

Others include Swift Networks, Netcom Africa, Spectranet and IpnX

We also have the big names in Telecom, which includes: MTN, Glo, Airtel, Etisalat, Smile,Visafone and the rest of them. You should also be aware of other OEMs and service providers such as Ericsson, Motorola Solutions, ZTE, IHS towers, Helios towers and other “not so” popular companies.

Feel free to add yours to the list...

So one day I’m standing with my manager outside by the lawn and he’s having a smoke. We were both staring at the artificial grass and marveling at its realistic appearance; and then he tells me “the company is planning to go green” and I’m like WHAT! Oh my gosh, It’ll be beautiful….
He took a long drag from his cigarette and slightly flicked the bottom to get rid of the smoldering ash that was accumulating at the tip. Then he looked at me and said “NO! You don’t get it….st*pid”

Green IT

Primarily, Green IT is an umbrella term that means; reducing the impact of IT on the environment whilst generating cost saving and efficiency improvements. This is arguably the easiest way to describe it. However, the approach to going green will defer from organization to organization, depending on their strategy and business requirements.

Typically, Green initiatives will include:

IT equipment recycling: reduces carbon footprint through proper disposal of hardware and hazardous materials. Although, we currently lack proper recycling plants to recycle electronic waste/junk here in Nigeria.

Printer Consolidation: this one is easy. Get rid of multiple printers by using a single printer connected to your network to serve everyone. This reduces the consumption of paper, toner, ink, energy and hazardous material from printers and cartridges.

Telecommuting strategies: home working is getting popular these days. Some may argue that working from home is not a good strategy for achieving maximum productivity. However, it reduces employee commuting activities (car use etc.) thereby reducing carbon emission. Fancy huh! Well it’s true.

Adopt cloud computing: sounds a bit too technical. In this case, multiple companies share the same computer resources. Consequently, computer resources are utilized efficiently with minimal impact on energy consumption and improved cost saving.

Remote Conferencing & Collaboration: reduces carbon emission from business travel. Think of the cost saving involved in doing a Skype session rather than jumping on a flight to Abuja or Lagos.

PC power management: reduces energy consumption during extended idle times (e.g. Over night or during lunch breaks).

Energy management and monitoring: When you understand how you use energy in your office or facility, you can device initiatives to control use and cost. Some companies can afford to automate this function. SMEs may not be able to afford this due to the capital intensive nature of automating. Although, there are other cheaper ways of controlling energy usage.

See how your company can benefit from going "GREEN": http://www.techbusiness101.com/green-it-understanding-future-trends/

So what's your understanding of Green IT?

The Misguided Merchants of Mecca are at it again with their Meanness and their Madness and their Mayhem!!

I think it is high time IT professionals start looking towards entrepreneurship. The technology field is like an empty space of nothingness that may never be filled. Arguably, the IT industry has produced the highest number of young millionaires and billionaires in the 21st century. The opportunities in this field are endless. You’re only limited by your imagination.

When I read about technology startups that occur outside the shores of this country, I get very jealous. I’m not talking about e-business technology startups (the likes of Jumia, wakanow, etc.), technology consulting, outsourcing, general contracting, service providing or whatever the heck you choose to call them. I mean core innovative technology startups that bring new technology into the market (the likes of Oculus ). I mean some “Silicon Valley type” nerdy eureka orgy that births new innovations. To say the least, I get green with envy.

Why should we be deprived of such novelty?

I know why! There’s a dearth of “top of the shelf” technical professionals here in Nigeria. Our engineers are at a subpar level “when compared to” our colleagues in the western hemisphere. That doesn’t mean we totally “suck”. We just don’t have the expert level technical knowhow, resources and business environment to research, innovate, develop, produce and sustain. By expert level; I don’t mean middle aged guys with 30years industry experience and a realistic approach that has been cut to size by life experiences. I mean highly educated 20-30 year olds that dream like children and possess the knowhow to diabolically make their dreams come through. We’re notorious consumers of technology.

Recently, I’m aware some organizations have created accelerator and incubator hubs to foster collaboration and build a kind of support and mentorship environment. Others give financial rewards to encourage selected individuals. This is a positive step that has yielded some results. The problem is that most of these individuals and groups have only succeeded in reproducing ideas or solutions that already exist in the market. Hence, I wouldn’t say these ideas or solutions are innovative in the broader sense. They are mostly crude and do not necessary improve on what is already out there. There may be a few exceptions in this regard.

Technology Startups – What do you need to do?

Research:

Innovating is all about researching. Turns out you don’t necessary need to have an IT or Engineering degree. The first step is to identify a problem and device a way of solving it using technology. The internet provides an endless amount of resources on any subject matter. All you need is an iron clad resolve, a visionary mind set and research skills. You need to learn how and where to source for authoritative information and how to put it to test and apply it.

Think differently and never trust one person’s opinion:

If you want to make a break through, it is important that you adhere to this advice. Innovators must break the “not possible”, “won’t work” or “hasn’t been done” barrier. Most times, these negative comments will come from authoritative sources. The idea here is never to trust one person’s opinion. Verify every opinion with opinions. Always seek out opinions from a variety of sources to see all sides in a given situation. This will help you find a window of possibility. Challenge the status quo and strive to break the existing boundaries.

You’re better off as a team:

There’s a general saying that two heads are better than one. Bill Gates had Paul Allen and Steve Jobs had Steve Wozniak, likewise goggle and other blue chip technology companies that started with an innovative product. They all have one thing in common; they started out as a team. Nothing beats teamwork. If you love to work in isolation; I suggest you become a writer. When it comes to research, critical thinking, logic and math; you need more than one brain to bounce ideas around. If you want to move from idea -> product -> successful startup, you need a partner or a team.

Know the business- study your business environment:

Apart from the technical stuff, every technology entrepreneur will be faced with the challenge of obtaining funding, managing the business, breaking into the market, cash flow and profit. All these may be alien to a nerd, but it’s something you must learn and know about in order to be successful. The technical part and the business part tend to run simultaneously and in some cases they are intertwined; you can’t wish it away.

“Ideas are easy, implementation is hard” – Guy Kawasaki.

These are just a few key factors every “would be” technology startup entrepreneur should know about.

Source: http://www.techbusiness101.com/technology-startups/

I’ve often wondered if personality type determines the success of an individual in a chosen field.
Choosing a career can be a confusing and difficult process. You may be considering a career choice for your undergraduate study, graduate study, certification or even a job position. After making this decision, an individual has to invest money, time, effort or a life time of work. Some people are lucky to discover their interests early in life and use their experiences as a guide. The universal recommendation is to look inward to discover your strengths and passion. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as it sounds.
What if you look inward and find nothing?

This does not imply that you lack purpose or the genes for greatness. It only means that you may require some external help. Career counselors have their role to play but the individual will still have to make the ultimate decision.

What’s my personality type?

A good way to start is to take a personality test to determine your personality type. Given the theme of my blog (http://www.techbusiness101.com/best-careers-for-personality-types/), I took out time to list (from truity.com) the personality types that are fit for a career in IT and the IT career choices that are available to them. Please find a generalized listing for other careers on my blog.
When making career decisions, please do not consider your personality type alone. You must factor in other variables in order to achieve balance, so as to improve your chances of making the right choice.

The Misguided Merchants of Mecca are at it again with their Meanness and their Madness and their Mayhem!!!!

If you decide to make a physical appearance in any office, you may never be given the opportunity to meet a person of influence. In order to get your CV in the right hands, I'd recommend the following steps:

This applies to non IT jobs as well. It would require some financial commitment.

STEP 1: Prepare a Potent Resume/CV.

STEP 2: Make a list of all the companies you’d like to work for: I highly recommend my list of top IT companies in Nigeria.

STEP 3: Find the person of influence within.

STEP 4: Write a letter to the person of influence : Everyone looking for a job will respond to an advert, the idea here is to create an opportunity before the advert is even sent out.

STEP 5: Prepare and Follow-up on possible leads.

I expanded on how to follow each step and do it correctly to achieve the best results @ http://www.techbusiness101.com/how-to-get-it-jobs-in-nigeria/

Slow down Junior!! Take a hint or path ways with your money

When you think about the cost of these exams, the thought of being a repeat customer is not what anyone would like to aim for. Most times a single exam can cost as much as three quarter of my monthly salary. As a result of the cost implications, I ensure that I pass IT certification exams at first attempt. My methods may not be a 100% ethical, but it’s efficient. I have never failed a single certification exam. Most certification veterans already know and follow this method but first timers will need some guidance on how to pass IT certification exams at first attempt.
STEP 1: Study

STEP 2: Practice Labs

STEP 3: Get valid dumps for free and memorize

Exam dumps are files that contain current questions and answers from which a certification body randomly picks all its questions. In other words, it’s a database of current questions and answers. Most certification bodies such as Cisco, Microsoft, etc. will have a large pool of questions were they select a fixed number as test questions for a test taker. This pool is constantly and frequently renewed to reflect new developments in the course curriculum. The critical factor here is to ensure that you memorize the most up-to-date dump to avoid being caught unawares. Typically, dumps may contain about 200 questions and answers or less from which only a fraction can be selected. The idea is to memorize all 200 questions and answers in order to improve your chances for a 100% pass mark. To get valid dumps, you must

1. Identify the code for the certification exam

2. Find a valid dump: You will find valid dumps for most certification exams on examcollection.com for free.

3. Download a VCE exam simulator: You will need a VCE exam simulator to open the downloaded file. The VCE software has a lot of backward compatibility issues. You may find yourself struggling to find the right software version to open a particular .vce file. Visit crackeverythingintheworld blog to find the right VCE software version for a particular file for free.
You don’t have to feel guilty about using dumps. Think of them as an insurance policy to pass IT certification exams. There are a good number of companies that offer valid dumps at a premium. It’s an industry of its own.

But hey!! If you think you have the money and want to be a 100% ethical, study without the dumps and write your exams. If you fail, try again Junior!!

Visit http://www.techbusiness101.com/pass-it-certification-exams/ for a detailed step by step process with picture illustrations on how to find valid dumps

EgusiSoup:
FIRST TO COMMENT

Last night I dream that PDP win the election for Presidential in 2019. I already knows how it will happened because the battle life has already been draw between the North and the South East.

Any APC e-diots that quote me and talk rubbish will has running stomach whenever he eat Egusi Soup Insha Allah!

I rest my cake.

Wow sorry. That must have been a nightmare

Wow look at their eyes!!! They haven't had sleep. Amaechi has been giving them nightmares. The boogey man under their bed. The willie willie that gives them high blood pressure whenever they gather.

pasol4real:
Sharap okonjo is from abia ,but is married in delta state.

Wrong order. Okonjo is from Delta but married in Abia. The husband happens to be a close relative; a medical doctor

What do you consider when making IT investment decisions, needs or wants?

Consider this conversation between a man and his son, notice the subtle change in direction.

Son: Dad I need a pet lizard.

Dad: Why do you need a lizard for a pet?

Son: Because it’s small and I can always carry it around

They get to the market and see all kinds of stuff.

Dad: So what do you need?

Son: I want that one with the spiky and tough looking skin.

Dad: But that’s a baby alligator!

Son: Yea…I want it. It’s a pretty cool looking lizard.

We all know how this story will end. Considering the son’s needs, no sooner will the boy become overwhelmed by his new pet and seek to get rid of it.

How do you make technology investment decisions? - http://www.techbusiness101.com/it-investment-decisions/