New Job The time has come. I'm finally going back to Acxiom. I started there in the summer of 1998 right out of college working on the Sam's Club/Walmart account as a data administrator. I left after 2 1/2 years to work at Alltel in Little Rock where I've been a programmer/analyst on their wireless billing and provisioning system.
I've learned SO much at Alltel and made many great friends. But I gotta tell ya, I have 63,000 miles on my less than 2 year old truck. That commute through 3 1/2 years of interstate contruction has been a major bummer. So the new job means no commute and no more 24/7 on call. I get to use the on-site fitness center to work off the sludge and fat of 4 years. When I have Haley in the summers and holidays, I'll be within 5 minutes of her daycare versus 45 minutes now. Yes, there are some things I'll miss. Like being able to go out for drinks with my friends (Conway is in a dry county). Or going to the drum store, mall, etc. By in large though, the time I save every day from working where I live and having no on call when Haley is with me is well worth any other sacrifices I may have to make. Both companies are great to work for and you should let me know if you want to get a job at either one.
By the way, if anyone has been emailing me at jim.v.ford@alltel.com, please email me from this website and I'll give you my new Acxiom addy.