This week looks a little different as Sax and Nic do a 1-on-1 conversation while Walker is dealing with some real world deadlines. This week, we dive deep into both of their career paths, setbacks, and secrets to success that have led them to a relatively comfortable existence with enough free time to do little side projects like the podcast. A bit more on the informative side this week, but we hope you enjoy the "peeling back of the curtains" to learn a little more about us personally.

Join the ForcedToPod discord at: bit.ly/forcedtopoddiscord

Check out our Merch at: bit.ly/ftwmerch

(00:00:00) Introduction and Missing Co-Host Walker  

(00:01:05) Snow in Texas and Lack of Infrastructure  

(00:02:20) Sax's Nostalgia for Snow Plowing  

(00:03:50) Special One-on-One Episode and Future Guest Teaser  

(00:04:03) TikTok Controversy: Are Treadmill Steps Real Steps?  

(00:05:22) Sax's Experience with Walking Pads and Ergonomics  

(00:07:25) Workplace Walking Desks and Corporate Wellness Initiatives  

(00:08:37) Sax's Work Setup and Adjustments for a Standing Desk  

(00:09:05) Humana's Office Setup and Open Floor Plan Trends  

(00:10:56) Standing Desks vs. Walking Pads and Adjustments  

(00:12:53) Zoom Meeting Risks and Accidental Camera Appearances  

(00:13:12) Remote Work Checks and Security Considerations  

(00:14:16) Potentially Scandalous Office Surveillance Discoveries  

(00:15:26) Career Path Discussion: Nic's Job History  

(00:16:30) First Jobs and Teenage Work Experiences  

(00:18:20) Working at a Fish Hatchery and Goldfish Sorting  

(00:28:28) Staples Job and Transition into IT  

(00:29:22) Help Desk Experience at Indiana University  

(00:30:09) National Guard Service 

(00:32:55) Transition to Civilian IT and Healthcare IT  

(00:35:06) Fairbanks 

(00:38:28) Angie's List  

(00:41:58) Marian IT Experience and Challenges  

(00:42:53) COVID-19 Response and Campus Technology Upgrades  

(00:43:16) Transition to LexisNexis and Interview Process  

(00:44:35) Learning Curve and Complexity of the New Role  

(00:46:44) Compliance and Financial Software Responsibilities  

(00:50:13) Salary Progression and Compensation Trends  

(01:02:20) Sax's Career Journey and First Jobs  

(01:06:15) McDonald's

(01:10:22) Outback Steakhouse and Restaurant Work  

(01:14:19) College Job as Basketball Statistician  

(01:15:46) Ministry and Church Work Experience  

(01:18:51) Moving to Indianapolis and Unexpected Job Opportunity  

(01:20:57) Embarrassing Job Audition Moment at Church  

(01:23:33) Financial Struggles and Odd Jobs for Survival  

(01:27:00) Fork in the Road: School IT vs. Post Office Job  

(01:29:59) School Corporation IT Job 

(01:34:15) Renewal by Andersen 

(01:38:25) Managing IT and Negotiating Salary Increase  

(01:38:54) Transition to Marion University IT  

(01:42:29) Career Growth and Alternative Paths at Marion  

(01:47:20) Job Switching Advice and Career Reflections  

(01:48:51) Podcast and Community Engagement Discussion  

(01:49:53) Future Podcast Guest Announcement: Zach