I had a crazy dream last night, in which I had visited my old high school and gave a presentation to the computer club on Life, The Universe, and working in the computer industry. What's scary is how intense the dream was. I recall myself going through different sections in detail and giving real world examples based on my own experiences. I even recall this in the form of a Powerpoint presentation, which is downright creepy.

If I were giving such a presentation, I think it would come off looking like this:

- About me
-- Working in the industry for 10 years
--- 6 different employers. Laid off twice.
-- I did *not* attend college
-- I studied additional technology on my own
-- Networking networking networking!

- School
-- Bad grades aren't the end of the world
--- But don't drop out!
-- Practice your skills
-- College may not be for you
--- But education still matters!
-- Networking networking networking!

- Higher education
-- It's expensive
--- Student loans
-- Great practice for the real world
--- Office politics
-- Get involved with clubs/organizations
-- Networking networking networking!

- The first job
-- Getting your foot in the door
-- It's *who* you know
-- Networking networking networking!

- The office
-- Office politics
--- Rank vs. leverage
-- HR. Don't piss them off.
-- Don't exceed your access.

- Things that keep me up at night
-- Outsourcing
-- Outsourcing
-- Outsourcing

- Your career
-- Technology that does not exist today
-- Find a niche and become an expert
-- Keep up to date
--- Slashdot, Wired, etc.
-- Networking networking networking!
--- LinkedIn

- Any questions?

I think that covers most of the things I'd talk about. Did I miss anything? Maybe I should have a separate section on office politics. Hmm...