It is interesting how nine numbers can make a big difference when a person is starting out here in the U.S.
By nine numbers, I am referring to one’s social security number, without one you will have a hard time doing almost anything here.
It is very important, once you get here, to secure the number as soon as possible as it is needed from getting a driver’s license to signing for a lease.
Once you get here, visit your local social security office to submit the form, it usually takes under a month to get your number.
Check out the website for the Social Security administration to help find a nearby office and to download the forms needed.
April 5th, 2009 | Tags: moving, settling, USA | Category: Career, How to, News
| Leave a comment
Intel has recently announced plans to invest as much as $7 billion to upgrade manufacturing processes and technology in its US plants. This in general is a good sign but if one closely follows Intel’s strategy during downturns is that it has historically made significant investments, particularly in research and development especially during downturns.
What is surprising though even to close watchers of Intel is the magnitude of the investment and how it bucks the general trend, given that Intel’s net profit dropped by 90% in the fourth quarter of 2008.
But with a still strong choke hold in the processor market and a massive war chest over past years’ profits, this move significantly helps Intel position themselves for the future especially as other chip makers have to reduce costs rather than increase them. This also bodes well for the potential jobs saved or created as a result of the investment.
Let’s hope that more companies follow suit.
February 10th, 2009 | Tags: Intel, News, processor | Category: News, Products
| Leave a comment
It’s been tough trying to update the blog in the last month or so. This new year has ushered in something new for me and my family.
Like the title of this post says, we are moving from the wonderful city state of Singapore, which has been home for the last four years to California, where the headquarters of my firm is located.
Technically, I am already here while the family will be arriving next month. Between the three weeks we were in the Philippines and the move, all my posts have been queueing up in the drafts folder.
It is quite fortunate that our firm’s HR has been top notch in handling the relocation as moves can always be a stressful but exciting event.
Hopefully as things settle down, I can get back to updating the blog on a more regular basis.
January 19th, 2009 | Tags: Career, relocation | Category: Career, News
| Leave a comment
