This is the 32nd in a series on Six Questions with Searchers of The Thrill of the Chase Treasure Hunt by Forrest Fenn. Questions are asked and then answered by those who are enjoying Forrest’s dare! Thanks to all who are participating. They truly are special and help us all learn about each other and the Chase!
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Read other TTOTC Searcher Questions/Answers
Six Questions with Tracy H.
1)When did you first hear and learn about the Treasure Hunt?
I had seen it on Television 2017.
2)What inspired you to become involved and begin searching?
First the mystery. Second, my husband being laid off from technology jobs after 9/11 throughout the years. Homeless for 6 months in 2001 with a two year old in tow. My most FEAR that it may happen again.
For one, my husband, to have a Bachelor Degree in communication and a Master Degree in computer science one would think your set for life financially. Not so. It’s been a struggle ever since 9/11. Losing one of his co-workers (Discovery Channel) and the life of all others hit hard by the tragedy. It has put a lasting effect on so many.
3)What is your most favorite part about the Treasure Hunt so far?
Finding new places to explore and the history.
4)What is your least favorite part about the Treasure Hunt so far?
Time invested and the addiction that will not let go of me. My mind is occupied in thought all the time. So much that I made a HUGE mistake at work that almost cost me my job.
5)What is the best or most unique thing you found while searching for Forrest Fenn’s treasure chest?
Post cards, matchbooks, history and new words.
6) What more would you like to say?
Not sure how much longer I will be on the chase since my husband found a job. The job is temporary for now and the older he gets the harder it is to compete with the younger ones. Content for now and having fun.
Thanks for your answers to the Six Questions with searchers, Tracy! Short, to the point, and very nice! I’m sure many of us can relate to your answer of Q4. It’s difficult to not have it all you think about, sometimes. I’m also happy for you, as it seems you and your family are getting back on track after so tragically be forced off because of 9/11. Wish you the best, and continued hunting!
Thanks again for sharing!
Best of luck with all that you seek! Always Treasure the Adventure!
I am working on my Masters in CS (almost done) and it definitely worries me to compete against the younger crowd (almost 40). There are jobs in Missoula and Helen (SoFi) that are hiring and gets you into the Rockies. Good luck!
I got a masters in CS after 50. No kid can keep up with me. Don’t buy into such nonsense. Get the degree. Kick butt.
How long have you been doing it outside of school? I have a B.A. In Psychology so don’t have the same background as I am still relatively new to the field. I have a friend who is turning 50 who doesn’t have a degree but is ahead of some of my professors. My best job feature is the ability to fix broken code and databases.
Based on the code I have had to fix most places don’t really seem to care about quality just quantity as long as it gives a close enough output. I am not a fast coder but I strive for reliable, reusable code. When someone else comes along the code and comments will get them going quickly without all the guess work I have had to do. Attention to detail is thus my strength and my weakness. My hope is to continue to speed up my time table as employers want results they can see. Majority of all my coding is below the surface (pun intended).
Get a job in the defense industry where there is support for doing the job right. Better still is a job in research where you can be innovative too.
Idle Dreamer –
I have been in software development for over 35 years.
Well if you happen to be in the Missoula area look me up and we can grab a nibble or a byte. Have you played around with machine learning?
Tracy,
Thanks for your answers. Life throws curveballs all the time. It’s up to us to swing or step back and regroup. I think you will be fine, especially since you and your husband have each other and your child. Most importantly, dont give up, and dont be too proud or afraid to ask for help if you need it. It may surprise you how wonderful people actually are.
Good luck to you! I wish you all the best!
Did the offer go through Jdiggins? Are you now a resident of New Mexico? Still hoping the best for you and also you Tracy.
Tracy, your man sounds like an intelligent dude. I’d like to drink a beer with him sometime.
I’m sure these young kids in IT that only know how to let the outside of the coded framework do their job have nothing to offer or even come close to competing with your man. Have you talked to him about work lately? I bet he has old friends and colleagues calling him all the time offering him senior level positions. Hell, I’d give him a job if he would take it! He sounds like an awesome investment!
Thank you for sharing Tracy. I pray you and your husband are less encumbered by financial woes in the future and that things get brighter for you. I especially like your matchbook painting, what a great find!