Contacting my old boss - Did I screw up?

[O3Pxf0uw]

About 3 to 2 years ago I worked part-time as a programmer for tech company while I took classes full-time getting my degree. I worked for them for about 15 months before leaving to take a job in another industry. On one my final days, my boss, the VP of Operations took me aside and said that if I ever wanted to work for him again in the future, to let him know and there would be no problem.

I worked at my new job while I finished college, then quit it to give full-time poker a shot. I'm giving that up now, and looking to return to a "real" job.

I attempted to contact my old boss from the tech job two weeks ago, on that Monday. I sent him an email, reminding him of who I am and of our previous relationship, letting him know that I was looking for full time work, and asking him to contact me.

Monday and Tuesday passed with no response. On Wednesday late afternoon I called his office line, got voice mail, and left a message asking him to return my call.

Thursday, Friday, and the next Monday, Tuesday passed with no contact. On Wednesday (last week) I IM'ed an old co-worker of mine, saying that I've been trying to get in contact with my old boss, but I haven't been successful, is he on vacation or something? He said that my old boss was out of the office this week, but he could pass something along. I (foolishly?) told him to tell my old boss that I'd like him to call me.

The rest of that week passed with no contact. And so the next monday (yesterday) and today. Would contacting him again be making a pest out of myself? How likely is it that he isn't interested in hiring me for whatever reason, and is just ignoring me instead of giving me a polite brushoff?

I realize that this falls in the realm of ("OOT, help me with basic social interaction. Oh and I can't tie my shoes!"), but so be it.

[davelin]

It looks like you've given him ample opportunity to know of your intentions to come back. I don't know if trying again would be a fruitful exercise, and it could certainly hurt your chances.

[youtalkfunny]

[ QUOTE ]
I don't know if trying again would be a fruitful exercise, and it could certainly hurt your chances.

[/ QUOTE ]

You mean calling and asking for a job HURTS your chances of getting the job?

If it were me, I'd stop phoning, stop IM'ing, and take a ride down there and visit the person in question.

[neuroman]

Maybe there are no positions available.
Or maybe your old boss doesn't love you anymore.

[jba]

just keep trying. if it's possible change the focus to primarily looking for a reference and secondarily looking for a job.

[Mother Mucker]

Wait by his car.

[davelin]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I don't know if trying again would be a fruitful exercise, and it could certainly hurt your chances.

[/ QUOTE ]

You mean calling and asking for a job HURTS your chances of getting the job?

[/ QUOTE ]

There is certainly the potential of an annoyance-factor after the 4th or so contact.

[Bicycles_Biatch]

head down there with roses and a bottle of wine.

[Bicycles_Biatch]

just kidding... call again tomorrow. Don't leave a message. Call back everyday till you get a hold of him.

[Marc H]

Go watch 'Swingers' and get back to us on whether you screwed up. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]