Normally I'm applying for contract posts and these extrenal interests are seen as positives, but in this case the large internet company expressed concern that all the other things I was involved in might indicate a lack of commitment to a full-time job. They still were still debating whether or not to invite me to a second interview when I accepted an alternative offer.

That sounds short-sighted on the part of that first company. Imagine not hiring these positions for these reasons:

• A movie director because they create independent movies.
• A graphical designer because they draw and paint in their spare time and show their art.
• An engineer because they build hobby robots, train sets, or radio kits and trade with others who share their interest.
• A chef because they enjoy gourmet cooking and run a tips and tricks web site or have a cooking show on cable access.
• A carpenter who does volunteer construction work for his community.

I suppose the real distinction here is people enjoying these hobbies while at the same time maintaining a public presence of some sort regarding that hobby.

Anyway, the company you mention sounds short sighted. I'm glad you accepted that alternative offer.

Matt

mojotoad beat me to the punch. I would not want to be employed at a company that worries how my personal interest in my craft may impact my work output. I'm not looking for a place that is looking to hire a drone. This is along the lines of Abigail's Oath - I'm hired because I know what I do, not because I do what I'm told.

Bottom line, negative as it may seem that it prevented you from getting this job, it probably prevented you from getting a job you didn't actually want to score in the first place. And esp. if you already had more interviews in the pipe and could afford to pick, I don't see any reason to think of that in a negative way.

Makeshifts last the longest.

Does anyone know a Perl Developer with strong DB2 for a contract position ?