34 JANUARY 2020 By Angela Copeland I received a text from a friend who works in IT that said, “I spent some time today figuring out a new video software.” It had a link to a fun, short video he had created. My friend’s job doesn’t involve producing videos, but he and two other IT associates wanted to create a YouTube channel. This is the second project they’ve worked on together as well as starting a podcast. These group projects aren’t uncommon in the technology world. Techies are creating new social network groups on Meetup.com every day. They gather together and learn how to use software like WordPress, Python, Java, Oracle and PHP. They bounce ideas off of one another about how to start a podcast, how to build video games or how to make mobile apps. They organize breakfasts, lunches and weekend-long coding sessions called hackathons. They host events for younger generations to teach them about programming. And these technology professionals do all of these activities in their free time. The companies they work for don’t sponsor these events, and they aren’t compensated for participating. But the time they devote helps to keep their skill set up-to-date. Technology is a field that’s constantly evolving. In IT, if you want to keep up, you must keep learning. It creates job security. In addition to beefing up their resumes, these activities help expand their network. If there’s a job opening, you can bet someone will look inside these groups for candidates. These groups can also cross-pollinate ideas with those outside their company’s four walls. They aren’t confined to traditional thinking on how to do things, and they can compare notes with others. Although other industries may not change as often as technology, there are a number of great lessons to be learned from this group. First, don’t wait for your company to keep your skills up-to-date. It’s your responsibility. Be sure not to neglect your continuing education. This means you may have to use some personal time or even some of your own money. Think of it as an investment in yourself and your future value. Once you’ve decided to give this strategy a try, you may wonder where to begin. Meetup.com is one place to look for special interest groups. You may also check the colleges in your area for continuing education courses. Professional organizations can also be a great place to look. Sometimes universities such as Harvard and MIT place some of their course materials online – for free. There are many other online resources such as LinkedIn and website forums where you can network with others in your field. At the end of the day, in the world of work, learning is the new loyalty. — Angela Copeland is a career expert and founder of Copeland Coaching. She can be reached at copelandcoaching.com. What we can all learn from techies CAREER ADVICE By Mallory Gleich It’s been there for more than 40 years. Situated on the corner of 38th Street and Indian School Road, the Chicago Hamburger Company is a beacon of hope for those looking for Chicago- style favorites. While the neighborhood changes around them, owner Bob Pappanduros and his staff remain dedicated to their menu of hamburgers, hot dogs and beef sandwiches. Before it was a hamburger joint, the building was home to Pete’s Red Hots, a Chicago-based eatery that served gyros and Italian beef. In 1981, the restaurant changed hands and names and the Chicago Hamburger Company was born. Pappanduros took over in 1989, and this year he will celebrate 30 years as the owner of Arcadia’s little piece of the Windy City. Pappanduros’ father owned a restaurant back in Chicago called Peter B’s. While he was growing up, Pappanduros worked in his father’s kitchen, continually learning the ins-and-outs of the restaurant business for over a decade. “I moved to Arizona in 1982 and promised myself that I’d never work in a restaurant again,” Pappanduros laughed. “Eventually I moved up to kitchen management and when I got to the point that I was working too many hours, I decided it was time to get my own place.” Pappanduros had primarily been working in dinner “houses,” but knew that he didn’t want a place with a large staff or where he would constantly be working nights. “I liked working in restaurants, but I didn’t want to give up my life. My goal was to have a place where I’d be able to go home at night and be with my family,” Pappanduros said. The Chicago Hamburger Company is situated within Arcadia’s business community, which Pappanduros said helps with the popularity of the restaurant. “There are a lot of people working during the day. We have a great lunch crowd,” he said. Guests are also in for a treat when they step through the door of Chicago Hamburger Company, especially if they happen to be fans of Chicago sports teams. Plastered on every inch of the walls is Chicago sports and city memorabilia, from a life-size cutout of Michael Jordan and photo of the 1985 Chicago Bears team to street signs and photos of customers wearing the restaurant’s t-shirts in locations around the world. “This collection is over 40 years old. Some of it was here when I got here, some of it is mine or my family’s stuff, but a vast majority really comes from customers,” Pappanduros said. “They’ll have something – this restaurant means something to them – and they bring it in and give it to us.” The most popular item on the menu is the Windy City sliders. Pappanduros says they go through about 400 to 500 sliders every day. “When I first bought the place, in my infinite wisdom, I was going to take the sliders off the menu,” he said. “Then, my first day here back in 1989, two-thirds of the people who walked in ordered sliders. I didn’t realize that that’s what we were known for.” The Chicago Hamburger Company boasts a devoted staff, a few of which who have been there for more than 20 years. “The reason why I’m still here is because of my crew. Two of them have been here for 30 years. I don’t have to worry about turnover,” Pappanduros said. When he’s not manning the restaurant, Pappanduros spends his time as a “hockey dad,” watching his daughter’s games or playing in a neighborhood band with his friends. For more: chicagohamburger.com. Chicago Hamburger Company owner celebrates milestone Owner Bob Pappanduros’ favorite memorabilia includes the photos customers give of themselves wearing Chicago Hamburger Company t-shirts around the world. 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