Wstd?

[Taz]

What should Taz do?

I have a dilemma I'd like to share, but I have to set up the story first, bear with me.

I have been working in tech support for a major computer company for almost 4 years. Don't kid yourself, it's not all it's cracked up to be. I'm making about 13$ an hour, and listen to cranky morons complain about their crappy computers. I can do this job with my eyes closed basically, and I still can't believe I've been there so long. My wife is a teacher, but she just started full time this Sept. I can afford to go back to school, cuz we're in debt to our eyeballs. Last week I was flipping through the radio stations, and landed on the crappy local station and they mentioned a skilled trades fair, which is jobs like plumber, mechanic, electrician etc... There's one guy at work who used to be a machinist, and he recommended I look into it. So I left work early and went. I got there and the companies were pretty much ready to pack up. I happened on one company representing machinists, and stopped to talk to him. It seemed really interesting, so I asked what it took to get into this field, and he said all I had to do was bring in a resume, they did all training on site. So the next day from work I wrote a resume and cover letter, and emailed the guy I met. 5 minutes later he replies saying come in at 3 that day. So I left early again to meet him yesterday, and the interview went great. They train 100% onsite, and the wage is about 10-11$ an hour, but it goes up really fast. I had to go back in this morning for a mechanical aptitude test, which I think I did really good at. This would be a rock solid career, unionized, that would guarantee me work anywhere I go, plus the sky's the limit for salary, probably upwards of 40-50$ an hour at the top levels.

Anyways, here's my dilemma. Saying I get this, the shifts are 7am-4pm M-F, 4-2 M-T, or 3 12's on weekends. I don't know what shift I would get, and they aren't rotating, meaning it's a permanent shift. I'm used to working M-F 8-5, which is good because of my wife's schedule. If I got days, it wouldn't be too bad. Evenings would suck. I would only see my wife on weekends. Sure we don't have kids, but we're pretty much the only people we know up here. We do need the money (which would come shortly, and is higher on evenings), but it would be very hard on our relationship. My wife is worried about the stability, but I'm not. Apparently they'll be hiring a dozen or so people within weeks, and the sooner I get in the more seniority I'll have.

So, what would you do if you were in my shoes? My gut is telling me not to pass up this chance, I think fate brought this to me.

[TrinityOfOne]

I'm not sure Taz, yes, the money is attractive but as a machinist, would you not get bored quickly?

I'm an ICT analyst and empathise with you about the levels of stupidity that can be reached by the punters on the other end of the phone. I may get stressed by it but it's a challenge. I started my working life doing menial warehouse work and never stuck with a job for more than a year.

I would think it over very carefully.

Just my $0.02

[Dave]

Tech Support career paths are HARD! There's a lot of people trying to move up that particular ziggurat and they're VERY mobile, it's almost a global market you're competing in. You have to keep your skills bang up to date, Microsoft Certification, computer languages, Cisco router and a 1,001 and one other things. Get all that then all you need is the right opening and still a heap of luck or good timing or both. I think it's a tough job market for someone who wants to get on, but the payoffs when you do move up are VERY good.

Skilled Trades on the other hand, they're begging for people to move into those jobs, that's why the rewards for a good plumber or electrician are so high. If there's a demand for machinists then the local big fish may pay good wages .... not brilliant just good solid wages. All you have to hope for then is that some backward third world counry doesn't put your company out of business because they pay $1.50 an hour to kids to do the same job. Also the big bummer is the shifts you will have to work.

If you can get training and good money to become a plumber or electrician or other skilled handyman then go for it, the earning potential is BIG! Workling in a factory on a lathe or mill or production line I'm not so sure about.

[burndog]

Career move are always a really tough decision. My guess is that all of the new guys get put on the evening shift after an initial training period. Years ago I went on the night shift because I needed the extra money, and it was hard on my relationship with my wife. I am not the worlds best sleeper and I found that I pretty much had to stick with evening hours even on the weekends. Also I found that most night shifters are party people, probably because they are younger.

Also you would be taking a pay cut. I would seriously try to find out what you could expect to be making in a year or two. Chances are that in that time you would have had at least a small raise at your present job. Figure out how long it would take to make back the money that you would be loosing now.

If you do accept the job and are unlucky enough to get the night shift, the thrill of a new career may wear off after a few months and you may start second guessing yourself as to whether it was a good move or not.

Of course if you can get by that and you can really make some serious coin within a few years, and by then probably get to the day shift, if you can handle not seeing your wife as much it may be a great move. I think it all balances on being able to get past the first few years.

I envy you for having a choice, but I pity you for having to make such a hard decision.

Keep in mind that I am generally "the glass is half empty" sort of guy. The biggest rewards are usually found by taking the biggest risks. You just have to decide what risks you would feel comfortable with.

Best of luck in dealing with this situation.

[Taz]

[QUOTE=burndog]

Also you would be taking a pay cut. I would seriously try to find out what you could expect to be making in a year or two. Chances are that in that time you would have had at least a small raise at your present job. Figure out how long it would take to make back the money that you would be loosing now.
[/QUOTE]

The way my salary is now, I'm expecting a whopping raise of 25¢ come December. Then another 25¢ next December!! Ppppbbblthh.....

At thie new place, I get evaluated at the first 3,6, and 12 months, and then maybe again after another 6 months. Depending on how my I've learned and how good I've become, the raises could be huge. I could easily be making more than I am now within a year. I know the novelty will wear off after I know what I'm doing. They say I could be doing the same task for a couple of weeks at a time, but if I keep learning the sky's the limit as to what I could be doing. As opposed to now, where I haven't learned anything usefull in over a year, and even then...

We did talk about it, and I will take it if it's offered (I hope it is), just because I really really can't pass this up. I was thinking if I did want to go back to school, good chance it would be for this field. So that would be in 2-3 years, I would pay 4-5000$, have to find a job, and end up working for the same people in 5 years. I think I'll go the short way.

[PDG]

I worked at a call center in customer service at Bank of America. I was laid off when they chose to outsource to India. I then gained certifications in MCSE, MCSA, A+, Network+, CCNA and CCDA just to get a position in IT. Now that I'm in IT....it's extremely *decent* and competitive. Chances are I won't be able to get another job in IT because of the numerous people being pumped out of school willing to work for $8/hr where they really should be getting $16. Given, the work is easier and no customer contact is good. BUT, I'm the kind of person that likes doing things with my hands and solving problems. I would *love* to get into a career where I actually move my body and keep myself active all day. I'm biased but I understand your job and what you're going through.

That being said, I would say go the 4-2 route. Get in early with no traffic, get out early with no traffic. That leads to 50% less stress. Then once kids pop into the scene, you can pick them up after school and spend time with them. Plus you have Fri, Sat and Sun off. That in itself is a god-send. You'll be off at the same time as all your friends on holidays! I haven't been able to hang out with any of my friends since I started working here.

Don't do graveyard. I work them and they're hell on relationships, friendships and overall health. Words can't express how sad you'll feel when you arrive home from work, kiss your lover good morning, go to bed, and she wakes up to go to work. Then, you won't see her again 'til next morn. It takes a powerful woman to understand and deal with this.

As for school, you can still do it with a 4-2. Classes do start around 3 I believe.

[burndog]

Be sure to let us know how it all ends up Taz, best of luck to ya buddy, it sounds like you are up for it, hope it happens for you.

[blix]

Hey Taz,

When I fretted over taking my current job, I called a friend for some advice. He asked me which job I really wanted. Put everything aside and ask yourself which job you really want. My question to you is, do you think this type of work will be fulfilling for you? Is it something you can be passionate about?

I lost all medical benefits to come to a job that payed me a dollar more an hour. I also lost the ability to ride my bike to work. There were a lot of disadvantages about taking this job, but in the end things got rolling and I'm doing something I'm totally passionate about which is important to me.

It sounds like you're ready to break out, do something new, start fresh.

If I were in your shoes, I'd pursue this machinist job. I'd "make friends" with the interviewers. I'd mention my shift preference. If they offered me the night shift, I'd negotiate. Don't close the door and tell them you can't take it. Tell them how much you want this job and ask all kinds of questions to negotiate what you can. And if it comes down to it and they didn't offer a day shift, -MY- decision would be to decline at this time, but *please* keep my name on hand for when a day shift opens up. For me, family comes first and I know myself -Nights just wouldn't work.

Back to the original question: Which job do you really want? Which job will allow you to nurture your relationship with your wife? Sacrifice is never comfortable but oftentimes is what makes us grow and thrive.

I wish you the best, Taz. Keep us posted!

-B

[Taz]

[QUOTE=blix]When I fretted over taking my current job, I called a friend for some advice. He asked me which job I really wanted. Put everything aside and ask yourself which job you really want. My question to you is, do you think this type of work will be fulfilling for you? Is it something you can be passionate about?
-B[/QUOTE]

I want the machinist job really bad. It's not my ideal dream job, but they don't pay people to watch tv and play video games in their underwear all day. I really think this job would keep me very busy, and I would actually have a future with it. Another bonus is in a couple of years, if I wanted I could just move back to my hometown and find tons of work there. It's a mining town, and there's big money in mining.

Anyways, I emailed the guy to thank him for his time, and to let me know as soon as they make their decision. But now I have incredible butterflies in my stomach, and I really can't concentrate on work. I'm paranoid that I don't even get the thing now, which would kill me. I'll let you know as soon as I do.

Thanks for your thoughts guys.

[Silky]

Fingers crossed for you, Taz. I hope it all turns out just like you want it to. :)

[Scott]

but they don't pay people to watch tv and play video games in their underwear all day


Nentendo does :)


Good luck Taz. Machining can be a great career. I'm pulling for you!

[blix]

Hang in there, man! Those butterflies will be let loose soon!

-B

[TinCupid]

Good luck and follow your intuitions. :)

[Taz]

I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D

Woohoo!!! I waited all day at work, and when I got home there was a message saying I got it. I just got off the phone now, and I'll start in 2 weeks. I start at 10.50$, then in 3 months, go to 11.50$, and 3 more months 12.50, which is practically what I'm making now. I'm so happy, plus it's DAYS!!! Thanks for all your support guys!

Now we need to get a second car. :(

[Silky]

[QUOTE=Taz]I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D

Woohoo!!! I waited all day at work, and when I got home there was a message saying I got it. I just got off the phone now, and I'll start in 2 weeks. I start at 10.50$, then in 3 months, go to 11.50$, and 3 more months 12.50, which is practically what I'm making now. I'm so happy, plus it's DAYS!!! Thanks for all your support guys!

Now we need to get a second car. :([/QUOTE]

WOOOTY HOOTY!!!! Way to go Taz!!!!!!!!!

And you got days too...double HOOTY for that!!! Congratulations! :)

[Scott]

Congrats Taz!!!!!

[Happy]

Yes! Congrats Taz. I'm so happy for you. :dance: It's great you landed days too.

[Mswings]

Whoo Hooo!!!!! Taz got the job!!!!! :bounce:

Congrats Taz!!!!! :D

[PDG]

Freakin' awesome and well deserved! Congratulations :)

[TinCupid]

Ditto on the congrats Taz!