Possible Job Change In Progress - Advise Me

Years ago after service, hard work, and earned trust I was moved (begged to move) to a Monday through Friday 06:00 to 14:00 shift. It had it's down-sides. I had my 16 hour shifts that had recently become more common. Never having any formal disciplinary issues, I had been moved to a midnight shift Thursday through Monday. My wife has been trying to get back with the company I am with so she can get back to similar hours as me in order to have a social life. It appears she will be getting that job, but it is for 1st shift Monday through Friday, not my shift. I have made formal complaints though the company, but it doesn't appear they are being handled, although I was told they were. I have decided it is time to leave the private physical security sector.

I have been making rounds to find a new job. I interviewed for a job in manufacturing for $2 more an hour, Monday through Friday 15:30-00:00. I'm not too happy with the hours, but I'm OK with it. I have been offered a job (lube tech) with a local dealership for $2 LESS than what I make + the made up time. I could actually double the hourly wage, but I will lose insurance (at least until I can get Obamacare). Insurance is very important in my situation. The job will not be in line with my career choice. I am hoping my 3rd job will pull through as a full time job in the future.

Both of these jobs mean I would lose most my hours at my part time sales job, which I enjoy and am able to bring in a little extra cash which has been extremely helpful at points. My 3rd job is not effected.

The manufacturing job has not been offered, but the vibes were positive. I'm hoping to go back in for a second interview. If it doesn't pull through the tech job is there, but I'm a bit worried about possible losses. I don't need to leave my job, but I would like to. All I do is sit and watch Netflix or Youtube all night. It is starting to drive me nuts and my six pack is becoming not-so-six-packish.

I know it has been a bit of a rant, but does anyone have any input? Open to all suggestions.

so you are saying that you are getting paid to watch Netflix and Youtube all night- and you get decent benefits, too- and that is somehow a bad thing?

do what you gotta do... people change jobs all the time: sometimes they move up, sometimes they move down, sometimes it's a lateral move.

novaderrik wrote: so you are saying that you are getting paid to watch Netflix and Youtube all night- and you get decent benefits, too- and that is somehow a bad thing?

The benefits are "meh", but I have them. Most of the time I'm sitting around, yes. Not a huge fan of it. I can see how this can be hard for some to understand. I don't have much time to spend with family and friends anymore. The previous problem was my supervisor. Now I don't deal with him. In fact if he is around, we avoid each other. Toxic environment.

Currently I work under a supervisor I trained. In fact I trained most the people I work with. We have a good working relationship and have a good respect for each other. I allow him to do his job and when I have an emergency to deal with, he allows me to complete my job without interfering because he trusts I will do my job properly.

I should also explain that I have had one 24c raise in the past seven years. I've been keeping an eye out for other jobs, but was pushed over the edge by this last change.

I'm gonna do something LOL. Waiting and working with what I've got is always an option. If my wife gets back to my company, we'll have more time together.

if you need to work with your wife as a way of spending more time together then its time to look elsewhere. Jobs are replaceable, your relationship with your partner isn't. Sometimes less money but a better work life balance makes for a happier life overall.

I can't agree more, daeman. We have a solid relationship, but I will be happier after a change. Life was hell when she was a flight attendant! Haha. With the manufacturing job, we will have less time during the week, but the whole weekend for whatever we want. We may talk more about the tech option if needed...

You sound confident enough that you will land a job and insurance will follow. It's your nickels. If the job consumes you that much and there's no possible resolution to the current work hours complaint, time to move on.

I know I can have the tech job. If I land the manufacturing job, that is full benefits asap as well as more cash. I can deal with the hours there.

It has been time to move out of this gig for a looong time. Just kind of left here hanging now. I'm attempting to say positive.

Sounds like the manufacturing job is the one to go after, ask how long it normally takes to move to first shift at that company, and evaluate based on that.

What type of manufacturing is it? Is it something that would offer an interesting career choice if you choose to change paths? I.e., will you be running a cnc machine and have the opportunity to train in programming or design?

In reply to WonkoTheSane:

I already talked to HR about a shift change. When there are openings, I could change shifts. It would decrease pay slightly, but I have no problem with that.

They make coolers. It is an assembly line process. I have been in private law enforcement since I was 21. If nothing else, I can take what I learn and throw it in my experience bucket. I could get some formal welding and fork truck training. While they may not help me in my main field, they will keep me working. You can never have too many skills.

N Sperlo wrote: my six pack is becoming not-so-six-packish.

instead of sitting around and watching TV … you could spend some of that time working out .. you don't need a gym …only your body … sit-ups, pushups, burpies … break the shift into sections .. watch some TV … workout … watch some TV… work out …. pretty soon the six packs will be rippling again

In reply to wbjones:

I have actually called the supervisor to watch the cameras while I do some pushups.

N Sperlo wrote: I can take what I learn and throw it in my experience bucket. I could get some *formal* welding and fork truck training. While they may not help me in my main field, they will keep me working. You can never have too many skills.

Does that plant have skilled trade apprenticeships? Every plant I worked in took on trainees from inside, usually bid on by seniority tho. Get paid to learn a trade.

fasted58 wrote:

N Sperlo wrote: I can take what I learn and throw it in my experience bucket. I could get some *formal* welding and fork truck training. While they may not help me in my main field, they will keep me working. You can never have too many skills.

Does that plant have skilled trade apprenticeships? Every plant I worked in took on trainees from inside, usually bid on by seniority tho. Get paid to learn a trade.

I don't think so, but it is something I can ask at the next interview. It's time to leave the shop, grab a pizza and go to my warm little bulletproof personal movie theater. I have an assignment tonight from job number 3. snicker snicker

I'd say go for the manufacturing job. Once you attain a certain level of knowledge/experience you'll gain a lot of upward mobility.

It has it's ups and downs but within 5 years of learning the trade I was able to take a job for double my initial hourly wage.

Flounder The key to finding a manufacturing job with good pay and benefits is joining a union. Flounder

I say don't trade down. The next job should be at a minimum the same total pay but have something else going for it (more stable, better benefits, opportunity for advancement, etc.)

What would it take to get from where you are now into a position as a police officer, or is that even something you want to pursue?

Surely there's more than one private security outfit in the city, what's the possibility of getting a supervisory position with one of them?

What about taking your advanced driving skills and professional experience to get a gig as a personal security guard?

Assuming it's a machining job, I highly recommend the manufacturing position. Doubly so if it's a job shop with a lot of manuals. I'd take the $2 raise, learn every machine in the place and, if you're not happy in 3-5 years you can go somewhere and get a job with a very good starting wage, especially if you want to travel.

From what I've seen, welding is another good trade to get into. If you have a talent for it and are lucky enough to land an apprenticeship, you could get into a Boilermaker's or Millwright's union. Either one has big money potential, if you don't mind travelling.

novaderrik wrote: so you are saying that you are getting paid to watch Netflix and Youtube all night- and you get decent benefits, too- and that is somehow a bad thing?

I'm in a similar position as Sperlo and can attest that the novelty gets old fast. Then you start creating busy work for yourself. On the plus side, the lack of stress is pretty nice.

I'd pass on the lube tech position unless you just can't stand the current job, and hold out for the manufacturing gig or something similar.

Jed, if the manufacturing job throws the offer, I'm jumping.

Hess, "trading down" is what makes me nervous.

Pete, I have been through many board interviews for police. I do well and was in the investigative process (the last thing they do) before being dropped. No explanation was given except that "better applicants were hired". Usually they don't pay a detective if there are "better applicants". I'm usually turned down because I am not P.O.S.T. certified. They would have to pay for my academy.
A few months after I started here, I was offered a supervisor position. 15c more an hour and worse shifts that what I have now! All the guards talk to each other. I'm better off leaving this particular business.
I already offer personal protection in Missouri and for a certain company, I am the driver.

Racer1ab and I have spoken quite a bit about this. On the up side, I'm watching lectures to improve some skill sets.

In reply to N Sperlo:

Still on 3rds?

Yessir.

In reply to N Sperlo:

You're in the StL metro area, right? Are you tied to your home/location? I know we have difficulty out here in BFE getting good police officers for our small town, and I know of other area communities that are similar. I wonder if moving somewhere rural for a job might help you get that career going - if it's what you want to pursue?

Good luck with whatever you decide to persue Sper! You have the right attitude and I know you bring a lot to the table. Follow your heart.

In reply to petegossett:

I'm willing to move west, but would prefer to stay in Missouri. I have a plot of land I plan on building on when the money is right. I'm willing to work for whoever wants to pay me through the academy.

I can't believe you have to pay your own way thru police academy over there. It seems so backwards its not even funny... As an officer of the law your essentiality a public servant, ergo the cost of your training should be absorbed by the government. Do they make soldiers pay to be trained to get into the army? I'd think not...