Is Anything Ever Done Right the First Time Anymore?

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted by 02SE
There are people that do things right the first time, but as noted they usually aren't the least expensive option. In my hobby, I am compensated well to oversee others and make absolutely sure things are done right the first time. If things are done wrong, the results can be serious injury or death, or if we're lucky, just very expensive. It's difficult to find people with a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence, who can also tolerate the sometimes grueling work and schedule. Those that can cut it are usually older.


What is the skinny on the cost of nitromethane going up a bunch? I saw an article linked to the NHRA Reddit page but it all seemed to be covered up.

 

[AZjeff]

Originally Posted by 02SE
It's difficult to find people with a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence, who can also tolerate the sometimes grueling work and schedule. Those that can cut it are usually older.


Where's the guy here who says older workers aren't worth hiring?

 

[Kestas]

If workers are presented a tough and grueling schedule, don't expect them to pay attention to detail. At that point the problem is with management, not the worker.

 

[maxdustington]

Originally Posted by AZjeff
Originally Posted by 02SE
It's difficult to find people with a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence, who can also tolerate the sometimes grueling work and schedule. Those that can cut it are usually older.


Where's the guy here who says older workers aren't worth hiring?
Less than one in ten are like that. If you are like that when you are young the chances of needing to work at an advanced age and having the physical ability to be that determined are low. The ones who don't have chronic cases of old man entitlement and are not significantly disabled are awesome, though.

The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long.

 

[AZjeff]

Define advanced age in your world. You've changed your tune a bit from before.

 

[02SE]

Originally Posted by bdcardinal
Originally Posted by 02SE
There are people that do things right the first time, but as noted they usually aren't the least expensive option. In my hobby, I am compensated well to oversee others and make absolutely sure things are done right the first time. If things are done wrong, the results can be serious injury or death, or if we're lucky, just very expensive. It's difficult to find people with a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence, who can also tolerate the sometimes grueling work and schedule. Those that can cut it are usually older.


What is the skinny on the cost of nitromethane going up a bunch? I saw an article linked to the NHRA Reddit page but it all seemed to be covered up.


There's a bunch of reasons. Mandating an exclusive supplier is a big one. But that's been the case as long as I've been involved. The supplier charging what they think the market will bear, is another.

In the grand scheme of things a $1500+/- drum of Nitro is not the make or break point for most teams, even though they might buy four drums per race weekend. The constant supply of parts, and new regulations the cars have to meet on a regular basis, are a bigger factor in a teams budget, not to mention the travel budget, salaries, hospitality, etc.

Racing has never been cheap, but as interest in Motorsports in general dwindles, I expect those willing or able to participate be it competitors, sponsors, and spectators, will decrease.

 

[02SE]

Originally Posted by Kestas
If workers are presented a tough and grueling schedule, don't expect them to pay attention to detail. At that point the problem is with management, not the worker.


It's a select few that are willing and able to do the work. If they can't cut it, you keep looking for those that can. And if you have good people, you try to hang on to them. Most that can cut it without a constant list of excuses, are in the 40-60 age range. There are a few young guys, but almost without exception, they grew up around it and know what to expect.

 

[Mr Nice]

^^^
Sounds like pipeline welders making $$$ but a very tough job.

 

[hatt]

Originally Posted by jeepman3071
There are absolutely people out in the world who do things right the first time. They aren't cheap though.

I battle this every day with my job (technology). Organizations want only the cheapest work possible no matter how much you try to tell them you get what you pay for, then in the end they pay twice as much repairing mistakes.

Go ahead and shut er down. You nailed it. Real craftsmen are out there. They aren't cheap and probably already have a full calendar, or closed up shop. Everyone else is working to a price point.