New job time!

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If you've found a job where you don't to deal with the general public, I say go for it. I couldn't do it. I stopped in my local Chase bank yesterday to get cash (I went to the teller window due to the amount), and she went through their security protocol to process the transaction, which entails sending a code to my phone, which I then punch into the credit card machine. I told her I appreciate them keeping my money safe. She replied "you wouldn't believe how many people get p***** off because of this. I mean REALLY irate." I think I'd rather take repeated knees to the groin than work in public service again. I was a flight attendant in the 90s....very glad I'm not one now.
 
My dad lives in a small town doing automotive collision repair for small companies. It’s hard for him because it isn’t always busy, he doesn’t get paid vacation time, or health insurance.

Look into the crane business, but prepare a resume and look for bigger companies that can give you good benefits.
 
18 years with no vacation is abuse. Hopefully you got a big $$$$ bonus for keeping that business open.

Its a no brainer to work for crane company and have zero worries.
 
Being your own boss is overrated. A lot of people can make more money and focus on what they are good at working for others than running your own business. If you can find a company that has the rest of the stuff covered so you can focus on your own strength or have a quality of life not having to deal with rude customers, getting paid without begging, not having to deal with the legal and accounting, have someone big enough to take the risk of running a business, etc, in many cases it turns out better.

Commodity auto repair is a tough business these days, parts are swap instead of repaired and often times it is cheaper to just replace the ride and sell the car as is on a boat to 3rd world (when repair is cheaper and new car is not). If you can switch to the crane place it would be so much better (you cannot just outsource crane jobs and construction is always going to be around).
 
Chris I know just where you and your boss are coming from!! I loaded and delivered petroleum products for over 17 years. Dealing with angry and rude has taken it's toll.
 
Chris142 said:
Well darn.I talked to the crane guys and they really want me to work for them. The kicker is ya I am starting out @ the bottom but the pay is 1/2 of what I make now. That won't cover my mortgage,car payment,ins etc.
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That's a rough position. When I was younger I took a 50% cut and was glad of it to get into a better less stressful jobs. If you are an "A" driver and have a haz mat I would recommend getting a local driving job that get's you home every night. Living in the high desert is an advantage because there are a lot of terminals close by.
 
ollie said:
That's a rough position. When I was younger I took a 50% cut and was glad of it to get into a better less stressful jobs. If you are an "A" driver and have a haz mat I would recommend getting a local driving job that get's you home every night. Living in the high desert is an advantage because there are a lot of terminals close by.
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I no longer have my Hazmat. About 15 yrs ago II went to the DMV to get my M1permit. I had no idea that they would make me retake all the tests just to add an endorsement. I did not have fingerprints with me at the time and had to drop the Hazmat.
 
Chris142 said:
I no longer have my Hazmat. About 15 yrs ago II went to the DMV to get my M1permit. I had no idea that they would make me retake all the tests just to add an endorsement. I did not have fingerprints with me at the time and had to drop the Hazmat.
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Yes that sucks for sure!! I had to take all mine over to get my M1 as well. So here is what you can do. Go to Truckercountry.com and take the sample test. They even have an app for you phone so you can practice anywhere. Right now I'm concerned because my renewal is coming up in February. I'm not sure how this is going to pan out with the COVID crap going on. In the past I always took the HazMat test at every renewal cycle.
 
What about diesel construction equipment / truck / forklift repair ?

I thought that type of mechanic (Caterpillar, Cummins, Komatsu, Volvo, etc...) pays very good.
 
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I wouldn't think you would have a problem finding a new job in sunny CA. Good A/C men are worth their weight in gold. (Same for alignment mech.)
 
What about some type of government maintenance shop located in your county for their fleet vehicles or are those all farmed out to contractors?
 
Chris142 said:
Well darn.I talked to the crane guys and they really want me to work for them. The kicker is ya I am starting out @ the bottom but the pay is 1/2 of what I make now. That won't cover my mortgage,car payment,ins etc.
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Chris did you ask how long it would take for you to get increases until your wages would be close to what you are getting now?

Maybe you need to work a second job in the meantime until that happens. I know it sucks and you haven't had a proper vacation in 18 years. These decisions are hard, but I know you will be successful in whatever you choose. Can you work on stuff you are currently doing as a side job on weekends etc when you aren't working at the crane company or that wouldn't work (you need special tools etc that the boss owns etc)?
 
JC1 said:
Chris did you ask how long it would take for you to get increases until your wages would be close to what you are getting now?

Maybe you need to work a second job in the meantime until that happens. I know it sucks and you haven't had a proper vacation in 18 years. These decisions are hard, but I know you will be successful in whatever you choose. Can you work on stuff you are currently doing as a side job on weekends etc when you aren't working at the crane company or that wouldn't work (you need special tools etc that the boss owns etc)?
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The Crane place expects me to be on call and able to go 24/7 as their hours are not set. They go to the job when called.. So no way to have a 2nd job.
 
Chris142 said:
Considerably more than the $16/hr they offered.
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No offense Chris but that rate is an insult to someone with your ability. It makes you wonder how well those cranes are maintained. And to be on call 24/7 not good. I did that on call thing in the 90's and it was insane!!
 
It actually sounds like that business isn't worth very much. You are the business. If you walk away it will limp along for a while and then fold.

If someone buys the business they're buying the equipment, any leasehold improvements, your services as an emplyee and a telephone number.

I realize it's a completely different industry, but when I went into medical practice I only paid $10,000 for a functioning medical practice (the money was for the equipment, leasehold improvements, trained staff and a phone number that was getting calls). A year later I took in an associate who paid me half of what I had paid. We made what we made because the patients were coming back. Paying more for a practice wouldn't have changed that.

When I left after 10 years, my associate paid me $4500 for the depreciated assets.

When I was in practice a few physicians thought they could sell their practice for big bucks - enough to retire. Good luck with that. Another physician could set up a practice right next door with new equipment, a nice office, friendly staff and take away half their business within 6 months.
 
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