redneckchevy9 Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 I think it was around one year ago, I was playing with the idea of leaving the lumberyard biz for a different profession. Well, I got what I was after in the lumberyard and was happy & content with all the hats I wore at our yard. Well, 3 weeks ago, our yard got bought out by another lumberyard. It is a smaller operation and not a chain store, but still is different. Most things are the same, except for the $1/hr. pay cut and working 10 more hours a week. In most aspects, I'm still the draftsman, boom truck operator, & fleet manager. Rumor has it that I'm going to get phased out of the truck completely and only work on blueprints and in our very successful home decor department (kitchens, flooring, carpet). I am not really sure on how to feel about this. While the company system is basically the same set-up, it just isn't the same for me, not working for the family I worked my ass off for the last 9 years and achieved all my goals in the lumberyard business up to this point. Long story short, I got a phone call last week that offered me a job delivering feed for Agri-King here in Fulton, IL. It is only for 40hrs a week and monday-friday. Great hours for me, especially with 3 kids and a wife that works 12hr. shifts as a mother/baby nurse. Only one draw back, i'd be taking a pay cut for the first year or 2. I am unclear if the job appeals to me because it is something different or if it REALLY is time for a career change. What say you guys? I always value any & all opinions you guys give me on other questions I've had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomH Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 Well..... Just some thoughts: Right now you are working 50 hrs a week instead of 40 for a buck less an hour so take home is about the same? Or 45 and 55 whatever... If....IF you get phased completely in to the blue prints, same hours, same pay? Will you be able to move up to say a project manager type position? Better position = better pay at least in theory..... Benefits??? You or your wife ? What I'm looking at is the potential to further your career, I've always been one that plans for the future. Driving the feed truck: will your pay increase after the first year or 2, factor in cost of living so you need to make more in 2 years driving than you will be in "blueprinting" now. The Lumberyard biz has the possibility of you gaining experience in the home décor business which could be beneficial down the road. Driving a feed truck ( which could be quite enjoyable ) in the long term makes you a feed truck driver. Not sure where that is taking you. But maybe that's what floats your boat! As said just thoughts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redneckchevy9 Posted July 19, 2018 Author Share Posted July 19, 2018 10 minutes ago, TomH said: Well..... Just some thoughts: Right now you are working 50 hrs a week instead of 40 for a buck less an hour so take home is about the same? Or 45 and 55 whatever... If....IF you get phased completely in to the blue prints, same hours, same pay? Will you be able to move up to say a project manager type position? Better position = better pay at least in theory..... Benefits??? You or your wife ? What I'm looking at is the potential to further your career, I've always been one that plans for the future. Driving the feed truck: will your pay increase after the first year or 2, factor in cost of living so you need to make more in 2 years driving than you will be in "blueprinting" now. The Lumberyard biz has the possibility of you gaining experience in the home décor business which could be beneficial down the road. Driving a feed truck ( which could be quite enjoyable ) in the long term makes you a feed truck driver. Not sure where that is taking you. But maybe that's what floats your boat! As said just thoughts. Tom, I just omitted some of those details for the sake of saving you guys 5 minutes to read my post. My wife carries all of our medical, dental, vision, etc... insurance. I will be making the same if I only am a draftsman or a truck driver. I basically had no choice to remain @ this job when the buy out happened because I need a job. The main reason I would be willing to take a cut in $$ is for the future. My projected salary for 3rd year is a few K more than I am currently making now. I'm pretty much sure I am stuck in my spot for now @ the lumberyard, I don't want to be a salesman. I should have clarified...I would be in the truck 3 days a week & in the warehouse the other 2....pulling my loads, loading the semi trailers, etc.. There are 4 positions above me that I could reach in the future. The warehouse manager began as a trucker 20 years ago. Most of Agri-Kings employees at the plant are 40s & older...most being there since their 20s. They have great profit sharing & performance bonuses. this would be my chariot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOBSIH856 Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 Will you be handling feed bags at your stops or is it all delivered on pallets/bulk? If you do Blueprints and work in the home decor side you can always spin off on your own and do design work for area contractors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redneckchevy9 Posted July 19, 2018 Author Share Posted July 19, 2018 10 minutes ago, BOBSIH856 said: Will you be handling feed bags at your stops or is it all delivered on pallets/bulk? If you do Blueprints and work in the home decor side you can always spin off on your own and do design work for area contractors. some will be hand chucks, but most are warehouses & feed mills. Honestly, most of the farms I will be at have forks in some form or another also. longest route is 7 hours round trip & there are no over nights...which also a big plus for the family. I do have contact with a draftsman that owns his own business & he has reached out to me to help him with some side work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bitty Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 I kind of think about the feed driving as long as it's not too big of a pay difference when it comes to buying the groceries you will have a little more time with the family while the kids are young? Money is not everything to me (otherwise I wouldn't be Dairy farming) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atilathehun99 Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 2 hours ago, redneckchevy9 said: My projected salary for 3rd year is a few K more than I am currently making now. Have you spoken with others that work there that have seen this increase in salary in their work history w/ the company? They sound like a good business but it could be easy for them to attempt to sell a desirable employee on coming to work for them by making "projections" that may or may not come to pass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art From Coleman Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 I would cultivate that home decor business for all that it is worth. If something should happen injury wise, you have something to fall back on, and the fact that you have enough imagination to intrigue someone else with your ideas should give you a good reputation. So much the better if your area is prosperous, and desirable enough that people are moving there. When we had our house built, we got several great ideas from a woman who worked at a paint store as far as what would look good, with our existing furnishings, and to set the mood in the various room(s). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delta Dirt Posted July 20, 2018 Share Posted July 20, 2018 A thought worth remembering no matter your profession: I have a friend about same age as me (75) who always said: "everyone works for the minimum wage from the neck down" He has amassed a fortune using his head to do his work. Good chance your head will still be working after your body start failing--------think about where your best opportunities are for the future. Good luck----- DD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mader656 Posted July 20, 2018 Share Posted July 20, 2018 8 minutes ago, Delta Dirt said: A thought worth remembering no matter your profession: I have a friend about same age as me (75) who always said: "everyone works for the minimum wage from the neck down" He has amassed a fortune using his head to do his work. Good chance your head will still be working after your body start failing--------think about where your best opportunities are for the future. Good luck----- DD Good thoughts That's a tough one what are the odds for raisies at the lumber yard...if you can handle brain work im getting to the point that would be my choice but, I can't sit still...however meeting folks and helping solve a issue would fun. Delivering feed would be fun, till winter...tho less hours... The no touch anyway... Poor boom truck. Your pretty good on that... So i dont know... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Englander Posted July 20, 2018 Share Posted July 20, 2018 https://www.federalpay.org/employees/occupations/air-traffic-control Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oleman Posted July 20, 2018 Share Posted July 20, 2018 Got the lastest catalog from our local community college today. They offer nothing in mechanical skills but about all the soft skills are well covered. Possibly your local junior college has a guidance office that could you open you eyes to other opportunities that you haven't thought about. Since your taxes help fund the classes you should get a good value on any retraining or certifications they offer. You are never too old to learn and apply new skills. Good luck with whatever choices you make. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1586 Jeff Posted July 20, 2018 Share Posted July 20, 2018 8 hours ago, redneckchevy9 said: This would be my chariot Now that is a step down! From driving and operating that sharp red Louisville to delivering feed in a Caravan?!?!?!?!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AKwelder Posted July 20, 2018 Share Posted July 20, 2018 Rumor has it they are changing your work duties? I wouldn’t make any decisions about your career from rumors, I would talk to them and find out the truth From your posts, you seem to have grown at this job and are looking outside for a change. So maybe it’s time to find something new. Do your research, talk to your wife, and think about it. Good luck and let us know how it goes. As someone who has dealt with this at work, if you are going to move on, go in and tell your boss, shake his hand, and leave on a high note. It may be time to move on, but not to burn your bridges Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redneckchevy9 Posted July 20, 2018 Author Share Posted July 20, 2018 9 hours ago, AKwelder said: Rumor has it they are changing your work duties? I wouldn’t make any decisions about your career from rumors, I would talk to them and find out the truth From your posts, you seem to have grown at this job and are looking outside for a change. So maybe it’s time to find something new. Do your research, talk to your wife, and think about it. Good luck and let us know how it goes. As someone who has dealt with this at work, if you are going to move on, go in and tell your boss, shake his hand, and leave on a high note. It may be time to move on, but not to burn your bridges funny story about that....the company that bought us out is the lumberyard I began my career in. I worked for them from 2004-2007 & my boss was not happy I left. He was pissed at me. I did the professional thing & it still didn't matter. Well, he is my boss again now...I would not be trying to burn anything if I left, but my feeling would be it would go up like a dry haystack! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redneckchevy9 Posted July 20, 2018 Author Share Posted July 20, 2018 9 hours ago, 1586 Jeff said: Now that is a step down! From driving and operating that sharp red Louisville to delivering feed in a Caravan?!?!?!?!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redneckchevy9 Posted July 20, 2018 Author Share Posted July 20, 2018 11 hours ago, mader656 said: Good thoughts That's a tough one what are the odds for raisies at the lumber yard...if you can handle brain work im getting to the point that would be my choice but, I can't sit still...however meeting folks and helping solve a issue would fun. Delivering feed would be fun, till winter...tho less hours... The no touch anyway... Poor boom truck. Your pretty good on that... So i dont know... the odds of raises in my yard are not very good & if I do, it sounds like every few years. This new gig would gave a raises each year. The money conversion is kinda hard for me because this is a salary based position, not hourly (like I have been my entire life). I deliver lumber in the winter & sit on top of my boom truck when its -10outside sometimes. I do running my boom truck & I've already learned & ran the other new boom truck in the other yard. I've been doing the same thing for 15 years & I don't if it is because this new job came calling, but I am finding myself wondering if I really want to be a lumberyard guy anymore. The chance of a promotion is ZERO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomH Posted July 20, 2018 Share Posted July 20, 2018 I'm thinking your "gut" feeling is you are ready to change. I'm thinking you should listen to your gut! Sounds like you will be happier in the long run and that's what really counts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jass1660 Posted July 20, 2018 Share Posted July 20, 2018 Haha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redneckchevy9 Posted July 20, 2018 Author Share Posted July 20, 2018 33 minutes ago, jass1660 said: Haha i knew that would surface! I figured ****, if they only want me to work 40, I won't ague. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atilathehun99 Posted July 20, 2018 Share Posted July 20, 2018 12 minutes ago, redneckchevy9 said: i knew that would surface! I figured ****, if they only want me to work 40, I won't ague. I don't know whether or not you're implying if a salaried position is 40 but in my experience it's not. It means 40 minimum and if it takes another 10, 20,... to get the job done and what you get IF you're lucky is the boss saying "Keep up the good work." Work 50 one week and expect to take a few hours off next week? Nope unless you are fortunate enough to have a really nice employer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B.B. Posted July 20, 2018 Share Posted July 20, 2018 If you are going to change jobs, you probably have some room to negotiate your salary and vacation. Unemployment right now is really really low and finding good workers is tough. The ball is in your court to ask your new potential employer to at least match your previous salary, and vacation time if you have any. Everyone I know that employs people complain about how hard it is to get qualified people in positions. It's really an employee's market and a 180 degree turn from where it was in 2009. One of the things I always want to know for myself and for others when looking at a new job is there room to grow? Opportunities for advancement are a much needed objective in my mind as it helps us want to do a good job in hopes that we might be able to better ourselves. Best of luck with whatever you choose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redneckchevy9 Posted July 20, 2018 Author Share Posted July 20, 2018 26 minutes ago, B.B. said: One of the things I always want to know for myself and for others when looking at a new job is there room to grow? Opportunities for advancement are a much needed objective in my mind as it helps us want to do a good job in hopes that we might be able to better ourselves. absolutely! There is in the job that was offered to me...not so much in my current job. I have grown in my job, becoming lead draftsman and kitchen designer, but the pay does not reflect that. I am in current talks with the potential new employer about $$. They gave me a number, I gave them a number, they came back at me with a number. So here I am today...thinking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redneckchevy9 Posted July 20, 2018 Author Share Posted July 20, 2018 37 minutes ago, Atilathehun99 said: I don't know whether or not you're implying if a salaried position is 40 but in my experience it's not. It means 40 minimum and if it takes another 10, 20,... to get the job done and what you get IF you're lucky is the boss saying "Keep up the good work." Work 50 one week and expect to take a few hours off next week? Nope unless you are fortunate enough to have a really nice employer. i know from many others, your statement is exactly true...especially for the salesmen in the lumberyard. This actually was a big part of the discussion I had and was told that they frown upon their guys going over 40. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ihfan4life Posted July 20, 2018 Share Posted July 20, 2018 First thought- where do you see yourself in 10 years?- Think long and hard about that, I know I wish I did Now, do you want physical work or mental work, meaning what kind of shape are you in and can you sustain that? When I was farming for myself I was a bull, strong as bull dumb as an ox. Now that I’m driving truck I’m not in the shape I was and feeling it too(!) Whats the conditions and atmosphere of the work environments you’re looking at? While ag is in a downturn, building supplies might be on the upswing and where you can make some money Is the “ inside” work something you enjoy and challenging to you? Could you see yourself making a career or even starting your own business doing this? This job change if it happens is the proverbial fork in the road. If you choose this path where does it put me in the future, if I choose that path, where do I go from here? Choose wisely ??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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