For those who worked manufacturing.

[FoxrunFarms02]

21 hours ago, IHandJDman said:

Worked some sort of factory work from 2005 when I dropped out of college to 2019.  I still work at the same place I started in 2008 but am now in an office type job.  The good about our factory is AC and heat.  It's pretty laid back except it is an FDA controlled industry, so expect a lot of rules to follow.  I don't miss being on the floor one bit, but don't regret it at all.  I was a cnc machinist and then a group leader.

It's interesting how far some factory's have come with ac in them. Granted some still look like dungeon. The factory I worked at before was outrageous on rules but kind of got laid back now trying to find new workers.

 

[FoxrunFarms02]

On 6/28/2026 at 12:10 PM, iowaboy1965 said:

1.Factory work can also be hard on your body. 2. Most factories are not as well ran as they were 30 years ago. Ex lots of silly management decisions and feel good programs plus just out right poor management decisions on a basic level.

I agree with those saying go for what pays the most in your area. But in your case there may be some lingering physical limitations? And even if not we all slow down as we age. Some slow down more and at a faster rate than others. Why you see a lot of older guys move into management type positions I suppose. 

I've worked in a factory most of my working life. As you say there is both good and bad there, but the same can be said for any job.

Comuting sucks. I had a good job 10 minutes from home until they were bought out and closed the plant. Been comuting 40 to 50 min 5 to 7 days a week for 16 years or more now. Looking forward to being done with that in a few more years.

Anybody that looks down on any one else for doing a factory job to pay the bills might not be worth worrying about. At one time most were pretty happy here to get a job at the local factory. It meant a better life at that time.

I use to feel good and kind of brag where I worked. After I had to switch jobs I felt ashamed going from a foreman to making high school wages at the local hardware store.  Oddly more people knew of and had better things to say about the small llc company I worked for vs the bigger one. Now I'm at the point of my life where I don't care what others think. Life is short. You're right as long as you're paying the bills is all that matters.

[FoxrunFarms02]

10 hours ago, jeeper61 said:

Try it.

If you don't like it you can find something else.

All you can do is try.

[just Dave]

If welding is future, make sure you protect your lungs, the effects of neglect don’t appear until it’s too late. A Craftsmen is generally better compensated than a Laborer. If you have a good brain for logic , you might consider becoming an Electrician. At 22, this is a good time to start. Good luck !

[FoxrunFarms02]

On 6/28/2026 at 4:38 PM, Rawleigh99 said:

My question is could you stand on concrete all day? I know you may have some other position that doesn't require that, but that's one of those things that's always been part of manufacturing.

That is one thing im worried about. I actually tried a desk job and it was worst sitting all day. 

[just Dave]

By the way I’m a retired Machinist. Factory large and small all my life. I loved it but that trade has changed a ton . Sparkys (Electricians) will be a boom with all this automated crap.

[iowaboy1965]

2 hours ago, just Dave said:

By the way I’m a retired Machinist. Factory large and small all my life. I loved it but that trade has changed a ton . Sparkys (Electricians) will be a boom with all this automated crap.

As Dave says electricians are in demand. Being able to trouble shoot automated systems is a big thing in the industry. Also writing programs or as we call it F.A. (factory automation), is/will be in demand. Tho AI could possibly reduce some of those demands in the future? 🤷‍♂️

[Chester5732]

2 hours ago, FoxrunFarms02 said:

I use to feel good and kind of brag where I worked. After I had to switch jobs I felt ashamed going from a foreman to making high school wages at the local hardware store.  Oddly more people knew of and had better things to say about the small llc company I worked for vs the bigger one. Now I'm at the point of my life where I don't care what others think. Life is short. You're right as long as you're paying the bills is all that matters.

I do have to say life got better and easier when I quit caring about what others thought.  Their opinion is just that, an opinion. 

[FoxrunFarms02]

4 hours ago, just Dave said:

If welding is future, make sure you protect your lungs, the effects of neglect don’t appear until it’s too late. A Craftsmen is generally better compensated than a Laborer. If you have a good brain for logic , you might consider becoming an Electrician. At 22, this is a good time to start. Good luck !

Thanks. Landscaping we did a lot of pvc pipe sump pumps, and buried pvc pipe downspots. I really enjoyed that and figuring out where to get the water moving. I thought about plumbing, I had contractors compliment me on my clean temp fixes until they could arrive and thought of trying to get into something like that........except Idk about clogged toilets... 

[DT Fan]

I worked in factory's my entire adult life, 40 years worth. Some are better than others! My guess is, you won't find a Maytag these days. It was definitely the cream of the crop of the five I worked in. The award for the other end of the scale goes to, Titan tire in Des Moines! They are a great sponsor of the WHO tractor ride but after a big 8 week stint working there, I'll keep buying Firestone's!

[just Dave]

11 hours ago, FoxrunFarms02 said:

Thanks. Landscaping we did a lot of pvc pipe sump pumps, and buried pvc pipe downspots. I really enjoyed that and figuring out where to get the water moving. I thought about plumbing, I had contractors compliment me on my clean temp fixes until they could arrive and thought of trying to get into something like that........except Idk about clogged toilets... 

Apprenticeship is the most common way to a license, but not always required. There is more to plumbing than meets the eye. Construction is print reading and new material installation , any may well be union ( better pay, better benies). Residential is leaks and clogs, mainly, it that too can pay very well. Get a Plumber helper job maybe to test the water. It will be dirty smelly water often.  I would have shoveled poop for a living, if it was a significant pay raise:) good luck!

[Rawleigh99]

14 hours ago, FoxrunFarms02 said:

Thanks. Landscaping we did a lot of pvc pipe sump pumps, and buried pvc pipe downspots. I really enjoyed that and figuring out where to get the water moving. I thought about plumbing, I had contractors compliment me on my clean temp fixes until they could arrive and thought of trying to get into something like that........except Idk about clogged toilets... 

I know plumbers who only do new work and would never think of getting near a turd!!

[M35A2]

When Aurgas corporate closed the store I managed in 2024, I was given a choice-take the the open manager job another 70 miles from home, or depart.  My employee was given a generous severance package,  I was basically told take the job and make 140 mile communte daily (with no increase in pay).   So I said I would depart since there were no Airgas facilities with openining within 50 miles of my house.   Tried my hand at heavy equipment rental for 3 months and hated the chaos that is involved there.   Went to work at a factory 12 miles from home making drywall for United States Gypsum.  

Here is what I liked:

1 decent pay for starting out 22/hour,

2 ovetime pay every sunday night, mandatory overtime

3. You were trained for every operator position in the board plant

4. Promise of 6 months to a year at level 5 operator (top operator level for top pay without supervisor or foreman responsibilites)

5. No dealing with the general public customers  (for those who worked in customer-facing positions for decades understand this)

6.  Graveyard shift meant no management, contractors, maintenance, or other oeople in the plant to get int he way of your work.

What i disliked

1. The promise of getting to level 5 trained was a myth since out of 36 people on shift, only 10 had their full training complete.  That meant 26 others were in training and you only went as fast as the slowest trained person.  When someone quit or was fired (happened a lot) training stopped.   The guy who hired on 1 month before me still is not at that level yet after 2 years.  

2.  Mandatory overtime is not fully explained when interviewed.  If you ask, they ask what do you think it means?  If you say couple hours after shift, you are right.  What they don't say is that it also means 70-80 hours in a pay period too.   

3  Many times you worked 12-14 days in a row before getting a day off.   Two days off back to back was not allowed.  

4.  No drug testing for marijana.  Test for other drugs  Lots of stoned 20 - 35 year olds with delayed reactions shutting down the line due to screw ups or accidents.  Luckily I never saw any serious injuries but it was a matter of time.   

5. Rotating day off unless you were level 5.   This week you are off on monday.  You may not get another day off until the saturday, nearly 2 weeks away.  That is if you didn't get bumped by a level 5, foreman, supervisor, or relief supervisor. 

6. No moving to day shift or 2nd shift unless asked by invitation.  Official policy is you have to be level 5 before moving to day shift (they don't train on days).   But we wittnessed many that moved because they got invited who didn't have the full levels yet.   Officially jobs were "posted" but often the job would be filled before the job was actually open.   So you had to know someone on days and be invted to go.   

7.  Lots of other reasons, but some are minor.  

After 18 months, I was able to get back into Airgas, but in their dry ice division, doing production.  Only thing I lost from being gone for that length of time was I started over in vaction time per year, and sick time.   But my sick time is back up to half of my accumulated time due to it being based on january through december.   Hired back in November, so got the full year alotment of sick time, then January1, got allocated 2nd year allotment (and we could accumulate up to 20 days before we loose any.   My employee ID number is the same, years of sevice shows previously accumulated time worked.   I make less per year than what I did as a salaried store manager but if I put the pencil to the hours worked as manager vs what I make per hour being an hourly employee, I make about 5 bucks an hour more now.   We work 12 hour shifts, I work straight nights.  Won't go back to days.   Best part is the longest we work is 12 hours, and three days at most.   No waiting for shift releif.   I work a 3 on, two off, two on, three off.   Finally have a life back again.   Basically with that shift, I have a 3 day weekend every other weeken. Plus if you play things right, you can use 2 days of vacation and be off work for 7 days striaight.     

Hint of advice, ask lots of questions before going to 

 

[FoxrunFarms02]

7 hours ago, M35A2 said:

When Aurgas corporate closed the store I managed in 2024, I was given a choice-take the the open manager job another 70 miles from home, or depart.  My employee was given a generous severance package,  I was basically told take the job and make 140 mile communte daily (with no increase in pay).   So I said I would depart since there were no Airgas facilities with openining within 50 miles of my house.   Tried my hand at heavy equipment rental for 3 months and hated the chaos that is involved there.   Went to work at a factory 12 miles from home making drywall for United States Gypsum.  

Here is what I liked:

1 decent pay for starting out 22/hour,

2 ovetime pay every sunday night, mandatory overtime

3. You were trained for every operator position in the board plant

4. Promise of 6 months to a year at level 5 operator (top operator level for top pay without supervisor or foreman responsibilites)

5. No dealing with the general public customers  (for those who worked in customer-facing positions for decades understand this)

6.  Graveyard shift meant no management, contractors, maintenance, or other oeople in the plant to get int he way of your work.

What i disliked

1. The promise of getting to level 5 trained was a myth since out of 36 people on shift, only 10 had their full training complete.  That meant 26 others were in training and you only went as fast as the slowest trained person.  When someone quit or was fired (happened a lot) training stopped.   The guy who hired on 1 month before me still is not at that level yet after 2 years.  

2.  Mandatory overtime is not fully explained when interviewed.  If you ask, they ask what do you think it means?  If you say couple hours after shift, you are right.  What they don't say is that it also means 70-80 hours in a pay period too.   

3  Many times you worked 12-14 days in a row before getting a day off.   Two days off back to back was not allowed.  

4.  No drug testing for marijana.  Test for other drugs  Lots of stoned 20 - 35 year olds with delayed reactions shutting down the line due to screw ups or accidents.  Luckily I never saw any serious injuries but it was a matter of time.   

5. Rotating day off unless you were level 5.   This week you are off on monday.  You may not get another day off until the saturday, nearly 2 weeks away.  That is if you didn't get bumped by a level 5, foreman, supervisor, or relief supervisor. 

6. No moving to day shift or 2nd shift unless asked by invitation.  Official policy is you have to be level 5 before moving to day shift (they don't train on days).   But we wittnessed many that moved because they got invited who didn't have the full levels yet.   Officially jobs were "posted" but often the job would be filled before the job was actually open.   So you had to know someone on days and be invted to go.   

7.  Lots of other reasons, but some are minor.  

After 18 months, I was able to get back into Airgas, but in their dry ice division, doing production.  Only thing I lost from being gone for that length of time was I started over in vaction time per year, and sick time.   But my sick time is back up to half of my accumulated time due to it being based on january through december.   Hired back in November, so got the full year alotment of sick time, then January1, got allocated 2nd year allotment (and we could accumulate up to 20 days before we loose any.   My employee ID number is the same, years of sevice shows previously accumulated time worked.   I make less per year than what I did as a salaried store manager but if I put the pencil to the hours worked as manager vs what I make per hour being an hourly employee, I make about 5 bucks an hour more now.   We work 12 hour shifts, I work straight nights.  Won't go back to days.   Best part is the longest we work is 12 hours, and three days at most.   No waiting for shift releif.   I work a 3 on, two off, two on, three off.   Finally have a life back again.   Basically with that shift, I have a 3 day weekend every other weeken. Plus if you play things right, you can use 2 days of vacation and be off work for 7 days striaight.     

Hint of advice, ask lots of questions before going to 

 

Thank you. You made very good points and what you mentioned I previously saw working at a factory. Many similar likes and dislikes.  My dad worked for FS out of high school for almost 20 years. After that he worked at a purina mill for 12. Then hopscotched to other places. He's supposed to be retired but the purina mill got bought by FS and they remembered him and asked if he wanted a job. Familiar with 2 companies, buildings and customer lines. He said he still runs some of the equipment from he originally worked at FS lol

[FoxrunFarms02]

Thank you for all the replies everyone. I was really leaning towards the assembly job. The pay was okay for the area the hours would've worked out nice. 2pm to 10pm. But Saturday hours were 10am to 3pm. Can't plan anything in the morning and late enough in the afternoon you can't plan much or the family is ready to whine down. Wednesday day I'm sitting down with a local plumber to discuss future goals, and plans and see if they have anything available. 

[farmall666]

I DID SOME FACTORY WORK. MACHINE OPERATOR AND WELDER. BEING ON CONCRETE STANDING WAS HARD ON MY FEET. SHOES WORE OUT FAST. LOVED GRAVEYARD SHIFT. NO BIG BRASS AROUND MUCH.

[FoxrunFarms02]

A bit of an update. I decided to pass on the job. An answer I got from hr on an over time question was " we've been on required over time including Saturday for 2 years now, and no sight in the future slowing down" . Sounds like a lot of robot treatment. Thank you everyone for your advice, thoughts and storys. I also sat down with a local plumber. It was kind of a waste of time  but got some good info. They wanted to talk to me, get to know me, and was thrilled I was taking interest but the programs they do is almost 10 years. .......by the time I'd finish I'd be close to retirement. 

[acem]

Ive been on my own for over 35 years but I have many friends working for the man. Here's my opinion.

If you can find a job you love and get paid it's golden.

Otherwise find something you can tollerate  and makes you the best money you can.

A trade is a wise option for many in the long term. Electricians, welders, machinist, etc. Industrial electrical and controls is a particularly good trade now. My (step)son started as a welder but transitioned into industrial electrical. 

There's always the oil field. Roughnecks and Frack Rats are well paid. Especially off shore.

[Jacka]

10 hours ago, FoxrunFarms02 said:

A bit of an update. I decided to pass on the job. An answer I got from hr on an over time question was " we've been on required over time including Saturday for 2 years now, and no sight in the future slowing down" . Sounds like a lot of robot treatment. Thank you everyone for your advice, thoughts and storys. I also sat down with a local plumber. It was kind of a waste of time  but got some good info. They wanted to talk to me, get to know me, and was thrilled I was taking interest but the programs they do is almost 10 years. .......by the time I'd finish I'd be close to retirement. 

One thing I always steered away from jobs that have mandatory overtime.I sign on for 40 hours a week. I however will work overtime anytime they ask.I work holidays,weekends,middle of the night, etc.etc.My present job I in 11 years missed one call out and that was for my mother in law funeral. I just don't like them telling me I HAVE TO.I guess thats the independent farmer in me.

[FoxrunFarms02]

1 hour ago, Jacka said:

One thing I always steered away from jobs that have mandatory overtime.I sign on for 40 hours a week. I however will work overtime anytime they ask.I work holidays,weekends,middle of the night, etc.etc.Mu present job I in 11 years missed one call out and that was for my mother in law funeral. I just don't like them telling me I HAVE TO.I guess thats the independent farmer in me.

The landscaping company I was at we were required 2 Saturdays a month during the busy season. Making it optional we had more guys volunteer and worked better cause they wanted to be there.  Years later though it was hard to get anyone in. One perk was 30.00 cash and buy lunch with the company credit card.....then it became 50.00 cash. The factory I worked at was 4/10's....that lasted a week. Then 5/ 12's then a 6 Saturday even sometimes a 3 on Sunday.  You could tell after 8 hours production went down.  The landscaping company I was at I was just like you. In 10 years maybe 3 call ins. Funeral, or little guy sick. If it was something expected I'd text them the night before as a heads up. Storm damage, snow storm just get home and get called back in, early mornings, late nights, getting yanked around different departments to cover and then when I got hurt " sorry we have nothing from you " it's not right to judge company's off a bad one but I learned do what just needs to be done cause you're just a throw away.

[ky966boy]

I’ve worked at the same factory for 30 years made a lot of money , had a good paycheck every week no matter what the weather but it’s took its toll on my body I’m 54 barely waking sometimes I’m high enough now I mainly point and give advice. It is a means to support my family and at times my farming addiction I always watched the clock can’t wait every day to go check my cows . 

[Jacka]

1 hour ago, FoxrunFarms02 said:

The landscaping company I was at we were required 2 Saturdays a month during the busy season. Making it optional we had more guys volunteer and worked better cause they wanted to be there.  Years later though it was hard to get anyone in. One perk was 30.00 cash and buy lunch with the company credit card.....then it became 50.00 cash. The factory I worked at was 4/10's....that lasted a week. Then 5/ 12's then a 6 Saturday even sometimes a 3 on Sunday.  You could tell after 8 hours production went down.  The landscaping company I was at I was just like you. In 10 years maybe 3 call ins. Funeral, or little guy sick. If it was something expected I'd text them the night before as a heads up. Storm damage, snow storm just get home and get called back in, early mornings, late nights, getting yanked around different departments to cover and then when I got hurt " sorry we have nothing from you " it's not right to judge company's off a bad one but I learned do what just needs to be done cause you're just a throw away.

Yes,I work for Penndot.They call you out in ice,snow storms,bad wrecks and lane closures.All hours of the night, weekends,holidays whatever. They love you in the winter. But in the summer they treat you like dog dirt.My problem is I love to plow snow.2 more years and I am retired and gone.I won't miss it a bit.

[FoxrunFarms02]

4 hours ago, Jacka said:

Yes,I work for Penndot.They call you out in ice,snow storms,bad wrecks and lane closures.All hours of the night, weekends,holidays whatever. They love you in the winter. But in the summer they treat you like dog dirt.My problem is I love to plow snow.2 more years and I am retired and gone.I won't miss it a bit.

Congratulations. I use to love plowing snow. Was usually in a skidloader. 18 business on my list about 100yd x 100yard open parking lots, some condos, and church's. Usually 6 to 7 hours for a basic snow fall. Go catch up with the side walk crew for another 5 hours and extra 10.00 an hour for " element" pay. Go home do my driveway. Take a quick nap and in the afternoon go back and do tree work. It's different working at night and having off during the day.  The other place I  worked no one had a dedicated place everyone just scattered like rats and went. The older I get the less I enjoy being out in the elements.

Congratulations on the soon to be retirement. Hopefully you can enjoy it. I've seen a lot of family members so beat up and wore out they can't do what they worked so hard for.