Hmm...was my carreer move wise?
Discussion
Bit long I'm afriad....I've tried to make it brief.
I've recently changed jobs.
For the previous 7-8 years I've done building services in a range of buildings from leisure centers and swimming pools, to old peoples homes and theaters. This included out of hours call outs and also some night work.
This resulted in a fair bit of overtime. In fact, I'd double my basic some months.
It also included the usual mobile engineer perks- car/van which can be used privately.
3 months ago I moved to a new firm. Where I service and maintain totally different kit.
I took a 3 and a half grand pay drop as I knew nothing of the industry and in the interview, it was portrayed that the money, once out on my own and competent, was pretty good. This is due to no overtime being payed. I was told that if you work late, you will be returned with an early finish.
However it's become apparent that this never happens and most days I work 11-12 hours. If I work out my hourly rate, it's terrible. 6-7 quid an hour.
I'm also expected to pay for the fuel for the van myself and claim it back. But I'm doing 600 quid plus each month and therefore having to go to the office weekly to put them in, which makes my day even longer.
I've since learnt that one of the guys with 10 years experience isn't taking home anywhere near what I earnt in my last job.
BUT, I love the work. Days fly by and I've not been happier in a job for years. No call outs either, so I have the weekends to myself. It's probably the best job I've had.
Trouble is, I don't know how long I can earn crap money. I cant afford to put anything into my savings and only have a couple of hundred quid a month to myself. That's not before the monthly food shop. I can't afford to do anything and am not looking forward to Christmas.
I don't know what to do. Work a ace job that you love and have weekends, or go back to building services and loose weekends etc when I'm on call.
I put it to you PH for advice. Some real world experience of similar would be great
I've recently changed jobs.
For the previous 7-8 years I've done building services in a range of buildings from leisure centers and swimming pools, to old peoples homes and theaters. This included out of hours call outs and also some night work.
This resulted in a fair bit of overtime. In fact, I'd double my basic some months.
It also included the usual mobile engineer perks- car/van which can be used privately.
3 months ago I moved to a new firm. Where I service and maintain totally different kit.
I took a 3 and a half grand pay drop as I knew nothing of the industry and in the interview, it was portrayed that the money, once out on my own and competent, was pretty good. This is due to no overtime being payed. I was told that if you work late, you will be returned with an early finish.
However it's become apparent that this never happens and most days I work 11-12 hours. If I work out my hourly rate, it's terrible. 6-7 quid an hour.
I'm also expected to pay for the fuel for the van myself and claim it back. But I'm doing 600 quid plus each month and therefore having to go to the office weekly to put them in, which makes my day even longer.
I've since learnt that one of the guys with 10 years experience isn't taking home anywhere near what I earnt in my last job.
BUT, I love the work. Days fly by and I've not been happier in a job for years. No call outs either, so I have the weekends to myself. It's probably the best job I've had.
Trouble is, I don't know how long I can earn crap money. I cant afford to put anything into my savings and only have a couple of hundred quid a month to myself. That's not before the monthly food shop. I can't afford to do anything and am not looking forward to Christmas.
I don't know what to do. Work a ace job that you love and have weekends, or go back to building services and loose weekends etc when I'm on call.
I put it to you PH for advice. Some real world experience of similar would be great
Edited by Lawbags on Wednesday 1st October 19:30
Sounds like a middle ground job is needed. Somewhere which also makes you content but also pays a bit more....
If ou are truly that happy then I'd perhaps stick with it until you truly need the extra money.
Are you salaried? When you say money will go up when competent, would that be (or not based on the other guy) be a pay rise or a rate rise if you are contracting?
Perhaps stick with it for a while and bring it up with those above when you feel you are at that point. If they say no, they lied in the interview and you can be off, if they say yes, happy days.
If ou are truly that happy then I'd perhaps stick with it until you truly need the extra money.
Are you salaried? When you say money will go up when competent, would that be (or not based on the other guy) be a pay rise or a rate rise if you are contracting?
Perhaps stick with it for a while and bring it up with those above when you feel you are at that point. If they say no, they lied in the interview and you can be off, if they say yes, happy days.
Edited by vescaegg on Wednesday 1st October 19:15
Lawbags said:
Bit long I'm afriad....I've tried to make it brief.
3 months ago I moved to a new firm. Where I service and maintain totally different kit.
I took a 3 and a half grand pay drop as I knew nothing of the industry
If you stick it out for a while longer will this give you enough experience to go somewhere else with your new skills and get a better salary?3 months ago I moved to a new firm. Where I service and maintain totally different kit.
I took a 3 and a half grand pay drop as I knew nothing of the industry
Edited by Lawbags on Wednesday 1st October 19:30
This is a common dilemma. Some would be very envious of your position, but if something's not right for you, then clearly you're not content. You have to be sure what you want, and if it's not this, have a plan you can articulate that will get you to where you want to be.
Only you can answer this question based upon your own life's needs. Where do you sit regards challenge, stress, financial reward, commute time, needs of family, type of work, values and standards, materialism etc, etc, etc? It's not easy, but if it's not working financially and it needs to, negotiate now or leave (once you've worked out your plan!). I would always advise, unless it's a forced move, only move on your own account for a 20% improvement in total remuneration package. Good luck!
Only you can answer this question based upon your own life's needs. Where do you sit regards challenge, stress, financial reward, commute time, needs of family, type of work, values and standards, materialism etc, etc, etc? It's not easy, but if it's not working financially and it needs to, negotiate now or leave (once you've worked out your plan!). I would always advise, unless it's a forced move, only move on your own account for a 20% improvement in total remuneration package. Good luck!
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