If I just up and quit.....

[Fluid Power]

Originally Posted by WSSix

You have to first realize, I'm basically married to the job. I'm on a 6 and 3 schedule. During that 6, it's 24 hours a day if they want me. I've lost count of the number of days I've worked over 20 hours and done that in a row. That makes it very hard to commit to anything beyond being ready to go at a moment's notice. Right now, we are slowing down a bit for different reasons but typically, I only see my house in the dark. I wish I could work out regularly.

I also rent so I'm limited on what I can do with the place. I've thought about getting a 110v welder but am honestly scared of the wiring in the house. I'm not interested in buying this place. Especially if it's a burnt out frame. I've thought about bringing my TA out here and working on it but having the proper space and tools then comes into play. I do go over into Colorado and ride my motorcycle when the weather is good and not cold. That's been one thing that I have enjoyed. Riding around here is worthless unless you have a cruiser. Too much wind and no curves.

I have a second motorcycle that's a project bike. I'm nearing the point where I'll have to wait and get to a better place before I can take it as far as I want to go with it. I'm working on it when I can but lack of proper place and tools is holding me up a bit. I've thought about getting a third one that needs mechanical work because I can do that more easily than custom body panels or other changes. I'd really like to try out a Triumph Speed Triple

Liberal is a town of about 24k people. I went to college with 33k people. I don't do small towns. It's one hour to the closest larger city and it's maybe 40k people. It's hard to describe how little there is out here unless you've been here. It's also difficult to describe how annoying the wind is unless you've spent time here. Amarillo is the closest major city and it's 3 hours away. Also, I drive a lot for my job. So driving on my days off isn't a thrilling prospect.

Specifically, I like to hike and explore, ride the motorcycle in hills and with curves, I want to be more involved in the local car scene, I'd like to get an exercise routine going(I hear crossfit is fun and it puts the girls in cool positions ), and most of all, I'd like to be able to make plans and know I'm more than likely going to be able to keep them. To be able to know what I'm going to be doing tomorrow night would be fantastic. I'm a planner and this job keeps me guessing.

I understand things better now. Like Jody said, things are different right now as far as hiring goes. Resumes flood in everyday at my place. If we needed to hire an engineer, I could pick a dozen from the trash can. Having a job gives you a real advantage over those that don't. I feel for you and wish you luck. What does corporate say about your situation?

Darren

[WSSix]

Originally Posted by Sparks67

Usajobs is for the federal goverment, which is the largest employer for engineers. I never used Indeed.com, but it could limit you in ways. Some people will only search on their career field or location. This can limit your chances of finding a job. For example, you want to be in Atlanta. Well, I got only 10 hits for Atlanta on Engineer. I changed the search terms in Usajobs to "Engineer" and "GA". I get 23 hits. Now one of the positions is a Mechanical Engineer position at Warner Robins, GA. Well, you are within a 2 hour trip to Atlanta.


Jeff

Warner Robbins has a very different landscape than the Northern part of the state. That's one thing I do love about Georgia. It's very different north to south and east to west. I grew up in Savannah which is nothing like Athens and Atlanta. Warner Robbins wouldn't do it for me just like Savannah won't either, though.

You bring up good points about the search terms etc. It's why I only type engineer and put it at a 100 mile radius. I don't need to be in the metro area. Also, I have no idea what all is out there so I go broad based by just using engineer. I've also looked at some other broad based job titles.

I never knew the federal government employed the most engineers. Interesting.

[WSSix]

Originally Posted by Fluid Power

I understand things better now. Like Jody said, things are different right now as far as hiring goes. Resumes flood in everyday at my place. If we needed to hire an engineer, I could pick a dozen from the trash can. Having a job gives you a real advantage over those that don't. I feel for you and wish you luck. What does corporate say about your situation?

Darren

Thanks Darren. Until I got here, I didn't think it would be so bad. I even figured I would get adjusted. When I left Grand Junction, CO, a place I loved, and pulled into Pampa, TX during the night, I didn't think it was so bad. When I ventured out of the hotel room the next day, I nearly turned around and went back to Junction to demand they either take me back or I'm done. It really is very different out here compared to where I grew up and what I like.

I've talked with my bosses and they know I want to leave. They say they'll help but I don't think they will. Problem is, they'll put some stipulation that I have to find a replacement first. Well, we have a fourth engineer coming in very soon. He could easily take my place as he has experience and wants to be in Liberal since his wife is from here. I can already see the wheels in my direct boss's head turning because at this camp only me and the new guy can do the big money horizontal jobs which require two engineers and two crews since they are 24 hour operations typically. He, meaning my boss, has zero incentive to help me and every incentive to force me to stay. There are other issues and indications that aren't worth going into that tell me I won't get out of Liberal, KS with this company. Sucks too because right or wrong, I'd prefer to stay loyal to a company that was willing to take a chance on me.

I've noticed that about the jobs I have found and I've found plenty. There really are a lot of good, well paying jobs out there right now. It's an employer's market though. They are being very specific about the experience, qualifications, and certifications they are looking for. Many of the certifications are ones you would normally get as an entry level employee, which is what I'm looking at. However, I'm finding so many jobs wanting 1-2 years of experience but a list of certifications along with that. I don't have those certifications and getting them outside of a job isn't feasible. I'm better of waiting to find something. It's an employer's market.

[youthpastor]

lots of good advice here. I was making good money in a job a didn't like. It wasn't challenging, the environment I was I was in was toxic and I needed a PLAN!

You are probably like most of us on the board who could get a job anywhere...yes even in this economy. But you need to figure out what you want to do and where you want to live.

The best thing I did was start listening to Dan Miller's 48 days podcast and read a couple of his books. His plan is simple. Have a plan and find meaningful work in 6 months. My plan took 3-4 years of hard work and commitment but is worth it.

Weld is right- don't give away all your money to move into a lateral position. Think smart. Emotions are mostly right and with a little reason they can be the right catalyst for changing. I wish you the best!

[WSSix]

Thanks Chris. I appreciate the kind words. I'll look into this Dan Miller guy and see what he has to say.

[Flash68]

Originally Posted by camcojb

With that said, how many of your examples of quitting were in the last couple years? It's a whole different market out there right now. In 2005 things were roaring and getting a job wasn't nearly the same as 2012.

Good point Jody. In general I would agree. I guess that's where each individual needs to know his or her place in their niche and what they bring to the table and the whole supply/demand situation of their situation.

[Bryan O]

Originally Posted by camcojb

With that said, how many of your examples of quitting were in the last couple years? It's a whole different market out there right now.

None in the last couple years. However, I have left jobs at tops in the economy and at lows in the economy. Doesn't make a hoot of a difference to me. I try to live a life based on faith.

Essentially dropped out of high school in '77 to pursue professional sports. Was eventually blessed with an opportunity to earn a PhD in Chemistry. Left athletic sponsors when the arrangements no longer fit and was blessed with suitable alternatives. Earned an advanced degree "owning" only a few sets of clothes, a '74 Jeep CJ5 () and a Rottweiler. No money to my name at that time. But, a decade later, and after having quit a few unsatisfactory bio/pharma jobs, ended up as point man in a start-up biotech. Put $100M to work for one of the richest guys on the planet.

Now that environment is toxic and it is time to leave.

I have a plan of action. No expectations it will work out. Actually, I have many contingency plans without expectations. Who knows? Maybe I'll end up working at Harkins Theaters asking, "Butter with that popcorn sir?"

Here's my bottom line advice WSSix. Faith fulfills the spirit. Believing one is in control is an illusion. Give it up. No fear.

Two hours and fifteen minutes 'till resignation time. New chapters in life are exciting.

[WSSix]

I just wanted to say this whole process has been so frustrating Man my patience has been tested with this. I've had a few responses to my resumes and a few phone interviews. Hopefully, something will work out.

[John510]

Whats wrong with Kansas? Aren't houses only like 50-100K out there?

[Sparks67]

Originally Posted by John510

Whats wrong with Kansas? Aren't houses only like 50-100K out there?

John, just go street view on google maps. Kansas is flat and boring state. I wouldn't have taken a job out there at all. There is not much to do out there. Most parts of the countries, the homes are relatively inexpensive. Especially now with the foreclosures. Typically, most homes just need to be updated, but you can buy them at rather low cost.

Jeff