Sitting at work...

[mcan]

Originally Posted by Inmem58

Can't work you on Sunday's if you say your religious.

Outspoken atheist... That ship has sailed.


I guess I could convert, but I think they'd see right through that. Anyway, the fact that I'm here on a Sunday kinda sucks, but that's just adding fuel to the "damn I don't get paid enough" fire. Hard to even blame em though. Hell, at least they GAVE me a job. Probably applied to three dozen other places that didn't even call back, and the other job I turned down (phone sales) only paid $10.50. It's just rough man. I was making more than that just out of high school and working at a music store (was making $13.50 as a manager there). Can't believe I'm worth less to employers now that I have a college degree and work experience... Just mind boggling.

I mean, I could go get a forklift job and make $14+ somewhere, but that isn't exactly the life I envisioned for myself.

[prhom]

Originally Posted by mcan

Can't believe I'm worth less to employers now that I have a college degree and work experience... Just mind boggling.

I mean, I could go get a forklift job and make $14+ somewhere, but that isn't exactly the life I envisioned for myself.

What degree did you earn, and what was it that you expected to do with that degree?

[loochy]

Originally Posted by mcan

I mean, I could go get a forklift job and make $14+ somewhere, but that isn't exactly the life I envisioned for myself.

But fixing phones for peanuts is?

[mcan]

Originally Posted by loochy

But fixing phones for peanuts is?

I actually love fixing phones.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by mcan

I actually love fixing phones.

well it sounds like you might want to try the self run business part.

[RunKC]

There are plenty of jobs. You just have to look really hard. Finding a job is a full -time job in itself.
A lot of jobs train you as well.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by mcan

I was told over and over again as I was growing up that the degree was the important part, and that I should study something I'd be interested in. So I went for theater and philosophy. ooops.

That degree with gain you no working/employment advantage unless you use it as a platform to getting a Master's in something useful.

But if you like fixing phones, sounds like a small business venture could be something you should look into.

[aturnis]

Originally Posted by mcan

I actually love fixing phones.

If you like fixing phones, I'm guessing that you like "techy" stuff. Go down to your IBEW Local, and sign up for testing. You will be tested on math, reading comprehension and some other deal, then given an interview. You will then be scored on both, and put on a list for the apprenticeship program based on the total cumulative score.

Sounds to me like you would like the low voltage VDV(voice, data, video) classification. Install and maintain computer and phone networks, install security, cctv, catv, fire alarm possibly low voltage lighting, fiber optics, nurse call and all kind of cool systems.

Your first year apprenticeship wage might even get you a raise. You will have school for at least 3 yrs, while working a 40hr work week, gain benefits after 90 days and wind up making $25+/hr(don't know the actual scale in your local) PLUS health and welfare benefits on top of that, and a 401k, plus other retirement benefits. Possibly vacation, depending on your local contract.

I'm currently a in my 7th or 8th yr, make enough to pay 2 mortgages and all associated bills, plus car payments and such all while the old lady makes dirt.(something in the 30's/yr).

I'm doing a 16 story hotel right now. Data, phone, cctv, catv, door controls, paging, fiber out the ass, fire alarm. It's fun, rewarding and helps to know you're "the guy" for the company. Stressful, but rewarding.

If you're a good employee, you will get the security of working for a single employer instead of jumping shops constantly like some guys. Not that that is all bad, some guys like it, get "vacation" and unemployment when things get slow that way.

If things ever go South with my employer, whom has been my only employer since I was a first year Cub, I'd probably just start my own company, possibly non union and do more low voltage systems our local electricians won't give up, such as low voltage lighting.

Good living if you're into it...

[nstygma]

Originally Posted by aturnis

Go down to your IBEW Local

when you did this process, was there a waiting list? i think its fairly huge in KC