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Post by Mr.Scott on Jan 6, 2022 11:01:41 GMT -5
As of the first of the new year the owner handed off running the company to his son. Son immediately sub contracted a fleet maintenance company to handle everything my shop currently handles.
He seems to think this will save him money, because in a bean counters eyes, the shop doesn't directly generate income, it just spends it. Shop will be limited to 1 small engine tech to service all of the gas powered small equipment, and downsized accordingly.
My job was one of the three eliminated. I agreed to stay on through the rest of the snow season and control my city route as usual, but not as a salary employee. I am now hourly @ 50 bucks an hour, until I find something else.
That, plus unemployment, will net me close to what I normally make and my med insurance is still covered by them.
I was offered a green season job if I would like @ 20 bucks an hour probably cutting grass or some other crap. I laughed right at him and told him to kiss my black ass.
Realistically, I cannot retire for 3 more years so I will explore my options.
That's it in a nutshell.
This has bolstered my hate for most mankind right now.
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Post by Bones on Jan 6, 2022 11:58:09 GMT -5
I hate this but at the same time I know where you are coming from - I really do.
Do what you gotta do and don't look back.
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Post by zila1 on Jan 6, 2022 14:52:00 GMT -5
You are a skilled tradesman. Not many left. You will find something. You don't have much time to go for retirement so you should be fine. If you have to cut grass for a while, if you could make it happen go someplace warm and rid yourself of the pain of winters. That nerve damage could use some warm weather. This could all be turned into something very positive for you. I believe things happen for a reason.
Edit: I have been hating on mankind since I was a teenager.
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Post by Mr.Scott on Jan 6, 2022 14:56:43 GMT -5
Trishia said the same thing.
@ edit- Me too. Just more right now.
You're a good friend Eddie. Thank you for the encouragement.
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Post by zila1 on Jan 6, 2022 16:13:39 GMT -5
I can see you and Tricia sitting poolside on warm evenings somewhere one day soon. Maybe Tampa Florida. Trade 5 feet of snow for the occasional hurricane and 90 degrees plus weather with 100% humidity. Every place has got something, it's just a tradeoff no matter what you do or where you go. I'd be pool side and naked right now if I had my choice.  |
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Post by Mr.Scott on Jan 6, 2022 16:18:18 GMT -5
I get where you're coming from. Couple more years.
Can't move anywhere until my son gets into a group home.
Trishia don't like hot and humid, so FL is out. Mid Carolina's would be ok.
Hot tub works for me. I'm good with that.
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Post by zila1 on Jan 6, 2022 16:22:05 GMT -5
Sounds like a plan to me. North Carolina is just beautiful. Some place Mayberry like. Nip it!
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Post by PolRoger on Jan 6, 2022 16:55:37 GMT -5
Sorry to hear about your employment/job elimination Mr.Scott.  It sucks when "life" suddenly pulls the rug out from under you. At least you have a couple of months (+?) of temporary work ahead which will help to give you some time to try and sort through and figure out your next steps. As far as the Carolinas go, I'm kind of partial to the Western North Carolina area (Appalachian Mountains). If you are wanting more of a metro/small city vibe there is Asheville NC. I also like Brevard, NC which is a small town about 35 miles from Asheville next to the Pisgah National Forest. |
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Post by freeagent on Jan 6, 2022 18:15:46 GMT -5
That sucks buddy, sorry it had to happen to you.
Ever consider starting your own gig? Once you get going, try to find a smart young guy who doesn't mind getting dirty from a little hard work, feed him a little knowledge and decent pay.. and he and some other young guys could be your retirement..
Easier said than done I know..
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Post by ShrimpBrime on Jan 6, 2022 19:46:29 GMT -5
Well Gee Scotty. I hope you're not concerned about finding employment.... No body wants to do the work we do.
You have tons of talent and knowledge. You'll be just fine old man..
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Post by Macsbeach98 on Jan 6, 2022 20:37:13 GMT -5
Sorry to hear this Scotty you have only been at that place for a few years.
I am sure it will work out in the end.
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Post by Mr.Scott on Jan 6, 2022 20:49:33 GMT -5
A little more than 5 years.
Not too worried, just hate change.
Everything happens for a reason. I'll be fine.
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Post by Bones on Jan 7, 2022 4:53:38 GMT -5
The new boss will learn the hard way maintenance is cost but it's a necessity of doing business too - Yet they for some reason still think there's a way to get it all for free.....
Ain't happening.
Even though it's all cost, there is no way around it and it has to be done and you can't stick just anyone in a shop and things get done - Doesn't work that way and the new guy will learn this hard lesson, probrably in the expensive way too.
Ain't your problem if it all goes to hell and you won't have him raising it towards you when it does.
He'll discover what these contractors are really like and start to regret it in a hurry.
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Post by georgekokovinis on Jan 7, 2022 7:09:38 GMT -5
Just saw this thread. Scotty, both you and me ( and most gents in here ) know very well that when you are an employee anything can go South every single day. I am 110% certain that a man like you will have no issues overcoming this. It is mostly in the mind and not a real issue. All the best my friend  P.S. Just for the hell of it - 50$ per hour ! Here in Greece it is 50$ per day. And even this is considered a good salary |
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Post by Mr.Scott on Jan 7, 2022 9:36:29 GMT -5
Just saw this thread. Scotty, both you and me ( and most gents in here ) know very well that when you are an employee anything can go South every single day. I am 110% certain that a man like you will have no issues overcoming this. It is mostly in the mind and not a real issue. All the best my friend P.S. Just for the hell of it - 50$ per hour ! Here in Greece it is 50$ per day. And even this is considered a good salary 50 bucks an hour was my price. They agreed to it because they are desperate for snow employees with skills. They are already short handed. Apparently they thought that I would stay even though they removed me from my position. When I told them it was 'all or nothing', I saw them cringe. |
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Post by zila1 on Jan 7, 2022 13:30:52 GMT -5
Have you given thought to getting your own truck Scotty? Could you make enough just doing private snow removal? You most certainly get more than enough snow there. Being your own boss with a small snow removal service might be fun. Take Tricia with you on the truck? If just for good company and to share a thermos of coffee. I can see your old company calling you for help. Only then you would be a private contractor. Just until retirement and then off you go to the Carolinas. You could start a new business over there too. You have what it takes to do whatever you want.  |
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Post by Mr.Scott on Jan 7, 2022 13:42:32 GMT -5
Yes, thought about it after retirement.
Did it when I was a kid.
Can't swing it right now. Too much other stuff going on.
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Post by zila1 on Jan 7, 2022 16:57:23 GMT -5
Understood. But things are different now. You have a great deal of life experience and common sense now. Things we didn't have much of when we were young. It wouldn't surprise me at all if new job offers start coming your way. Your reputation is valuable. Like money in the bank.
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Post by Vinster on Jan 7, 2022 21:05:46 GMT -5
Well shit that sucks... I hope the contractor they pulled in fucks up and leaves the truck and gear stuck in queue in the bay for repair... leave them with nothing to generate revenue... now thinking of somewhere warm and working... you could be the maintenance lead/manager at a resort. Lots for a mechanical oriented person to do there...
at one plant I worked at, the maint manager there treated the maintenance crew like gold... always told the plant manager who was cheap and kept trying to downsize the team.. "you have insurance for your car, you have insurance for your house, you have insurance for the plant... these guys are the insurance for the equipment in this plant.. and that insurance keeps the equipment running which pays for all the other insurance..."
everything is a circle... stupid people don't think how big they can really be...
it's shitty to start the year like this... everything happens for a reason.
Vin
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Post by Mr.Scott on Mar 7, 2022 12:38:59 GMT -5
Oh how the tides turn quickly.
Was contacted today about the possibility of returning as a field manager.
It would seem that a bunch of people quit in the last couple months.
What does that say to you?
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Post by Bones on Mar 7, 2022 12:42:59 GMT -5
Let 'em rot - Esp if they simply want you back with no bump in pay.
If you do decide to, at least make 'em pay (More) along with an agreement about a severance package and so on to help for you later if they really get the layoff itch again.
It will also act to an extent as a deterrent against a layoff/firing, be sure to at least discuss that option with them.
If they want to be stubborn about it all, walk away.
As for what it says about them, doesn't say alot that's good and that's why I suggest the above.
If they're gonna put you through it (Again), you can at least make it all worth the while to do it.
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Post by georgekokovinis on Mar 7, 2022 13:18:46 GMT -5
^^^^^^^^^^
THAT !
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Post by Vinster on Mar 7, 2022 13:33:37 GMT -5
I had this happen to me once.. let go because they didn't see the value I added and then wanted me back...
25% pay increase should do it... I had taken 10% at that time... it wasn't enough...
To make it worth your while and you know you're walking in to a pile of shit.
There is also a high probability that this will be short term as I'd guess they are thinking you can come in, and whip either the contract guy in to shape or re-train the new blood... regardless you're walking in to a likely hostile environment... that 25% is hazard pay... Don't plan to be there longer than 3-6 months... any longer is bonus and a nice boost to the retirement.
Vin
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Post by zila1 on Mar 7, 2022 15:17:00 GMT -5
Oh how the tides turn quickly. Was contacted today about the possibility of returning as a field manager. It would seem that a bunch of people quit in the last couple months. What does that say to you? I'm laughing my ass off here. I knew they would fuck it up. Your skills and experience are what kept that place efficient. |
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Post by Mr.Scott on Mar 7, 2022 15:51:11 GMT -5
Not jumping into anything quickly. I'll go to the table and talk.
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Post by Bones on Mar 7, 2022 17:13:46 GMT -5
There ya go and don't give them an immediate answer, let things stew for a few.
If you do go back I'm hoping you get a good enough deal out of it .
Just make damn sure it's worth going back for considering how you got into your current situation and who's responsible for it.
Make sure they are reminded of it should they start dicking around at the table after you've stated your terms.
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Post by ShrimpBrime on Mar 7, 2022 18:32:54 GMT -5
After trauma they'd like you back??
Must request healthy compensation to ensure they won't pull the lay-off card on you again.
Personally, I wouldn't do it. Shit on me once, my fault. No second chance for employers any more. Last company held a raise on me, I started looking for a job and then quit. I didn't even entertain an offer actually. When the boss heard I was going to make as much (probably more) than him, he just walked away lol. Ya, Go Fuck yourselves. Cheap bastards.
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Post by austin86 on Mar 25, 2022 12:47:39 GMT -5
Oh how the tides turn quickly. Was contacted today about the possibility of returning as a field manager. It would seem that a bunch of people quit in the last couple months. What does that say to you? Normally poor management and or working conditions, when the top brass is replaced with some young ego ridden folks you can expect that.
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Post by Mr.Scott on Mar 25, 2022 14:11:10 GMT -5
Indeed.
I go to the table on Monday.
We'll see what happens.
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Post by austin86 on Mar 25, 2022 14:12:46 GMT -5
Indeed. I go to the table on Monday. We'll see what happens. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to find out how many others they’re trying to bring back before hand. |
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