Career Change......Again

asphaltgambler · 05-19-2014, 10:16 AM

I was reluctant to post this until another thread came up with entry level workers and their plight. 2 years ago this month, I successfully made the transition from the automotive service industry as a technician (which imploded in 2007) to one of the largest, wealthiest county governments in Va. albeit part time.

Previous to this I worked hard, explored other options to round out and improve my skills with training in other technical areas where I could apply my decades long experience into a better future. I spent tons of time and money and ultimately scored an IT position here that first started at 24hrs per week to 30hrs last March. I did this because I was assured by my Director that once guy "A" retired, guy "B" transferred to another department that I would become full time within 6 months - 1 year.

Well, there was no training but I worked diligently and studied all the areas of responsibility at night and with a lot of headaches and nerves was able to do my job really well. I received good reviews and support from my boss and co-workers. I volunteered for extra work, and even completed projects on my own time to show my enthusiasm and commitment for my new role. 6 months came and went and then 1 year. No full time gig ........................yet. I asked my director at my 1 year anniversary why I was not yet full time and he replied "Just wait after the fiscal year starts" - " I have to work that into the next years budget"

The fiscal new year was 2 months away and when that time came and went I asked for a meeting but was delayed for another variety of reasons. By now even Stevie Wonder could see what was going on. I was competently working but was paid 1/2 what a full time guy should be paid. I had "0" benefits, no vacation and no sick time. By late fall he finally agreed to a meeting but I already knew his answer. "No full time gig here for you, not enough money in the budget"

In the interim I was working the other 3-4 days a week restoring / flipping classic cars, truck and motorcycles (for myself) to supplement the loss of income. Also, we moved last spring into a cheaper rental and liquidated some small assets to trim the fat to sustain this career move. Through some networking and discussions in confidence with managers higher up there was never a full time gig here. It was the old "okie-doke" where the carrot on string is held out n front of you. Apparently, this is a common tactic in the current economy where a job, any job with this county people will do almost anything to score a full time gig. Their benefits are second to none.

So I applied for other county positions internally and ultimately am going back to being a mechanic for fleet services for less money that I though I would ever accept. But it is full time. I should be glad, but I'm pissed really. I busted my @ss for 2 years for chump change, went through a chunk of my own savings and still worked 6-7 days a week. I'm 54 freakin years old and I am ashamed really

Evans, Marv · 05-19-2014, 10:35 AM

Guys like you gotta be admired for initiative, effort and guts. You learned a lot, which means doors are still open to you. You can look at your current gig as interim and keep on looking. I'm sure we can all understand your frustration, but if you look at this as a temporary slump and continue to put in the effort in you job search that you did in trying to obtain that permanent position, you'll no doubt come out on top. Ashamed? Come on. You've still got time left at your age, and you've shown plenty of guts and determination. Keep at it and best of luck.

asphaltgambler · 05-19-2014, 10:40 AM

My worst fear came true. I grilled my Director before accepting this as to how, why and when a full time gig would appear. As in specifically tell / show me how you're going to get this done if there is only part time now?

Swear to God (and I told him this when I gave my 2 weeks notice) that I would have much rather had the full time job but failed to be good enough to make the cut and have to move on than have no full time gig at all...........for anyone.

berettafan · 05-19-2014, 10:42 AM

So....you are ashamed that you're not a cubie slave pretending to enjoy happy hours at a corporate chain restaurant every couple weeks and hating the giant mortgage on your overpriced poorly built townhome while your leased audi is in for service for the 10th time and just went out of warranty?

We ALL die in the end. Suffering a job you don't REALLY want now to defer it isn't worth it man.

PS:
Wish I had a JGC SRT in the driveway!

asphaltgambler · 05-19-2014, 10:51 AM

I know I didn't fail in the job, but I didn't succeed either. It's tough to work so hard and have so much hope only to settle for a mechanic position that pays 40% of what I used to make working on BMW's & Porsches.

sammyg2 · 05-19-2014, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

I was reluctant to post this until another thread came up with entry level workers and their plight. 2 years ago this month, I successfully made the transition from the automotive service industry as a technician (which imploded in 2007) to one of the largest, wealthiest county governments in Va. albeit part time.

....................................
So I applied for other county positions internally and ultimately am going back to being a mechanic for fleet services for less money that I though I would ever accept. But it is full time. I should be glad, but I'm pissed really. I busted my @ss for 2 years for chump change, went through a chunk of my own savings and still worked 6-7 days a week. I'm 54 freakin years old and I am ashamed really

You are working hard, trying to do the right things, no reason to be ashamed.
But it is a shame you had to start over so late in life.

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

I know I didn't fail in the job, but I didn't succeed either. It's tough to work so hard and have so much hope only to settle for a mechanic position that pays 40% of what I used to make working on BMW's & Porsches.

IMO you are not settling - just biding your time and keeping the lights on. We have all been there at some point - especially in your age bracket. Sorry to hear that this latest venture did not pan out. Don't lose hope or the drive - guys like you will always land on your feet.

Best,
David

Rot 911 · 05-19-2014, 01:24 PM

This is why more and more people are no longer loyal to their employer. There is no loyalty in return.

You have nothing to be ashamed of. It's a scary feeling to be in your 50's and having to worry about job security. Keep working that side gig flipping vehicles and maybe you can't work that into being self employed!

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

You are just outside DC...why not a fed contractor IT position? There seems to be lots of opportunity there...and you could probably move into a fed job once you know the ropes (if you wanted).

slakjaw · 05-19-2014, 06:16 PM

I don't think you have anything to be ashamed of. Job security is non existent now.

Be proud man.

Hugh R · 05-19-2014, 06:21 PM

Its tough, I'm hanging onto my job for a little under 4 more years before I "retire". Put as much as you can away for retirement. No one else will look after you.

fastfredracing · 05-19-2014, 06:30 PM

Sorry to hear, but welcome back. You can check out, but you can never leave Grease under your nails yet?

Baz · Baz's Garage

Well I'm DAMN proud of you, brother!

I wish more than anything you owned your own business - using your expertise and motivation to kick arse as "captain of your own ship".

Although as Fred, myself, and other self-employed grunts here can attest to - you work some long hours and tote that bale day in and day out - and sometimes night in and night out....and it's not for everyone...that's for sure.

But not having to answer to some pinhead up the corporate ladder or be stuck at some pay grade that doesn't come close to representing your value makes it worth it all.

That said - stay the course and I'm sure more doors will open.

You are not alone Gambler.

Cheers, mate!

onewhippedpuppy · 05-19-2014, 07:19 PM

Nothing to be ashamed of, you're doing what's necessary. Now use those skills and experience to find the job you really want!

LWJ · 05-19-2014, 09:04 PM

Colonel Saunders was 55 when he started that chicken joint.

No shame. I am on revision 3, 4, or 5. Depends on how you count!

Good luck!
Larry

LakeCleElum · 05-19-2014, 09:19 PM

Gambler - Your story is fairly common these days when one cannot bank on promises made. What stands out to me is that your were in one of the most affluent county Gov't enviroment in one of the richest parts of the country....If they can't do the right thing, who else will......U need to hunker down and take care of your self............At your age, it's about about pay and benefits at retirement time.....Good luck sir......

fastfredracing · 05-20-2014, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baz

Well I'm DAMN proud of you, brother!

I wish more than anything you owned your own business - using your expertise and motivation to kick arse as "captain of your own ship".

Although as Fred, myself, and other self-employed grunts here can attest to - you work some long hours and tote that bale day in and day out - and sometimes night in and night out....and it's not for everyone...that's for sure.

But not having to answer to some pinhead up the corporate ladder or be stuck at some pay grade that doesn't come close to representing your value makes it worth it all.

That said - stay the course and I'm sure more doors will open.

You are not alone Gambler.

Cheers, mate!

Baz is a smart man, I was thinking the exact thing while reading your post. Have you ever thought about setting out on your own? You already have the tools. The only thing an employer gives you in the auto biz, is usually a bay to work in cars to work on , and a uniform, the rest, you already have.
I have done my fair share of belly aching about my business over the years, but to be honest, I am starting to like my job again. A few years back, I realized that I have the power to change what I don't like about my job, and implemented those changes. After a long uphill road, I think I have finally figured it all out, and I actually like to go to work again.
Wishing you the best, however it works out for you .

petrolhead611 · 05-20-2014, 03:33 AM

Yep, I second the self-employment route, if, and only if, you have enough working capital to sustain you modestly for the first 6 months. Only as a self-employed person can you realise your full potential- I speak as one who has owned my own small business(es) since 1979 and has had my share of ups and downs along the way( and they were all down to me in the final analysis). Good luck with whichever path you choose.

asphaltgambler · 05-20-2014, 04:39 AM

Thanks all! - your replies do mean a lot because I know a few others here that have gone through some rough, life changing times and then were brave enough to post it. I don't want pity from anyone.........................really more of me 'venting' about my frustration.

I have always worked hard and played hard. I put myself through college on my own dime and time but my mom became ill and other life obligations forced me to make a choice of continuing college or live/survive. I did quite well in the auto industry but became very disenchanted by the late 1990's. That's when I went back to school and brought my non-existent PC skills up to par. In the spring of '99 after much hard work I landed a Help desk job at a growing attorney's firm. I quickly moved up to administrator position due to my dedication and high employee turn-over. Then the firm was sold to a mega-outfit in late 2001, they streamlined the admin & IT positions. That coupled with the implosion of anything IT related led me back to the auto industry.

I then developed a 12 year plan to maximize my potential and then by my early'50s I would make a career change with already owning a home, paid down debt and money in the bank. Then came 2008.............................................. ...........

At this stage of life I'm tiring of trying and risking my time and money to 'get ahead'. I am keeping with the govt job and pursuing the classic car flip/restore for extra income. Possibly building on that until I can do it full time. That's plan "B". Plan "A" is to keep going here with the county.

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

I have done HVAC, owned a manufactured home dealership, been a Realtor and now buy and sell construction equipment. Life throws things at you, as long as you keep your head up (and never be ashamed of doing the right thing and providing for yourself) things will get better. Good luck to you.

BTW, at one point did all of the above at the same time. Oh what fun!