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
