Got a job offer. Thoughts?

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Hi, I'm the 49 year old guy that worked at a Carrier A/C plant for 24 before it shut down and went to Mexico. Anyway, I finished my junior college welding classes, got a general welding certificate and a pipe welding certificate.I got an offer from Trinity Railcar in Longview, Texas. About 70 miles one way. They make everyone go through their own welding school for two to four weeks. Then you test and they set your hourly rate. Usually around $18/hr. for guys like me.Now the bad. Six day work week, 12 hour shift. Second shift (6pm to 6am).Could make lots and lots of money. But damn, that's like two jobs at once.Not really looking for advice (but will listen) Just wondering what thoughts there are.Thanks.
Reply:do you have any other offers? If its the only option you have and you need work, take it. You will look much better to other companies once you have some real world experience under your belt. Yeah the schedule sucks, but look at it as an opportunity to advance....- Christian M.C3 Welding & Fabrication - CNC Plasma Cutting-Mobile Welding-Custom welding and fabwww.c3welding.com
Reply:18 is not a lot of money and even less when you count in the commute. If it is all you got it is all you got. I imagine you will be bored out of your mind in a few months.
Reply:I appreciate the responses. It's the only "real" offer. I knew of one place I could get $11/hr on a 44 hour week. That's about the going rate for entry level in this area. My wife and I are secure in our relationship, and agree it would suck big time. Neither drink or do drugs.As suggested, a year or so of real world experience and maybe I could make a move closer to home and on days. Still not sure if I'll take it, but leaning that way. At least for a while.
Reply:"Great gig for a balls to the wall twentysomething with no attachments or family."+10030+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:Yep. I've seen what you describe. I started nights at the Carrier plant. For years in, I separated from my first wife. We worked it out, but I was able to get on days. If course 14 years later she left me anyway. Lol. I was after all "just a factory worker" and she had become a CPA. She seems to have forgotten that factory worker put her as they college....Anyway, I'm not bitter!Saw lots of marriages flushed away. A Carrier plant in California closed and we absorbed their product. With the promise of 250 new jobs. Like your experience 90% were filled by transfers. But I drift.If I take this job, I will plan on staying just a year. Just to get the "experience" that I can apply other places. My wife and I both lost out jobs 13 months ago. She list her unemployment back in December (thank you gov't). So we are in a deep hole. Might just have to but the bullet for awhile.
Reply:I would take the job as it will keep what you have just learnt in class - because if you don't use it you will lose it.  Keep an eye on your relationship, and keep an eye out for something more local and better hours.  In the meantime at least you will have some income coming in.
Reply:Take and go to weld school, work the job for the 6 months it takes to really acclimate to it, then see how you like it. Once you have the job, and experience from the job you will be in a much better place to get the next better job. I have done those long commutes, though usually in a company truck. The highway ones can be relaxing. The in town ones can be a bugger.
Reply:I like that! Hang in there, just but by your neck. I'll remember that one. We've decided I'll take their "welding class" at the least. Maybe even work for a while. Not long tho.  Trinity makes me rail tanker cars. So probably very similar to what you said.
Reply:Forgot to add, thanks to everyone for all the comments.
Reply:Agree you should take it since it sounds like you need the money and the experience ! But always have a plan to get out and take care of the family which it sounds like you do.
Reply:Sounds like you may have already made the decision. A couple thoughts / questions:~ What is the commute like? 70 highway miles is different than 70 miles on a secondary road.~ How do you feel about staying up all night, working? Can you sustain it for long?~ Does that $18 number include shift differential?~ What's the chance of paying dues for a while on 2nd shift, and transferring to day shift?Good luck with it, however you go!
Reply:68 of the 70 is interstate (75mph here!)Not thrilled with the graveyard shift, but know I can do it.$18 is an estimate (depends on test. Could be more/less. Tried to pick middle) don't know about differential yet. And looks like you stay where you hire. I think the day guys been there awhile and extremely high turnover on night.
Reply:Originally Posted by wblewis68 of the 70 is interstate (75mph here!)Not thrilled with the graveyard shift, but know I can do it.$18 is an estimate (depends on test. Could be more/less. Tried to pick middle) don't know about differential yet. And looks like you stay where you hire. I think the day guys been there awhile and extremely high turnover on night.
Reply:That drive is gonna start to suck real fast. Two hours driving on top of a 12 hour shift? Ugh. You better be in good shape...
Reply:There is a big push to upgrade all tank cars after 40 dead in eastern Canada.  You will likely see good production for at least a year.  If ever the pipelines are OK'd then car production will fall off.  Railways are making a KILLING hauling oil.  Take the job for experience and plan that you will be screwed over in about a year.  You will be ready to change welding jobs and never miss a beat.
Reply:Originally Posted by lotechmanThere is a big push to upgrade all tank cars after 40 dead in eastern Canada.  You will likely see good production for at least a year.  If ever the pipelines are OK'd then car production will fall off.  Railways are making a KILLING hauling oil.  Take the job for experience and plan that you will be screwed over in about a year.  You will be ready to change welding jobs and never miss a beat.
Reply:Take the job, their training and experience for a while.  Set up with a camper / trailer and only run home every 3 or 4 days so that the commute does not eat up you vehicle and you spend all this $$ on fuel and tires.  Get the experience and keep an eye open for something else without burning this bridge
Reply:Update.I tested and was offered a job a lot closer than the 75 mile one way trip at Trinity.This place starts out a little lower, but moves up quick. Is also only 40 miles one way. And it's on day shift.90 day probation, then raise.Now the bad. Lol. They are in a busy cycle so it's 7-12s right now. I tested better then a helper, but not quite ready to go it alone. So I will start out on small projects like guard rails. This place makes skis for oil field use.They also just got a plasma table. And gee says with my computer and print background that I could train to operate that. It would be a lot better money after the 90 day probation. Thanks for everyone's input. Hey, at least I'll be home at night and get some experience.
Reply:Congrats!!!GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:sounds like a better deal... hopefully the cycle calms down soon!No worries running the burn table... I was hired at my current job to run one with zero experience. You will pick it up quick. The computer side is the easy part... The stupid plasma cutter is what always pisses me off.- Christian M.C3 Welding & Fabrication - CNC Plasma Cutting-Mobile Welding-Custom welding and fabwww.c3welding.com
Reply:Great on getting the job and really nice on day shift.  I hope they have benefits that help make up for the other things. Good luck !
Reply:Great news!  Best of luck to you.  Please keep us informed.Jerry30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:How do you guys work for $18/hr? That's less than 40k a year. I wouldn't touch a job for that low of payTorchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Hungry and lower cost of living I suspect.30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air PressOriginally Posted by GambleHow do you guys work for $18/hr? That's less than 40k a year. I wouldn't touch a job for that low of pay
Reply:I didn't like going back to running scrapers again 56 is old to be running those and i didn't much care for the guy i worked for either And i started on a job that was 30 miles away at 20.00 an hour and when it was done i got transferred to san diego 70 miles one way highballing with a bunch of 20 something guys running 10 hours a dayGot my first raise from 20.00 to 24.00 an hr a week later went to 28.00 an hour ...The guy is still an *** but he is a good paying ***but now they mostly all went to north dakota ...They ask me to go several times but i said no..Job is over so back to scratching out a livingLesson...Get while the gettings goodBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Update.Just to address some of the thoughts. Since I was at $22.50/hr + performance bonus, going backwards in pay sucks frankly. But from what I have seen in this area, entry level welders are usually starting at $10-$11 /hr. The job I have accepted will start between the $11 and $18. There will be a 90 evaluation and raise accordingly. Also (not that I like it but..) the massive over time will make for a much better check. I saw a job in Houston last week, pay was between $54 and $84 per hour! I don't want to move there and probably not at the level they want anyway. But dang! That would be nice.It's a start. Get some experience and see what happens. Thanks for the discussions!
Reply:got a link to that Houston job? sounds way too high, unless it's for a rigwelder, and even then still high for this area..
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleHow do you guys work for $18/hr? That's less than 40k a year. I wouldn't touch a job for that low of pay
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleHow do you guys work for $18/hr? That's less than 40k a year. I wouldn't touch a job for that low of pay
Reply:Originally Posted by mikecwikIt's hard to be humble with a central machinery mini lathe.You one of them fancy lads huh?
Reply:As prev mentioned, It doesnt make much sense to discuss income independent of cost of living and taxes.
Reply:and this thread is derailing in 3...2...1...congrats on your new job.my belief is that if you prove that you work hard, smart, safe, and really know your stuff, that the raises and promotions will follow shortly thereaftergood luck!Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkAspiring Top-Notch WeldorLooking for work/experience in Eastern Massachussetts
Reply:+10 to Akatz.Everything in life is relative.  In the end it is only your sense of self-worth that matters.  (That applies even if you are afflicted by the dreaded Dunning–Kruger syndrome.)Jerry  Last edited by storeman; 07-18-2014 at 09:02 PM.30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:Couple of answers:The Houston job was listed in the workintexas.com site. Phone doesn't show it very well, I'll link it tomorrow.I worked at the Carrier plant 24 years (since I turned 24 coincidentally) as stated I was making $22.50+ bonus. It was probably the last good job in this area. But when all you have done your entire adult life is gone, you find something else. Yes I could move and make more, but I don't want to move.And finally, I always said I suffer from AIDS. Acquired Income Deficiency Syndrome. Lol. Again thanks for the discussions.
Reply:Another way to look at it - $18 per hour is probably $18 more than what no job pays.
Reply:D-KS, EPS, AIDS............sounds like an epidemic!Jerry30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:Originally Posted by storemanD-KS, EPS, AIDS............sounds like an epidemic!Jerry
Reply:Originally Posted by wblewisa job in Houston last week, pay was between $54 and $84 per hour
Reply:Crap. I forgot to get the link. Lol. Give me a minute.....Oh and $18/hr is $7/hr Mir than I am making on unemployment, and that will run out soon.
Reply:Ok just went and looked. The $54+ job is down, but there is a place in Ft Stockton Texas hiring 3 welders at $50/hr.A couple of $35/hr near Houston.
Reply:I started out in one of those crappy $14 hr helper jobs (with a** hole wasn't even a supervisor just liked to play tricks on new guys) with promise of advancement, but after 10 months the guys on the floor i was with vetted for me to one of their old foremans at another tank fab shop.  At the new shop i have been treated like a real person and after only 3 years am one of their leading fabricators with helpers under me making 20hr + christmas bonus, field pay, and shift diff when we have hot jobs that need 24hr work.
Reply:Just a quick update. Quick because literally don't have any time! Careful what you ask for, right? Lol.Started the job two weeks ago, 144 hours later.... the place is working 7-12s. Tho I applied for welder/fitter, I found putt they have a plasma table. I have 20+ years on cnc machines and testing prints, plus lots of drafting too, so I talked to then about that.Long story short, they hired me for the plasma table!It's a EZplasma with torch, 8 x 10 foot bed.Because I run that, I get the option of working Sundays! Only had s few minor issues do far, but we haven't cracked up the torch part yet. Any suggestions?....Anyway, really liking it so far. A few more hours than I would ideally life, but I can get caught up faster this way.Thanks for the comments.
Reply:Anyway, really liking it so far. A few more hours than I would ideally life, but I can get caught up faster this way.Thanks for the comments.[/QUOTE]Way to go.  Glad you are happy.Jerry30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:wblewisI have followed your employment 'hurricane' from:"Hi, I'm the 49 year old guy that worked at a Carrier A/C plant for 24 before it shut down and went to Mexico". It is stories like yours why I watch, 'It a Wonderful Life'every Christmas.To your inquiry: "Only had [a] few minor issues [so] far, but we haven't cracked up the torch part yet. Any suggestions?...."Yes - http://www.snapncut.com/And: it's of the brethren.Opus
Reply:The vast majority of welders can not read from prints. Your boss needs you where you are now.  Welders are relatively easy to find, but fitters and skilled blue print readers are not. I was a fitter for Havens Steel. All I did was fit, align, and tack the parts onto the beam. Then someone else did the welding. I think I did like 98/%fitting and 2% welding when I was working there. Stay at the table and love it. Your boss is giving you a compliment. Trust me on this.
Reply:Thanks guys."Loving" the plasma so far. Doing the first real large job. Put a sheet of 8x10x3/8 on it. Cutting a rib for the roof of an oilfield mud pump tank.Is a continuous cut of almost 20 feet. Had a few issues getting the settings optimal but running great nite.Except for this: I have hit a couple of "external e-stop requested" errors. No one seems to know the cause or fix. I've figured out a way to save the past I'm cutting when it craps, but does anyone knew why or what to do with this error?It's an Ez Plasma table with a hypertherm powermax 125 machine.V carve pro, sheet cam, and ez router software.The people who make it are coming on the 13th for my "training" and I have lots of questions, but that's a long way away yet.Thanks!