So...a shop down my street...

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...posted two hand written signs on their gates stating "help wanted, certified welder". The signs have been up for about two weeks now. About two months ago I walked in there and talked to the boss. I'm certified in structural steel heavy and light gauge, and stick. I gave him my phone number because he said that they can always use someone that's certified out in the field. I think the boss is the only one that's certified. I figured he would call me back. He texted me an offer of $14/hour cash. And I would start working only 8 hours on Saturdays. I have a full time job as well, so working Saturdays was perfect for me. Well I turned it down for two reasons (1)he didn't call me, he sent me a text message (2)i make $22/hour at my current job and he wouldn't budge on the pay. The text message thing bothered me the most, it was a huge red flag. My question to the all knowing genious minds of the great weldingweb community is this...should I go back there and ask for the certified welding position? Thanks, oh great ones.Ranger 305gMillermatic 140 AutosetDewalt Chopsaw2 grindersMy Fists
Reply:The text was, IMO, very impersonal for a job offer. If he doesn't want to or have the time to talk on the phone, how's communication gonna be on the job?? If he's straight up he would have called to invite you for an interview.                                            MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Some dinausores here, if i was a 16 year old guy and made a post here about some job oppurtunity in my city, i would wrote something about what the boss as to offer to me and some work conditions, everyones here would've told me ''...you know the economy is poor these days...you sould accept what they as offered to you''And now you think that text message seem to be ''not professional''Everyone sent text messages today, IMO its better than the phone, you can get reached faster and clearly, how do you think they work in big construction site with project manage, foreman, offices, fabrication shop coordinator etc... they do both, phone and text messages.Now you could work in a very ''high tech'' job as Lawyer, University teacher, Enginneer, or working as dirty as us in a shop, we all use text messages.I think that the sign that he texted you, is a good sign, its the sign that he live in the same era as everyone. I don't know how old you are, but think about how many date with girls you missed in the past because there was no text messages ?Last edited by LayoutMan; 03-31-2013 at 11:12 PM.Calculator > Bevel Square
Reply:I think that job searching etiquette goes both ways, you took the time to speak with him in person,the least he could do is call you in to discuss business. I have been getting dicked around by several companies since X-mas... I don't call them, I go there to speak to them in person every couple weeks to see what the status is and to let them know that I'm still interested. I keep getting the "yea we're thinking about hiring some guys soon". I have also had some pretty weird interviews as well... While at one company I literately sat there while the interviewer BS'd on the phone for 20 minutes with his buddy... I was just about to get up and walk out when he decided to have an "interview"... I later found out he did the same thing to another classmate. These are well respected companies in the area, and it blows my mind how some of these places are operated.Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:Your time would be better spent going and asking him about the current job.  You will find out if you need to expend any thought time about it pretty quickly.Good luck Dave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by DemonSpeederWhile at one company I literately sat there while the interviewer BS'd on the phone for 20 minutes with his buddy... I was just about to get up and walk out when he decided to have an "interview"... I later found out he did the same thing to another classmate. These are well respected companies in the area, and it blows my mind how some of these places are operated.
Reply:Scary, CASH . What if something happens on the job or in shop ???  No workman' s comp,insurance ?
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Scary, CASH . What if something happens on the job or in shop ???  No workman' s comp,insurance ?
Reply:Originally Posted by LayoutManSome dinausores here, if i was a 16 year old guy and made a post here about some job oppurtunity in my city, i would wrote something about what the boss as to offer to me and some work conditions, everyones here would've told me ''...you know the economy is poor these days...you sould accept what they as offered to you''And now you think that text message seem to be ''not professional''Everyone sent text messages today, IMO its better than the phone, you can get reached faster and clearly, how do you think they work in big construction site with project manage, foreman, offices, fabrication shop coordinator etc... they do both, phone and text messages.Now you could work in a very ''high tech'' job as Lawyer, University teacher, Enginneer, or working as dirty as us in a shop, we all use text messages.I think that the sign that he texted you, is a good sign, its the sign that he live in the same era as everyone. I don't know how old you are, but think about how many date with girls you missed in the past because there was no text messages ?
Reply:I wouldn't get worked up about a text, it's just the way most people are nowadays.But...Offering a certified welder $14/hr is a kick in the nuts, & offering cash just shows that he will screw you the first chance he gets..If he needs somebody certified, that means there will be inspections involved.Any weld that fails will be "your weld" & then he'll try to hold off paying, been there, done that.tell him to screwBuy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:Texting has it's place but not for professional communications.  What really gets me about texting are the people who are too lazy to spell out words and think the slang and abbreviations are normal ways to communicate.  I have had operators attempt to communicate in the electronic log books using text slang.  I promptly put a stop to it.  Too many people read the daily logs to see this kind of etiquette.Maybe I am older than I think but proper English no matter who you are communicating with should be the norm.  That's my soap box rant for the day.Dan D.
Reply:Quote "should I go back there and ask for the certified welding position"  I guess the best answer is, do you want the side cash? That cash is worth 40 percent more then getting paid with all the deductions. Apparently you do not need the job, you went there looking  you can always leave the same way. You do not like the offer, so ask for more, you cannot loose something you never had.Magazines have issues, everything else has problems
Reply:''I'm 35 years old. How did the world get by without text messages before?'TEXT ? The only text I knew was a TEXT BOOK!!!! Not only that, when I was a kid the phone had a cord too ! Not to mention that when I picked up the phone at home I could sometimes listen to the neighbor talk , yea, a party line.
Reply:I HATE texting! It takes three times as long to try and say one thing, then wait for a response and waste more time again, over and over again for hours. When a simple phone call, some chatting, and all done in a few minutes.
Reply:It dates me but some people are continually trolling for employees that they can get to work cheap.  I remember going for an interview and the guy saying " We pay as much as 14 an hour."  When I saw the shop and the people working there I figured it out and politely told him I would check with my wife and get back to him.  I always used the wife as my excuse to avoid turning someone down directly.  Walking out, I met my foreman from another shop where we had all got laid off.     I met up with him several weeks later at a pressure vessel shop.  He got suckered in and after two weeks of demanding to know what his wages were exactly he discovered his paycheck provided him with the 80 hour reward of $ 7.50   (minimum wage at the time)  He was pissed.      When you can't get a clear and definite answer and the wages are low as well as "cash"..... don't .... just don't.
Reply:If they can't talk on the phone, Then I wouldn't answer a text from "no one"! Texting, Facebook, Myspace, dating sites, Tumblr, and a lot of others has ruined the internet! Hobart Handler 190Hobart Spool-Gun 100Lincoln 225 ACMiller & Pipeliner HoodDewalt 14" Chopsaw, GrindersHarris O/AVictor TorchCustom Built O/A CartCustom Welding CartHeavy Duty 16 Speed Floor Drill PressPipe-BenderDrill Doctor
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1''I'm 35 years old. How did the world get by without text messages before?'TEXT ? The only text I knew was a TEXT BOOK!!!! Not only that, when I was a kid the phone had a cord too ! Not to mention that when I picked up the phone at home I could sometimes listen to the neighbor talk , yea, a party line.
Reply:Heck, I can remember picking up the phone and having to ask Sarah (the operator) to connect me to somebody.
Reply:I would send him a text asking for more money.
Reply:$14/hr at 40% difference = $23/hr if you were not being paid under the table. Is equal take home money worth the added risk of working "unofficial" and not having the benefits safety net? That's really your choice to make. My point is the $14 cash offer really isn't as big a kick in the nuts as people are making it out to be. Me? If I had your skills and your situation, I'd ask for $17/hr knowing I'm taking greater risk personally. As for the text, when you talked to the guy did you like him, trust him? He may have thought you to be a modern type guy and wouldn't have been offended by a text. Of course if he was too busy playing with a phone when he was talking to in person, he's probably a jackwagon and you don't want to work for him. You need to make the judgement call on what kind of a person he is.
Reply:I use Text messages all the time with our guys. I don't want them answering the phone while driving to where ever they need to pick up equipment so I'll send a text with the info.When there is an addition to the order then we both have a written list of exactly what they are supposed to pick up/do.If I do need to talk to them then I just send "call me when you get there"BUT... for a prospective employee there will be e-mails to set up the interview or a phone conversation if they call in to answer the ad but usually e-mails start because I'll have them send in a resume.All of the job requirements and hourly wage info is put in the e-mail so there is a record.I haven't received a snail mail resume in, well I can't remember when.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:If you could use the money and just want to work saturdays, and he's firm on his price then just nudge the money a bit and tell him to put you on the books however he wants, and you would need $150 cash for the day to make it worth while to give up a day with your family.I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Originally Posted by LayoutManSome dinausores here, if i was a 16 year old guy and made a post here about some job oppurtunity in my city, i would wrote something about what the boss as to offer to me and some work conditions, everyones here would've told me ''...you know the economy is poor these days...you sould accept what they as offered to you''And now you think that text message seem to be ''not professional''Everyone sent text messages today, IMO its better than the phone, you can get reached faster and clearly, how do you think they work in big construction site with project manage, foreman, offices, fabrication shop coordinator etc... they do both, phone and text messages.Now you could work in a very ''high tech'' job as Lawyer, University teacher, Enginneer, or working as dirty as us in a shop, we all use text messages.I think that the sign that he texted you, is a good sign, its the sign that he live in the same era as everyone. I don't know how old you are, but think about how many date with girls you missed in the past because there was no text messages ?
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerweldHeck, I can remember picking up the phone and having to ask Sarah (the operator) to connect me to somebody.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI remember that, but I don't think her name was Sarah. Remember party lines?Originally Posted by CEPI remember that, but I don't think her name was Sarah. Remember party lines?
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI remember that, but I don't think her name was Sarah. Remember party lines?
Reply:''You can say "You're hired" in a text just as easy as you can say "You're fired." No thanks.''I worked with a guy, years, many years ago when I was a youngin who got a " TELEGRAM "informing him his services were no longer required .
Reply:I don't text, period!  Now obviosly I can use a computer, I just don't see any advantage, I can call and speak to someone or leave a voice mail much easier than I can tap out the characters on a screen. The only advantage I can see is messages can be sent and recieved quietly when you should not be communicating but I do find it aggravating when I am somewhere and everyone is tapping away.    As far as the wage, Do you really want to work all week and give up your Saturday for what? $112. Remember the cash money that saves you taxes, also saves the employer quite a bit in workers comp, payroll tax, admin. fees and the paperwork that goes with having employees. If your gonna do it, get at least 140-150 dollars a day , and payable on the completion of the day each day. Then it is truly a cash deal. When I used to do sidework and brought guys in for a day, I made sure they were paid at the end of the day. And I expected the same. If your gonna work me cheap, don't make me wait for it too. Just my opinion. More to life than money. You can always get some money, how many moments in your life can you get back, I'm of course referring to events with family, friends.Last edited by kolot; 04-01-2013 at 10:16 PM."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:Bp,lay down a "$14/hr" weld then take a pic and text it to him, ask him if that's what he's looking forLincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:lmao...So you're concerned about the guys professionalism and about how legit the employment is because he txt you, but him paying you cash (and probably not withholding taxes or showing you're even an employee) doesn't throw a 300x bigger flag?Last edited by MikeGyver; 04-02-2013 at 01:38 AM.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:So, you would rather have your guys driving down the road reading a text message?  In the state of Illinois that is illegal, as well as talking on a cell phone in a commercial vehicle.  I think the safest thing to do would be to get your guys a hands free device so they can talk to you without having to take their eyes off the road to read a text message or be distracted having to pick up their cell phones.  QUOTE=Broccoli1;2464251]I use Text messages all the time with our guys. I don't want them answering the phone while driving to where ever they need to pick up equipment so I'll send a text with the info.When there is an addition to the order then we both have a written list of exactly what they are supposed to pick up/do.If I do need to talk to them then I just send "call me when you get there"BUT... for a prospective employee there will be e-mails to set up the interview or a phone conversation if they call in to answer the ad but usually e-mails start because I'll have them send in a resume.All of the job requirements and hourly wage info is put in the e-mail so there is a record.I haven't received a snail mail resume in, well I can't remember when.[/QUOTE]
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI remember that, but I don't think her name was Sarah. Remember party lines?
Reply:Ok I know I am old as we had a party line at the farm in 1969, and I jest sent my first and last text this week, If I have something to say to someone I like to say it in person if I can.Worked at a shop in 1993/1998 that had the plant eng. take a week of statring on Friday at cob, the company sent him a telegram Saturday talling him he was fired and they would clean his desk out and call him when to pick up his things. Less then a year latter they called him up  out of the blue and asked him to come back to work doing the same job as before, I told him he was nuts when I saw him walking back into the plant after the way they had did him before.Joe
Reply:30 years ago I knew a fellow who gained poriority preference to an interview because he FAXed his resume to a hiring manager instead of mailing it. He is the guy that got the job.Today, text messages are de rigueur!  So is what you post on Facebook and whatever is is you say in twitter.  In fact, many compoanies today will not even look at a conventional resume, they don't have the time nor the interest.  Too many resume's are loaded with false info and it takes too long to check the references.  If you do not have a twitter and faceboot presence you will remain an unknown and as such don't have a prayer of getting hired, at least not in the high-tech world.A few years ago resumes were scanned into a computer which would search for key buzzwords and phrases that matched a predetermined profile of what candidates for a job should have.  The top 2 or three would be kicked out to personnel for closer review and contact.Today the resume is almost completely passe, except to document a candidates background and qualifications, often after the fact of being hired!  What you need to do is find out what medium the employer likes to use and then use that medium.  If the hiring supervisor likes to use text messages then you should be responsive to that and use text messages.  If he likes email then use it.  If he uses Twitter then you should also.  You need to be able to communicate with whatever medium your potential employer uses!- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:One thing that you want to find out about your side gob is   will it be competeing with my real job? Are they the same kind of work? because if you worked for me then side jobed at my competeters I kick you to the curb. FASTMiller thunderbolt 250Decastar 135ERecovering tool-o-holic ESAB OAI have been interested or involved in Electrical, Fire Alarm, Auto, Marine, Welding, Electronics ETC to name a just a few. So YES you can own too many tools.
Reply:I agree with the previous posters in cautioning you to aviod working for that shop.  Because while working with metal you can get hurt, you deserve some degree of personal protection; I am doubtful that that employer will provide Workers Compensation Insurance coverage.Better to have workers, comp, & social security; if not for you, then for your widow an orphans.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Originally Posted by kolotI don't text, period!
Reply:Its a really small shop. And it doesnt compete with my fulltime job. And i doubt they have email, facebook, twitter or even a fax machine. Its that small. I just wanted a little extra money. Im just curious as to how long those signs will be up. I pass by there twice a day. When i go to work, and when i come home. I know the boss sees me pass by sometimes. It's pretty obvious that I'm a welder. I have my ranger 305 on the back of my truck.Ranger 305gMillermatic 140 AutosetDewalt Chopsaw2 grindersMy Fists
Reply:Not everyone is ok with texts in general. Im 52 and 95% of my communications are text. I bet if you said ok , he would have wanted to seal the deal with a face-to-face. Text here is a preliminary step. Once you embrace the technology it becomes a great and indispensable communication tool.Miller diversion 165Miller mig 211Hypertherm pm 30Milwaukee 6230 14 inch chop sawMd 45 mag drill (RIP; fell on its head)New MD 45! Thanks to the esposa!Finally got an O/A setup
Reply:Originally Posted by bp626indamixI just wanted a little extra money.
Reply:Texting and driving is illegal in WI.
Reply:place closed down about 6 months ago.Ranger 305gMillermatic 140 AutosetDewalt Chopsaw2 grindersMy Fists
Reply:NO!For future reference,The punk probably has the help wanted sign up all the time because he can't keep employees.___ him and the cheap-*** horse he rode in on.
Reply:BP all of these guys are correct where it comes down to cash pay. You have to look out for you and you only. I've done this cash deal and watched my **** get muffed up by their company hands. One of the posts said 14=23 on payroll and that sounds about right so I would ask for 20 and probably settle on 18. If you look at my posts you know who I am. That is if you are the same person on IG that you are here. Just look out for you first and stay safe.
Reply:Don't you have to have a cell phone to receive "text messages" I won't have to deal wit  dat ! Fhuhkiin idiots and their electronic masturbation devices http://fox13now.com/2013/05/14/three...ar-in-midvale/Last edited by Burpee; 04-06-2014 at 06:25 AM.Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Besides  maybe, just maybe, he was in the middle of something (meeting,dr.office.....) Crossed his mind to contact you, and before he later forgot....send a text.Fast, easy, quiet...Done it myself before.
Reply:My definition of cash. Cash is whatever I told you it was going to cost you in the currency of the realm. No checks, no credit cards, no promises, no notes in your booklet or I'll pay ya laters and it is payable right now. In addition it also means that the second we break eye contact, we've never met, so don't bother to tell someone else that I fixed that for ya cause I've never met you, good or bad. My reputation, certifications or the way I felt the  day you thought I did that job has no bearing on it, cause if you remember, I've never met you. Cash is cash and it's king but I never laid eyes on you before. Don't send me a text cause I don't have a cell phone and don't try to discuss it in an email cause that's a record and some level of probably more than one government is watching and if I want them to know my business I'll bloody well call them up and tell them. And finally no I don't think I'm paranoid, thank you very much.---Meltedmetal
Reply:Nothing wrong with text messages. In fact, it is the telephone that holds me back.  Most employment applications are taken over the internet these days.  So I go fill out the online application, and I get to telephone number.And that is where I am screwed. If I leave the phone number blank, I cannot proceed, because when I hit 'Next' or 'Continue' the webpage comes up telling me I must insert a phone number to proceed.Game over. Insert 25 cents to play again.Ok, let's give them my number....So I insert my phone number, but I have no way of indicating, BTW, I'm deaf so text me or email me...... Nope, they are going to call.Game over. Insert 25 cents to play again.I'd be overjoyed if a place texted me.MillerMatic 252Miller Xtreme 625Miller Digital Elite
Reply:Originally Posted by MeltedmetalMy definition of cash. Cash is whatever I told you it was going to cost you in the currency of the realm. No checks, no credit cards, no promises, no notes in your booklet or I'll pay ya laters and it is payable right now. In addition it also means that the second we break eye contact, we've never met, so don't bother to tell someone else that I fixed that for ya cause I've never met you, good or bad. My reputation, certifications or the way I felt the  day you thought I did that job has no bearing on it, cause if you remember, I've never met you. Cash is cash and it's king but I never laid eyes on you before. Don't send me a text cause I don't have a cell phone and don't try to discuss it in an email cause that's a record and some level of probably more than one government is watching and if I want them to know my business I'll bloody well call them up and tell them. And finally no I don't think I'm paranoid, thank you very much.---Meltedmetal