Well back to construction work I go. Got let go from my maintenance job. I don't have the PLC background that the District Facilities director was looking for in a electrician. I was told my electrical work was above average. However, they wanted someone with more knowledge of PLCs. Granted I informed them of this when I was interviewing, that I have hardly any knowledge of PLCs. Whatever though. I was bored working there and really didn't care for the work I was doing or the "corporate structure" of the company. As I was doing my exit interview, being that it was not a firing, but a parting of ways. I was also told our cultures didn't really mesh. Keep in mind this was from the district facilities director out of the southern part of the state. I asked him if I were to tattoo my face up like my Blackfoot ancestors if our culture would mesh more then. He was not amused. He was even less amused when I smiled through out the exit interview, gave him a farewell hug and kissed both cheeks like on a mobster movie. I told him, I guess that was my European culture coming out. Got quite a nice severance package out of it too. I guess it's back to the power houses for me.

Hope you find a better place to work.

Raider, I learned PLC programming 30+ years ago. Haven't been out of job since. Never been fired, laid off, or let go. The only time I changed jobs was when I wanted to. I'm not breaking my arm patting myself on the back. I'm telling you there is job security in this skill set.

You've said more than once you like heavy industrial. That's cool.You're a big, strong, young guy. So was I. The operative word being "was".

You want some advice?  Well, I'm gonna give you some anyway.

Find a community college near you that offers PLC programming courses. Sign up, and make the time commitment required to learn the subject matter. You will thank yourself. This is a very portable skill set.

You've been around industry in your area. See what's being used in your area. I covered a large portion of the middle of the country, and in that area Allen-Bradley is king. They have about 95% of the market. I suspect your area is no different. RSLOGIX5, RSLOGIX500, and RSLOGIX5000. Learn those, and you can go anywhere.

And you can make a lot more money. And, what the flip are working for? Fame? Go for the cash, amigo.

Like ghoti said. You can't do heavy manual labor for ever. I am back to doing it, and I don't have a problem with it. I just know my time is running out in that field. With your track record. Have you ever thought about a local business? Most around here do every thing from residential-heavy industrial. I know they charge around 50-150 a hour for residential. You would make good money. Be home in your own bed every night, and more then likely every weekend off. Plus a lot easier on the back, shoulders, and knees. If I was in your shoes. I would be printing up a resume, and handing it out to local places.

Or become a handy manny???? Lol, couldn't resist. 

I'd say with your knowledge you will find something quickly, but I would definitely try what @tipptruck1 said. 

10 hours ago, .ghoti. said:

Raider, I learned PLC programming 30+ years ago. Haven't been out of job since. Never been fired, laid off, or let go. The only time I changed jobs was when I wanted to. I'm not breaking my arm patting myself on the back. I'm telling you there is job security in this skill set.

You've said more than once you like heavy industrial. That's cool.You're a big, strong, young guy. So was I. The operative word being "was".

You want some advice?  Well, I'm gonna give you some anyway.

Find a community college near you that offers PLC programming courses. Sign up, and make the time commitment required to learn the subject matter. You will thank yourself. This is a very portable skill set.

You've been around industry in your area. See what's being used in your area. I covered a large portion of the middle of the country, and in that area Allen-Bradley is king. They have about 95% of the market. I suspect your area is no different. RSLOGIX5, RSLOGIX500, and RSLOGIX5000. Learn those, and you can go anywhere.

And you can make a lot more money. And, what the flip are working for? Fame? Go for the cash, amigo.

I'm actually working on that right now. My union offers the classes and certifications. I just have to getc enrolled in the classes. There is good money to be made with the skill set too. You are 100 percent correct. 

Also your advice is always welcome by me.

6 hours ago, tipptruck1 said:

Like ghoti said. You can't do heavy manual labor for ever. I am back to doing it, and I don't have a problem with it. I just know my time is running out in that field. With your track record. Have you ever thought about a local business? Most around here do every thing from residential-heavy industrial. I know they charge around 50-150 a hour for residential. You would make good money. Be home in your own bed every night, and more then likely every weekend off. Plus a lot easier on the back, shoulders, and knees. If I was in your shoes. I would be printing up a resume, and handing it out to local places.

You are correct. My body ain't gonna hold up forever. Once I get into the classes and get my certs, I have a plan for what to do with them. I have found some quite lucrative jobs down here that PLCs are the only thing holding me back from getting. Construction wise residential doesn't pay enough down here, unless you are running the company. Commercial doesnt pay that we'll either down here. Least not to support my current life style.

I just have one small thing holding me back from going back to work right now. By next week that shouldn't be an issue and I will be back working by mid week. My union has picked up a bunch more work so I'm gonna be good. 

3 hours ago, gardnerjigman said:

Or become a handy manny???? Lol, couldn't resist. 

I'd say with your knowledge you will find something quickly, but I would definitely try what @tipptruck1 said. 

LMFAO!!!