I Got A New Job.

[LDO]

I'm an apprentice plumber. While licensed plumbers make decent pay, apprentices don't make much at all. I was promised a raise a year ago, but I kept hearing "we can't afford it". At the same time, I would see plumbers giving away "end items" (assembled products) because they can't keep $2.00 parts on their truck. I was watching my pay raise being given away.

I'm a veteran, and apprenticeships are covered under GI Bill. I applied for it but nobody at work wanted to have anything to do with the paperwork. They just didn't believe that Uncle Sam would give me money while I'm getting a paycheck.

They let the licensed guys take their trucks home at night, but if an apprentice finishes up 5min from home, we still have to drive 25 miles back to the shop.

A buddy of mine went to a different company and told me about it. I interviewed yesterday and got the job. The pay is 33% higher, plus it comes with overtime. My paycheck could easily double. The boss said he'd be happy to help me get GI Bill. I get a worktruck to drive home every day. No more money spent on commuting. What's not to love about that?

I'm getting a huge pay raise and $935/mo from Uncle Sam. I can finally start fixing up my real '88 Mustang.

In Texas, the state is offering $3,000 vouchers towards the purchase of a '96-up car if we "turn in" our pre-'96 cars. Im thinking of turning in my garbage pile '95 Olds and put that 3k towards a '99-'04 V6 Mustang convertible. Leave it stock and use it as a daily driver. The '88 can be a hot rod.

Things are lookin' up at Casa Owens!

Edited November 28, 2007 by LDO

[VictorSmalls]

Congrats.

Not to many things feel as good as quiting a bad job for a better one.

[Robert81]

It's great to hear you are get what you deserve but did I just read that right? Texas has a Clunker Law. I weep for all those car that are going to the crusher.

[ismaelg]

Congratulations Lee!

After all you have been through in the last 2 years, from Afghanistan to the poor paying job, I'm really glad things are looking better now and the future is brighter. And by the way, THANKS for serving the country.

Thanks,

[LDO]

It's great to hear you are get what you deserve but did I just read that right? Texas has a Clunker Law. I weep for all those car that are going to the crusher.

It's not mandatory. I doubt anyone will hand over a '71 Hemi 'Cuda for a $3,000 voucher. I don't think anyone will miss a run-down '95 Olds Achieva 4-door.

and thanks, guys.

[Guest rick r]

Lee:

Be proud...

Sounds like you're on your way, and that transition is an important one even if it turns out to be yet another stepping stone.

I got out of the Air Force in Alaska in May 1974, didn't have a lot of $ to leave there, lucked into a decent job FINALLY six MONTHS later...

(I still hate the taste and concept of canned spaghetti and Top Ramen!)

That period (into an Alaskan winter) was reeeeally rough, but I survived, had to learn to think on my feet, (not taught in the military...) learned a lot about self-reliance and (I think) earned a little self-strength along through there, and it served me well afterwards.

Rebuilt a lot of old kits then...

Good Luck!

Rick Rothermel

[bobss396]

Good deal on the job, nice going. Its a nice feeling when you score big like that. And plumbing is not easy, I've done quite a bit of it and if you do residential work, no 2 houses are the same ever!

I wish they'd make me a clunker law offer here in NY. But what are the $3k vouchers good for, Lone Star beer?

Bob

[Andy Wyatt]

Congrats on the new job...just two things to remember with plumbing: ###### runs down hill and don't chew your fingernails! And thank you for your service to our country!

[LDO]

Good deal on the job, nice going. Its a nice feeling when you score big like that. And plumbing is not easy, I've done quite a bit of it and if you do residential work, no 2 houses are the same ever!

I wish they'd make me a clunker law offer here in NY. But what are the $3k vouchers good for, Lone Star beer?

Bob

The vouchers are good toward the purchase of a '96-up car. It's $3,500 if you buy a Hybrid. I'm considering a '96-up Mercedes SL instead of a Mustang. I really like the SL 600 with its 400hp V-12. The people who came up with this program probably didn't envision people getting rid of a 27mpg car to buy a 12mpg car, but hey, that's their problem.

I start the new job on Monday. Today I had lunch with my buddy who works there. He told me that overtime is never a problem; I can work 65-70 hours a week if I want. Being single/no kids, that sounds awesome. I need to work 800 more hours to get my license, which comes with another pay raise. That OT is not only more pay, it gets me that much closer to the license. I can't wait to get started.

[camaroman]

congrats on the job!!!!

[camaroman]

congrats on the job!!!!

[locoengr]

I too say a hearty congratulations on the new job. Plus a GREAT BIG THANK YOU for serving our country. My nephew is a Sgt Mjr with the 188 ADA here in North Dakota. He too has done time In Afghanistan. Right now his cousin is over there with the same outfit. God Bless our Troops and God Bless the USA!!

[Rudy]

I too say a hearty congratulations on the new job. Plus a GREAT BIG THANK YOU for serving our country. My nephew is a Sgt Mjr with the 188 ADA here in North Dakota. He too has done time In Afghanistan. Right now his cousin is over there with the same outfit. God Bless our Troops and God Bless the USA!!

Congrats and WELCOME HOME BROTHER!

Sua Sponte

RLTW!

Rudy