Popular Post j_martell Posted November 17, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted November 17, 2014 *long winded rambling post......*Well.....as the title states, I'm done with this seasonal, high-dollar-per-hour-inconsistent-hours bs.Started looking awhile back....problem is, most jobs around for DZ drivers are also seasonal.....dump, concrete, snowplow(crap-shoot).....Then it hit me....feed hauling. As much as grinding feed on the farm sucked, it never slowed down. Matter of fact, I could barely keep up. So that's where I focused my search. Even called the dispatcher on the farm (father of a good friend from highschool, he and I go back to when I was 16) I work on to see if they would take an excellent roll off operator willing to upgrade to AZ on his own dime as that's what the boss wants. He has roll offs/wiggle wagon and tankers and vans. nothing from them yet.....but....Applied for a job a few weeks ago and got a call last week for an interview. Went and met with him and it went really well. 10$/hr cut, but OT after 40hrs/week, always something to haul somewhere, he offered to guarantee me 50hrs/week bare minimum. And all the usual stuff, benefits, yearly raises etc. Evn said because I have a phone already, they'd pay half (40$/month, and my plan only cost me 45$/month ) as they dispatch by phone....so I only have carry one now lol. Only hoop was insurance, which shouldn't be a problem, as I have nothing on my record. He even looked surprised a little when I handed him an abstract with nothing on it. I don't think I should worry, but it's up in the air till he calls back. It was Friday afternoon when he sent it off, so I figure by Monday. I'm really looking forward to moving on and trying something new. Since I got my licence I've only driven roll-off, except one time when I just got my learners I went out with my buddy Shane in his 2010 GU813 dump.....If the number work out like I worked them, I should gross more per year despite the pay cut. And I'll get to work everyday. No more going in and waiting for free to be sent home....and no more cleaning up after roofers, being pulled in 3 directions by three crews who screwed up their planning of switches or gravel delivery, no more getting home at 2100 one day and 1100 the next....While I am grateful that (current company) took me with no experience and got me 3 years/130,XXXkm, I can't afford another 25 hr/week winter. As the sole provider for 4, I gotta do what I gotta do. They were good to me while they could, but there's only so much "make work" to be done. I hope whoever drives #85 next gives her respect.....she's a good rig, even tho no more than a Volvo with a dog on the hood. Had 36,XXXkm when I started driving, and is at 161,8XXkm (~5400hrs) when I parked it on Friday morning, and has truly given little trouble.....I asked what trucks he ran, and his response was "tandem axle bulk blower trucks, that's the only consistency....". He said it would be either a V***in or a Western Star.....God I hope I get the star, otherwise there won't be alot of pics from me I was reluctant to post this, as someone I know may see it, and I use my real last name in my screen name, but I don't care, they're gonna find out when I put my notice in anyway..... 10 Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brocky Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 We are wishing you the best of luck in obtaining the position you want.. Sound like you are heading in the right direction.. Maybe the Macks will come along in time.. 1 Quote Brocky Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267009 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatcity Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 a mans gotta do what a mans gotta doHope it works out well for younot much goes on in winter up there,besides the frozen loadsYear round here, although I expect to get shut down for a few weeks in Jan,/feb timeGood Luck 1 Quote Success is only a stones throw away.................................................................for a Palestinian Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267010 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 good luck 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267012 Share on other sites More sharing options...
85snowdog Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 I hope you get your new position. I'm sure you will be a true professional at it. Good luck!!!Keith 1 Quote Keith Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267014 Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer52 Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 good luck in your new endeavor! 1 Quote Ken PRR Country and Charter member of the "Mack Pack" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267015 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 Sounds like a good game plan!Hope you get the Star also. 1 Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267017 Share on other sites More sharing options...
other dog Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 Yep, what they said, and good luck to you. 1 Quote Producer of poorly photo-chopped pictures since 1999. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267019 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearhead204 Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 sounds good !! I hope you don't have any allergies ! 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267020 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post j_martell Posted November 17, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted November 17, 2014 Thanks guys! @snowdog85: i take a tremendous amount of pride in doing what I do well....and appreciate big time when other notice. At 29 I've worked many different jobs in many different industries, and can't bring myself to "half ass" anything....thats not the way I was brought up. I tend to obsess on knowing not just how, but why things are done a certain way, or how things operate etc....@gearhead204: funny you mention that lol. I was allergic to hay, till I mucked stalls on a horse farm for a summer when I was 16, had hay fever till I worked on the first farm, and spent alot of time bush hogging the fields/property and allergies to dust before spending a year in the dusty, miserable environment of a hammer mill..... 4 Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267022 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Dash Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 Best of luck in your new job. 1 Quote Jim Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267027 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike69mackman Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 Best of luck with your new job! Change is a good thing as I'll be starting my new adventure next Monday. Have fun with it and be safe. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267056 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post masterwelder Posted November 17, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted November 17, 2014 As an employer it's always tough to lose good people. However, as an employer you should never hold it against any of your people when they try to better themselves or better their situation as it is for them. Always be honest and upfront and leave on good terms, because you never know what's around the next bend. Good luck. 5 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267066 Share on other sites More sharing options...
theakerstwo Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 I respect anyone who want to better him self and family.So many give up a grab a card board box and cut out a sign to set on the corner.Good luck. 2 Quote glenn akers Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267067 Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomastractorsvc Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 Good luck hope it works out for you. Maybe you can find a happy medium without being worked to death. 1 Quote Robert"I reject your reality and substitute my own." Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267069 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 well best of luck,,,good jobs are hard to find,,,,my job sucks but the pay is excellent...bob 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267091 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 My pop taught me early that a man does what is best for him and his family. Year round work and not being pulled all ways at once will benefit you and your family in the long run. Good Luck!! Paul 1 Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267092 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAD DOG Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Good luck with the new job. I too work construction it's very seasonal depending on the year. I've been really slow the past couple weeks and am tired of having half the year slow period while the bosses vacation in the Florida Keys. I've been looking into other jobs and figure a bit of a pay cut and work steady with overtime pay. I think you've got the right idea. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267286 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_martell Posted November 19, 2014 Author Share Posted November 19, 2014 Thanks for the back up BAD DOG....I keep getting grief from some people about loosing 10$/hr, but I won't need to make a ton if I can consistently get hours. Today is a perfect example, at work for 10hrs, but only got paid for 7...waiting for something to do....I am really looking forward to getting to work everyday. Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267311 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAD DOG Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Yeah I hear you. I go to work a lot of mornings with a Tim Hortons coffee in one hand a lunch pail in the other only to go home and eat my lunch. Or wait around the shop till 10 o'clock when someone calls and needed salt or stone yesterday. It gets to be a long winter and spring. And it doesn't take long to get yourself on the wrong side of the eight ball being their yo yo, but it's sure tough trying to get caught up in the summer. I figured out the other day with my hours I worked like a fool this summer , floating driving tri axle locally on tar and chip during the day and getting sent to Toronto for tar at noon and working late into the night or doing the tar during the early morning and then working local all day, all my overtime if I got overtime after 40 like a normal job would my income would have been $10,000 more than it is that pays the rent on the house the boss rents in the keys for one month. Not saying he doesn't deserve a winter vacation but, they cry the blues in the summer when they can't find good drivers in the busy season and when things drop off they kick everyone to the curb. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267323 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Maikshilo Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Good luck and the more diverse you are the better the resume' and one door opens another! 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267328 Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb502 Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 Good luck, IM pondering a change too, my problem is I have a good steady job now but I hate the corporate b.s. I go thru spells where Im gonna be gone in a month and others where I think I can make it work, in the end Im sure Ill end up back in a truck its what I always wanted to do and Im a lot happier trucking than beating my head against a wall. 1 Quote "Any Society that would give up a little LIBERTY to gain a little SECURITY will Deserve Neither and LOSE BOTH" -Benjamin Franklin"If your gonna be STUPID, you gotta be TOUGH" "You cant always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you get what you need" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267335 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_martell Posted November 20, 2014 Author Share Posted November 20, 2014 Good luck, IM pondering a change too, my problem is I have a good steady job now but I hate the corporate b.s. I go thru spells where Im gonna be gone in a month and others where I think I can make it work, in the end Im sure Ill end up back in a truck its what I always wanted to do and Im a lot happier trucking than beating my head against a wall.So....i should STOP doing that......OHHHHH....much better lolHaven't even driven my truck since Monday morning.....been doing bitch yard work all week....cleaning up after morons who can't put shit where it goes...just lump it on skids cause "its someone elses problem".....:@I did NOT get my licence to keep doing manual labour… Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267346 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearhead204 Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 j martell: Here,s my .02 worth In my younger days I thought like you, about being in the truck and putting the education to work, then I realized most employers treat drivers like crap. so I started to notice the guys that always worked are the ones that could and would do what ever needs done! then after rethinking what I would do I couldn't hardly get a day off any time! 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267367 Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomastractorsvc Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 My two cents, if I had to work like hell for 6-8 months a year and make good money and know when I am going to have some time off I would rather do that than work 6 to 7 days a week 10-12 hours a day and never know or only get 1 to 2 weeks off. I would budget it for the lean months and park my camper next to the boss's in the Florida Keys.My in-laws did that every year and my wife went to school starting in Kindergarten from Thanksgiving to Easter in Florida, they lived at Sunshine Key mile marker 39.Or find you could always find a corporate job. When my wife retires from her Job I want to do that to, make the annual migration to warm winter days. You can be poor anywhere why not be WARM! 2 Quote Robert"I reject your reality and substitute my own." Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/#findComment-267377 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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