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dianadrw
LIF Adult
Member since 5/06 2092 total posts
Name:
Me
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Changing Jobs - WWYD
DH is an engineer and has been working for the City of NY for 7 years. His field of engineering is very specific. In his 7 years at the City he has applied for other positions in an effort to move up but has never been given the opportunity. They always say he has a lack of management experience.
He's been contacted by headhunters over the years but all the positions he was offered would've been lateral moves so he didn't take them.
Fast forward to last week, after 3 interviews with a private engineering firm, he was offered a position to head up their technical team. More money, great benefits, and more importantly room to grow. We discussed it and decided it was the right move for us. Yes, it will be more hours but we feel like it's the right place for him to advance his career.
We've started telling people and some are shocked he's leaving a "city job." I find that so strange. What say you? Is it weird to leave a city job or any government job for that matter??
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Posted 1/24/14 10:18 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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AngnShaun
Sisters
Member since 1/10 21015 total posts
Name:
Ang
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
City jobs are "safe" so to speak.
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| Posted 1/24/14 10:23 AM |
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Nifheim
allo
Member since 1/09 5476 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Changing Jobs - WWYD
people have this really preconceived notion that working for a fed/city/state job is like luxurious. The economy is slowly bouncing back and private industry jobs are typically more lucrative. Honestly working for the state is a go nowhere type of job for many positions. There is no advancement for many positions.
many feel you get a pension/benefits and safety. Safety = stagnation btw.
Message edited 1/24/2014 10:26:45 AM.
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| Posted 1/24/14 10:26 AM |
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MrsM84
LIF Adult
Member since 2/13 2352 total posts
Name:
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
Posted by Nifheim
people have this really preconceived notion that working for a fed/city/state job is like luxurious. The economy is slowly bouncing back and private industry jobs are typically more lucrative. Honestly working for the state is a go nowhere type of job for many positions. There is no advancement for many positions.
many feel you get a pension/benefits and safety. Safety = stagnation btw.
Having job safety does not cause or guarantee stagnation. IMO, your statement is a gross exaggeration. There are many people, including myself, with job safety who continue to better themselves and improve in anyway possible in their particular field (taking classes, adding areas to your certification/licensure, etc.) That statement is offensive.
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| Posted 1/24/14 10:40 AM |
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MrsG823
Just call me Mommy.
Member since 1/11 5570 total posts
Name:
S
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Changing Jobs - WWYD
City jobs have the reputation of being stable. They offer stability and good benefits but as your DH has learned there is often little room for professional growth. It sounds like this new position is a great opportunity for your DH.
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| Posted 1/24/14 10:42 AM |
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Millie3
LIF Adult
Member since 7/13 1280 total posts
Name:
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
My first instinct was, he is leaving a city job?! Things have become progressively worse In the private sector. Yes , private sector makes more money, but lay offs are a big concern. That's the only reason I thought that.
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| Posted 1/24/14 10:45 AM |
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jlm2008
LIF Adult
Member since 1/10 5092 total posts
Name:
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
Posted by Millie3
My first instinct was, he is leaving a city job?! Things have become progressively worse In the private sector. Yes , private sector makes more money, but lay offs are a big concern. That's the only reason I thought that.
Same here.
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| Posted 1/24/14 1:44 PM |
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Ian&EmmesMommy23
My family is complete!
Member since 11/08 12970 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
Oh I can chime in here! lol I worked for the NYC DOE central office for almost 10 years. Pension, TDA, union, etc. My old boss (who left 2 years before) approached me about a job opportunity in his company. more money, working from home (i was commuting to Downtown Brooklyn), more advancement opportunities. I thought about it a lot and decided to take the job. I left just shy of 10 years (which I need 10 years in order to get health insurance when I retire). I spoke with my retirement department and they assured me before I was vested in my pension I can come back at any time before retirement and make up the lost time.
I saw a lot of people in my old job turn into "dinosaurs". thats what we called the civil service workers who worked there for too long and decided they can't get fired so they didn't need to do their job. I felt like I was turning into that. Switching jobs gave me a boost and a challenge. I've been here now 8 months and LOVE it. i think its a great decision.
if you DH is vested in his pension he can always go back and add time later.
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| Posted 1/24/14 1:50 PM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Changing Jobs - WWYD
my DH is an engineer too, he's always worked for the private sector (even though government jobs) and I can tell you right now your DH is most likely in for a HUGE surprise with regards to hours and work load. Get ready for MANY 12-16 hour days (on a light week), many weekends (and not where the days are made up during the week), etc. Just my two cents.... DH starts his day at 4 am and doesn't get home until 7 or 8 pm... on average.
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| Posted 1/24/14 1:55 PM |
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Nifheim
allo
Member since 1/09 5476 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
Posted by MrsM84
Having job safety does not cause or guarantee stagnation. IMO, your statement is a gross exaggeration. There are many people, including myself, with job safety who continue to better themselves and improve in anyway possible in their particular field (taking classes, adding areas to your certification/licensure, etc.) That statement is offensive.
let me clarify YOU can push yourself to learn and grow. However, in many instances after 7-10+ years you really don't push yourself. Let's be honest things get comfty and unless your determined to improve yourself for the sake of self improvement the job certainly doesn't reward you for it.
This is my personal feeling with working for the state. Yours might be different.
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| Posted 1/24/14 2:09 PM |
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Ian&EmmesMommy23
My family is complete!
Member since 11/08 12970 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
Posted by Nifheim
Posted by MrsM84
Having job safety does not cause or guarantee stagnation. IMO, your statement is a gross exaggeration. There are many people, including myself, with job safety who continue to better themselves and improve in anyway possible in their particular field (taking classes, adding areas to your certification/licensure, etc.) That statement is offensive.
let me clarify YOU can push yourself to learn and grow. However, in many instances after 7-10+ years you really don't push yourself. Let's be honest things get comfty and unless your determined to improve yourself for the sake of self improvement the job certainly doesn't reward you for it.
This is my personal feeling with working for the state. Yours might be different.
i have to agree. i watched this happen and it's one reason i needed to get out.
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| Posted 1/24/14 2:10 PM |
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dianadrw
LIF Adult
Member since 5/06 2092 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
Posted by jessnbrian
my DH is an engineer too, he's always worked for the private sector (even though government jobs) and I can tell you right now your DH is most likely in for a HUGE surprise with regards to hours and work load. Get ready for MANY 12-16 hour days (on a light week), many weekends (and not where the days are made up during the week), etc. Just my two cents.... DH starts his day at 4 am and doesn't get home until 7 or 8 pm... on average.
DH has worked in the private sector before so he knows what that entails. Although I don't really foresee 16 hour days. I don't think DH has ever worked a 16 hour day. Is your DH an operating engineer? My brother is an operating engineer and he works some crazy hours 6 days a week.
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| Posted 1/24/14 3:59 PM |
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dianadrw
LIF Adult
Member since 5/06 2092 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
Posted by IansMommy23
Oh I can chime in here! lol I worked for the NYC DOE central office for almost 10 years. Pension, TDA, union, etc. My old boss (who left 2 years before) approached me about a job opportunity in his company. more money, working from home (i was commuting to Downtown Brooklyn), more advancement opportunities. I thought about it a lot and decided to take the job. I left just shy of 10 years (which I need 10 years in order to get health insurance when I retire). I spoke with my retirement department and they assured me before I was vested in my pension I can come back at any time before retirement and make up the lost time.
I saw a lot of people in my old job turn into "dinosaurs". thats what we called the civil service workers who worked there for too long and decided they can't get fired so they didn't need to do their job. I felt like I was turning into that. Switching jobs gave me a boost and a challenge. I've been here now 8 months and LOVE it. i think its a great decision.
if you DH is vested in his pension he can always go back and add time later.
This sounds a lot like DH. He was getting bogged down by the attitudes around him. I don't want to generalize about all city workers because that's not the case. But the stuff that went on in his immediate area was nuts. I'm sure it goes on at other places, not just the City. But it was dishearteneing to DH. Thus the move.
The stuff about the retirement is good to know. He mentioned something to me about buying back his time at a later date. So this could always be an option for him.
Good luck with your new job!
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| Posted 1/24/14 4:02 PM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
Posted by dianadrw
Posted by jessnbrian
my DH is an engineer too, he's always worked for the private sector (even though government jobs) and I can tell you right now your DH is most likely in for a HUGE surprise with regards to hours and work load. Get ready for MANY 12-16 hour days (on a light week), many weekends (and not where the days are made up during the week), etc. Just my two cents.... DH starts his day at 4 am and doesn't get home until 7 or 8 pm... on average.
DH has worked in the private sector before so he knows what that entails. Although I don't really foresee 16 hour days. I don't think DH has ever worked a 16 hour day. Is your DH an operating engineer? My brother is an operating engineer and he works some crazy hours 6 days a week.
DH is a civil engineer, builds bridges, tunnels, train stations, etc. I can tell you right now he has NEVER worked an 8 hour day, 10-12 hours a day with his least paying job and this job (most paying) he averages 10-12 hours at the office, works on the train ride home, and then does some more emailing and such when he gets home. And those are average days, if it's really busy, like right before a bid, he's worked till 10 or later... and before we were living together there were nights he'd sleep at the office (this was when we were just dating YEARS ago).
Message edited 1/24/2014 4:16:41 PM.
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| Posted 1/24/14 4:15 PM |
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dianadrw
LIF Adult
Member since 5/06 2092 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
Posted by jessnbrian
Posted by dianadrw
Posted by jessnbrian
my DH is an engineer too, he's always worked for the private sector (even though government jobs) and I can tell you right now your DH is most likely in for a HUGE surprise with regards to hours and work load. Get ready for MANY 12-16 hour days (on a light week), many weekends (and not where the days are made up during the week), etc. Just my two cents.... DH starts his day at 4 am and doesn't get home until 7 or 8 pm... on average.
DH has worked in the private sector before so he knows what that entails. Although I don't really foresee 16 hour days. I don't think DH has ever worked a 16 hour day. Is your DH an operating engineer? My brother is an operating engineer and he works some crazy hours 6 days a week.
DH is a civil engineer, builds bridges, tunnels, train stations, etc. I can tell you right now he has NEVER worked an 8 hour day, 10-12 hours a day with his least paying job and this job (most paying) he averages 10-12 hours at the office, works on the train ride home, and then does some more emailing and such when he gets home. And those are average days, if it's really busy, like right before a bid, he's worked till 10 or later... and before we were living together there were nights he'd sleep at the office (this was when we were just dating YEARS ago).
Wow!! That is crazy!!
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| Posted 1/24/14 4:24 PM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
Posted by dianadrw
Posted by jessnbrian
Posted by dianadrw
Posted by jessnbrian
my DH is an engineer too, he's always worked for the private sector (even though government jobs) and I can tell you right now your DH is most likely in for a HUGE surprise with regards to hours and work load. Get ready for MANY 12-16 hour days (on a light week), many weekends (and not where the days are made up during the week), etc. Just my two cents.... DH starts his day at 4 am and doesn't get home until 7 or 8 pm... on average.
DH has worked in the private sector before so he knows what that entails. Although I don't really foresee 16 hour days. I don't think DH has ever worked a 16 hour day. Is your DH an operating engineer? My brother is an operating engineer and he works some crazy hours 6 days a week.
DH is a civil engineer, builds bridges, tunnels, train stations, etc. I can tell you right now he has NEVER worked an 8 hour day, 10-12 hours a day with his least paying job and this job (most paying) he averages 10-12 hours at the office, works on the train ride home, and then does some more emailing and such when he gets home. And those are average days, if it's really busy, like right before a bid, he's worked till 10 or later... and before we were living together there were nights he'd sleep at the office (this was when we were just dating YEARS ago).
Wow!! That is crazy!!
That's pretty typical in civil engineering, almost all of DH's friends are civil engineers, so I have definitely compared and contrasted with their wives. The only friends that don't work as many hours as he does are the ones who live in Rochester or Buffalo, and they've lost jobs so many times over the years because the market up there is very different. I always tease DH that it would be so easy for him to cheat on me because he always works so late to begin with.
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| Posted 1/24/14 4:31 PM |
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
I know many people who have left "safe" jobs so to speak for the reasons already mentioned.
Especially if they have the type of personality where they need a constant challenge and even enjoy crazy stress and being in the thick of things.
I also know a few people where one partner stays in the safe job and the other partner goes to the other one because financially it makes the most sense and they still can get the benefits of the safe job.
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| Posted 1/24/14 6:06 PM |
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
Posted by jlm2008
Posted by Millie3
My first instinct was, he is leaving a city job?! Things have become progressively worse In the private sector. Yes , private sector makes more money, but lay offs are a big concern. That's the only reason I thought that.
Same here.
Same here.
Though if you work and have job stability it would be worth it IMO
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| Posted 1/24/14 7:19 PM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee
I know many people who have left "safe" jobs so to speak for the reasons already mentioned.
Especially if they have the type of personality where they need a constant challenge and even enjoy crazy stress and being in the thick of things.
I also know a few people where one partner stays in the safe job and the other partner goes to the other one because financially it makes the most sense and they still can get the benefits of the safe job.
This is DH exactly. His last job he was bored at, he would get his work done and then everyone else's and still was surfing the internet and bsing.
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| Posted 1/24/14 7:33 PM |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7619 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
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Re: Changing Jobs - WWYD
Posted by dianadrw
Posted by jessnbrian
my DH is an engineer too, he's always worked for the private sector (even though government jobs) and I can tell you right now your DH is most likely in for a HUGE surprise with regards to hours and work load. Get ready for MANY 12-16 hour days (on a light week), many weekends (and not where the days are made up during the week), etc. Just my two cents.... DH starts his day at 4 am and doesn't get home until 7 or 8 pm... on average.
DH has worked in the private sector before so he knows what that entails. Although I don't really foresee 16 hour days. I don't think DH has ever worked a 16 hour day. Is your DH an operating engineer? My brother is an operating engineer and he works some crazy hours 6 days a week.
Not sure what type of engineer your DH is, but my DH is a mechanical engineer and works for the private sector and never works those crazy hours. Typically, he works 8-10 hours a day.
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| Posted 1/24/14 7:49 PM |
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