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Rob_in_WV

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Here's the situation I have: I was hired by my current company right out of HVAC school and have worked pretty steady since, however this passed summer they hired a guy who was in the class a year after I was and it went well for all of us until this mild winter hit us. I'm going on being on low earnings for 3 weeks now. The reason I ask is because the new guy was laid off for 2 years and can't draw as much they chose to lay me off and let him work since I can draw 3 times what he can. My question being Do you think I'm being screwed by the company and should I be causing more of a stink and not be so accommodating? Should I start looking for another job if work doesn't pick back up soon? Just looking for some :.02:. Thanks
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Thanks Chris, I was thinking about waiting until Spring and then see what feed back I get. Also am I wrong for not speaking up about the younger tech working while I'm off? I kinda think I might be doing the right thing since he can't draw as much on low earnings, but at the same time I don't want to get shafted.
 
Happens every year at this time. The mild weather hasn't helped. Most companies that may be hiring now are only in anticipation for the spring/summer. If you leave now and we have a mild summer, you'll be in the same boat in August. If you're otherwise happy, sticking it out is probably the way to go.
 
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Seems like the company is trying its best to make sure everyone can survive. You maybe getting the shaft but your still employed and you can collect and make decent money. The other guy is lucky as well because he can still make a living. While it may not seem fair if the situation was reversed youd be happy as a hog.
Personally, It seems like a company id like to work for. They didnt choose favorites, they chose the best way everyone could survive.
 
Maybe they don't like your attitude. Just a thought. I would look around while on unemployment to see if I could step up in trade. There is no allegiance when it comes to the bottom line $$$$$$$$$$$$$.
 
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Discussion starter · #8 ·
Thanks everyone,also keeplearning I hope my question didn't seem like a bad attitude as I don't like guys with bad attitudes and try not to be one of them, but if you feel it was let me know as if there is anything I can improve on in this field I want to do it.
 
Thanks everyone,also keeplearning I hope my question didn't seem like a bad attitude as I don't like guys with bad attitudes and try not to be one of them, but if you feel it was let me know as if there is anything I can improve on in this field I want to do it.
How would I know It was a seek inside yourself question.
 
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If you can afford to, I'd say just wait it out and see what comes to you this summer and see if it was worth the wait. Not only that but, since you are still pretty new in the field (outside of school), I'd recommend that you stick around as long as you can unless you truly need to leave due to $$ reasons. Get as much experience as you can that way when you ever decide to leave, it'll be somewhat easier for you to get a replacement job. Sometimes its good to be patient if you can help it. Pretty basic advice but, I hope it helps.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
I'm not hurting for $$ its just a little tight. I actually told them I agreed with the idea, but was wondering if I was being too soft. On a side note I should have specified that the looking was just because I'm curious what feedback I might get, but I'm in no immediate hurry to go anywhere as I'm treated well and paid fairly well for 18 months experience.
 
Ask yourself if it was truly "for the good of all" or not? If you honestly believe thsat your company is trying to do well by all three parties, its one thing, and only you can be the judge. If it isnt clearly that way, start looking.

When I was younger, the company I worked for used to tell us that "it will be slow for the next X". If we could find temporary jobs at say the local refinery for a shutdown or something, they encouraged it, but would bring guys back as soon as work picked up. The young guys used ot hit the shutdowns, the old guys stayed put and collected wages when they could. In addition to working all winter, they allowed us to keep our company vehicles, and even take them to work for another contractor. That was truly "for the good of all", but these things are rare indeed in todays' market.
 
Without knowing how your work performance stacks up against the other guy's I see a company that made the best out of a hard decision.

Best thing to do is keep your attitude positive, hit the books, brush up on some skills, look for some side work etc. ask around the shop to help out, warehousing, inventory, cleaning trucks, shovelling ****. Whatever it takes.
Keeping yourself busy is important, otherwise you'll end up dwelling on it and becoming jaded.

Lastly...loyalty is tested during times of hardship not times of plenty.
 
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