been considering a career change

**J-rod** · 04-12-2007, 09:06 PM

so as some of you know i am in the surveying industry and i have capped out my salary at my current employer. only way ill get another raise is to become a part owner. and the only other good job i could get (which would be raise plus full benefits) is a company that hires maybe 1 person a year for the department.

my only other option is to move away.

and thats not happening. (not on my end totally)

so i had considered going to the classes and getting my under ground mining license. something i thought about for past two years. its a touch demanding job, but the pay, benefits,insurance is great. pay be close to 20k/year increase. plus i could retire a lot sooner than i could in my current place. downside would be id probably work nights, and id have to give up coaching HS soccer.but i think the money/benefits be a good trade. the class for license is $350 and its a night class as well.....plus there is the event that i could one day work in the surveying department for the mines.

thoughts and opinions? who works for the mines around here? anyone?

**393rag** · 04-12-2007, 09:26 PM

I don't work in the mines, but I know some people who do, and the pension is absolutely terrible. So bad that you can't really even live off of it. Can you use AutoCad? Do you have any construction experience? Can you use any type of surveying equipment? How far are you from Uniontown? I may be able to help.

**scott5** · 04-12-2007, 09:31 PM

are you looking for a total career change or something that relates to what your doing? the school im going to is only 21 months and the pay and benefits are unbelievable. I have been in school for about 7 months and alreayd job offers.

**J-rod** · 04-12-2007, 09:42 PM

1. yes i use autocad...been using since 1999
2. i can use the rod in the field....but havent used the gun since 2002.
3. i use Eagle Point.
4. i had done construction drawings in college (architectural engineering major)
5. worked construction summers in HS and freshman college.
6. i am 1 hour from uniontown. but could always move closer to still be in WV (living)

the mines seem to pay very well here.....

i looked at a few websites and several of stephanie's family relatives are retired mine workers....loaded

edit - we actually have a couple cousins in uniontown.

**393rag** · 04-12-2007, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by Jared

1. yes i use autocad...been using since 1999
2. i can use the rod in the field....but havent used the gun since 2002.
3. i use Eagle Point.
4. i had done construction drawings in college (architectural engineering major)
5. worked construction summers in HS and freshman college.
6. i am 1 hour from uniontown. but could always move closer to still be in WV (living)

the mines seem to pay very well here.....

i looked at a few websites and several of stephanie's family relatives are retired mine workers....loaded

edit - we actually have a couple cousins in uniontown.

PM me if you're interested in working in Uniontown for a Civil firm. I know some guys that I can put a good word in with.

**wick** · 04-12-2007, 09:42 PM

Are you anywhere near the Rail road? Norfolk Southern? They are always hiring and the pension is the best one probally in the USA. My wife could probally get you a good word in for a decent job. Move here, to the house 3 doors down, and work with her in the dispatch office. 50K per year and an awesome pension and benefits.

**J-rod** · 04-12-2007, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by wick

Are you anywhere near the Rail road? Norfolk Southern? They are always hiring and the pension is the best one probally in the USA. My wife could probally get you a good word in for a decent job. Move here, to the house 3 doors down, and work with her in the dispatch office. 50K per year and an awesome pension and benefits.

you know who you got to talk to on that one.

i dont think im close to a railroad....but i will google.

**wick** · 04-12-2007, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by Jared

you know who you got to talk to on that one.

i dont think im close to a railroad....but i will google.

HAHHA Shit man, they could both be good friends. I would for sure have to have a baby then. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

**J-rod** · 04-12-2007, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by Jared

you know who you got to talk to on that one.

i dont think im close to a railroad....but i will google.

actually uniontown is hiring a track laborer.

id like to stay in the surveying if possible....or something with construction or similar....but right now i want increase salary and benefits.

**SonofaBish** · 04-12-2007, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by 393rag

I don't work in the mines, but I know some people who do, and the pension is absolutely terrible. So bad that you can't really even live off of it.

not totally true... not 6 months ago i was a pension Actuary, and we had clients that had very good pension plans... it all depends on what company you work for... but nonetheless, if you have a pension that you will be able to solely live off of, you are the luckiest s.o.b. on earth... there is no replacement for saving on your own and investments, etc.

just wanted to point that out... not busting ur balls or anything...

Ur retirement is definitely something you need to put some good emphasis on man... working in pensions, it was a real eye opener to see the # of ppl that have to work forever, b/c they can't afford to quit working

**J-rod** · 04-12-2007, 11:16 PM

well i need to make more salary to be able to start saving more....right now its pathetic.

**J-rod** · 04-13-2007, 10:38 AM

actually did some thinking and i dont know if i can make any more money in this state at all...WV is the lowest wage state in the U.S.

my mom is even thinking of moving to washington PA to work there. (teacher)

im going to look into some jobs in pa but close to the WV border. that i might be able to pull off more than moving to carnegie and being wicks' neighbor.