Owners, Superintendents. Please Take Time To Read.

[YoungOne]

Those of you that don't know i previously made a thread called " young man trying to get started " Well right now i have made the choice to post this thread. I would really appreciate it if owners, superintendents, experienced operators, and anyone else willling to would take time to read this thread. Thank you.

The biggest question in the world for me right now is this. How come i can't ride by an excavator working without stopping, watching, and asking if they need help? How come it is the same thing for bulldozers. How come it is the same thing for any piece of construction equipment that has hydraulics.

Now the real question is this: Why am i working at WAL-Mart?

Hours this month at Wal-mart ( checks every two weeks )

First two weeks 118 hours
Last two weeks 126 hours.

Killing myself to make almost nothing... Dreaming about the equipment i know how to run. And would like to learn more about operating. Only if i had that oppurtunity. Being a heavy equipment operator in the ARMY!:usa and taking 12 weeks of and 300 hours of schooling to be certified in this equipment. I love it, i love the industry. I worked in it for a small ammount of time with a small contractor. But then i had to leave for army training, for the summer. And when i came back that contractor didnt have enough work to keep me hired. And I completely understand that.

Now I am willing to pack up and move, for the chance to operate, labor, and learn about this industry. I would love to state in the state of Virginia. But other states are SERIOUSLY a REAL option for me. I just need a contractor that understands that i know about the equipment, i just need to learn about the industry and what needs to be done where. You all know what i am saying right? I am willing to run a shovel 100 hours a week if i have to. I have no problem working NOT at all. That's the soldier in me. My old employer told me one day when i asked him " Sir i know i was supposed to go home three hours ago but is there anything else i can do " And he gave me a look like WTF this kid wont go home. :D and said to me " Son when i hired you, You were still in highschool and i wondered if i could actually get you to work, now i worry that i am not paying you enough. " I laughed and said " yeah well you dont have to pay me anything. I just want to learn."

That's what I want to do. Is learn, make a little money to get myself going in life. On the right path to where i can own a company of my own one day and help the construction industry that will never end. I'm not asking anyone to put me in a D5 dozer with 200 hours on it. I dont care if i have to jump it every morning somehow. I will do it just do the work. I'm just asking for a start. Dont think of this as begging. Just think of it as someone that knows they is worth it to someone. If someone will just go out on a bit of a limb and pick them up. Show them as they go kind of thing. Lose a little time showing me something, Make a little bit more money next time you dont have to. That's something I want to do. I want to make a man or company money at the same time i learn how to, and do run equipment, pour concrete. WHATEVER i have to do.

Thanks for reading that far. Now for a little bit kind of like an "application "

Michael Johnson
18 Years old. Charlotte Court House Virginia 23923
US ARMY ( national guard ) which means i would need off one weekend a month ( maybe a friday. ) and two weeks during the summer.

Experience: Two years United States Army. Heavy equipment operator. One year equipment operator/laborer for small contractor. Certified in Rubber Tire Backhoe, Track Excavator. And Bulldozer operations. I can run a loader/roller though. I can pour concrete productively. I may need a little help learning setting up forms etc. I would LOVE to learn how to run scrapers, Motor graders and move dirt with haul trucks. I am interested in running ANYthing with hydraulics.

I have constructed construction entrances and dug sedament ponds by myself. I have pictures but i cant get them to load. If you want i could try and send them to you by email.

Equipment i have ran : Cat Wheel loader, Bulldozer D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8. 450 LC ( Both hydrostatic and older machines. Excavator John Deere 270 LC ( civilian and military model. ) Cat 315,320,345. Rubber Tire Backhoe, CASE 5200 ( i think, it's the one the military uses. :beatsme ) CAT 420,416. Both joysticks and wobble sticks Roller. Ingersolland, Cat. Their all the same. Big and small. Mobile Crane!!!! 20ton,40 ton. ( military ).

Expected pay: Depends on living costs. Just because i want to learn, please dont think i want to work for free. i dont expect to make the same as operators who have been doing it for years. But i want to make it in life:) I made 8:00 a week at my old job. Still in school no complaints there. I brought home around 400 a week.

Phone: Private message me please. or contact me on AIM at playamwj12

Family: no kids or wife.

Biggest problems you might have with me : Showing up to work an hour early and I am already there. I am a soldier first, me running equipment in the army certainly wont hurt your business:D. Me working through my lunch break costing you a few more bucks. Me asking you " Why are we doing it that way, or what is that." Or the question I asked my other employer. " Is the day done already we only worked 10 hours. " :usa

I love to work. Honestly. Just looking for a place to go. And a chance to try.

Thank You so much for taking the time to read this.

-Michael-


:notworthy :usa

[IH PULR]

I would move to Fairfield County Ct. there always looking for good operators around here O&G , Tilcon, are some of the big union shops its always busy around here just a little expensive to live here good luck

[CM1995]

Young one - First of all great post. You really put your heart and soul out there and I commend you on that.

I have 2 guys that are in the NG and I have no problem with the 3 day weekends and 2 weeks a year - they are defending our country!:usa Both of my NG guys spent a year in Iraq. My general grade super is one of the guys in the NG and I just take up double duty, running the company and running the projects, when he is gone 2 weeks of the year - it's the least I can do.

You sound like the kind of guy I would hire in a heartbeat. I want to hire someone that actually wants to learn the business instead of just showing up for a paycheck.

If you were in my neck of the woods I would put you on the payroll tomorrow.

Good luck!

[YoungOne]

Young one - First of all great post. You really put your heart and soul out there and I commend you on that.

I have 2 guys that are in the NG and I have no problem with the 3 day weekends and 2 weeks a year - they are defending our country!:usa Both of my NG guys spent a year in Iraq. My general grade super is one of the guys in the NG and I just take up double duty, running the company and running the projects, when he is gone 2 weeks of the year - it's the least I can do.

You sound like the kind of guy I would hire in a heartbeat. I want to hire someone that actually wants to learn the business instead of just showing up for a paycheck.

If you were in my neck of the woods I would put you on the payroll tomorrow.

Good luck!

Thanks to the both of you for your replies.

Where would your neck of the woods be located? All that is really stopping me from leaving tomorrow would be. Having enough money to make it somewhere plus find an inexspensive place to stay until i got my first check.

And putting two week notice in at wal-mart. Out of respect, and if I ever need to go back.

One day i'm gonna make it. Y'all watch.:D

[Wawrecker]

As long as I could remember I always wanted to be involved with heavy equipment and trucks. For the longest time I thought I got screwed because un-like my friends who’s grand pa or other family member owned a construction company, no one in my family had anything to do with construction or heavy equipment, so I didn’t know how I was going to get there. I was working for a auto shop doing tires and oil changes when I was offered a job at the concrete cutting co next door to do the same for them. Well the first day on the job they were short handed in the field so out I went. 20 years old making $5.00 hr running a 90lb breaker, Two years later I was still running that 90lb’er but making $12.00 hr and stealing seat time in the skid steer every chance I got. The regular operators wouldn’t let me near the 150 Kobelco excavator, so I would let myself into the yard after hours and practice running the Kobelco loading make believe concrete into a make believe truck. After awhile I started picking it up. I could go on and on but the point is I just climbed the ladder, working as operator, to lead to Forman, to superintendent and then project manager. Today I own a demolition company doing approximately $3 mil in annual sales. You have to want it and make sure your behavior is consistent with achieving your goals and the world owes you nothing and life is not fair but get over it and don’t say it again. Be willing to work for peanuts, keep your mouth shut. Go get a job running a shovel, this will present an opportunity to run a backhoe and so on and so on. Some of the best operators were great labors because they know that the extra 5 minutes with the excavator might be 2 hours for that labor. So what are you waiting for?

[YoungOne]

Nice post wrecker.

Not waiting for anything but a chance, i've been trying at ALL the local construction companies, mine's hell even rail roads since i can run crane. And stuff. Once the oppurtunity comes i'm going to make a man happy one day when i sit up in that seat and move dirt, whether it be with my chinese backhoe * shovel * or with a CAT 315 or bigger maybe even smaller. I love the industry i have only spent about 3 years in. And i'm only 18 and ready to give what i have here up friends if i have to go go do that. To move dirt, make new friends, have great experiences. And have fun. WORKING.

-Michael-

Hooah!:usa

[Grader4me]

Great attitude young fella! Hang in there, your day is coming. Good luck:thumbsup

[YoungOne]

Great attitude young fella! Hang in there, your day is coming. Good luck:thumbsup


Thank you sir. Looking forward to operating alongside your grader one day:D possibly.

-Michael- Hooah!:usa

[Grader4me]

Thank you sir. Looking forward to operating alongside your grader one day:D possibly.

-Michael- Hooah!:usa

I was 16 years old when I got started in this business and I was full of enthusiasm just like you.
A certain person believed in me and gave me a try. I worked like there was no tomorrow as a labourer. When everyone else was taking a break I was working. Supervisor put me on a post hole digger (mounted on an old chevy truck, installing guide rail posts) and I did really well operating it. Next they put me on a backhoe, then driving a snow plow, then onto a grader( only 18 years old). Took the grader full time and operated it for 25 years or so. Now I train people on the backhoe, one person plow truck, grader etc.
My point is never give up, as I said in the previous post your day is coming, and you do bring back memories of how I was at your age.:)

[YoungOne]

I was 16 years old when I got started in this business and I was full of enthusiasm just like you.
A certain person believed in me and gave me a try. I worked like there was no tomorrow as a labourer. When everyone else was taking a break I was working. Supervisor put me on a post hole digger (mounted on an old chevy truck, installing guide rail posts) and I did really well operating it. Next they put me on a backhoe, then driving a snow plow, then onto a grader( only 18 years old). Took the grader full time and operated it for 25 years or so. Now I train people on the backhoe, one person plow truck, grader etc.
My point is never give up, as I said in the previous post your day is coming, and you do bring back memories of how I was at your age.:)

Well i am glad that i could bring you back to your younger days. And i am really glad that someone gave you a try. Just like i am sure someone will me one day:D And when that day comes it's going to be time for me to learn,work, and make a little money. Most importantly to me learn. Right now. I won't give up wal-mart sucks! It's so boring, and i have no problem telling them that. Not in a disrespectful way, just I am high energy and construction relaxes me. Because that's where i want to be.

-Michael-

[texasdirtmover]

Move down here to austin texas
You can start tomorrow
we are a small excavation company looking for young men with your enthusiasm
The owner is a great man to work for
D6N
120
963
963
d4
volvo 210ex
rubber tire loaders
backhoe
Cat skid steers

great pay and benefits $$$$

[CM1995]

Well i am glad that i could bring you back to your younger days. And i am really glad that someone gave you a try. Just like i am sure someone will me one day:D And when that day comes it's going to be time for me to learn,work, and make a little money. Most importantly to me learn. Right now. I won't give up wal-mart sucks! It's so boring, and i have no problem telling them that. Not in a disrespectful way, just I am high energy and construction relaxes me. Because that's where i want to be.

-Michael-

I understand - when you have construction in your veins there is nothing other than being a part of it that will satisfy that craving.:thumbsup :drinkup

[YoungOne]

Move down here to austin texas
You can start tomorrow
we are a small excavation company looking for young men with your enthusiasm
The owner is a great man to work for
D6N
120
963
963
d4
volvo 210ex
rubber tire loaders
backhoe
Cat skid steers

great pay and benefits $$$$

Year round work? Enough work to where there won't be any layoffs? Workthrough the winter? ( what's the winter like in texas? ) Pay/Benefits? Cost of living?

My biggest problems moving right now are these.

I NEED to put two weeks notice in at wal-mart incase i ever NEED to go back ya know? Out of respect too.

And finding a place to stay in for cheap until i get my first couple checks.

Thanks,

-Michael-

[YoungOne]

:( :( Went by a construction site today and seen a company putting a 1 foot clay fill in. And noticed the compactor wasnt being used ( roller ) And i knew that it would make it faster for them if they did the compacting at the same time as putting the fill in. Because the fill was being hauled by Rubber Tire Loaders, and not scrapers or articulated trucks.

So i went over and I introduced myself and everything. And i asked about that. And he told me ( this is the own now ) " Yeah we need alot of help, but we can't afford to train young kids like yourself that in five years will think you know everything. " I said " Well if you change your mind let me know sir. " And gave him my cell number.:Pointhead

=/ I get this alot. And really dont understand why. Comments?

-Michael-

[Woodstock]

Yea, come down here to Texas. I live about 30 miles form Austin and could use help to. Good Luck. I guss you could say I was lucky my uncle has a construction co. and got to play and work since I was six. I only have a skid steer and a D4G.

[YoungOne]

Yea, come down here to Texas. I live about 30 miles form Austin and could use help to. Good Luck. I guss you could say I was lucky my uncle has a construction co. and got to play and work since I was six. I only have a skid steer and a D4G.

What's the cost of living like down there? What kind of jobs do you do. And could you use me year-round? I need things like that. Before i do anything you know.

Thanks man.

skidsteer i've never used.But believe i would love to learn how to. I'm willing to do ANYTHING to get started. I promise to make a man money, If he is willing to lose a little time/ MAYBE a few bucks showing me a few things.

-Michael-

[pushcat]

:( :( Went by a construction site today and seen a company putting a 1 foot clay fill in. And noticed the compactor wasnt being used ( roller ) And i knew that it would make it faster for them if they did the compacting at the same time as putting the fill in. Because the fill was being hauled by Rubber Tire Loaders, and not scrapers or articulated trucks.

So i went over and I introduced myself and everything. And i asked about that. And he told me ( this is the own now ) " Yeah we need alot of help, but we can't afford to train young kids like yourself that in five years will think you know everything. " I said " Well if you change your mind let me know sir. " And gave him my cell number.:Pointhead

=/ I get this alot. And really dont understand why. Comments?

-Michael-

Well, I think you pretty much answered your own question. If an 18 year old kid came on my job and questioned how I was doing it, my answer wouldn't be near that polite. There very well could be a reason they are doing it that way. Maybe that area doesn't need to be compacted to a certain density, or maybe by running the loaders on the grade it will be compacted enough. Just because you have "seat time" doesn't make you an operator. I have worked with operator school graduates and I'll never hire another one. I've also worked with people with military experience and was not impressed. A former Marine that was so used to taking orders that he couldn't make the most simple decision, had to be supervised constantly. A National Guard Captain that was so damned bullheaded he wouldn't take orders, did everything his way, right or wrong. Hopefully you weren't in long enough for them to permanently damage you. Just learn to keep your opinions to yourself and do what your told and I'm sure you'll get along just fine.

[nedly05]

I admire your enthusiasm, desire, ambition...one thing people do not like is beiing questioned on how they are doing something. I have been around construction my whole life. When I am away from it I go looking for it, sometimes just sit and watch. I feel like I know a bit now. I have found that the best thing to do is just prove your self with your mouth shut, I know that it can be hard when you are so into it, but as a young buck you will get a "know it all" rep in a hurry. GOOD LUCK!!!

[72V]

I agree with Pushcat. I've worked around a couple "graduates" of heavy equipment schools, and at least one guy with so-called military training.... and I couldn't see where they had much to show for all they said they could do. My point is, don't tout what a piece of paper says you've learned. Sometimes those places are the blind leading the blind.

One thing you'll find in common among equipment operators, myself included, is that they were laborers for other operators before they got any stick time. You'll learn more about cutting grade if you get the chance to check grade for an old hand, watching him to pick up his tricks, and picking his brain when he feels like talking.

It's not so much operating the machine, as much as it is knowing how to go about doing the job. A machine is just a tool to help you accomplish that.

[YoungOne]

Well, I think you pretty much answered your own question. If an 18 year old kid came on my job and questioned how I was doing it, my answer wouldn't be near that polite. There very well could be a reason they are doing it that way. Maybe that area doesn't need to be compacted to a certain density, or maybe by running the loaders on the grade it will be compacted enough. Just because you have "seat time" doesn't make you an operator. I have worked with operator school graduates and I'll never hire another one. I've also worked with people with military experience and was not impressed. A former Marine that was so used to taking orders that he couldn't make the most simple decision, had to be supervised constantly. A National Guard Captain that was so damned bullheaded he wouldn't take orders, did everything his way, right or wrong. Hopefully you weren't in long enough for them to permanently damage you. Just learn to keep your opinions to yourself and do what your told and I'm sure you'll get along just fine.

I'm really sorry how i posted that. I didnt really question what he was doing. I worded it wrong. I was wondering if i could fill the spot in the machine if needed.

-Michael-

Sorry again.

[YoungOne]

I admire your enthusiasm, desire, ambition...one thing people do not like is beiing questioned on how they are doing something. I have been around construction my whole life. When I am away from it I go looking for it, sometimes just sit and watch. I feel like I know a bit now. I have found that the best thing to do is just prove your self with your mouth shut, I know that it can be hard when you are so into it, but as a young buck you will get a "know it all" rep in a hurry. GOOD LUCK!!!

Yeah i dont mind asking questions etc. But if i ask that's exactly what it is a question. I'm not going to criticize anyone willing to give me a chance. Like i said i am willing to put in 100 hours a week 400 hours a month in a ditch with a shovel/connecting pipe. Whatever it takes. Chinese backhoe is a good friend of mine. I'm just ready for that chance. Whether it be in the seat, pouring concrete all day, laying pipe. Using a tamper all day. I dont care. I'm ready for a chance somewhere. I'm ready to learn.

-Michael-

[YoungOne]

Thanks to SunServicesLC I have been contacted with a job offer in Virginia! About 200 Miles away. Running equipment. I plan on going up in about a week to check it out. And then if i like what i see ( i'm sure i will ) Then it's time to put that two week's notice in at wal-mart!

-Michael-

Thanks SunServicesLC!!!:usa :notworthy :notworthy

[SunServicesLLC]

No problem, hope it works out They are a good friend of mine so if it does ill probably c you around. Good Luck!
Brian

[YoungOne]

No problem, hope it works out They are a good friend of mine so if it does ill probably c you around. Good Luck!
Brian

I hope it will. I have already started looking over the internet for apartments to rent etc. Because right now I am ready to go visit, but i am looking for reasonable apartment prices etc. I only need something big enough for one person you know.

-Michael-

[CM1995]

Good deal!:thumbsup Once again HEF saves the day!:drinkup :usa

[YoungOne]

Good deal!:thumbsup Once again HEF saves the day!:drinkup :usa

Hope so. Time to hit the real world for me hopefully. If i have to sleep in the dozer who cares:D Living comfortable is not anything on my mind right now, getting by in a room 10x10 with a heater and bed I will be happy.

Around washington though it may cost me 600$ a month for that room:(

-Michael-

[YoungOne]

Remember how you i told you guys that i used to work for a small contractor?

Well this morning he calls me and says " Michael i got an offer for you, I need an operator for our 270 Johndeere and 315 Cat Excavators and to labor all at the same time." I said I'd LOVE to but i need to put in my two weeks at wal-mart but i would be willing to work half-days for two weeks if you could do that" He said that was fine and told me to call him wednesday of this week.

I then told him " you know that i don't expect to touch a machine right? Don't put those joysticks into my hands until you feel as though i've earned it, i want to learn remember that. " And he said that he thought that i would be ready to operate during the first week and would let me know.

He also offered me $4.00 over what i am making right now at wal-mart which was a grand deal for me:D

-Michael-

I'll try to take pictures and keep you guys updated.

[marc21]

It sounds pretty ruff down there for work. up here on the other side of the boarder all the operators i know make mid 20's to mid 30's an hour and to run a shovel u get 15. Up here if you have legs, arms, heartbeat and half a brain you can get a job running shovel or labouring.

[YoungOne]

It sounds pretty ruff down there for work. up here on the other side of the boarder all the operators i know make mid 20's to mid 30's an hour and to run a shovel u get 15. Up here if you have legs, arms, heartbeat and half a brain you can get a job running shovel or labouring.


Yeah we just got a job digging a 60 acre pond. ( more like lake huh ) Hopefully i'll get alot of pictures. Surprisingly this is on private property and it's not state owned or anything. For a company that is only going to have 8 workers including two owners ( son and father ) That work everyday. We have three jobs going. Staying busy and working long hours. Just what i want.

Still going to work part time at wal-mart monday through saturday excavating.

Saturday and sunday night at wal-mart.

Mom said i'm nuts. I told her "Well mom in order to win in life, you have to get beat first."

-Michael-

[CascadeScaper]

Right on dude, just keep truckin. I worked my entire summer break away from college this working in a restaurant 5 days a week and working for a buddy of mine running equipment the other 2 days. I was doing 75+ hour weeks for 3 months solid, couldn't remember when I had a day off. Now that I busted it all summer I had enough to throw down some cash on a 3.5 acre lot back in my home town that will do nothing but make me money. Planning on selling that parcel for 2 or 3 times what I paid for it down the road to buy my own truck and machine. In the meantime, I'm headed the union route. If accepted as an apprentice, I start next spring. Looking forward to being done with college and operating full-time again. Just keep at it, the road less travelled is that way for a reason. It's tough to get into the game, but you can't outsource equipment operators.

[YoungOne]

Right on dude, just keep truckin. I worked my entire summer break away from college this working in a restaurant 5 days a week and working for a buddy of mine running equipment the other 2 days. I was doing 75+ hour weeks for 3 months solid, couldn't remember when I had a day off. Now that I busted it all summer I had enough to throw down some cash on a 3.5 acre lot back in my home town that will do nothing but make me money. Planning on selling that parcel for 2 or 3 times what I paid for it down the road to buy my own truck and machine. In the meantime, I'm headed the union route. If accepted as an apprentice, I start next spring. Looking forward to being done with college and operating full-time again. Just keep at it, the road less travelled is that way for a reason. It's tough to get into the game, but you can't outsource equipment operators.

Good job man,

I would be going union as an apprentice if I didnt have to have a Class A CDL And they won't train you for it:(

I plan on buying a lot of 2-3 acres and putting mobile homes on it for rent. Buy one pay it off get another etc etc.

-Michael-

We'll both get in the game. And stay in it:D

[CascadeScaper]

Property is where it's at. After I get a good year under my belt in the union with some money in the bank I'll go after another piece that I may keep for myself, more than likely a house. I'm just looking at the end of the rainbow after the sale of the 3.5 acres I have now. A Nice Pete 379 and a Cat 315 that I can pay CASH for, or have very, very little financed. I really hate being in debt, even if I know it's for the better. I'd like to get myself back into business with as little debt as possible, I've been a part of or started 3 or 4 pretty sucessful businesses over the years. Keeping the ownership costs down are the best, no work for a couple weeks, no problem, just wrench on the iron for that time.

[YoungOne]

Property is where it's at. After I get a good year under my belt in the union with some money in the bank I'll go after another piece that I may keep for myself, more than likely a house. I'm just looking at the end of the rainbow after the sale of the 3.5 acres I have now. A Nice Pete 379 and a Cat 315 that I can pay CASH for, or have very, very little financed. I really hate being in debt, even if I know it's for the better. I'd like to get myself back into business with as little debt as possible, I've been a part of or started 3 or 4 pretty sucessful businesses over the years. Keeping the ownership costs down are the best, no work for a couple weeks, no problem, just wrench on the iron for that time.

Your exactly right. Always look for the future, Dont dwell on yesterday's mistakes.

Right now my mom is criticizing me and what i want to do with life. Because it is something the family hasn't really had anything to do with. I wasn't the lucky ones that grew up with a dozer in their front yard you know?

But i tell her everytime she starts in on me. " In order to beat life, You have to let life beat you."

Which i truly believe in. And i'm looking for gold in my life. Silver will be merely acceptable.

Yeah I would like to create a housing development/ Build my own house. And own a excavating/lowboy service one day.

Big hopes for such a young man.. But i'll get there. Just like you will. Who knows we might even meet up one day. Even though we are on opposit coasts!

-Michael-

[CascadeScaper]

I agree to an extent to what you're saying. You gotta know when you're down so that when you finally reach the top you'll feel like you really conquered something. I can respect that, overcoming a lot of obstacles to finally make it where you want to go. You gotta push for the top, you'll get slapped back down, and you just keep on truckin'. I stuck it out big time last year with an excavation business with my dad, went against all odds and made it happen. The only reason I'm not doing it anymore is the fact that I decided to go back to school and finish my degree, my dad simply couldn't run the show without me.

Nothing wrong with getting your @$$ totally handed to you at times, when you rise above it's the best feeling ever. Get defeated because you're trying something you're not quite capable of and learn from it. Shoot high, miss a couple times, then you'll finally stick it. That's my plan. I've been through a lot so far, not many people I know my age or even twice my age have experienced some of the things that I've done thus far in life, nor will they ever. I work with plenty of them everyday in my restaurant job, they're 30+ years old, no college, no credit for a car, don't own a house, etc.. I guess you could say that it's just their way, but they let life beat them. Nobody is ever going to give you credit for being an under achiever, you gotta stick it out to make it anywhere.

[marc21]

i know what your saying young one as i am also a young man, 20 to be exact, and i'm trying to do the pretty much the same as you. Nobody expects very much out of young people anymore i find, and when you suggest something like start your own bussiness and own your own eqiupment people think your crazy. You gotta stick with it even when it sucks, I owned my own house 6 months ago but money got tight and i lost my job so i had to sell it, Didn't want to but it was best thing i ever did, it opened lots of doors for me. If you show your mom that this is important to you and that your devoted to it then she will get behind you, My mom said the exact same thing but now she is 100% behind me. THE BEST THING you can do, is do this kind of stuff when your young instead of waiting till your older, you will know more about life when your 30 then most people know when there 50 because you set your own path in life you didn't follow the safe route everyone else takes. you have 100% of my respect.

[YoungOne]

Thanks guys,

Seriously proving to your parents may be the hardest thing ever to do. Because they never want you to leave home, or atleast far away. Which I told my mom i am looking into going ACTIVE army and getting in the the army corps of engineers for great experience. Does anyone know more about that? I know they do big jobs. And it would be excellent experience.

I guess the three of us are the underdogs, in a bigdog fight. And we have to start at the bottom to work our way up.

-Michael-

HOAAHHH to the youngone's!:usa

[YoungOne]

Today we poured concrete. Being a laborer/operator. And we couldn't pour from the shoot. Because of the area we are in. We poured 51 yards today. And my boss/owner tells me when i went and grabbed the shovel so i could " Chuck" concrete til the finishers caught up. "Michael get in the hoe, i want you swinging the concrete bucket over the hole, I trust you don't mess it up." I said " Yes sir " And went on with it. He told me to leave the machine at half idol ( 325 B Cat ) And take my time. So i proceeded to do so. And did very well with it.

It makes me feel good to be able to do that. We have two owners father and son with probably 60 years operating equipment combined. And a foreman with over 25. So that's 85 years of operating, down in the trench where i should be.

Later on in the day he tells me

" You did good today. But how far do you plan on going with this company?" and i told him that my only goal was to learn something new everyday, Not to make money. And he looks at me and says " Well i'm willing to show you everything i know. I give you hell all day, laugh and joke at you. And all you tell me is " Yes Sir." And go on with your job. He went on to tell me that he plans to help me get my CDL's and hopes that i stick around long enough to become a foreman.

I think i need to learn everything i can from this man. He said he's willing to teach me everything he knows if i can give him an honest day's work. His last words to me were " You come from a lazy generation, It's easy for me to figure out why no other contractor would hire you. But any man that's nuts enough to move 20 foot long rebar 8 at a time over one should 100 feet instead of using my hoe i respect. He went on and asked me why i dont use the hoe and i told him " Call me nuts but i have a tendency to think too much, And i dont want to get stuck in a situation i can't get out of. " And he said " Get used to it. This is a hard life. " I said " Well thanks for the start. " And went home.

-Michael-

Feels good to be back!

[Molcott]

Seriously proving to your parents may be the hardest thing ever to do. Because they never want you to leave home, or atleast far away. Which I told my mom i am looking into going ACTIVE army and getting in the the army corps of engineers for great experience. Does anyone know more about that? I know they do big jobs. And it would be excellent experience.

hey youngone, and everybody, I'm new to hef but its a great forum. i love this place. anyhow i've been operating for about 7 years now got my start in the army corp of engineer. i have to say i got alot of stick time in the army. I had to work extra hard to get in the seat but it was worth it. I also was in the first engineer unit in iraq. so we had alot of work but we also did alot of boarder patrol roads to spec here in the united states all on large machines you are already NG so you know how to deal with the politics but all in all it was worth it and a great learning experiance. looks good on a resume;) if thats the road you take i only have one word of advice while your in and on a machine look at every job in dollars and cents even though it doesn't matter in the army. it will help you out a great deal when you get back out lol. thank you for serving our country and keep us posted