how old are you?

[PAYTON]

i was just wondering what kind of age range we have on the board.

[PAYTON]

main reason i ask is alot of people have issuse with younger guys being in charge. ive worked for a lot of larger compaines and have been put in the postion of supervisior or site boss. and some of the older guys have had issues with this. im 25 will be 26 in march ive been around this type of work since iwas born. so ive been around for a lil while not always on the payroll but still around.
so does some ones age play a roll in how you judge there knowledge? or do you take them for what they can do and know?

and for the record your never to old to learn. as a matter of fact im register to go back to college this coming fall. im not done in this line of work just going to take a new approach.

thanks to all who answer.

payton

[digger242j]

Knowing the work is only part of what's needed to be in charge. "People skills" are just as important. I think that's especially true if you're younger, because you do need to prove yourself. Once you get old, people are more likely to *assume* that you know the work, and that isn't necessarily true either.

I know it's sort of "circular reasoning" but if you have the people skills to lead even those older than yourself, it doesn't matter that you're younger.

(Just for the record, I just squeaked in to the under 50 group.)

[Steve Frazier]

I'm in the same group as digger242j.

I'll agree with your reasoning that your never too old to learn, life is one big education, start to finish.

By the same token, I've seen quite a few young know it alls, (I may have been one myself!) who think they've got the world by the tail because they've had some education. It's my belief the school of hard knocks will give you the best education and that a good dose of common sense will carry you a long ways in this world.

[PAYTON]

Originally posted by Steve Frazier
I'm in the same group as digger242j.

I'll agree with your reasoning that your never too old to learn, life is one big education, start to finish.

By the same token, I've seen quite a few young know it alls, (I may have been one myself!) who think they've got the world by the tail because they've had some education. It's my belief the school of hard knocks will give you the best education and that a good dose of common sense will carry you a long ways in this world.

i agree hard knocks is the best school it taught me alot. hard knocks as in growing up on the farm if i did something wrong i wasnt told so.. i wasnt told what i did wrong i was hit up side the back of my head and told i beeped that up. now fix it. lol i hated it growing up and im sure not that way now but it taught me alot bout problem solving and steping back and looking at different ways of doing things.
i also agree personality is a big one. i get along with 95% of people .. once they talk to me but when you or any body first meets me im looked down upon. ive got tats -percings and people dont accept that around here
and yes there are alot of know it alls ive meet a few myself that just get under my skin.. but its great when a know-it-all says to do it this way you say no it should be this way.. he says im the boss we do it this way. you do it his way(the wrong way) the owner of the company shows up and ask what the beep your doing. and why your doing it this way..

[leadarrows]

50
How I made it to this ripe old age is a mistery too me. :beatsme

[littledenny]

My 2 cents worth:

I'm now a spry 51, retired at 48 from 26 years in the Army. Was a Colonel, so I've had my share of experience working with, for and over others, in various different situations.

Took a job as a "new" operator, on a three man crew with a 30 something as boss, and a 20 something as the better operator of the two already there. They were naturally wary of my age and experience, but I was inclined not to be overly proud of my past, and tried to just follow along. Four months later, the 40 something quit over unrelated issues, and I became the leader. Big boss decided a few months after that to get out of the dirt business (primary business was building log homes) so I was on the street, while the 20 something strapped on a nail bag and joined the log crew.

Guess the lesson here was that it's the personalities of those involved as to whether older guys can work for younger guys without problems.

As for me, I've never had problems with working for someone "younger" if he (or she, for that matter) knew more than I did. I'm the type that's never to proud to admit that someone else may know something I don't. I just want to learn a bit more each day. I have seen situations where "older guys" simply cannot tolerate youth, and it's their problem, not the youngster's.

End result - the boss did me a favor by "firing" me, as I've linked up with a couple other guys for whom I work occasionally, and I'm a hair away from buying my own equipment, and doing what I've always wanted to.

Bit of advice to any older guys out there - Smarts and experience can come from lots of sources, don't discount the "youngsters on the basis of youth, alone.

[Tigerotor77W]

I'm probably the youngest one here... still a young little frosh in college! Then again, I don't run or take part in a business...

[badranman]

BobcatS250 don't sell yourself short. You probably know more technical info about skidsteers than most dealers do. I don't know how much you recall off the top of your head or you look up but I know you've helped many a person on ******** for quite some time. I hope someday soon you get to drive a few machines you know so much about. Thanks and keep up the good work.:drinkup

[nobull1]

BobcatS250
Just to agree with badranman. I see you post on tractorbynet as well and you have a good handle on Bobcat as well as a few other mfg's. I always read your post with interest. Wouldn't have guessed your age.

[BKrois]

I'm in the under 20 group here...

[RonG]

I am the oldest guy here:)) Ron

[Tigerotor77W]

Sorry been away for a short while... I try to keep updated with most of my information. Most of it's memory but certain nitty gritty (model number and aspiration of every Deere engine in a skid steer, for example) is over my head.

But thanks for the comments. Appreciate it.

Anyhow -- have a great holiday!

[killdozer]

I don't know if I am the eldest on this forum, but I can't be too far behind. I'm 65 years old and today I am 7 days away from hanging it up. I started in this field when I was 12 years old and I ran an old Allis-Chalmers grader. The only thing powered on that machine was the small motor that supplied power to the wheels, of which there were 4, 2 drivers - 2 steerers. The blade was raised by 2 large cast steel wheels connected to the blade by chains. To raise the blade one applied muscle to the wheel on the side to be raised.

I've worked with young men who were wise and I've worked with old men who were perfect as--s. I have also run into a few wise-old-men who's every word I listened too intently. If you've met one of them, you know the kind I mean.

I think the best motto for a workman is "Do the best you can and every day try to learn at least one new thing."

I personally have never met a man I couldn't learn something from.

[Tigerotor77W]

[i]I've worked with young men who were wise and I've worked with old men who were perfect as--s. I have also run into a few wise-old-men who's every word I listened too intently. If you've met one of them, you know the kind I mean.

I think the best motto for a workman is "Do the best you can and every day try to learn at least one new thing."

I personally have never met a man I couldn't learn something from. [/B]

I agree... and will definitely take that to heart.

[Dwan Hall]

What is that old saying?

The older I am the smarter I become
The smarter I become the dummer I relise I am.

[RonG]

Killdozer.................the very best to you in your retirement.I will be 64 in May and am getting close myself.
I started this line of work in 1960 at FT Leonard Wood Missouri during my basic training in the army and have been doing it in some form ever since.The comments you make are things that I say myself often and I agree that we can learn every day.
The only difference between us is that I don't care what I run.
When I run junk it just makes me appreciate the good stuff more:)) Ron

[glsahl]

I'll be 40 next April.Heavy equipment is all I know.I worked in a Tony Roma's kitchen from 16 to 18,but started in a Cat dealer's shop after I graduated from high school,in 1983.Haven't held a job outside construction,or mining,since.
I've had my share of arguments with "older" co-workers,but,I was trained by some hard-core,old school,journeymen.When I'm unsure,I listen,when I'm sure,I don't back down.
SAFTEY-comes first. You never do anything that may endanger a co-worker's life,or limb.
QUALITY-Is second.Never compromise your professional integrity.
COMPANY-is third.If your treated with respect,by the outfit you work for,hinge your choices by what is best for the outfit,we all should be working toward the same goals.If the workers do better,when the company does better,it's everyone's job to do better.
This is what I use to guide my "professional" life.Most of the people I work with,seem to have the same perspective.For 14 years,I've watched K.W.Pipeline grow,and prosper.The people around me have started families,bought houses,and generally lived better.It's my responsibility to insure the equipment is available,to keep the jobs on schedule,that insures 40 hour paychecks for operators and laborers,young and old alike.I take this seriously.

[redbmwrider]

well i may be the youngest at 17. but ive been around the construction world all of my life with my dad, and plan to take over the buisness in a few years.

[PAYTON]

wow i forgot i had posted this.. thank you one and all for your views.

payton

[tylermckee]

I'm 19 and i have had plenty of problems with people older than me disregarding what i tell them and telling me how it needs to be done when they dont know what they are doing in the first place. Just the way things are i guess. Its a bit of a bitch when i have a couple guys im supposed to be leading and and they figure that they are older so they dont need to listen.

[Jeff D.]

Hello Tyler.If your 19,and already in a career that you really enjoy,then you've a headstart over most people that age.That's definately a bonus for you.

If I could play Devil's Advocate for a second though,I'd try and keep as open a mind as possible regarding the tensions with the older workers.You mentioned you know your right,but I bet they feel the same way.

It would be similiar to you having a 10 year old boss,and both of you "knew" you were right about something,but you had to do it his way because "He" was the boss.Imagine how that would make you feel,having to take orders from a 10 year old kid?

Regardless,the boss is THE boss,so if that's you,then they'll have to do it your way,since your responsible for the outcome.But being a good boss(or leader) is going to require tactfullness and consideration when dealing with situations like that too!!

I use to have a saying that I loved to say to my boss years ago:"If your the "Boss",and I'm "Nothing",then doesn't that make you the boss of nothing?"

We,re ALL learning everyday. ;)
Good Luck!!

[tylermckee]

Hello Tyler.If your 19,and already in a career that you really enjoy,then you've a headstart over most people that age.That's definately a bonus for you.

If I could play Devil's Advocate for a second though,I'd try and keep as open a mind as possible regarding the tensions with the older workers.You mentioned you know your right,but I bet they feel the same way.

It would be similiar to you having a 10 year old boss,and both of you "knew" you were right about something,but you had to do it his way because "He" was the boss.Imagine how that would make you feel,having to take orders from a 10 year old kid?

Regardless,the boss is THE boss,so if that's you,then they'll have to do it your way,since your responsible for the outcome.But being a good boss(or leader) is going to require tactfullness and consideration when dealing with situations like that too!!

I use to have a saying that I loved to say to my boss years ago:"If your the "Boss",and I'm "Nothing",then doesn't that make you the boss of nothing?"

We,re ALL learning everyday. ;)
Good Luck!!
Its usually just with hired on laborers that just show up and do as little as possible just to get their paycheck. like glsahl if i dont know something i'll listen or ask someone, but if i know i'll argue. I keep an open mind and listen to what someone else has to say, like you say we all are still learning

[Dozerboy]

This has been one of the hardest things for me at work. I grew up on a farm, and my dad is a self-employed residential builder. My dad raised me to take over his business. As soon as I was 16 I started running allot of jobs for him, so he could bid jobs, do office work, ect. Most of the guys (subs) we worked with I grew up with so there wasn't any problems, but every once and a while there was a new guy. That just though I was given my company truck and didn't earn it. Well I decided building wasn't for me I wanted to play in the dirt. And that wasn't a change I wasn't ready for. I knew how to run equipment we had an old dozer on the farm and most of the digging that my dad had done was by me I also did all of our neighbor’s dozer work. So right of the bat at 18 I got my CDL and got a job at a large utility company as an operator in "training". I got a lot of seat time had a good foremen taught me a lot. But that changed and I left for a new job and not on very good terms. Seven companies and 4 states later 2 of the last 3 companies I've work for I was a "foremen" and it still the same fight. I don't even want this job I just want to sit in my machine and play in the dirt.

[bigHD]

I'm 16. I'm planning on going into the construction field
(hopefully my own business) after I finish school. Right now, I'm just trying to gather information and try to learn something from guys that have experience in the field. I'm over at Let's Talk Snow.com too, and let me tell you, I don't post a lot over there but I've learned so much from reading what those guys have to say. Same with you guys here. I've learned everything from the business aspect to technical stuff. I just cant' wait to apply it!

[CascadeScaper]

I'm 19, doing the college thing right now. Started lawn maintenance at 13 then my dad started the landscaping side of things when I was 16 so I have 3 1/2 years of equipment operation experience. "Home" is 160 miles away and that's where the work is, so now that I'm in college there's no "fun" work until summer, really a bummer. I'm stuck at a restaurant during the school year, very lame.

After school I'm shooting to get into excavation, maybe run the landscaping biz for a while and then slowly blur the lines between the two. 20 year plan is to do development work, we'll see how far I go. There's only 1 or 2 companies within a 60 mile radius capable of doing a residential or commercial subdivision. I know it's a long shot, but I'd like to compete in that field some day. Give 'em hell and keep the guns blazin' :guns

[rino1494]

I am 24 and I was born on a machine. My dad has his own business and I plan to take it over when he retires. I went to college and got a 4 yr degree in criminal justice but realized that I am making more money now. Everyone tells me that I am dumb because this business is hard work and involves alot of time. Thing is, I love it and can't see myself doing anything else.

[hillrancher]

I got into business by working part time on weekends and after work. This is a very hard way to go into business. I am 66 now and have an son that works with me, but does not want to take over the business. Takes orders every day like the rest of the hands. If you retire would not have a reason to work on rainy,snowy days, birthdays,not go on vacation and would be doing the same every day. Retiring just doen't sound good to me.
Working your own business you learn a lot and make mistakes also that are your own.
I enjoy digging in the dirt ( rock most of the time) I would not have worked for a company as long as I have for my self.
Just to let you younger guys it addictive an may have a cure.

[puredieselpower]

Im 25 been around construction all my life. Father started his own home building buisness and i grew up in it. I always loved it when the subs with equipment came to do work. So when i was 12 i went to work on a fish farm part time and just jumped on the tractors and taught myself to run them. Helped another buddy on his farm and he had a bobcat, learned as much as could at both farms. Then decided 2 years ago to start building pole sheds on my own. So here i am 25 running my own small buisness trying to save up to buy my next piece of equipment, versa lift, or cherry-picker.

We all have something to learn from each other no matter what our age.:thumbsup

[334 lawn co]

18 baby!:yup --going into new home construction, transferring into commercial construction and demo. im in land clearing and farming now.