Since this thread is here, I figured I would use it for the opposite of the OP's reason.
I'm pushing 36, almost, and run into the ever imposing issue of, "do you have experience in X?" I say, honestly, no, but I'll labor for your vet for a week, or on anything I'm unsure about, then you can get me the machine and I'll out operate your vets in 1 to 4 weeks.
Not one person ever believes me. Why should they? I can run anything with a motor. In a day I'm familiar with it. If you want me to perfect it, leave me on it and you will see it work.
Oh, did I mention I read plans? Do estimates? Detail rebar for tilt ups? Decks? Set elevations? Rag... hub... set forms. Tie rebar, finish concrete, rake AC, grade, labor, glue and solder pipe, hang dry wall, paint by hand or with a sprayer, weld, torch, wrench, diagnose mechanical issues..... the list goes on and on. If I dont know how, or don't have experience, give me one guy that does and we'll get a 4 man job done.
No one has a clue how to use me because I'm "the tall guy that does everything."
No one is willing to pay for that either because I dont have 10-20 years of specialized experience in whatever they specifically want.
Anyways, rant aside... I signed on to IUOE. I am a skilled labor, who ends up being a shovel and broom guy due to the insane shortage of labors, no one wants to, and no one physically can because you do 3 men worth of labor typically. My boss wants to try to keep me on, but I know he can't match union wages and benefits. However, I do know he can give me job security, and stays local. The union scares me a bit, since it is based on seniority.
I have no clue what decision is the right one. I think union has more potential to be a hoe operator, and not always be a shovel and broom man. How stable would it be tho? Are they going to lay me off at the first sign of slowing down? Should I just jump and hope I land somewhere good?
Anyone want to hire me? Lol