Life In the Industry?

I know most you guys are from the US, But anyones advice is much appreciated atm.

I'm currently making the desision on whether I want to continue doing what I'm doing now (a mix of engineering, operating, haulage etc) Or whether I go off into the big unknown and get a full time operators job.

In terms of my current firm. The pay is not what I desire, No Overtime either just a strait hourly rate just above the minimum. I'd remain doing the run around jobs as far as I can see, and I'd still have to take the blame if something I did was wrong. For barely minimum, I'm not sure if I want other peoples problems aswell as my own. I enjoy what I do but I've gotta be able to live off it.

I've had alot of positivity from every other firm I've spoken to. with figures of £6-8 hr from a few.

So out of intrest.
Firstly would you say it's worth the gamble to go off and chase the work.

And Secondly, how much valuable (how much per hour would you pay me) would you guys consider a bloke like me to your operations. I've run the gear properly since I was 12 and over the past two years I've gained all my tickets for 360' excavators, Dumpers, Telehandlers and Tractors.

Your advice is much appreciated. I've gotta make a decision on monday and I'm kinda leaning towards one already. I just don't want to walk out of a constant job and then get nothing whatsoever.

Thanks

Life is a chance, take it.

After finding out what I have today, I intend to.

hope you've got something good sorted!that £8/hr sounds bout right for 'on the books',should be with a van,seems like most firms trying to go down the agency/self employed operator route,rates are absolute rubbish and then you have to sort out 'tickets'.

Aye, I've got all my relevant tickets.

Been on site today and Careys have been ultra helpful, and asked me to get back in touch come april when they start another big contract. Unfortunatly ISG Pearce has a policy that won't let under 18's operate plant unaccompanied. Which is abit of a shame.

But Oh well. On the Bright side I'm waiting for an agency to work out who it wants, £10 hr employed through them and in cornwall where I have contacts and accomidation sorted. Going to a waste transfer station tommorow to see if the'll take me on for one of the shifts as a telehandler operator for £7 hr.

Ahh well we'll see. I've taken abit of a jump but with anyluck it'll work out (it's kinda got to), Kinda Hacks me off though that me being 6 months too young means I can't go and run a Idle Machine. I've got the tickets and the basic experince needed. I'm sure the insurance has decided this though.


A question for you lynchy in paticular, I've got my own van and It's currently loaded with tools (socket set, Hammer, Biggerhammer, Toolbox etc) I've got a bit of training and the qualification to mantain machines. Is It worth carrying my gear when I get something so I can do a repair or two as and when I need to? or is it not worth the extra diesel?

JD450A said:

Aye, I've got all my relevant tickets.

A question in paticular, I've got my own van and It's currently loaded with tools (socket set, Hammer, Biggerhammer, Toolbox etc) I've got a bit of training and the qualification to mantain machines. Is It worth carrying my gear when I get something so I can do a repair or two as and when I need to? or is it not worth the extra diesel?

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This is wobbly ground..............If on a Union site can cause hell,if you repair something and in the process you are injured what legal implications are there,if someone else is then with out proper qualifications then that is a proper nasty can of worms.................If it was me then I leave my tools at home .....well I keep a few for my own emergencies.

Aye, I hear what your saying. Up to now I've either been with a firm that carrys it's own tools/mantains it's equipment in house. Or running my familys gear and looking after that. so up to now I've always had my own tools. Just wondered whether it was worth doing on bigish sites, which when you think of the insurance side it makes sence not to bother.

Tbink about thieves if you leave your van unattended.