Taking the plunge

[brent denny]

I am entertaining the idea of going to work for asplundh tree company. I have two cousins that work for them and one of their three man crew just left. I am excited about the idea as I love tree work and I would also be making a little more money. On the other hand they travel a lot and I wouldnt be home three or four nights out of the week. I have a decent/secure job now but I am inside all day and would much rather be doing something I enjoy more. I am married and we have one child. My wife was skeptical at first but now she says she would be ok with it. I know there are a lot of varibles involved but I guess what I am looking for is advice and/or good and bad experiences others have had doing similar things. Maybe this post should be under the employment forum but I know it will get a lot more exposure here.

 

[xander9727]

While Asplundh is a stable company I think I would face some ethical issues working for them. When I think tree care, Asplundh doesn't come to mind. Are there any other companies you would consider?

 

[brent denny]

I had initially considered them because I had an easy in through family. I probably should have specified that I would be doing ROW clearing. I know that position is frowned up many that are true arborists but maybe it would be a start for me? There are two other companies locally (somewhat) that I know of. Reese and Tamarack forestry. As far as I know, Tamarack is the one with the most dubious reputation. No offense intended to anyone, this is just what I have heard.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Ass plund H gave me the chance to hone some skills. I spent countless hours swinging around in a bucket. Good times, bad times. I always liked the orange shirts, until I had to wear one in jail. Now, I hate orange.

But, Asplundh is a good place to get experience and a feel for veg managment/treework. I say good luck to ya!

 

[a_lopa]

i think working for big companys such as asplundh etc does you the world of good and bad, its what you want to take away from it.at least youll get exposure to various equipment and learn off alota people.

 

[Crofter]

I sure don't know anything about different tree companies, but was on the road working construction for quite a few years. What will being away from home a lot, do to your marriage? What will you be doing in the evenings? What will your wife be doing. It worked for us but I have met a lot of people who cannot say the same. Because you have some connections to this compay might make it easy, but would another way or company be wiser.

 

[xander9727]

I would consider all of the options and possible outcomes before I committed to this. Make sure you and your wife AGREE on this. A lot of times your spouse will want to make you happy and so they agree to something they are not in agreement with. No job or opportunity is worth your marriage.

 

[Tree Machine]

Choose carefully....

Just honest perception (which is what you asked for, right?). Leaving your wife and child alone for days at a time sounds like a recipe for divorce. Asplundh will likely start you out as low man on the totem pole and by the time you get any sort of 'promotion' your wife will tire of the loneliness and she'll get tired of the repeated and repeated and repeated question "When is Daddy coming home?" If you think your paycheck is insubstantial, try sharing part of it in the form of alimony.

I salute you for bringing the question to our attention. There are many ways into this industry. We'll be glad to guide you. I just think the position with Asplundh is one for a single guy. You have too many good, experienced advisers here ar Arboristsite. Tap the resource. The decision you're looking at is a very, very important one and will shape your future, at least the near future, and possibly your career for the rest of your life. Due diligence is in order. We want you to be successful.

 

[fmueller]

Ditto on the family thing. Sounds like it could be a major stress test for your family and marriage. At one point I went to school in the day and worked 2nd shift at nite. Although I was around " I "was'nt there". Missed out on some of the kids growing up. Don't think its worth it. There's probably a better way for ya to get into the green without risking your family life.

 

[brent denny]

Thanks to all who replied. I guess I have decided to hold off for now (hopefully for something better). I guess what everybody said about the family thing was in the back of my mind all along, you just confirmed it. Maybe if I was unemployed it would be different, but I have the luxury of not having to make an immediate decision.

 

[Burnham]

A good choice, Brent, and you are right, if you were without a job it would be a very different situation, though still a hard one.

 

[ROLLACOSTA]

good decision Brent wife and kids come first 'everytime' imo

 

[P_woozel]

While Asplundh is a stable company I think I would face some ethical issues working for them. When I think tree care, Asplundh doesn't come to mind. Are there any other companies you would consider?

Most of Asplundh's work isnt primarily tree care, they do a lot of ROW work, ethics in tree care arent an issue. It would be a decent place to get some fundamental skills, Then leave while the leaving is good. I'm not sticking up for them just pointing out that ethics in this case is irrelavnt

 

[xander9727]

I disagree. I believe that you can maintain 10' or what ever clearance the line calls for and still cut to laterals. I believe you can not make stub or flush cuts. These things take more time to do properly. Time is money and Asplundh is all about money. While the crews don't make much the corporate fat cats make a bundle. These are the ethical issues I have: Employee pay not representative of the amount of skill and danger required to perform job. Target pruning not emphasized over production. Substandard gear for high hazard work.

Remember this is my opinion, you don't have to agree with me.

 

[a_lopa]

i agree xander, i hate fat cat line clearing joke companys with a passion

 

[xander9727]

May be you just like arborists........and have little use for machinery operators. :lol

 

[a_lopa]

at the moment true,fine prunes do make good $$$

 

[a_lopa]

I disagree. I believe that you can maintain 10' or what ever clearance the line calls for and still cut to laterals. I believe you can not make stub or flush cuts. These things take more time to do properly. Time is money and Asplundh is all about money. While the crews don't make much the corporate fat cats make a bundle. These are the ethical issues I have: Employee pay not representative of the amount of skill and danger required to perform job. Target pruning not emphasized over production. Substandard gear for high hazard work.

Remember this is my opinion, you don't have to agree with me.

thats all fine xander, but you dont get to pick n choose what age the trees at when the paperwork comes thru.sometimes its a rock and a hard place line clearing,when i contracted for texas utilitys they would send you a bill much like your electricity bill for leaving a stub or other issues they felt relevant.
:angel: