What the heck should I do???

[OutOnaLimb]

I have been subbing for a guy for the last year or so, And I frankly got tired of running his business for him. I quit about 3 months ago and started running my own show. My ex- groundie quit about two weeks after I did and started working for the biggest tree companmy in Colorado Springs. I talked to him last week and he has nothing but good things to say about the new tree service he is working for. I told him to put in a good word for me and today I got a call from the head nacho. I have an appointment to see him tomorrow afternoon, and I know I will get a job. The only thing is haggling over the money. I could still work climbing for the dufas, ( yes thats a French term) I am working for now for about 200 bones a day, or go to work for the big guy making about $14.00 an hour.

Im one of the best climbers in the state, and will take my ISA cert. this fall. I also want to get my Spray liscense, but here in Colorado, I need 80 hrs under some one to do that.I dont know what to do. Keep subbing for a hack, for more money? Or get my stuff together and do what I have always wanted to do???

Kenn

 

[Stumper]

Kenn what you are saying is that running your own show has been a lot of subbing with limited jobs of your own. -Right? $14 an hour with benefits isn't a whole lot different from $200 per day as an independent. The plus side is a consistent paycheck and more limited responsibilities. The down side is less freedom to blow off a day and go fishing. You'll probably be ahead as an employee. Of course he needs to know that you are worth $20 per hour plus bennies. Talk to him about the process for recieving raises. If he can boost your wage afttr you show him how good you are for a month or 2 then you'll have a tempting gig.

 

[okietreedude1]

Id stay on my own. Maybe the new nacho will let you sub under him as well. If not, you could let him know you want $x per day (200+) and let him make that desicion.

By working an hourly job, you wont have the freedom to work at will. Since you seem to have been doing that for some time now as a sub., you may miss it.

As for the spraying, your not missing anything. I spray from time2time and not that I hate it as it breaks up the work, it gets old rather quick. Besides, 80 hrs isnt all that long. just 2 weeks.

good luck on your ISA test. It may make you worth more deneros.

 

[OutOnaLimb]

I take great stock in your wisdom Justin. Is it OK if I
call you tomorrow? I know I sound like a teenage girl.

Kenn

 

[Stumper]

Sure you can call-but I don't know how wise I actually am about this stuff.

 

[MasterBlaster]

How's your finger doing?

 

[Dadatwins]

Benefits and security will almost always outweight a few dollars in a paycheck in my opinion. Opportunities to make extra $$$ are always out there, but the security of a steady paycheck might not be. Downfall of working for someone else is following their rules for the 40+ you are there is not always easy. My thought would be to work for the big company, get certified, extend your education, maybe on their dime, make some more contacts in the biz around you and then make decision to go at it on your own or stay on with company if they appreciate your work, and pay you accordingly.
Good Luck.

 

[SCE1966]

Well if you are a good climber you will always be in demand, and should always be able to find work. If you think the new company is what you want. Give it a try. I would make sure there is year round work though. It sounds like you are talking about a good size company so that may be a given. In my area there are only a few companies that can give year round work. Many of the smaller companies promise big wages, but in the winter there is nothing for you to do.

 

[Koa Man]

In my area there are only a few companies that can give year round work. Many of the smaller companies promise big wages, but in the winter there is nothing for you to do.

Move here, all tree companies here work year around.

Good climbers are always in demand everywhere. I knew a fellow who would come to Hawaii every winter to work. Around late March he would move back to the mainland.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

14/hr is 28,000 per annum straight time (on a 200 day year)
OT is 21.00
you need around 47 hrs of OT to add another 1000

or

40 weeks of 5hr OT is 4200

Do you get medical from the wifes job? Negotiate a starting raise for that.

As Justin says, negotiating a big chunk after a short probation will help. Ask for a performance bonus based on completion, buck for a climbing forman position after a time getting to know the company.

 

[arboromega]

could you try working part time for that company at 14/hr and find out the min hrs to qualify for benefits? it may only be 25-30 hrs per week leaving you alittle extra time to develop your own biz on the side.