Things have gotten slower than I like, projects in the works aren't getting the OK fast enough for my tastes, it's time to make that move.
At first, I wasn't excited about it.
Then I submitted a resume to a place looking for a CAD Technician. 20 years of using AutoCAD, not a problem doing that kind of work for me.
Then I went in for the interview.
This place could NOT have been a better match for me. They design HUGE outdoor structures and their location here does the design and fabrication of the brakets, braces, turnbuckles, steel connectors, etc. which is basically the same thing I did when I worked in the engineering firm developing skyscrapers - well, pretty darn similar.
It kept getting better....
"We work in 3D with AutoCAD"..
Uh-huh, check. Notta problem.
The interviewer says "if you're looking for a place where everything happens linearly to procedure, this isn't it. Everything here is trial by fire, a lot of collaboration. We need someone that can run with a basic concept, make it their own and make it work. It takes some technical ability and creativity."
Sweet. I'm all about that.
"You'd be working closely with our CNC machinists developing production parts."
G-AAHH!! CNC TOYZZ!!!!!! numnumnumnumnumnum...
Now I'm amped!!
I'm scheduled for another interview with the owner next week.
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
Good luck Mike!
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
LOL your numnum had me guffawing.
Good luck bud! Just do it. But save some room in that schedule of yours for chocolate making and photos. Please? Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
Just believe in yourself Mike! You can do it!
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
They'd be fools not to hire you, Mike.
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
the job is yours dude....
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Thanks guys!
Donna, will probably have more fun experimenting with that stuff now without the underlying business stress.
Glenn, I KNOW!! hahaha!
Karyn, that's the vibe I got. I figure my chances are at least good otherwise I wouldn't have been asked to come back again.
Forgot to mention I also have my Photography, photoshop, illustrator, coreldraw, layout, design etc. experience on the resume and the interviewer was interested in that too.
Triple threat baby.
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
SweeeeeT!
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
Sounds like a perfect match. You're gonna have fun!
Posted by Jim Bagaas (Member # 3808) on :
Must be Yesco....
Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
The real challenge is, are you going to be able to work for some one else? Fortunately you have job skills that are still in demand.
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
David..That was my thought also.. "working for someone else??"
It's a tough thing to do, but if required, ya do what ya gotta do.
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
You can doooo eeeeeet!
Hope it works out for ya buddy!
Keep us posted.
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
quote:Originally posted by Dave Grundy: David..That was my thought also.. "working for someone else??"
It's a tough thing to do, but if required, ya do what ya gotta do.
Ahh.. the great myth of "working for yourself." You may get to set your schedule to some extent but you have hundreds of different idiot bosses instead of one. That schedule thing means the most to me though
It's just a stepping stone along the way on to bigger things! Or, I can blow into the joint like a tornado and commandere the ship!
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
I'd been with my own biz for many years when I went to work for Dan for abit. It wasn't hard working for someone else, and actually, it was quite gratifying to get complimented on for a change!
Keeping your biz going on the side gives you the best of both worlds. Enjoy it all!
Posted by Suelynn Sedor (Member # 442) on :
Excellent Mike! Sounds like that job was custom made for you. And regular paychecks can be a good thing!
Suelynn
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Hey Mike, ya wants us to email them and tell them what a great opportunity this company has, that they may have the honor of having you as a associate of the company? We'll send signs, banners, even hire a plane pulling a big 500ft. banner.
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
LOL Alicia!
Dang, I shoulda just printed off the member list here for my references! hahaha!
They'd be like "Dang, if he's got 3,000 references, he MUST be good!"
LOL!
[ January 16, 2009, 11:43 AM: Message edited by: Mike Pipes ]
Posted by Mike South (Member # 4523) on :
Best of Luck! I sold my sign business a little more than 2 years ago(not to a sign business). Didn't know what I was going to do. Electrician maybye. The new owner made me an offer to keep doing the same thing that I have been doin for the last 10years. Now my wage has doubled and I have less responsibility. My sign business was always busy, it was running me, not the other way around. Now surrounded by smart hard working people to colaborate with. So much more fun. Can't believe how much I have learned. We are starting this year with more work then I have seen in 10 years despite the economy.
Posted by Harris Kohen (Member # 2139) on :
OK, I must admit, I'm Jealous.
That Job is YOURS!!!
There is only one reason they interviewed you. They had to go through the motions. The Job was yours before they even finished reading your resume.
Good luck and it wont be long before they make you a part of the management team.
Posted by J & N Signs (Member # 901) on :
All of us self employed, as a rule and with due adjustments, make the best employees. Over the years versatility increases our wisdom and general knowledge. We tend to underestimate our capabilities. There are a lot of little gold mines in all of us waiting to be discovered if need be and if health and ambitions permit. Go for it with gusto and good luck!
[ January 19, 2009, 12:06 AM: Message edited by: J & N Signs ]
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
aaahhh Mike, you're next in the queue- behind me!
(all the best!)
Posted by David Fisher (Member # 107) on :
Good luck with the new job, it sounds like a made to order one. ACAD seems to have grown a bit over the last few years but thankfully the command line still works. Have you got a copy of Revit or 2008 for eval purposes?
Posted by Santo (Member # 411) on :
You said the magic words. Your 2nd interview is with the owner and not some dickweed from the HR department. Next, they aren't going to stick you with 2-3 weeks of learning their "processes" which have been written by their IT group to satisfy the best practice idea. You know the one where they expect 100% results, but the best practice only fits 90% of the possible situations. Tell em you not looking for a job or an adventure, you're ready to go to "WORK"!!!
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Mike! It is only one more stone you have to step on in the river of life.
But my hat is off to you, as I know your are a proud person and will do anything for your family to stay afloat.
Best Wishes from the Deveau family.
Posted by Deri Russell (Member # 119) on :
Job sounds like you were cut for it. I don't imagine you will have any competition Mike. It will be like taking candy from a baby, I would offer good luck but you won't even need it. Go get 'em.
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
28 hours til interview #2 and my acceptance. hahaha
Thanks for the awesome energy guys!
David Fisher - nope, I haven't touched ACAD since the 2000 version. This company is on 2002 and will be moving up to 2008 soon so we'll be on a level playing field... 'cept for the fact I'm still a command line warrior.
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
I was wondering about you Mike. Thanks for the update! We eagerly await as to what happens next!
p.s. that means, post about it pronto of course
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Went in today and did the AutoCAD test, they'll have their decision later this week. Hope it's good news. Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
I told you yesterday... I am rooting for you!
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
All the best Stickerpimp
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
OK so much for that quick decision, today is "interview" #3. hahaha.
Posted by Dana Stanley (Member # 6786) on :
Good luck. I hope all went well.
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
OK, got it! Start on Monday.
Turns out, they're switching from AutoCAD to Pro/E so back to learning another program, albeit a very very cool program.
So, for starters I'll be creating drawings for their sales team, while also training on their system for production/fabrication drawings.
Posted by Dale Manor (Member # 4858) on :
Congrats Mike,
Good luck with the new job and best of Luck with ProE...she has a bit of a learning curve to it......but it's an amazing program.
I'm trying to get my head around Solidworks. I did the essentials training session back east and it is a really cool program.
take care mate!
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
Mike, Fantastic news - congrats!
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Congrats!!!
Now go run to that beach of yours and hibernate there until Monday AM. Posted by Jean Shimp (Member # 198) on :
Congratulation Mike. That's great to have a job in this economy. Best wishes. Posted by Jon Jantz (Member # 6137) on :
Awesome, Mike! Run with it like a scalded dog. Glad fer ya.
Posted by Barb Schilling (Member # 13) on :
WOW - Congratulations Mike. I've enjoyed watching this thread unfold, and glad to see the happy ending/beginning.
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Happy steady paychecks!
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Way to go Mike!! Nothing feels quite as good as creating your own stimulus package! Congrats!
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Thanks guys!
Amen to the steady paychecks.
I talked to my local vinyl supplier yesterday and it sounds like all the other sign shops in town are dreadfully slow as well, and in the same boat looking for jobs. Even the home based shops are getting creamed.
So, I feel pretty lucky to have a varied skill set that I can take advantage of, and to have been chosen for what looks like a pretty cool job!
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Congrats Dude! So will your office/professional name be... Mr.Pipes?
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Nah, it'll be plain ol' Mike. Mr. Pipes is my father. Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
As so as you get settled in your new job, we want a pic of you at your smiling in your office/desk.
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