TacomaJD
I LIKE CHEAP STUFF.....
Well, some of you might remember me mentioning in the "what do you do for work" thread on here, that I have been offered a job by my current prosthetic care provider, Fourroux Prosthetics in Huntsville, AL. I've been talking with them about this opportunity ever since they first mentioned it to me about 8 months ago, usually only discussing it little by little at my check-up appointments since they stay very busy and I live an hour away. They haven't elaborated in fine detail yet as to what they would be willing to pay me, all I know is that they know my annual wages and are aware of all my current benefits with Siemens Energy, and simply stated "that doesn't scare us a bit". So I'm assuming I have nothing to worry about in that area, but I can't be entirely certain until an ultimatum has been decided. They also mentioned helping with my school, which Siemens currently pays for my books/tuition, so that's another perk that should rollover. I was off work all of last week and had scheduled a day (last Wednesday) to go work a day in the office with Fourroux and get more of a behind the scenes look at all of the operations start to finish with the clinicians. When I arrived, I met with a guy named Kim, whom was the initial person to mention the job to me. Kim is also kin to Daniel on here (Onetoncrawler). Anyways, Kim has been an above-knee amputee for over 35 years, and has been with Fourroux for on the upside of 12-13 years, if I'm not mistaken. One of our discussions involved Kim stating this is pretty much how he came to work at Fourroux, by the owner Keith approaching him with basically the same deal they have approached me with…he said that was the best decision he's ever made in his life and he had been at his previous job for 20 years or something. Kim asked me this past Wednesday if I would be available to take off work from my current job any time soon to go with him on some of his business marketing travels and get a better look at what he does for the company. So, best I can gather, marketing is their focus of interest for me, maybe to even take his spot one day when he retires, who knows.
Pretty much, I'm opening this up for discussion, advice, opinions, etc, because it's a big deal to me and it's a little sketchy considering a new job atmosphere after only being 26 years old and having been at my current job for almost 8 years now. I have seniority, matched 401k contributions, good insurance, paid tuition/books, 15 minute drive to work, security, but sometimes I really get aggravated with my job, moreso the people in it. It's not out of the ordinary for me to have to stay on people's butts that make a lot more money than I do, to do their job correctly, so that I'm able to do mine correctly. Really gets old, but that's what happens in manufacturing plants. Overall, they at Fourroux know that I'm not in any hurry to drop my job, just as they aren't really in need of a new employee, as much as they are looking at me as a long term asset. So it's fortunate for both parties involved that neither of us are rushed and can take time to weigh out everything and make the right choice.
Some of the positives of the transition to Fourroux that really appeal to me: Seems in my mind there will be more room for advancement/involvement long term, Actually being able to come in every day and loving my job (hopefully), The overall rewarding feeling of helping others through a low point in their life, working in a professional atmosphere with people who get the job done, and of course hopes of higher pay.
The only downside that I can think of is the hour's drive compared to my current 15 minute drive, extra fuel costs and wear and tear on my vehicle(s). But I've already settle on and accepted the extra driving. I don't think it will be too bad after I get used to it. And there may be some sort of job perk where I get compensated for fuel costs somehow, that hasn't been discussed yet. Kim also lives about an hour away as does 2 or 3 more that work there and they drive it every day no problem. My big thing is not moving from where I'm at.
Everything about this so far sounds awesome to me. I'm just really hesitant to settle on really big changes like this, I've learned wise decisions are usually greatly contemplated on first, so any and all possible aspects are considered and accepted. So please, feel free to share any input with this. I have talked to several people about this and the majority say go for it, I just want the opinions from an adverse group of people and some of you are really good at assessing situations with an open mind. My dad, for one, has probably the farthest thing from an open mind. His words were similar to this " I think you're messing up" and "that just sounds stupid" lol.
Here's a link to their website, and the staff's credentials. Keith Watson, is a VERY smart man and actually done the most in fitting me for my new leg last year. It's cool to see him as an owner, also in the office getting his hands dirty. Kim is mentioned directly below Keith.
http://www.fourrouxprosthetics.com/about-us/meet-our-staff.html
Pretty much, I'm opening this up for discussion, advice, opinions, etc, because it's a big deal to me and it's a little sketchy considering a new job atmosphere after only being 26 years old and having been at my current job for almost 8 years now. I have seniority, matched 401k contributions, good insurance, paid tuition/books, 15 minute drive to work, security, but sometimes I really get aggravated with my job, moreso the people in it. It's not out of the ordinary for me to have to stay on people's butts that make a lot more money than I do, to do their job correctly, so that I'm able to do mine correctly. Really gets old, but that's what happens in manufacturing plants. Overall, they at Fourroux know that I'm not in any hurry to drop my job, just as they aren't really in need of a new employee, as much as they are looking at me as a long term asset. So it's fortunate for both parties involved that neither of us are rushed and can take time to weigh out everything and make the right choice.
Some of the positives of the transition to Fourroux that really appeal to me: Seems in my mind there will be more room for advancement/involvement long term, Actually being able to come in every day and loving my job (hopefully), The overall rewarding feeling of helping others through a low point in their life, working in a professional atmosphere with people who get the job done, and of course hopes of higher pay.
The only downside that I can think of is the hour's drive compared to my current 15 minute drive, extra fuel costs and wear and tear on my vehicle(s). But I've already settle on and accepted the extra driving. I don't think it will be too bad after I get used to it. And there may be some sort of job perk where I get compensated for fuel costs somehow, that hasn't been discussed yet. Kim also lives about an hour away as does 2 or 3 more that work there and they drive it every day no problem. My big thing is not moving from where I'm at.
Everything about this so far sounds awesome to me. I'm just really hesitant to settle on really big changes like this, I've learned wise decisions are usually greatly contemplated on first, so any and all possible aspects are considered and accepted. So please, feel free to share any input with this. I have talked to several people about this and the majority say go for it, I just want the opinions from an adverse group of people and some of you are really good at assessing situations with an open mind. My dad, for one, has probably the farthest thing from an open mind. His words were similar to this " I think you're messing up" and "that just sounds stupid" lol.
Here's a link to their website, and the staff's credentials. Keith Watson, is a VERY smart man and actually done the most in fitting me for my new leg last year. It's cool to see him as an owner, also in the office getting his hands dirty. Kim is mentioned directly below Keith.
http://www.fourrouxprosthetics.com/about-us/meet-our-staff.html
