OT, ramblings about the job......

[capt jake]

OK, I have been asked to go back into the Fire Prevention Bureau as a Deputy Fire Marshal on a temporary basis for 6 months; after which I will have to decide whether to stay there or not. I take this as a compliment and they need somebody with the training and experience to 'hit the ground running' (as they put it). I loved the job, though I dreaded the blasted commute!!

I presently work a 24-hour on and 48 hour off schedule. It obviously rotes time off so nothing as far as weekend and holidays is ever the same. The Fire prevention job is 4-10's; this makes for a wonderful consistent schedule, though the commute (being as I would get off duty in rush hour) in a bummer.

Add to this, that I get much more time off with the current position (Captain in charge of a station) and my vacation and sick leave mean much more time off. I would be taking 7% pay cut after the 6 month 'trial', and a demotion in rank.

Now here is the kicker (to me at least), I am not getting any younger and don't see myself pulling hose at retirement. I would love to have this job nearer to retirement (say 8 years from now), but now seems too early. Though I may miss the opportunity if I pass on it. I have about 12 years until I intend upon retiring.

EEK, what to do?? I feel compelled to take the opportunity for 6 months and try it out again (no loss in pay or benefits); one, because I am dedicated to the Department, two because I liked it when I did the job. A reduction in pay and los of time of vs. down the road??????

OK, told you I was rambling.........

[Frank Hagan]

I wouldn't take a cut in pay and a longer commute, unless you really feel you won't be able to handle the current job anytime soon. I don't think you are there yet, and another 8 years at 7% less is like losing a year's wages (well, close, but you know what I mean).

You never know, they might offer to match pay and benefits (unless its a contractual thing that they cannot change.)

[capt jake]

I don't think you are there yet, and another 8 years at 7% less is like losing a year's wages (well, close, but you know what I mean).

Hadn't thought about it that way Frank. GREAT point! No wonder I come here air ideas!

thanks,

John

I will delete this in the AM, if there is no other input. No sense in taking space with 'my' problems.

[Mike Pennington]

How long before you make up the seven percent? I love working four tens, nice shift.

Negotiate, DOE, they get what they pay for. That job has been open all summer hasn't it? And if you don't like it, you can have your old job back? Sounds like they're trying to convince you hard.

[capt jake]

you can have your old job back?

After the 6 month period, I can go back on shift and take my oold job back (though it will most likely be with a differnt shift and crew. ).

4/10 is really good, except for the return commute. It takes about 40 minutes to get there and return; that is if I am not coming back at 5 PM; then it is about 1 1/2 hours or better. Traffic is bad here.

You think 4/10 is good; try 24 on and 48 off! Of course there are days when I come home and crash all day untill my lovely gets home. Even in this shift, you don't get much restful sleep; if at all. Ah well, what to do..... ?

Thnaks for the input folks,

John

[Stump]

capt jake, I agree with everyone else. Unless they make it worth your while forget it. Listen, if you can still keep humping bricks at home and make it into work the next day then you can easily keep "pulling hose" for a long time yet. A lot can happen in 8 years....Chief :wink:

The commute is totally an issue also, do you really want to go past the Dome in rush hour? On 5? Pay you more, give you a take home vehicle and let you keep you rank, then you might think about it!!!

Just my two cents.

[Mike Pennington]

Really! You'll just get fat anyway, all that road time

[Fintan Murphy]

Jake,

it appears to me from reading between the lines that you have made up your mind and are just convincing yourself that it is the right decision.

Nothing wrong with that, I do the same thing myself all the time. :roll:

My 2c worth is that I would only take the other job if I was guaranteed my old job back after 6 months. And the only reason I would do it is if I felt I was going to go through a lot of "what ifs?" had I not taken it.

It sounds like you are very happy in your present job, which is a rare enough thing, and that the other job contains the aspects that you personally regard as onerous (horrible commute and cut in pay).

And as Stump said, 8 years is a long time.......

And what does your lovely have to say?

[Craig]

For what it is worth Jake I would keep the current position. Here is why, a) too young for the desk, the commute and pay cut will erode future retirement benefits,not to mention the more rapid wear out rate of your vehicles, c) War horses don't do well in office environments, d) I work for the government and frequently get "wonderful" offers for different positions, most are FUBAR already and they just want someone to fix them, e) It is always better when you run run your own ship as opposed to having a bean counter second guessing every decision you make. From the information you have given us I suspect this is not a good deal for you in the long run. If you really want to try this new position insist that a temporary Captain be appointed to your current position and that you have full right of return to your existing command NLT 6 months from the trial period. Anything else and you stand a good chance of getting hosed upon return. It is your call Jake but it sure doesn't look to be in your best interest. It is just flattering. Beware, see d above. Best of luck with this Jake.

[capt jake]

Thanks for all of the input folks, I really appreciate it.

I think the money and time off are the kickers here, as teh money does count toward retirement.

I actually like(d) both positions. Deputy Fire Marshal is basically a self supervised postion; half day in the feild and a half day at a desk(baaa).

Thanks again, gives me more to ponder. Thanks also for letting me bounce this off of you folks.

[Tom Holder]

Hows this for a thought? Go into it with the intention of training your successor then at the end of six months you've fulfilled your obligation to maintain a high level of efficiency in the position and set them up for a continuing high level of performance with your trainee if you choose to leave. This way at the end of the term (I assume it's a stopgap measure due to a retirement or other?) you could choose to stay if it suits you or walk away knowing that things are set. I hear a bit that you feel that you should take the job out of a sense of responsibility but don't really want to get trapped in it just yet.

My $0.02 worth.

Me? I chose early retirement and self-employment to avoid all of these kinds of issues :-)

[Barnacle Jim]

Good morning,

Craig's advice sounds good to me, Jake. A lot can happen in 8 years. You would know best, but I would keep what I had for as long as I could. Then, make a move that was definitively in my best interest.

[capt jake]

Thanks again to all who have aired their voice in an effort to help me make a decision.

At this point I have to aggree; I will stay where I am. After all, I don't need another drastic change at the moment.

Thanks,

John