Burnt out...........

Word

Dude, everyone cuts their own line. You've put yourself in the position your in, move on!

> There's a job posted 6 hours away that will double my salary and reduce my workload. I think I'll put in for it.
I JUST CAN'T ADD TO THAT.

On second thought, yes I can. In 1995 I moved my family from SW British Columbia to Portland Oregon, a move that not only involved a 6 hour drive but many more hours - and dollars - dealing with the bureaucracy known as the INS. (About that, just let me say that I sympathize with people with people who prefer to trek across the desert with a jug of water rather than deal with the INS.) 20 years later I can say that it was worth it.

Dear Burnt out LS...........

In my career I was where you are now at...several times. I can only speak for myself, not others, but I believe there are things that are within your control to optimize your career.

One, as you've stated, is to seek gainful employment elsewhere.

Another consideration might be a career overhaul. What type of surveying do you enjoy and what type do you abhor? What type of scenery do you want to see when you look out the window?

I have been guilty of leaving one uncomfortable position and landing in one just as bad, or worse. In my case I was blinded by the almighty dollar.

I myself am a proponent of being my own boss. I think a lot of others share that sentiment. In some cases it's really not about the money, some could probably do better financially by being employed by others. Large firm project production and multi-crew supervision is a stressful environment. I did it for a number of years because I thought that is what I had to do to make good money. Boy was I wrong.

You would be surprised how easy it is to make a great living doing something you like. You just have to make the proper decisions to get yourself there.

Get some rest. Nobody ever makes sound judgment calls when they're tired or stressed.

I know about burnout. My wife would sometimes find me in the morning staring at the bathroom mirror trying to get up the courage to drive to the job I now hated.

Spencer Johnson wrote a little book called Who Moved My Cheese, and in that book he asked, "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" I suggest you read the book (it is a very simple yet profound read) and then answer the key question.

My answer was to bail out and start my very own solo shop, a move I have never regretted. Smartest move I ever made, but not for everyone, and I'm not suggesting you follow my example, but you clearly need to do something. Start with reading the book. Won't take you an hour. Honest.

Keep us posted.

[sarcasm]No wonder you steal land![/sarcasm]

I take it you cannot discuss terms with your employer? I would not threaten jumping ship, but if you are a valued employee, then your employer should recognize your need for adequate compensation.

If I thought my compensation level was an honest oversight, you'd have a good point. However, he knows exactly what I make and exactly what everyone else makes. I fully believe that he is giving me exactly what he thinks I should be getting.

Also, a couple of years ago we exchanged words over some comments I made about someone being hired on with inferior qualifications to mine, but at a higher pay rate. I was told that if I ever brought it up again, I'd be fired. So I haven't, and I won't.

There's some good advice here. Thanks. I'm a LONG time member of this forum, and its predecessor, greatly value your opinions.

I would have been looking from that day forward. I am now in the other chair being an owner for 15 years now but I didn't put up with that kind of talk then and don't dish it out now.

If you don't beat your drum, no one else will.

Your worth to a firm is a function of value.

Do you bring value to the firm?
If so, your worth must be compensated accordingly.

-- Don't be the whipping boy, stand up and beat your drum.

What area of the country are you in to be getting paid so little with multiple licenses and degree as well as years of experience. I know around the greater nyc metro area even lightly experienced party chiefs start at around 50k. I moved here ten + years ago with only 3 yrs experience before then as a party chief and started at 50k.

Time to move but definately time to go somewhere appreciated. Oh and the law states that employees have to right to talk to each other about their pay. Saved my behind a few time when jobs i didnt know were prevailing wage but the boss didn't pass that on till you talked to someone else. I'm still part of a labor dispute with other party chiefs and IM's against employer for not paying prevailing wage and overtime correctly.

DONT GET STUCK IN A RUT NOW WHEN YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO DO BETTER.

Thanks for sharing. I can echo what you've said here. The biggest piece of advice is "bang your own drum". Don't be afraid to. Don't settle for less than what you want either. I finally decided to take that advice a few years ago. It's made a great deal of difference in my career.

Feel free to shoot me an email with your resume. I can help you with bragging. My address is under my profile.

Thanks, Bruce, I just ordered the book. I need something to lift me up.....not quite ready to go on the role....:-)

It's even late in AZ, my Red Wings lost, and I just saw this and am giving it my first impression.

Broker.

:-S

In this world there are bullies and the bullied. Then there is the other half of humanity. Bullies will never change their ways. Most who are bullied would rather endure the bullying than risk making a change. It happens in all occupations.

The sooner one recognizes that they alone are the only one who can really improve their lot in life the better off they will be. It is hard. Because the problem is within, not without.

Been in exactly that same position... working early and late on a salary while the crew chiefs were making double and triple time.

After getting a pittance of a raise, I saw clearly where I stood.
I found a way out that eventually led to me owning my own firm. I never say never, but can't imagine working for anyone again.

Seems to me you can't stay where you are, unless something drastic changes there. It might eat you alive.

good luck.

Andy

One of two things is happening. Either your not as good as you think you are, which only you can answer that question in your head. The second is your current boss is putting the screws to you. I think you already know what you need to do.

Get out!

You didn't mention where you are located, but the second number you describe seems more in line with the appropriate salary to me.

I left a good job as soon as I got my license to make a little more money, but mostly to be the only surveyor on staff. I had to do the fieldwork, help prepare the maps, and sign and seal all the final products. That led to me being able to get a much higher paying job after that.

It sounds like you're stuck in a rut. I'd get out. Even if you don't like the new job that much it can provide a much needed stepping stone into the higher salary bracket you desire.

It sucks to have to change jobs a lot, but it's like a chess game and sometimes there's no way to capture the king in one move.

> > There's a job posted 6 hours away that will double my salary and reduce my workload. I think I'll put in for it.
> I JUST CAN'T ADD TO THAT.
>
> On second thought, yes I can. In 1995 I moved my family from SW British Columbia to Portland Oregon, a move that not only involved a 6 hour drive but many more hours - and dollars - dealing with the bureaucracy known as the INS. (About that, just let me say that I sympathize with people with people who prefer to trek across the desert with a jug of water rather than deal with the INS.) 20 years later I can say that it was worth it.

I did the same in 2005. Nova Scotia -> California. It was an expensive nightmare, but it worked out in the end.