Job duties

You are in a frustrating situation for sure. Sounds like you have learned a lot and can handle responsibility.?ÿ It doesn't hurt to explore some other companies.

Thanks, I really didnƒ??t want to have to leave this great little company. But it might be the best option.

We have a 65 year young chief who wonƒ??t retire, and my chief. I figured one of them would break down, but I canƒ??t eat myself up in the meantime waiting?ÿ

Not sure about the market where you live, but there are far too many opportunities out there to be miserable.

Gout for 2 years? My brother gets episodes of it, but the pain goes away with medicine and attention to diet. Does this guy hobble around when he isn't faced with a task? How is scouting for monuments easier than doing some of your work?

Is management aware of how little contribution he makes? Of your capabilities and contribution? Some calm and mild complaining seems in order.

It sounds like you would have a good situation at this company if you can outlast him.

I'd consider leaving a sportsman GPS in the truck with track memory on, to see where he's looking for monuments. Management might find it interesting if he parks at the same bar each time.

I'm concerned that you're going to end up changing career paths because of the bad taste this "chief" is giving you. Surveying can be a great career and be very enjoyable. Granted, we all come across those who put it in a bad light.

I suggest bringing your concerns to light with management and if that doesn't resolve the situation then you need to make a change and put your resume together. Life is too short to not be happy at work which is a place we spend so much of our time.

Keep your head up, not all folks in this profession act as you describe your chief acting. Good luck!

I appreciate the responses.?ÿ

gosh I have realized Iƒ??m such a miserable person the past few years.

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My issue is I donƒ??t complain or say anything really, because I feel as an apprentice my job is to do what Iƒ??m told. Canƒ??t the chief just dump me if I piss him off?

I take the stress home and ?ÿdeal with my problems later via cigars in the backyard.

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but this morning I woke up at 3am with stress and tension thinking about work today.?ÿ

I donƒ??t want to leave surveying - I even planned to become an LS in the next 3 years (my goal)?ÿ

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Im going to read uo on what exactly my job duties are, and try to press for a line in the sand. Maybe apply to a few other jobs in the meantime.

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and to answer the questions - no, owner/management doesnƒ??t know about any of this. I try to be positive in the office to leave a good impression.?ÿ

I appreciate the replies. It feels better knowing Iƒ??m not out of line for thinking this isnƒ??t right?ÿ

Definitely continue to speak out loud here and also to an actual real human being in person about the stress and anxiety that you are feeling. ?ÿThat ventilation is helpful. ?ÿIf you are not comfortable speaking to your bosses, maybe start to reach out to other nearby friendly competitors and have a lunch with them on a Saturday or Sunday or something.

Your job duties will vary on the type of office you work for but generally, I'd think as an apprentice some of your duties would grow as your knowledge of the profession grows. For instance, you would start out pounding stakes and helping perform layout (whatever that looks like). Then you would graduate to being involved with operating the equipment and performing calculations. From there you would become a crew chief and supervise others to perform the duties required.

This is how it worked for me but I didn't start as an apprentice so it's a little different.

Yes, they can "dump" you at any point (with cause) but so can any other employer. It's a way of life. Do well (which it sounds like you are) and you'll be there as long as you want. Do poorly and you can be let go.

It's important to be positive but you have to be realistic too. Stressing about the next day's work is not the way to go about this career. That's not saying there aren't stressful days but it sounds like you've had your fill of those for a good while.

Your Party Chief needs to become a 'Chief of Parties'. Give him a little truck and he can setup and supervise several parties. You need to operate as solo crew or train the next 'you'. And down the road it goes.?ÿ

I'm the owner/boss and I still do all the things you do, plus what the party chief does, plus what your management is doing on a daily basis.?ÿ The only problem I see is that you don't have enough time in to apply for licensure so you can follow my lead.?ÿ Talking directly with your management, without mentioning the shortcomings of your chief, is recommended.?ÿ If they aren't willing to make changes, then find another job that will keep you on track to get your license.

If you're 36 years old; with 3 1/2 years of experience, either someone is telling you that you are not a chainman yet, to keep your down, or you're kidding yourself/not giving yourself credit.?ÿ

You might be making good money with good benefits but there's more to life than money?ÿ

If ain't fun I ain't doing it.?ÿ

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• @dougie?ÿ

im in a union apprenticeship that was supposed to be 3 years, but is now 4 due to Covid delays. Weekend school and 6,000 hours type deal. So technically Iƒ??m late stage apprentice and will be ƒ??chainmanƒ? in January?ÿ

@native1

If you're in a union apprenticeship, then there must be a union definition of the job duties of the party chief. You might want to look those up. If this chief is also in the union, then there's also the issue of union politics. Tread lightly.

Maybe you can request a change in who you work with. You know, to broaden your experience under a different supervisor, learn different ways of doing things...

Posted by: @bill93

Gout for 2 years? My brother gets episodes of it, but the pain goes away with medicine and attention to diet. Does this guy hobble around when he isn't faced with a task? How is scouting for monuments easier than doing some of your work?

I was expecting someone to point this out.?ÿ A flare up of gout should go away within a week to two weeks at most (even without medicine).

Your question of "Does this guy hobble around when he isn't faced with a task?" is right on point.?ÿ I would almost bet he is like one of those disability insurance frauds who carries lumber around on weekends remodeling, but is unable to move a paperclip during the workweek.

Is the work you don't like doing or the fact that the Party Chief isn't doing anything? I personally like running the show myself rather than just being a "rear chainman". I worked for a "Chief of Surveying" guy once. I relished doing everything, rather than just pounding hubs. He had to help then because the rod would fall down before I could get back to the gun to take a shot. What difference in pay are we talking? $1.50 or $10.00

@skeeter1996

Im not afraid to work and I donƒ??t mind doing it. Even 100+ degree days. Itƒ??s gotta get done and they pay me for that.

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itƒ??s that we have our own job duties and Im frequently doing 75-100% of the work while heƒ??s getting paid $15 more per hour. For over 2 years. Itƒ??s taken me this long to realize and feel the way I do. I figured as an apprentice thatƒ??s just how it is.

But talking to others, thatƒ??s not how it is at all.?ÿ

I think Iƒ??m being taken advantage of and Iƒ??m becoming angry about it, because a good leader wouldnƒ??t allow that.

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This guy isnƒ??t a teacher, and far from a mentor or role model.

Iƒ??ve hitched my wagon to this company to get through my apprenticeship and log hours, with hopes of becoming chief. I may have to leave before that happens?ÿ

@native1 Time to have a talk with the owner. Good help is hard to find now days. If you're making life easy for the PC he'll probably go to bat for you. The squeaking wheel gets the grease.

I don't know diddly about unions and never will, but, I would hang in there until you have met the requirements to get out of apprentice grade without question.?ÿ Investigate other opportunities in the meantime.