View Full Version : Job Search- starting over
Well, i have come to the conclusion that I am not happy with where I work anymore and have decided to change directions. My place of employment has become very toxic and at the end of the day I have been finding myself coming home either depressed, frusterated and grumpy. I have done the same line of work for a majority of my life and need a change. The change will do me some good and i want so desperately to find my nitch in life.
Currently, I am a Corporate Security Investigator for a major corporation and its just not applealing to me anymore. Starting over "fresh" scares me to death and struggling with were to even begin, i have been with the same company for 12 years and was with the company before that for 15 years before they pulled up and move out of the state.
Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Good luck brother I know how you feel!
If if you want you can always come paint with me [Beer]
I just met with my, hopefully, next boss today for lunch. I'm also nervous about the change. Best of luck!
Snowman78
12-06-2015, 17:08
They say 12 years is the breaking point, How about full-time L.E.O a lot of places are hiring now.
Change is always refreshing.
I find after about two years I'm usually ready for a change. I've only had two jobs that I stayed past a couple of years.
Not quite what you're talking about, but after nearly twelve years doing the same job I recently took a different position in my company. Took about a ten percent cut in base pay and probably won't have near as much overtime but I think I'm going to be much happier and better off in the long run.
Best wishes.
Get your license and freelance. Branch into other investigations, be your own boss. :)
argonstrom
12-06-2015, 18:31
Stripper?
PM inbound.
Wait... that sounded wrong; it's not about that.
Grant H.
12-06-2015, 19:03
Stripper?
PM inbound.
Wait... that sounded wrong; it's not about that.
Nice... My wife is making fun of me for laughing...
02Ducky -
Change can be huge. Even if it isn't a change in actual activities, just a change of scenery/focus/etc.
I have done industrial communications for all of my professional career (started in high school), but as I closed out my 10th year at my previous employer, I was done. Burned out.
After a break, I started doing some contract work in communications, and then started a company with my older brother. Now 3 years later, I spend a tremendous amount of time working (still young-ish company - growing but small) but I am happy, I enjoy my job, and my wife likes me better.
The other guys here have suggested it, and it might not be right for you, but think about changing the position, not necessarily the career.
Great-Kazoo
12-06-2015, 19:09
After 15 years i parted ways with a former business partner. Starting over, so to speak, isn't that hard. Or easy. My biggest issue with the job market was dealing with the E-mail your Resume to ...... Not getting any feeling like one use to years ago was different. Power on, when it's time for that right job, you will know it.
1. Don't burn any bridges.....but you know that already.
2. Network, network, network
3. Open the aperture (consider any possibility)
4. Don't give up.
I finally started a new job last Wednesday after retiring from the AF in October of 14. Took 5 months off to finished our basement and rebuild the deck, but continued the job search the whole time. It was a slog trying to find the right gig. I got involved with myriad veterans volunteer groups and got myself invited to several councils and meetings. One of which revealed the job I just started....would never have known about it had I not injected myself into the situation. Biggest challenge for me was simply trying to decide what I wanted to do or be in my second career.
They say 12 years is the breaking point, How about full-time L.E.O a lot of places are hiring now.
I think i hit that point, I have an eye injury (detached retna) from my youth that stops me from applying, I also just had both hips replaced this year and my get up and go is a littlr slower now. Well a lot slower.
I started talking to other contractors that I occasionally run into on the job. I knew for a long time that they make way more money than I do for what they did, but it never really occurred to me that I was already qualified to do that job. After months of being dissatisfied with my pay, I started talking to these guys (on a pretty friendly basis at this point) about what they do, and what they get compensated. Everyone was very open, told me exactly what they do and exactly how much they get paid to do it. I made the decision to pursue that job instead in a single day.
hurley842002
12-06-2015, 21:58
I don't really have any advice or suggestions, just some words of encouragement. I recently left an agency after 10 years of service. I had good seniority, Monday through Friday with holidays off (when everyone else was doing shift work), was well known and well liked etc. I liked my job and have nothing bad to say about my previous employer, but I hit a wall, I just didn't feel like I was going anywhere, both financially and career wise.
My new job is in the same field, just different agency, the pay is about the same starting, but after a year I'll be making about $9k more a year than my last job, and the new retirement is way better. My new schedule is horrible but I have to pay my dues.
I guess what I'm getting at is don't be afraid of change. I'll never forget the day I pulled my Captain aside to let him know I'd be giving my two weeks notice. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but refreshing at the same time. It was really hard letting go of friends and co workers, but at the end of the day, I had to do what was best for me and my family. Good luck with your future career, you are a great guy and any company would be lucky to have you.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I totally get where you're coming from. Techies like me usually go into management...but I don't want to be a manager. I really feel like a change would be good for me, but I still haven't figured out what I want to be when I grow up.
I totally get where you're coming from. Techies like me usually go into management...but I don't want to be a manager. I really feel like a change would be good for me, but I still haven't figured out what I want to be when I grow up.
That's the story of my career as well. I'm not interested in management.
I'm 16+ years in the same company. I've received yearly pay raises, met my wife, and I still get promoted. Some days I come home thinking WTF an I still doing here, but I like the stability over compensation. I get paid ok for someone that has no college degree.
Message me if you want to get into the tech field. You're not necessary starting over, your skills can be used in other lines of work.
Well, i have come to the conclusion that I am not happy with where I work anymore and have decided to change directions. My place of employment has become very toxic and at the end of the day I have been finding myself coming home either depressed, frusterated and grumpy. I have done the same line of work for a majority of my life and need a change. The change will do me some good and i want so desperately to find my nitch in life.
Currently, I am a Corporate Security Investigator for a major corporation and its just not applealing to me anymore. Starting over "fresh" scares me to death and struggling with were to even begin, i have been with the same company for 12 years and was with the company before that for 15 years before they pulled up and move out of the state.
Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I totally get where you're coming from. Techies like me usually go into management...but I don't want to be a manager. I really feel like a change would be good for me, but I still haven't figured out what I want to be when I grow up.
That's the story of my career as well. I'm not interested in management.
I'm 16+ years in the same company. I've received yearly pay raises, met my wife, and I still get promoted. Some days I come home thinking WTF an I still doing here, but I like the stability over compensation. I get paid ok for someone that has no college degree.
Message me if you want to get into the tech field. You're not necessary starting over, your skills can be used in other lines of work.
Multiple Ditto's here.
After 23 years at the same company doing stressful, high profile IT work in very niche area, I've really started to dislike my job the last year or so do to significant changes in the work structure and measurement. I've managed folks earlier in my career and didn't enjoy it much although I generally get along well with almost everyone. Working from home with about 35% travel required nationally also has become comfortable, and the pay is good. I would like to retire in 4-5 years but not sure I can make that work. It's getting harder to meet the ever increasing goals required of work, and I'm not sure I can keep myself relevant for the long haul. I would gladly take a cut in pay to ease up on the stress.
Good luck in your search for a better life.
cableguy11
12-07-2015, 00:22
I really have not changed careers, been doing almost the same thing for 15 years. All I can say is good luck. Change can be a good thing, especially if you are not happy.
RblDiver
12-07-2015, 12:51
https://wiland.com/career-center
This is the company I work for. It's absolutely amazing. Our CEO stresses to us to be kind to one another, emphasizing that we see each other as much as our families and so in that sense we are a big family. We're still growing leaps and bounds. I've been here almost 3 years and truly feel blessed. If any of it sounds appealing, apply!
I'm in a similar position man. I'm in my late 30's and early in life I was in banking, sales (which I ended up being pretty darn good at) management & finally took off doing my own thing with eBay sales and finally real estate investment. I dabbled in IT over the years as it was just something that interested me & I looked back in my previous jobs working for someone else and I was the defacto IT guy since there was no such thing at that time. The problem now is that in this area IT is hard w/o a college education and I have none to speak of. I've had previous IT job offers in Nebraska where we're from and then some further North in the oil areas of North Dakota and such but decided against that move because we really like where we are in Norther Colorado.
I took several years off to care for my mother while she was fighting breast cancer who passed away recently. Due to that there was some options but just the wrong timing. I've begun to get back on that employment horse more seriously now as the savings are dwindling. Not really sure what it is I would like to do but I know that at my age I'm not going to flip fries at some corporation who couldn't care less about me. I need to find a quality employer to align myself with as I know I'm a great employee with a lot to offer the right company. It's just finding that opportunity that is proving to be a challenge. Gone are the days where I can walk in, shake someone's hand and introduce myself to a hiring principal and allowing them to see that I'm a smart human being despite my lack of secondary education. Now it seems the entire job market has shifted to this online application interface that takes half a day to complete only to get shit canned due to my college education not stacking up to the other 300 applicants they have. It's become frustrating before I've really even started in earnest.
I'm pretty flexible to what it is I'm doing an open to new ideas I may not have thought of but I'd rather not commute and I'd rather not travel 50% plus of my work week as those jobs can drain quickly. Something 9-5 m-f type thing (don't mind coming in earlier in the morning versus staying late) and if I can find something 4x10 that's even better. I'd like office work or something even from home partially if an option as I work well alone or with a team. Who knows, maybe someone here will know of an opportunity and know someone I can submit a resume directly to or speak with directly and see if we'd be a decent fit for each other?
I just get tired of seeing potential opportunities come up, spending half of a day filling out their online application and then not hearing anything. I even applied at CostCo recently and Walmart years ago and never heard a word. Really? Am I that un hire-able suddenly? I've got two decades of work/life experience, I'm a quality employee who's a dependable worker who never calls in sick, I've been a corporate trainer for several larger companies and been trusted with millions of dollars in cash and prizes, have managed successful teams of employees and even started several very successful companies of my own. I can't get a job ringing up people's crates of sugar packets at CostCo for $20/hr?
I debated getting a degree but that puts me in my 40's and with massive debt that I'd rather not take on right now if it can be avoided. I was successful before w/o a college degree so I think it's possible to do so still. I thought about learning to code (I've dabbled but nothing official) and various languages as that sounds like a large need right now but is that really what I want to do for the next couple of decades? I dunno.
I guess I have nothing positive to offer you other than a kindred support and hope that maybe through us all talking maybe we can do some COAR15 networking and get something figured out for a few of us.
I've applied at Costco many times and never heard anything back. Think I was always looking too qualified. I don't know if they pay $20/hr though, if they do, I'd probably look into that for part time work in the winters if I needed to.
You shouldn't assume that a college degree will saddle you with a lot of debt. CU Denver is something like $3,000 a year (or it was when I went), and you could easily swing that while working at Costco.
Honestly nursing isn't a bad idea. It has a need, often flexible jobs and hours (some of my friends pick up whatever shifts they want) you can work your way up slowly so as to not accrue a lot of debt. Get one of the lower certificates and work while you go for an rn then work as an rn while you go towards a np if you want, they make six figures usually. It's nice because you can basically work in the field while you get your education and keep debt low. I've had a few friends that really planned and thought it out and they came out really well.
I need apprentice electricians.
I need apprentice electricians.
What do you pay an apprentice anyway? Can you post a realistic progression for someone starting in that position with zero experience? Will it take 5 years to start making good money, only 2 years? That kind of thing.
SamuraiCO
12-07-2015, 15:00
Best of luck. I had my mid life crisis 10 years ago. Advanced degrees and lots of management experience did not take me to that executive position i wanted. Probably most of it was not wanting to move anymore because I love where I live and my wife's career is going so well.
So I settle and am working for retirement keeping my eye on the end of the tunnel. My job can be very stressful and demanding at times and I am on my feet most of my shift. No food breaks I eat at my work station. But it is steady, pay is good and every once in a while I can make the difference in someone's day. So I put up with the bad so I can enjoy my free time and prepare for later in life.
Hang in there and best of luck.
What do you pay an apprentice anyway? Can you post a realistic progression for someone starting in that position with zero experience? Will it take 5 years to start making good money, only 2 years? That kind of thing.
We start at $14/hour and give progress raises spread out over 4 years until you get your license. Average journeyman rate is $26/ hr. That can change with the economy though. I am a small but growing company so I don't offer any health insurance benefits.
Cool, that's exactly the info I was looking for. How it helps someone out there make a decision.
crashdown
12-07-2015, 15:35
I have no advice other than I will be in the same boat soon.
We should be heading up to Alaska sometime in the next few months, and I won't start job hunting until I get there.
I believe it's a lot more about who you know, not what you know in most situations..... unfortunately I won't know anyone.
We also have become spoiled by my rather easy job, high income, and wife not having to work... that might be hard to replace.
I want to do something different, and have joked around about working at Costco or as a Walmart greeter, I think I might be mentally preparing myself to accept that as a potential reality.
My thoughts are... do something you enjoy, and not make money be the only factor.
Hey Ducky.. I know where you're 'at'. Did my stint in the corporate world, got fed up with the bullshit.
Find something you 'want' to do. Not just something for work. Pay matters, however, so does your life and health.
Do something you're going to enjoy. I'm still trying to find something to enjoy. I miss my old corporate gig honestly.
I wanted to thank everybody for the PMs and encouragement, you guys are truely awesome. If you hear of anything in passing plesse send me a PM, change is good, scary, but right now needed.
[Beer]
trlcavscout
12-08-2015, 21:40
Good luck! I am in the same boat just waiting for the right opportunity.
This is a perfect thread for lots of folks recently. Myself and a lot of my friends my age (ish) are in about the same spot. I think quite a few large corps are hard to work for. And boy do they love tracking everything. That and meetings. Everyone about to make a big change, let us know. It's inspiring. Most folks on here that have talked about making big career changes are happy they did. I have a few more months before I'm in the right position to do it. Anyone with ideas, share away.
New job starts Feb 1st assuming my excellent credit and zero criminal background get me through the system okay.
hurley842002
12-08-2015, 22:31
New job starts Feb 1st assuming my excellent credit and zero criminal background get me through the system okay.
Congrats, similar line of work, or something completely different?
New job starts Feb 1st assuming my excellent credit and zero criminal background get me through the system okay.
Details man!!
Congrats, similar line of work, or something completely different?
Details man!!
Well, while I'm generally wary of talking too much about stuff before it happens, I'm pretty close. Right now I'm a property claims adjuster. For the most part I write estimates on roofs (wind, hail, raccoon, ice damming, trees, etc), occasional exterior stuff (usually a car going through a lawn), and interior water losses. As you can imagine, in Colorado there are a ton of hail losses. I'm on a roof nearly every single day all through out the year. My company provides a fold up ladder that is 11' extended, with a 3' extension for a total of 14' of reach. I can get on say 80-90% of the roofs I need to by myself. When anything is taller than my ladder (2 stories+) the company hires a ladder assist to meet me at the loss and provide a taller ladder. Also, the adjusters are not supposed to do double pulls (climb up onto roof, pull ladder up behind them, then climb up to another part of the roof), or be on slopes steeper than 8/12 for comp, and 6/12 for shake, tile, metal, or masonite roofs, so a ladder assist is hired for those as well.
I'm running about 300 claims this year, with maybe 60-70% of them being roofs, and I've been on every single roof but 2, whether I was supposed to or not. I've been talking to the ladder assist guys and they all make way more money than I do, and they never have to write an estimate, or deal with supplements, or argue with roof contractors, etc. Since I like being on the roof and already do what they do, I thought I might as well just work for them. So now I'll just be the guy that runs around town with a ladder getting on roofs for other people. Not every adjuster is as adventurous as me and if a ladder assist is involved, they just stay on the ground and let the ladder assist grab measurements, find damage, and take photos. That's the best part of the job anyway. I'll be seeing all my old co-workers (who may be upset that I left because my company is hurting for people right now) all the time. More money for half the job? Yes please.
Lex_Luthor
12-08-2015, 23:05
I'm in the same boat - been in it for 3 years. I'm trying to get into Law Enforcement. I don't have military service, but I do have a bachelor's degree and I'm bilingual. It's still incredibly tough & competitive. I'm hoping something gives soon. I've also considered applying out of state, and I haven't taken that deal off the table.
Snowman78
12-08-2015, 23:21
I'm in the same boat - been in it for 3 years. I'm trying to get into Law Enforcement. I don't have military service, but I do have a bachelor's degree and I'm bilingual. It's still incredibly tough & competitive. I'm hoping something gives soon. I've also considered applying out of state, and I haven't taken that deal off the table.
http://jeffco.us/jobs/
Job Title:
Deputy Sheriff Trainee 2016-2
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is now accepting applications for the position of Deputy Sheriff Trainee.
Lex_Luthor
12-08-2015, 23:43
Thanks snowman! Last time I checked (maybe a month ago) it wasn't open. I know a few Jeffco Deputies. At least one is a Sergeant.
Snowman78
12-09-2015, 09:46
Well, while I'm generally wary of talking too much about stuff before it happens, I'm pretty close. Right now I'm a property claims adjuster. For the most part I write estimates on roofs (wind, hail, raccoon, ice damming, trees, etc), occasional exterior stuff (usually a car going through a lawn), and interior water losses. As you can imagine, in Colorado there are a ton of hail losses. I'm on a roof nearly every single day all through out the year. My company provides a fold up ladder that is 11' extended, with a 3' extension for a total of 14' of reach. I can get on say 80-90% of the roofs I need to by myself. When anything is taller than my ladder (2 stories+) the company hires a ladder assist to meet me at the loss and provide a taller ladder. Also, the adjusters are not supposed to do double pulls (climb up onto roof, pull ladder up behind them, then climb up to another part of the roof), or be on slopes steeper than 8/12 for comp, and 6/12 for shake, tile, metal, or masonite roofs, so a ladder assist is hired for those as well.
I'm running about 300 claims this year, with maybe 60-70% of them being roofs, and I've been on every single roof but 2, whether I was supposed to or not. I've been talking to the ladder assist guys and they all make way more money than I do, and they never have to write an estimate, or deal with supplements, or argue with roof contractors, etc. Since I like being on the roof and already do what they do, I thought I might as well just work for them. So now I'll just be the guy that runs around town with a ladder getting on roofs for other people. Not every adjuster is as adventurous as me and if a ladder assist is involved, they just stay on the ground and let the ladder assist grab measurements, find damage, and take photos. That's the best part of the job anyway. I'll be seeing all my old co-workers (who may be upset that I left because my company is hurting for people right now) all the time. More money for half the job? Yes please.
Will you be paid per assist?
Also you are a independent contractor (1099) correct?
Thanks snowman! Last time I checked (maybe a month ago) it wasn't open. I know a few Jeffco Deputies. At least one is a Sergeant.
Lots of places hiring sounds like these days, need to be dilligent about checking all the towns and sheriffs in state on a weekly basis. Some you can set alerts, but many you just need to hit the PD or city page and check. Make a date, like your first day off in a week to do this. Otherwise you might be appalled how many openings you miss even applying for.
Lex_Luthor
12-09-2015, 12:22
Thanks guys. For a while, I was doing like 6 departments at a time & it got to be too much. I had to scale it back. I'm sticking with about 2 at a time now. I will hear back from Denver Sheriff soon if I'm in. I'm at the 5 yard line - I'll receive a letter of decision either this week or next.
Snowman78
12-09-2015, 12:47
Here is a good resource:
http://www.policeone.com/police-jobs-search/
All Colorado Law Enforcement Jobs
Total Jobs Listed: 17
Golden, CO City of Golden Police Officer
Mountain Village, CO Town of Mountain Village Police Officer
Golden, CO Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sheriff Trainee
Sterling, CO Logan County Sheriff's Office Patrol Deputy
San Luis, CO Costilla County Sheriff's OFfice Deputy Sheriff - Patrol
Steamboat Springs, CO Steamboat Springs Police Department Police Officer
Brighton, CO Brighton Police Department Reserve Police Officer
Green Mountain Falls, CO Green Mountain Falls Police Dept. Reserve - Part time Police Officer
Green Mountain Falls, CO Green Mountain Falls Police Dept. Police Sergeant
Fowler, CO Fowler Police Police Officer
Breckenridge, CO Summit County Sheriffs Office Patrol Deputy
Akron, CO Washington County Sheriff's Office Patrol Deputy
Nederland, CO Nederland Police Department Police Officer
Pagosa Springs, CO Pagosa Springs Police Department Patrol Officer
Burlington, CO Kit Carson County Sheriff's Office Road Deputy
Hugo, CO Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sheriff - Sworn Non-Certified or Certified
Breckenridge, CO Town of Breckenridge Police Dept Police Officer
Lex_Luthor
12-09-2015, 13:03
Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. I don't want to hijack the OP's thread
Snowman78
12-09-2015, 13:18
Well, i have come to the conclusion that I am not happy with where I work anymore and have decided to change directions. My place of employment has become very toxic and at the end of the day I have been finding myself coming home either depressed, frusterated and grumpy. I have done the same line of work for a majority of my life and need a change. The change will do me some good and i want so desperately to find my nitch in life.
Currently, I am a Corporate Security Investigator for a major corporation and its just not applealing to me anymore. Starting over "fresh" scares me to death and struggling with were to even begin, i have been with the same company for 12 years and was with the company before that for 15 years before they pulled up and move out of the state.
Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Insurance investigator?
CBI is hiring, if you have a Criminal Justice degree!
SideShow Bob
12-09-2015, 17:41
CDoT has several maintenance positions open across the state.................
Insurance investigator?
No i deal with employees and the physical security stuff. Mainly employee related fraud, theft, harassment, threat assessments, inappropriate behavior both on/off duty.
No i deal with employees and the physical security stuff. Mainly employee related fraud, theft, harassment, threat assessments, inappropriate behavior both on/off duty.
You could probably transition into SIU (Special Investigations Unit) which is for insurance fraud. Might still get out into the field a bit, but it would be a lot less physically demanding. SIU pays decent as well.
You could probably transition into SIU (Special Investigations Unit) which is for insurance fraud. Might still get out into the field a bit, but it would be a lot less physically demanding. SIU pays decent as well.
Thanks man, do you know anyplace that is hiring?
Thanks man, do you know anyplace that is hiring?
The Best IRS (http://www.thebestirs.com/) an insurance company recruiting site contacts me occasionally asking if I'm looking for work or know anyone who does. You could probably call them, rattle off your skill set, and see if there is anything that fits.
Lex_Luthor
12-11-2015, 08:16
I got a conditional offer from DSD! Just 3 more tests & I'm in. Drug test, doc exam & psych round 2.
hurley842002
12-11-2015, 08:28
I got a conditional offer from DSD! Just 3 more tests & I'm in. Drug test, doc exam & psych round 2.
Nice congrats! I know a few folks over there.
Congratulations. It sure has been long enough for you.
I got a conditional offer from DSD! Just 3 more tests & I'm in. Drug test, doc exam & psych round 2.
My step son has been with Denver Sheriff's for about 12 years. His best friend is a firearms instructor for them.
Lex_Luthor
12-11-2015, 22:39
Excellent! I'm looking forward to meeting some great people
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