Job dilemma. What would AT do? (cliffs at bottom)

[sjwaste]

I've considered but chose not to work for family (inlaw side), so I can't imagine even considering working for the family of someone I was just dating. If the relationship goes, does the job go with it? Even if not, is there unreasonable pressure because your boss is someone you know? Strained professional relationships don't end at the office, they spill outside. If something goes wrong at work, it could create problems at home.

 

[lxskllr]

Speaking generally, construction's a cut throat industry. Money comes and goes like water, and fortunes can change in an instant. There's money to be made, but there's easier ways of getting it. Give it serious thought before committing. It's not a dead end career, but you can turn into a professional gypsy. Some people don't mind that, but I prefer stability.

 

[Saint Nick]

I've considered but chose not to work for family (inlaw side), so I can't imagine even considering working for the family of someone I was just dating. If the relationship goes, does the job go with it? Even if not, is there unreasonable pressure because your boss is someone you know? Strained professional relationships don't end at the office, they spill outside. If something goes wrong at work, it could create problems at home.

Hmm. This is a good point. I guess it is something I haven't thought completely through yet. I would need to talk to my lady friend. She actually works there currently, but is looking to move into another field. I'll have to have a serious discussion with her about it tonight or this afternoon. Thanks for bringing that up. I'll be sure to bring that up with the grandparents, too.

 

[Stuxnet]

What region do you work in? Pay at both jobs seems very low.

Anyway, your current vacation situation blows, but full healthcare rocks. But I think you answered your own question:

* I'm considering this because the free time will allow me to begin building a recording studio as well as tour with a band this summer, potential to become part owner in the company in the future

Can't put a price on doing what you enjoy and becoming your own man/boss. I would probably take the new job.

 

[Saint Nick]

What region do you work in? Pay at both jobs seems very low.

Anyway, your current vacation situation blows, but full healthcare rocks. But I think you answered your own question:

Can't put a price on doing what you enjoy and becoming your own man/boss. I would probably take the new job.

I work in Omaha, Nebraska. Cost of living here is pretty low. I have strong links to the music community here, so I feel like it's now or never.

 

[Stuxnet]

i would go for the the pm job, its more secure and in the it field has a good demand once you are pmp (i am guessing you are in it). Programming jobs are being shipped overseas but pm jobs are not and has a lot of growth potential. But there are downsides too, its can be very demanding and frustrating.

lol wut?!

 

[Stuxnet]

I work in Omaha, Nebraska. Cost of living here is pretty low. I have strong links to the music community here, so I feel like it's now or never.

Ahh, makes sense.

Go for it man!

 

[D1gger]

I think you are looking at the family job through rose coloured glasses. I made an almost identical switch 20 years ago, and if I knew then what I know now there is not a chance in hell that I would make the same decision.

You have no idea what family drama will come up ... including the fact that who knows if you will be staying with your GF.

I have never heard of any construction PM being able to take "unlimited" time off. It is an extremely demanding and hands on position, with most projects the PM has to be there to deal with the client, manage the crew, manage material orders, check invoicing (both incoming and outgoing). I currently work a minimum of 11 hours a day.

I now own the business myself, and business ownership although rewarding, can be extremely challenging. Dealing with bankers, lawsuits, customers, unions, employees, tenders, changing market conditions and competition means lots of hours and sleepless nights.

Do not make this decision lightly as it could be a life changing decision, either for good or for the worse.

 

[Narse]

I was once asked if I wanted to be promoted to a PM job, I tried it out for a few months and despised it. I no longer had time to do what I love, working on computers and networks and instead all I did was conf calls, trying to get other groups to do their jobs and the constant bitching from upper management on why their project was delayed and not this other one. No way will I ever do that again.

 

[Saint Nick]

I was once asked if I wanted to be promoted to a PM job, I tried it out for a few months and despised it. I no longer had time to do what I love, working on computers and networks and instead all I did was conf calls, trying to get other groups to do their jobs and the constant bitching from upper management on why their project was delayed and not this other one. No way will I ever do that again.

Were you a PM in IT or a different field?

 

[Narse]

Were you a PM in IT or a different field?

I was still in IT but wasn't able to do any IT work. I am happy just being a tech. Management of any type is just not for me.

 

[Rage187]

construction is not a 9-5 job. You should put expected hours you'll work each week and I bet once you factor in having a "company" phone, you'll be working 50% more than your current job.

Also, move out of Omaha. Your current pay sucks, maybe not as much as their vacation policy but it sucks for the level of work you are doing. Really, you should get paid more to live where nobody else wants to live, not less.

 

[Lifted]

work at my girlfriend's grandparents construction company

Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

Wait until your married.

 

[Gibson486]

Construction Management? Good move if you think you would like that stuff. It's not for everyone.

 

[Saint Nick]

As far as I know, I don't think it is a typical "project manager" position, but that is the title they'd give me. I am trying to get an actual job description from their HR so I can make a better decision. I'll probably post it here once I get it to get some more input. They are looking to hire in mid- to late-March.

Thanks to everyone for your replies so far.

 

[Ns1]

go to new company to live out the dream

 

[Ns1]

I was once asked if I wanted to be promoted to a PM job, I tried it out for a few months and despised it. I no longer had time to do what I love, working on computers and networks and instead all I did was conf calls, trying to get other groups to do their jobs and the constant bitching from upper management on why their project was delayed and not this other one. No way will I ever do that again.

sounds like my PM

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Programmer to concrete -

When your band dreams die and they will like 99% of garage bands do - you will regret working in concrete and not using your degree.

Suck it up until you get a year of experience then look for a new job in the programming world.

 

[Saint Nick]

Hi folks. Just wanted to update this thread. I decided to not take the job.

The job was a new position for a sub contractor. In the OP, I made it sound as if I would be a PM for a very large company on large projects. I would only be responsible for keeping track of materials needed for each site, as well as, sending crews to the correct sites and scheduling the jobs in advance (approx a week out). Currently, all of this responsibility is tracked in a notebook by a crew leader who has more important duties. Jobs are not scheduled in advance, and the workers have to call crew leaders each day to see where they are going.

I'd be responsible for making the position as best as possible.

The "president" of the business is a help desk guy of 15 years who moved from Arizona to manage his dad's company (in the OP, i mentioned it was my girlfriend's grandparents company). In short, he is very incompetent and doesn't manage money well nor does he plan very well. He does not treat my g/f nor the other office employee very well. He also has multitudes of excuses why he can't show up to work and/or leave early.

I would have taken the position if he wasn't so incompetent. It was a drastic pay cut at $45k, but with the freedom it would have allowed me, that doesn't matter. I plan on talking to my supervisor later to see if I can move from full-time back to part-time for a while so that I can do the stuff I want.