Not enough work to keep me busy
Not enough work to keep me busy
(OP)
I have been with my current company for about 6 months now, and there is almost no work for me to do most days. We design custom accessories that interface with phones/radios/... I am the only Mech E, so I handle all of the external components, but most of the work is the internal electronics and circuitry. When I was hired, they had lists of projects to get done, and were considering moving production in-house that I would organize and run; but none of that has happened. So, a few questions:
1) Any suggestions on projects/tasks I can initiate to keep me busy. I have already cleaned up and organized all of the existing CAD files; and can't really come up with anything else beneficial to do to pass the time.
2) How long should I stick around to see if things get better? I definitely am not learning/improving at this point, and don't want to go years without gaining new skills, knowledge, or experience. I like all of the people I work with, the work conditions are fine, salary is fine, and they are very satisfied with my work; but it makes for some really long days. How long to wait before looking for something else?
3) Do I approach the owner and tell him I have nothing to do; or just continue to do what I do, and see if things turn around.
Misc Background:
I am a ME with 12 years experience
The company I am working for only has 8 employees.
We are financially sound, so I am not very concerned about losing my job or the company going under.
I do not regret the decision to leave my previous job for this one, but was hoping for a bit more.
Thanks for any input.
1) Any suggestions on projects/tasks I can initiate to keep me busy. I have already cleaned up and organized all of the existing CAD files; and can't really come up with anything else beneficial to do to pass the time.
2) How long should I stick around to see if things get better? I definitely am not learning/improving at this point, and don't want to go years without gaining new skills, knowledge, or experience. I like all of the people I work with, the work conditions are fine, salary is fine, and they are very satisfied with my work; but it makes for some really long days. How long to wait before looking for something else?
3) Do I approach the owner and tell him I have nothing to do; or just continue to do what I do, and see if things turn around.
Misc Background:
I am a ME with 12 years experience
The company I am working for only has 8 employees.
We are financially sound, so I am not very concerned about losing my job or the company going under.
I do not regret the decision to leave my previous job for this one, but was hoping for a bit more.
Thanks for any input.





RE: Not enough work to keep me busy
Chris
SolidWorks 11
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion
RE: Not enough work to keep me busy
Or, review some of the manufacturing processes that your suppliers use and redesign product enclosures to save money. Make a CNC'ed part suitable for injection molding, make an injection molded part suitable for vacuum forming.
RE: Not enough work to keep me busy
Do you have any ideas of your own that you could suggest?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Not enough work to keep me busy
Maui
www.EngineeringMetallurgy.com
RE: Not enough work to keep me busy
Thermal analysis might be a good branch to pick up; it's also portable to other companies.
TTFN

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RE: Not enough work to keep me busy
Goto guy for Lean techniques
Systems engineer
Learn to automate CAD stuff for the other guys
Re-examine the in house manufacturing project - why did it stall?
Cheers
Greg Locock
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RE: Not enough work to keep me busy
I have been reading as many trade magazines as I can to keep learning some stuff and to keep current. I might order Solid Professor and just go thru all of the SolidWorks lessons to see if I can pick up anything.
The best idea is probably to start learning some of the electronics side. Although I am not very interested in that stuff, it would be good to know at least the basics of what they are doing and get an understanding of why they use certain parts and components.
Thanks.
RE: Not enough work to keep me busy
RE: Not enough work to keep me busy
RE: Not enough work to keep me busy
RE: Not enough work to keep me busy
The advice given above is good; you should see your situation as one of being presented with opportunities, which, if you capitalize on them, can further your career.
Andries