career path
career path
(OP)
I am a mechanical technician working (short term contract) in a very modern power station (almost set & forget!)We just completed our first major maitenance shutdown and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Problem is, is that its back to the old routine now and not the cut and thrust of a turbine overhaul. I've been invited to join the crew who travel the country for weeks on end overhauling turbines and I'm sorely tempted. Any pearls of wisdom that have travelled this road?





RE: career path
And I'm available for consultation,
but remember your way in is also my way out
RE: career path
Good Luck
Ray Micallef, P. Eng.
Power Generation/Utility Industry
RE: career path
I am away from home 100-120 nights per year. I'm sitting in a hetel romm right now. A few points to consider. You WILL find it very difficult to get things done at home. You will find it difficult to make plans with friends and family and keep them. You'll miss birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc. It helps if your single, but what really matters is that you are prepared to make some big sacrifices to get the job done for the customer. We commonly put in 70-80+ hours weeks in the initial start-up phase of a project.
Now for the positives. You can easily increase your salary by 75-100% or more depending on your companies compensation plan (just don't blow it all on steak dinners and bar tabs when your travelling...don't laugh I know people who have been doing it for years). You will be able to generate a list of contacts/aquaintances in your industry that will make the salemen in your comapny green with envy. I'm confident that if I had to leave my position with my current employer, I could find another within a day. And you will gain a lot of experience - fast.
It's not a decision to be taken lightly. If you have a family, they MUST be 100% on board.
Hope this helps
MadKungFu
RE: career path
regards,
JTMcC.
RE: career path
MadFungFu has given you something on which to chew!
RE: career path