Work Is Getting Spooky
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A few months ago I went to work, for lack of any better opportunity, at a Yamaha dealer that sells boats, PWCs, motorcyles, and ATVs, and runs a shop to repair all of them. I took the job because I felt an affinity for the manager, a fellow engineer. Three weeks ago he left. Years ago he invented an awesome product, but the VC cash market dried up when the .com bubble burst. He has since arranged $3+ million in capital and a directive to go to production. I'm delighted for him - what a wonderful outcome! I wish him well. His wife stayed behind to manage the company, but last week her nephew (16 yrs old) was killed in an auto accident, and she had to leave to deal with family matters. When I arrived at work this last Friday the rumor mill was in high gear - a competitor in town was buying the business and intended to fire us all. The motorcycle mechanic has not actually quit, but he hasn't showed up for two days, and is now buying a shop of his own. The boat mechanic has told me that he intends to leave the instant the deal is done, if it ever happens. He's probably the best marine mechanic within 150 miles, and has been doing this since he was 16. The supposed new owner is one of the lowest forms of scum I have ever met - if he has an aura, it's black. The current owners assure us that no contract has been signed, and it's not really him, but his sister who is interested in buying the business. I know nothing about her, except that she doesn't live here. I have a standing offer from another boat shop that pays the same, but includes some benefits after 6 months. They're more regimented, being a large corporation - they're more picky about showing up on time, and don't allow me the flexibility to take long lunches on days when I have meetings to run for various charitable organizations I run. But they're stable; part of their contract with the US Park Service specifies that they must run a boat repair shop on the lake to hold the concession for boat rentals and hotel services. Unfortunately that also makes them the black sheep of the corporation, being a cost center that no one wants to put any money into. I've been there - the red-headed stepchild - where nothing can be accomplished because of a lack of buy in from above. It gets ugly. The question of the day is, should I jump ship and take the new job, even though the rumor isn't necessarily true? Or do I stick with what I have and run the risk of being unemployed yet again if this clown does actually make the deal? Bear in mind that
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A few months ago I went to work, for lack of any better opportunity, at a Yamaha dealer that sells boats, PWCs, motorcyles, and ATVs, and runs a shop to repair all of them. I took the job because I felt an affinity for the manager, a fellow engineer. Three weeks ago he left. Years ago he invented an awesome product, but the VC cash market dried up when the .com bubble burst. He has since arranged $3+ million in capital and a directive to go to production. I'm delighted for him - what a wonderful outcome! I wish him well. His wife stayed behind to manage the company, but last week her nephew (16 yrs old) was killed in an auto accident, and she had to leave to deal with family matters. When I arrived at work this last Friday the rumor mill was in high gear - a competitor in town was buying the business and intended to fire us all. The motorcycle mechanic has not actually quit, but he hasn't showed up for two days, and is now buying a shop of his own. The boat mechanic has told me that he intends to leave the instant the deal is done, if it ever happens. He's probably the best marine mechanic within 150 miles, and has been doing this since he was 16. The supposed new owner is one of the lowest forms of scum I have ever met - if he has an aura, it's black. The current owners assure us that no contract has been signed, and it's not really him, but his sister who is interested in buying the business. I know nothing about her, except that she doesn't live here. I have a standing offer from another boat shop that pays the same, but includes some benefits after 6 months. They're more regimented, being a large corporation - they're more picky about showing up on time, and don't allow me the flexibility to take long lunches on days when I have meetings to run for various charitable organizations I run. But they're stable; part of their contract with the US Park Service specifies that they must run a boat repair shop on the lake to hold the concession for boat rentals and hotel services. Unfortunately that also makes them the black sheep of the corporation, being a cost center that no one wants to put any money into. I've been there - the red-headed stepchild - where nothing can be accomplished because of a lack of buy in from above. It gets ugly. The question of the day is, should I jump ship and take the new job, even though the rumor isn't necessarily true? Or do I stick with what I have and run the risk of being unemployed yet again if this clown does actually make the deal? Bear in mind that
Change while you have the choice. A good reason for job-hopping shouldn't leave a mark.
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A few months ago I went to work, for lack of any better opportunity, at a Yamaha dealer that sells boats, PWCs, motorcyles, and ATVs, and runs a shop to repair all of them. I took the job because I felt an affinity for the manager, a fellow engineer. Three weeks ago he left. Years ago he invented an awesome product, but the VC cash market dried up when the .com bubble burst. He has since arranged $3+ million in capital and a directive to go to production. I'm delighted for him - what a wonderful outcome! I wish him well. His wife stayed behind to manage the company, but last week her nephew (16 yrs old) was killed in an auto accident, and she had to leave to deal with family matters. When I arrived at work this last Friday the rumor mill was in high gear - a competitor in town was buying the business and intended to fire us all. The motorcycle mechanic has not actually quit, but he hasn't showed up for two days, and is now buying a shop of his own. The boat mechanic has told me that he intends to leave the instant the deal is done, if it ever happens. He's probably the best marine mechanic within 150 miles, and has been doing this since he was 16. The supposed new owner is one of the lowest forms of scum I have ever met - if he has an aura, it's black. The current owners assure us that no contract has been signed, and it's not really him, but his sister who is interested in buying the business. I know nothing about her, except that she doesn't live here. I have a standing offer from another boat shop that pays the same, but includes some benefits after 6 months. They're more regimented, being a large corporation - they're more picky about showing up on time, and don't allow me the flexibility to take long lunches on days when I have meetings to run for various charitable organizations I run. But they're stable; part of their contract with the US Park Service specifies that they must run a boat repair shop on the lake to hold the concession for boat rentals and hotel services. Unfortunately that also makes them the black sheep of the corporation, being a cost center that no one wants to put any money into. I've been there - the red-headed stepchild - where nothing can be accomplished because of a lack of buy in from above. It gets ugly. The question of the day is, should I jump ship and take the new job, even though the rumor isn't necessarily true? Or do I stick with what I have and run the risk of being unemployed yet again if this clown does actually make the deal? Bear in mind that
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A few months ago I went to work, for lack of any better opportunity, at a Yamaha dealer that sells boats, PWCs, motorcyles, and ATVs, and runs a shop to repair all of them. I took the job because I felt an affinity for the manager, a fellow engineer. Three weeks ago he left. Years ago he invented an awesome product, but the VC cash market dried up when the .com bubble burst. He has since arranged $3+ million in capital and a directive to go to production. I'm delighted for him - what a wonderful outcome! I wish him well. His wife stayed behind to manage the company, but last week her nephew (16 yrs old) was killed in an auto accident, and she had to leave to deal with family matters. When I arrived at work this last Friday the rumor mill was in high gear - a competitor in town was buying the business and intended to fire us all. The motorcycle mechanic has not actually quit, but he hasn't showed up for two days, and is now buying a shop of his own. The boat mechanic has told me that he intends to leave the instant the deal is done, if it ever happens. He's probably the best marine mechanic within 150 miles, and has been doing this since he was 16. The supposed new owner is one of the lowest forms of scum I have ever met - if he has an aura, it's black. The current owners assure us that no contract has been signed, and it's not really him, but his sister who is interested in buying the business. I know nothing about her, except that she doesn't live here. I have a standing offer from another boat shop that pays the same, but includes some benefits after 6 months. They're more regimented, being a large corporation - they're more picky about showing up on time, and don't allow me the flexibility to take long lunches on days when I have meetings to run for various charitable organizations I run. But they're stable; part of their contract with the US Park Service specifies that they must run a boat repair shop on the lake to hold the concession for boat rentals and hotel services. Unfortunately that also makes them the black sheep of the corporation, being a cost center that no one wants to put any money into. I've been there - the red-headed stepchild - where nothing can be accomplished because of a lack of buy in from above. It gets ugly. The question of the day is, should I jump ship and take the new job, even though the rumor isn't necessarily true? Or do I stick with what I have and run the risk of being unemployed yet again if this clown does actually make the deal? Bear in mind that
Roger Wright wrote: I'm not comfortable job hopping, and I don't hire people who have a history of doing so. I think we match here. However jumping for a quick position or money is not the same thing as moving due to a massive shake up, which appears to have happened. One of my bust guys who we hired the first of the year had 4 companies in the last 10 years. None were still in business! Roger Wright wrote: When I arrived at work this last Friday the rumor mill was in high gear Always hate those days. Which is true and which is not! Roger Wright wrote: He has since arranged $3+ million in capital and a directive to go to production. I'm delighted for him - what a wonderful outcome! And what positions does He have? :-D I do not mind getting old. It beats all the other options that can think of.
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A few months ago I went to work, for lack of any better opportunity, at a Yamaha dealer that sells boats, PWCs, motorcyles, and ATVs, and runs a shop to repair all of them. I took the job because I felt an affinity for the manager, a fellow engineer. Three weeks ago he left. Years ago he invented an awesome product, but the VC cash market dried up when the .com bubble burst. He has since arranged $3+ million in capital and a directive to go to production. I'm delighted for him - what a wonderful outcome! I wish him well. His wife stayed behind to manage the company, but last week her nephew (16 yrs old) was killed in an auto accident, and she had to leave to deal with family matters. When I arrived at work this last Friday the rumor mill was in high gear - a competitor in town was buying the business and intended to fire us all. The motorcycle mechanic has not actually quit, but he hasn't showed up for two days, and is now buying a shop of his own. The boat mechanic has told me that he intends to leave the instant the deal is done, if it ever happens. He's probably the best marine mechanic within 150 miles, and has been doing this since he was 16. The supposed new owner is one of the lowest forms of scum I have ever met - if he has an aura, it's black. The current owners assure us that no contract has been signed, and it's not really him, but his sister who is interested in buying the business. I know nothing about her, except that she doesn't live here. I have a standing offer from another boat shop that pays the same, but includes some benefits after 6 months. They're more regimented, being a large corporation - they're more picky about showing up on time, and don't allow me the flexibility to take long lunches on days when I have meetings to run for various charitable organizations I run. But they're stable; part of their contract with the US Park Service specifies that they must run a boat repair shop on the lake to hold the concession for boat rentals and hotel services. Unfortunately that also makes them the black sheep of the corporation, being a cost center that no one wants to put any money into. I've been there - the red-headed stepchild - where nothing can be accomplished because of a lack of buy in from above. It gets ugly. The question of the day is, should I jump ship and take the new job, even though the rumor isn't necessarily true? Or do I stick with what I have and run the risk of being unemployed yet again if this clown does actually make the deal? Bear in mind that
I assume you've checked with the 'standing offer' folks, and it's still valid. I'd make sure the terms haven't changed, given that it's now a buyer's market (at least for you, since they probably know about the shakeup at your current position). You've listed two options. Is there a third?
Software Zen:
delete this; -
A few months ago I went to work, for lack of any better opportunity, at a Yamaha dealer that sells boats, PWCs, motorcyles, and ATVs, and runs a shop to repair all of them. I took the job because I felt an affinity for the manager, a fellow engineer. Three weeks ago he left. Years ago he invented an awesome product, but the VC cash market dried up when the .com bubble burst. He has since arranged $3+ million in capital and a directive to go to production. I'm delighted for him - what a wonderful outcome! I wish him well. His wife stayed behind to manage the company, but last week her nephew (16 yrs old) was killed in an auto accident, and she had to leave to deal with family matters. When I arrived at work this last Friday the rumor mill was in high gear - a competitor in town was buying the business and intended to fire us all. The motorcycle mechanic has not actually quit, but he hasn't showed up for two days, and is now buying a shop of his own. The boat mechanic has told me that he intends to leave the instant the deal is done, if it ever happens. He's probably the best marine mechanic within 150 miles, and has been doing this since he was 16. The supposed new owner is one of the lowest forms of scum I have ever met - if he has an aura, it's black. The current owners assure us that no contract has been signed, and it's not really him, but his sister who is interested in buying the business. I know nothing about her, except that she doesn't live here. I have a standing offer from another boat shop that pays the same, but includes some benefits after 6 months. They're more regimented, being a large corporation - they're more picky about showing up on time, and don't allow me the flexibility to take long lunches on days when I have meetings to run for various charitable organizations I run. But they're stable; part of their contract with the US Park Service specifies that they must run a boat repair shop on the lake to hold the concession for boat rentals and hotel services. Unfortunately that also makes them the black sheep of the corporation, being a cost center that no one wants to put any money into. I've been there - the red-headed stepchild - where nothing can be accomplished because of a lack of buy in from above. It gets ugly. The question of the day is, should I jump ship and take the new job, even though the rumor isn't necessarily true? Or do I stick with what I have and run the risk of being unemployed yet again if this clown does actually make the deal? Bear in mind that
I think you should jump ship while you have the choice. And this is not the same as jumping jobs every few months. You're quitting since you don't like the huge changes that have happened at work. I don't see how you can hold this on yourself. Roger Wright wrote: The supposed new owner is one of the lowest forms of scum I have ever met - if he has an aura, it's black It seems to me that he's a dirtbag you don't want to work for anyway. So what are you waiting for ? I mean, what are the things in favor of you staying at your present job ? "I believe I referred to her personality as a potential science exhibit." - Elaine, about Ellen, in "The Dog"