Giving up Engineering for a career in penneys?

Phester

I am sick of getting told salary lies by HR and manager alike from the enginnering MECH / facilities side of things

I have been told that Penneys Managers are well rewarded and unionised so it a salary scale with bound job description. I hear that its not like dunnes positions where they really make you work for your money.

Anyone shed any light on this

bringitdown

Sister used to work in Pennys at managerial level, and boy did she work.
Long hours and many weekends working with no overtime just a salary, huge staff turnover, after a considerable time in the job somewhat of a breakdown followed where she just stayed at home for a week. She left soon thereafter.

Thats just her experience ... but I believe retail in general can be tough stuff.

r3nu4l

As a Scientist I was also working in a non-unionised, low-ish salary environment with no opportunity for promotion. Incredibly long hours, lots of weekend work with no overtime etc. Working every day with extremely hazardous chemicals etc.

So I decided on a career change...but one where I could use my knowledge. I work as a Medical Writer/Manager at teh moment and love it. I keep in touch with latest developments in science but get paid more and have fewer hours and less danger

My point? You have knowledge and skills, use them! One option is to join a consultant firm that specialises in mech engineering project consultancy work for larger companies. Write for an engineering magazine/periodical, work in project management. There are plenty of options, some better paid than others, you just have to think about it.

Don't expect the boss to congratulate you for your hard work and offer large bonuses when everyone else is working hard too. Maybe find another job or be willing to take a pay cut to learn something new that will help you progress faster.

I know someone who despite his good degree and experience started out at a very low level in a certain company producing microchips and is now a manager of a large team and earning a packet...all within two years. Opportunity doesn't always knock...sometimes you have to go looking.

Phester

I have tried to specialise. It seems that employers dont want to spend money on you to become specialised in any one area. My new job has me doing alot of gas cylinder management, hookup, disposal as well as ordering. But I think the DI (pure) water may provide a better bridge path to pharma / food industry.

I cant, at this time see me being a consultant in any area.

I just think that recruitment agencies are a waste of time and employers dont really advertise themselves anymore. If they do the jobs are already gone to some internal employee or somebodys friend.

r3nu4l

Are you prepared to travel? I imagine breweries (Guinness, Beamish, Bulmers...Dublin, Cork, Clonmel) would have use for gas cylinder management? What about Dairy? KerryGold? What about electronics? Intel in Leixlip?

Sometimes the best way to go about this is to send your CV prospectively on the company website or by snailmail. Then after two days, call the company, ask for human resources and say that you've sent your CV, you'd like to be considered for a position and would it be possible for you to talk to someone in the engineering field...even for advice etc. Sometimes you will break through other times you'll get nowhere.

Even if you get in on your gas management, keep your ears open ask about clean water management etc., ask how people got into it, keep talking and listening.

Phester

To the best of my knowledge. Most people being hired by breweries are now contractors. I would definitely consider a role like that. But I hear that it nearly impossible to get your foot in the door. All about who you know.

Would have to stay in cork though as I am just finishing off buying a house and will prob get married late next year