13 replies to this topic

[Jet-Mech]

I'll preface this by saying I could get a little verbose, and probably this isn't the best place to seek employment advice. However, I consider a lot of people on this board to be friends, and I really value all opinions on this.

 

I have determined that, mostly due to working outside and handling a bunch of nasty chemicals (one of which put me out of work with bronchitis at the tail end of last year), I need to find a new job. The biggest upside to my current job is that I could doubtless come up with at least three customers who would be willing to give me a good reference. I've talked to a couple of them about my dream job that I have a chance of getting: a Systems Operator with Pacific Gas and Electric. (If PG&E were looking for sys-ops right now, this would be a non-issue.)

 

Basically, what I'm wondering is if, were you in my shoes, would you: wait for that dream job in hopes of keeping those good references intact, or say the hell with maintaining good references and get indoors and away from the chemicals sooner?

[Draznar]

I think about my family first.

Their main concern, is naturally going to be my well-being. If those chemicals are doing bad things to you, it isn't something you probably want to do for a prolonged period of time.

I do wonder why exactly you're forced to be exposed to allegedly toxic chemicals. Not sure about Fresno, but all across Canada there is loads of precautions taken to reduce or eliminate things like that from happening to our workers. I would have figured our neighbours to the south had similar laws/regulations?

[PlasticSoul]

I have friends dying out there in the job market all year. It's rough no matter what you are qualified for. I would suggest buying the highest quality respirator(same kind they use when painting cars)and sticking it out until something in your field is available. I don't know what you do but i have friends in all kinds of jobs that use respirators even though they aren't needed or required. Even some landscaper people i know use them to avoid allergens. Even if your job is against their use it's easy in most states to get a doctors note and thus permission to use one. 

[bachamn]

if you're working somewhere that has you around hazardous chemicals but doesn't provide you with any sort of PPE, just talk to your boss and mention OSHA regulations. They have to provide you with that or they could face litigation. Not just from you, but from the government.

Edited by bachamn, 06 April 2014 - 01:05 PM.

[FANtomCore]

1. Don't quit a job until you get hired for another job (hopefully a better job).

 

2. You can choose to quit, and file unemployment and have a good chance of getting it since your reasoning is about your safety from chemicals that are making you sick. I know this works because it worked for my brother.

 

If I were in your situation, I'd tough it out for a bit more, while looking for new employment. The good thing is you know you have to leave, but the bad thing is you need to time it right or you might end up stranded, making no money which can lead to even more problems than you have now.

[Jet-Mech]

As far as the PPE goes, I was prohibited from using the offending chemical for several months, and only recently started using it again--after being provided with respiratory protection. California does indeed have myriad regulations in place as far as job safety and health. (Some of the more toxic chemicals have been re-formulated to such an extent that you probably drink them and be okay, if they weren't outright banned.) As far as skin protection goes, a lot of that stuff will still give me skin problems. I'm also sick and tired of what the crap does to my clothes!

 

FANtomCore: As far as never quitting a job without having the next one lined up, I learned that the hard way after I left the Navy back in 2006. To be overly blunt about it, I effed myself. Were I a wise man, I would have stayed in until they paid me retirement or severance. I've quit one other job since, but that was because I wasn't good enough to earn big commissions and I had another one lined up. Even though I could potentially quit and still get unemployment, it wouldn't be an amount sufficient to live on, so I'll stay employed while looking for another job.

[Peikko]

Jet-Mech, do you have problems with Nitrile gloves? They make extra long ones if you need them to reach your elbows. When I was fiberglassing a whole lot I realized I was developing an allergy to the latex and switched to nitrile, which is latex-free, and haven't had any problems since. Some of the problem might also be that the chemical is permeating the gloves that you're using, so you're actually experiencing an allergic reaction to the chemical and not necessarily the glove itself. I think Ansell is supposed to make really good chemical gloves if you wanted to try some new ones... 

 

As far as the clothing goes... I have a really beat up, really terrible looking (cotton based) work apron that I use. It catches the brunt of resin/bondo spillage, so it's mainly my shoes and apron that get messed up. Maybe you could wear something similar to work? If not an apron, perhaps a lab coat? Both are fun in that they can make you feel even more like a mad scientist!

[Jet-Mech]

Jet-Mech, do you have problems with Nitrile gloves?

 

I do indeed. In fact, I tried explaining that when I was working for a particularly inflexible and asinine DoD contractor...I'd rather take the chance that chemical exposure might irritate me, as opposed to wearing latex/nitrile gloves that will irritate me. (I suffer from eczema/psoriasis, and sweat combined with chafing or lack or breathability wrack hell on me.) This job also requires driving, so I can't wash my hands as regularly as I'd like.

 

In truth, I'd just as soon be done with the chemicals altogether, but the question remains: should I cease exposure to them as soon as possible, or deal with it until that dream job comes up?

[Peikko]

I guess that all depends on how dangerous the chemicals are to your health/how often you are exposed to them? If they cause you severe discomfort and give you burns or rashes/are terrible carcinogens that you can't properly protect yourself against because of certain allergies towards PPE, I would get away as quickly as possible. However, before jumping ship, (and like suggested earlier in this thread) I would start putting in job applications so that you at least have *something* with comparable pay lined up and won't wind up in a financial disaster. Then you can take your time in finding that dream job while not being exposed to things that affect your health.

 

In any case, it sounds like you're incredibly unhappy at your current job and need to start looking for a new one ASAP. Dream job or not, from what I've read it sounds like you'd be happiest to get away from this one. 

[plasticfiend]

I can't speak at all in regards to your situation with the chemicals and any of that.  However, in 2012 the company I worked for, for almost 7 years went under.  Mass layoff.  Company out of business.  

 

It was a really tough time for almost 2 years.  Everywhere I looked, I couldn't find work that was similar to what I was doing, that was similar in pay.  It put a HUGE strain, a budding family... just getting ready to get married... massive questions about rent, insurance etc...

 

Anyhow, eventually early this year we started out own business based on skills I had from years prior.  My point is, I agree with everyone that is telling you to try and line something up before you leave your job (IF you leave your job)... but ALSO do some real self assessment, and upon reflection you might find that you have skills and talents that you can offer up that can help you go into business for yourself.  Or at the very least do something part time that will help ease time and financial burden between the current situation and something new.

 

Good luck in whatever you end up doing!!

 

PF!

[Jet-Mech]

I agree with everyone that is telling you to try and line something up before you leave your job (IF you leave your job)... but ALSO do some real self assessment, and upon reflection you might find that you have skills and talents that you can offer up that can help you go into business for yourself.

 

Man-oh-man, that would be nice. I'm afraid that one thing I'm really lacking in that regard, though, is a head for business. I'm not sure if that's something that can be acquired, or one of those things that you have or don't have (and never will). However, I did learn the easy way that going into business with the stipulation of it being a partnership can be problematic.

 

I'll have to get to that skills assessment, too. For now, I can say that I have worked on electronics and, in the more recent past, aircraft. The latter are probably out of the question, though, unless I relocate to a cold climate (I've heard that there are climate-controlled hangars, but as far as I'm concerned, they're a myth). A lot of those skills can transfer over to other fields, but certification can be problematic there. I also have some construction experience here and there, but I don't like working outside. That leads me to my second point: I've made a list of qualities that an ideal job should have. Should there be any interest, I'll post up that list.

 

I would like to thank everyone who has provided their opinions and insight. Needless to say, this board is friggin' awesome.

[Behemoth]

Man-oh-man, that would be nice. I'm afraid that one thing I'm really lacking in that regard, though, is a head for business. I'm not sure if that's something that can be acquired, or one of those things that you have or don't have (and never will). However, I did learn the easy way that going into business with the stipulation of it being a partnership can be problematic.

 

I'll have to get to that skills assessment, too. For now, I can say that I have worked on electronics and, in the more recent past, aircraft. The latter are probably out of the question, though, unless I relocate to a cold climate (I've heard that there are climate-controlled hangars, but as far as I'm concerned, they're a myth). A lot of those skills can transfer over to other fields, but certification can be problematic there. I also have some construction experience here and there, but I don't like working outside. That leads me to my second point: I've made a list of qualities that an ideal job should have. Should there be any interest, I'll post up that list.

 

I would like to thank everyone who has provided their opinions and insight. Needless to say, this board is friggin' awesome.

 

If you do a partnership, it has to be some kind with limited liability. Probably an LLC would be best because every member has limited liability. General Partnerships are horrible because of the unlimited liability. 

[plasticfiend]

Jet-Mech - 

 

I think that sometimes we (myself included) have a tendency to undervalue our own professional self worth.  You may have skills and talents that you haven't even thought of.  It may not lead you to starting your own business, but may lead you to something you can do freelance while you look for something more regular again, or maybe it leads you down a completely different career path.  My last job was a sales instructor/ trainer... basically I stand before a class of new hires every other week and teach them sales techniques.  No where in that job description would anyone think... "yeah THAT guy should start his own children's entertainment biz... I bet he can twist a SWEET BALLOON or two!"

 

But - before I worked in the corporate world (many years prior) I was a clown (no, seriously) for several years.  SO I had developed skills that I never would have though would serve me later on.  Anyhow - maybe I'm just projecting my own BS on you a bit, but keep your mind open and your chin up.  Starting that skills and talent list can be a big step in the right direction.  

 

Good luck with whatever you do, and whatever ends up happening... and if you ever need to vent... that's what we're here for! : )

 

Good luck!

 

PF!