We have now officially decimated our ranks - we have had six engineers leave in the last month. One doesn't really count because he just changed offices, but still, that's a lot of people. Especially considering we are the busiest we have ever been. Some are changing industries, some are changing jobs, some are changing cities. Almost all are not good losses and that makes me sad. How long do you think a company should ignore the problem before trying to do something about it?
I don't envy them for their efforts. I've been there and done that - got the t-shirt when I came back. And I've come to the conclusion that there is not a better structural engineering firm to work for in Houston. I am convinced that the more prestigious one would NOT be better because, from what I hear, the work ethic sucks. There is an unwritten rule that you should be there on Saturdays and I don't do Saturdays. If I have to work on the weekend I try to make sure I can take it home. Like I've said before, I would have to change industries for it to get any better.
So, I'm wishing them luck and I hope they find what they are looking for. I'm okay where I am for now.
The most amusing thing that has come out of all of this: our internet filter at work now blocks all job search engines.
5 comments:
Maybe you could convince Bubba to come work at your firm - we need to get him and Katie Lady and their due-in-February-Baby-B back in TEXAS!
Hmmm...I sense a theme in this industry. Any plans for some ship jumping yourself? Is there something you should tell Bubba about all these rats before he comes knocking on your door?
I don't do Saturday's, either.
No, I've jumped ship before and it wasn't any better there.
I may have discussed this earlier, but according to the president of the company, we are busier than ever before - even when things were good in the late 90s. My theory is that the management team has been out-of-touch with the production side of the company for so long that they don't realize how much work they are creating for us. To them, it's just a long list of projects which mean more money and a more profitable business. To those of us still in production, it's just a long list of never-ending headaches and no relief in sight.
Keeping my fingers crossed that they might realize there is something wrong. They've already decided to up 401k matching for the year.
Don't get me wrong it's not a bad place to work - like I said I don't think there's a better one to work for in Houston. It's the unfortunate reality of this industry.
Yeah, I know what you mean. The new company is busier than ever before, too. Way too few employees. It seems like they realize this and realize that ship jumping is part of our industry, too. Hopefully the new people they hire know what they are doing. At least I won't have to work closely with them. The good part is that they need employees so badly you feel ok saying no. And I love that the job search engines are blocked...too funny.
Everyone is busier. But if that's the case, and they are expecting you to take on more work, you should get paid for it. If they don't want to do that, then hire some more people so I don't have to work my ass off. KWIM?
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