Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Lazydocker on 01 August 2011, 21:25:33
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Had to see the company quack today about my back. Wasn't really a surprise... He won't let me work with a broken bone in my back and a body full of painkillers and having been off for about 8 months now I'm likely to have my employment terminated within the next couple of weeks :'( :'(
Unfortunately I am well aware that I'm not a "desirable" employee at the moment and, to use a phrase from a discussion this weekend, I'm unlikely to pass a "Paper Sift" until I have had the surgery to repair the break :'( :'(
Fortunately I should get a pay off that is sufficient to see me through a few months and I'm seriously thinking about re-training as a plumber or a sparky. I've done both at DIY level and have no concerns with doing it but do fear that it may go the same way as spanner twirling did for me (began to resent it because I had to do it and it was no longer enjoyable) :-/ :-/
Any thoughts or advice from OOFland?
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1st thing that comes to mind....and I really dont wanna throw a spanner in the works....
But realistically, is your back going to be able to cope with either of those, both in the short, and long term?
And of course...sorry your company are being like this, Not an easy time I know...
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sorry to hear that mate never good news being told something like that. i would opt for electrical rther than pllumbing to be honest, some heavy stuff in that game that might not be beneficial to your back problem when you have had it sorted. but what ever you choose i hope you get back on track soon :y :y
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They say "stick to what your good at". So, its either an LPG installation business - with a keen young trainee to do the donkey work, or...........talking for a living. :D ;D ;D
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Pointless asking me - I'm 41, still have no idea what career I want ;D
I think we've discussed all we can, you need to get repaired first. Now might be an idea to do a short term job such as we discussed, utilising contacts. Currently, as said, you're gonna struggle to get as far as an interview in an open job market :(
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They say "stick to what your good at". So, its either an LPG installation business - with a keen young trainee to do the donkey work, or...........talking for a living. :D ;D ;D
Or tea boy. He makes a decent pot. Frequently. Very frequently.
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I'm sorry it's finally coming to a head. :(
What is the prognosis on the back? Just thinking, both a sparky and a plumber are jobs that require you to be able to get about and do some lifting, etc. (my brother is a sparky and currently up on roofs fitting solar panels) and, whilst they are 99% common sense for someone who knows the basics, the route to being professionally certified is a long one in both cases. I'm wondering if something you can do from a desk wouldn't be a better way to invest that time until you know you are 100% again? :-/
I hope something turns up soon, at any rate.
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They say "stick to what your good at". So, its either an LPG installation business - with a keen young trainee to do the donkey work, or...........talking for a living. :D ;D ;D
Or tea boy. He makes a decent pot. Frequently. Very frequently.
Just a shame you can't keep up :P
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Sorry to hear about your job but I'm sure it'll work out for the best.
As others have said think hard about a manual trade, backs don't tend to get back to normal after problems / surgery and it's likely to be something you'll always have to take extra care of.
My Dad has been a spark all his working life and now has problems with his back and most of his joints from continually stretching, straining and lifting up and down ladders, not an easy job.
Hope you work something out soon but give your back a chance, you only get the one.
Take care :-*
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Sorry to hear this Paul, must have come as a shock, even when expected... :( As others have said, what you are thinking of doing can be heavy work, any chance of re-deployment in your company to a 'desk job'? I appreciate it is not everyone's cup of tea, having been there myself... :)
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1st thing that comes to mind....and I really dont wanna throw a spanner in the works....
But realistically, is your back going to be able to cope with either of those, both in the short, and long term?
And of course...sorry your company are being like this, Not an easy time I know...
Not throwing a spanner in the works at all... The same thought had crossed my mind and I wouldn't be able to work properly until after I had recovered from surgery. It was something I was considering about 5 years ago but never got around to it ::)
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1st thing that comes to mind....and I really dont wanna throw a spanner in the works....
But realistically, is your back going to be able to cope with either of those, both in the short, and long term?
And of course...sorry your company are being like this, Not an easy time I know...
Not throwing a spanner in the works at all... The same thought had crossed my mind and I wouldn't be able to work properly until after I had recovered from surgery. It was something I was considering about 5 years ago but never got around to it ::)
:y
As im discovering, its a lot easier to dismiss ideas than it is to come up with good ones :y
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Sorry to hear this Paul, must have come as a shock, even when expected... :( As others have said, what you are thinking of doing can be heavy work, any chance of re-deployment in your company to a 'desk job'? I appreciate it is not everyone's cup of tea, having been there myself... :)
Don't really get on with driving a desk, but it may be possible if there is something available and I can get HR to agree to it. Unfortunately they can't generate a position for me and the doctor is, quite understandably, not happy to sign me fit to be at work on company premises.
Having spoken to him at some length this morning about exactly what a "Pars Defect" is and quite how serious it can be I'm not surprised :o :o I hadn't appreciated quite how serious it could be :-[
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1st thing that comes to mind....and I really dont wanna throw a spanner in the works....
But realistically, is your back going to be able to cope with either of those, both in the short, and long term?
And of course...sorry your company are being like this, Not an easy time I know...
Not throwing a spanner in the works at all... The same thought had crossed my mind and I wouldn't be able to work properly until after I had recovered from surgery. It was something I was considering about 5 years ago but never got around to it ::)
:y
As im discovering, its a lot easier to dismiss ideas than it is to come up with good ones :y
TBH, I had pretty much ruled them both out anyway... Just needed someone else to tell me what a stupid idea it was ::) ::) ;D
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They say "stick to what your good at". So, its either an LPG installation business - with a keen young trainee to do the donkey work, or...........talking for a living. :D ;D ;D
Guess you're not volunteering then :P :P :D
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Another couple of thoughts are Franchises... Chimney sweep (although that too can be quite physical) which would be quite busy in my area, or a specialist fuel drain company for all the muppets that put the wrong fuel in at the filling station ;D
The latter is actually not a particularly demanding job (physically) and something I have a fair bit of experience in anyway from my garage time ;) Not a huge startup cost and high profit return. If anyone here has ever put the wrong fuel in you'll know how much it costs to have it drained out... There's not a lot to it either ;D
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I'm sorry it's finally coming to a head. :(
What is the prognosis on the back? Just thinking, both a sparky and a plumber are jobs that require you to be able to get about and do some lifting, etc. (my brother is a sparky and currently up on roofs fitting solar panels) and, whilst they are 99% common sense for someone who knows the basics, the route to being professionally certified is a long one in both cases. I'm wondering if something you can do from a desk wouldn't be a better way to invest that time until you know you are 100% again? :-/
I hope something turns up soon, at any rate.
You beat me to it Kevin. I've just had some electrics done by a pal to took redundancy at the same time as me and retrained as a sparky. @ the age of 54 he was really struggling up in the roof spaces & he is quite fit. :(
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1st thing that comes to mind....and I really dont wanna throw a spanner in the works....
But realistically, is your back going to be able to cope with either of those, both in the short, and long term?
And of course...sorry your company are being like this, Not an easy time I know...
Not throwing a spanner in the works at all... The same thought had crossed my mind and I wouldn't be able to work properly until after I had recovered from surgery. It was something I was considering about 5 years ago but never got around to it ::)
:y
As im discovering, its a lot easier to dismiss ideas than it is to come up with good ones :y
TBH, I had pretty much ruled them both out anyway... Just needed someone else to tell me what a stupid idea it was ::) ::) ;D
Nothing stupid about it,good on you for having the guts to re-train,a lot of folk would just sign on the sick and be done with it :y
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Another couple of thoughts are Franchises... Chimney sweep (although that too can be quite physical) which would be quite busy in my area, or a specialist fuel drain company for all the muppets that put the wrong fuel in at the filling station ;D
The latter is actually not a particularly demanding job (physically) and something I have a fair bit of experience in anyway from my garage time ;) Not a huge startup cost and high profit return. If anyone here has ever put the wrong fuel in you'll know how much it costs to have it drained out... There's not a lot to it either ;D
Yep. Fuel drain jobs take the p**s cost wise and, as you say, probably aren't that physically demanding. I do wonder how much of that cost is down to disposing of the fuel in an environmentally friendly way (or, at least, gaining certificates that say you do ::)) but it's not something I know anything about. Certainly one to investigate further, IMHO. :y
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Incidentally, a mate of mine has worked draining contaminated fuel in a marine environment so I'll see if I can glean some info next time I see him (probably tomorrow).
I know that where it's straightforward sea water contamination they put it through a cyclone and recover the fuel back to the vessel while separating off the water, but he'll have some idea, I'm sure.
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1st thing that comes to mind....and I really dont wanna throw a spanner in the works....
But realistically, is your back going to be able to cope with either of those, both in the short, and long term?
And of course...sorry your company are being like this, Not an easy time I know...
Not throwing a spanner in the works at all... The same thought had crossed my mind and I wouldn't be able to work properly until after I had recovered from surgery. It was something I was considering about 5 years ago but never got around to it ::)
:y
As im discovering, its a lot easier to dismiss ideas than it is to come up with good ones :y
TBH, I had pretty much ruled them both out anyway... Just needed someone else to tell me what a stupid idea it was ::) ::) ;D
Nothing stupid about it,good on you for having the guts to re-train,a lot of folk would just sign on the sick and be done with it :y
Thanks. Tbh, I have to be a little sensible and realistic... I can't do something too physical as after a double fusion my spinal movement will be slightly restricted
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Incidentally, a mate of mine has worked draining contaminated fuel in a marine environment so I'll see if I can glean some info next time I see him (probably tomorrow).
I know that where it's straightforward sea water contamination they put it through a cyclone and recover the fuel back to the vessel while separating off the water, but he'll have some idea, I'm sure.
Any extra info is great :y
I've done my fair share of automotive fuel drain downs and know what's involved... It is high on the list of potentials and also makes me the boss, avoiding the hurdle of getting through the initial sort where someone sees I've been off work for 8 months to a year with a back problem
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Sorry to hear about that, mate. Best advice I can give is to become a politician. Loads of money, work when you feel like it, plenty of expenses and no-one to answer to.....
;) ;D ;D
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Sorry to hear about that, mate. Best advice I can give is to become a politician. Loads of money, work when you feel like it, plenty of expenses and no-one to answer to.....
;) ;D ;D
I'm impressed you managed to get politics into this thread NB! ;D ;D ;D
But on a more serious note... I've got too much of a conscience to become a politician... I like to sleep at night ;) Same reason I won't go and do private sales in the home for some kitchen/bathroom companies ;)
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Yep. Fuel drain jobs take the p**s cost wise
And so they should :y
If the country's laws prevent us from shooting incredibly stupid people, then bankrupt them is the next best way forward. Then shoot them.
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Had to see the company quack today about my back. Wasn't really a surprise... He won't let me work with a broken bone in my back and a body full of painkillers and having been off for about 8 months now I'm likely to have my employment terminated within the next couple of weeks :'( :'(
Unfortunately I am well aware that I'm not a "desirable" employee at the moment and, to use a phrase from a discussion this weekend, I'm unlikely to pass a "Paper Sift" until I have had the surgery to repair the break :'( :'(
Fortunately I should get a pay off that is sufficient to see me through a few months and I'm seriously thinking about re-training as a plumber or a sparky. I've done both at DIY level and have no concerns with doing it but do fear that it may go the same way as spanner twirling did for me (began to resent it because I had to do it and it was no longer enjoyable) :-/ :-/
Any thoughts or advice from OOFland?
made that mistake along time ago, doing it because you enjoy it is far different from doing it because it pays the bills, but best of luck mate
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Driving any good? Taxi? Rarely need to get out the car at all except for the odd bag in the boot...? plus the other options discussed.
Bit boring maybe...? Need to get fixed first though. (didn't need to say that last bit did I)
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Driving any good? Taxi? Rarely need to get out the car at all except for the odd bag in the boot...? plus the other options discussed.
Bit boring maybe...? Need to get fixed first though. (didn't need to say that last bit did I)
I was talking to my next door neighbour about this yesterday - he does private hire.
He said there that many people lost jobs lately, loads have started on the cabs. He is doing longer and longer days, and bringing in less money as there are too many cabs and not enough customers.
Looks like councils really need to take demand / supply into account with licenses.
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Driving any good? Taxi? Rarely need to get out the car at all except for the odd bag in the boot...? plus the other options discussed.
Bit boring maybe...? Need to get fixed first though. (didn't need to say that last bit did I)
I was talking to my next door neighbour about this yesterday - he does private hire.
He said there that many people lost jobs lately, loads have started on the cabs. He is doing longer and longer days, and bringing in less money as there are too many cabs and not enough customers.
Looks like councils really need to take demand / supply into account with licenses.
Yeah... I've got a mate who does it in Ipswich... 12 hour days (most of the time), 7 days a week and he's lucky if he clears £50/day :o :o
Not something I've completely ruled out, although I'd be more inclined to do "Executive Transfers" so no drunken chavs to deal with ;D
I actually have a friend acquaintance who has his own Airport taxi business (using Pug 406's) who is on the list of people to chat to... He's always moaning he's too busy and having to turn away work ;)
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Sorry to hear about this :'(
Does sound like if you do need a new job, it would have to no involve much movement. I know you said you were not keen on office environment.
Maybe time for a complete change? As sitting for the most part I assume is ok?
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Sorry to hear about this :'(
Does sound like if you do need a new job, it would have to no involve much movement. I know you said you were not keen on office environment.
Maybe time for a complete change? As sitting for the most part I assume is ok?
TBH, there is no position that is overly comfortable at the moment... I need to get fixed!
Unfortunately, as has been said, I'll struggle to even get to an interview in the present situation (having been off work for 8 months) but once fixed stand a better chance ;)
Although, to be fair, I'm looking at this as an opportunity to go self employed to try and address my biggest gripe of rotating shift work ;)
I have a tentative job offer for after I've had the surgery and there is less chance of my back giving out... It's just a case of trying to capitalise on the situation and get something rolling now ;)
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I like the idea of the fuel drain business LD :y
You could pay some unsrupulous scrotes to go round switching nozzles and labels at the fuel stations at night, so you're sleeping easy 8-) Then you're busy the next day 'cleaning up' :y :y :y
Get yourself on Dragons Den and Duncan would back you. He looks like he'd be up for some skullduggery!! Franchaise the business model and Bobs your Uncle.....
This time next year Rodney!!! :y :D :y
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I like the idea of the fuel drain business LD :y
You could pay some unsrupulous scrotes to go round switching nozzles and labels at the fuel stations at night, so you're sleeping easy 8-) Then you're busy the next day 'cleaning up' :y :y :y
Get yourself on Dragons Den and Duncan would back you. He looks like he'd be up for some skullduggery!! Franchaise the business model and Bobs your Uncle.....
This time next year Rodney!!! :y :D :y
Meanwhile, no more expensive fuel oil deliveries for your central heating. :y
It's just a case of trying to capitalise on the situation and get something rolling now
Indeed. That's the most important thing. You have the luxury of some time on your hands so use it wisely. :y
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I like the idea of the fuel drain business LD :y
You could pay some unsrupulous scrotes to go round switching nozzles and labels at the fuel stations at night, so you're sleeping easy 8-) Then you're busy the next day 'cleaning up' :y :y :y
Get yourself on Dragons Den and Duncan would back you. He looks like he'd be up for some skullduggery!! Franchaise the business model and Bobs your Uncle.....
This time next year Rodney!!! :y :D :y
Meanwhile, no more expensive fuel oil deliveries for your central heating. :y
It's just a case of trying to capitalise on the situation and get something rolling now
Indeed. That's the most important thing. You have the luxury of some time on your hands so use it wisely. :y
I was thinking "I wonder how well our boiler would run on contaminated fuel instead of Kerosene?" ::) ;D
Just spoken to the top man about a franchise... Seems exciting. Lots of big contracts and large earning potential. My area is available and currently being covered by the guys either side of it (about an hour away minimum), and busy (he reckons if I was to be "available to work from today I'd be on my way to my first job within 3 hours :o :y)... One has been going for 7 months and has just ordered another vehicle to employ someone else to help on his patch :o
Not a horrendous fee either, although more than I have at the moment, and on current figures would be repayed within 18 months.
Need to have a decent look at the business model and see if I can arrange the finance (after SWMBO and I discuss it properly ;))
About 6 weeks lead time for startup and, most importantly, he wasn't at all concerned about the back issue :y
If nothing else it has really perked me up today :y :y :y
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That sounds like a really promising franchise, good luck with it :y
A very tempting idea :y
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I was thinking "I wonder how well our boiler would run on contaminated fuel instead of Kerosene?" ::) ;D
As long as it's mostly diesel it'll be fine. Too much petrol in the mix and that thump you get when it lights might be a bit more noticeable (and take the chimney breast with it). ::)
Just spoken to the top man about a franchise... Seems exciting. Lots of big contracts and large earning potential....
Excellent. :y
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I was thinking "I wonder how well our boiler would run on contaminated fuel instead of Kerosene?" ::) ;D
As long as it's mostly diesel it'll be fine. Too much petrol in the mix and that thump you get when it lights might be a bit more noticeable (and take the chimney breast with it). ::)
Just spoken to the top man about a franchise... Seems exciting. Lots of big contracts and large earning potential....
Excellent. :y
Might take the term "open plan living area" a little far perhaps :D :D :o
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Evening Paul. Sorry to hear you can't return to your old post. The wrong fuel sounds like a maybe but still could involve leaning or crawling under different motors & night call outs plus the bother of self employment & non guaranteed income?...ie peace rate? Are you still HGV positive? If so although i know you did.nt really want to return to it i'm sure you could manage container work.
Given the docks you're near to & said transport firms you could turn a coin for now & maybe drive a truck desk as a planner once established?
The best planners are ex drivers as you know yourself. N ot sure what else to suggest mate but best wishes & a big old bear hug to Emma!, Guy. :y
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Hi Guy,
It does involve 24/7 work, although that's not a major concern ;)
I've been upfront with the guy about my back and the situation. He's sympathetic because he went through the same thing about 8 years ago ::) I know what's involved and it's within my current capabilities (at worst) so will be fine when I'm fixed :y Unfortunately I'm only HGV Neutral (no 'E') so very little container work available :( I could do my CE but, looking at the business model I have produced today, I would be foolish to ;)
May well want to meet up with you in the not too distant future though as I might be up your way for a fortnight ;D
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Hi Guy,
It does involve 24/7 work, although that's not a major concern ;)
I've been upfront with the guy about my back and the situation. He's sympathetic because he went through the same thing about 8 years ago ::) I know what's involved and it's within my current capabilities (at worst) so will be fine when I'm fixed :y Unfortunately I'm only HGV Neutral (no 'E') so very little container work available :( I could do my CE but, looking at the business model I have produced today, I would be foolish to ;)
May well want to meet up with you in the not too distant future though as I might be up your way for a fortnight ;D
You'll both be more than welcome at my door. :y
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Hi Guy,
It does involve 24/7 work, although that's not a major concern ;)
I've been upfront with the guy about my back and the situation. He's sympathetic because he went through the same thing about 8 years ago ::) I know what's involved and it's within my current capabilities (at worst) so will be fine when I'm fixed :y Unfortunately I'm only HGV Neutral (no 'E') so very little container work available :( I could do my CE but, looking at the business model I have produced today, I would be foolish to ;)
May well want to meet up with you in the not too distant future though as I might be up your way for a fortnight ;D
You'll both be more than welcome at my door. :y
As you are at ours :y
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Sorry to hear about this :'(
Does sound like if you do need a new job, it would have to no involve much movement. I know you said you were not keen on office environment.
Maybe time for a complete change? As sitting for the most part I assume is ok?
TBH, there is no position that is overly comfortable at the moment... I need to get fixed!
Unfortunately, as has been said, I'll struggle to even get to an interview in the present situation (having been off work for 8 months) but once fixed stand a better chance ;)
Although, to be fair, I'm looking at this as an opportunity to go self employed to try and address my biggest gripe of rotating shift work ;)
I have a tentative job offer for after I've had the surgery and there is less chance of my back giving out... It's just a case of trying to capitalise on the situation and get something rolling now ;)
You looked pretty rather comfortable sat on my sofa the other week. :D ;D ;D
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Sorry to hear about this :'(
Does sound like if you do need a new job, it would have to no involve much movement. I know you said you were not keen on office environment.
Maybe time for a complete change? As sitting for the most part I assume is ok?
TBH, there is no position that is overly comfortable at the moment... I need to get fixed!
Unfortunately, as has been said, I'll struggle to even get to an interview in the present situation (having been off work for 8 months) but once fixed stand a better chance ;)
Although, to be fair, I'm looking at this as an opportunity to go self employed to try and address my biggest gripe of rotating shift work ;)
I have a tentative job offer for after I've had the surgery and there is less chance of my back giving out... It's just a case of trying to capitalise on the situation and get something rolling now ;)
You looked pretty rather comfortable sat on my sofa the other week. :D ;D ;D
That's because the lovely Mrs Albs was looking after me ;)
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Dispite my flippent post yesterday, the fuel drain business is an interesting idea :y I'm wondering though if the franchaise is good value and whether it would be better to set up on your own. ::)
I guess that for the franchaise fee you get a branded equiped van, uniform, training, ADR cert, the benefit of whatever marketing the company does and support and advice. :-?
To be honest I wasn't aware of companies out there offering this service, but a quick google prooves otherwise, which suggests there is a market for this. I've looked at several franchaise businesses over the years however and hove wondered whether they make their money selling the franchaise or if its a sound business..... :-?
I live in a rural area, so I think that my territory would have to be large to make it work, entailing lots of travelling and fuel costs.... My neighbour uses a lawncare company (Franchaise) to look after his lawn and the guy comes from 30 miles away...... but he's been around for some time so he's obviously making a living!!
I'm also looking at getting back into the workplace, after being out due to a serious illness for some time..... Might have to dust down the HGV license.... ::)
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I'm guessing that most people's reaction to mis-fuelling would be to call AA/RAC/Green flag rather then thumb through the yellow pages. They are then going to pass the business on as their patrols won't be equipped to deal with it, so, I guess, being part of a larger franchise gives you a stronger position to deal with them, and may even be essential to get your foot in the door. :-/
Doesn't stop you leaving your business card at every petrol station in the area though. ;)
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Yes, I'd have thought that the larger companies would have deals with the breakdown companies and also the oil companies and supermarkets :-/
I think abit of research in the form of a quiet chat with some petrol station managers would be a good start ;)
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Yes, I'd have thought that the larger companies would have deals with the breakdown companies and also the oil companies and supermarkets :-/
I think abit of research in the form of a quiet chat with some petrol station managers would be a good start ;)
Miss fuelling is not covered by any breakdown policy ;)
The franchise fee gets access to a lot of support and many large, national contracts :y
I have a meeting pencilled in for next Wednesday, assuming that my meeting with work on Monday goes as I expect it to
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Dispite my flippent post yesterday, the fuel drain business is an interesting idea :y I'm wondering though if the franchaise is good value and whether it would be better to set up on your own. ::)
I guess that for the franchaise fee you get a branded equiped van, uniform, training, ADR cert, the benefit of whatever marketing the company does and support and advice. :-?
To be honest I wasn't aware of companies out there offering this service, but a quick google prooves otherwise, which suggests there is a market for this. I've looked at several franchaise businesses over the years however and hove wondered whether they make their money selling the franchaise or if its a sound business..... :-?
I live in a rural area, so I think that my territory would have to be large to make it work, entailing lots of travelling and fuel costs.... My neighbour uses a lawncare company (Franchaise) to look after his lawn and the guy comes from 30 miles away...... but he's been around for some time so he's obviously making a living!!
I'm also looking at getting back into the workplace, after being out due to a serious illness for some time..... Might have to dust down the HGV license.... ::)
A pal of mine put the wrong fuel recently, realised and went into the garage to explain what he had done. he garage gave him a card, newly delivered to the garage, for a company that sorts it out......he rang then, they came out quite quickly drained and refueled, cost him an arm and a leg, but less than a new engine, so he was sort of happy.....guess how sympathetic his friends were though when he told us the story....... :D :D :D
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Great!! Let us know how you get on and Good Luck!! :y :y :y