[notwerby]

Wasn't sure which section to post this in, but this seemed the most relevant.

I have field experience, but i am currently an estimator for a small - medium sized non union company located in NYC. (I'm 27.) I love my job, my office, the people i work with, the things i get to see all throughout NYC etc. I pretty much work directly under my boss, and i am very autonomous. (No managers or supervisors breathing down my neck.) This company seems to be growing, and going places, and i am in a good position to grow with it. The only thing is, as of now, the only benefits i have are paid vacation, sick days and holidays.

In 2012 i took the MTA test for transit electrical helper, (i'm pretty sure it was directed towards the signal maintainer division,) and i got a good grade. After putting in a year and a half at my current company i almost forgot about it, until the letter came in the mail, and I have a list number of 65. Someone correct me if i'm wrong but that sounds like a pretty good list number, and now i have to make a choice.

The job starts at about 20$/hr, and after 18 months as a signal maintainer trainee you move up to signal maintainer and 30$/hr, and benefits "including, but not limited to," overtime, holidays, sick days, comprehensive medical care, pension plan, and a free metro card. (My unlimited one costs $112 a month.) (I currently make 20$, and asked my boss to move up to 25$ and he said yes.)


I really want to stay where I am, i feel like i am in a great position in this company, but i just want to think this through. I feel like if i stay side by side with my boss, and grow with the company, i would be able to end up in a position that is more lucrative than being an hourly employee for the MTA. I will have to sit down with my boss, and tell him about my desire to pass up the MTA, but i would need to talk to him about my future at the company, and I'm not sure what to ask. That is the advice i am looking for. Also keeping in mind that I love where i am now, and would take a slight pay cut to stay there, but not if it means jeopardizing a shot at a secure future. Any advice? Thanks guys.

 

[electricbysullivan]

Most people would love the security of a job like that in the city. You have no kids or a spouse to need health benefits? If the electrical company was average or worse, I would say take the job below.

Is $20-$25 an hour in the city, good money? I ask only cause everyone cries it is so expensive.

It seems like you have a nice company to work for. You got a 20% raise easily. No benefits though for the company? When a company does well and really starts to make money, they usually roll out investments through an accountant.

Could you possibly estimate part-time for the company?

 

[LGLS]

I would take the MTA job for the pension plan alone. Keep in mind that even though you're #65 on the list, it won't be until everyone who agrees to take the position that they investigate backgrounds and education, and that'll knock all the liars and exaggerators off ahead of you, in addition to all those who took other positions elsewhere and are staying put.

 

[Slickster]

If the MTA job does become available you'd be a fool not to take it.
Neither sounds like they are offering a staggering hourly wage BUT number 1, you're probably to young and inexperienced to swing from one electrical-project managing job to another 9With decent compensation) and 2, everyone seems to forget the importance of a pension these days. You need more money then you think at retirement. Every hour you work with out contributing to a retirement plan is every hour you'll end up working longer down the line.

Take the MTA job, you can always go back to job-managing if you like, the MTA gig may not come back around.

disclaimer - this advice is worth what you paid for it :jester: