Kawasaki Concours Forum

Mish mash => Open Forum => Topic started by: Jeremy Mitchell on February 26, 2013, 01:26:47 PM

Title: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on February 26, 2013, 01:26:47 PM

The internet has made applying for and finding jobs easy, but it is also a crutch. I wish I could walk in to a business and shake the hand of the boss, look him (or her) in the eye and tell them why I would be a good fit.  I have been working my fingers off typing up applications and emailing different companies to get information about employment. 

Oilfield work in Texas, North Dakota, Wyoming and all those other big sky states is looking pretty tempting. As long as I am not trapped in a cage/cubicle for 10 hours a day.

I just thought I would broaden my network of contacts.  Maybe one of you knows of an employer looking for a reliable, honest employee that isn't afraid to do what is needed to put food on the table. 

Without posting my resume (I would be happy to email you a copy if interested) I will tell you that I spent 13 years in the US Army as an MP.  I spent most of my career either deployed or instructing weapons and tactics.  Thanks for any contacts you can provide.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Rhino on February 26, 2013, 01:38:27 PM
For what it's worth, I keep seeing ads on TV here in Colorado for the New Mexico State Police. They are definitely hiring.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: VirginiaJim on February 26, 2013, 01:43:01 PM
Have you tried applying for LEO work, Jeremy, or is that something you don't want to do anymore?
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on February 26, 2013, 01:47:02 PM
LE would be ok, and I have a couple different counties I am looking at but here in MO (and lots of other states) they just don't want to pay a fair wage. 
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Cuda on February 26, 2013, 01:50:56 PM
I believe NY state police $80,000. base
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on February 26, 2013, 01:52:18 PM
I believe NY state police $80,000. base

Good money, bad state (IMO) to live in. 
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: connie1 on February 26, 2013, 01:57:33 PM
Lots and lots of oilfield jobs here in Alberta.  They are bringing in people from around the world.
Riding is 6-7 months.  24 hours a day in June.  Relatively empty roads.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: ZG on February 26, 2013, 02:02:47 PM
As long as I am not trapped in a cage/cubicle for 10 hours a day.

How about 4 or 5 hours a day in a cube, but half of that spent on ebay and bike forums...  ;) ;D
 
I wish you all the best in your search JM, I'll keep my ears open for ya!  :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on February 26, 2013, 02:10:13 PM

How about 4 or 5 hours a day in a cube, but half of that spent on ebay and bike forums...  ;) ;D
 
I wish you all the best in your search JM, I'll keep my ears open for ya!  :chugbeer:

I will take about anything no matter where it is, as long as they pay me a fair wage. 
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on February 26, 2013, 02:30:57 PM
U.S. Border patrol is looking for experienced people.... ;)
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on February 26, 2013, 02:43:58 PM
U.S. Border patrol is looking for experienced people.... ;)

No habla espanol.   ;D

Working up north on the Canadian border would be nice though..................


Government jobs are hard to come by right now.  I am being looked at for three different jobs but there is just so much competition that I don't have much confidence that I will end up getting it.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Outback_Jon on February 26, 2013, 03:43:16 PM
Good money, bad state (IMO) to live in.
As an LEO in NY, I have to agree.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on February 26, 2013, 03:56:21 PM
As an LEO in NY, I have to agree.

The high taxes and cost of living is my biggest issue with NY.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: VirginiaJim on February 26, 2013, 03:58:59 PM
Probably not the best of time to be looking at any Federal or DOD jobs at the moment, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on February 26, 2013, 04:09:12 PM
Probably not the best of time to be looking at any Federal or DOD jobs at the moment, unfortunately.

Preachin' to the choir on that one. 

I had a job at the MP school doing exactly what I did when I wore the uniform, that was all but guaranteed (two of my references would have been making the hiring decision).  After the 30% budget cut that position went on hold.   

I know there are jobs out there and links to apply (I applied for literally hundreds of them) for, but I guess the biggest thing that I am looking for is a phone number to talk to someone and express my willingness to work, whether it is back breaking oil field jobs or learning the ins and outs of railway transport. 
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: VirginiaJim on February 26, 2013, 04:31:42 PM
Usually you have to know someone who knows someone to get past the initial screeners.  Hopefully someone here can help with that.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Cuda on February 26, 2013, 04:38:43 PM
The high taxes and cost of living is my biggest issue with NY.

Not If you live in the country, I just had my foreman leave me for a job in NY installing a big gas line project,  Talked to him last week $31.00 per hour $100. per day expences.
He was a Leo in Kentucky and they would not except his training in FL. but they do in NY,  when he's done with this project he plans on getting back to a LEO job .
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: zsiska on February 27, 2013, 03:17:04 AM
LE would be ok, and I have a couple different counties I am looking at but here in MO (and lots of other states) they just don't want to pay a fair wage.

You can come to Virginia and work in LE for Fairfax County.  Great pay.  After 2 years on patrol, move to a specialty (Motors?).  And you can live further out where I do and pay less for housing and deal with less traffic.  I live in Warrenton and work in Chantilly (in Fairfax County).  Takes me 25-40 minutes to get to work (depending on what time I leave).  And if you get on motors, you get a take home bike to ride to and from.   
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on February 27, 2013, 07:05:07 AM
My biggest obstacle with LE is the POST exam.  The department that I apply with would ideally have an OJT period after hiring to allow me time to take the exam. 
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on March 06, 2013, 09:51:40 PM
Good news, I have an interview with BNSF.  The bad part is I have to make a 1000 mile road trip to North Dakota next week.  I sure wish the weather was more predictable up there right now or else I would ride my bike.  Now I have a boring ride in a cage, but I will be happy to make the trip if I can get a job out of the deal.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: stevewfl on March 06, 2013, 10:38:56 PM
Good news, I have an interview with BNSF.  The bad part is I have to make a 1000 mile road trip to North Dakota next week.  I sure wish the weather was more predictable up there right now or else I would ride my bike.  Now I have a boring ride in a cage, but I will be happy to make the trip if I can get a job out of the deal.

GOOD LUCK
WITH IT (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: ZG on March 06, 2013, 10:40:59 PM

GOOD LUCK
WITH IT (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)

+1...  :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: blue14 on March 07, 2013, 04:00:52 AM
 :thumbs:
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Scaffolder on March 07, 2013, 06:42:54 AM
Good luck!
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Big Mike on March 08, 2013, 05:45:36 AM
The high taxes and cost of living is my biggest issue with NY.

don't forget over governed and over regulated by down state politicians...

BNSF would be a nice gig so would NS or CSX......good luck !!
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: CRocker on March 09, 2013, 12:21:53 PM
Jeremy,

Best of luck with the search!

Brad

Modified due to autocorrect...thanks Rhino.   :o

And, yeah, Jeremy...if you're in the area...let's have lunch!
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Rhino on March 10, 2013, 09:57:04 AM
Jeremy,

Best of lunch with the search!

Brad

Yea! At least he wont go hungry ;D
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on March 11, 2013, 09:29:23 PM
Taking off tomorrow towards North Dakota.  Just wish it was on the C14 instead of a Volvo.   :-[

Fingers crossed that they find me qualified to take care of a billion ton train.   ;D
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Son of Pappy on March 11, 2013, 10:44:12 PM
Best wishes Jeremy and safe travels :)
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 12, 2013, 04:18:14 AM
Please keep in touch, Jeremy, and let us know how it's going.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Big Mike on March 12, 2013, 07:20:24 AM
safe travels..  8)
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Scaffolder on March 12, 2013, 11:43:03 AM
Have a safe trip.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on March 16, 2013, 03:48:30 PM
Made it back yesterday after 2100 miles in three days.  The interview went well.  The only thing that I am worried about is my traffic tickets.  If I had a perfect driving record I know I would have the job locked up.  Now I just wait to hear what they decided. 
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: CRocker on March 16, 2013, 03:54:07 PM
Best of luck, Jeremy!  Glad you had a safe trip!
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Son of Pappy on March 16, 2013, 04:27:11 PM
Made it back yesterday after 2100 miles in three days.  The interview went well.  The only thing that I am worried about is my traffic tickets.  If I had a perfect driving record I know I would have the job locked up.  Now I just wait to hear what they decided.
Ya shoulda told em they was performance rewards ;D

Waiting sucks >:(
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Miss Silvera on March 19, 2013, 08:03:20 AM
Many oil and gas companies now are hiring ex and retired military for line security....."Gas Line Police"......and some of the northern companies are hiring "animal" relief personnel to keep the workers safe from bears and other animals....

I read something about this a while back....will try and find it again...
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Conrad on March 19, 2013, 08:22:44 AM
Made it back yesterday after 2100 miles in three days.  The interview went well.  The only thing that I am worried about is my traffic tickets.  If I had a perfect driving record I know I would have the job locked up.  Now I just wait to hear what they decided.

Best of luck man!
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: blue14 on March 19, 2013, 05:01:07 PM
Made it back yesterday after 2100 miles in three days.  The interview went well.  The only thing that I am worried about is my traffic tickets.  If I had a perfect driving record I know I would have the job locked up.  Now I just wait to hear what they decided.

The speeding tickets simply prove you are the man if pursuit is needed.  Think positive 8)
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on March 20, 2013, 07:31:21 AM
They made me a contingent job offer.  That is the good part.  The part I need to figure out now is where I'm gonna live.  The bad part is that since the job is in North Dakota, my family will stay here in Missouri for the first year or so since I will be kept very, very busy. I will probably end up selling my motorcycle to be able to buy a travel trailer to live in for the time being.  I really don't want to do it but I can't live in a tent or support two separate households for at least a year.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Son of Pappy on March 20, 2013, 07:34:13 AM
Sell the bike?  Take a second job as a male prostitute ;) 
Congrats on the job :)
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: connie1 on March 20, 2013, 08:35:55 AM
Glad you found gainfull employment!
There are a lot of travel trailers out there so if you're not looking to live in the 'Taj Mahal'  you can probably get one for pretty cheap.  They
depreciate very very quickly so don't look at it as an investment.  Since it's North Dakota the winters are Canadian-like.  Real friggin cold.  Smaller trailer means less heat required.  Spend a bunch of money on spray urethane insulation.  You'll have all summer to figure that out though.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Conrad on March 20, 2013, 08:45:51 AM
Congrats on the job offer JM. That's tough about having to live for a while without your family and selling the bike.    :o

As Connie1 said, a trailer in the ND winter is gonna be seriously tough!
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: ZG on March 20, 2013, 09:24:52 AM
Sell the bike?  Take a second job as a male prostitute ;)   

 ;D
That's what I do... $5 hugs add up quicker than you'd think...  ;) :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Conrad on March 20, 2013, 09:28:18 AM

 ;D
That's what I do... $5 hugs add up quicker than you'd think...  ;) :chugbeer:

Yeah but, you're the one paying the 5 bux J!    ;)
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on March 20, 2013, 11:42:54 AM
I still have a couple other options and the idea of having a roommate is far from ideal but maybe I will get lucky and find a normal person who just wants to rent a room on the cheap.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on March 28, 2013, 08:43:58 PM
Taking off for North Dakota next Friday.  I have a couple solid leads for housing,  hopefully one of them works out.  Taking my C14 but unfortunately it will probably sit the majority of the time.  Hopefully I will run into some twisties up in the great white north.  Later guys.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: tweeter55 on March 28, 2013, 09:02:44 PM
Best of luck. Keep in touch. :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 29, 2013, 04:12:46 AM
+1 on that!
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on May 29, 2013, 10:54:10 PM
Been a while since I visited here but I thought I would post and update.  I've been working in North Dakota, Montana, and heading to Utah next week for another project.  I am sandblasting and painting big oil tanks and vessels for refineries and oil rigs. Hard work, but they have treated me like family up here.  BNSF didn't end up working out but I am happy to say that I just got hired with a company called BOS Solutions and will be starting with them in August running centrifuge equipment that separates the mud and other contaminants from the cooling gel that is used on the oil rigs.  Pay is great and I will be able to have 10 straight days off each month, which is much better than the two days that I have seen my family over the past couple months.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Son of Pappy on May 29, 2013, 11:07:39 PM
Great hearing from ya Jeremy, glad things are looking up!!!  Getting any riding time in?
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Rhino on May 29, 2013, 11:43:33 PM
Been a while since I visited here but I thought I would post and update.  I've been working in North Dakota, Montana, and heading to Utah next week for another project.  I am sandblasting and painting big oil tanks and vessels for refineries and oil rigs. Hard work, but they have treated me like family up here.  BNSF didn't end up working out but I am happy to say that I just got hired with a company called BOS Solutions and will be starting with them in August running centrifuge equipment that separates the mud and other contaminants from the cooling gel that is used on the oil rigs.  Pay is great and I will be able to have 10 straight days off each month, which is much better than the two days that I have seen my family over the past couple months.

That's exactly what my son in law does for a company called Clean Harbors. Used to be Peak Energy. Works mostly in Colorado now but has spent a lot of time in Wyoming and North Dakota.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: tweeter55 on May 30, 2013, 06:07:56 AM
Great news. Keep up the good attitude.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Miss Silvera on May 30, 2013, 07:05:16 AM
Stay Safe up in them hills bro!!!!
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 30, 2013, 07:32:30 AM
Totally glad things worked out for you, Jeremy!
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: ZG on May 30, 2013, 08:51:43 AM
Grats Jeremy!  :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: CRocker on May 30, 2013, 04:05:27 PM
Right on Jeremy!   :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Scaffolder on May 30, 2013, 05:28:35 PM
Very nice. I work on water towers once in a while. I haven't done fuel tanks. Do you work on a boom truck or scaffold?
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: booger on May 30, 2013, 06:13:59 PM
Been a while since I visited here but I thought I would post and update.  I've been working in North Dakota, Montana, and heading to Utah next week for another project.  I am sandblasting and painting big oil tanks and vessels for refineries and oil rigs. Hard work, but they have treated me like family up here.  BNSF didn't end up working out but I am happy to say that I just got hired with a company called BOS Solutions and will be starting with them in August running centrifuge equipment that separates the mud and other contaminants from the cooling gel that is used on the oil rigs.  Pay is great and I will be able to have 10 straight days off each month, which is much better than the two days that I have seen my family over the past couple months.

Congrats.  The oilfield has provided me a comfortable living for the past 37 years.
Might want to call the fluid "mud".
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: CMH GUY on June 01, 2013, 08:34:27 PM
thanks for keeping us posted bro!!!  Glad things are working out for you JD!!!  Hope you get to see MORE of your family!!! 
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on July 09, 2013, 09:11:04 PM
Flying into Dallas this Sunday for work. Rather be riding my bike down there but I can't complain since everything is paid for. Been relaxing at home for the last couple days and really enjoyed being able to see my family. Put about 1500 miles on my bike after leaving it parked for damn near 3 months. Here is pic from my roadtrip last week.
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: gPink on July 10, 2013, 03:50:33 AM
Good to hear from you Jeremy
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 10, 2013, 04:06:35 AM
 :thumbs:
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: Conrad on July 10, 2013, 04:25:34 AM
 :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Looking for a job
Post by: ZG on July 10, 2013, 10:36:14 AM
 :chugbeer: