Do you have a job or are you unemployed?

[GreyCat]

Hello, I am new here. I have been following the work and the site since early 2006 I think. I have read all of your answers on this topic, it is a topic that concerns me deeply - having enough work and also having that work that pays enough to live on.

This year has been pretty hard. I might first elaborate on what I do for living. I service and maintain all kinds of industrial automation and CNC machines. I'm specialized in repairing and bringing back into function all of the hardest cases. When a machine is said to be dead, as in D E A D, when 10 others have tried and failed, when the manufacturer gives up on it, that is where I come in. I have about 98% rate of success. I can repair all kind of faults, electrical, electronics, sensors, servo drives and servo motors. Hydraulic, pneumatic and similar. Also I am adept at CAD/CAM, can model in 3D, can make 2D drawings in AutoCAD, and can also program complex 3D parts in MasterCam, ESPRIT, SolidCam, and others. Can program G-code by hand.

So you are asking yourself where is the problem? 2019 was a solid year, it was ok as per bussiness side. For 2020 the propositions were looking up, there was quite a lot of prearranged bussiness for 2020, that was until all this corona lies started. I got canceled on ALL orders in March, and there was almost NO jobs until say June, when it picked up a little, but died quickly. Then in October it again got going a bit, but then in November and December again it slows down. Now I have NEVER had a situation like this before, but it is understandeable, since scaring the populace and restricting movement of people leads to firms postponing their plans for upgrading machines, reapir and everything in general.

Now, this is not good for my bussiness, as I am tied to the production industry - wood, metal, plastics, you name it. This past 2020 I have seen at least 20 of my clients go bankrupt, and they were ok clients. My work is mostly on the field, at the client, I cant do my work remote. With all of these restrictions on travel and whatnot, I am begining to ask myself is my job viable. I simply do not know. Mind you, I have been doing this job for the last 15 years. I am good at it, and I love doing it. I love bringing life and function to something all others have wrote off. I love making things work again. I love a good riddle, a complicated job, always different.

But I am worried. My job requires a lot of tools. Expensive tools that must be maintained. A lot of work hours, a lot of effort, a lot of money spent on my transportation (car needs tires, brakes, fluids, filters, suspension, insurance, fuel, it adds to a lot of money).

I do not know does my bussiness have a future in Croatia. Our goverment has been working very very hard to destroy any and all industry in Croatia. I simply do not know how much industry will be left here. If any.

Right now, the work is barely enough to eek out a modest living. Not good. I am thinking maybe I should reoirent on something else, like Java or Phyton programming. I have used to do some C++ and VisualBasic programming way way back (20 yrs ago). It is not a job that I hate, I can do it, I like it, but maybe a bit less then what I do now.

I have been thining I either need to relocate somewhere (other European countries still have a strong industry and I beleive I should be able to find a reasonable job in some other country in my field of work), or I need to change my focus onto computer programming because today you can do that from pretty much anywhere, and that is a very good thing in this crazy times.

What do you think? What is smarter to do? I need to change something. I think that I cant keep doing what I'm doing right now because it is a lot of very specialized an hard work, with a lot of tools needed, and it is simply barely enough to live on.

Also, I have thought about working for other companies here in Croatia, but it isnt going to happen. I have been on the receiving end of so much fraud and generally lied to, when I have worked for others, that I simply cannot see myself ever working again for a domestic company. As far as I am concerned, they are all liars. It might sound harsh, but in regards to workers rights, Croatia is basically an Africa with electricity, Yes, it is that bad here. If I were to do that again, I can see a situation where on the slightest sign of fraud or disrespect I would just turn away and quit on the spot.

Ok thats it. I feel better when I can say this to someone. I hope (and pray) that I will make the right choice. I wilI will be frank, it pains me when I see, some of my colleauges, for instance one is truck driver, he's gone to Geramay, and when I see how life can be simple. He works for 8 hrs a day, monday to friday, sometimes saturday, but it is always paid for. He has enough money and an ok job to live mostly stress free. Why it cant be like that here in Croatia, nobody knows. Ok thats enough for today, thanks for reading.

 

[Lucius]

Ant22 thanks for the good advice, it sounds reasonable. However, if I do not write any post tomorrow... it means that I have failed and I am at Police Station.

I am obviously joking :)

Ant22 mask works - it went through the check - nobody asked about anything. I think this is the best solution for the moment, which makes me not "hit the spotlight".

 

[Ant22]

Ant22 mask works - it went through the check - nobody asked about anything. I think this is the best solution for the moment, which makes me not "hit the spotlight".

Great stuff, I'm glad it works. I'm technically exempt on medical grounds but sometimes it's less hassle to just wear a mask than wave the exemption letter around. I only wear that one layer mask and so far I've had no issues. I think people just want to see you're compliant, it doesn't matter to them that the mask does sweet nothing to stop these evil droplets as long as you wear it.

 

[Lucius]

Great stuff, I'm glad it works. I'm technically exempt on medical grounds but sometimes it's less hassle to just wear a mask than wave the exemption letter around. I only wear that one layer mask and so far I've had no issues. I think people just want to see you're compliant, it doesn't matter to them that the mask does sweet nothing to stop these evil droplets as long as you wear it.

Exactly as you write, as long as it works, I have no intention of changing this approach. I am glad that you gave me such advice to Ant22 - I wonder if other people from the forum know such a life hack with the masks? People still wear masks under their noses etc. but at least now, as I see the police or other services, I can be in the "crowd" without additional "stress". A little more energy for observing the surroundings, here and now.

 

[Ant22]

Hello, I am new here. I have been following the work and the site since early 2006 I think. I have read all of your answers on this topic, it is a topic that concerns me deeply - having enough work and also having that work that pays enough to live on.

Hello GreyCat, great to meet you! Thank you for an extensive post about your professional circumstances. As this is your first post on the forum it would also be great if you could introduce yourself in the Newbies section, letting us know how you've found us, which Laura's books you're familiar with and which aspects of the forum work you are most interested in

If you're not sure what information to include, you can have a read through other members' introductory posts for ideas.

 

[Ant22]

Right now, the work is barely enough to eek out a modest living. Not good. I am thinking maybe I should reoirent on something else, like Java or Phyton programming. I have used to do some C++ and VisualBasic programming way way back (20 yrs ago). It is not a job that I hate, I can do it, I like it, but maybe a bit less then what I do now.

I don't know much about your primary field but I have worked for an IT consultancy for nearly a decade and we worked with both UK and European clients. The market continues to be strangely good for IT professionals and the good thing is that most IT jobs can be done remotely. I'd say it wouldn't be a bad idea at all to consider that avenue. With the business world changing to virtual operations it's likely that IT will continue to do well until the transition is more or less completed.

You could try and get a remote job paying a western salary, although due to taxation implications involved in hiring staff based outside the company's country of operations most remote roles are temporary contracts rather than permanent roles. But given that they pay much more than full-time roles (often double after tax) you could end up benefiting from such an arrangement without the need to relocate.

Your best bet is Java, I've been hearing it's on its way out for years, but it continues to be massively in demand while paying top rates in software development. C++ and Python are much less desirable so someone with an average skillset would struggle. Additionally, many, if not most clients require full stack skillset these days, so learning both backend and frontend languages would make you much more desirable.

The trouble is that you'd be competing with people who have recent IT experience, which is always preferred by employers/clients. I'd suggest starting with junior roles, or offering free services to clients just to get something on your CV and then applying for commercial roles. After 20 years the technologies have changed, you'll need to not only refresh your skill set but also learn new things. But I'd say it is achievable if you've done it before - and if you start very soon. We really don't know how much time of relatively functional economy we have left.

 

[PERLOU]

Bienvenue parmi nous...

Welcome among us...

 

[Ant22]

Since March, I receive only what the government gives me. I have everything I need right now. I thought about looking for a new job but I don't want to wear a mask. It is rather difficult because of the current situation.

I am curious about your situation. You are free to share.

Hi maguenette, I now have a job but I was unemployed for a few months as my employer decided to close down and retire instead of dealing with a combined impact of Covid and legislative changes the government introduced. I therefore like you I lived off government's assistance until September.

But although it was a comfortable arrangement and my basic needs were met, for me it wasn't enough for a number of reasons. This is just my personal take on this so please take it for what it's worth.

First of all, my income massively decreased. This meant that things I could just pay for when I was working became a luxury I had to budget for - or go without. For example, organic meat and veggies, or good quality supplements weren't affordable anymore. Same thing went for flight tickets, stocking up on supplies and preparing a foundation for the likely economic disaster ahead of us. Even the Covid vaccine detox protocol would be a financial strain when living off benefits and who knows what else I will need to buy to protect my health, well-being and safety in the future? When the economy crashes food shortages will be likely, prices will go up sharply and living off benefits may not be possible anymore. Governments may simply not be able to afford that. I decided that I needed my income back to ensure I could continue to prepare for the worst case scenario. And when that happens I will be better prepared than I would have been if I had continued to live off benefits.

Second of all, it meant I wasn't an obyvatel anymore. For me personally this was a HUGE motivation to get back on the horse. I don't know how important it is for you but I felt pretty awful not being able to donate to FOTCM anymore. As an active member here I do get a LOT out of this place and not being able to give anything back meant I was effectively a free rider. I even wondered if I was going to be able to continue to grow and progress on my chosen path at the current pace if the energy exchange between me and FOTCM remained so unequal.

And given that FOTCM experienced financial struggles last year (as mentioned in the recent session) it is tremendously important that us, FOTCM satellites, keep the mothership going. Donating skills is certainly important but the Chateau's rent, food, and other necessities aren't paid for using our skills, but money.

And lastly, I am an immigrant in another country and despite already having the citizenship of this country I felt awful being one of "those" immigrants who live off the system. That's just my take on this, I can imagine times have changed and many previously hardworking people have been pushed into unemployment. But I don't want to take the easy way out yet when I can keep fighting.

Interestingly enough, I got an offer of not far off my dream job within a week of resuming my job search. I took a pay cut but I also managed to generate additional income from my own company which I'm also building on the side. I'm quite amazed how well things have worked out and in all honesty I'm in a better place than I was before Covid hit. I hope you'll make the right decision for you as well. Networking is always useful so do continue to share your thoughts here

 

[Cosmos]

What do you think? What is smarter to do? I need to change something.

Welcome GreyCat! Interesting skills you have learned in your business I have to say. I tend to agree with Ant22 suggestions. Making the change to programming (which you seem to be somewhat familiar with already) might really be a good idea right now, especially in a not so well-developed country (industry wise) such as Croatia. I have the feeling that things won't change to the better, so it might be wise now to change course, and you seem to be more than able to do something like this. Good luck!

 

[grini]

Hi GreyCat,

I think it is a good idea to start learning programming. I'm also from Croatia and I work in IT company, and I must say it is pretty darn good to work in this field these days. There is always a need for programmers.

Also, I have thought about working for other companies here in Croatia, but it isnt going to happen. I have been on the receiving end of so much fraud and generally lied to, when I have worked for others, that I simply cannot see myself ever working again for a domestic company. As far as I am concerned, they are all liars. It might sound harsh, but in regards to workers rights, Croatia is basically an Africa with electricity, Yes, it is that bad here. If I were to do that again, I can see a situation where on the slightest sign of fraud or disrespect I would just turn away and quit on the spot.

I understand your frustration, I thought the same when I got my first job. You work almost for nothing, they don't pay overtime but want you to stay a few hours longer every week and they often tell you that you should be happy that you work for them. One time by boss sent me an email to let me know that I got a raise, oh boy, what a raise that was... around 50 HRK (not even 7 EUR), disgusting!

But now in this company that I'm currently working (4.5 years) it is a complete opposite. Bosses are great, my paycheck doubled since I started working for them and it is always on time. Every year there are bonuses and overtime is paid.

So, I don't think that all of them are bad and liars, there are many of them that are, but not all.

It is always good to learn something new while you are doing what you are doing for living. You never know where this new skill will take you and become useful in the future.

Good luck, GreyCat!

 

[AndrewMn]

I am sorry, I would like to share my opinion with the dear @GreyCat. Belarus has a similar economy (judging by its GDP and world rankings). We are also in decline in the real sector of production, but information technologies are developing. However, finding a job in IT is difficult. As wrote above @Ant22 , you need to know the full stack of technologies. This is not always possible, since it takes a lot of time to study at a level sufficient for the employer. At the same time, I faced the problem of age when looking for a job. In our country, many employers are looking for young (20-25 years old) workers. Finding a job at 40 is already quite difficult in the IT sector. It seems to me that with your ability to work with complex equipment, it might be easier to develop your own product (device) that could be useful to others. Accessories, measuring or calibration tools are possible.
Perhaps it would be worthwhile to organize a training course (online) in your direction. After all, you are a professional in this area. And consulting for a fee would be faster than learning a programming language and trying to start from scratch, competing with established specialists. While you can certainly also explore Java, php, phyton, c++ (Although this programming language is quite specific. My cousin is a professional programmer. Has inconsistent small orders, living in St. Petersburg, because development on it is expensive and time-consuming. And many customers recently want to quickly, inexpensively, and find a number of other solutions, albeit not with low quality).
By the way, if you know AutoCAD and similar software packages well, you could try to pass officially for a certificate (if you don't have one yet - aci.autodesk.com) and become a professional trainer. Services of this kind have always been recovered in the design and engineering calculations.

 

[GreyCat]

I don't know much about your primary field but I have worked for an IT consultancy for nearly a decade and we worked with both UK and European clients. The market continues to be strangely good for IT professionals and the good thing is that most IT jobs can be done remotely. I'd say it wouldn't be a bad idea at all to consider that avenue. With the business world changing to virtual operations it's likely that IT will continue to do well until the transition is more or less completed.

You could try and get a remote job paying a western salary, although due to taxation implications involved in hiring staff based outside the company's country of operations most remote roles are temporary contracts rather than permanent roles. But given that they pay much more than full-time roles (often double after tax) you could end up benefiting from such an arrangement without the need to relocate.

Your best bet is Java, I've been hearing it's on its way out for years, but it continues to be massively in demand while paying top rates in software development. C++ and Python are much less desirable so someone with an average skillset would struggle. Additionally, many, if not most clients require full stack skillset these days, so learning both backend and frontend languages would make you much more desirable.

The trouble is that you'd be competing with people who have recent IT experience, which is always preferred by employers/clients. I'd suggest starting with junior roles, or offering free services to clients just to get something on your CV and then applying for commercial roles. After 20 years the technologies have changed, you'll need to not only refresh your skill set but also learn new things. But I'd say it is achievable if you've done it before - and if you start very soon. We really don't know how much time of relatively functional economy we have left.

Hello. Thanks for your answer. I haven't really answered since my head has sincerely been a bit of a mess regarding all of this. I am a bit down and depressed these days. So I am upping my regime of exercise and meditation, trying to flush all that out of the system. The other part is, I am feeling like I have a burnout. You see, I have been working high profile projects all my life, I have been THE mover&shaker of big things in business. However, unfortunately, my home country of Croatia is a deeply corrupted country, and here you can be as good as you can, but there will always be thieves breathing down your neck. I had the wrong impression that I can be best I can be, over all of that. That by doing my work the best I can, that by having extraordinary results have them speak for themselves. Oh how I have been wrong. I have underestimated human evil that is in some individuals. As a result, I have lost literally millions. Or as translates, hundreds of thousands of euros. That was the money I earned by hard work and by working hard and big projects. So as a result, all of that work makes you tired and wanting for a vacation. However, since I have been swindled out of my earnings, I have no means to afford a vacation but I must keep working. And that leads to the situation I currently am in - a bit burned out, last real vacation about 6 or 7 years ago, having worked all these last years way harder then the average worker, and no vacation at all.

Thanks fore your input, it goes along the way I was thinking, I would need a few good years to re orient in business, to start making some serious income. I do not have years, I must solve something in the next few months. So this is out as a quick fix, it more can be a long term thing as a secondary thing to get back up to speed and learn again, together with working in my field.

For now I am trying to find employment in Germany/Austria/Sweden as a CNC programmer or service technician. Although that is also hard to do since I have basic German and these days most everyone is asking for conversational German language. Which really is a bit strange to me since I also had clients in Germany for which I have been servicing CNC machines and I never had a problem communicating with a lot of English and some German. It is weird to me that no company wants to take on someone with enough exp and is willing to let me get up to speed on language in about 3 to 6 months. I mean there is no shortage of postings, a lot of companies are looking for good/skilled CNC programers, and it pays well, but they all list good German as a rq, which from my exp is simply not needed. A lot of Germans speak English these days, at least a good of 50% of all population, and closer to 70% among young ones, so really, what is the deal, I do not know. Also, if I were up there, I would learn German much quicker trough everyday use then like when I'm at home. Wellm, anway I'm going to try and learn German and see where it leads me.

On a longer time scale though, If I end up in Germany working CNCs, I will use my free time to get up to date on technologies and coding, so that in a year or two I might find a remote working position for a good foreign company in software development. That will enable me to do what I want in the long run - and that is not being tied to a particular place of work. Eventually I will return to my birthplace, to the Adriatic sea, and work from there. I see it can be done in about 3 to 5 years. If I can do that, I will consider it a deal well done.

 

[GreyCat]

Hi maguenette, I now have a job but I was unemployed for a few months as my employer decided to close down and retire instead of dealing with a combined impact of Covid and legislative changes the government introduced. I therefore like you I lived off government's assistance until September.

But although it was a comfortable arrangement and my basic needs were met, for me it wasn't enough for a number of reasons. This is just my personal take on this so please take it for what it's worth.

First of all, my income massively decreased. This meant that things I could just pay for when I was working became a luxury I had to budget for - or go without. For example, organic meat and veggies, or good quality supplements weren't affordable anymore. Same thing went for flight tickets, stocking up on supplies and preparing a foundation for the likely economic disaster ahead of us. Even the Covid vaccine detox protocol would be a financial strain when living off benefits and who knows what else I will need to buy to protect my health, well-being and safety in the future? When the economy crashes food shortages will be likely, prices will go up sharply and living off benefits may not be possible anymore. Governments may simply not be able to afford that. I decided that I needed my income back to ensure I could continue to prepare for the worst case scenario. And when that happens I will be better prepared than I would have been if I had continued to live off benefits.

Second of all, it meant I wasn't an obyvatel anymore. For me personally this was a HUGE motivation to get back on the horse. I don't know how important it is for you but I felt pretty awful not being able to donate to FOTCM anymore. As an active member here I do get a LOT out of this place and not being able to give anything back meant I was effectively a free rider. I even wondered if I was going to be able to continue to grow and progress on my chosen path at the current pace if the energy exchange between me and FOTCM remained so unequal.

And given that FOTCM experienced financial struggles last year (as mentioned in the recent session) it is tremendously important that us, FOTCM satellites, keep the mothership going. Donating skills is certainly important but the Chateau's rent, food, and other necessities aren't paid for using our skills, but money.

And lastly, I am an immigrant in another country and despite already having the citizenship of this country I felt awful being one of "those" immigrants who live off the system. That's just my take on this, I can imagine times have changed and many previously hardworking people have been pushed into unemployment. But I don't want to take the easy way out yet when I can keep fighting.

Interestingly enough, I got an offer of not far off my dream job within a week of resuming my job search. I took a pay cut but I also managed to generate additional income from my own company which I'm also building on the side. I'm quite amazed how well things have worked out and in all honesty I'm in a better place than I was before Covid hit. I hope you'll make the right decision for you as well. Networking is always useful so do continue to share your thoughts here

An interesting reply. May I ask in which country you are in at the moment? I am asking that because you say that while working you can put some finances aside for stocking up, preparing a foundation and similar. Unfortunately here in Croatia I am in no position to do that even when working, in reality working here is barely enough to even function on a very very basic level. It is shameful that I must say that being experienced and an expert in my line of work means almost next to nothing here. If only we could work for some meaningful salary that would enable us to put even 100 eur aside every month. But alas, my country once had industry where now only an array of ruins of former factories remain.... The government is beyond useless in that regard.

So working here, you can barely say that you are living. It is a scraping art month by month, always in stress by the existential uncertainty which lingers here above ever-bodies head. Trying to be positive, but it is very very hard. I run my own company as I have said, and the short sighted and frankly horrible decisions that our government made, wiped out 85% of my customer base. It is a VERY hard time as of now.

On a side note, I never though that I will have to move out of my country. Now for the first time I see it not only as a possibility, but as a certainty. It raises mixed feelings in me. One are those that I will finally be able to breath normally, to live without the ever present stress of can you earn to have a living tomorrow. Others are the images of my streets, my sea, my places where I have grown up, where I was seeing the red sunsets and yellow-white sunrises above the Adriatic sea. Those are the images of a time forgotten, some distant memories in the past.... it saddens me tremendously. Ah, well I hope there IS a grand plan for all of us...

 

[GreyCat]

Welcome GreyCat! Interesting skills you have learned in your business I have to say. I tend to agree with Ant22 suggestions. Making the change to programming (which you seem to be somewhat familiar with already) might really be a good idea right now, especially in a not so well-developed country (industry wise) such as Croatia. I have the feeling that things won't change to the better, so it might be wise now to change course, and you seem to be more than able to do something like this. Good luck!

Thank you for your reply and for your comment. Yes, my skills are somewhat rare, and extensive, however not much use these days. Which is ironical, since they are highly sought after in the western world.

I will make the change primarily because it will enable me to work from home, and then I can have home wherever I want, and not only there where there are jobs. Your feeling regarding Croatia is right. It will only get worse here for the industry. However not many people know that Croatia was, 25 to 30 yrs ago, one of the most industrialised countries in the world. We were the first ones to develop a working torpedo (marine weapon), one of the first with a functional paper factory, first to have electricity and hydro power plants. We were up to the 1990s, a country with a lot of cutting edge technology be it in industry, medical research, or IT. We were also during the 1980s one of the few countries that designed and made our own PC computers during the C64 era.

 

[GreyCat]

Hi GreyCat,

I think it is a good idea to start learning programming. I'm also from Croatia and I work in IT company, and I must say it is pretty darn good to work in this field these days. There is always a need for programmers.



I understand your frustration, I thought the same when I got my first job. You work almost for nothing, they don't pay overtime but want you to stay a few hours longer every week and they often tell you that you should be happy that you work for them. One time by boss sent me an email to let me know that I got a raise, oh boy, what a raise that was... around 50 HRK (not even 7 EUR), disgusting!

But now in this company that I'm currently working (4.5 years) it is a complete opposite. Bosses are great, my paycheck doubled since I started working for them and it is always on time. Every year there are bonuses and overtime is paid.

So, I don't think that all of them are bad and liars, there are many of them that are, but not all.

It is always good to learn something new while you are doing what you are doing for living. You never know where this new skill will take you and become useful in the future.

Good luck, GreyCat!

Thanks for your input. I also see that there is a growing need for programmers, however, all above that I said, I think it also applies. I need to get back to work for at least a year to two before I can count on a serious enough job to be able to make some reasonable money.

When you talk about your first job, I have mixed feelings on that one. On one had, it was a good learning exp. On the other, no one should be treating you like that. In my situation, however, I simply cant take such a job even if I wanted - as an entry to programming - because the pay wouldnt be enough to live on. I have a wife and a son, she cant work due to health reasons, and I must provide for them. So taking some low paying job is a simple no no.

I am happy that you found a good company, but I doubt I can do that with no recent exp in programming in high level languages. I am good with assembler and low level electronics programming, EEPROMs and such since I repair a lot of embedded electronics, but that is not what we are talking about. My only recourse for the time being seems to be to find a good job in my own range of expertise in some western country that pays its workers adequately. I am not looking for something extraordinary, just to be able to live normally and to pay off my debts in Croatia. Unfortunately here, as I am certain you are aware, sometimes it is not possible to live without going in to debt with the banks.

Thanks for your input again!