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Am I the only one who had to pick between a union apprenticeship and a direct hire with a contractor?
Back in '08, I got offered a spot with the local 647 apprenticeship program, but also a direct start with a contractor doing shutdown work in Gary, Indiana for $32 an hour. I took the contractor job for the immediate cash, which was solid, but I always wonder if the pension and longer-term training would've been smarter. Anyone else face a similar crossroads early on and how'd it work out for you?
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thomas27529d ago
Yeah, "the choice makes itself" hits hard. I had a similar deal back in 2013, took the direct hire with a contractor over a union apprenticeship for the quick cash. It worked out for a while, but I ended up jumping between jobs more than I wanted. The union path might have given me steadier work and a pension, but I don't regret the experience I got on the contractor side. It's a tough call either way, and I feel for anyone stuck in that spot. Just don't beat yourself up too much over the choice, because you learn either way.
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Gary, Indiana for $32 an hour" yeah that choice makes itself, honestly.
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