Wednesday, June 15, 2011

I Got Your Change!



So the time has come,Summer time,bass fishing,sun bathing,changing employers.WHAT?No seriously it's happening.After almost 4 years with my current employer I have started the ball rolling and frankly it doesn't seem to want to stop.I need to say a few things about my current employer and some of the employees.I HATE YOU!I kid,I kid,seriously I will miss you and thanks for the opportunity and training and seamanship blah blah blah.Now on to the real deal.I'm so nervous,I have never done this and well I'm man enough to say I'm scared as goose poo.I'm 32 and only once have I taken a chance and it worked out well.That chance was my current employer calling me and sending me on a tug to Guatemala,El Salvador and Panama.It worked out well and I'm way better off now than I was 4 years ago.That being said,there are much better and bigger chances to be taken.I eventually grew a set last week and asked for a raise,I haven't had one in over three years.I was told to kick rocks essentially.This made the Dude mad and well i used some contacts I have gained over the last few years and BAM here we are.I fly out in the morning to NYC to see if this is the next stage and I hope it is.As long as I keep telling myself "in a few days this will get easier" I should be ok,right?Sorry everybody for the work related posts over the last few weeks but that's what this blog is,my life.Fortunately for you my life consists of work and outside activities so that's all I will right about.Reasons for switching companies,much more money,room for advancement,constant work and MONEY.I have been out fishing and had some good luck so I will post pics and a post in the next week or so.Wish me luck and get outside people!

4 comments:

Kirk Mantay said...

When the big steps are too crazy to think about, I try to think about the little steps, and how important each one is.

For you, getting your last 80-90 days at sea on a +100 boat (to qualify for Mates' School) is a little step.

I say that because even though it's HUGE, it's really close and achievable. The odds are really good that you'll meet that goal THIS YEAR. And it's just not as scary as "I hope I don't regret this in 5 years."

The next little step beyond that is getting the new employer to just LET you go to school (i.e. you will still have a job when you finish school). Next little step is asking (and hoping) that they will PAY for that school. Next step beyond that is TAKING the class(es). After that, it's getting them to give you a RAISE for completing it. And like that, you will have achieved one of your major career goals.

So for me, it's easier than focusing on the giant thing - the long term goals. As busy as we all tend to be, it's just impossible to keep reminding yourself, "Yup, I'm working toward being a captain. Every day. Get there in 10 years I hope!" And then get depressed when it doesn't magically come together.

tugboatdude said...

Tha's a much better way to look at it then I have been.My way is AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH what am I doing?!?I just hope this all works it's way out and I winn the lottery

Downeast Duck Hunter said...

Good luck, we've all been in your shoes in some way, shape, or form...

In so many ways exciting, scary, all at the same time... you'll be fine...

Map Monkey said...

Good luck, Dude! It will all work out for you. As your big bro sez, one step at a time - break it down into smaller, more easily achievable goals so it doesn't seem overwhelming. Challenging yourself is what makes life worthwhile and keeps things interesting. Take it from one who has had at least 5 different careers (never mind dozens of actual jobs!) in my life (so far!)
You have to take a chance - a risk, if you will - to avoid stagnation and complacency and even self-loathing!