Author Topic: A whole lot less of me. (Read 1916 times)

DalesCarpentry · « **on:** August 02, 2007, 05:34:21 PM »

Well guys my life is about to change. The company I work for just got a contract to remodel 7 Olive Gardens. There will be 2 in Ohio and 5 in the Pittsburgh area. The thing is we can not start work till 10:00 pm and work till 9:00 am. This is going to screw my whole life up. I will be working 7 days a week and the money will be great. I just hope I can hold up!!! I will be doing a few stores and my boss will be doing a few. I hate working at night.

Dale

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** August 02, 2007, 06:03:25 PM »

I worked graveyard for several years, wasn't my favorite shift, but the money was a little better and it sure as heck beat unemployment. Takes some adjusting to get used to it, but it's doable if you and the family can work it out.

Tim

.308 Win. · « **Reply #2 on:** August 02, 2007, 06:47:19 PM »

Dalescarpentry,
Make all the money you can while you can. If the money's going to be great, you know there's always a place you can use it, like buying some more guns! Good luck to ya and don't shoot a nail through your foot!!!

bluebayou · « **Reply #3 on:** August 02, 2007, 07:00:26 PM »

Just put back the extra money that you make so that you have something to show for it. Whenever I have to suck it up and do odd work, I try to put some money in my "Virgin Islands Vacation 2010" fund.

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 03, 2007, 12:00:23 AM »

You will be able to buy a replacement barrel for the one you had to sell

I work very odd hours. Some times I have to be at work at 3:30 AM some times I work to 12:00 AM. I usually work 10 hour days. My "normal " hours are from 9 AM until 7:00 PM. It is just one of those things you have to do. You will make it, reward yourself with that replacement barrel and maybe a new one on top of that. Working odd hours is better than the alternative.

It will not last forever, good luck to you.

Smoke Wagon · « **Reply #5 on:** August 03, 2007, 12:02:10 AM »

Dale,
I worked midnights for a number of years. It's not bad when you get use to it....took me a couple of weeks. The only problem I had was sleeping during the day. I had to make the room as dark and cool as possible and then I was fine. If you can;t get your room dark enough because of the light coming in around blinds...if this happens tape tin foil to your windows.. SW

EVOC ONE · « **Reply #6 on:** August 03, 2007, 12:47:49 AM »

I always found it difficult to go to bed during the warm seasons. By the time you get home, the sun is up, the temperature is warm. Not a natural time to be going to bed.

Room darkening shades help a great deal. Turn the blades up so that the light doesn't shine through. Dark curtains over the shades are a plus. A window fan placed somewhere on the floor and turned on will help mask outside noises. The drone of the fan may also be relaxing to you. Don't forget to un-plug the phone and any others that will disturb you. As Quick mentioned, the family will have to help out as well by trying to be less noisy. Keep in mind, it will be an adjustment for them as well, so be patient.

choctaw · « **Reply #7 on:** August 03, 2007, 01:38:32 AM »

Quote

The drone of the fan may also be relaxing to you.

I worked deep nights for 13 of my 18 years in law enforcement. All of the advice offered above is good and worth implementing. But getting a good fan was what really helped me. Pushes cool air around, plus the white noise it emits will drown out the daytime noises that tend to make sleep difficult.

goodwrench6710 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 03, 2007, 03:56:10 PM »

To heck with the fan, A/C!

MSP Ret · « **Reply #9 on:** August 03, 2007, 04:11:48 PM »

Hang in there Dale, I worked Mids and eves most of my career. Perhaps bring a Handi to work with you and check a couple of fields on the way home. Even if it's not the best time to see gophers, deer, crows. or whatever at least you will get a bit of fresh air. Then home to jump in the rack for whatever sleep you can get. Make it while you can buddy and get whatever sleep you can to stay healthy...<><....

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #10 on:** August 03, 2007, 04:47:31 PM »

Quote from: MSP Ret on August 03, 2007, 04:11:48 PM

Hang in there Dale, I worked Mids and eves most of my career. Perhaps bring a Handi to work with you and check a couple of fields on the way home. If it's the best time to see gophers, deer, crows. or whatever or not or not at least you will get a bit of fresh air. Then home to jump in the rack for whatever sleep you can get. Make it while you can buddy and get whatever sleep you can to stay healthy...<><....

Thanks MSP Ret. You are right about bringing my Ultra Varmint 243 along with me. I have all summer hit the fields on the way home from work depending on where I work and which way I come home. I really don't see that changing. I will be just hitting the fields in the morning instead the evening. Dale

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #11 on:** August 03, 2007, 06:49:50 PM »

I start Sunday night at 10:00 Pm on the first store. The project manger called us into his office today and said we have to fill out daily reports. He said we ( Me and my boss ) were going to be the point men on the job. So now I have to submit a report as to what trades were there. How many people each trade had. What they did. If I have any problems with any of the other trades. What the temperature is. If it is raining or cloudy. I have been working with my boss on and off ( because I do my own thing also ) for about 7 years. When this whole thing started. We were just to go in and do our thing. Not keep track of every other trade and report back as to how things are going. I kind of feel like I am being used. I have not talked to my boss yet about this but I bet he feels the same. I feel we were hired to do our thing and not have to keep track of other trades. During the time I have worked for him I have all ways been the go to guy. If he did not know how to do something I did. When he is gone from the job I ran it. He pays me pretty good. The reason he keeps me around is I have been doing this for 10 years longer than he has and to be honest I know more than he does. I never have to get on a roof or ladder anymore. He keeps me around because we build houses from $200,000 to $700,000 and I can cut any of these complex roof systems. Let me put it to you this way if we got to the roof of some of these houses and I quit. He would have to hire someone to cut the roof because he could not do it. This whole new thing with doing comerical work is really new to him. I do also have experience in that also. There is alot more money in this type of work. Do you guy's think I should ask for more money? My responsibilities are much more now. Dale

burntmuch · « **Reply #12 on:** August 03, 2007, 07:27:23 PM »

Is this project manager gunna have more work for ya in the future?? Asking for more money is a tough one . Who made the original deal , You or your buddy? Ive framed a few of those crazy roofs you re talking about You can have em . Im glad Im a fireman now.

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #13 on:** August 03, 2007, 07:59:50 PM »

My boss made the deal. He bid the demo, framing, and the mill work on these jobs. Yes this company has alot of work and they want us to be part of their team. This could really turn out to be a long term thing if we do good on these jobs. In a way I really hope things work out because I would like to go to work for this company as a person that over sees jobs without putting a tool belt on. Dale

MSP Ret · « **Reply #14 on:** August 04, 2007, 02:43:53 AM »

you supervise or you work, if you do both you should be compensated in some way, and financially is usually the way. Who wants you to keep track of all the workers and what they do, temperatures, etc? They are the people to compensate you for the extra work, unless they are already paying you for doing 2 jobs. You might at least discuss it with the other guy (your "boss") who be running and supervising the other sites and crews. Or, if you really want to continue to work for the same outfit and are willing to put in a extra amount of work, do it for a while, do it well, and then go to them explaining to them the extra amount of work involved and discuss either extra compensation for you both or eliminating the extra work and having them hire another person to do the extra work. Best of luck....<><....

darat100 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 04, 2007, 04:07:12 AM »

Dale

I think you are missing a VERY important point here. Do what they ask. You are going to be doing 7 stores right? Lets see, overseeing the other trades, coordinating with the top dog in the area, building a good relationship. All of the sudden, you have just gained experience as a commercial contractor, not a carpenter. You will be paid and also trained on THEIR dollar. With your back issues, sounds like a no brainer to me. If you still want to do carpentry work, great, but you are not stuck with it. You have some other experience should you need it. (And project management for restaurants pays really well too.) Try to find the silver lining.

Freightman · « **Reply #16 on:** August 04, 2007, 04:20:25 AM »

Drive a truck and you will never know when you are going to work, had a two hour call for years. No I do not miss it did it for 32 years thank goodness for retirement.

greg916 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 04, 2007, 04:41:57 AM »

Dale, i think darat100 has it about right. get the experience and use that experience to better yourself.

one of my accounts supplies fixtures to restaurants, mostly new construction. i will watch what goes out. any olive gardens in oh or pa and i might catch a ride with the driver, get a chance to meet you in person.

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #18 on:** August 04, 2007, 07:49:26 AM »

Quote from: greg916 on August 04, 2007, 04:41:57 AM

Dale, i think darat100 has it about right. get the experience and use that experience to better yourself.

one of my accounts supplies fixtures to restaurants, mostly new construction. i will watch what goes out. any olive gardens in oh or pa and i might catch a ride with the driver, get a chance to meet you in person.

That would be great. The store I am starting Sunday is in Monroeville Pa. Darat100 you are right I will work hard and learn everything I can so hopefully I will get to hang up my tool belt some day soon. Dale

aflineman · « **Reply #19 on:** August 04, 2007, 09:25:30 AM »

Dale,
If you would like someone to bounce ideas off of (or just vent), send me an IM. As you well know, it can get really hectic on a job with deadlines (BTDT). Most of my experience has been in military construction, but I have a couple of good friends who retired from restaurant construction who may have some tips to help smooth out a rough spot or two.

greg916 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 04, 2007, 10:17:16 AM »

Dale, i just checked our schedule. we have an applebees job coming up in triadelphia wv. no scheduled delivery yet.

holahead · « **Reply #21 on:** August 04, 2007, 11:15:54 AM »

I work for a company that builds custom cabinets and millwork for just about all of Ruby Tuesday. We also do some Applebees O'Charleys and a bunch of others we are trying to get on with Outback.So if ya'll ever see one of this you might see some of things I have built.

greg916 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 04, 2007, 11:38:20 AM »

small world, cool

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #23 on:** August 04, 2007, 02:04:36 PM »

Dale

Take this from a guy that has spent the better part of the last 10 years running jobs , treat everyone the way you want to be treated BUT stand your ground when you need to . Its kinda like with wild animals ( if they smell fear

) your toast !!!!

You'll do fine , i have faith in you .

stimpy

PS --- Take lots of notes to keep a paper trail .

aflineman · « **Reply #24 on:** August 04, 2007, 05:59:05 PM »

Quote from: stimpylu32 on August 04, 2007, 02:04:36 PM

Dale

Take this from a guy that has spent the better part of the last 10 years running jobs , treat everyone the way you want to be treated BUT stand your ground when you need to . Its kinda like with wild animals ( if they smell fear ) your toast !!!!

You'll do fine , i have faith in you .

stimpy

PS --- Take lots of notes to keep a paper trail .

+ more than I can count on the paper trail. A decent digital camera can also be a very good friend.

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #25 on:** August 04, 2007, 06:06:50 PM »

Thanks guy's for the advice. I think this could be my stepping stone to hanging up my tool belt. I have very serious back problems and really don't know how much longer I can do what I do. The doctors even are amazed that I still work as a carpenter. I would be hard pressed holding another carpenter job for anyone other than the guy I work for now. He knows my problems with my back and gives me a laborer or 2 to move material. He really keeps me around for what I know. Dale

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #26 on:** August 05, 2007, 07:01:49 PM »

Boy guy's the Project Manger sure dropped the ball on this one. I get to the job before 10:00 pm and start to go over things with the Project Manger. I then unloaded my truck into the bar area. I was on my way out to my truck to get something when the manger was about to lock the door. She said that if I went out I could not come back in after the door was locked. I told her that I could not do my job if I could not go in and out all night. I told her that I have tons of debris to take to the dumpster. I went over to the project manger with her and he explained that I was point man on this project and I would be here from beginning to end and that I would be their security for tonight. That did not fly with her. she said that the security person had to be bonded and certified and that means it could not be me. So we will not have a security person there till tomorrow and I had to leave early. Dale

Mac11700 · « **Reply #27 on:** August 06, 2007, 04:29:01 AM »

Quote from: DALESCARPENTRY on August 05, 2007, 07:01:49 PM

Boy guy's the Project Manger sure dropped the ball on this one. I get to the job before 10:00 pm and start to go over things with the Project Manger. I then unloaded my truck into the bar area. I was on my way out to my truck to get something when the manger was about to lock the door. She said that if I went out I could not come back in after the door was locked. I told her that I could not do my job if I could not go in and out all night. I told her that I have tons of debris to take to the dumpster. I went over to the project manger with her and he explained that I was point man on this project and I would be here from beginning to end and that I would be their security for tonight. That did not fly with her. she said that the security person had to be bonded and certified and that means it could not be me. So we will not have a security person there till tomorrow and I had to leave early. Dale

That's something that should have been worked out before you ever stepped on the property...and in writing...It's a learning process...I know...I ran my own remodeling crew for 15 years doing the residential side of it...and you have to think from the beginning to the end of the project and plan for it...Same for all fire & burglar alarms that may be in place and still activated...last thing you will need is to have a firetruck pulling up

Good Luck

Mac

mitchell · « **Reply #28 on:** August 06, 2007, 04:39:41 AM »

hey work all night and shoot all day plus more money how could it be any better???

xhare · « **Reply #29 on:** August 06, 2007, 08:03:09 AM »

Dale,

Do me a favor, tell those guys with Olive Garden that we here in Bowling Green, KY are steaming mad at them. We USED to have an Olive Garden here. It was a great place to eat. Most importantly it was my wife's favorite place to eat!! However the bigwigs with that organization closed it and opened a "Smoky Bones" barbeque/sports bar in its place.

A little background is in order here. Except for Bowling Green proper and much of Warren county, this area is quite rural. There are a number of top notch mom and pop barbeque establishments around here that make better barbeque than Smoky Bones. Further, this being a college town (Western Kentucky University) we have a number of sports bars. So those markets were already covered. The problem was that Olive Garden was our only Italian restaurant. Now I have had "real" Italian and I know that Olive Garden is Americanized, but it was good food. The only Italian we have now is Fazoli's. I am not criticizing Fazoli's, but it is the fast food of Italian restaurants.

So the closest Olive Gardens are either in Owensboro or the Nashville area.

The next time you talk to a corporate rep, let them know how we here in BG feel.

Thanks, Xhare.

BTW, I loved working night shifts when I was an Air Force SP in the late 80's and early 90's. I was single then though, it would stink to do that now.