Where are the Plumbing jobs ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chilcutt · #1 06-13-2008, 02:30 PM

Due to the economy I have been out of work for 4 mo. I am a residential ,commercial Plumber with over 10 yrs experiance, also do repair,remod work. Just a feeler trying to see what is out there if anything. I live in Michigan, but have tools, 79 300 SD (roadworthy), And bulldog named "Mia" and will travel. Anybody? Jerry

865sp300e · #2 06-13-2008, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilcutt

Due to the economy I have been out of work for 4 mo. I am a residential ,commercial Plumber with over 10 yrs experiance, also do repair,remod work. Just a feeler trying to see what is out there if anything. I live in Michigan, but have tools, 79 300 SD (roadworthy), And bulldog named "Mia" and will travel. Anybody? Jerry

Appears you are having "pipe dreams"

John Doe · #3 06-13-2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 865sp300e

Appears you are having "pipe dreams"

That is pretty ****ing insensitive, in my opinion.

Anyway, chilcutt, a day doesn't go by when I don't hear something on the news about the economic situation in Michigan and I feel for you guys. Here in the deep South, I have met quite a few tradesmen from Michigan who have temporarily relocated here due to the tremendous amount of work related to Katrina and Rita, and now the associated GOZONE money (deadline either just passed or is about to). I about had another of your Michigan brethren talked into moving down heeeya, but he seems to be hanging in there. I am sorry for your situation, but I'd get the hell out of there and move to the Gulf Coast--even if you have to take a bath on your house. You can always go back when GM starts building electric cars and things get better--I just don't see it happening in the short run.

TX76513 · #4 06-13-2008, 02:50 PM

I am going to second the Gulf Coast and/or South. While not specificaly plumbing related I had to beg a garage door mech. to make a house call this week. More so is the size of the job, nobody wants the small stuff. An elderly friend could not get a timely install of a hotwater tank (through Home Box Store) like two weeks for an install, so a friend and I took on the task.

I know there is mixed opinions on New Orleans BUT there is PLENTY of work in all trades there.

chilcutt · #5 06-13-2008, 02:58 PM

When you are on the top, the only way to go is down. John Doe, plans are already in the making for relocation. South is where my destination will take me. The wife will retire in Dec 08 and by March o9, we will not be in the mitten anymore. Hopefully something will turn up prior to her retirement, so I can go make some money, and she can join me at a later date. This is a drag, I am 50 yrs old and dont really need this to be happening. But we will keep on keeping on! Also I am not singing the Blues, or crying on anyones shoulder, I am stating the fact that work is hard to find,as I am sure there are Many other Americans in the same situation as me. So please, if anyone has something that they feel is"funny" to say, keep it to yourself, there aint a thing funny aboput a man losing his job. Lets be civilised gentelmen.

Chad300tdt · #6 06-13-2008, 03:06 PM

Not trying to pile on pity chilcutt, but I feel compelled to wish you well.

Good luck. I hope you don't end up needing to be apart from your partner.

chilcutt · #7 06-13-2008, 03:16 PM

Right on, and thank you brother for mentioning the person who is affected the most, my beutiful wife. By the way, I looked at your pictorial and realized that your wagon was the car that inspired me to tint my windows,(a short trip down memory lane, if you will).

dynalow · #8 06-13-2008, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

I am going to second the Gulf Coast and/or South. While not specificaly plumbing related I had to beg a garage door mech. to make a house call this week. More so is the size of the job, nobody wants the small stuff. An elderly friend could not get a timely install of a hotwater tank (through Home Box Store) like two weeks for an install, so a friend and I took on the task.

I know there is mixed opinions on New Orleans BUT there is PLENTY of work in all trades there.

I'll third that.

Not too much going on back east in these parts. Go south!

Non union Plumbers around here 2 years ago were making as much as 200-250K net with a few trucks and workers. Not now. That train has definitely left the station.
There is some union work in Atlantic City with a couple of casino projects in the works. But non union commercial and residential work is way way down.

Go where the work is. Today, that's south!
Good luck.

Chad300tdt · #9 06-13-2008, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilcutt

Right on, and thank you brother for mentioning the person who is affected the most, my beutiful wife. By the way, I looked at your pictorial and realized that your wagon was the car that inspired me to tint my windows,(a short trip down memory lane, if you will).

Very cool, thanks for the compliment.

SwampYankee · #10 06-13-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilcutt

Due to the economy I have been out of work for 4 mo. I am a residential ,commercial Plumber with over 10 yrs experiance, also do repair,remod work. Just a feeler trying to see what is out there if anything. I live in Michigan, but have tools, 79 300 SD (roadworthy), And bulldog named "Mia" and will travel. Anybody? Jerry

I've got nothing to offer but wishing best of luck to you!

865sp300e · #11 06-13-2008, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Doe

That is pretty ****ing insensitive, in my opinion.

http://jobsearch.monster.com/Search.aspx?re=0&cy=us&brd=1&jsnonreg=1&q=plumber&cnme=westland&sid=42&rad=200&rad_units=miles&pg=1&vw=b

http://detroit.craigslist.org/trd/711010378.html

http://www.careerbuilder.com/Jobseeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?IPath=QH&ch=&rs=&s_rawwords=plumber&s_jobtypes=JN013&s_freshness=30&s_education=DRNS&s_freeloc=westland%2C+mi&qsbButton=Find+Jobs+%3E%3E

I am not insensitive, just not convinced this guy is really trying to find work. How about making use of the job search tools available. Also, what about qualifications, i.e. licensed, special training, union member, etc.

Another suggestion, place an ad in local papers listing your services or investigate local "handyman" organizations.

Make use of your time to build additional skills. Sometimes participating in volunteer work leads to opportunities.

Don't give up, stay positive, and things will come your way.

By the way, I have been in an "out of work" situation and did every crap job you can imagine, pizza delivery, gas station jockey, janitor, etc. to keep my head above water.

raymr · #12 06-13-2008, 04:16 PM

I always thought jobs in plumbing and electrical were reliable sources of income that are naturally protected from being outsourced. I just paid a plumber almost $300 to come and unclog a drain that my snake couldn't reach, and believe me I was glad to pay it.

So what is it about the rustbelt areas? There are still homes, buildings and infractructure that require tradesmen services. Is there just too much competition, or are people and businesses deferring upgrades and other kinds of work because they flat out can't afford it? Have you looked into clever ways to boost business, such as arranging financing for big jobs? Some recent proposals I got for a new heating system in my house included 2 year 0% financing - very attractive.

Its tough to pull up roots and start new elsewhere - but sometimes thinking out of the box can bring new success right where you are.

dynalow · #13 06-13-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

I always thought jobs in plumbing and electrical were reliable sources of income that are naturally protected from being outsourced. I just paid a plumber almost $300 to come and unclog a drain that my snake couldn't reach, and believe me I was glad to pay it.

So what is it about the rustbelt areas? There are still homes, buildings and infractructure that require tradesmen services. Is there just too much competition, or are people and businesses deferring upgrades and other kinds of work because they flat out can't afford it? Have you looked into clever ways to boost business, such as arranging financing for big jobs? Some recent proposals I got for a new heating system in my house included 2 year 0% financing - very attractive.

Its tough to pull up roots and start new elsewhere - but sometimes thinking out of the box can bring new success right where you are.

You make some good points, but Michigan's long term prospects seem bleak to me...and I'm in bankrupt NJ !!

Dee8go · #14 06-13-2008, 04:37 PM

Wanting to work and not having a job is one of the worst experiences I've ever had. Good luck to you, Chilcutt.

John Doe · #15 06-13-2008, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 865sp300e

I am not insensitive, just not convinced this guy is really trying to find work. .

And you deduce about a man who posted three lines on the internet. Brilliant.

Yeah, maybe insensitive isn't the right word.