I know there's a couple of professional wrenches on here from time to time and I was hoping for some insight.

I spent 35 years working as a fleet mechanic for a company which folded last December. Since then I haven't worked but this isn't a "woe is me" post. My house and cars are paid for, I owe just a bit on a credit card, have some savings in the bank, small amount of income coming so I ain't starving. Can't always drink the "good" beer I like but other than that..

Anyways, I was looking to go back to school in the fall but I have a chance at working for UPS as a fleet mechanic. The hours are odd (6:00PM to 2:30AM) but as a fleet mechanic you're used to that kind of thing. The pay is good and they seem to have some decent bennies which is something I won't have if I go back to school.

School is going to be paid for through a government program with an additional stipend a week paid to me. If I take the job at UPS then I'll have to drop the school plans and tell the Feds, "thanks, but no thanks" and it's a one time only offer.

OK,OK, what I am asking is, Is UPS a good company to work for or is it one of those, "well things have slowed down and we'll call you if we need you again" gigs?

__________________
“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now

Decent outfit, Great Bennies, Room to move up. Go 4 It!

Thanks, that's the feed back I was looking for.

__________________
“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now

I know people that would give their left testicle for a chance like you've got! Take the job and build your savings. Continue to live as cheaply as possible, and prepare for the next dry spell...if it's in the cards your dealt.

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles

A shot at working full time for UPS is probably no less a one time chance than the paid school deal is. I don't know about anywhere else, but around here getting on full time at UPS in any capacity takes YEARS.

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You're a daisy if you do.
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84 Euro 240D 4spd. 220.5k sold
04 Honda Element AWD
1985 F150 XLT 4x4, 351W with 270k miles, hay hauler
1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4
1993 Toyota 4wd Pickup 226K and counting

Looking at history of employment, at least what's happened in my lifetime, the next wave of hiring will not include a requirement for college degrees. Trade school certificates, maybe, but probably not college degrees.

__________________
1987 560SL
85,000 miles

IIRC, G-Benz works for UPS, though I think it is with tech though.


You might want to try to ping him to see what his thoughts are.

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

I thought it was Fed Ex.

__________________
Jim

The degrees will be AAS's (Assosciate in Applied Science) in the MAC CNC technology field. Operator,machinist and programmer with a side AAS in 3D CAD programming.

__________________
“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now

No...stay the hell out of that field!! We are having one hell of a time competing with Chinese imports to be able to survive long. Between India and China, it will be 20 ormore years before that trade will be worth working in again...besides, the market is flooded with unemployed CNC programmer/operators through out different pockets of the US. Ohio is slammed with out of work machinists and toolmakers, Atlanta will be next.

It you must get in it, move to the far East Coast, VA area or TN.

__________________
1987 560SL
85,000 miles

Listen to this guy Rufus, he KNOWS what he's talking about...

__________________
-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

I had an appointment to apply at UPS and the person doing the hiring, or interviewing was late so I said fooku and that was the best decision I have ever made or second best decision decision if the wifye sees this.

If you want to continue in your field I can tell you from a financial standpoint you won't find a stronger company. I've followed the stock of the company since they went public 10-15 years ago. You won't have to worry about layoffs. That being said, I don't know that much about the culture of the company. I do know they tend to promote from within as opposed to going outside, so there might be some upward mobility. I'd say go for it. BTW, I'm an investment adviser and would like to congratulate you on being so financially astute. House paid off, no debts very commendable. You obviously had your priorities correct during your 35 year career at your previous company. Congrats.

^^^
I concur. Go Brown!

https://ups.managehr.com/benefits.htm
http://www.ibtupspensionfund.ups.com/

http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=UPS&t=5y&l=on&z=l&q=l&c=

Yeah, East Coast...
Oddly enough, the companies that I work with in NJ that do light metalworking and machining complain that they can't find ENOUGH qualified staff.