Quit the job today .... need advice ....

[MilDoc]

The POS company I work for at Fort Hood sent me a new contract to sign, yesterday. Old contract expires Sunday. Wow. 3 days to decide. But it only took 5 minutes:

a) 50% CUT in time off
b) NO pay increase after 3 years of no pay increases.

So I said no. Then they came back with a 1.5% pay increase. Right. $1.00 an hour, after 3 years of loyal service.

So, LOML and MBFF (who also works at the clinic) will be quitting in the next few weeks. I could have quit today but don't want to "screw" the Army Post.

Moving to Bastrop, Tx area (near Austin) hopefully in the next 1-2 months.

OMG! I've never packed up a shop before!

What's the best way to safely move a planer, jointer, HF DC, band saw, router table, a ton of tools, a ton of lumber I do not want to leave behind, and of course my beloved BT3100?

Machines on mobile bases. Should I disassemble, just move and strap in tight, sell them all and buy new (Oops! LOML said NO), or....?

[JR]

Take this job and shove it,
I ain't working here no more!

gotta love it!

I don't have an answer for your question. I've seen threads like this before, with many suggesting to just sell out and rebuild. No mention was made of marital relations in this context...

You might ping gmack5. It seems he's hauled his tools all over the central part of the country, looking for a place to lite.


JR

[JeffW]

It ain't all that far to Bastrop. Keep what ya got, strap it in and move it. Whats a couple of hours to keep your old friends. Besides, ya can't get a brand new BT3.......

[ragswl4]

Will you be moving yourself? If so I could strap everything down (heavy machinery) to pallets and load em up. If not, my guess is that it may be expensive to have a mover do it. I was going to ship my Dad's RAS from Missouri to California but the shipper wanted $100 to pack the saw and another $125 to ship it. Saw was worth maybe $125-150. I talked my brother who is still in MO into taking it.

[leehljp]

Keep us informed and don't stay offline too long. Your posts keep it interesting!

I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't get a phone call on Monday offering you a 2% pay raise.

[cgallery]

So I said no. Then they came back with a 1.5% pay increase. Right. $1.00 an hour, after 3 years of loyal service.

While you might think that is insulting, sometimes with staffing companies you just run into the end of their pay scales. Not saying that is what happened to you.

And even if that IS what happened, there is really no excuse for your supervisor not getting in front of this about 90 days ago by explaining that the position can't pay any more than $X. No reason to hurt feelings like this.

[tedkitch]

After growing up in the area (Fort Hood) I can't tell you how many times I've seen civilians get the shaft. The companies that work around the base get contracts and when the contracts are up, everyone just has to find something to do.

As far as moving goes, keep all of your stuff. When my brother moved from Copperas Cove to Austin, we rented a U-Haul at the local rate (at the time there was an unlimited local mileage special) and made two trips. We ended up spending the day and around $50 for the truck and another $100 on gas (it was a while ago).

BTW, Bastrop isn't bad. I used to go to the lake there. You aren't too far from La Grange. Somebody wrote a famous song about that place.

Good luck!

[cabinetman]

Paul

A saying I heard goes like this: "Don't burn any bridges". You never know. Look at it this way, it may be a blessing in disguise. It's a whole new life. You aren't leaving a place, you are going to a place. I find your actions admirable. I like conviction.

As for moving, go with your gut. If you want to keep the tools, move them yourself. Get a big U-Haul, and pack it wisely. Just don't be in a rush. Try to enjoy every minute. Really.

[Ed62]

I don't have any words of wisdom, but I'll just say "Good luck on your move". Hope you find the new territory pleasant.

Ed

[Mrs. Wallnut]

BTW, Bastrop isn't bad. I used to go to the lake there. You aren't too far from La Grange. Somebody wrote a famous song about that place.

Good luck!

I think it might be ZZ Top?

[gsmittle]

Good for you Paul! You're a pediatrician, right? So it shouldn't be too hard to find employment....

For the tools, strap 'em down and truck 'em to your new (hopefully bigger and better) shop. For the little stuff, take the time to pack it all well so nothing gets nicked/broken/chipped.

As for the wood, I'll be happy to store it for you....

g.

[Pappy]

Get a U-Haul, load up the family, clothes and furniture. Move all the tools and wood into the garage and hit the road. I'll come up and take care of that stuff for you!

[p8ntblr]

You may consider getting a crane from HF, Northern Tools, Pep Boys etc (assuming you don't already have one). I currently don't have one buy have been contemplating one as well and have heard good things from the HF and Northern tools brand. see Woodnet link below for more informative opinions.

http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthr...=&fpart=1&vc=1

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Awesome. Welcome to the ranks. I had a similar story and decided to start me own business. Best thing I have ever done. Scariest, riskiest but by far the best thing I have ever done.

But that day I told them that I wasnt going to play their game anymore was awesome. I laid out my demands and went on vacation for 2 week. I came back into the office with a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. Walked, boss shook his head. I stuck my hand out and told it had been nice working with me. Went to the desk, packed my **** up, gave contact info to those I cared to speak with in the future. Went home. Sat down called a contact and had a contract with my massive organization of 3 people pretending to be 50. WOrked beautifully as word passed and the contracts came so fast we were able to pick and choose who we would represent. It has been a great few years.

Good luck! You made me proud!

[Uncle Cracker]

I will also cast another vote for strapping your stuff together on pallets, and rent a one-way truck with a lift gate. Give some thought to which tools you will need first at your destination, and pallet them together, so your other stuff can stay on the pallets until you've settled in. Pieces of styrofoam are useful to keep moving parts in place while in transit. Shrink wrap is another option.