Jeramie Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 I don’t fashion myself a "Workaholic" but I work a lot. Its not that I enjoy work im just a hard worker. Honestly id rather be on a fishing bank somewhere (or in the woods during any open season). However that doesn’t pay the bills, well not until Bill finally returns my call and lifts the restraining order! Currently I’m working quite a bit. Week to week it varies. I always work at least 45hrs and a few of the past weekends ive worked all weekend. I also do a lot of sideline work (aka moonlighting). Its mainly residential plans, commercial construction etc. Those packages consist of floor plans, electrical, plumbing, elevations, plot plans, Etc. The good thing about those is that I choose what I want pretty much. I don’t charge much because honestly I like doing it. I like being involved in development on pretty much any stage and I have, over the years, built a solid reputation amongst local contractors. The work is sporadic at times. I may go a month or two without a single job and then literally have 6 come in within a couple of days. Its then 100mph to get the stuff finished. Anyway, now I have another opportunity. I made a switch at my company last fall in lieu of quitting and moving to another company. They knew it would leave them short handed in my old department but didn’t want me to take the alternative. I no longer design petro-chem equipment but rather Project Manage the jobs. Now the Drafting and design department is back logged and its causing the company a LOT of grief. I have the opportunity to take on as much sideline work as I can handle. All I have to do is volunteer. Because I work full time for the company I would be compensated with overtime and the pay would literally reach $45+ and hour plus expenses. I could work no more than I typically am and bring in an extra $1k a month. It too is seasonal and while we are slammed right now at any time it could taper off. Regardless there are a lot of things I have to consider, what about the builders that depend on me? I know at times I will be covered up at home, is it worth it even though it will only be in short spurts? Etc. It sounds pretty ideal but it is a big commitment. I need to act fast if I want in because they are to the point of hiring new drafters right out of school and I have been running AutoCad for over 13 years. I can get the work but have to act fast… Still, im torn and its hard to see past the dollar signs. I could use some different persepectives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Andrea Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 First thing I have to wonder is what your wife thinks. Is this drawing you away from time with your family? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 Is this drawing you away from time with your family? That was the first thing I thought of. As my daughter says, "Family together is always better". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OJR Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 It sounds like you have a full plate right now! Why take on more? Doesn't make any sense to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksbowhntr77 Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 Work is good, but the first thing I would think of is..... money is great, but what good is it if you can't enjoy it with the ones you love. What I mean is don't let the dollar signs take you away from quality time with the family. It's up to you ultimately, that's just my honest take on it. You'll make the right decision.... you always do. Good luck and tell us how it goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig mack Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 My theory is, if there is money to be made, make it. Use that money to put into savings, pay of debt, or pay off your house. That money may not always be there to be made. With our economy the way it is right now, you dont know what the future holds. I would work as much as I could and set myself up for the future while your still young. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kid Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 family comes first, nothing else matters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted February 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 First thing I have to wonder is what your wife thinks. Is this drawing you away from time with your family? In all honesty my sideline stuff doesnt tap in on family time very often and the extra money often helps, loads. Most of my sideline stuff is done on weekend nights. Or early morning hours. My wife and daughter both go to bed at 9:00 every night. Typically on the week days im in bed with my wife but on weekends im up until midnight working. I rarely work during family time. Number one id rather play with my daughter but number two is, its literally impossible to work during those times. My family does come first. That will always be the case. It sounds like you have a full plate right now! Why take on more? Doesn't make any sense to me! Thats the biggest negative for me. My plate wont be any fuller I will have to let my other sideline stuff go. The money will be a LOT better but I dont like the work near as much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 If it is not going to strain the family time, would not think it would hurt to give it a try Jeramie. Your problem is a good problem to have, best of luck with your decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutchies Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 Jeramie your trying to stretch yourself and sooner or later something is going to give. Don't give up the extra time with wife and kids for a few bucks. Sounds like you are working all the time already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohiobucks Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 $45 per hour? I've got AutoCAD experience.....need some help? If it isn't gonna make more work for you, take it. There will always be side projects to pick back up on when this dries up. Better make hay while the sun is shining! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted February 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 $45 per hour? I've got AutoCAD experience.....need some help? If it isn't gonna make more work for you, take it. There will always be side projects to pick back up on when this dries up. Better make hay while the sun is shining! Wanna move? Tulsa was once the oil capital of the US and the oil companies are hiring drafters around here from $30-35 an hour, three weeks vacation, etc. oh... and all the OT you can handle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 If it were me, it would really depend on where I stood with my savings (for retirement) goals. If I was behind I'd use the opportunity to make the extra $ to catch up to my savings goals. If I was ahead of my savings plan it would simply depend on whether I just wanted to do it and then try to get that much more ahead of the game with my savings goals. I don't think I'd do it to have extra money to spend unless there was an existing debt issue to resolve. Bottom line is you just never know what unexpected things will happen in the future that raise their ugly head and cut into your savings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted February 27, 2008 Report Share Posted February 27, 2008 I would do it, but I would limit myself and stick to it. 90 minutes a day is more than enough at $45 an hour. That's $1450 a month before taxes. That's more a month in overtime than most teacher make.(Not me;)) That would make a nice nest egg or help pay off your house pretty quick. On the outside stuff, I would raise my fees and do less work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted February 27, 2008 Report Share Posted February 27, 2008 money is great. but the kids will be gone soon enough. take family time, and lots of it. or, you will have regrets... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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