2 Companies, But Only 1 Frasbee
So it hasn't even been a month since the commercial company let me go, and they let me know even then that they wanted me back soon.
I wasn't going to wait around for them, so I got a job working for a guy doing residential and hoping to focus on solar and other alternatives in the future.
So the commercial calls me back today offering me my job back, and told me it wouldn't be considered loss time when I inquired about a raise. I know some of you came down on me for expecting a raise, but I'm making the same amount with this guy as I did them. They didn't make any promises on the raise, but simply that they would perform an annual review when the time came.
At the end of today I let my new boss (residential), about them wanting me back, because all-in-all, I prefer commercial. I was simply going to put in my 2 weeks starting tomorrow, but he asked me how much they were offering, and if I had it in writing. I told him no, though they typically raise their helpers 2 dollars if they get a good review every year. So he says that he's been working on getting workman's comp and that he's been planning on giving me a raise soon, and 14 is definitely doable.
On the flip side the commercial job has 2 prevailing wage jobs going (no guarantee I'll get on them), and a school as well.
Back on the other side, he has plenty of work as well, and he was just estimating a house today. About a week ago, he gave me the keys to his house (one of his projects) and let me continue working on my own, on that note, he told me he trusts me enough that he was looking to put me in a minor supervisory position once I'm competent enough with residential. So it sounds like he wants to keep me.
So now I'm torn.
To break it down:
Both jobs have work.
Both jobs are at least insinuating that a 2 dollar raise is not out of the question. (Need to get it in writing?)
Both jobs offer plenty of learning opportunities, (I'm just starting my 2nd year in the trade).
The residential is offering more responsibility and growth in the future, sooner.
The commercial job is offering paid vacation time and holidays (new).
I started with commercial so I have a better understanding of the work and I'm well equipped with tools to do so. Plus, I'm still trying to perfect my pipe bending skills.
I honestly didn't expect my new boss to try persuade me to keep working for him. Then again, he's only one guy at the moment.