Jobs??? Funding??? Thoughts???

[mmmarvel]

Well, I really didn't know how else to put the question. I'm looking for thoughts and opinions which are plentiful on this board .

As many of you know I was lucky enough to get hired on at the City of Houston as a construction inspector in the airport system. We are employees of the City of Houston but in many ways we march to our own drummer out here. The airport is funded by the FAA and by money charged to airlines who use our facility - much different than many/most building departments which (by in large) depend upon building permits to fund them.

So, while I'm happy and satisfied, I'm not blind. There are other opportunities within the city that I feel I would qualify for that are higher paying. However, Houston like many other cities is suffering a bit of a budget crunch, not so much that we are laying off employees but we have been made very aware that money is tighter than it has been in quite a while. I've watched the number of open jobs shrink from well over 200 job openings back when I applied to 60 that are open this week.

Open question - do I stay in my warm little nitch at the airport, with a decent paying job that feels pretty secure. Or do I venture out and go for a job that I might/would qualify for but (I feel) would have less security if the budget for the city gets even tighter?

Based on my old philosophy, I would/should apply and then only if and when they offer me the job I would need to make the decision - but further input, ideas and discussion from y'all would be appreciated.

 

[cda]

Have you checked the working conditions ????

Have heard a few horror stories and heard they did not use codes and zoning for a long time not sure if it is still true

 

[Uncle Bob]

MMMarvel,

It's a tough decision. Local governments are going broke and over budget; having to layoff even vital employees like fire and police. Jobs are scarce; and with down sizing, contracting out entire Building Safety Departments; and new technologies making many employees unneccesary; you never know when you will be "deleted".

An example of the last reason for job losses (technology); is the new metering devices for water, electric, and gas distribution; which will eliminate the need for meter readers. I'm not sure how many there are in this country; but, I'd bet over a hundred thousand jobs will be lost soon; with no where to go with that type of experience.

The senerio I'm interested in is; when will builder's supervisors, with video cameras (with direct link to inspection department computers) secured to their hard hats, replace inspectors?

I think technology is a major threat to employment. But, I digress.

I don't think there is a surfire method of determining job security. Although you may never hear from them (we get a lot of guests that read the employment section); I beleive you have been a great help to many looking for work.

There was a day when government jobs were the most secure you could find; but, now that everything is getting contracted out, it's not the case any more.

Keep your options open, your eyes on the horizon and follow your gut instinct.

Sorry, I guess that wasn't much help.

Uncle Bob

 

[texasbo]

My personal opinion is that for now, anyone who has a secure job in municipal government should hang on for dear life. I would also be wary of taking the security for granted. I too work for a municipality in Texas, and we have been fortunate to have not been hit nearly as hard as most places. The fact remains that all it will take is a few months of sales taxes falling, and cuts will be made. And for better or worse, the cuts are most likely going to start with the newest employees.

 

[globe trekker]

Do you have any certifications for another type position? I strongly recommend that

everyone get as many certifications as they can. They may add some modicum of

security if or when the "Termination Guillotine" falls.

Some recommendations:

1. Pray regularly for guidance, wisdom.

2. Always keep an updated resume.

3. Always keep an updated resume handy! Have it ready to e-mail out on

a moments notice.

4. Search the private and governmental sectors for other opportunities,

as often as you feel the need.

5. If you do decide to go to the City of Houston and it doesn't work out, can

you go back to the airport?

6. As you ( and others ) already know, ...relocation may be the only option

if you have been terminated.

7. If you decide to "stay put" for a while, in your existing position, there

are always side jobs available to supplement your income. You would

be surprised to learn how many people want someone to actually do

what they said they would do. Also, people ARE willing to pay good

money for quality work. That will never go out of style, regardless of

the economy.

8. Research the potential positions ( ahead of time ) as much as you are able.

I also agree with cda, "what are the working conditions?" Lots of road time,

...will you have to prositute yourself to get / keep the position, ...any room

for advancement, ...training opps., ...who are the decision makers you will

be working for, ...and on and on and on and on.

9. Essentially, it will be your call to ' stick your neck out or not '. If you do,

try to be prepared as much as you can.

10. Always, always, always, always, always,

always have a "back up" plan!

FWIW, I wish you the very best! Keep us informed!

.

 

[FredK]

A question that really only you can answer.

For me I ventured forth and took jobs it other places and experienced a positive growth. Can remember one that while promising wasn't, but it led to another one. All great for growing.

Problems would be if your married and kids as compared to single. It's rougher on kids than you, but they adapt quickly to new friends.

One other thing is if you do decide to go out remember the interview is important. I been to a few and always want to leave with a positive attitude.

Really check out the area and work before diving in.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[texas transplant]

Always apply for any position you feel you could do, are qualified for and have an interest in. Go interview at least a couple of times a year to keep in practice, and see what crazy methods the HR people are using.

Just because you get an offer doesn't mean you have to leave where you are at, remember you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.

Also don't be afraid to ask to shadow someone at the place that makes you an offer, before you accept. Some will and some won't but its a good way to get a feel for what you will be getting into. If they want you they will work with you.

Then when you have an offer, weigh it all out. You never know. That best job for you might be out there.

 

[mmmarvel]

To cda - we have codes, but it's the zoning that Houston tossed away.

To everyone else - I have a boatload of certs, none of which are needed or required at my present job. There are presently 5 jobs that I feel I would have a good shot at should I apply. However, with funding for cities being so iffy and the funding for airports looking much more secure the airport wins that tussle. There is also the ever present question of who will you be working for and how are they/how well do you get along with them. My present boss is a gem, I'm pretty old and I've worked for a ton of folks, my present boss would rate in my top five (you wouldn't want to know my bottom five). My thought/guess is that IF the economy ever picks up that some of the jobs that I'm seeing listed will be there again, or something similar. I feel very fortunate to have been selected out of 400 applicants to fill this job. These folks have been good to me and I'm still learning here - plus, they are putting more responsibility and more trust in me as some of the old-timers are finally retiring.

Thanks for the advice to everyone. I'll keep gaining my certs and for the next few years I think I'll hang out here, continue to learn and worry about moving on when the economy improves. Thanks for all the advice/opinions.

 

[Daddy-0-]

Hang out for a while and you will be more valuable when things pick up and good people are hard to find. Then you can get your dream job. In this economy....stay put.