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Need help with a possible new job

Scott34

Scott34

Well-Known Member
Mar 16, 2007
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Cedar Rapids
So I'm in need of some people's opinions on a situation that I have come into. So I am a sub contractor that currently does trim carpentry in mostly new construction. I currently work for a guy that basically oversees me and like 8 other guys. He basically has all the work lined up, he just tells us where to go after every job we complete and in the year I've worked for him I've only been off for a total of a week, meaning that there hasn't been work. I send him my invoices every 2 weeks so that is a pretty big plus. But today I got put into a huge dilemma. One of the contractors that my boss does work for, basically fired him because he can be a jerk at times. Well this contractor basically came to me and said that he would like me to be his main carpenter. This builder did 27 homes last year, they already have 17 contracts written up for 17 homes this year, so they are projecting their housing contracts to basically double from last year. So they have plenty of work lined up so that's not the issue. My main concern is the guy that I currently do contract work for. I wouldn't of even been in this situation if it hadn't of been for him. So I'm a little hesitant to make the jump because I don't want to burn any bridges but this would be a significant pay increase. Has anyone here ever been in this type of situation before? If so what did you do? Thanks in advance
 
First BIG question, do you have a non compete type contract or something that would keep you from doing it?
 
The way I understand, you are a 2nd tier subcontractor, therefore no non-compete or loyalty. Do what you do. If you were an hourly employee of his, then I could see this delima, but he chose not to, therefor not caring the overhead, liability, or associated benefits. With that said - the contracting business is an extremely small circle, especially in the commercial world. Keep bridge clean; even if the water is muddy.
 
You wouldn't take a big pay raise to make someone else happy?

Sometimes people can be really weird.
 
I would probably chat with the old boss no matter what. Let him know they approached you. It gives the appearance of respect for him and you weren't a shark smelling blood. If he's going to be mad at you he will be mad, but just taking 10 minutes to reach out and avoid bad blood may serve you well down the road sometime. I would contact him after your decision though.
 
It's not necessarily making them happy. Being a contractor, I can't take things for granted. The main reason for this debate is because my boss is a very big contractor in the Iowa City area and it could be a possibility that I would need his help in the future.
 
BCClone said:
I would probably chat with the old boss no matter what. Let him know they approached you. It gives the appearance of respect for him and you weren't a shark smelling blood. If he's going to be mad at you he will be mad, but just taking 10 minutes to reach out and avoid bad blood may serve you well down the road sometime. I would contact him after your decision though.
Click to expand...

Good advice, but I'd only do that once I had reached a pretty firm decision.
 
Take the job. My experience in construction is that if you are not willing to step on a few toes you won't get to far ahead. The guy is already fired. You not taking the job won't help that, if he is a good guy have a chat with him and explain what happened. If he is a good guy he will be fine. If not blank him and enjoy your new pay raise for doing the same thing you were already doing. Congrats.
 
Scott34 said:
So I'm in need of some people's opinions on a situation that I have come into. So I am a sub contractor that currently does trim carpentry in mostly new construction. I currently work for a guy that basically oversees me and like 8 other guys. He basically has all the work lined up, he just tells us where to go after every job we complete and in the year I've worked for him I've only been off for a total of a week, meaning that there hasn't been work. I send him my invoices every 2 weeks so that is a pretty big plus. But today I got put into a huge dilemma. One of the contractors that my boss does work for, basically fired him because he can be a jerk at times. Well this contractor basically came to me and said that he would like me to be his main carpenter. This builder did 27 homes last year, they already have 17 contracts written up for 17 homes this year, so they are projecting their housing contracts to basically double from last year. So they have plenty of work lined up so that's not the issue. My main concern is the guy that I currently do contract work for. I wouldn't of even been in this situation if it hadn't of been for him. So I'm a little hesitant to make the jump because I don't want to burn any bridges but this would be a significant pay increase. Has anyone here ever been in this type of situation before? If so what did you do? Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

Doesn't seem like much of a question to me. Better position, better pay, solid (apparently?) security in terms of work already contracted. I get that you have feelings of loyalty, but you've got to look out for you and your family(?). I'm sure your current boss will feel a bit chaffed, but if this is a clear step up professionally he'll have to understand. You have to take good opportunities when they come along, especially in this economy.

The biggest issue, if it were me, would be security. Sounds like your current gig is pretty reliable in terms of work throughout the year. But if you feel strongly that the guy offering the new position has plenty of work and will keep you busy throughout the year, I'd take it.
 
CyBri said:
Take the job. My experience in construction is that if you are not willing to step on a few toes you won't get to far ahead. The guy is already fired. You not taking the job won't help that, if he is a good guy have a chat with him and explain what happened. If he is a good guy he will be fine. If not blank him and enjoy your new pay raise for doing the same thing you were already doing. Congrats.
Click to expand...

That actually makes a lot of sense and a very good way to describe how this trade works. Thanks for the input
 
Can't make an omlete without cracking eggs...

Look out for yourself first and foremost. Do you think your boss would keep you around if it benefitted him to fire you? He's already played his hand by having you as a sub and not an employee. Take the new gig.
 
It sounds like your workload might be decreasing now if you stay since your current "boss" was let go. Will he be able to find enough to keep you busy with other work?

If not, he has to understand that you need to look out for your own livelihood, especially if he made some choices that potentially compromised it.

He may not be happy about it, but it is also somewhat his doing that created this situation.

I agree with the others who suggested having a face to face, candid discussion with him will hopefully keep the relationship in tact
 
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