update-i found another job

Elle

Hello everyone! I'm not sure if anyone recalls my post on my salary and a raise issue but I did take it to my boss and he gave me another measly 3% increase which didn't help much in my opinion. Yeah, he told what a great job I have done, blah, blah, blah but couldn't afford to pay me what I was worth (yet have two $2000 bonus' to 2 ees that are well over their salary range). Anyway, since then I have found another job and I am leaving here in 3 weeks.

I found a position that appears to appreciate HR and understands that you have to properly retain people fairly. Meaning, don't say you can't afford it when your practically handing money out left/right.

My new position is in manufacturing (I'm in membership assoc. now) and I'm kinda scared b/c now I have OSHA, EEO reports, etc. Things I never had to do here b/c we are under 50 ee.

I just want to say thank you to everyone that has been there for me the past 1 and 3 months. I am hoping to purchase membership at my new job but am not sure yet. So just in case...THANK YOU!

If anyone has any advice to offer to me for manufacturing, please, please, please feel free.

Thank you!

safety

Congratulations. Please see my personal message to you.

LindaE

Ditto to safety's post.

Elle

I replied to your personal message.

Crout

Good for you, Elle! EEO and OSHA are no big deal, and if they don't kill you they will make you stronger.

SMace

Make sure you learn and understand the manufacturing process. That will gain you respect from your "production" peers. I would suggest going out on the floor and working as many jobs as you can. You need to get an understanding of what the employees do. It will help you in the long run. If your thinking it's too hot, too dirty and I can't do it, you may be at the wrong place. Good luck

Elle

I have no problem doing that, I will be thinking though, "too hot, too dirty" but I can do it.

Thanks for post.

E Wart

I am so happy for you. I changed from a service industry to retail/service to manufacturing. I love it. These folks seem to want help and are really very nice to work with. I think you will find it a great atmosphere to work in.
E Wart

Don D

My number one suggestion for you is to set a schedule (and adhere to it) putting yourself on the floor part of EACH and every day. It will be so easy to stay in your office, drowning in manuals and the minutia of procedural detail. Your success in a manufacturing environment will rest largely with the production workers, believe it or not. You must spend time on the floor, getting to know them, first by name, then by job, then something about them. They can ultimately make your job Heaven or Hell.

The first time you catch yourself saying to yourself, "I haven't had time to go out on the floor today, maybe I'll do it tomorrow", you have failed yourself and the company. You have to figure out a way to make it happen.

Having made some major environmental/cultural and industrial changes in my career, I can tell you for sure you won't be sorry if you do this.

Craig D

I concur with Don. I have been in the Mfg. world for over 20 years and the secert is beening on the floor and getting to know the people. They can be your biggest asset. Good luck and keep an open mind when dealing with your associates.

Elle

Craig and Don: Thank you for your advice, I plan on doing exactly what you both recommended. I am very excited and scared but I have confidence in myself and will do my best.

Don D

About being 'scared'; It's OK to be anxious and perhaps a bit (secretely) uneasy in the new setting. But, don't be scared. It is also perfectly OK to be open and honest with the production employees about your unfamiliarity with their world. They'll know it anyway. Your honesty will endear you to them. When I first got into manufacturing, it was easy for me to tell an employee or a group from production, "Hey, you guys hafta teach me. The personnel part is a breeze. I need you to teach me your world. I want to learn it and I'm counting on you to help me."

Don't let 'em send you on no 'snipe-hunts' tho'. x:D

SMace

I have to admit, I've been on a snipe hunt or two. The great thing about a "snipe hunt" is you can all look back on it and laugh. I look at it this way, if they didn't like you they wouldn't pick on you.

Don's advice is right on.