question: compare your new non-union employment vs. your past union employment.
pro's & con's
First off, my non-union employment is over the guys I used to work with. In other words, my former co-workers are now my subordinates. I earned their respect when I worked with them and now that they work for me, the respect me for not only being their boss, but as someone that earned their wings and went through the ranks to get where I am today. I work with a group of guys that care about their jobs and what we produce. The items we produce are crucial to those that depend on it and our product MUST be built to the highest quality we can possibly build it at. Too many lives depend on the work we do.
I like the flexibility of my employment. I like it that I have a 3 day weekend every other weekend. I do not like the fact that I give free time to the company. I work from 2:30 to midnight, but many times I do not get out of work until 1 AM, depending on how much of a jerk I need to to keep the production superisors in check.
I do not like the extra responsibility for the little extra pay I get for it. I mean, being responsible for 2 departments for an extra $15K/year over what I was making before really bothers me, but I agreed to it. I know that the company has "other plans" for me and I need to buy my time in my current position.
When I was hourly, I had less stress and was a happier person.
Do I regret it? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Overall, it doesn't matter. To me, a job is a necessary evil that as the man of a household, I have to provide for my wife by whatever means are required. If I hate my job, as long as my wife is provided for, then I am happy.
Tom