NFR Work

[TicTokCroc]

I was hired as a salesperson for stone counter tops, but because of the company's needs I am doing digital templating in people's houses.
If I screw up thousands of dollars of stone and labor and therefore money go up in smoke.
Lots of pressure for a stupid old fisherman.
Not much pressure to most other people I suppose but for me it's not easy.

I might talk with the bosses and emphasize that you were interested in the job more for the sales aspect and don't have any experience with making the templates. Then ask for more on the job training. As long as your up front with them and basically tell them what you told us here, your worried about making an expensive mistake, they will respect that way more then someone who just doesn't care. Bosses like to see ownership and that you care about what your doing. If a mistake does happen it's not the end of the world, mistakes happen in training. Where I used to work people put gas in diesel trucks several times and didn't get fired

 

[Dustin Chromers]

I might talk with the bosses and emphasize that you were interested in the job more for the sales aspect and don't have any experience with making the templates. Then ask for more on the job training. As long as your up front with them and basically tell them what you told us here, your worried about making an expensive mistake, they will respect that way more then someone who just doesn't care. Bosses like to see ownership and that you care about what your doing. If a mistake does happen it's not the end of the world, mistakes happen in training. Where I used to work people put gas in diesel trucks several times and didn't get fired

This is solid advice. Plus you get the added benefit of finding out just what kind of boss you have. If they are good communicators and responsive they are likely a good boss to have. This is a good thing to know as business is a team effort. A good business treats their sales, tech, manufacturing, management etc like valued members of a team with a common goal of providing good product and service. People that care about that end product are valuable. Asking for some fine tuning from the boss isn't a bad thing. It shows you care. Now you get to find out if they do as well

 

[singlehandjay]

I was hired as a salesperson for stone counter tops, but because of the company's needs I am doing digital templating in people's houses.
If I screw up thousands of dollars of stone and labor and therefore money go up in smoke.
Lots of pressure for a stupid old fisherman.
Not much pressure to most other people I suppose but for me it's not easy.

I was a solid surface templater and fabricator for about a dozen years. I made templates with balsa wood and corrugated plastic before digital templates came along. If you know how to get into what you've already templated and can go through angles and dimensions and have a tape measure and angle finder you can essentially template your own kitchen at your house and go over your results the old fashioned way to double check yourself. Build your confidence in the tool you're using and move to the next challenge. You got this man

 

[TicTokCroc]

This is solid advice. Plus you get the added benefit of finding out just what kind of boss you have. If they are good communicators and responsive they are likely a good boss to have. This is a good thing to know as business is a team effort. A good business treats their sales, tech, manufacturing, management etc like valued members of a team with a common goal of providing good product and service. People that care about that end product are valuable. Asking for some fine tuning from the boss isn't a bad thing. It shows you care. Now you get to find out if they do as well

I was going to go into the good boss bad boss thing but I didn't want to write a novel, this is also true, your boss might be an asshole, then it's time for a new job! But if they are smart they will know what they got. I am technically a boss, actually a CEO, despite my immaturity and lack of managerial skills, I rose to the top... of the company I created I'm still learning and self teaching every day, I hate my job sometimes too but the ownership gives you a sense of purpose and keeps you going. I probably bitch too much about how much work and lack of fishing I get to do on this forum though...

 

[kerrys]

I was going to go into the good boss bad boss thing but I didn't want to write a novel, this is also true, your boss might be an asshole, then it's time for a new job! But if they are smart they will know what they got. I am technically a boss, actually a CEO, despite my immaturity and lack of managerial skills, I rose to the top... of the company I created I'm still learning and self teaching every day, I hate my job sometimes too but the ownership gives you a sense of purpose and keeps you going. I probably bitch too much about how much work and lack of fishing I get to do on this forum though...

Can I have a job? I’m pretty good at a lot of stuff and have proven I can learn. Since I retired I’m kinda lazy though.

 

[HauntedByWaters]

Just curious if this happens to anyone else..

I wake up every morning and dred going to work. Depression, unhappiness and lethargic.. but I get to work and start doing my job and all is good. What's up with that??

I have a toddler at home these days so work is easy and quiet. I love work for the first time ever!

 

[O' Clarkii Stomias]

I was hired as a salesperson for stone counter tops, but because of the company's needs I am doing digital templating in people's houses.
If I screw up thousands of dollars of stone and labor and therefore money go up in smoke.
Lots of pressure for a stupid old fisherman.
Not much pressure to most other people I suppose but for me it's not easy.

I'm pretty sure that if I was your boss, I would have you doing the exact same thing. When I felt you were comfortable and competent at templating, I would have you do some installations too. The point being, in sales, especially in niche markets, I want my sales staff to know the process. If you screw up, I bet you don't make the same mistake again. Plus learning by those mistakes, you will be better prepared to identify the problem areas or traps that cost the company money when bids or contracts are put together. One screw up, if it only happens once, is generally a good investment in someone.

 

[jaredoconnor]

One screw up, if it only happens once, is generally a good investment in someone.

My employer must be super invested in me.

 

[creekx]

My employer must be super invested in me.

We joke about a former employee saying they had 10 years of experience! Unfortunately, for them it was just the same year, 10 times.

 

[kerrys]

I'm pretty sure that if I was your boss, I would have you doing the exact same thing. When I felt you were comfortable and competent at templating, I would have you do some installations too. The point being, in sales, especially in niche markets, I want my sales staff to know the process. If you screw up, I bet you don't make the same mistake again. Plus learning by those mistakes, you will be better prepared to identify the problem areas or traps that cost the company money when bids or contracts are put together. One screw up, if it only happens once, is generally a good investment in someone.

This concept applies to almost every position. As a company gets larger more and more of its employees become specialists doing mainly one task. Many do not have an understanding of the relationship between their work and the company’s primary business.

I worked for a large heavy civil construction and environmental remediation company for many years. My particular position had me visiting many of the company’s work sites. I had a pretty good understanding of what the company did and the challenges of those running the various projects. One of the main complaints of project managers and engineers was those working in the office didn’t understand how important their jobs were and how they affected the projects in the field. An example would be someone in accounts payable not paying a supplier promptly. That supplier might delay a shipment until payment is received. Not receiving materials in timely fashion could severely alter the schedule of a multi million dollar project. I convinced management to allow those working in support roles in the office to visit the job sites periodically. The company would rent a small shuttle bus, provide a sack lunch and once a month take a dozen or so of the office workers on a tour of several job sites. Almost every person that went on these lunchtime trips said it helped them understand how their jobs were connected to work in the field. It also gave them some pride in knowing they had a role in building a bridge or the environmental cleanup of a polluted stream or other area.

 

[Old Man]

I enjoyed working at Boeing. I hated to getup at 0430 every morning I order to get to work early so I could unwind before I faced the day. But I looked on the bright side of it. It paid my bills, I ate good and I got to buy my toys to enjoy life with. If I didn't go to work, I'd probably be homeless. But it gave me a pension to help me on my way to retirement. And SS. Life is good.

 

[DFG]

As one who has suffered on and off with depression for decades (and found relief along the way) I'd ask whether the job is the problem or a symptom. If it's the problem then the solution is simple, although not necessarily easy: change jobs. On the other hand, if you suspect that you're suffering from depression I would strongly recommend that you take steps to get diagnosed and treated.

Depression is like carrying a backpack full of rocks. It can be treated. It's not uncommon for people who haven't suffered from it to not understand what you're going through. (This can be especially difficult for family members who have absolutely no basis for understanding it.) Over the years I've had the opportunity to try many of the more common depression medications with varying side effects and degrees of effectiveness. (The most promising one I've had is ketamine - amazing!)

Although it may only be clear from a depression-free perspective, LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO SIMPLY ACCEPT LIVING WITH DEPRESSION. Even though some treatments take time to take effect, the minute you start you can begin to expect changes, which is in itself a wonderful thing.

Please don't sell yourself short on this! Take care of yourself, and take some action! Your family and friends will also thank you.

 

[Canuck from Kansas]

Rob, I echo the suggestions to seek mental health advice. Please understand, there is no shame. You have already expressed difficulty with happiness, this self admission is a first step, now try and understand why. This can be and often is of metabolic/physiologic origin. This can be treated successfully, sometimes with medication, sometimes with therapy (CBT), sometimes with a combination.

You have taken the step of sharing your experience with us, now please share it with a trusted healthcare provider.

Good luck and keep posting.

 

[JACKspASS]

Hooking a chrome bright summer run steelhead after work will help you take the edge off a long, stressful day. I always fell back on my addictions to help me through

 

[Zak]

As one who has suffered on and off with depression for decades (and found relief along the way) I'd ask whether the job is the problem or a symptom. If it's the problem then the solution is simple, although not necessarily easy: change jobs. On the other hand, if you suspect that you're suffering from depression I would strongly recommend that you take steps to get diagnosed and treated.

Depression is like carrying a backpack full of rocks. It can be treated. It's not uncommon for people who haven't suffered from it to not understand what you're going through. (This can be especially difficult for family members who have absolutely no basis for understanding it.) Over the years I've had the opportunity to try many of the more common depression medications with varying side effects and degrees of effectiveness. (The most promising one I've had is ketamine - amazing!)

Although it may only be clear from a depression-free perspective, LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO SIMPLY ACCEPT LIVING WITH DEPRESSION. Even though some treatments take time to take effect, the minute you start you can begin to expect changes, which is in itself a wonderful thing.

Please don't sell yourself short on this! Take care of yourself, and take some action! Your family and friends will also thank you.

I struggled with depression for a long time and meds really helped. It often takes some work and trial and error to find the right med and dosage.

"LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO SIMPLY ACCEPT LIVING WITH DEPRESSION."

That's the truth!

Hoping your situation improves.

 

[RCF]

By talking with a MH professional, they can determine that there ARE or ARE NOT MH issues. It may be just an attitude adjustment or job change to help where one is at. A MH professional will be able to determine that and offer the appropriate advice... Maybe getting back socially and/or doing what makes you happy is all that is needed...

A trained independent observer can help a lot with the path forward...

 

[charles sullivan]

Hooking a chrome bright summer run steelhead after work will help you take the edge off a long, stressful day. I always fell back on my addictions to help me through

About 10 years ago I hooked a super hot hen in esrly February. Upon landing it I noticed that my heart rate was normal. I was not excited in any way. I was pleased but that was all.

I was at a show the other night and met a woman who was a psychologist. After thanking her for using her talents in the undermanned field she replied "We spend years in school learning how to do thing. Shouldn't we take time and learn about ourselves." I liked that thought.

I don't love my job. Covid was bad for me too. It was bad for my family. We are moving on though and many of us know a lot more about ourselves now.

Rob can use the oportunity to make chicken salad out of all this chicken shit. Or not. It is his life.

 

[Tom Butler]

I'm pretty sure that if I was your boss, I would have you doing the exact same thing. When I felt you were comfortable and competent at templating, I would have you do some installations too. The point being, in sales, especially in niche markets, I want my sales staff to know the process. If you screw up, I bet you don't make the same mistake again. Plus learning by those mistakes, you will be better prepared to identify the problem areas or traps that cost the company money when bids or contracts are put together. One screw up, if it only happens once, is generally a good investment in someone.

(I) We bought $12,000 of railroad bridge pilings 1' right of centerline near Mecham my second summer, one year employed. In review, I could see where I went wrong, and the boss agreed he sent my on a project over my head, with a trainee. We made a lot of money after that.

 

[Tom Butler]

By talking with a MH professional, they can determine that there ARE or ARE NOT MH issues. It may be just an attitude adjustment or job change to help where one is at. A MH professional will be able to determine that and offer the appropriate advice... Maybe getting back socially and/or doing what makes you happy is all that is needed...

A trained independent observer can help a lot with the path forward...

Yes. And work with a real professional. My general was prescribing the normal stuff, just trying to find the right med. On one I tried committing suicide twice. It was after meeting a great doctor at Lourdes that I got on track.

 

[TicTokCroc]

Can I have a job? I’m pretty good at a lot of stuff and have proven I can learn. Since I retired I’m kinda lazy though.

How do you feel about OT? Not overtime Own Time