Stay independent? Or work for a living?

[Norman Bernstein]

It's a conundrum.

Since my last contract work ended, and I've been searching for new contract work, I've begun to consider the previously-unthinkable: a regular, permanent job.

I've enjoyed the independence of being a contractor. For one thing, the work has been highly varied, and I've done work on everything from desktop DNA analyzers, to torque and alignment electronics for 50,000 HP rotating machinery, to even the controller for a kid's battery powered riding toy. It has also given me a more comfortable environment to work in (my own office, in an industrial park, where I can wear t-shirts and shorts in the summer), a great deal of flexibility in my daytime schedule, a lot of time off (due to the gaps between contracts), and it paid handsomely.... for quite a number of years, I basically only had to work from September to June, which gave me a very good year, economically, plus my summers off. In short, I've been fortunate. With the exception of the period from 2003-2004 (a recession year, for my industry), plus my time working on the DataFetch thing (7 days a week, no income), it's been good to me.

However, things have changed. Contracts are much harder to get, and the ones that are available are looking for specialties that I don't do, and have never needed. Nearly all my work was gotten from personal contacts, reputation, and word of mouth... but the network of folks who helped me has disintegrated, with retirements, jobs changes, etc.

So, when I spotted an available position with my old (pre-1992) company, I decided to apply. Of course, there is NO assurance that I'll even get an interview, much less the job itself (age prejudice being what it is), but I figure that my contacts in the company might help; the CEO and founder knows me personally.

It's a good news / bad news kinda thing; the good news would be a steady salary plus benefits, which might help me get my wife retired sooner than planned, which is something I'd like to do. The commute is very reasonable. There would be opportunities to travel a bit. I'd be far less 'solitary' than I currently am.

The bad news: I'd probably have to give up my office, which is my 'man cave' of sorts. There's way too much stuff here, so I'd have to junk or sell off a great deal of it, and find storage for stuff which I can't discard. I wouldn't be able to write off its expenses. I could forget about taking a long vacation (although the company DOES have a history of giving special consideration to alumni who return to the fold... but if they don't, it's only two weeks a year. I know, I shouldn't complain..... but I could forget about cruising to Maine anytime soon).

Like I said, it might not happen at all... but I think I'm bound by circumstance to consider it.

[Nanoose]

I basically only had to work from September to June,

Sounds like my job!, with the addition of 2 weeks at Christmas and 2 weeks at Easter.

And it sounds like quite a change for your Norman. . . like the intersection of both changes in generations and in technology. How close are you to retirement? is that a possibility? (I think of you as just a few years older than me which seems like retirement).

All the best whichever way it plays out.

[Norman Bernstein]

And it sounds like quite a change for your Norman. . . like the intersection of both changes in generations and in technology. How close are you to retirement? is that a possibility? (I think of you as just a few years older than me which seems like retirement).

I'm 60, but don't feel it, at all.... and really don't anticipate or desire retirement, at least, not at my current level of investments. I think I'm good for another ten years of work, more or less. The thing about having a LOT of idle time, in my current situation, is that I feel like I'm paying too high a price for it. I suppose if I won the lottery, I could easily 'retire', and find all sorts of things to do.... but lacking such a miracle, I don't feel like loafing is the responsible thing to do.

Truthfully, if I got a juicy contract right now, I'd take it.... but the lure of working for my old company is not insubstantial, as well.

Anyhow, I'm not really in control of that decision; like I said, there's certainly no guarantee I'd get an interview, much less the job.

[elf]

Realistically the economy is not going to improve for the foreseeable future no matter who wins elections in November. I'd be careful about my presentation and take the interview and if it turns into and offer, take it too.

[leikec]

I'm 60, but don't feel it, at all.... and really don't anticipate or desire retirement, at least, not at my current level of investments. I think I'm good for another ten years of work, more or less. The thing about having a LOT of idle time, in my current situation, is that I feel like I'm paying too high a price for it. I suppose if I won the lottery, I could easily 'retire', and find all sorts of things to do.... but lacking such a miracle, I don't feel like loafing is the responsible thing to do.

Truthfully, if I got a juicy contract right now, I'd take it.... but the lure of working for my old company is not insubstantial, as well.

Anyhow, I'm not really in control of that decision; like I said, there's certainly no guarantee I'd get an interview, much less the job.

There can be many determining factors in a situation like this. I am in a different, yet similar, situation. I teach piano, and I play in several bands here in St. Louis.

I've often been tempted to find at least a part time job to bulk up my income, and right now the temptation is strong, because bands here in town are working for peanuts, and the jobs are fewer and far between when compared to a few years ago.

Music lessons are one of the first things to be cut when a family is doing a bit of belt-tightening, and there are always lots of cancellations during the summer months when people are on vacation.

I'm also a writer, and the income from this has helped the last few months when the other work has been spotty. The writing seems to have the most upside (when taking the long view of things), but it is also very time consuming.

To some degree that's been a hidden blessing, because the writing helps me to fill the idle time, and makes me feel as though I'm still doing something productive when the music related business is soft.

My advice to you would be to talk this over with your wife, and to make a decision that both of you can live with based on the OVERALL quality of your life, not just the financial aspect (even though that is certainly a significant factor). Consider what would be best for your health, and your family relationships, and then decide if going back to the grind is worth the price you might have to pay in those areas.

For me it's pretty easy to find reasons not to look for full-time employment. I'm making a living, we aren't in danger of financial collapse, and I have the ability to tailor my work schedule around the rest of my commitments. My stress level is much lower, and I'm able to devote more time to exercise and other activities that will hopefully keep my health from going down the drain again.

Nobody can tell you the right thing to do in this case--you have to figure it out based on your particular family and financial obligations. I hope it works out well for you!

I seem to remember a wooden boat project of yours that was pretty far along--you could always finish it in your spare time and take a few pictures.

Jeff C

[Glen Longino]

"I don't feel like loafing is the responsible thing to do..."

I beg your pardon!

[Tom Montgomery]

It's a good news / bad news kinda thing; the good news would be a steady salary plus benefits, which might help me get my wife retired sooner than planned, which is something I'd like to do. The commute is very reasonable. There would be opportunities to travel a bit. I'd be far less 'solitary' than I currently am.

The bad news: I'd probably have to give up my office, which is my 'man cave' of sorts. There's way too much stuff here, so I'd have to junk or sell off a great deal of it, and find storage for stuff which I can't discard. I wouldn't be able to write off its expenses. I could forget about taking a long vacation (although the company DOES have a history of giving special consideration to alumni who return to the fold... but if they don't, it's only two weeks a year. I know, I shouldn't complain..... but I could forget about cruising to Maine anytime soon).

Like I said, it might not happen at all... but I think I'm bound by circumstance to consider it.

It would not take me a New York minute to accept an offer from this employeer.

Best wishes, Norman!

[BrianW]

Norman,

Other than money, what makes you want to return to the old job?

You know the CEO, but will you interact with him? Know anyone else?

Are you looking for companionship? Learn new technology? A desire to mentor?

Just my thoughts from reading this thread... you'll like it at first, but then miss your freedom, and probably quit.

Either way, I wish the best of luck. Hope a juicy new contract appears before you have to decide.

[Mrleft8]

I bet you could get a good paying job as a car-hop.....

<<<<<<<<<Running really fast, and really far!!!!!!

[Paul Girouard]

Stay independent with Obama care you don't need health care and even IF you went with this new / old company they more than likely will be dropping health care as a benny soon anyway. You've been on your own for to long to be put in a cubical or box anyway. Hope that next "big" contract comes in soon for you and yours.

[Waddie]

I admit it; I like being retired. It doesn't mean just sitting on the front porch swing, but that I only accept jobs that interest me or pay very well. I have been re-habing some rental property, now all 4 homes have new roofs and new HVAC systems. They're all in great shape now. And all have tenants. I don't want to just sit around, but I love the freedom to choose to do so if I want, or be busy.

Just admit it Norman, you like working on your own terms, just as I do. We're about the same age, and I'll never answer to someone else ever again.....(except the wife). You can't possibly look forward to that grind again. And I didn't really answer to anyone much when I was working, but even minimal interference annoyed me. At your age if you do get hired you'll probably have a supervisor about half your age. An he/she might be more current in the field than you are - or a total wuzzz. From the way you talk it doesn't look like you can retire any time soon anyways, so why not continue working on terms you have already become accustomed to? Good luck on it in any case.

regards,
Waddie

[pipefitter]

The BIG-O said everyone was going to have to tighten their belts. I find it hard to believe he meant me, cause I have had to make new holes in mine for as long as I can remember. So, he must have meant you.

[purri]

Norman,

You and yours may well qualify as an immigrant (if you can hack the pace)...

But only if you bring the boat.

[seanz]

Get your 'heavy' license and some long-haul experience over Summer, then you'll be set for Winter and Ice Road Truckers.

[The Bigfella]

I like the independent lifestyle.

[Todd D]

I could never go back to work. I have been on my own for 12 years now and like the lifestyle a great deal. I would never consider going back to a regular job. Of course, I haven't had a regular job since the 70s. My career allowed me considerable freedom, but I still prefer working only when I feel like it and spending the rest of my time doing what I want (boat stuff, writing, building model boats, etc.).I say, tough it out. You don't need as much income as you think to live a very comfortable and pleasant life.

[purri]

I like the independence and lack of corporate BS. Taking only the ones that interest me (but you do need a backstop of investment/defined benefit income for the slow times).

[john l]

I understand...and in a similar spot. Working alone is fine when your busy and interacting with others and then going back to the office and focusing as on rails. But when things slow down, it can get depressing. So, given cancelled projects and minimal work during the first 4 months of the year, I decided I needed a change and started looking for various new opps. It's a tuff haul at our age, but there are interesting things out there. You need to think about what you can, might and should do. Start searching on "simplyhired.com", "the ladders.com" and others. There seems to be a lot of jobs for engineers. Before you decide to go back to an old company, think about the excitement of something totally new. It will take several months to get things going, but keep on the job boards and apply to as many as you can. You might be surprised as to what is out there and it may just lead to contract work. I'm also finding that investors have begun to move and the emerging tech stuff is beginning to see a revival in funding. Norman, with your background, insight and know- how, there will be options that interest you. And, in the end, it doesn't matter if you are on your own or working corporate if you find something that rings your chimes. A project or endeavor that motivates you
Is all that matters.

[leikec]

Take the same time you waste posting on this forum and use that time to market Datafetch. You won't need a contract job or a job as an employee for another company.

That of course assumes you really to spend time making some money instead of just spending your time bloviating about politics on the net.

How do you know his time is wasted? Perhaps he posts just to infuriate people like you.

Jeff C

[Captain Intrepid]

Take the same time you waste posting on this forum and use that time to market Datafetch. You won't need a contract job or a job as an employee for another company.

That of course assumes you really want to use your time making some money instead of just wasting your time bloviating about politics on the net.
Your track record suggests otherwise.

[hanleyclifford]

Take the same time you waste posting on this forum and use that time to market Datafetch. You won't need a contract job or a job as an employee for another company.

That of course assumes you really want to use your time making some money instead of just wasting your time bloviating about politics on the net.
Your track record suggests otherwise.

Wrong approach, Art; we need to keep Norm here bloviating (along with his tribe) where we can keep an eye on 'em.

[leikec]

If so, he is indeed wasting his time.
He does not infuriate me, he amuses me with his attempt to be some sort of intellectual political pundit and a successful hardware engineer with a new innovative product. Yet he is still struggling at age 60 to make a living.
All hat, no cattle.

That's interesting. I don't think you're amused--I think you're confused...confused and angry because Norman has the nerve to have a different opinion on the issues than you have. If you were amused and having a good time on the forum you wouldn't have such a nasty edge to all of your posts. You do realize that your posts are searchable, right?

After all...you took the time to edit your initial post on this thread to insert the phrase "wasting your time" in place of "spending your time"--did the first phrase not have enough of an edge to it to suit you?

The other alternative is that you're simply a troll who likes to push people's buttons to get your rocks off.

It's one or the other--why don't you tell us which definition is true--are you an angry guy with a need to lash out at people? Or are you just small in every way?

Jeff C

[skipper68]

BOTH. I worked for my friend, and she worked for me. We had DBA's.Paid for the unenjoyment.Think about it.

[Paul Pless]

My vote would be to stay independent. But then again I'm unemployable at this point, so that colors my opinion. . .

[Norman Bernstein]

It looks like Mr. Reinhert never misses an opportunity to be mean-spirited and offensive... which is why it didn't take me very long to put him on 'ignore'.

Of all the decisions I've had to make in my career, this is probably the hardest.... but since I haven't been offered even an interview yet, it's still in the 'academic' phase.

There are pros and cons, of course. In a perfect world, there would be no limit to high-paying contract assignments, all within short driving distance, and mostly performed in my own office via telecommuting. In THAT case, I'd stay independent. Such, however, does not seem to be the case. If a good contract comes along, it might take me through 2013... but then, I face the same problem all over again. On the other hand, contract work can be a lot less stressful, in many ways.

I'll keep the crowd updated

[Canoez]

Norman - eating is not to be under-rated.