Got my start in CATV in 1979, and had my veins replaced with coax.
Became an intelligent and efficient designer, and soaked up everything I could read on the industry from the 220 days and 32+ cascades to current. So I worked my ass off through the ranks to make a living, applied my craft, enjoyed my work, and always willing to do more.
From HP calculator, to D3, to Lode; Blueprints and Pen and Ink on Mylar, to Focus, AutoCAD, and Micro Station, the more you could handle the better you did; and I did well !
(learned all the calcs. long-hand !)
Those days of loyal employees to loyal companies; and companies loyal to loyal employees, have gone, gone, gone.
Now, I am 55 and though healthy, my energy and drive toward the industry becomes more and more drained each passing day.
When I think, that I started out for $13.00 an hour in 1979; learning the principles of design and drafting! I continued with my craft and made even more… 2x, 3x, … 5x, earning more as I learned and dedicated more of myself to our industry.
Now, I read in ad after ad:
Designer/Drafter: AutoCAD, Focus, Lode Data, Fiber and MDU a must. Knowledge of Telco Fiber. Must have ability to be flexible and work under pressure… $15.00 per hr.
The industry is Not my industry anymore… It too has succumbed to the self-serving, Puss-gut, fat-cats cutting every budget but their own sickening profit and personal stock options. Executives, who never set foot in the trenches, but equate knowledge and dedication to an expenditure on a “Pie chart”.
“Cut the old 3, and hire a newbie.. and the "fool will be happy" to do it all for $15.oo an hour.”
It’s time for this old bastard to seriously listen to my wife, and reconsider that diner!
At least you'll get what you pay for, and leave happy and full !!
I must have been hit in the head with a bug-nut.
Member #: 15038
Registered: 1996-2001
Posted:
100
Name:
Steve Jones
Name:
Steve Jones
Company:
SLJones Communications
Occupation:
Broadband RF/HFC Design & Drafting
Location:
Holiday, FLA.
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