Here we go again... (slightly long)

[MrNightly]

G'Evening.

Here's the deal: Tell me if I'm crazy or not. There are three things in my life that are important to me, and they go something like this:

1) God
2) Family
3) Job/Education

Now, granted, at times those sometimes get confused and scattered in order of importance, but overall, I seek to keep them the way mentioned above. As I've posted before in the last year or so, quite a bit happened with my career of law enforcement. After leaving there, I took a manager's position at Lowe's, and while I have loved the work, the hours are killer for the family life. Also, I only get about 1 in 5 weekends off (Not good for religious purposes), and we only know our schedule at the max 2.5 weeks ahead of time. (Terrible for planning family stuff) Plus, the store is open from 4am to 11pm every single day except Sunday where they close at 9pm.

I also strongly wish to continue my education, and with the random retail schedule, it's quite impossible. At the same time, the bosses at work love me to death, I do a kick-ass job and am getting enrolled into their upper management program the first of the year. (Quite an accomplishment for one so new to the company, or so I hear) So, the forcast looks mighty fine in the Retail world.

But on the other hand, I've started looking for a M-F day job, and have begun that search again. Retail just plain sucks at times...

So my brother-in-law works for this engineering company here in town that is just booming! They are growing like crazy. Great company. He knows I am looking for a day job, and sends me this email as an assistant facilities guy. I'm like, "What the heck, it can't hurt to write the lady back who's hiring and get some info." I shoot her my resume, and this morning she writes back saying the position was already filled. Then an hour and a half later, she writes me back again and says the following: She and the VP where just discussing my resume and both feel that my qualifications would make me an ideal candidate for their Facilities Manager. Unfortunately they have a facilities manager currently but expect him to be moving on in 2007. Should that take place, she will call me immediately for my availability and interest.

OK. Needless to say, it would be a flex day job, extremely good beni's, and a company that rewards hard work. Everything that I have looked for, plus the ability to continue my schooling at night.

Here's my question/thought: Should I even continue the search for another job (I know I will regardless) or just get the upper management training from Lowe's they will offer to me for free, suck it all up, and then cross my fingers for the other manager to leave? I'm not a grass is greener kinda guy, but retail is just plain bad for the family.

Anyways, long winded. Sorry. I hate searching for jobs. Anybody know of an excellent company I should apply for? :D

Regards,
David

[PolkWannabie]

If it were me I would ...

Take advantage of all Lowe's has to offer and do the best you can while you are there ... If along the way either because you find another career opportunity or an opening occurs at this other firm in 2007 that you want to take advantage of then you do ...

[amulford]

If it were me, I'd be the picture of what Rick just said.

If Lowes wants to give you the training, jump on it. Knowledge only gives you greater marketability. At least your time at Lowes provides you with more than just a paycheck. When/IF this other position comes around, weigh your options. You will also be in a better position at that time, should you decide to move. If not, you will have the tools to advance at your present employ.

Just my .02...

[dorokusai]

It's great you love God and all, but if you don't take advantage of what is offered to you in life, you're a moron. Get hot and get trained. People say all kinds of ****e to keep you on the line, F that, handle your business now.

P.S. No offense.

[PolkThug]

One thing I've learned in business is that "the squeaky wheel gets the grease". If you want a set schedule at Lowes, then tactfully demand it. If you aren't serious about it, then no one else will take you seriously either.

[cambir]

Definitely take the training your company is offering...even if you will ultimately leave the company.

[hearingimpared]

G'Evening.

Good Evening David, first off like you the first two most important things to me are:

1. GOD
2. Family

3. Is my own personal business not yours.:D

I think you should:

A. Pray diligently on the matter, for you will get an answer;

B. Continue with the sure thing and persevere.;

C. Continue to look for the other career; and,

D. Always keep the facilities manager job option available and take it if offered.

Good luck and God Bless You.

[cfrizz]

Take advantage of what Lowes is offering, See if you can talk to Lowes about better work hours & keep the other job in the wings for a possible move.

[jdhdiggs]

I would ask Lowe's management to set your schedule and to start training you on the uppermanagement track. It makes you much more marketable. Also, by demanding a set schedule, your demonstrating leadership and self respect-two things that can help seperate you come review time.

Here's a little dirty secret: most of those "upper managment" classes really don't mean you'll get to those positions. They are meant to keep the good employees with the hope of moving up. In reality, the availability of those posts are few and far between. So once you complete their coursework and have a set schedule, go back to school.

Oh, and always look for other options. It can not hurt you.

[dkg999]

Keep in mind there's a lot more opportunity in Lowes than just the retail stores! They are just the end of the distribution channel. Upstream you have all the mgt jobs in the distribution centers, fleet and carrier mgt, etc. Those are more regular work week jobs and pay pretty well. A few weeks ago I was at the Lowes corporate HQ in Charlotte and that is one fantastic corporate campus, and I'm sure the jobs there are the type you are looking for. Doro may have been a little blunt, but also right on the money! Soak up all the training they will give you, and keep pushing the button on what you want. Gently, with the backing of job performance and training, you'll get where you want to go. In today's world, you have to keep you eye out for the other opportunities also. Don't be afraid to walk through the door when a good opportunity presents itself.

[markmarc]

Retail is a brutal career anymore, that being said, tell them you'll take the classes but you also need a schedule that gives your family a fair shake. To be honest, big retailers love people like yourself who are willing to put work first. They will take advantage of your work ethic and until you stand up for your family your schedule will continue to suck.

I saw store management get screwed by Best Buy corporate on hours until they all got together and reset the schedule so that everyone in the store had either Sat. or Sun. off. Funny thing happened, corporate saw that sales went up, absenteeism was down, and customer satisfaction improved.

In the meantime, keep your eyes open for other opportunities.

[steveinaz]

Never burn a bridge...you may have to get to the other side again.

[wingnut4772]

I would stay at Lowe's also. It sounds like you have a good thing going there and the schedule will get better with senority.

[reeltrouble1]

I would seek the answer within number 1 and 2, I am including you in #2.

Be Happy, life is not a dress rehersal for something else.

RT1

[MrNightly]

I would stay at Lowe's also. It sounds like you have a good thing going there and the schedule will get better with senority.

Thanks for all the advice guys. Some good stuff in here.

Regarding the schedule getting better, that's kinda what I thought too at first. But with my next promotion (After completing the upper management training which is 9 weeks and I'm getting enrolled for the next class) the hours go to straight salary, (No OT) and we will put in 50+ a week. So actually, the hours plain suck. 4am - 2:30pm or 12:30pm - 11pm. Not alot or room in between.

Regarding Doro's comments, Get hot and Get trained. I like it. When you say get hot, what exactly are you implying though? Tell them I want set hours? (3 people have been let go because they requested those in the past 4 months) Lowe's is such a HUGE machine, that they won't bend the rules for any worker, no matter how kick-ass they do. While I love huge corporations, a little personality is always nice as well.

I think I will take the Upper management training, and then see what opens along the way.

The other problem with Corporate, is they don't have many jobs here in KC. If you wished to move to NC, then it'd be heaven for ya. Distribution centers and the such, I'll have to check on. Good Idea though dkg999.

And, I'm not burning any bridges. Hell, only my wife and family know I'm even looking. But how can I even think about continuing my education on such a random schedule? It just wouldn't happen.

Anyways, Nobody mentioned any rock solid companies they would love to work for ;) Common guys...

[jdhdiggs]

Anyways, Nobody mentioned any rock solid companies they would love to work for ;) Common guys...

Uh, might be because no one knows your background. Do some research on salary.com and the big job boards (careerbuilder, monster, hotjobs, etc...) and see what's out there for yourself.

[dorokusai]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Some good stuff in here.

Regarding the schedule getting better, that's kinda what I thought too at first. But with my next promotion (After completing the upper management training which is 9 weeks and I'm getting enrolled for the next class) the hours go to straight salary, (No OT) and we will put in 50+ a week. So actually, the hours plain suck. 4am - 2:30pm or 12:30pm - 11pm. Not alot or room in between.

Regarding Doro's comments, Get hot and Get trained. I like it. When you say get hot, what exactly are you implying though? Tell them I want set hours? (3 people have been let go because they requested those in the past 4 months) Lowe's is such a HUGE machine, that they won't bend the rules for any worker, no matter how kick-ass they do. While I love huge corporations, a little personality is always nice as well.

I think I will take the Upper management training, and then see what opens along the way.

The other problem with Corporate, is they don't have many jobs here in KC. If you wished to move to NC, then it'd be heaven for ya. Distribution centers and the such, I'll have to check on. Good Idea though dkg999.

And, I'm not burning any bridges. Hell, only my wife and family know I'm even looking. But how can I even think about continuing my education on such a random schedule? It just wouldn't happen.

Anyways, Nobody mentioned any rock solid companies they would love to work for ;) Common guys...

I mean that you're obviously motivated, so do everything you possibly can. I'm not saying make demands per se but certainly be tactful in getting more work and responsibility. You need to do whatever you need to do, regardless of how much it sucks or how difficult it is to make the future better for you and your family. Is that enough Tony Robbins for you :)

[PolkThug]

There's always slave labor available at Rancho de Thug.

[PolkWannabie]

But how can I even think about continuing my education on such a random schedule?

The management training you are referring to is clearly a form of education ... and ... when you get through that if you can take on a management position at Lowe's this will speak voulmes to the next potential employer if/when things don't get better where you are and you don't want to relocate with Lowe's.

[PolkThug]

The management training you are referring to is clearly a form of education ... and ... when you get through that if you can take on a management position at Lowe's this will speak voulmes to the next potential employer if/when things don't get better where you are and you don't want to relocate with Lowe's.

Very good point. Always be mindful of things that "look good on a resume".

[ND13]

This is one of those situations that reminds me of the "Risky Business" quote from "Booger from ROTN"......"Sometimes you just have to say...WHAT THE ****!!!!":D

[danger boy]

my list would be more like this.. of importance to me ;)

1. food/booze
2. audio
3. video
4. job
5. family

:p

[danger boy]

This is one of those situations that reminds me of the "Risky Business" quote from "Booger from ROTN"......"Sometimes you just have to say...WHAT THE ****!!!!":D

Noel, I was thinking the same exact quote.. you beat me to it. ;) WTF!

[brettw22]

"Sometimes you just have to say...WHAT THE ****!!!!":D

I had a bumper sticker that said that.......good stuff......

[MrNightly]

Uh, might be because no one knows your background. Do some research on salary.com and the big job boards (careerbuilder, monster, hotjobs, etc...) and see what's out there for yourself.

Ya, I'm on most boards out there. I just was throwing that out. Not asking to be spoon fed here buddy. ;)

I'm doing research daily... trust me. never hurts to get others idea's on a good company as well.

But whatever... What the F#$@. :D

[shawn474]

MrNightly,
I know I am relatively new and my opinion may or may not matter to you. My parents never went to college and worked in similar jobs as you are in right now with the same concerns of family and God, etc. My dad accepted the fact that there would be bumps in the road and a suck ass schedule - he came to this country and worked his way up from a swing manager to the VP of Northeast Operations in McDonalds Corporation. NO, I will never be ashamed to say my dad worked for McDonalds. Why? Because even though his hours sucked, he took advantage of the ooportunity the company presented knowing in the long run he could advance. Seems like you are in the same situation. He ALWAYS made time for us and his religion and whatever else was important - the job was a means to an end, but it afforded him the opportunity to send all of us to college and taught us a work ethic that is second to none. You work hard and love your family and God. Pray on it and let your heart guide you.

PS- The one thing that stuck out to me is that with the schedule you described there may be times to take advantage of some fun things. For example, if you work the early shift, you're off at 2:30pm. If you have kids, get them from school and do something to surprise them. If you have the late shift, get them up early and make breakfast for them and go for a walk or something as easy as that. Basically, don't worry about the time you are at work - optimize the time you are not.

Eventually with your new training and work ethic something more family and fun friendly will come along no doubt (maybe even that facilities manager job will open sooner than expected).

Just my .02 cents.

[MrNightly]

The management training you are referring to is clearly a form of education ... and ... when you get through that if you can take on a management position at Lowe's this will speak voulmes to the next potential employer if/when things don't get better where you are and you don't want to relocate with Lowe's.

Dude, I'm in a management position at Lowes... I'm managing almost a forth of the entire store, including complete control of sales/budget/inventory management/direct reports/ect... The next step would be second from the top in the retail line, Assistant store manager.

But you are right, it would be a form of education. Never thought of it like that. Good points. Thanks for the words.