I took this job 6 months ago after some serious hand-wringing and soul-searching regarding the previous one. I'm not particularly anxious to admit it, but I actually shed tears on my last day. I had grown really attached to the old factory, as run down as it was. I think it was all of the floor personnel. They all knew me on site and were quick with a smile and a hello. I was respected. When I talked, they usually listened. You can't buy that kind of good feeling.
But it came back to money and distance, and new challenges. When I got the opportunity to work closer, for a significant raise, and doing what I've always wanted to do, I just couldn't say no.
I'm glad I didn't. Although swimming in a smaller pool, I've grown attached to my current colleagues as well, or at least most of them. More importantly, I've learned a great deal and will probably learn a great deal more as time goes on. Most of all, I just like what I do. I care about what I do. I build stuff that builds stuff. I make automation equipment. And for those smart asses out there, I don't see myself eliminating jobs. I see myself trying to save American manufacturing before it all goes overseas. But I'm getting off topic.
So wtf do I DO anyway? I've tried to talk about it to Staz, only to meet with glazed eyes. I guess this is the kind of stuff you need to show, rather than talk about. I had hoped to take some video of our latest project, the one that I spent several weeks of weekend work and 16 hour days trying to finish. Unfortunately, it is now at the customer's facility, 3/4 done, late, and things are not looking so good with that relationship. It's pretty unlikely I'll see it again. I don't really have a problem with that, but it was a neat machine that deserved proper homage on the blogosphere.
Maybe next time. I'll bring in Staz's camera on a weekend when theres no one here, and give you a proper gee-golly-whiz bang show. The way things look, there shouldn't be long to wait.