BOY I feel your “pain” here brother! I fit your description to a tee, 40+ yr.s of experience and out of work for about 2 yr.s. I applied for a job here locally, they wanted a Sr Piping Designer with 10 yr.s experience, I thought this is going to be a sure thing. I called in and they wanted to setup an appointment and do an interview, THEN they say we’ll put you down in front of a computer and see how you do with 3D design. I ask what program are they using? CadWORX …I clearly state on my resume that I’ve had the introductory course on CadWORX, but never got the chance to use it on a project. AND that course was 5 yr.s ago and Rev 12, and I’d probably be rusty. Well they now didn’t want anything to do with me! I told them I got probably pick it up in 2 to 3 weeks, but they wanted someone to do what they needed now! I asked did they get many formally trained SR piping designers with 40+ yr.s experience coming in? ..No interest, they’d pass up on the experience and go with someone that knew a DRAFTING program!
Well I lucked out and finally found a job, but it’s project oriented, ie I have a job as long as the project last. which is fine for now, in that 2 yr.s off I’ve put in my retirement paperwork and I got to “play” in my shop or go fishing when ever I wanted, so if this position falls through, then I know what I’ll be doing! *G* …In my last few years doing this job, I’ve seen a number of basic issues pop up and cause major problems, and I tried to tell/show what was done in the pass to eliminate them. I felt like the little Dutch boy with his finger in the dike! But I’ve come to know I’ve done nothing that will have any meaning in this industry (piping design) the way things are done, who does them, and how they are done is changing way too fast …and those in charge don’t see the problem, they see the trouble, but that’s it.
The world turns and every thing changes, and that doesn’t change, so I’ll put in my few remaining yr.s/months, do the best job I can, and try to avoid being my wife’s house maid and cook for as long as I can! *G*
