I work for a "job shop", and I'm certain that many of the rest of you do, or will at some point. It seems to be the direction that industry in general is going. Back in my father's day, you got a job with a big multi-national company, advanced in the ranks, and often worked there for most of your career. Today, however, they find more and more ways to 'farm-out' the work to a myriad of small shops, and because of this haphazard nature, there is a wide variety of things you need to consider before joining such an enterprise. I'd like to share a few of my own musings, and would appreciate your own observations:
BEWARE OF 2nd GENERATION SHOPS: Often, a shop was started by some entrepreneur/toolmaker, and after 30+ years, it get taken over by the son or sons of the owner. Sometimes the son is an idiot. Sometimes the 2 sons argue. I've worked for both types, and neither was worth staying with.
BEWARE OF SHOPS WHERE THE BOSS' WIFE IS AN OFFICER: Especially if she knows next-to-nothing about the business.
NEGOTIATE YOUR BEST PAY RATE AT THE BEGINNING: Seriously, you think you'll ever actually get a RAISE? Really?
DON'T BE AFRAID TO INTERVIEW AT OTHER SHOPS: Small shops have limited advancement potential. If you're ready to advance, or want a raise, you often will find it at some other place. You can always come back; it happens all the time.
BEWARE OF TOO-GOOD VACATION BENEFITS: If a big selling point is that, after 3 or 4 years, you'll be getting 4 weeks vacation pay, you can bet your sweet ***** that d@mn few people ever make it to that point. If, OTOH, they offer a decent but non-extravagant package, you can be more certain that people actually achieve these anniversaries.
SHOPS OWNED BY FOREIGNERS: Yeah, sometimes Asian owners can be kinda cheap. Take a close look when you interview.
TAKE A TOUR: If they won't even let you SEE the shop before starting, RUN AWAY as fast as you can. This is probably the number 1 red flag.
I would also say to be careful about shops that keep changing recruiters. They have probably burned their bridges with others, and are a lousy place to work.
