job

Wayne_14

Tell him exactly what you said here
Good Luck

shawn_5

job

Grumpy_2

How old is the boss? He might be willing to entertain an idea of a structured buy-out over a set number of years? It never hurts to discuss the future plans with the owner. He might be more receptive than you think, all of us that own companies are often thinking of our exit strategies.

Maine doug

The key

word you used was "confront".
Perhaps you might do better if you approach him while thinking like a valued member of his organization. You will reflect that attitude and it will come across as a positive "I can do". Ask to set aside some time to talk when both of you will not be interrupted. Try to pick a day and time when you know he will be in a good mood and more receptive to the 'how can I grow with your company and how can your company grow with me' approach.
If you really think there is no chance with this company, then look elsewhere but don't burn your bridges, it's a small world.

Rick Kelly_3

Good Advice

Maine Doug's advice is very good but consider this. If you have been performing as well as you say for your boss for six and a half years, he has gotten comfortable with the current arrangement. The question you have to ask yourself is this. What are you going to propose to your boss that will make him realize that he must share what the two of you have built up over the years? It will most likely be an uphill sales job. Good Luck. Another question to ask yourself is this. Do you think you have what it takes to go into business for yourself at this point, or would you have more of a life right where you are now?

Ken C.

A few thoughts ...

First, you say you're looking for a gig where you can climb the ladder and "be somebody." Well, you are THE key employee where you are now, so you've reached the top of the ladder. Since your boss relies on you to get jobs done, you are definitely somebody.

I understand that you don't want to be grinding work out at the same pace when you're in your 50s, that's fine, everyone slows down as they age. Are you looking to be a field supervisor? Well, you could fulfill that role at your present company. Your boss just needs to hire more experienced employees (journeymen) who can relieve you of some of the workload.

Why do you want to go to a larger company? You're already a big fish now. The smaller the company, the bigger the impact any single employee can have.

It seems like there's more to this that you're not telling us.

steve_29

Just wondering why you want to leave?

What are you looking for?

Going to a larger company may be just what you don't need.

I think your better off sitting down with the owner, and negotiate something... the grass isn't always greener in the other guys yard.

shawn_5

job

jerry scharf_2

a couple of things

It sounds like you're upset about something that's not being said.

The comment "Another thing is if I leave I believe the company will fold" is a bad one. If this is the case, then IMO you owe it to your boss, the apprentices and yourself to work hard to find a way for both of you to be happy and successful with. It may not work out, but the ball is in your court to try.

"I dont want to be a teacher because when they mess up it makes me look bad." Man, that's a hard attitude, and one I don't agree with. We are all students! The people who come here share their wisdom for nothing. The golden rule here is giving forward. We have all had people who have made a difference in our lives, and giving forward is the only way to make a dent against that debt.

Decide what you want to learn next, and go to your boss saying you want to do that. Looking to get into XYZ, become a combustion expert a la Jim Davis or Timmie, know steam like Dan and Steamhead, install high end systems like Dan Foley or Mr. Diamondplate , Do cool things with copper pipe like Hot Rod, work with advanced energy systems like ME, fight for healthy systems like PAH. There's no shortage of things to learn, and today's the day to start. If you can do this, you will have a happy day at work most days for the rest of your life, no matter where you hang your hat.

It took me a long time to learn this. Perhaps you can get something from my experience, but I'm not sure it works that way.

All the best,
jerry

ScottMP

Well said Jerry

You hit all the points I was thinking.

I too take exception with the remark about apprentices. Did'nt this young man start as an apprentice ? Teaching in this trade is as important as the work. Thats what an apprenticeship is all about.

The comments about the company folding sound all to familiar. A young man gets his licence and suddenly he is irreplaceable, is the whole reason the company is surviving and knows more about business than the boss. I know you said you've had your masters for three years but you have a good relationship right in front of you that may be better than you think.

I would suggest taking a deep breath, keep an open mind and having a good open talk with the boss.

Good Luck

Scott

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Rick Kelly_3

Jerry almost said it all

No doubt you have an obligation to "illuminate" your boss as to what's on your mind. There's sometimes a tendency to feel irreplaceable or even superior to those who happen to rank above us. Do you think your boss feels his company will fold should you leave? Beware! I've been there. Make him feel vulnerable, and it might be the beginning of the end. If you are truly the main cog, your boss needs you and your loyalty more than ever. Assure him of that first and your case for greater compensation will sell itself. It would seem like an easier thing to make some slight adjustments where you already are, than to imagine that anywhere else will be better.

Rudy

job

Ihave read your statements about your current job and I would suggest you take a very hard look at what you are saying. You do not want to train apprentices? Who did you learn from or are you all self taught? Your remark you are a master plumber after six and one half years -- good lord you are still learning: the master designation is for those of us who have slugged it out for thirty years! The man you are currently working for has had to be a good employer or you would have left -- correct? I also would be very interested in what area of the plumbing business you have mastered after six years. I have been a journeyman for thirty five years and I learn something new everyday be it from the job -- my work mates -- or a book I have bought from Dan. I have news for you -- you have never been unemployed it ain't no fun son. Change your attitude and be grateful for what you have. Oh and by the way why are you taking the blame for call backs on work you did not perform? My old journeyman told me something I have never forgotten: You only start to learn when you have attained the journeyman stage. The reason is at that stage of your learning curve you now know enough to realize when you have made a mistake. Be thankful for what you have if I was reading your letter and I was your employer you would be going down the road -- someone trusts you and you bad mouth them --- better still get into another trade we have enough bad apples as it is.

bob young

cry baby plumber ?

I do not think you omitted anything relevant. this is not an easy trade but a very wonderful one. a master in six years--he must be special. if one can't hack it look for another source of income. n.y.c. lic. plmbr.

shawn_5

jack