Looking like a major career change in order.

[Tail_Gunner]

As you may recall, 3 years ago I was extremely pumped about a potential new job in a RV dealership. Mrs. TG & I love to go camping. Getting a job in a RV dealer seemed like a dream job. But after 3 seasons, and being layed off for the last 5 months, it's looking like a change may be in order.

The sad truth is the three assurances made during my interview concerning pay, weekends off and winter layoff duration have all been inaccurate. Add to that, beginning with the second season we got a new manager who is a real "north end of a south bound donkey". He has proven to be someone that you find difficult to think of as "honorable" and impossible to have any respect for. Being the case, we "butted heads" over a few issues last season.

Over these last few days, I'm getting indications here & there that I will not be getting called back. It is probably just as well. The manager and I have a irreconcilable difference of opinion. He thinks he is the greatest thing that ever walked the earth, and I think he is a dictatorial, ignorant, addicted to something, dumbass.

So most likely, for the first time in many years, I'll be able to enjoy the summer. Since I won't be having to work every damned Saturday, Mrs. TG and I will be able to camping more than 3 times. We can also see some new places for a change too, at least until the end of August.

Northern Michigan University here in Marquette has a vocational training center and offers an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic program. My first three years in the Air Force, I turned wrenches on B-52's for a living. At the very same former air base, now the local airport, American Eagle has a heavy maintenance center. They also have a very good history of hiring NMU program grads. I might be able to get the state to pay my way too since I'm classified as a 'displaced' (i.e. I get layed off too much) worker.

I'm also thinking the timing might be right too, might as well go to school while the economy is in the gutter. Maybe by the time I graduate, things will be looking up.

 

[BamaSixGun]

Well I hope all goes good for ya Kent.

 

[95_stroker]

Best wishes Kent, I hope it works out for you as nobody deserves to work for a donkey.

 

[jestersv]

kent you have pm

 

[JLDickmon]

With all your USAF experience, you may be able to bypass the schooling altogether; however a feather in your cap would look good on a resume..

 

[kingkevindavid]

Good luck with everything, any chance the VA will help out?

 

[Zookie400]

good luck! that sounds like a fun job.

 

[DaveBen]

Good Luck Kent. You will enjoy that choice better than working for the Donkey.

Dave

 

[Tail_Gunner]

With all your USAF experience, you may be able to bypass the schooling altogether; however a feather in your cap would look good on a resume..

It'd be nice, but it is isn't quite that easy. While the FAA will recognize some military experience, but they won't write you a blank check i.e. A&P license. I went to the training campus for the acft. maint. program at NMU and talked to one of the instructors. I was told that some credit was available for my USAF time. But the tuition at NMU is a flat rate. Whether you go for 12, 16 or 18 credits per semester and the tuition amount is the same. The way I figure it is, if it isn't going to cost me any less, I might as well take the full course program. Even if some of the stuff is very easy/ familiar, at least it will be a good review. It's been quite a while since I last saw a B-52 with a tool box in hand.

Amusing story:
One of the instructors there at the acft. maint. school is a retired USAF Col/O-6. For a brief time, I worked for him while in the AF. While talking to one of the other instructors, he said that the Colonel was retiring this spring. He indicated too that they didn't care for him that much and were relieved he was leaving.

Over the years, I have run into the Colonel a few times around town. It seems like he always had a more condescending vs. friendly attitude.

So fast forward back to my visit at the NMU vo-tech campus. While talking to the instructor in his office, this Colonel walks in on hearing me and says (again in a somewhat demeaning tone) "So you're thinking about taking the course?"

I replied "Yep, I'm looking into it." "I wouldn't be starting until next August." "But from what I hear, you're retiring this spring." "So it's looking more & more attractive the more I find out about it." They guy turns tail and walks out.

The instructor I was talking to is trying to keep from busting out laughing. He tells me "You know, we really look forward to the occasional older student who doesn't act or think like they are still in high school."

I think he's hoping I enroll at NMU.

 

[nmu1974]

Good luck TG - NMU is a great school, I graduated from there in 1974 - also had a couple of classes @ KI Sawyer AFB. Back then it was fun to stay after class and watch the B-52's take off and land.