Replies

1. 
   Michmesquite | Nov 29, 2004 08:41pm | #1

   Michael

   There are very few union millwork shops in the Bay Area, save San Francisco. Most non-union shops are now manned by Hispanic/Asian labor making less that $20/hour and is most cases, less than $15/hour.

   _________________________________

   Michael in San Jose

   "In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted." Bertrand Russell 

2. 
   Dave45 | Nov 30, 2004 03:51am | #2

   What kind of job are you looking for?  If you're only after an entry level job, $15/hr - $20/hr is probably in the ballpark and you should leave the management stuff off of your resume - it isn't relavent.  If you want to use your management experience, the price should go up depending on how much responsibility the boss wants to give you.

1. 
   MichaelPB | Nov 30, 2004 04:13am | #3

   Dave,

   I am looking for a job that will provide both spiritual and financial fullfillment but in the meantime I will settle for something that pays the bills.  My woodworking experience is all working for myself so I do not yet have a woodworking resume, just a portfolio.

   I am looking for a place where I can start at some sort of lower level but with room to quickly prove myself and advance.   I currently make gun stocks but it isn't paying the bills for a variety of reasons.

   Thanks for your input!

   Michael Bush, stockmaker

   MG Stocks.com

1. 
   GHR | Nov 30, 2004 08:41am | #4

   "quickly prove myself and advance" If you started to work for me and I promoted you ahead of anyone, my whole crew would walk out.An apprentice might prove himself quickly and be given better work (only a bit better), but not responsibity (advancement).

1. 
   MichaelPB | Nov 30, 2004 09:40am | #5

   George,

   I understand what you mean and that isn't quite what I meant.  I am not a novice I just don't have a resume of cabinet shops I have worked in.  However, I have made my own machinery, done production runs holding tolerances down to .005 of an inch, routinly work on precision curved surfaces, and have management experience in another industry.

   I doubt you give promotions bases solely on time on the job, you base it on a combination of factors.  As I prove my value, I do expect to be promoted and or paid more but certainly not over more qualified people. 

3. 
   jackplane | Nov 30, 2004 08:04pm | #6

   MichaelP's response is accurate. Few union shops, but quite a lot of talented woodworkers in the Bay Area. Unlike some places, it is a competitive market for labor.

    Still, there is money in them thar hills.

1. 
   MichaelPB | Nov 30, 2004 09:02pm | #7

   Thanks for all the great posts, I do appreciate the help and info!  I am looking in Sacramento but I think I am the only one from this area.  Rates are not going to be the same but it does give me something to go on.

4. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Nov 30, 2004 11:47pm | #8

   Look at old postings on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SF3D/.   Shops which have been looking for woodworkers in the past might have an interest now.

1. 
   MichaelPB | Dec 01, 2004 12:36am | #9

   Has business in the bay area been picking up?

1. 
   Dave45 | Dec 01, 2004 03:56am | #10

   I'm keeping pretty busy.  Two entertainment centers, a computer desk, and a fireplace mantle in the pipeline.  Whenever it starts slowing down, I run another posting on Craigslist. - lol

1. 
   MichaelPB | Dec 01, 2004 06:16am | #11

   Okay, here is another question.  I went on an interview today with a company that saw my post on woodweb and they are interested in picking me up.

   The position is a bit open ended but involved doing the detail work, sanding high end stuff, fixing various dents, screwups, etc.  Not sure if I will be doing QC but the guy currently in the position is doing the QC but is overwhelmed with other tasks.

   What sort of premium over regular gluing up boxes work would that demand?  It is vastly better suited to my skills anyway.

   Thanks

1. 
   Dave45 | Dec 01, 2004 06:49pm | #12

   Quite frankly, you need to clarify the job description.  The phrases 'open ended' and 'not sure' raise some alarm bells in my opinion. 

2. 
   MichaelPB | Dec 01, 2004 07:32pm | #13

   Dave,

   At this point I would be happy if they handed me a plunger and a mop, I need an income.

   As for the job description, of the two jobs I have gone on interviews with, the one with the open ended position is one I feel vastly more comfortable with.  New jobs are always a gamble, but they seem competent, it is a HUGE firm, and I made it very clear what both my strengths and weaknesses were so I don't think there will be any unmet expectations.

3. 
   Dave45 | Dec 02, 2004 02:41am | #14

   Take it and run - lol

   I've been thru two career changes and know how you feel.   Take the gig and listen about 5-6 times as much as you talk.  You may not know much about the cabinetry business, but they'll probably appreciate a good work ethic and a willingness to ask questions and learn. 

   You'll know you're beginning to win when they give you something to do and don't hang around to see how (or if) you do it.  You'll really be winning when they start bringing you more difficult jobs - or the stuff that's getting close to the deadline.

   Eventually, you'll probably move on but by then you'll have a resume, a few contacts, and a much better idea of what you can expect to be paid.

   Best of luck.