I now have no idea if I'll be at WWBB. Due to politicians NOT doing the job that we PAY them for. I (and thousands of others) will be out of work. I'm a defense contractor in the Norfolk,Va area and we are going to get screwed sideways on this. At this point,we won't have ANY work in the second half of the year.because there is no money for future projects.. If it doesn't get planned out now,it won't be there in June-December. The bad thing is.... I've been a shipyard welder for 30 years. Where the heck would I look for work,at another shipyard with no work!

Hope this works out well , but I have a gut wrenching feeling of DOOM.... I need to go fly a kite.

Its just brinksmanship. It won't happen.

I feel your anguish Donnie...

You could move down to Louisiana or Texas, the job market is booming there. Welders will always be needed in the fab yards, ship yards, and offshore. You could come out to Angola with me and make buttloads of money. The rotation thing isn't working for me, but you might like it. When you don't have any other options, rotations aren't bad. Fortunately, I am able to make a good living back in Houston, so I am ending my rotation here in several more days. The company I work for, Oceaneering, has a facility in Yankee Land somewhere. You could go to the website and look for an opening. It might be time to become a welding inspector. Those guys can make a lot of money.

If you didn't want any advice, I apologize. I just thought I'd throw out some ideas for you.

I used to work for Oceaneering Space Systems on a NASA contract. Fortunately, this Angola position came up before my position was cut. I don't know if I would have been laid off, but they have not hired anyone to replace me in the year that I have been gone. That means they did not need me. I'm glad I jumped ship before it sank. I don't think I'll be keen to do any government work ever again.

Oceaneering has two positions in Chesapeake, Virginia for welders. You have to either have a DoD security clearance or be able to obtain one for the positions.

DoD , that is the Problem Bro. They are gonna kill defense spending. I already got clearances. Oceaneering is always looking for welders.They just have a bad rep on our waterfront. Nobody stays there long ,and nobody has anything nice to say about 'em. But thanks for the offer, we will be OK.


@ BB , it's more than that dude. Just them "kicking the can" has already started a domino effect. There is no "future" work to bid on , or fund. All that is done well in advance, it's not being done. Therefore, as soon as we finish the contracts we currently have ,there is nothing behind it.They won't pay us to twiddle our thumbs, while they do all the figures and bids and line up material orders. They have already canceled the re=fueling of the A.LINCOLN. So, no BB it ain't just "brinkmanship" it's Bull$#@% !!!! It is already affecting my company,just by putting it off for 3 months.


What if they put it off again????? Then what?

It's a much bigger deal for you than many I see. Let's hope they really kick things in gear soon so it doesn't hurt you this year.

Donnie I wouldn't worry too much...You have a great talent being able to weld. There are a ton of Avenues you could travel down with the knowledge you've gained in 30 years . Some opportunities you probably don't even know exist. Sometimes these things happen that push you in a direction that maybe you weren't so comfortable doing but when you look back at the situation later you're better off for it.

I worked for a famous woodworker for 10 years that just ended one day...I've been out doing my own thing for 3 years now. Still paying the bills and going to all the kids events. Scary sometimes but other times well worth it. I don't advertise, hell I don't even have business cards and the work just keeps coming so...

YOU WILL BE FINE AND DO GREAT AT WHAT YOU KNOW HOW TO DO BEST....W E L D... so....You better be there this Spring...

Sounds simple. Just bargian holidays that match events into the next job !

Unfortunately it's far from that simple. I have been through and possibly face similar situations later this year as an electrician. As much as anything I am hating change these days. I am certian I'll find work and be happy if this gig doesn't get extended but that transition ( + uncertianty ) SUCKS ! :ticking:

I feel for you B'ro!

Donnie, I'm right there with you brother. As I posted on facebook on Tuesday, I will also be out a job by the end of April. I will still be going to WBB, kinda already in the plans. I may be eating peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches, but I will be there!

Maybe you, Marc and me should get something going! We could do a t.v. show about welding, and driving trucks. Nah, doesn't sound too fun. I will just stick with flying kites and riding buggies!

Well wishes to all of us!

This will crush the ship repair industry here. Norfolk is Atlantic fleet HQ, we are a defense town. It will effect people ,who don't even know they make a living off shipyard money. Guess ,all I can do is hold my breath until March...

Obama and our current congress (both sides of the isle) have the people of America's best interests on the top of their lists! I am so happy that our current Govt. is doing everything it can to help create jobs here in America. (I hope everyone can see the sarcasm dripping off this comment)

Welders are a dime a dozen, unless they can produce the coveted "Certs". I did that off and on with the union as a Field Boomer. made my years amount of money in 2-3 months and collected rocking chair the rest of the year. After I got tired of Booming from Bull Head City to the Canadian Boarder then up to the Alaska Pipe Line, The local shops started looking a bit better, less pay but home every night. LESS PAY made things tough for a while but you make due.

If you are willing to travel or relocate there are jobs that may pay the same or more if you look outside the box. I went from Stainless Nuke plant welding with every Cert possible to a Tow Truck Shop where I took brand new truck/frames and produced complete Aluminum bed Tow Truck, Called Zack Lift Trucks. Money was a bit different but I am also, a bit different.

You got a lot of skill and the know how, go out and sell yourself. May find a better gig than you had. (may be able to talk Van into hiring a professional welder with a bit of buggy skills that would take the buggy business in the US to the world and become something the others guys need to keep up with.)

my list of Govt. "certifications" : CARBON STEEL : SMAW 6G ,GTAW 6G,FCAW 6G
STAINLESS STEEL: SMAW 6G, GTAW 6G, GMAW PLT. ,GTAW THIN WALL SOCKET 6G
ALUMINUM: GTAW 6G , GMAW PLT
CuNi/ MONEL GTAW 6G,SMAW 6G, GTAW THIN WALL SOCKET 6G,
DISSIMILAR ALLOYS : CuNi/Stainless GMAW,SMAW,THIN WALL SOCKET 6G CARBON STEEL/STAINLESS : GMAW 6G ,GTAW 6G ,SMAW 6G, FCAW PLT and I got a few more oddball certs as well.

I just have no desire to travel anymore. But yeah ,I got "certs"!

Quote:

Originally posted by bigkid You got a lot of skill and the know how, go out and sell yourself. May find a better gig than you had. (may be able to talk Van into hiring a professional welder with a bit of buggy skills that would take the buggy business in the US to the world and become something the others guys need to keep up with.)

Now that is a GREAT IDEA...