If You Knew A 12.5% Pay Cut Was Going To Happen In 6-12 Months Due To Change In Your Job Description?
I’m a CDL Class B (non tractor trailer) driver for a commercial laundry plant. Within 6-12 months, when they replace my truck with a slightly lighter one, I have the choice of a pay cut or quitting I was told. I interviewed for a job today. Right now I drive a 29,000 lbs box truck. The job was to drive a 37,600 lbs flat bed truck. Both are about the same length. The bigger truck has air brakes (not a problem) & a more complicated manual transmission than I am used to. More like the transmission you’d find on a tractor-trailer, but not an issue either. The pay is slightly better, about a 2.5% raise. The work is more challenging. It is unlikely they’d go for smaller trucks to avoid CDL drivers, because they move construction materials. If anything, they will need bigger trucks. They are far smaller than my present employer, just two trucks now. I don’t know if they will stay in business. Do I move on or stay where I am for now? I’m mad, but don’t want to make a bad career move. Thanks.
Tags: 12.5, Change, Description, Going, Happen, Knew, Months, Your
January 5th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
continue looking
January 5th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
You’ve really made some good comparisons on the 2 jobs.
How much is exactly 12.5% going to affect you?
What is the difference in your commute to the new job? If it is longer, would that eat up 12.5% of your salary?
Is the 2.5% raise compared to your current salary or to the future salary reduced by 12.5%?
Sometimes it can be about the money, but that has to be balanced by health care, out of pocket expenses, distance commute, hours on the job, work environment.
A smaller company probably doesn’t have as good a health plan so that is worth examining more closely. Plus some plans have a wait period, which is tough if you have a family or medical needs.
Companies who make changes for the right reasons are worthy employers. Do more research and find out why they are making the move to the lighter trucks. And do take into account, they offered you a choice.
Good luck
January 6th, 2010 at 3:57 am
I would have to move on. I can’t afford a paycut of any kind right now. I would take the chance on the smaller company, at least for now it would keep your pay at a liveable wage until you can find something better.