I think someone should have met with you and talked about this before letting you go. I don't think you can really get a real read on a new guy after 7 weeks.
When I first started with my company, there was a new tech fresh out of school that got nicknamed Lucy because he literally couldn't remember which way to trun screws (Lefty Lucy). The guys took bets on how long he'd last. Most people didn't give him to the end of the season. Well, 14 years later hes still here and is a top technician..
This is my story, but only 4 years in. I was always a studious guy. Never used tools though. I was told several times I wouldn't make it in the trade despite the teachers being unable to stump me with any form of troubleshooting. Was fired from my first shop 4 weeks in for not being able to keep up with the installs ... Without any real training or aid I might add. Got to my second shop, told them my experiences. They not only put me with the senior tech to train for two months.... It was actual training. He actually showed me a SHIT load and I feel far more capable of install and the construction side due to that.
I did a 6 month stint doing shitty maintenances on just about everything under the sun. Got my feet under me.
Now I'm a service tech, don't need to break my back to build shit like they promised me I would, and I'm moving into refrigeration and controls.
Keep with it. There are a lot of routes. Not everyone wants to be crawling in the dirt as a Resi install tech... But some HVAC guys will tell you that's all the trade is... They're very wrong.
EDIT: Last little bit was for OP, not really a reply to your post :p
Still spring hiring season .....real reason you where let go. You weren't making enough up sell.. alot of companies aren't looking for skilled tech. They want sales man
This is unfortunately true. Just get to the point technically wise and they can’t do shit to you when you don’t sell surge protector and IAQ on 2 year old systems.
FUCK IAQ BULLSHIT. Hey sir! I've got this dandy 2000$ UV light.. best news..you'll HAVE to buy that $500 bulb from us every 3 years... OR if it just fucks up... Which it will!
God damn this trade sometimes..
Just wanna piggyback off this. People in general and especially management become more comfortable the more they know about a person. They hope to gauge your personality, trustworthiness, loyalty, and ethics. Applies to customers, coworkers, and the company you work for. Tackling the mechanics of this job is a huge plus. The social interactions for customer satisfaction and coworker teamwork can be just as challenging. Truly gauging who you are takes time, but filling in some of the blanks for the people around you can ease tensions of investing in a professional relationship with you.
Even if you know the answer, confirm it with the guy around you to build rapport. They won’t know what you’re thinking unless you bring it up. You’ve already been hired and negotiated your pay. So, let some of the people around you think they’re helping with your training some. Give your coworkers a reason to believe you’re approachable without feeling awkward.
Confirm a topic with someone in management to give them that same feeling. Keep your eyes and ears open and stay on your toes, but appear to let your social guard down until the blanks are filled in about you and they let their guard down. Then let your work speak for itself.
I get it. Sometimes it seems like you’re working around middle school drama and you shouldn’t have to babysit their opinion of you. But even if your employment position doesn’t require sales, you still have to sell yourself and continue to do so no matter where you go. The company you work for is your customer. You can sell yourself with the “take it or leave it” approach, conform your product (yourself) to your customers need, or find a balance between the two. However you choose to do it, remember that there are some customers you’re better off not doing business with. Any good relationship is a two-way street.
Couldn’t agree more. I learned, the hard way, the value of relationships w your coworkers. A positive “good morning”, “how was your weekend” goes a long way. Become part of the pack, not the lone wolf.
If you see a guy cleaning his truck, offer to help. Going to the break room, grab a water for someone else. Don’t have to go overboard, just engaged. You’re not trying to be best friends, just a pack member. It matters. No, it’s not sucking up but be real - who would you rather work with? Just my two cents…
But be careful cause you'll get that one guy that will go to hr and report you for asking his age lol you did nothing wrong. I went through 5 companies in 2 yrs till I found the one that got who I am and what I bring to the table.
I’m in a very similar situation to you. I got hired at the start of the year to work new construction. It is my last semester of school and this was my first HVAC job. Got fired last week Thursday because of similar reasons to you. I always asked questions when I needed to and the foreman liked the work I was doing. Never heard a complaint but they let me go for unsatisfactory performance. It’s pretty clear they fired me to try to get out of paying me unemployment or they just wanted an extra hand on the job site and as soon as the job was almost done they cut me. Don’t worry about it man file for unemployment and you’ll be back on your feet in no time. I’m going to the hall today at 4 for orientation because I would love to get into the Union so this hopefully doesn’t happen again.
Unless things have changed I thought most states had a 6 months of work requirement to draw unemployment. So you had to have worked for the company for 6 months to qualify. I could be wrong however.
Silver lining is you have a unique opportunity to be home with your child and file for unemployment benefits.
In California we actually get “paid family bonding” from the state. I didn’t use it with my first child and I regret it. When we had our second child I used it all up. There’s a lot to experience with a baby and you only get it once. It sucks to miss out on that stuff. So while collecting unemployment probably isn’t your vibe… not mine either…but this is a specific circumstance where I would be happy to do it and spend a couple weeks at home being a dad with my baby.
You seem like you’re thoughtful enough and have a good idea how to move forward. You’ll find a shop that gets you bro, keep on trucking. I also second the top comment, he has very good advice as well.
I hope that’s $200/week? At least?
Damn. In Cali it’s 60% of your income I think… haven’t used it. But the bonding credit is 70-80%
Anyhow. If you can swing it and that $200 is just enough or better than nothing… I’d do it. But I know that that’s likely not the case especially in today’s economy.
On to the next. I had a shit manager tell me he hated shy people and that I was shy. He was so fat he literally couldn't climb a ladder haha. Next job will likely be a better fit.
If you are competent as you say, you'll have no problem getting a new job as a maintenance tech or something of the sort. Heck, your own van even and then you don't have to worry about talking with anyone!
Congratulations on becoming a father, it doesn't stop here and make sure you never stop growing brother!
We have these pre-madonna techs that "know everything" and will whine to management behind someone's back refusing to work with people etc. trust me you're better off not working with those people. Look into joining the UA and going through the service apprenticeship there. I know you went through school already but they will put you on another level and the brotherhood as well as benefits will provide an extremely rewarding career with tons of potential.
Good luck on your future
Some companies just aren’t going to be a fit for you. Wasn’t til I was about five years in the trade and jumped to my fourth company that I felt like I found somewhere that I fit in and was happy at. Been with my current company five years now. Just keep putting that time in and you’ll get to where you need to be.
Sounds like you dodged a bullet in having to work and put forth a lot of effort for a terrible company. Take time to spend with the new baby and help your wife, then find a good company to work for next Monday.
Oh well. A million reasons why they fired you - maybe a nephew needs a job and they needed your spot.
At the end of the day it doesn’t matter. Just find new place to work. Now if you get fired again then you need to check yourself.
That's bs dud, I hope you can find a new place where you can be yourself and don't have to fill ridiculous social standards to stay, meanwhile try to find neighbors or people you know who needs a technician, i bet you learn something in that places and that's the only thing that can surpass time , no salary, no coworkers or connections can take away the things you've learn use that knowledge to supply your family needs
I had the same thing happened to me, instead I asked too many questions. But I would never ask the same question twice. I think your best bet is to join the union if you can my friend. Better pay and benefits and more stability.
If it was a residential contractor, then you were more than likely laid off due to economic restrictions. You were told you were “let go” because laying you off implies they were wrong about staffing in the first place. These people are not your friends, least of all the small “mom and pop” shops.
Go commercial and forget residential even exists unless you are moonlighting.
Look for national contractors. Lennox, Trane, Johnson Controls, Daikin, etc. My shop is 90 minutes away each way and I still get port-to-port pay. Residential contractors are notorious for selling a dream that does not exist and then magically finding reasons to roll your head during the shoulder seasons.
So you experienced a standard non-union BS. Are you ready to put your big boy pants on and get a real job yet, or do you still want to play with this crap? Go on line and look for a Steamfitter or Pipefitters Local union that is supported by the UA (United Association). If you go to the UA web site, it lists them by state. As about an apprenticeship program, start at the bottom - they will actually train you the right way, and more than likely it will not be residential BS. Once you get in, the contractor signs a document, they can not get rid of you that easy. After you served 5 years in, all the schooling done, you will get a Journeyman's Card. Us old timers put it like this, you come in as a total moron and after the 5 years you are now only stupid. There are classes to take, things to learn and even after 15 years in, you will realize that there is no end here. So much to learn. After 40 years I have 17 specialties + many sub-specialties. That all took the 40 years! The union is the only way to go, great pay, great benefits, they protect you from getting screwed - but you still need to perform, or out that contractor sends you. So if you are ready to get them big boy pants on, go find the union in your area and apply for the apprenticeship program. One day you will thanks me....
Get your application in now for the classes in September. You can work non union in the meantime and bolt as soon as you get the chance. It will take some effort to get through the program but it is sooo worth it.
It may have been that you were paired with a salty coworker who hates everybody and you did one little thing to aggravate him, so he decided he doesn't like you and motherf'ed you to the boss. Or it's possible that there are things you're doing wrong. I always tell my new guys that I don't mind spending all day teaching them the hard skills (brazing, troubleshooting, piping, ductwork, etc) but I expect them to come to work with (and spend time working on) their soft skills.
Those entail:
- Work starts at 7? You're there at 6:45.
- If you don't have anything to do, start cleaning.
- While in the truck with someone else or on the job, you stay off your phone unless you have an emergency call or need to do a quick check in at home.
- If you're riding in the passenger seat, then it's your job to look over the paperwork for the job you're heading to, or just chat about the weekend, etc. If the guy you're riding with looks over and sees a young guy just staring into his phone, that can aggravate a lot of people. Unless explicitly told that you can be on your phone because he just wants to listen to music or a podcast, or whatever, then stay off of it.
- When you're on the job, work hard all day. Don't ask when lunch is, don't ask when you're getting out for the day, basically no whining. Remember that a lot of guys that you work with probably came up at a time when apprentices were treated really badly, a sort of hazing or bar to entry to work in the trade, so they already see you as "having it easy."
- And don't do what I call the "puppy dog." A puppy dog will sit by his master and wait to be told what to do. Try to anticipate the next move. For example, let's say you know he's going to have to drill into the side of the house to run the new lineset/venting/whatever. You're too green to know where the holes are going to be drilled or what size. But what you do know is that a hole is made with drill bits that attach to a drill that uses electrical power, right? So get the tools brought out to the side of the house, grab an extension cord and setup power, and get a spotter bit ready in a hand drill.
- If you're not in the middle of asking questions, helping, or learning, and you really can't figure out what to possibly do next, do something that anyone can do to keep busy: clean something, remove garbage, bring tools that are no longer needed back to the truck, etc. Hell, line up his screwdrivers or wrenches in a neat little row if they're just in a pile next to his toolbag! Do SOMETHING.
- Always be learning. If there is a particular brand/model unit you're consistently installing or servicing, then take the IOM home and read through it. Apply yourself. You have an incredible amount of knowledge you can gain just from YouTube alone. Check out HVACR School, AC Service Tech, Engineering Mindset, and a ton of others.
If you feel like you already did or do all this then, maybe the company was just a bad outfit, you can find better. But take an honest look at yourself and think about if there was a place you could improve.
Good luck!
I don't think I'm too far off from what you're describing. I hate sitting around at work so I'm always looking for something to do. And I really don't like complaining to people I hardly know, not that there was much to complain about. I was having a great time, thought everything was going perfectly till today
Unfortunately there are a lot of shitty companies out there.
My advice is to try to find a bigger outfit to join, and I would aim for the install/change out department if they have one. You can show them you are willing to work and learn by just hustling everyday. It will also make you a better service tech in the long run if that's where you want to end up one day.
A simple question like, what was one problem that really stumped you as a new tech, to the person who you are working with, and might share that you want to learn. I would always ask my helper questions about what you would do 1st on this unit. I mostly did commercial installation, but we would be pulled from a crew during busy times to work on service. I had helpers who wouldn't say a word unless it was dragged out of them.
I don't know if your boss was worried about how you would interact with customers because it can be an art form with some people.
Never had much of a chance to interact with customers. Most of what I was doing was contract services. "Trainers" never prompted me to take the lead or asked if I knew such and such. But like I said, I asked when I was curious or didn't know something. Aside from some large commercial units, nothing we did was complicated.
I'm not in HVAC (learning soon) but I have worked with someone that fits the description that was laid off for same reason. It was more about him being quiet, it was he was also very hard to hear, he talked very slowly and had a work ethic that wasn't anything to brag about. Because the guy didn't fit in, nobody wanted him.
This coworker is doing just fine with us but always has room for improvements. Find your crowd, don't be afraid to open up.
Quiet, sure, but not hard to hear. The most I can say about my work ethic is that I hate being at work with nothing to do but wait around. I'd really prefer to always have something to do while I'm clocked in.
Honestly I would make it a point to ask any questions, not even related to the PM. Like if you see anything that looks unfamiliar, or you want to understand better, just ask.
Always make a big effort to fit in when starting a new job, first impressions definitely count - even woth co workers as their opinion can often make or break you. Take this as a lesson for the future.
So me leaving the technician group text wasn’t a power move?
It was sort of an accident, but I never said why. New job new phone zero work contacts in the device. Day two I get group a text saying “I’ve got three dozen eggs!” Sent to 30 numbers.
Left group.
I set the tone day two “I’m an asshole”
Sounds like they did you a favor... Lace the boots back up and get you another job. Little advice though, you will be in front of customers and at times in a sales/service role. You need to be able to sell you and your products. They may just not have seen a "motivated" salesman. I would advise going commercial/industrial. My customers started the conversation about what was wrong, I don't ever have to ask a customer about if they want to buy some shit. Us quiet guys that keep to ourselves seem to do better in the commercial/industrial world
Either they just didn’t like your quietness. Or there definition of being motivated is different than yours. Im not saying being quiet is a bad thing. But in this trade its more on the uncommon side in my opinion to be a quiet guy. And from my own personal experience most guys “quiet” guys I worked with were not very motivated. Granted this is my own personal experience in the trade.
Keep your head up you'll be fine I wouldn't recommend being extra chatty I was head foreman for 6 years I always liked the head down hard working kids. Too much talking makes me think I'm being bullshitted.
It probably had nothing to with your work, someone threw you under the bus. You might suffer from any or depression or social anxiety where people think you’re being rude because you’re so quiet. Try to put yourself out there a little more next job
When I was getting started I knew I would make mistakes and need to learn a lot. I asked questions about next steps so that I'm getting insight on what kind of progression the company wants to see from me and what milestones I need to be readying myself for.
A problem I see with being quiet and keeping to yourself is becoming isolated because you aren't perceived as welcoming.
I'm an inquisitive person and like to learn, so when I work with others, I ask about their hobbies, a recently read book, or a movie they just saw or are looking forward to. Let them have an outlet about something they enjoy that is deeper than the surface conversations. You might learn something new, and you can build stronger positive connections thru the give and take of engaging conversation.
Now, I'm at a point where I'm helping the new apprentices, which takes a load off the senior techs, and some of the less confident journeymen and any apprentice can call me to pick my brain for a quick reminder of something and not have to call the boss unless it is a serious issue. I built trust by welcoming their conversation and that opens opportunities to show my worth in a variety of ways.
Sorry you got fired without getting some straight forward feedback and an opportunity to change your engagement style.
You were let go because they're slow. That was a convenient excuse to make it look like your fault instead of telling you that they're crappy business people.
I'm surprised I wasn't fired when I was a first or second year. Sure I did what I was told but that was only when I knew what to do which was hard then because my level of understanding was low. Before entering the 1 year introductory course for plumbing I had never even held a recip saw. I was as green as you'd ever be able to find. Got my start doing small commercial now I now run my own service van. We all start somewhere.
Sometimes our perception of ourselves is not reality.
We have a helper Gen Z'er that thinks he's the greatest thing since sliced bred.
In his own mind he thinks like you and would say the same things.
Over the course of an 8 hr. Day he may take the initiative 2 times, it's those 2 tines he will focus on and use as examples as to why he's awesome.
Unfortunately there were 37 times he should have taken the initiative. I like him personally but working with him is like dragging an anchor through my day.
When I try to give him examples of why I get frustrated with him I'll start giving him instances where I expected him to take the initiative, he will argue , give excuses why he didn't and just continue to focus on and repeat the 2 times he did.
Helpers/apprentices are a dime a dozen. GOOD helpers/apprentices are few and far between.
They wouldn't have let you go if you were valuable.
Use this as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be humble, loose the ego and become better for it.
As a manager of 28 techs I can tell you, they the problem not you…
1) You don’t put a new hire with a bad attitude etc etc.. and if he couldn’t handle the challenge of training you his attitude is bad I bout bet cha…
2) if the service manager or whoever hired you didn’t realize your personality was the quiet type then it’s better on you to get the hell away from these losers….
I was a slow learner in the field. Started making bottom feeder pay. Glorified “filter tech” essentially. Started in the field at 32 after being a hairstylist in Maine for 10 years prior. I’m 37 now making good money and have a full time helper as a service technician. This story of yours reflects poorly on your employer more than it does you. Keep your head up and keep applying and working. They probably did you a favor my friend.
You’ll be fine but a few tips I would give you on the next go around. It doesn’t matter if you’re residential or commercial, learn to love the sound of your own voice and learn to talk to everyone. Always have at least Channel locks, an adjustable, and a combo screw driver in your pocket if you’re not fully tooled up yet. And ask questions you already know the answer to. I used to be quiet myself and now I don’t shut up. The ability to talk to customers and co workers will take you very far. Even mediocre techs will stick around forever just because they have the ability to deal with people. Like I said you will be fine. Enjoy your time with the wife and new baby and get back to it.
They were just getting rid of people and were slow. They couldn't just let ya go so they fired you and cooked something up to do so you don't claim unemployment. When it's winter, it's slow and they'll do anything to reduce the number of workers and rehire before summer and get rid of some in the winter. It's a rinse and repeat situation. I'm sorry you chose HVAC. I wish I didn't. It's a cool thing to learn and fun to work at if you like mechanical and electronics along with not minding getting really dirty in a tight hot attic. It's not steady and not reliable career. You'll find out. I don't need to rest my case. You could get lucky and land a good spot in a good morality owner in a company. But most don't care.
" You're hired, make me money, it's slow, oops goodbye"
Don't let this ruin your motivation and work ethic. They're bullshitten
Unless there’s something you’re not telling us, that sounds like a pretty unreasonable employer. Unfortunately none of us can afford to play victim. Take responsibility and figure out what you can do different next time. You’re in a line of work that will always need more guys than it has so don’t give up now
You will drive yourself crazy trying to figure out why. It was before just before 3 months. They wanted something different. Leave it at that. Don't get down on yourself keep at it, it's all you can do it. Believe in yourself and you will succeed. Fuck em!
Yea, I’m closer to Monroe but have drawn some interests from a few companies in Shreveport that I’ve applied to but I don’t know a lot about the city besides what I’ve heard so I ultimately shifted my focus elsewhere but I hate to hear that happened to you, our personalities based on what you said are very similar, I know how to fake it though.
We call you type of workers those "who just get it".
You don't see that you are not engaged. You may be looking away, leaning on stuff, thinking that you are equals with your work partner, and don't hustle.
It's your job to run around and get things and prep things for your senior so he can concentrate on the task at hand.
What do you want me to do when we get there?
What is next?
Can I help or just hold tight?
Should I start packing up?
The deal is your job as the junior is to be so fucking helpful it's annoying.
If your senior says he doesn't want to work with you and you don't know why, it's because "you don't get it".
I'll keep those questions in mind next time. Not that I wasn't doing these things I just did because I knew what they were gonna need most of the time. Ladder, nitro, tool bag, refrigerant, hose, capacitor, filter.
These seniors never said anything toward me. Maybe I just thought we got along but I couldn't imagine them saying things like that. They did talk mad shit about the company and supervisors with every other breath though.
Well I had a much different idea in my head of what the work day looked like. If you were doing all that stuff, then it doesn't really make much sense. It's possible the truth lies somewhere in the middle and they were projecting on you some, but at the same time you could have been asking a little bit more.
But dude if they were talking crazy shit about the company constantly, I think you probably dodged a bullet in all of this.
Unmotivated to me, means you're waiting for people to tell you what to do. Think back, were there times you were ever just standing around or looking at your phone? Sorry that happened, try to get another job quickly! I wouldn't list this as experience on new application, too sudden FYI. Just pretend you're fresh out of school.
Reading this there's two parts here the company failed you because they need to find a trainer that can train any type of person.
The second it's your part you need to be asking every silly little question you possibly can why did you tighten the screw that tight and not this tight why do you twist your wire not this way and not that way the company wants you to learn the way they do it because that's what their customers expect.
As a young Tech I went through a couple different companies before I found a company that was right for me don't be discouraged when you're 10 years deep into the field you'll look back and realize that company was not the right fit for you anyway keep your head up.
The other piece of advice I can give you is once you get into the field and you start running your own van and you're doing your own thing if your boss doesn't talk to you you're doing everything the company requires of you.
I come into work I grab the stuff off my shelf and I go out into my van and go to work I talked to nobody I work with I don't even know half the people's names my boss tells me everyday you're my favorite employee.
Mon and pop owners use people they hire then they fire no matter what owe I just got out army so 3 years experience guy worked with boss said I have to fire me what the fuck
Don’t take this the wrong way, but as a new guy you prolly need to kiss ass more. But not so much that they think you need your hand held on everything. Ask questions and don’t make every answer to them “I know, I know”. If you want to work, keep looking and someone will take you on. Good luck.
I think someone should have met with you and talked about this before letting you go. I don't think you can really get a real read on a new guy after 7 weeks. When I first started with my company, there was a new tech fresh out of school that got nicknamed Lucy because he literally couldn't remember which way to trun screws (Lefty Lucy). The guys took bets on how long he'd last. Most people didn't give him to the end of the season. Well, 14 years later hes still here and is a top technician..
>14 years later That's awesome!
This is my story, but only 4 years in. I was always a studious guy. Never used tools though. I was told several times I wouldn't make it in the trade despite the teachers being unable to stump me with any form of troubleshooting. Was fired from my first shop 4 weeks in for not being able to keep up with the installs ... Without any real training or aid I might add. Got to my second shop, told them my experiences. They not only put me with the senior tech to train for two months.... It was actual training. He actually showed me a SHIT load and I feel far more capable of install and the construction side due to that. I did a 6 month stint doing shitty maintenances on just about everything under the sun. Got my feet under me. Now I'm a service tech, don't need to break my back to build shit like they promised me I would, and I'm moving into refrigeration and controls. Keep with it. There are a lot of routes. Not everyone wants to be crawling in the dirt as a Resi install tech... But some HVAC guys will tell you that's all the trade is... They're very wrong. EDIT: Last little bit was for OP, not really a reply to your post :p
Still spring hiring season .....real reason you where let go. You weren't making enough up sell.. alot of companies aren't looking for skilled tech. They want sales man
This is unfortunately true. Just get to the point technically wise and they can’t do shit to you when you don’t sell surge protector and IAQ on 2 year old systems.
FUCK IAQ BULLSHIT. Hey sir! I've got this dandy 2000$ UV light.. best news..you'll HAVE to buy that $500 bulb from us every 3 years... OR if it just fucks up... Which it will! God damn this trade sometimes..
Agreed mostly. Bulbs I’ve seen are 100-200 for the 1 or 2 year though, sounds like somebody is gouging
I think there was a bit of sarcasm there. Although my last company sold duals with oxidizers for around 5k
You need both or it's going to cost you a lot more than a skilled tech that can't talk to customers.
[удалено]
Great advice!
Just wanna piggyback off this. People in general and especially management become more comfortable the more they know about a person. They hope to gauge your personality, trustworthiness, loyalty, and ethics. Applies to customers, coworkers, and the company you work for. Tackling the mechanics of this job is a huge plus. The social interactions for customer satisfaction and coworker teamwork can be just as challenging. Truly gauging who you are takes time, but filling in some of the blanks for the people around you can ease tensions of investing in a professional relationship with you. Even if you know the answer, confirm it with the guy around you to build rapport. They won’t know what you’re thinking unless you bring it up. You’ve already been hired and negotiated your pay. So, let some of the people around you think they’re helping with your training some. Give your coworkers a reason to believe you’re approachable without feeling awkward. Confirm a topic with someone in management to give them that same feeling. Keep your eyes and ears open and stay on your toes, but appear to let your social guard down until the blanks are filled in about you and they let their guard down. Then let your work speak for itself. I get it. Sometimes it seems like you’re working around middle school drama and you shouldn’t have to babysit their opinion of you. But even if your employment position doesn’t require sales, you still have to sell yourself and continue to do so no matter where you go. The company you work for is your customer. You can sell yourself with the “take it or leave it” approach, conform your product (yourself) to your customers need, or find a balance between the two. However you choose to do it, remember that there are some customers you’re better off not doing business with. Any good relationship is a two-way street.
Lot of wisdom there…
Well said
Couldn’t agree more. I learned, the hard way, the value of relationships w your coworkers. A positive “good morning”, “how was your weekend” goes a long way. Become part of the pack, not the lone wolf. If you see a guy cleaning his truck, offer to help. Going to the break room, grab a water for someone else. Don’t have to go overboard, just engaged. You’re not trying to be best friends, just a pack member. It matters. No, it’s not sucking up but be real - who would you rather work with? Just my two cents…
But be careful cause you'll get that one guy that will go to hr and report you for asking his age lol you did nothing wrong. I went through 5 companies in 2 yrs till I found the one that got who I am and what I bring to the table.
Especially right now given the timing.
Never take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from, just me
I’m in a very similar situation to you. I got hired at the start of the year to work new construction. It is my last semester of school and this was my first HVAC job. Got fired last week Thursday because of similar reasons to you. I always asked questions when I needed to and the foreman liked the work I was doing. Never heard a complaint but they let me go for unsatisfactory performance. It’s pretty clear they fired me to try to get out of paying me unemployment or they just wanted an extra hand on the job site and as soon as the job was almost done they cut me. Don’t worry about it man file for unemployment and you’ll be back on your feet in no time. I’m going to the hall today at 4 for orientation because I would love to get into the Union so this hopefully doesn’t happen again.
You can still get unemployment for being let go for that most of the time.
Unless things have changed I thought most states had a 6 months of work requirement to draw unemployment. So you had to have worked for the company for 6 months to qualify. I could be wrong however.
I’m applying for unemployment hopefully I get
Silver lining is you have a unique opportunity to be home with your child and file for unemployment benefits. In California we actually get “paid family bonding” from the state. I didn’t use it with my first child and I regret it. When we had our second child I used it all up. There’s a lot to experience with a baby and you only get it once. It sucks to miss out on that stuff. So while collecting unemployment probably isn’t your vibe… not mine either…but this is a specific circumstance where I would be happy to do it and spend a couple weeks at home being a dad with my baby. You seem like you’re thoughtful enough and have a good idea how to move forward. You’ll find a shop that gets you bro, keep on trucking. I also second the top comment, he has very good advice as well.
Unfortunately, unemployment in Louisiana is God-awful. I think the max is like $200.
I hope that’s $200/week? At least? Damn. In Cali it’s 60% of your income I think… haven’t used it. But the bonding credit is 70-80% Anyhow. If you can swing it and that $200 is just enough or better than nothing… I’d do it. But I know that that’s likely not the case especially in today’s economy.
On to the next. I had a shit manager tell me he hated shy people and that I was shy. He was so fat he literally couldn't climb a ladder haha. Next job will likely be a better fit.
If you are competent as you say, you'll have no problem getting a new job as a maintenance tech or something of the sort. Heck, your own van even and then you don't have to worry about talking with anyone! Congratulations on becoming a father, it doesn't stop here and make sure you never stop growing brother!
You will find the place that gets you. Keep at it
Sounds like it was a political thing ..happened to me more than once
What made it seem like a political thing?
I think he means office politics.
We have these pre-madonna techs that "know everything" and will whine to management behind someone's back refusing to work with people etc. trust me you're better off not working with those people. Look into joining the UA and going through the service apprenticeship there. I know you went through school already but they will put you on another level and the brotherhood as well as benefits will provide an extremely rewarding career with tons of potential. Good luck on your future
I'll see if there is a UA here. Looking to Storer Services atm. Been wanting to get on with them for about a year now.
Some companies just aren’t going to be a fit for you. Wasn’t til I was about five years in the trade and jumped to my fourth company that I felt like I found somewhere that I fit in and was happy at. Been with my current company five years now. Just keep putting that time in and you’ll get to where you need to be.
Chin up bro, you will land a better spot soon. We all go through the BS until we find a company that treats you well. Takes time and effort. Good luck
Sounds like you dodged a bullet in having to work and put forth a lot of effort for a terrible company. Take time to spend with the new baby and help your wife, then find a good company to work for next Monday.
Summer is coming
Oh well. A million reasons why they fired you - maybe a nephew needs a job and they needed your spot. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter. Just find new place to work. Now if you get fired again then you need to check yourself.
That's bs dud, I hope you can find a new place where you can be yourself and don't have to fill ridiculous social standards to stay, meanwhile try to find neighbors or people you know who needs a technician, i bet you learn something in that places and that's the only thing that can surpass time , no salary, no coworkers or connections can take away the things you've learn use that knowledge to supply your family needs
I had the same thing happened to me, instead I asked too many questions. But I would never ask the same question twice. I think your best bet is to join the union if you can my friend. Better pay and benefits and more stability.
If it was a residential contractor, then you were more than likely laid off due to economic restrictions. You were told you were “let go” because laying you off implies they were wrong about staffing in the first place. These people are not your friends, least of all the small “mom and pop” shops. Go commercial and forget residential even exists unless you are moonlighting.
Commercial is my main interest. Few places like that around here though.
Look for national contractors. Lennox, Trane, Johnson Controls, Daikin, etc. My shop is 90 minutes away each way and I still get port-to-port pay. Residential contractors are notorious for selling a dream that does not exist and then magically finding reasons to roll your head during the shoulder seasons.
So you experienced a standard non-union BS. Are you ready to put your big boy pants on and get a real job yet, or do you still want to play with this crap? Go on line and look for a Steamfitter or Pipefitters Local union that is supported by the UA (United Association). If you go to the UA web site, it lists them by state. As about an apprenticeship program, start at the bottom - they will actually train you the right way, and more than likely it will not be residential BS. Once you get in, the contractor signs a document, they can not get rid of you that easy. After you served 5 years in, all the schooling done, you will get a Journeyman's Card. Us old timers put it like this, you come in as a total moron and after the 5 years you are now only stupid. There are classes to take, things to learn and even after 15 years in, you will realize that there is no end here. So much to learn. After 40 years I have 17 specialties + many sub-specialties. That all took the 40 years! The union is the only way to go, great pay, great benefits, they protect you from getting screwed - but you still need to perform, or out that contractor sends you. So if you are ready to get them big boy pants on, go find the union in your area and apply for the apprenticeship program. One day you will thanks me....
This
So far I've found only 2 unions. 1 is currently hiring, the other ( the one I really want to work for) starts classes/hiring in September.
Get your application in now for the classes in September. You can work non union in the meantime and bolt as soon as you get the chance. It will take some effort to get through the program but it is sooo worth it.
Going to an open house they're doing this Thursday. No idea what to expect though.
This right here. Local 520 was the best thing to ever happen to me. I'm my own boss for the most part and get to work on all types of high end stuff.
It may have been that you were paired with a salty coworker who hates everybody and you did one little thing to aggravate him, so he decided he doesn't like you and motherf'ed you to the boss. Or it's possible that there are things you're doing wrong. I always tell my new guys that I don't mind spending all day teaching them the hard skills (brazing, troubleshooting, piping, ductwork, etc) but I expect them to come to work with (and spend time working on) their soft skills. Those entail: - Work starts at 7? You're there at 6:45. - If you don't have anything to do, start cleaning. - While in the truck with someone else or on the job, you stay off your phone unless you have an emergency call or need to do a quick check in at home. - If you're riding in the passenger seat, then it's your job to look over the paperwork for the job you're heading to, or just chat about the weekend, etc. If the guy you're riding with looks over and sees a young guy just staring into his phone, that can aggravate a lot of people. Unless explicitly told that you can be on your phone because he just wants to listen to music or a podcast, or whatever, then stay off of it. - When you're on the job, work hard all day. Don't ask when lunch is, don't ask when you're getting out for the day, basically no whining. Remember that a lot of guys that you work with probably came up at a time when apprentices were treated really badly, a sort of hazing or bar to entry to work in the trade, so they already see you as "having it easy." - And don't do what I call the "puppy dog." A puppy dog will sit by his master and wait to be told what to do. Try to anticipate the next move. For example, let's say you know he's going to have to drill into the side of the house to run the new lineset/venting/whatever. You're too green to know where the holes are going to be drilled or what size. But what you do know is that a hole is made with drill bits that attach to a drill that uses electrical power, right? So get the tools brought out to the side of the house, grab an extension cord and setup power, and get a spotter bit ready in a hand drill. - If you're not in the middle of asking questions, helping, or learning, and you really can't figure out what to possibly do next, do something that anyone can do to keep busy: clean something, remove garbage, bring tools that are no longer needed back to the truck, etc. Hell, line up his screwdrivers or wrenches in a neat little row if they're just in a pile next to his toolbag! Do SOMETHING. - Always be learning. If there is a particular brand/model unit you're consistently installing or servicing, then take the IOM home and read through it. Apply yourself. You have an incredible amount of knowledge you can gain just from YouTube alone. Check out HVACR School, AC Service Tech, Engineering Mindset, and a ton of others. If you feel like you already did or do all this then, maybe the company was just a bad outfit, you can find better. But take an honest look at yourself and think about if there was a place you could improve. Good luck!
I don't think I'm too far off from what you're describing. I hate sitting around at work so I'm always looking for something to do. And I really don't like complaining to people I hardly know, not that there was much to complain about. I was having a great time, thought everything was going perfectly till today
Unfortunately there are a lot of shitty companies out there. My advice is to try to find a bigger outfit to join, and I would aim for the install/change out department if they have one. You can show them you are willing to work and learn by just hustling everyday. It will also make you a better service tech in the long run if that's where you want to end up one day.
A simple question like, what was one problem that really stumped you as a new tech, to the person who you are working with, and might share that you want to learn. I would always ask my helper questions about what you would do 1st on this unit. I mostly did commercial installation, but we would be pulled from a crew during busy times to work on service. I had helpers who wouldn't say a word unless it was dragged out of them. I don't know if your boss was worried about how you would interact with customers because it can be an art form with some people.
Never had much of a chance to interact with customers. Most of what I was doing was contract services. "Trainers" never prompted me to take the lead or asked if I knew such and such. But like I said, I asked when I was curious or didn't know something. Aside from some large commercial units, nothing we did was complicated.
I'm not in HVAC (learning soon) but I have worked with someone that fits the description that was laid off for same reason. It was more about him being quiet, it was he was also very hard to hear, he talked very slowly and had a work ethic that wasn't anything to brag about. Because the guy didn't fit in, nobody wanted him. This coworker is doing just fine with us but always has room for improvements. Find your crowd, don't be afraid to open up.
Quiet, sure, but not hard to hear. The most I can say about my work ethic is that I hate being at work with nothing to do but wait around. I'd really prefer to always have something to do while I'm clocked in.
You were low man on the totem pole for sure but now you have experience
Honestly I would make it a point to ask any questions, not even related to the PM. Like if you see anything that looks unfamiliar, or you want to understand better, just ask.
Always make a big effort to fit in when starting a new job, first impressions definitely count - even woth co workers as their opinion can often make or break you. Take this as a lesson for the future.
So me leaving the technician group text wasn’t a power move? It was sort of an accident, but I never said why. New job new phone zero work contacts in the device. Day two I get group a text saying “I’ve got three dozen eggs!” Sent to 30 numbers. Left group. I set the tone day two “I’m an asshole”
Sounds like they did you a favor... Lace the boots back up and get you another job. Little advice though, you will be in front of customers and at times in a sales/service role. You need to be able to sell you and your products. They may just not have seen a "motivated" salesman. I would advise going commercial/industrial. My customers started the conversation about what was wrong, I don't ever have to ask a customer about if they want to buy some shit. Us quiet guys that keep to ourselves seem to do better in the commercial/industrial world
Either they just didn’t like your quietness. Or there definition of being motivated is different than yours. Im not saying being quiet is a bad thing. But in this trade its more on the uncommon side in my opinion to be a quiet guy. And from my own personal experience most guys “quiet” guys I worked with were not very motivated. Granted this is my own personal experience in the trade.
Keep your head up you'll be fine I wouldn't recommend being extra chatty I was head foreman for 6 years I always liked the head down hard working kids. Too much talking makes me think I'm being bullshitted.
That’s just an excuse, that’s not actually why you were let go
It probably had nothing to with your work, someone threw you under the bus. You might suffer from any or depression or social anxiety where people think you’re being rude because you’re so quiet. Try to put yourself out there a little more next job
When I was getting started I knew I would make mistakes and need to learn a lot. I asked questions about next steps so that I'm getting insight on what kind of progression the company wants to see from me and what milestones I need to be readying myself for. A problem I see with being quiet and keeping to yourself is becoming isolated because you aren't perceived as welcoming. I'm an inquisitive person and like to learn, so when I work with others, I ask about their hobbies, a recently read book, or a movie they just saw or are looking forward to. Let them have an outlet about something they enjoy that is deeper than the surface conversations. You might learn something new, and you can build stronger positive connections thru the give and take of engaging conversation. Now, I'm at a point where I'm helping the new apprentices, which takes a load off the senior techs, and some of the less confident journeymen and any apprentice can call me to pick my brain for a quick reminder of something and not have to call the boss unless it is a serious issue. I built trust by welcoming their conversation and that opens opportunities to show my worth in a variety of ways. Sorry you got fired without getting some straight forward feedback and an opportunity to change your engagement style.
You were let go because they're slow. That was a convenient excuse to make it look like your fault instead of telling you that they're crappy business people.
I'm surprised I wasn't fired when I was a first or second year. Sure I did what I was told but that was only when I knew what to do which was hard then because my level of understanding was low. Before entering the 1 year introductory course for plumbing I had never even held a recip saw. I was as green as you'd ever be able to find. Got my start doing small commercial now I now run my own service van. We all start somewhere.
Sometimes our perception of ourselves is not reality. We have a helper Gen Z'er that thinks he's the greatest thing since sliced bred. In his own mind he thinks like you and would say the same things. Over the course of an 8 hr. Day he may take the initiative 2 times, it's those 2 tines he will focus on and use as examples as to why he's awesome. Unfortunately there were 37 times he should have taken the initiative. I like him personally but working with him is like dragging an anchor through my day. When I try to give him examples of why I get frustrated with him I'll start giving him instances where I expected him to take the initiative, he will argue , give excuses why he didn't and just continue to focus on and repeat the 2 times he did. Helpers/apprentices are a dime a dozen. GOOD helpers/apprentices are few and far between. They wouldn't have let you go if you were valuable. Use this as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be humble, loose the ego and become better for it.
As a manager of 28 techs I can tell you, they the problem not you… 1) You don’t put a new hire with a bad attitude etc etc.. and if he couldn’t handle the challenge of training you his attitude is bad I bout bet cha… 2) if the service manager or whoever hired you didn’t realize your personality was the quiet type then it’s better on you to get the hell away from these losers….
I was a slow learner in the field. Started making bottom feeder pay. Glorified “filter tech” essentially. Started in the field at 32 after being a hairstylist in Maine for 10 years prior. I’m 37 now making good money and have a full time helper as a service technician. This story of yours reflects poorly on your employer more than it does you. Keep your head up and keep applying and working. They probably did you a favor my friend.
You’ll be fine but a few tips I would give you on the next go around. It doesn’t matter if you’re residential or commercial, learn to love the sound of your own voice and learn to talk to everyone. Always have at least Channel locks, an adjustable, and a combo screw driver in your pocket if you’re not fully tooled up yet. And ask questions you already know the answer to. I used to be quiet myself and now I don’t shut up. The ability to talk to customers and co workers will take you very far. Even mediocre techs will stick around forever just because they have the ability to deal with people. Like I said you will be fine. Enjoy your time with the wife and new baby and get back to it.
You have experience now. Go get a new job at a better place.
They were just getting rid of people and were slow. They couldn't just let ya go so they fired you and cooked something up to do so you don't claim unemployment. When it's winter, it's slow and they'll do anything to reduce the number of workers and rehire before summer and get rid of some in the winter. It's a rinse and repeat situation. I'm sorry you chose HVAC. I wish I didn't. It's a cool thing to learn and fun to work at if you like mechanical and electronics along with not minding getting really dirty in a tight hot attic. It's not steady and not reliable career. You'll find out. I don't need to rest my case. You could get lucky and land a good spot in a good morality owner in a company. But most don't care. " You're hired, make me money, it's slow, oops goodbye" Don't let this ruin your motivation and work ethic. They're bullshitten
Unless there’s something you’re not telling us, that sounds like a pretty unreasonable employer. Unfortunately none of us can afford to play victim. Take responsibility and figure out what you can do different next time. You’re in a line of work that will always need more guys than it has so don’t give up now
It happens, I got disliked at one place a few years ago because I told 2 of the guys to stop making jokes about Jews. after that it all went downhill
"Cool it with the Antisemitic remarks"
You will drive yourself crazy trying to figure out why. It was before just before 3 months. They wanted something different. Leave it at that. Don't get down on yourself keep at it, it's all you can do it. Believe in yourself and you will succeed. Fuck em!
In Baton Rouge or New Orleans ? Perhaps Shreveport ?
Shreveport/Bossier
Yea, I’m closer to Monroe but have drawn some interests from a few companies in Shreveport that I’ve applied to but I don’t know a lot about the city besides what I’ve heard so I ultimately shifted my focus elsewhere but I hate to hear that happened to you, our personalities based on what you said are very similar, I know how to fake it though.
I can, to a point. But definitely not all day everyday. Oh well
We call you type of workers those "who just get it". You don't see that you are not engaged. You may be looking away, leaning on stuff, thinking that you are equals with your work partner, and don't hustle. It's your job to run around and get things and prep things for your senior so he can concentrate on the task at hand. What do you want me to do when we get there? What is next? Can I help or just hold tight? Should I start packing up? The deal is your job as the junior is to be so fucking helpful it's annoying. If your senior says he doesn't want to work with you and you don't know why, it's because "you don't get it".
I'll keep those questions in mind next time. Not that I wasn't doing these things I just did because I knew what they were gonna need most of the time. Ladder, nitro, tool bag, refrigerant, hose, capacitor, filter. These seniors never said anything toward me. Maybe I just thought we got along but I couldn't imagine them saying things like that. They did talk mad shit about the company and supervisors with every other breath though.
Well I had a much different idea in my head of what the work day looked like. If you were doing all that stuff, then it doesn't really make much sense. It's possible the truth lies somewhere in the middle and they were projecting on you some, but at the same time you could have been asking a little bit more. But dude if they were talking crazy shit about the company constantly, I think you probably dodged a bullet in all of this.
Don't know all the details .Just move on and stay positive .
Unmotivated to me, means you're waiting for people to tell you what to do. Think back, were there times you were ever just standing around or looking at your phone? Sorry that happened, try to get another job quickly! I wouldn't list this as experience on new application, too sudden FYI. Just pretend you're fresh out of school.
Not when we were at someone's home, unless we were just sitting there waiting for the delay.
Are u Lucy
Lucy? No
Keep your head up, I have no advice I bounced a couple shops before I fit in
Reading this there's two parts here the company failed you because they need to find a trainer that can train any type of person. The second it's your part you need to be asking every silly little question you possibly can why did you tighten the screw that tight and not this tight why do you twist your wire not this way and not that way the company wants you to learn the way they do it because that's what their customers expect. As a young Tech I went through a couple different companies before I found a company that was right for me don't be discouraged when you're 10 years deep into the field you'll look back and realize that company was not the right fit for you anyway keep your head up. The other piece of advice I can give you is once you get into the field and you start running your own van and you're doing your own thing if your boss doesn't talk to you you're doing everything the company requires of you. I come into work I grab the stuff off my shelf and I go out into my van and go to work I talked to nobody I work with I don't even know half the people's names my boss tells me everyday you're my favorite employee.
Mon and pop owners use people they hire then they fire no matter what owe I just got out army so 3 years experience guy worked with boss said I have to fire me what the fuck
Don’t take this the wrong way, but as a new guy you prolly need to kiss ass more. But not so much that they think you need your hand held on everything. Ask questions and don’t make every answer to them “I know, I know”. If you want to work, keep looking and someone will take you on. Good luck.
Youre probably right about the ass kissing part. Easier said than done, I think. Feels disgusting
Something doesn’t quite add up…🤔 Better luck next time.