Career Advice Please - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: depot
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2014, 06:49:56 pm
content: Here's a peculiar thing. It isn't a technical question, really.So, I've used Altium to make schematics at work and getting layouts from a very experienced guy. We've done it that way for a few years at a couple places and it works well. I'm busy and he needs work. This is one of the first people I've worked with since my BSEE, along with the old boss, and he's been doing layouts since before I was born. I don't know what the layout guy's hourly rate is, it might be higher than mine, but he's a part-time contractor.Now, the old boss left and the company doesn't have an experienced electronics manager for us. The question of "can you do layouts instead of the layout guy?" has popped up. The new boss is suggesting the Altium training and I think he's been filled with salespeople gook. He doesn't talk to me much and I don't think he knows how we work. And there aren't any more electronics people to help.First, is this certification and training worth anything? I've picked up enough to make footprints, nudge parts, connect nets, and click enough buttons to generate a whole fabrication package. The syllabus looks like normal stuff from wikis, guides, and videos. Some of it would be useful to know in more detail, but if I had a whole 40 hours and the cost of the class in wages, I'd have it nailed down, yeah? Maybe the certification is worth something to someone. If I get any kind of raise, I expect it would be faster and cheaper to hire someone else to do a layout. I'd rather use KiCAD for fun stuff at home because the price is right.After the week long class, I expect my productivity to be shot for at least a month and I won't ever get things done as quickly again. Things have gone well enough so far, but it looks like they're taking a big risk by asking for this on top. Also I wonder what's going to go on with the new Circuit Maker thing that Altium is making.I don't like looking for jobs much, but I've been starting again with much resolve. But someone check my logic please? I think I might be feeling some kind of shock and I keep thinking about it more. I've been a little on the meek side about resisting this training so far, and they've tried to be a bit flattering at least. They are acting like they really need me, but it looks more like I'm bringing in skills for cheap or they're not competent enough to hire right. I expect I'll be able to meet the most important deadlines next year, but I don't think I'll get all of the raise they're promising whether I take the Altium training or not. It will probably end badly, so the question on my mind is how to minimize the fallout.People (not just managers at this job) tend to say that I'm too negative. Is there some positive light that I'm missing? Maybe I should just cruise along, go along with useless-but-not-harmful training, and make a little money? Wouldn't hurt to look for a job while acting complacent at work. I'd really like to be somewhere else, spending my time on something I like, I should focus on that part.Edit: clarified the situation.

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 26, 2014, 08:51:46 pm
content: It seems like you had an entry level electronics job, but have since gotten your BSEE (congrats), and your employer wants to send you to Altium training and take over some of the layout work from a guy who is a part-time outside contractor? And they have promised you a raise - but you are worried that if you get the raise you will be too expensive and they'll find someone else?If so, I think you're worried for no reason. They wouldn't be giving you a raise if that raise would make you too expensive for their needs. And promising a raise and not delivering on it is a foolish way to lose an employee, especially one you have just spent $$ training.I think you can simplify this thusly.... training on someone else's dime is always a good thing. It increases your skill set and makes you more valuable. If they pay for your value to go up but then don't compensate you for that increased value, then you are free/welcome to look for another job... which should be easier and get you a higher salary with additional qualifications. I don't see the downside to doing the training.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2014, 02:23:38 pm
content: Quote from: depot on December 27, 2014, 02:15:30 amThis sounds to me you are afraid of doing some extra work and getting paid well for itA 9to5 attitude won't get you very far. Just make sure overtime gets paid and is not becoming a structural problem.You'll loose the couple of extra eyes but you can always post your questions on this forum.

author: awallin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2014, 04:48:15 pm
content: If you are interested in electronics and you have been only doing schematics until now, why not learn and work with all the other phases of design/manufacture? Design, prototyping, pcb-layout, manufacturing, testing etc. People who have experience in all areas are much more valuable than people who can work only in one narrow area.Don't focus too much on specific computer programs (or operating systems), they will change anyway. Use them all and learn what works.