And I'm out!

**Ferrum** · January 7th, 2012, 01:23 PM

Got cut from utiliquest on thursday before christmas. Can't say that I'm at all sorry for it, though, as that branch/company has really gone bonkers in the last few years. I can honestly say that I loved locating, in general, as it's a very interesting profession that brings something new every day. It's that daily challenge that makes it so fun!

Unfortunately, the micro-managing, cronyism, etc, really killed the positive vibe. Still, I might be down, but I'm not out. Been thinking of trying for a locating job in North Dakota if I can find one (any leads appreciated), and I'm pretty sure I have a job with USIC when they take over the Duke Energy contract for SC.

Love how my DM said that losing the Duke contract had nothing to due with my termination, never mind that my territory was over 90% Duke-only locates. Yea, no coincidence!

Don't worry, though, I'm still going to be reading through the cable vine.

**ProfessionalLocator** · January 7th, 2012, 02:18 PM

If you thought Utiliquest was bad USIC will make you miss the good old days.

If your company closed it's office rather than laid off most of the people unemployment compensation can also include training for a new job.

Originally Posted by Ferrum

Got cut from utiliquest on thursday before christmas. Can't say that I'm at all sorry for it, though, as that branch/company has really gone bonkers in the last few years. I can honestly say that I loved locating, in general, as it's a very interesting profession that brings something new every day. It's that daily challenge that makes it so fun!

Unfortunately, the micro-managing, cronyism, etc, really killed the positive vibe. Still, I might be down, but I'm not out. Been thinking of trying for a locating job in North Dakota if I can find one (any leads appreciated), and I'm pretty sure I have a job with USIC when they take over the Duke Energy contract for SC.

Love how my DM said that losing the Duke contract had nothing to due with my termination, never mind that my territory was over 90% Duke-only locates. Yea, no coincidence!

Don't worry, though, I'm still going to be reading through the cable vine.

**Reece** · January 7th, 2012, 05:11 PM

Try Williston, North Dakota. I have heard through grapevine that ELM is looking for a locator and will be providing a place to stay as well. 20.00 per hour for experience.

**RD_Wrangler** · January 7th, 2012, 05:35 PM

Stake Center will be looking for locators in NE Oregon and SE Washington as well.

**UULC** · January 7th, 2012, 06:47 PM

Hey RD, sent you a PM. Just curious what broke the camels back?

**RD_Wrangler** · January 7th, 2012, 09:19 PM

Clear some of your inbox and I'll be glad to reply.

It keeps bouncing back because your private msg's are exceeded.

**locator00566** · January 8th, 2012, 08:32 AM

DO not work for USIC. It will be the worst move you've ever made. You will be treated like an ignorant child, no respect, forced to do unethical things. Save yourself the misery.

**Ferrum** · January 11th, 2012, 06:06 AM

Thanks, Gents. Everything I've heard about USIC, here and from the guys in the field, is negative and I dread working for them. Unfortunately, I'm in a bit of a pickle and will have to take the first paycheck offered. Gimme a few months to get back on my feet, though, and I'll be able to move on. How's ELM to work for? Worth moving to the oil fields of the frozen north?

**RD_Wrangler** · January 13th, 2012, 03:47 AM

Originally Posted by Ferrum

Thanks, Gents. Everything I've heard about USIC, here and from the guys in the field, is negative and I dread working for them. Unfortunately, I'm in a bit of a pickle and will have to take the first paycheck offered. Gimme a few months to get back on my feet, though, and I'll be able to move on. How's ELM to work for? Worth moving to the oil fields of the frozen north?

Actually how bad USIC is depends on where you are, and what crew you are on, from what I can tell. I worked for SM&P/USIC for years and left on good terms with few issues. But then I worked on very good, dedicated crews that had Sups that came from the field and fought like hell to take care of their guys.

That may not be the case any longer.

**sprayandpray** · January 13th, 2012, 07:29 AM

USIC is probably no better or no worse than Heath, Utiliquest, or any of the larger companies, if compared to each other presently. The Industry has changed and is no longer as Employee Friendly as back in the Good Old Days. Like RD said, it mostly depends who the Supervisor is that you work for at the time.

The only way this will change is when/if the Economy returns and a large % of Locators leave and pursue different careers.