Should I stay or should I go now?

**Enjoythefall** · August 23rd, 2011, 04:37 PM

Hey all, I need some opinions, if y'all will give 'em to me.

I have been working for USIC for a year. I really don't have a problem with the job, and enjoy the freedom. I meet and exceed production goals (Crazy as they are) and have two damages. Nothing I've marked has ever been hit, only some questionable scope tickets that I should have insufficient info'd.

Anyhow, I'm straight making 14.00/hr, and get some overtime, but not nearly as much as I do during high summer. My paychecks range anywhere from 850-1500 after taxes, so that isn't terrible.

Here is my problem:

When I got this job, a friend of mine found employment at a dish network subcontractor. for the first couple months, we got paid identically, but after that his checks started to skyrocket. He is now being paid 3200 every two weeks. And he got me a guaranteed job. He is paid piecework, and does 3-4 jobs a day 6 days a week.

I like the sounds of that, but don't know how stable a dish network job really is, or if I'm better off staying where I'm at.

What do you guys think?

**Paint'n & Flag'n** · August 23rd, 2011, 04:53 PM

From what I have heard and I'm not sure if this is accurate but the reason they pay so much is they dont provide anything. I was told that you have to use your own vehicle, pay for your own gas, pay for the spool of coax that you have to use for the install, supply your own tools (ladder, shovel, hole digger for posts..etc).

If all this is true then you have to consider your expenses and subtract to find your true net pay. Ive always said that if I got fired from my current job that I would see about doing dish installs cause of the pay but I would diffidently have to get a vehicle that sips gas.

**locatethis** · August 23rd, 2011, 05:10 PM

Another consideration is the economy. If it starts to dive again a lot of people will give up on extra expenses like TV watching or just grab the free signals that are out there!!! I've seen that happen, and then there might be a glut of installers... Just say'in.

**Enjoythefall** · August 23rd, 2011, 05:22 PM

I know that you are absolutely right with some of the dish installers, but he gets a branded van with gas card, and supply him with any consumables. They made him buy a toolkit with ladders, drills, crimpers, and everything else he could possibly need for 400, but they do payroll deduction of 100 bucks a check to pay for that.

And I apologize, its DTV, not dish.

**yahoo** · August 23rd, 2011, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by Paint'n & Flag'n

From what I have heard and I'm not sure if this is accurate but the reason they pay so much is they dont provide anything. I was told that you have to use your own vehicle, pay for your own gas, pay for the spool of coax that you have to use for the install, supply your own tools (ladder, shovel, hole digger for posts..etc).

If all this is true then you have to consider your expenses and subtract to find your true net pay. Ive always said that if I got fired from my current job that I would see about doing dish installs cause of the pay but I would diffidently have to get a vehicle that sips gas.

**yahoo** · August 23rd, 2011, 07:32 PM

go with the job that has 401 k matching and any benefits at all!!!! and i agree with PAINT-N !!!!

**locator00566** · August 23rd, 2011, 07:49 PM

The sooner you can find something besides USIC the better. Trust me.

**paintitnow** · August 23rd, 2011, 09:36 PM

Are you considered a subcontractor and given a 1099 at the end of the year? If a 1099 they probably not taking out taxes. also as a 1099 I do not think you can draw unemployment but not sure. So if like up here in the midwest and work drops and we get RIF. If where t snows only have 2-3 months left of a season. They do have those inside and outside antenna now that are digital and HD can pick up stations 65 miles radius. Once my charter contract runs out i might check those out. Does DTV offer medical and 401K?

**sprayandpray** · August 23rd, 2011, 10:29 PM

Another thing - have you ever worked in attics in the summer? Stood on or climbed ladders all day? How well do you deal with rude, demanding customers ? Really sit down with your friend and ask specific questions about the challenges he faces on the job. There could possibly be several things you would not want to deal with day after day. Good Luck with whatever you decide.

**Turk182** · August 23rd, 2011, 10:51 PM

If it is a 1099 contract position you're actually better off sticking with USIC, and I never thought I would ever say that. A 1099 position gives you no benefits, no rights, and you are liable for covering your "business" with liability ins. as well as workman's comp, at least you are in IL, and the fines levied for not having them are can have five zeroes.