Job market in E Town

[Mr.Boggo]

Anyone recently been looking at the current job market in Edmonton? I'm just wondering what it's like out there?

I'm currently employed in a "professional" position, but I need to change companies. The place I'm at is changing me for the worst. I didn't think it was doing anything to me, but I've recently been told I'm more distant now. I think I'm scared that if I leave, I won't be able to find anything, but if I stay, I think it will change the person that I am...and not for the better.

 

[cruiser]

Best time to look for a job is when you have a curent job.

I used to work in an office (average paying white collar), but then switched to a blue collar (I work outside, wear coveralls, etc). I will say that (in my opinion), I have found the outside environment to be much more positive. They don't tolerate any B.S. ...they say it the way it is. They expect you to work a full day and as long as you do your part, nobody will look down on you.

I would suggest looking in anything related to the oil and gas industry. Lot's of activity going on. If you have the chance, drive up to Fort McMurray one weekend and you would be surprised at how busy it is. Trucking is one area that is constantly busy and they are always looking for people. Also depending on the type of job you look into, it may give you a chance to find something where you work by yourself vs in a group. That could be a change that you might also want to look at.

It was hard at first making a switch, but now a few years later, I enjoy the work and most of the people I work with are average people. They might not have a high degree of post-secondary education (on paper), but have a good work ethic, which is what counts for a lot.

My two cents,
Cruiser

 

[threepeat]

Anyone recently been looking at the current job market in Edmonton? I'm just wondering what it's like out there?

I'm currently employed in a "professional" position, but I need to change companies. The place I'm at is changing me for the worst. I didn't think it was doing anything to me, but I've recently been told I'm more distant now. I think I'm scared that if I leave, I won't be able to find anything, but if I stay, I think it will change the person that I am...and not for the better.

I think it very much depends on what industry you are in. The advice to work in the oil field is good though not necessarily for everyone, as camp life can be hard and sometimes unsafe and the cost of living in Fort Mac is high so it's not all a one way street.

You can get a good feel for the job market by checking out Workopolis or Monster to see if there are opportunities in the type of work you want to do.

I somewhat disagree with the comment that the best time to look for a job is when you already have one. Definitely that is true financially because it takes the pressure off, but sometimes pressure is a good thing because it keeps you motivated. And yes, you can possibly bargain from a position of strength if you already have a job, but the flip side is that you are not as available and companies don't want to waste their time.

 

[wolverine]

If the job is affecting you personally, why don't you try talking to your boss or HR person? If any of them are worth their salt and they don't want to lose you, then they'll at least try to address your concerns. That said, it doesn't hurt to have another job offer or two in your back pocket.

 

[Mr.Boggo]

The thing is, there is no HR person to talk to, they don't want to lose me cause I'm the only one there who can do what I do. I think that adds to it, there's no one there who can do what I do, so I can't ever get sick,take time off for vacation or even work less than a 10 hour work day. I've just been feeling overwhelmed for the last few months, no matter how much I get done in a day, I'm always behind...but too many people (200+) depend on me to get it done.

I'm not sure if I'd really be able to live in Ft. Mac, I've been in a camp before, not something I think I could do again.

 

[a_shy_guy]

The thing is, there is no HR person to talk to, they don't want to lose me cause I'm the only one there who can do what I do. I think that adds to it, there's no one there who can do what I do, so I can't ever get sick,take time off for vacation or even work less than a 10 hour work day. I've just been feeling overwhelmed for the last few months, no matter how much I get done in a day, I'm always behind...but too many people (200+) depend on me to get it done.

I'm not sure if I'd really be able to live in Ft. Mac, I've been in a camp before, not something I think I could do again.

Companies need to realize that the workers are people too. We all need time for ourselves, and have our own problem to deal with.

I worked for this construction company at a site where we had 5 guys working 56 hour weeks. When the deadlines came closer, we all got blamed for lagging behind because none of us were working more then the usual 56 hour week we were accustomed to. When we all had a sit down with the manager/owner, they told us that we needed to finish the building asap even if it meant working 7 days a week and 70+ hours. Needless to say, all 5 of us handed in our 2 weeks notice at that meeting. We refused to be treated like slaves to a company, and walked off and found new jobs.


We work to live, we don't live to work. I'm just surprised they wouldn't train someone else to handle a portion of your job.



Living in a camp is an acquired lifestyle, just like how the city, small town or the country isn't for everyone.

 

[wolverine]

The thing is, there is no HR person to talk to, they don't want to lose me cause I'm the only one there who can do what I do. I think that adds to it, there's no one there who can do what I do, so I can't ever get sick,take time off for vacation or even work less than a 10 hour work day. I've just been feeling overwhelmed for the last few months, no matter how much I get done in a day, I'm always behind...but too many people (200+) depend on me to get it done.

Well, talk to whoever you report to. You're getting burnt out, dude.