I finally stopped believing that 5-10 years of experience thing after my uncle hired a 23 year old with none over me

My uncle runs a small machine shop in Des Moines. Last year I applied there after I got laid off. I had 8 years in the trade. He didn't even call me back. I found out from my cousin he hired some kid right out of community college for 6 bucks less an hour than I was asking. Said he could 'train him up fresh' for cheaper. That was the moment I realized all those years of experience on paper doesn't mean anything to an owner looking at the bottom line. Has anyone else had a boss or family member pull something like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

williamh485h agoMost Upvoted

Talk to your uncle straight up, man. Not for the job but for the real story. Call him and say you're not asking for work, just curious what made him pick the kid. @jakem98 hits it - owners see cheap labor and think they can mold it. I had a shop foreman tell me once he'd rather hire a blank slate than someone who might argue with his methods. Your 8 years means something to the next guy who actually needs a guy who can hit the ground running. Just don't expect family to see it the same way.

jakem989h ago

Oh man, I feel this one right in my wallet. I've got enough experience grooming dogs to write a book, but I still have people asking if I can do a half off first visit. Maybe I should just start shaving poodles in a baseball cap to look younger.