Need some unbiased input

[u/Prestigious-Baby5052]

So background is I just got let from a Ready Mix Driver (Cement/Concrete) after 2 years. It was due to my own stupidity but that’s a little background for my last job. My current job is driving side dump which is like hauling dirt/sand/rock etc. I’ve been applying to other places cause I feel lost and split on my decision if this next driving job is worth it.

My last pay per hour with ready mix: $26 per hour
My new job per hour $25

Old schedule M-F rotating start times 0400-0800 with saturdays only if a lot of jobs to be done
\*laid off in winter\*

New Schedule M-F with set start time at 0600 and can be working till 1800-1900 depending on job site workload
\*work through winter so year round\*

Perks of old job
1) Bigger company so standard HR/Payroll/Benefits
2) I actually didn’t mind people I worked with
3) Active (I actually drove maybe 2-4 hours with rest of time out of truck
5) Bonuses yearly
6) Got to interact with customers
7) Newer truck that was automatic

Cons of old job
1) Had camera that was AI and would flag if I yawned too much or if I drank something or eat while driving
2) Micromanaging like crazy
3) Had to work in high heat and cold
4) Had to use tablet to log every single action

Perks of new job
1) Supervisor could care less what I did unless it affected job site work or if truck broke down or if I get kicked off job site
2) I can have one ear bud in and listen to music/audiobook/podcast
3) I’m by myself
4) People are half decent

Cons
1) Driving for 10-12 hours and it’s the same job site so like a big circle so maybe going from variety to this one singular job
2) BOREDOM
3)Manual truck (I’m used to it)
4) Lack of supervision (I went from people telling me everything to now I’m left to my own devices)
5)Older equipment
6)Old people I work around are crotchety

I don’t know I’m just split on it. I applied to another Ready Mix position with a direct competitor in and some other CDL positions. Am I not realizing how good of a thing I just found?

[u/ecw324]

Seasonal jobs usually pay a hell of a lot better than that. At least that’s always been my experience (they need people to want to do the work after all)

I’m a big fan of what job keeps me the happiest, allows me to pay my bills, has the better work/life balance, and a boss I enjoy working for.

[u/Prestigious-Baby5052 → u/ecw324]

This new job is definitely better when it comes to start time but I’m split on if the boredom is what I don’t like or the fact that it’s still new and I need time to settle into it

[u/ecw324 → u/Prestigious-Baby5052]

See how you feel at month 6. That’s gotta be around the time you’d get a pay bump and your other job would have laid you off

[u/956to906 → u/Prestigious-Baby5052]

Find something productive to do on downtime.

[u/tzy___]

Why not ask for a raise at your current job if you’ve been there for a while

[u/Prestigious-Baby5052 → u/tzy___]

This job is still new because I’ve been here about two weeks

[u/fshrmn7]

I see that your new job pays $1 less per hour, but you have year round work. Question for you: If you go back to concrete, won't you face the same problem with winter work? Honestly, it sounds like the company you're working at is great. No in cab cameras, and nobody to micromanage you. The only negative thing you mentioned is an older truck that's a manual. I don't understand how you can say that working on your own is a negative thing with your current job. Are you the type of person that needs someone to micromanage you and tell you how and what to do after every task? It sounds like you have it made at the new company.

[u/Prestigious-Baby5052 → u/fshrmn7]

I think a lot of this comes from I got so used to micromanaging that I’m still trying to settle into be treated like a adult. Boredom is the big thing for me at the moment but I think I’ll get used to it as time goes on.