Boomer’s Sunday

A year after my retirement, and some 14 months into my new job (career? no telling), and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Marshall Patrick’s skits: I work 63 hours a minute bud, try again #bluecollar #constructionlife #construction #trades #work (youtube.com)

My last civilian job saw me get $3 in pay raises within the first year. I was the youngest mechanic at the company by about five years, and even after those raises, made a whopping $12/hour. When I applied for my current job, I had no idea what a competitive wage was, so I asked for and got 50% more than I made way back when. Then last year, Johnny Morris gave everyone a $1/hour across the board raise, raised minimum wage at Bass Pro and Cabelas to $14/hour, and made the 50% discount on store brands permanent (it was 45%, still worlds better than what Walmart offers my daughter).

All that to say this, I had a performance review a few months in due to the raise, and as expected received that minimum amount. Honestly, I don’t expect anything next year, and started my LinkedIn just in case I decide to look for other employment. I appreciate the job, enjoy it most of the time (this holiday season has been “fun”, though), and don’t plan to go anywhere, but I do butt heads with management and have an ATF Compliance over retail mentality (which in my opinion is necessary for my position, even if I’m not rendering “excellent customer service” all of the time).

When certain goals are met, CLUB Card applications, Gear Guard signups, etc., they’ll go next door to Sam’s Club and buy pizza. We did get gift cards for the 50th anniversary, again, compliments of Johnny Morris, based on our longevity with the company, so I suppose that’s kind of a bonus.

Personally, I’m gambling a little bit, in hopes that as Johnny gets older, he either makes the company employee-owned or has an IPO. I don’t think they’re going anywhere, so given the chance, I’ll invest what I can.