Need advice - work in Florida?

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peter d

peter d

Senior Member
Location
New England
Ok, here is the situation. Got a call the other day for a short term job in Tampa, Florida. (1 month).
The contractor is based here in Connecticut, and they are doing a WalMart/ Sams Club renovation or build (I'm not sure which.) I was told there will be another one in North Carolina right after this one is complete.

I've never even been to Florida before, so I don't know what to expect. I like the idea of travelling a little, and as I don't have any family obligations, it seems like it would be good experience.

I have until Tuesday to decide.
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

If I get this right, you're staying with the same employer, getting a free road trip and a change of scenery, to balmy Florida, and then coming back home when you're done?

What's to discuss?!? :D :D :D
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

Originally posted by georgestolz:
What's to discuss?!?
Click to expand...
Well George, as you know, we have a "Doom and Gloom" contingent from Florida that posts here regularly. I know I will hear about all the bad things, but hopefully the good stuff too.
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

Sounds like a good experience. I'd go for it. However, Florida can be an unforgiving place. There are certain individuals you should watch out for. They go by names such as "jimwalker" ,"allenwayne", etc. Be carefull. :D
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

Pete I agree with Scott, go for it and take advantage of the trip as much as you have time to.

Along with the free rooming you should be getting a per diem (a daily payment or allowance) for the added costs of being on the road such as laundry and eating out every day.

How much should that be? Tough to say, how bad do they need you down there? ;)
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

I did not know that this forum was for bashing or even allowing this sort of behaviour to other members.Will let our monitors handle this.Now if what your wanting is advice on what to expect here then ask.Perhaps the two that you feel it necessary to insult might know more about Tampa than the others that never even been here.
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

A couple weeks ago friends who I have not seen in 10 years stopped over ........they just moved back from florida and said it was awful, everything that Jim says about the place they said also, even the kids complained about living there and said they hated it.

My mom retired down there and moved back after 2 years, complained about the heat and humidity and missed the 4 seasons...I don't think I will ever go there if I have the chance plus I like it where I am at.
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

Peter,

you don't give alot of details, but overall it sounds like a good experience. 1 month isn't long.
Maybe you can buy Jim and Allen a coffee.


Jim,

didn't seem as an insult, just funning. C'mon, he used the big grin: :D
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

Todd,

I'm going to get all the details tomorrow. If there is anyting interesting, I will post them.

Jim,

You have to admit that you haven't exactly been all "peaches and cream" about the work situation in Florida. That's why I asked. So what can you say?

:) (Hoepfully this smiley will help.)
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

I've been to Florida a couple of times and while I wouldn't want to live there, it was a good short-term experience. How enjoyable it will be depends on what part of Florida you will be in and wether you speak spanish. I've been to areas where I felt like a pilgrim in a foreign land. I can make the best out of any situation as long as I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, assuming the light isn't an on-coming train.
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

Florida is the geatest state in the nation. Okay, it gets real hot, real wet, it has really big bugs, and really smelly water. But at the same time, shorts and a t-shirt are standard clothing for about 345 days of the year, I only need to go to the backyard if I wish to eat an ornage, and your never anymore than an hour from a really nice beach.

And what do you mean there isn't 4 seasons? There are 3 summers and 2 weeks of spring! :eek:
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

I tell it like it is, no cherry coating on anything.
I see this as 2 issues,first the job itself and second the after work living.

As to the job i will assume it's not new if only a month.Will you be the crew leader or just an electrician ?Will the others be from a temp staffing company or from your company ? if so you will need a whip and need be checking EVERYTHING they do.Also what hours will you be working if this is a running store ? Should warn you that most electricians here go much slower, we call it the cracker factor.The job itself should not be any differant than up north and plenty of supplies available.Plan on the 1 month to be almost 2.Things just never go that fast here.

As to the living,sure why not get free trip to see Florida.Tampa has lots of night life.You will not find any shortage of strip bars,restraunts,underground clubs,beaches,etc.We like any large city have slums and upscale hoods

Do be prepared to here a lot of Spanish both on the job and where ever they are putting you up.

In general i would say since your not attached then go.Do not forget that its exspensive here for a night out.
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

Peter, I lived in Orlando for a couple of years and thought it was great. Did a lot of work in that area with out any problems. I think you will enjoy the trip. One piece of advice is to stay away from the dog tracks and don?t feed the gators.
Where will you be in NC? I would like to personally make you stay in my state a warm and welcome event; maybe a couple of prime rib dinners would go a long way to accomplish this.
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

I was in clearwater, just north of Tampa for 3 months, for a job training. It is hot, even in the spring, and it will buuuurrrn if sun sensitive. It was twenty years ago, but I went to school nights for this company as I had a choice. The night life was much looser than where I came from and I would never have been able to get up in the morning. Stay out of the water in the skate/ray mating season as the barbs are really painful, and the skates just are about everywhere going as fast as possible.

Fun place, summer looked to be a bit too hot for me, too humid. Soaking wet in shorts with any activity. This is where fabric remnants are cut into smaller pieces to make bathing suits that are invisible from the rear.

Have fun, go for it, life's too short to be constipated about it.

paul
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

Originally posted by apauling:
It is hot, even in the spring, and it will buuuurrrn if sun sensitive.
Click to expand...
Put me unprotected in that sun and 15 minutes later I will be as Red as a Maine Lobster. :eek:
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

Originally posted by iwire:
Put me unprotected in that sun and 15 minutes later I will be as Red as a Maine Lobster. :eek:
Click to expand...
Me too. I'll have to bring a few gallons of sunblock with me.
:eek:
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

1 month...No Problem! Just prepare your self for the heat/humidity down here. There is a HUGE difference between working directly in the sun and working under a roof. The sun can beat you down quick and the sunblock is no joke, you'll need it. When I'm roughing during the summer months, I'de say on an average day I drink about 1.5 gallons of water & 2 of the 32oz. Gatorades everyday (Just at work). The sweat just POURS out.
I've been through 6 summers down here and yea it's tough, but not as tough as those Pa. winters! negative wind chills...BrRrrRrrrr!...Now THAT was painful!
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!
:)
Dave
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

If its a remodel he should be in the AC.Do practice driving skills and check breaks out.Running red lights seem to be a sport here.If you do go take your computer to keep in touch.Yes our summers can be rough.Might wanta check as to who the GC is as some do not permit shorts.
 
Re: Need advice - work in Florida?

Peter, I own acerage in FL and was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area.

You will have a good time.

In the Tampa Bay area the down side is, the aquifer is contaminated with sewage, the roads are sorry, it is overcrowed, (see above) and as far as your taste, the electrical is lacking.

In South FL, the sewage lift stations are tested more strenuously than what is required for hospitals. (think of one sardine having an accident in the can)

I heard of a situation recently in Sarasota where toilet paper and sewage were floating in the bay after a storm.

It used to be a really nice area, but over development has made it a less than desirable area to live in for my taste, hence the reason I left. :)

Roger
 
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