I got the job in Plano that I had posted about sometime earlier. It was nearly a month ago but now they are truly in a position to hire at substantially more than I am making now. And the farthest I drive my vehicle is Plano, about 35 miles or so from the house. Recently, the company I work for hasn't had enough work so they've had about 12 of us loaned out to another company. So, I've been working in Rockwall, about 55 miles from the house, taking the back roads and the most direct route. Even with a rebuilt motor with good gas mileage, it's still costing me $70 to $80 a week in gas. They put me in charge of wall rough-in when I told them that, for the past 6 years, I've been doing schools with this particular general contractor and design firm, and then proved it by rattling off things the kitchen would require before I even look at their set of prints.
Anyway, I start my new job Monday. The pay is a pro-rated amount based on the national average. Since Texas is not a "union" state, there is no union scale for master electricians here. Most masters here own companies. But, one takes the national average and adjusts for the Texas economy and average wages for various levels in this field. It's enough more to make it worth my while. That, and a shorter drive to work, even if it's just to take a company vehicle to wherever. The job also includes supervisory status. The hours are a little flexible, based on client needs.
Nor will my current company be hurt by my absence as they didn't really have any big plans for me and don't have enough work for their existing employees, hence us being "loaned out."
This is good, too, because being laid off in December really put me in a bind. I owe property taxes, income tax, and I've got to pay off the credit card for my rebuilt motor.