Re: More advice

[Karen Muldrow <karen -at- HAL -dot- COM>]

> Are other manufacturing firms so dictatorial
> over their staff?  We're not allowed posters/personalization of our
> offices, plants, radios, or much else.  We (the exempt people) also punch
> time clocks and have no flex time whatsoever.  Am I just naive?

My *father* has worked in management positions in the manufacturing
industry for several years - and has observed the same behaviors/
problems. I might be going out on a limb (but not much) to say that
that attitude in one of the major factors constraining the (health)
of manufacturing industry in the U.S. today.

The company I work for has a completely different attitude.  Perhaps
because it is part of the computer industry. I work
with talented, energetic professionals in a cramped, but happy,
(office). We pretty much set our own schedules, wear what we want
(one of the people that interviewed me wore cut-offs and sandles),
and fill our work spaces with our personal belongings (lots of
toys - also, photos, posters, plants, and other traditional
decorations). We enjoy competative benefits and financial compensation.
The company has a few hundred employees now - but we have easy
access to the president and other executives (I just exchanged several
email messages with the COO - whom I have met only once (he works
at our other site)). We are encouraged to come up with new ideas.
The company is careful with money - but we have what we *need*.
This work environment is setting a new standard for me.

Unless you feel like you are in a position to "change" the
company you are working for (which *could* be an interesting and
rewarding challenge itself) - I would run as fast as I could to
a company that provides an environment where you can work hard AND
feel good about it.

Of course, that is often easier said than done.

Good luck,
Karen