NukeWorker Forum

Career Path => Navy Nuke => Navy:Getting Out => Topic started by: bbishop on Jun 16, 2005, 10:07

Title: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: bbishop on Jun 16, 2005, 10:07
I'm a 10 year ET1 (hopefully ETC soon) getting out next April.  I have the BSAT from TEU and will have my MBA from Charleston Southern shortly after getting out.  I am qualified EWS and Master Training Specialist.  I've been a Training Coordinator for the last few years at NPTU Charleston.  I've gotten a lot of "send me your resume or call me when your 3 months from getting out" from people in my classes.  From what they tell me, I'm looking at around $50K for a non-nuke job in Charleston.  I'd really like to make more, but I’m not crazy about shift work.  I really need to stay in the Southeast: Mcguire or Oconee would be ideal.  I've read on this site that “instant SRO” or management may be options.  Can you guys give me some guidance?
Thanks!   :)
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: shayne on Jun 18, 2005, 06:35
Keep checking those plant company websites for openings.  Non Licence Operator is also a start into the company as well as I&C technician (ET), mechanical maint (MM) or Electrical (EM).  If you are interested in training, it is also another option although I found (I came from NPTU NY, with TC quals, MTS) that training at nuclear plants want previous RO or SRO licence/Cert.  The shift work isn't as bad as NPTU.  Some plants are doing 12 hour shifts, 3 on, 4 off, 4 on, 3 off type rotation. $50k is about $25/hr, so it isn't a bad wage (NLO are ~$30/hr).  Remember that it is based on a 40 hour week so if you are given the opportunity to work more and paid for such (Salary Non-Exempt, Collective Bargaining Agreement) you could make more. 

Nuclear plants usually hire in cycles.  So imagine that every 18 months or so they post a job announcement, conduct interviews 1-2 months later and then start a class 1-2 months after the interview.    So getting an early start is better.  It is also wise to have money saved and bills paid just in case you get out in April and your dream job doesn't start until June. (Unemployment is also an option to help)  Having some leave available also, some have started a new job while still in the Navy on Leave or terminal leave.

Good Luck on your search for a new career and feel free to ask any questions that you have.  Most of us here have been in your same situation.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: bbishop on Jun 18, 2005, 04:53
Thanks for the information Shayne.
Does having an MBA matter in the Nuclear Industry?  Is management an option, or are they only promoted from within?  Does anyone know if Duke's plants are non-exempt?
SMISH
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: Ordinary Joe on Jun 29, 2005, 05:54
Those aren't bad credentials.  The industry is facing a looming manpower shortage and companies are looking for people for all levels.  In my opinion, meeting somone who knows someone is of significant importance.  I have a TESC degree and an MBA as well.  It has payed off well in the industry.  I would recommend looking into the industry for a managemement position (SRO isnt out of the question).  Let me know if you'd like any more specifcs.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: bbishop on Jun 29, 2005, 10:15
Thanks for the input.  I'll take all the information I can get.  I have a lot of questions.  I've heard that managers work more hours for less money than your average operator.  Is this true?  Is it true that you can receive GI bill benefits for OJT?  Do most plants have 401K plans?  If so, do they match contributions?
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: Nuclear NASCAR on Jun 29, 2005, 11:21
  Is it true that you can receive GI bill benefits for OJT?  Do most plants have 401K plans?  If so, do they match contributions?

I don't know about OJT, I do know about apprenticeship programs.  One of the apprentices in my class should be getting a nice check pretty soon after we finally got our apprenticeship program certified by the military.  As far as for OJT, I'd guess if the program can be, or already is, certified for GI bill there's no reason you shouldn't get your benefits. 

401K plans vary by location but I think most probably have them anymore.  You're asking a lot of good questions.  Keep it up. 
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: Ordinary Joe on Jul 03, 2005, 07:33
I've heard that managers work more hours for less money than your average operator.  Is this true? 
  Operators get paid well, period (well, relative to the Navy).  Being a NLO is a pretty serious upgrade in standard of living from that of a navy nuke.  That said,  ROs and NLOs get overtime at every plant and managers get overtime at some plants (usually straight pay).  An outage or two can lead to an RO earning significantly more than an SRO where they are not compensated for overtime.  There is some inequity but no one has to beg for food........ yet.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: bbishop on Jul 06, 2005, 09:09
Thanks a lot for your help. I'm not sure I understand a few things.  Is SRO a management postion? Is NLO the same thing as Aux Operator.  Are there two seperate schools for RO and SRO?  What is the time table for a person like me to get licensed in the South East region?
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: Nuclear NASCAR on Jul 06, 2005, 11:07
Thanks a lot for your help. I'm not sure I understand a few things.  Is SRO a management postion? Is NLO the same thing as Aux Operator.  Are there two seperate schools for RO and SRO?  What is the time table for a person like me to get licensed in the South East region?

At most plants SRO (Senior Reactor Operator) is a management position.  Non-licensed Operator is the same as an Auxiliary Operator.  One normally must be an RO before becoming an SRO, not always but that is the normal course.  How quickly you become licensed depends on turnover and needs. 
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: bbishop on Jul 31, 2005, 09:34
I made ET Chief!  :)  Now I really have some decisions to make.  My wife and extended family think I should stay in 10 more years to get the pension, but I don't think I can stomach any more sea time.  I would miss my wife and the boys too much.  My career councelor says I should reenlist and then put in for LDO.  He said the MBA would make me a sure bet.  This reminds me of my recruiter telling me to come in enlisted.  He said that they would pick me up for an officer program in no time.  Besides, LDOs go to sea also.  The StayNavy website says I need to gross $88K a year on the outside to equal my pay and benefits as a Chief at sea.  It also says I will need to invest $30K per year to have a similar retirement plan.  I don't know what to do.  I've never been so stressed out by a decision.  Please Help! 
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: hamsamich on Jul 31, 2005, 10:13
30k a year for the same ret. plan!  I know that one is BS.  My dad has been saving just a couple thousand a year since he was 35.  He's taken some hits in the stock market but he still has around 400 thousand in his 401k at age 60 besides his pension and other savings.  If he would have saved 30k a year he would have millions by now.  I was in the nav for years on fast boats late 80s early 90s as ELT.  They were always trying to tout that "your navy benefits are worth over 100k a year".  There are some good ones, but 100k, what a crock.  Maybe if you used every single thing they offer 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.  Those people (recruiters) have an agenda and you are the prize.  Stop listening to them.  Should you count all your time at sea as 24 hours a day and calculate a payrate per hour based on that?  If you worked that much OT in the real world you would make way more than 88k a year.  I suggest, since this is a HUGE decision, that you write down a list of negatives and positives.  pos/neg for Navy and pos/neg for getting out.  BE HONEST with yourself and assign each with a score of importance from 1 to 5.  For instance, spending much more time with sons maybe a 5, but spending more time with wife might be a -2.  Who knows.  But be honest!  Don't BS yourself.  You can make over 100k a year in the commercial world as an AO, RO or SRO within 3 years at some plants, and if you are disciplined you can put 5k a year away easy, but if you can't handle doing that and you know it, then stay in the Navy.  Now is the time to get serious and honest.  Be sure to take into consideration the rising cost of health care also, especially if your family or you have any health problems.  Rate the health care you've received in the Navy and compare it to what you will get on the outside.  My buddy ET1 Paul who is retired with 21 years is actaully paying the navy for some of his family's health benifits, which I thought was strange, so watch out for that.  There are pos and neg for getting out and staying in, now is the time to make an informed decision.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: shayne on Jul 31, 2005, 11:03
I remember the stay Navy Calculator.  As E-6 over 10 years, my military compensation was around $60k/yr and I would have to make $70k/yr outside of the Navy for the same compensation.  However as I looked at my LES, I figured I was at $36k/yr with all allowances.  So I never really liked it.  I knew what my takehome was and knowing that I could find a job outside of the Navy bringing in the same amount each paycheck was important.  Now that I'm out, I bring home more money every paycheck, max out my 401k ($14k this year), have better medical/dental plans than the Navy offered, and I don't work as many hours.  So if the Navy is correct in their calculator, my $60k/yr job now (40 hours) wasn't as good as I had it in the Navy, which is not true.

I did the pros/cons for each as noted above and found getting out was my decision.  My quality of life outranked the pay I made in the Navy, so I looked for a job that paid as a minimum the same per paycheck I made in the Navy.  I know my quality of life is much better than I had it in the Navy at prototype as an instructor (no desire to go back to sea either).  I would recommend doing the pros and cons for each and make a decision.  It worked for me.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: bbishop on Aug 02, 2005, 07:49
Thanks for the advice guys.  I did the pros and cons you talked about.  The only significant pros I came up with were the pension, the bonus, job security, and status as a Cheif.  The bonusses are $60K for the first 3 yrs. and then $100K for the next six.  I came up with a hundred cons.  Anyone who has been to sea knows what those are. I've decided to ask for a 4 month extension past my EAOS so I can finish my MBA at Charleston Southern.  I'll go to some job fairs in the Spring and try to get some interviews at some plants in the Southeast.  In August, if the money looks decent (over $60K/yr), I'll get out.  If the extension doesn't go through, I'll finish my MBA online or draw unemployment and GI Bill money while I finish. I'm still not sure if they are going to pay me for Chief or if my DD214 will say I was an ETC.  My Master Chief thinks you have to have two years left on your contract in order to be officially advanced and paid.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: Already Gone on Aug 03, 2005, 12:12
Back in the old days, they wouldn't even frock a chief unless he had enough time remaining to cover two years after the date of advancement.  For some guys, that meant 2 and 1/2 years from frocking to EAOS.  I remember one ET1 who carried that Boot Chief book for a month and gave it back.  He didn't want to extend to meet the 2 years.  They made him pay back the uniform allowance.  Fortunately, he hadn't spent it all on new khakis and could sell all the stuf he did buy.
The money thing is way overrated.  Even a guy with an MBA can probably see my point.  If you like what you are doing, keep doing it.  If you are miserable, then who cares about money?  What I'm saying is, don't lock yourself into something you hate because you couldn't find a job that paid enough.  You can make less money for a while and still be happy.  Odds are that with an MBA, you'll find a way to increase your income by doing something that you enjoy.  Good luck.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: bbishop on Sep 02, 2005, 10:26
It looks like they are going to approve the extension so that I can finish my Masters.  I also found out that there is no minimum time required to advance to Chief unless you are approaching retirement and you want your retirement pay to be at the higher pay grade. 

I have one more question about benefits.  My wife and I had our second boy last week.  Can anyone tell me how much health insurance will be for a family of four if I'm working at a plant in the Southeast?
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: Rad Sponge on Sep 03, 2005, 07:23
Speaking of 60K per year.

Holy fully taxed income batman!!

Man, those career counselors were not bullsh-tt--g when they told you that your pay was worth 1.35 more because of what was not taxed.

So when is this National Sales Tax supposed to occur???

Sponge
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: Already Gone on Sep 03, 2005, 07:58
I also found out that there is no minimum time required to advance to Chief unless you are approaching retirement and you want your retirement pay to be at the higher pay grade. 

Translated into english, that means that they will frock you (making you buy all new uniforms) but never advance you to E-7.  In my day, they wouldn't do that because they didn't want to allow the junior guys see so many chiefs get out.  It was bad for retention to frock a chief and watch him leave a few months later.  So, they made you commit for the time before they let you put on khakis.  Make doubly sure of what you are signing.  By accepting advancement to Chief Petty Officer, you could be obligating yourself.  Get it all in writing the day BEFORE you sign anything.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: bbishop on Sep 04, 2005, 12:45
I'm actually 1st increment. My frocking date is the same as my advancement date, so I'll get paid October 1st along with the uniform allowance. There's actually several others from my group that are considering getting out this year. One guy is getting out 4 months after frocking. There is no additional committment. We cleared that up with the mess president the first week of initiation.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: Rad Sponge on Sep 04, 2005, 02:33
In the humble opinion of an ex MM1(SS)...

If you go through initiation, get frocked, get pinned, all that and then just get out you have wasted the time of many people that spend invaluable time training you to be a Chief.

Congrats that you made Chief, well, E-7 (I think the Chief thing takes awhile), BUT do not waste the time of the real Chiefs that are investing their experience and knowledge into you or whomever else is getting the ego trip just to put on Khaki and then get out. That is a disgrace.

I spent a year of my life being the Exec Assit to a Command Master Chief and as such I was privy to Chief stuff not normally acessible to lowly blue shirts, but in exchange for my utmost decorum I was given the oppurtunity to help develop the training curriculum and put together the schedules for the initiation process. You don't know how many Chief-Hours went into the 2 month process of getting you a clue of what it means to be a Chief. Hundreds of hours go into the process development and countless hours during the process to keep the machine running smoothly.

Thats just my 2 cents, do what thou will, but don't waste the Navy's time.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: hamsamich on Sep 04, 2005, 07:59
Yeah, but what happens when you tell them you don't want it and they try to screw you?  In the Navy I was in, it was dog eat dog.  I don't know exactly how all the chief stuff works, but watch your own butt.  I can't tell you how many times I had to keep my true intentions hidden in the Navy just to get by.  I don't like being manipulative, but I tried to do it right in the Navy and it never really worked out too well.  I'm not saying everyone was out to get me, but out of all the people in my chain of command, one of them was usually a bad apple.  I loved my time in the Navy now that I think back on it, and I needed what the Navy taught me but......do what you gotta do SMISH, we all know how the Navy can be.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: bbishop on Sep 09, 2005, 09:24
I answer the same questions every week. "Why are you going through initiation if you are getting out? Why are you wasting the Chief's time? What about those guys that are committed to the Navy and didn't make it because of you?"

I still have at least 7 months left in the Navy and I am not the type of person who will effectively quit several months before I get out.  There is always the chance that I'll stay in if they offer me the duty station I want and support me in finishing my Masters.

I would be stupid to turn down a promotion that I earned, especially when it involves a nice pay raise.  It has absolutely nothing to do with my ego. I have a commitment to my family first and foremost.  If those other first classes had taken the tough jobs, qualified everything possible, and worked nights on their degrees, maybe they would have made it instead of me.

I am not wasting anyone's time.  I absorb everything the Chief's are teaching me and believe that it will be useful training for the rest of my life, whether I am in the Navy or not. I am up front with everyone about my career intentions. If they choose not to put any effort into training me because of that, I will deal with it.  Thankfully, that hasn't been the case so far.  I guess its the kindler, gentler Navy.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: shayne on Sep 09, 2005, 10:32
I have one more question about benefits.  My wife and I had our second boy last week.  Can anyone tell me how much health insurance will be for a family of four if I'm working at a plant in the Southeast?

Your health care costs will depend on the plan.  The company should offer you a choice of a few different plans.  Each plan will have different options (copays, deductables, limits, etc.) and will be different types (HMO, PPO, etc.)  Depending on how much of the plan the company pays, you will pay the difference every paycheck.  I have seen some plans as low as $30/paycheck for medical and dental up to $150/paycheck.   

I would do the initation also.  You may decide at the last minute to stay in.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: Fermi2 on Sep 10, 2005, 07:43
It depends on the company. Mine has no HMOs. It also depends on your age and whether you smoke or not. After 1 dependent the cost doesn't go up. Oh and it depends on your position and how much you make a year.

I chose the middle option for my insurance because my family is usually pretty healthy.

It's a Blue Cross Plan. I they start paying 80% after I pay a 300/Individual or 600/Family deductible. They also pay for 250$ worth of physicals for each family member. I believe it's capped at 2500 dollars so if my costs get that high they pay 100%

My dental covers either 80 or 90%, with 1000 dollars for orthodontics for children under 19.

I think total I pay 85/paycheck which isn't bad. It comes out of pre tax dollars. I figured it out once and if I didn't have to pay that 85 I'd end up taking home maybe 20 bucks a month more.

There were other options like a 90% plan with co pays and one without co pays, but they cost a LOT more. So far I've come out ahead. I think I've paid something like 75 towards my deductibles. If I chose one of the other plans I think it would have come out to 150 a month more.

DTE Energy was actually pretty darn good at Benefits, especially if you were in HAP a local HMO. Trouble is DTE SUCKED at administering them.

I hear Dominion really rakes their employees on the benefit end.

Mike
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: RRPC4 on Oct 04, 2005, 05:26
I am an EM2 transfering to Charleston soon.  I won't know if it will be to NPTU or "A" School (which I would prefer) because my boat has been giving me the run-around on my EWS board for the last 8 months.  I am only a couple of classes away from finishing my BSAST with TESC.  I was wondering how hard it was for you to get you MBA with Charelston Southern?  I had also planned on getting an MBA, I have just been concentrating on my undergrad for right now though.  How much credit did you get?  How many classes did you have to take?  Was TA able to cover all of it?  If not, how much came out of your own pocket?  Any help would be appreciated.  On another note.... I will be getting out in pretty much the same circumstances, an EM1 (well you are an ETC now) with 10 years, hopefully qualified EWS and I am already a QAI.  I also have my Apprenticship for "Maintenance Electricain".  Can anyone tell me what kind of jobs I can get with the QAI and Apprenticship?  Does that help me?  I also heard that people are looking to hire Navy Nukes that are coming out with only 6 years experience, rather than some more seasoned guys.  Is this true?
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: bbishop on Oct 06, 2005, 11:13
When I got to NPTU, I already had my BSAT.  I concentrated on quals the first year and then began looking at colleges.  I chose CSU because it has a nice campus and it is on my way home from work.  I had to take 4 prereqs in the classroom, clep one, and transfer one I had already taken.  These were: Accounting I and II, Economics, Management, and Finance.  You can take graduate courses at the same time if it works better for your schedule.  I've been taking 2 classes per semester including summers.  Your required to take 10 grad-level classes for the general MBA.  An MBA with an emphasis in a particular area requires two additional courses.  Including the prereqs, it will take me about 7 semesters.  Tuition assistance has paid for the first 12 semester hours per year.  GI bill has paid the rest.  The only out of pocket expenses I have had were for books.  Some people take 3 classes per semester.  I don't think that's possible unless you don't work fulltime.  It is very hard to do well when your working rotating shiftwork.  You miss a few classes per semester because of swingshift, and it's difficult to get work done during the Swings/Mids part of the rotation. I recommend that you stay on the boat as long as it takes to get EWS and orders to A school.   
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: JsonD13 on Oct 06, 2005, 01:17
Im obtaining my MS in engineering management right now from Southern Methodist University in Texas through their distance learning program.  They are a decently well known school (Dr. Phil's son goes there and almost all of their undergraduate engineering programs are ABET accrediated).  I know you are looking for an MBA but the MSEM is close I believe.  Most all of my courses are business courses aimed at providing us technical types with those type of skills.  The format works really well for me (they send me DVD's of each class, so I learn like I am in a classroom).  I started my first semester down at prototype and it worked out fine.  Currently I'm on CVN 70 and it works for me here too.

Jason
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: RRPC4 on Oct 13, 2005, 09:41
Thanks to both of you for your help, the MSEM might be a possiblity for me.  Thanks for the info Smish, I was really worried about the out of pocket expenses, so that is a big help for me.  I am definatly trying very hard to get my EWS board.  Hopefully, it will be in a week or two, although they have been saying that for awhile.  I think they are getting tired of me whining about it.  I have already started routing my 1306.  If I qualify soon, I will route another one, and just try to get my orders changed.  Does anyone know the difference of what a MBA or a MSEM are worth in the civilian world.  Which would be better to have?
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: RRPC4 on Oct 13, 2005, 09:43
By the way.  How many courses will you have to take to get your MSEM?  Can you CLEP any of them, or get prior credit?  What is your schedule like(how many classes a semester)?  Are the semester's traditional length or shorter becuause they are DE?
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: JsonD13 on Oct 14, 2005, 08:52
I Have to take 10 courses to get my MSEM, 2 courses a semester and normal semester length.  I expect to graduate after the fall 2006 semester.  The courses are given at the same time as the real courses and they send me copies of the lectures by DVD in the mail.  I just take the tests with my ESO, hope this helps
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: maxxchia on Nov 25, 2005, 03:34
What's up SMISH...

Congratulations on your selection to CHIEF brother...
I am currently RCLCPO on SSN-711 and I am getting out next year (almost eleven in).  Started looking for work already and have 2 building resumes.  We have very similar service jackets.  I was an EOOW-TA and part time TC at NPTU MTS 626.  Made ETC there in 2003.  Got a BA in music from Cal and got my BSAT from TESU like you and am working on my MSEM from ODU distance on-line learning.  You should be pretty well setup for Success when you get out.  I am currently interested in FPL because they put out that they are looking to hire people like me and you directly into license operator class or standby until they class up.  Some of these folks in the discussion forum have definitely put out that it is extremely difficult for someone with no operator experience make it in the license world.  I definitely believe them.  One guy called navy reactors, "simple startup sources" which I imagine is not far off truth.  Bottom line is that it seems that shooting to be a direct input licensed operator could lead to discouraging results but I can still get hired in.  I visited Diablo Canyon utility in southern california recently and developed some contacts down there and opened up some good possibilities.  When is your EAOS?   Trust me... your instincts are correct!  GET OUT!  The submarine world has long changed since you have been there.  Bowman's multi-chance pipeline "pump" and "integrity can be taught" philosophy definitely caused a severe hit on all around quality of young nukes in the fleet these days.  This makes your job very challenging, Chief!  Granted, you do the best you can with the guys and try to make them good operators, technicians and sailors, however some days you feel as if you are fighting a loosing battle and it puts wear and tear on your soul.  The money is just not worth it these days especially since there is plenty of signficant higher paying jobs out there. 

Good luck brother.  You are not alone.

Max
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: bbishop on Dec 09, 2005, 10:29
     Sorry it took me so long to reply.  It's nice to have someone currently on the pond reinforcing my decision to get out. I'm not sure when I'm getting out at this point.  My EAOS is May '06 but I'm trying to extend to September 1st so I can finish my MBA without having to find a job in Charleston. I graduate in August.  The job market here isn't very good.  I have a lot of contacts, but none of them seem to pay very well.  I did see a good one online the other day.  It's a government contractor named Orbis specifically looking for a Navy ET to work on a contract to develop new APDs and radiacs for the Navy. 
      I'm primarily interested in Duke's Oconee plant.  The Clemson/Seneca area is gorgeous and it is close to home (Atlanta).  I've talked to their Operations department.  They don't hire Navy guys into licensed operator classes anymore.  They did say they'd waive the first 15 week class though and start me directly in the systems class.  I'm disappointed with the starting pay ($26/hr).  It would be a significant pay cut for me.  I'm going to look into some of the other departments opportunities.  I've heard that the Training department pays pretty well and that is a better fit for my skills.  The Assistant Engineer position's web posting says an MBA is desired, but it also says you must have a BS in Engineering.  I doubt the BSAT would fly.  I'm beginning to worry.  If my extension doesn't happen,  I'll be on terminal leave in about 4 months. 
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: bbishop on Feb 11, 2006, 10:09
Well, I'm a double digit midget (<100 days to go).  I started sending out my resume in January.  Headhunters have been hounding me with mail and emails.  I wouldn't recommend Monster.com for that reason.  I've been checking the Southeastern Utilities websites regulary. I went to a job fair on base Friday and got some interesting feedback from FPL. They said that I'm qualified for their instant SRO program and they wanted to set up a phone interview.  I had a long conversation with one of their operations managers.  He said that they are hiring E7 and above Navy Nukes with >3 years EWS into an SRO class for St. Lucie.  They need 13 more to fill the class.  It starts 6 months after the last guy gets hired.  Does anyone know what the pay would be prior to actually receiving the license?  Also, how much is the license bonus nowadays? Is St. Lucie a good place to work and raise kids?
I also talked to Duke recently.  They want me to interview for an job in Training.  They said that they normally fill these positions with SROs but they can't afford to take the SROs off shift anymore. 
I'd be happy with either job.  I'm getting nervous.  I have three other mouths to feed and a mortgage to worry about.  If I don't get some offers by April, I'm going to crawl back to the Detailer and beg for Kings Bay.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: hamsamich on Feb 11, 2006, 10:25
What is wrong with headhunters hounding you?  That's how I got a couple of my jobs.  St. Lucie is a good place to raise kids, relatively.  But don't let them talk you into going to Turkey Point.  Bad for kids. 

My friend Bob is a QA guy there at St. Lucie.  He is trying for an SRO position also but they have decided not to attempt to get him a waiver from the NRC.  Seems quite a few instants have not been getting thru class straight out of the Navy (at all plants, not just Lucie), and since Bob nver was EWS, and his degree isn't "technical enough", they won't waive him, either.  But no worries, even if you do fail out, they usually find a place for you.

I know SROs make quite a bit depending on bonus structure (40+ an hour), but haven't worked at St. Lucie since December, so not sure about St. Lucie or who to ask.

Strange, worried about getting a job but not wanting headhunters to contact you....
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: jjordan on Feb 12, 2006, 02:03
Last I checked Progress Energy is in the Southeast and we've been hiring bigtime! CR3 is 1 Hr N of Tampa, Brunswick is 1 Hr N of Mytle Beach, both on the coast. We also have HB Robinson in Hartsville SC, and Shearon Harris around Raliegh, if your scared of the water!!! We always need operators.
JJ 8)
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: Fermi2 on Feb 12, 2006, 02:31
When you don't have your license you get paid whatever they hired you in at.


St Lucie doesn't pay their bonus on an hourly rate. They have a weird structure.

The bonus is 43,000 over 3 years. I believe they pay 12k the first two years. The 3rd year if you accept a 19K bonus you also golden handcuff for the next 3 years. And so on and so on. If you don't accept the bonus you're for all practical purposes golden handcuffed anyway.

They're hiring again because they've had a terible time with Instants straight out of the navy. Unfortunately for them it looks like they're about to make that mistake again. It's their money, so I don't care.

Another thing, a friend of mine is getting his License there. He told me it's getting DARNED expensive to live there and if he had a good choice he'd leave.

Mike
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: bbishop on Mar 31, 2006, 09:05
I took the Instant SRO job at St. Lucie.  I applied for a lot of positions in training and ops with other plants.  Progress never called back.  Duke was only looking for NLEOs.  I also applied with some Nuclear Industry vendors.  They offer less money and an enormous amount of travel.  I realize what Broadzilla and others are saying about the difficulty of going this route but I'm willing put forth the effort to make it work out.  The class of instants that's wrapping up at St. Lucie this week has only had one failure and he was a self- made millionaire who decided early on that it wasn't what he wanted to be doing.  I'm very excited about this career opportunity.  Everyone I've met at the plant from the Site VP to the SRO students has been very friendly and professional.  The area is beautiful and the weather can't be beat.  Your right about the cost of living being a little higher in South Florida but the company more than compensates for it with their bonus structure and a mortgage subsidy for the first three years.  Their relocation package is also very impressive.  I got excellent feedback from this forum and email from Nukeworker members throughout my transition.  It is greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: Fermi2 on Mar 31, 2006, 09:43
Then FPL gets it back with absolutely no retirement benefits eh?

Tell Chuck, Jeff, and Todd I said hello.

How would they know they had only one failure, they just took their exam last week.

Good luck!!!!!!!!

Mike
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: Roll Tide on Apr 03, 2006, 07:09
I would guess "failure" means failed out of the class, not failed the NRC exam.

Congratulations SMISH. PSL has some of my old friends as well. Are you going to stay at Indian River Plantation until you find a house? I would recommend Martin County, whether you are going to be seaside or inland.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: bbishop on Apr 03, 2006, 06:39
We're looking primarily in Vero Beach.  I'd like to put a house under contract during my house hunting trip later this month and close on it as early as possible.  Martin county seems too expensive and the yards lots are smaller. 
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: Fermi2 on Apr 03, 2006, 08:40
SMISH,

When we moved to Tennessee we had a house waiting. Search all the internet sites for realtors in the area. We got lucky, we found an AssistToSale which is a realtor who gets 2995$ out of a house no matter what they sell it for so they aren't just working with the seller. Ours had a realty broker in the office above theirs. Before I started at TVA we already had a beautiful house waiting for us.

I'm not sure if assisttosell is only in Tennessee but I'm sure they have these types of realtors in Florida.

Also, try PMing M1Ark, he's a St Lucie SRO and a hell of a good guy.

Mike
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: bbishop on Apr 03, 2006, 11:01
Thanks.  We already have a realtor that we like a lot.  FPL's relo department gave him our info and he has been in touch everyday.  We already have about 25 houses in at least 10 different neighborhoods that we want to look at.  All of them are much nicer than the house we currently own but not much bigger.  The subsidy helps a lot.  I think we got a good rate too.  I'm preapproved for up to 400K at 5.875% for a 30 year fixed.  I thought interest rates would be much higher.  That's only .2 above my last mortgage.  I've already milked M1Ark for everything he knows.  He has been very helpful.
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: M1Ark on Apr 04, 2006, 05:12
Thanks.  We already have a realtor that we like a lot.  FPL's relo department gave him our info and he has been in touch everyday.  We already have about 25 houses in at least 10 different neighborhoods that we want to look at.  All of them are much nicer than the house we currently own but not much bigger.  The subsidy helps a lot.  I think we got a good rate too.  I'm preapproved for up to 400K at 5.875% for a 30 year fixed.  I thought interest rates would be much higher.  That's only .2 above my last mortgage.  I've already milked M1Ark for everything he knows.  He has been very helpful.

LOL, SMISH I've probably forgotten more than you know.

M1Ark
Title: Re: Getting out with Thomas Edison BSAT and MBA
Post by: Fermi2 on Apr 04, 2006, 05:19
In the past M1Ark has been remarkably adept at getting info, even arcane stuff. So I doubt you milked him for everything he knows!

Mike