Since we seem to have come out of the "Great Recession" in the pumping industry in the DFW area it seems that we have lost many knowledgeable operators. There is a great labor shortage going on in this industry. I was just curious if any former operators were still looking at the site and what your doing now?

I used to work in DFW area back in the late 80's. Now in Chicago stil pumping concrete. Not much, Still a little slow up here.

Hey Russ who do you work for? I just moved to Little Elm Texas

Ya Russ, I am a former operator. I've got about 18 years experience pumping concrete. I remember when I first started pumping concrete the money was good and there was lots of work. The second year pumping concrete I think I made about 50k and back then that was good money. A few years after that, I was self employeed and the money was good and there was alot ALOT of work. I sold everything in 2007 traveled around, but could never find lots of work and good money in pumping concrete. So, I applied for a north slope oil field job up here in Alaska. I got hired and now I am pumping diesel fuel. Basically being a fueler. The money is good and I really really the work. I get flown up to the oil field and work a two week rotation. I work two weeks on and take two weeks off. Its soo much better and easier than pumping concrete and agian, I found good money. So, I had to make the carreer change and I am very pleased soo far.

Lets see, Here in Atl we have a guy with 20 years quit to drive a Walmart truck. Another guy went to Dallas with another pump company and two ten year operator just gave Two week to go drive roll off truck and operate a crane.  One operator called corporate and asked the big boss how the Hell he could spend over a million dollars on a 63 m and yet be afraid to charge for it and justify paying him middle 20s per hr to run it!

  Industry as a whole is weird place right now for sure!

 One of the problems with a reccesion is it can actually teach you how to live on less money. With this you might look or have to look for another job, which can lead to a better opportunity, or maybe just more of a reccesion proof job. Those type's of job's are out there. I know a few, that drive mixer's now, less stress, easier work, and a little bit less money.

Learning to live on less income is certainly a valuable lesson that can come from recessionary times, not a problem. 

Early in the Great Recession, I got my Commercial pilot's license and am now flying tourists and locals around south east Alaska, much like you see on TV. I fly people, both alive and dead, dogs, cats, groceries, US mail, UPS, FedEx and anything that will fit in the plane to outlying villages that have no roads in and out. I consider knowing how to run a boom a valuable skill, but though flying pays a bit less for the same number of hours, I find it far more rewarding at the end of the day. I stay clean too. 

 People do what they have to do.

Still alive and pumpin everyday..........Rex Stewart

Hey Todd just got back to working in Texas runnin a 58m for Austin commercial at a site in Waco for Baylors new stadium...you moved to Little Elm ?.....I used to own a house up there lost it in the recession...did u buy it ? Lol....Been back runnin pumps now missed it alot....anyone looking for a good job Hughes pumping in ND is  a good company just came from there....good luck all

Todd I do sales for Pioneer here in DFW.