All,
I too congratulate you Israel and wish you the best! You'll especially be missed in the institutes.
It's been 4 months since I left BYU and I thought you'd be interested in how it has has been going.
First, Richard West you were right-on about not letting myself get too busy! I've had to learn the word "NO" and have turned down more work than I ever could have imagined. It's amazing to me the skills a CAUT acquires in working with the great, and not so great instruments we deal with, and all within a limited time frame. These skills are highly sought after by stores, and in the field.
Second, the money has been incredible! One month I made nearly $11,000.00, and what I was doing wasn't all that different than before. High end work for stores and another university (one time only Richard!) and to charge private customers the going rate I more than tripled what I was getting as a CAUT. All four months have been good financially.
Third, I feel SO much less pressure. Some days I wake up and decide I'll take off the day. I even took a whole week off! I just do what I want, but lest you think I'm getting fat(ter) and lazy I still put in some long hours. My wife says I still work a lot, but something has changed... And I've lost 25 pounds. Less stress eating?? I've also taken up some hobbies I'd long since given up. Go figure.
Last but not least I should mention that I'm not advocating that all CAUTs quit or anything of the sort (BTW, I still tune as a contractor for Snow College, a "Steinway school" with 35 pianos). For me this worked out. My main points are; 1. CAUTs have valuable and marketable skills which are in high demand. And 2. While it was an incredibly difficult decision to make, hindsight proves that not only is there "life after CAUT" but it can be rewarding in more ways than money.
There is a time and a season for everything... Israel, good luck on your new season! For the rest of you, plan ahead. Meet with your human resource person and crunch the numbers. You may be able to "switch gears" sooner than you expect! NEVER feel like you're "stuck". You're not.
Best,
Jim Busby
Snow College and,
"Semi-retired" technician (hah), backpacker, wood carver,
and striving to be the best grandpa ever!
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James Busby
Mt Pleasant UT
435-851-3201
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