Don't go backwards. The problem with putting yourself out there and doing
what needs to be done for a firm that doesn't appreciate it that all you do
is raise the bar of expectations. When you drop back, management sees it as
your attitude going into the crapper. So then, even though you may be doing
a better job of drafting than the drafter next to you, you're not doing as
good of a job as you used to do. The mistake a lot of "first-timers"
(meaning those who have just discovered that there is a lot of stuff that
has to happen outside of CAD in order keep CAD productive and have some
personal need to fill those gaps) make is not making sure the firm they are
with will appreciate the extra effort. I made that mistake - twice, as have
many, many others inthis NG. So it is true that the best move is to move on.
Hopefully you move on to a place that is looking for what you're offering.
But if you can't find one of those, at least you can start the process a
little differently by pointing out potential improvements and the benefits
and how you can fix it but it's not really your job but you'd be willing to
discuss making it your job... At least in this latter situation you'll
probably make a few more bucks doing the basics, and not be criticized for a
crappy attitude... (to be clear - I do not think you have a crappy
attitude - I think you have a great attitude...)
"MJ" wrote in message news:5470642@discussion.autodesk.com...
"If you're only making what other drafters earn, then why take on all the
other responsibility? Just go back to full-time drafting (unless you really
want to do the IT/CAD stuff).'
I like doing that work more then drafting. But if they are not going to pay
for it then I feel I shouldn't do it.
"I used to be in the IT/CAD field, but there is no appreciation for what is
done. I realised there was no way to progress in money or respect unless
it's through project work, certainly not IT. I came up with processes to
improve everyone's productivity and it's 'ho hum' to them, but do 1 pretty
rendering and it's 'wow, you're worth more money'."
You are right, it's always a slap on the back and a "good job, we appreciate
that", but that doesn't pay the bills. Maybe I'll just start doing drafting
and then when they want something else done send them a bill for the work
done.
