Factories struggle to employ workers and compete with fast food restaurants pay

[Saltwater60]

This is bad, very bad. Factories will flee to China and other countries. Fast food joints aren’t life long careers.


many workers are quitting jobs at record pace as well

 

[Catskillkid]

Many never even went back to the workforce. I know plenty that said they can get by just fine on unemployment. A family near me that owns a small business (deli) is doing just that.

 

[Saltwater60]

Many never even went back to the workforce. I know plenty that said they can get by just fine on unemployment. A family near me that owns a small business (deli) is doing just that.

I hate people. Someone I kind of know needed some work done. I had no idea. Apparently they have been trying to get this work done since April and no one will come out, call them back, or give them a price. She was very greatful to have me come out.
I looked at the job and it’s a good bit of work. Trimming bushes I’d say 50-60 feet long all sides about 12” on both sides and about 24” off the top. Some branches will need to be hand trimmed since they are too large for my trimmers. I provided a price that’s reasonable for the work needing done. I got well I’ll have to talk with my husband and how long do you think it will take? Seriously? It’s $325 and I think it will take 4-5 hours since it’s a lot of materials to remove and clean up. They have to have had an idea of what it would cost and what they were willing to pay right? I think my price is reasonable considering I want to be done working by July first and I can fit them in next week. Pretty amazing isn’t it?

 

[Jmac00]

this country is headed for a Guaranteed Minimum Income. It what the socialist want. The want everyone dependent on the government.

The Responsible, independent American is history.

 

[livingston]

Joe has the answer .31

 

[livingston]

2021 Child Tax Credit: Here's who will get up to $1,800 per child in cash — and who will need to opt out


About 36 million American families on July 15 will start receiving monthly checks from the IRS, as part of the expanded Child Tax Credit. Eligible families will receive up to $1,800 in cash through December — however, the tax credit has a complication that may prompt some families to opt out.

2021 Child Tax Credit: Here's who will get up to $1,800 per child in cash — and who will need to opt out

The expanded tax credit isn't available to all parents, and some recipients may be asked to repay the IRS next year.

www.cbsnews.com

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Who is John Galt?

 

[drowhawk]

I hate people. Someone I kind of know needed some work done. I had no idea. Apparently they have been trying to get this work done since April and no one will come out, call them back, or give them a price. She was very greatful to have me come out.
I looked at the job and it’s a good bit of work. Trimming bushes I’d say 50-60 feet long all sides about 12” on both sides and about 24” off the top. Some branches will need to be hand trimmed since they are too large for my trimmers. I provided a price that’s reasonable for the work needing done. I got well I’ll have to talk with my husband and how long do you think it will take? Seriously? It’s $325 and I think it will take 4-5 hours since it’s a lot of materials to remove and clean up. They have to have had an idea of what it would cost and what they were willing to pay right? I think my price is reasonable considering I want to be done working by July first and I can fit them in next week. Pretty amazing isn’t it?

We wanted to put in a combi-boiler this summer. It would free up space in the basement for a bathroom. The hydronic side of the heating system was already in place, lines just had to be run to the other side of the basement to reach the new boiler location. I called a DOZEN, no exaggeration there, a DOZEN HVAC companies; including one that had done work for me before. Nobody would call back. I couldn't even get an estimate.

I decided to do the job myself knowing absolutely nothing about hydronic heating systems. After spending weeks reading college level material on boiler system design, pump sizing and losses, properly sizing the heating loops, I'm pretty confident now. I had to call Navien with some pretty technical questions that their level 1 support could not answer. When I got to level two the rep asked, "Are you a homeowner or contractor?" "Homeowner," I replied. "You know this system is supposed to be installed by a licensed contractor, don't you?!" he barked. I was in the middle of trying to tighten some fittings on a ladder so I had him on speaker phone. I dropped all of my tools on the concrete floor, making sure that he could hear the metal clanging in the background. I replied, "You mean you have a licensed contractor actually willing to do this job?! Oh my gosh that's so great! This has been such a pain in the ass I'm so glad you've saved me the trouble. When can he start?!" The silence was deafening. Crickets. He answered my questions from that point forward and gave me some props afterwards about reading the entire ~150 page user manual before spending 3 weeks training myself on how to properly install a system like this.

It was at that point I realized the socialist mecca had arrived. If I wanted ANYTHING done, especially done properly, I would need to learn to do it myself. We don't live in a world where I can just call a "plumber" or "electrician" to do work at my house; they won't answer the phone.

 

[Modean]

It's going to get very ugly for a lot of these people when the handouts end. And they will end, if only because we can't keep printing counterfeit money indefinitely.

 

[Jmac00]

We wanted to put in a combi-boiler this summer. It would free up space in the basement for a bathroom. The hydronic side of the heating system was already in place, lines just had to be run to the other side of the basement to reach the new boiler location. I called a DOZEN, no exaggeration there, a DOZEN HVAC companies; including one that had done work for me before. Nobody would call back. I couldn't even get an estimate.

I decided to do the job myself knowing absolutely nothing about hydronic heating systems. After spending weeks reading college level material on boiler system design, pump sizing and losses, properly sizing the heating loops, I'm pretty confident now. I had to call Navien with some pretty technical questions that their level 1 support could not answer. When I got to level two the rep asked, "Are you a homeowner or contractor?" "Homeowner," I replied. "You know this system is supposed to be installed by a licensed contractor, don't you?!" he barked. I was in the middle of trying to tighten some fittings on a ladder so I had him on speaker phone. I dropped all of my tools on the concrete floor, making sure that he could hear the metal clanging in the background. I replied, "You mean you have a licensed contractor actually willing to do this job?! Oh my gosh that's so great! This has been such a pain in the ass I'm so glad you've saved me the trouble. When can he start?!" The silence was deafening. Crickets. He answered my questions from that point forward and gave me some props afterwards about reading the entire ~150 page user manual before spending 3 weeks training myself on how to properly install a system like this.

It was at that point I realized the socialist mecca had arrived. If I wanted ANYTHING done, especially done properly, I would need to learn to do it myself. We don't live in a world where I can just call a "plumber" or "electrician" to do work at my house; they won't answer the phone.

should have called me, I install Laars Combi-boilers, and I use Pro-press fittings so there are no flames in the home. As you found out, its really not that complicated. and I have access to engineers to answer any questions, no need to call (know nothing-flipchart) Tech support.

if you do have questions, shoot me a PM, I'll try to answer your questions.

 

[Jmac00]

It's going to get very ugly for a lot of these people when the handouts end. And they will end, if only because we can't keep printing counterfeit money indefinitely.

LOL, oh yes they can. They will be printing money even after it takes $100 to buy a loaf of bread

 

[drowhawk]

should have called me, I install Laars Combi-boilers, and I use Pro-press fittings so there are no flames in the home. As you found out, its really not that complicated. and I have access to engineers to answer any questions, no need to call (know nothing-flipchart) Tech support.

if you do have questions, shoot me a PM, I'll try to answer your questions.

Thank you SO much for the offer. I might take you up on that although I am in the latter stages of the project so things are going well. My friend offered to let me borrow his pro press tool until I realized that the fittings are more expensive than Sharkbite and don't come apart as easy! I like the idea that the shark bites swivel too in case I need to remove a zone valve or air vent. My friend who's a plumber is going to sweat on the few fittings I could not find in pro press or shark bite. I can solder pretty good with 1/2" or 3/4" but 1 1/2", no cigar.

 

[Uzi]

Most of the food industry offers disposable and unskilled jobs. They're not good career choices.

If this plandemic brings out different opportunities for people that don't like a slave life with a shit slave job, I don't see anything wrong with it. You can't blame anyone on unemployment right now, they didn't ask for this planned economic shutdown.

Having said that, I do think it's funny that it took the economy to shut down for millions of overpayed unskilled workers to question what they're going to do now that they realize they have little to offer as they continue to think they weren't getting a high enough wage before.

 

[Saltwater60]

We wanted to put in a combi-boiler this summer. It would free up space in the basement for a bathroom. The hydronic side of the heating system was already in place, lines just had to be run to the other side of the basement to reach the new boiler location. I called a DOZEN, no exaggeration there, a DOZEN HVAC companies; including one that had done work for me before. Nobody would call back. I couldn't even get an estimate.

I decided to do the job myself knowing absolutely nothing about hydronic heating systems. After spending weeks reading college level material on boiler system design, pump sizing and losses, properly sizing the heating loops, I'm pretty confident now. I had to call Navien with some pretty technical questions that their level 1 support could not answer. When I got to level two the rep asked, "Are you a homeowner or contractor?" "Homeowner," I replied. "You know this system is supposed to be installed by a licensed contractor, don't you?!" he barked. I was in the middle of trying to tighten some fittings on a ladder so I had him on speaker phone. I dropped all of my tools on the concrete floor, making sure that he could hear the metal clanging in the background. I replied, "You mean you have a licensed contractor actually willing to do this job?! Oh my gosh that's so great! This has been such a pain in the ass I'm so glad you've saved me the trouble. When can he start?!" The silence was deafening. Crickets. He answered my questions from that point forward and gave me some props afterwards about reading the entire ~150 page user manual before spending 3 weeks training myself on how to properly install a system like this.

It was at that point I realized the socialist mecca had arrived. If I wanted ANYTHING done, especially done properly, I would need to learn to do it myself. We don't live in a world where I can just call a "plumber" or "electrician" to do work at my house; they won't answer the phone.

For sure this is a problem. I hear this all the time from my customers. I call everyone back that calls me. If I tell them I can’t do the job for a reason they are truly disappointed because I’m the only one that has called back. I have increased my prices this year and I don’t think I lost a single job I bid on. I do feel a bit bad since the one guy I charge $400 for a job and it only took about 2.5-3 hours. Oh well that’s life. He had the money since he had $70,000 in cars and bikes in his garage.

 

[Jmac00]

Most of the food industry offers disposable and unskilled jobs. They're not good career choices.

If this plandemic brings out different opportunities for people that don't like a slave life with a shit slave job, I don't see anything wrong with it. You can't blame anyone on unemployment right now, they didn't ask for this planned economic shutdown.

Having said that, I do think it's funny that it took the economy to shut down for millions of overpayed unskilled workers to question what they're going to do now that they realize they have little to offer as they continue to think they weren't getting a high enough wage before.

no sweat, (LOL pun intended) ya the fitting are pricey, but, Insurance carriers are trying to move plumbers and HVAC to pro-press/zoom-press to keep flames out of the homes, plus, pro-press is way faster than sweat fitting.

If you do need help. just give me a call or PM me, Like I said, i have direct access to reginal service tech and engineers.

 

[repete]

For sure this is a problem. I hear this all the time from my customers. I call everyone back that calls me. If I tell them I can’t do the job for a reason they are truly disappointed because I’m the only one that has called back. I have increased my prices this year and I don’t think I lost a single job I bid on. I do feel a bit bad since the one guy I charge $400 for a job and it only took about 2.5-3 hours. Oh well that’s life. He had the money since he had $70,000 in cars and bikes in his garage.

Don't ever feel bad about taking someone's money after they agreed to the price! I learned that lesson to late when I had my own business.

 

[tony]

@Saltwater60, As long as you bid the job for the work you have to do you shouldn't feel bad. I do realize some jobs have issues that may not be evident initially but a knowledgeable estimator can account for that.

Some guys give quotes based on work that needs to be done and then pad it up if it looks like the money is there. Crappy way to do business IMO.

 

[Jmac00]

For sure this is a problem. I hear this all the time from my customers. I call everyone back that calls me. If I tell them I can’t do the job for a reason they are truly disappointed because I’m the only one that has called back. I have increased my prices this year and I don’t think I lost a single job I bid on. I do feel a bit bad since the one guy I charge $400 for a job and it only took about 2.5-3 hours. Oh well that’s life. He had the money since he had $70,000 in cars and bikes in his garage.

I find that many people that are self-employed tend to undersell themselves. they think they won't get the job if they charge to much.

There are two types of buyer in the world

(1) Money motived/Tire kickers = these people don't give a rats ass how or who does the job, as long as it was cheap. Most of the time they want a price up front without anyone looking at the job. its all about the pennies

(2) Value motived: These people are the customers you want. They rank price about 5th on the list of things they care about. they want and expect a quality job, with excellent products and they are willing to pay for it. just don't fuck it up, you WILL HEAR ABOUT IT, LOL

Most of my customers are #2, I have told people their furnace is toast and they need it replaced, almost without exception, they say "How soon can you do it" I say "well its going to cost a little bit"............."just get it done, soon we can discuss price later" oookaaaay.

Trust and reputation are paramount, don't ever lose the trust of your customers

 

[cgrutt]

Just for reference: module "programming" does not mean you get to go in line by line and modify software parameters. In fact, when it comes to P0xxx codes, those are mandated and regulated by the federal government. You can NOT change those (PROM) parameters to "leave you alone" with ANY scan tool. You would need a complete aftermarket PCM capable of 100% custom parameters. You would then no longer pass an NY OBDII inspection with said aftermarket PCM.


If you are looking to "retrain" modules as you put it, you will need the more expensive scanner to do that. Especially if you want to do anything worthwhile on the Mercedes. With that being said, the more expensive scanner will make you dangerous. Like others stated, if programming is done improperly or fails, the module in question is now a brick. I would highly recommend going with the cheaper tool and taking your vehicles to the dealer for any programming. It is not worth the risk for a DIY'er. All you have to do is mess up one module, and the extra cost of the scanner plus the fee the dealer charges you to program it properly will negate any money you saved trying to DIY.


Autel makes a good tool but it is likely way overpowered and over-featured for somebody at your skill level. Save your money and go buy the harbor freight tool w/ bi-directional controls. Either that or go on ebay and look for a used MODIS. It might be a couple years out of date but it will likely do everything you need it to based on the age of your vehicles.

We wanted to put in a combi-boiler this summer. It would free up space in the basement for a bathroom. The hydronic side of the heating system was already in place, lines just had to be run to the other side of the basement to reach the new boiler location. I called a DOZEN, no exaggeration there, a DOZEN HVAC companies; including one that had done work for me before. Nobody would call back. I couldn't even get an estimate.

I decided to do the job myself knowing absolutely nothing about hydronic heating systems. After spending weeks reading college level material on boiler system design, pump sizing and losses, properly sizing the heating loops, I'm pretty confident now. I had to call Navien with some pretty technical questions that their level 1 support could not answer. When I got to level two the rep asked, "Are you a homeowner or contractor?" "Homeowner," I replied. "You know this system is supposed to be installed by a licensed contractor, don't you?!" he barked. I was in the middle of trying to tighten some fittings on a ladder so I had him on speaker phone. I dropped all of my tools on the concrete floor, making sure that he could hear the metal clanging in the background. I replied, "You mean you have a licensed contractor actually willing to do this job?! Oh my gosh that's so great! This has been such a pain in the ass I'm so glad you've saved me the trouble. When can he start?!" The silence was deafening. Crickets. He answered my questions from that point forward and gave me some props afterwards about reading the entire ~150 page user manual before spending 3 weeks training myself on how to properly install a system like this.

It was at that point I realized the socialist mecca had arrived. If I wanted ANYTHING done, especially done properly, I would need to learn to do it myself. We don't live in a world where I can just call a "plumber" or "electrician" to do work at my house; they won't answer the phone.

Careful there diy'r with your skill could be dangerous lmfao...

Or do you agree us mere mortals can take on such complicated tasks for the sake of self reliance and sufficiency? So confused...

 

[Acer-m14]

I hate people. Someone I kind of know needed some work done. I had no idea. Apparently they have been trying to get this work done since April and no one will come out, call them back, or give them a price. She was very greatful to have me come out.
I looked at the job and it’s a good bit of work. Trimming bushes I’d say 50-60 feet long all sides about 12” on both sides and about 24” off the top. Some branches will need to be hand trimmed since they are too large for my trimmers. I provided a price that’s reasonable for the work needing done. I got well I’ll have to talk with my husband and how long do you think it will take? Seriously? It’s $325 and I think it will take 4-5 hours since it’s a lot of materials to remove and clean up. They have to have had an idea of what it would cost and what they were willing to pay right? I think my price is reasonable considering I want to be done working by July first and I can fit them in next week. Pretty amazing isn’t it?

i got a 50 page contract with really really small fine print . sub me out and i pay for the round up 159.99 .. LOL..

 

[spat]

For sure this is a problem. I hear this all the time from my customers. I call everyone back that calls me. If I tell them I can’t do the job for a reason they are truly disappointed because I’m the only one that has called back. I have increased my prices this year and I don’t think I lost a single job I bid on. I do feel a bit bad since the one guy I charge $400 for a job and it only took about 2.5-3 hours. Oh well that’s life. He had the money since he had $70,000 in cars and bikes in his garage.

It's called inflation.

Prices go up. Some people try to keep what they charge low out of some misguided sense of fairness.

What's fair is for you to charge as much as you can and still get as much work as you want.

If you can charge enough to live on just 20 hours a week of work, good for you, you've earned it.

 

[Deplorable Me]

Thank you SO much for the offer. I might take you up on that although I am in the latter stages of the project so things are going well. My friend offered to let me borrow his pro press tool until I realized that the fittings are more expensive than Sharkbite and don't come apart as easy! I like the idea that the shark bites swivel too in case I need to remove a zone valve or air vent. My friend who's a plumber is going to sweat on the few fittings I could not find in pro press or shark bite. I can solder pretty good with 1/2" or 3/4" but 1 1/2", no cigar.

We specify a lot of Pro-Press at work. The pipe fitters can lay pipe 4x faster and we don't have to apply for burn permits. Joints are solid. We don't use Sharkbite on commercial work. They're okay if you can always see them. We've never had issues with Pro-Press. The value of Pro-Press is in the time savings. The only bad thing is you can't heat the joint ever or you'll destroy the proprietary o-ring type seal.

Results for "Pro-Press"

Zoro Tools Industrial Supplies

www.zoro.com

I use Zoro for my house projects. Sometimes I use the local suppliers but Zoro solves the in stock on hand problem.

They do have Pro-Press to threaded adapters and I think flanges for removable parts.

 

[drowhawk]

Careful there diy'r with your skill could be dangerous lmfao...

Or do you agree us mere mortals can take on such complicated tasks for the sake of self reliance and sufficiency? So confused...

Oh I bought a book on boiler system theory and design and I still have no idea WTF I'm doing.

If hiring someone was an option, I would have done it in a heartbeat. The more I learned, the more I realized how ill-prepared I was for this project.

Would not recommend any DIY'er attempt to install a modern boiler; especially a new install.

 

[Deplorable Me]

Oh I bought a book on boiler system theory and design and I still have no idea WTF I'm doing.

If hiring someone was an option, I would have done it in a heartbeat. The more I learned, the more I realized how ill-prepared I was for this project.

Would not recommend any DIY'er attempt to install a modern boiler; especially a new install.

I remember sweating my first copper joint back in 1985 when we bought our first house in Rochester. Built the laundry for my wife. She discovered I was handy and kept me.

 

[drowhawk]

We specify a lot of Pro-Press at work. The pipe fitters can lay pipe 4x faster and we don't have to apply for burn permits. Joints are solid. We don't use Sharkbite on commercial work. They're okay if you can always see them. We've never had issues with Pro-Press. The value of Pro-Press is in the time savings. The only bad thing is you can't heat the joint ever or you'll destroy the proprietary o-ring type seal.

Results for "Pro-Press"

Zoro Tools Industrial Supplies

www.zoro.com

I use Zoro for my house projects. Sometimes I use the local suppliers but Zoro solves the in stock on hand problem.

They do have Pro-Press to threaded adapters and I think flanges for removable parts.

I made the decision to go with Sharkbite at the last minute, as they updated their certifications to reflect approval for hydronic heating sytems. Sharkbite wasn't approved for hydronic systems when I started design. My insurance agent said Sharkbite is covered whether it's exposed, behind a wall, or even underground (with the proper moisture barriers)! Plus the design of sharkbite fittings is not a new thing. It's exactly the same technology used to connect brake air lines on heavy trucks. I figured if DOT trusts them on big rigs, they'll probably be good enough for my house.

I'm not knocking pro press at all either; I probably would have been going that route if it wasn't for the recent changes in Sharkbite's approval for use in hydronic systems.

 

[drowhawk]

I remember sweating my first copper joint back in 1985 when we bought our first house in Rochester. Built the laundry for my wife. She discovered I was handy and kept me.

I didn't do too shabby on the stuff I soldered, but it was all a max of 3/4" dia. The misses has been pretty pleased with my work so far as well and as an added bonus, we're not paying for a contractor to come in.

 

[Jmac00]

I didn't do too shabby on the stuff I soldered, but it was all a max of 3/4" dia. The misses has been pretty pleased with my work so far as well and as an added bonus, we're not paying for a contractor to come in.

this is the Laars Combi-boiler I installed last year in a guys garage ( has SIX outlaw race cars in there) it handles a 4500 ft² sub-floor hydronic system.

He freak'n insisted it be jammed as far into the corner of his mechanical/laundry room as I could get it. so this is what I ended up with. All pro-press, notice the ball valve flanges on the secondary circulator, they are expensive, but if you ever have to replace the circulator, you only lose about a half a cup of water, no need to drain the system, then refill, which is a HUUUUGE pain-in-the-ass ( as you know). I also used the Spiro-vent on top of the expansion tank. They are very expensive, but they remove air way better than anything else on the market, that I found so far.

BTW, I had an engineer size the boiler for me. but that layout is all me, it looks confusing, but its not when you have to jam a bunch of shit in a small space
.

 

[Jmac00]

this is a residential STEAM BOILER I installed in 2012,

 

[drowhawk]

this is the Laars Combi-boiler I installed last year in a guys garage ( has SIX outlaw race cars in there) it handles a 4500 ft² sub-floor hydronic system.

He freak'n insisted it be jammed as far into the corner of his mechanical/laundry room as I could get it. so this is what I ended up with. All pro-press, notice the ball valve flanges on the secondary circulator, they are expensive, but if you ever have to replace the circulator, you only lose about a half a cup of water, no need to drain the system, then refill, which is a HUUUUGE pain-in-the-ass ( as you know). I also used the Spiro-vent on top of the expansion tank. They are very expensive, but they remove air way better than anything else on the market, that I found so far.

View attachment 119919 BTW, I had an engineer size the boiler for me. but that layout is all me, it looks confusing, but its not when you have to jam a bunch of shit in a small space
.

Looks good. Hopefully my setup turns out nice and clean. I am also doing the expansion tank off the bottom of the spirovent but I am teeing in my PRV there as well. This seems to be the norm now. I am putting air bleeders everywhere (the manual ones). I probably have too many but I don't want any issues.

I also bought the ball valve/flange kit for the recirc pump. Worth every penny. Every zone also has a ball valve. Ball valve on the primary loop (before the PRV) for filling/purging and a drain before the boiler on the return side. I also invested in the magnetic filter.


On question I do have is I bought some cleaner that is supposed to be flushed through the system "at temperature." This makes me nervous, as I was planning on flushing the individual loops before allowing any water to touch the new heat exchanger.

What should I do? Run the system cold with the cleaner and hope for the best? I don't wanna send crap through the new boiler.

 

[Jmac00]

Looks good. Hopefully my setup turns out nice and clean. I am also doing the expansion tank off the bottom of the spirovent but I am teeing in my PRV there as well. This seems to be the norm now. I am putting air bleeders everywhere (the manual ones). I probably have too many but I don't want any issues.

I also bought the ball valve/flange kit for the recirc pump. Worth every penny. Every zone also has a ball valve. Ball valve on the primary loop (before the PRV) for filling/purging and a drain before the boiler on the return side. I also invested in the magnetic filter.


On question I do have is I bought some cleaner that is supposed to be flushed through the system "at temperature." This makes me nervous, as I was planning on flushing the individual loops before allowing any water to touch the new heat exchanger.

What should I do? Run the system cold with the cleaner and hope for the best? I don't wanna send crap through the new boiler.

run it though cold, I generally force flush the entire system if I can, then run the cleaner. IDK if it really matters if the system is at Temp.

I WOULD flush individual loops if you can, then the whole system just to be safe, but thats you to you. do you have cast iron radiators or baseboard?