Michigan Jobs

I am a Senior Designer with 8 years SolidWorks experience and broad
industry exposure and would like to relocate in Michigan. Would anyone
have any thoughts, ideas, and/or suggestions for locating a good
Solidworks position there? Thank you in advance for your help and
serious responses.

 

Ahoy Cad Dadio!!!!!

Aye, Tis rough seas out there eh? Do ya be livin in the area or you
thinkin o relocatin? The Great Lakes are some bitter wenches. If it be
relocatin yer after... you'll be wantin somthing warmer.... where the
wind won't rip yer wig off and such. Aye... I'll keep me eye open for
opportunities me matey. I could always use me another hand to swab the
poop deck....


Arrrrr

 

Ahoy thar, Pirate!

Didn't know I'd get to meet real live pirates in Michigan! No, I be
livin under a shady rock way down Texas way so I got me somethin plenty
'warm' enough already! Thanks, an I'd appreciate ya keep yer eyes
peeled from the ol' crowz nest if somethin sails over the horizon up
yer way.

Arrrrrr, Arrrrr!

 

In all seriousness...this is not an area I'd relocate to unless I had one
hell of a position already lined up. I'm 45 years old and have been in the
design and manufacturing business all my life and I've never seen things
this dead. I struck out on my own about 6 years ago and started a consulting
business doing CAD/CAM. Lately I've found quite a bit of work doing 3D
design and presentation...I use Rhinoceros and Brazil or Flamingo (rendering
engines) for this type of work mostly. I've found that companies are cutting
back so much that it's not worth their while to keep a full-time CAD/CAM
dept. up and running. Consequently they sub-contract a lot of it out. It's
kept me busy for the last 6 years. Like I said, I've been doing this for a
long time and I have a lot of contacts...I'm not sure this route would work
for everyone.

Mike

 

Hey cadPIRATE,
ere it possible I might of run into yee down 'round sealevel?

Mike

 

Ray,

Thanks for the sound advice. Having left the Michigan job market many,
many years ago for 'greener pastures' elsewhere, I am well aware of
it's continued downward economic spiral. Down here in the 'Oil Patch'
with $75 bbl. things are booming (at present) but with the excessive
heat, hurricanes, and oppressive multitudes of global humanity; the
quality of life here in Ol' Dixie leaves much to be desired.
Michigan may be depressed economically (I grew up in Flint) but with my
skills and stubborn optimism, I will make this cooler and relatively
quiet place work irregardless. I may very well consider the
independent route if the conventional approach proves too difficult.
Thanks again!

 

Ray,

Thanks for the sound advice. Having left the Michigan job market many,
many years ago for 'greener pastures' elsewhere, I am well aware of
it's continued downward economic spiral. Down here in the 'Oil Patch'
with $75 bbl. things are booming (at present) but with the excessive
heat, hurricanes, and oppressive multitudes of global humanity; the
quality of life here in Ol' Dixie leaves much to be desired.
Michigan may be depressed economically (I grew up in Flint) but with my
skills and stubborn optimism, I will make this cooler and relatively
quiet place work irregardless. I may very well consider the
independent route if the conventional approach proves too difficult.
Thanks again!

 

Cad-Dad,
so you're a fellow Michigander! We've got to look out for one another
;o). Let me know if I can be of any help. I had quite a few
friends/workmates make the trek to Tejas back in the '80's...almost did
myself.
Having lived in Flint you may already be aware of this but for years
now the auto companies (especially GM) don't do very much hiring (when they
are hiring)...they go thru employment agencies. Even technical people (like
us) and skilled trades get hired this way. You're not an employee of GM but
of Acme Employment Agency. I think the pay is still comparable, the bennies
a little less so and they don't owe you a buyout or early retirement when
things get rough.
Good luck though. I don't mean to be so negative. If you're talented and
ambitious (sounds like you are) you can find a good position regardless of
the economic situation. It's the clock-watchers that need to worry.

Mike

 

But most likely UG, not SW ....

 

Deb,

Now we're getting somewhere! The VAR approach is a good one however,
sometimes they are reluctant to give out client info for obvious
reasons. I may check them out anyhow. I was not aware of the new
plant opening in Lansing and will keep that in mind besides, at your
offer, possibly contacting you again in the near future. Thanks again
for your great help, Deb!

 

As long as you're heading North, just skip Michigan and go straight to
Saskatchewan or Alberta. Same economy as Texas, climate more like Michigan!

Jerry Steiger
Tripod Data Systems
"take the garbage out, dear"

 

Mike,

No, I'm certainly not a 'clock-watcher' as I have always had to earn my
living through brains, wit, tenacity, and a good bit of sweat! I think
that's one reason I turned down what used to be a safe, secure
existence in the auto factories as an assembly line worker. I was one
of those who left in the 80's, having graduated from U of M, Ann Arbor,
and who could not seem to find suitable work locally at the time. I am
, however, somewhat envious because I have cousins today with 30 yrs.
experience in those dismal factories who are just now retiring very
comfortably. And yes, I'm also a true Michigander - born and bread -
with ancestors who came for the early lumber industry, settling there
among the primeval White Pine in 1856. Where do you live? As far as
my job search: Local employment agencies are certainly a path I will
indeed l be pursuing - among many. Again: I appreciate your
suggestions and interest and would certainly welcome any further
comments you may have.