As the wealth gap in the U.S. widens at an exponential rate, benefits have disappeared rapidly and wages stagnated then began to decrease. When inflation is taken into account, I now officially make less money than I did 6 years ago. I am grateful to have a somewhat secure position at the second best facility open to someone with my credentials. However, if you are a young person considering employment here, I beg you to seek some type of education first. Even if just a two year degree or some type of certification, find a career path that truly gives you some joy or satisfaction, and follow it through to the end. Doing the exact same menial physical labor, day in and day out, for years, with no appreciation shown, and no chance to ever make enough money to be genuinely comfortable and worry free, with wages and benefits constantly shrinking, is a waking nightmare. The general atmosphere at this facility is, "you are not a human being, you are a nothing more to us than a number that is easily replaceable". If you enjoy having your job constantly threatened regardless of how hard you work, and knowing that you're breathing toxic heavy metals while developing carpal tunnel, Siemens Energy may be for you. Otherwise, its never too late to pursue a career that truly brings you happiness and fulfillment.
