Take a look at other automakers on this forum before you decide to apply anywhere. It's more than clear that too many are going through the same process as Ford. You might find yourself in even more trouble than here if you are not careful.
Frankly, I thinking just leaving the entire industry would be the best idea right now, but I know not everybody is in a position to do that.
I suggest getting out off Michigan too. US is so big and beautiful! There are plenty of better industries in southern states.
I am the one who worked a lot of 60 hour weeks. I was not hourly but I must have been crazy to do it because I was SRD’d. I get the last grim because I was a saver and I’m now retired with a Ford pension. The pension would have been significantly more if I had worked another year but I’m not complaining.
I retired from Ford at 58. If you have the means, do not wait. Why keep working?
As for the person that worked 60 hour weeks - man that was crazy unless you were hourly. As salary, I was 8 and skate in my later years!
Nota chance in - you know what I would recommend automotive to anyone as a career. Old school mentality - rust belt way of thinking. Nothing remotely close to progressive ways of operating.
So many other industries/occupations to make a living at.
Retire early... that’s the best advice I’ve seen on this site.
I've looked and there is no place to buy time, no matter how much you pay. Retire Early My Friends
I recently “retired” from Ford as well. I debated about working again but I’m so done with 60 hour weeks and the long commutes. From what I’m hearing there are employers out there who would value my skills and offer more work-life balance. May be time to reconsider “retiring”.
I “retired” last year and never intended to work again. Saved and invested well. However, my skills directly transferred to military vehicles. I was recruited and got a 20% raise, $20k signing bonus, a shorter commute, less stress, promotion and an organization that appreciates what us gray hairs can bring to work. I’m very happy I “retired”. Maybe you should too in this worker shortage market.
Auto will still be great if you are in IT/programming or involved with battery related things.
Insurance, health/home/auto, is usually safer and it is less influenced by downturns. Automotive usually offers better salaries than insurance. It depends on what’s important to you. Are you after better pay or a more stable position. If you’re an engineer in this area you’re pretty much limited to automotive.
I've been looking, but where?
Interesting comments, as my LL4 implied to look for opportunities outside the company.
If sh– is all i am going to get, then I would rather get some sh– for more money than Ford. I am looking - inside auto or outside.
It is intimidating to move to a new industry. I was in insurance before joining Ford and initially felt like I had landed on a different planet. Before you know it you settle in. The other challenge about finding a new position after Ford is the Ford wants you to be a generalist and know a little bit about many things and other companies want specialists that have deep knowledge in their specialty.
Any tips on changing industries? I'm always a little disheated everytime I look for job opportunities in different industries because the job descriptions are often so specifically related to that particular field.
If st is all i am going to get, i would rather get some st for more money than Ford. I am looking - inside auto or outside
My Director told two of us to get out of auto.