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          When working at my previous employer, I felt that I had been there long enough. The job was in the automotive business by manufacturing and supplying side and back windows to automobile assembly plants and agricultural assembly plant.

          I was thinking about finding a new job for about the last 5 years of being employed at the glass providing business, mostly due to the never ending process changing pressures of having to improve the quality with equipment that was, at least, 40 years old. This is an ongoing demand for automotive suppliers everywhere and I understood, but I just felt the need in which I needed a change. I wanted a job that was different and made me feel like I was actually helping people, environment and economy by using my skills and experiences that I had acquired throughout the years.

          I had found that First Solar, which is a company that manufactures solar panels, was hiring a manufacturing engineering technician. I had over 18 years in manufacturing glass and an Associate’s degree in Design Technology. I sent a resume and cover letter to the company and about 1 month later, I was called to start my interviewing process. After 4 interviews over a period of 4 weeks I was asked to join the First Solar team. I was very excited, and yet overwhelmed, by the offer. My wife and I had to set down and really think about discussing the reasons why I needed to leave.

          First, we discussed why not to leave. I had been with the previous company for 9 years and had really settled myself as a “go to” guy when my experiences and skills were needed. My income was good and would it put my boss on a spot to hire someone else?

          My first set of criteria to settle my side of the argument was that it was a different business. The solar panel industry is new and the company is a hard working group that always wants to improve the product and business. I felt the automotive group eventually would have to go to strict measures and layoff many employees due to the way the business was going.

          The managers that I interviewed with, at the new job, were very positive and welcomed me aboard with open arms. I didn’t feel that way at my previous job. We all worked as a group and that interested me much more than being on my own.

         The money was slightly better, also. Having 2 twelve hour days on, 2 off and every other Friday, Saturday and Sunday off sounded very attractive. Paid overtime, instead of working 5 to 6 twelve hour days or more if there was equipment issues and not getting paid for the extra time.

          I like the idea of helping the environment most of all. I feel with what our company manufactures, it will help create electricity and save many fossil fuels from being used.