I spent the last 10 years since my retirement from the Navy (2010) as a structural/defense contractor welder (2 years in welding school).
I spent 22 years in the Navy. Sacrificing my body and mind. I retired and became a welder. Welding work was enjoyable. I was left alone to do my job without much management input and it was the best. Welding was therapy that gave me a sense of accomplishment. My last job with a defense contractor was awesome. Great management, good people, non-toxic work environment and an atmosphere that promoted self care and did not penalize employees for taking a day off for whatever reason.
Unfortunately, the defense contract I was on ended as of Tuesday this week. I turned in my security badge, said my goodbyes and left.
The Navy gave me PTSD and 2 bad hips. I can no longer weld due to hip surgery. Actually, I know there's no other welding job that will offer me the same atmosphere and non-toxic work environment from my previous job so I decided to leave the work force for good (or at least for the next 12 months while I go through physical therapy/PTSD therapy).
Do not settle for a shitty work environment. Do not accept garbage ass leadership does not, at the least, understand that people have lives outside of work. Do not accept less than you are worth. There's a job out there for you that will offer an environment in which you can grow and prosper. It took me 8 of those 10 years as a welder to figure this out.
Keep fighting for what you deserve. #peace