View Full Version : Interesting day
I got an email out of the blue via LinkedIn today, from an internal recruiter with a Michigan company, basically begging me to apply for a global trade compliance position. The job would actually be a pretty good fit for me - if I wanted to work in trade compliance, which I really don't. I much prefer working on the customs broker side. It's also in a small town, although they do have a SuperWalmart and are within 30-45 minutes of decent sized cities. I have a friend who moved from that area a couple of years ago and she loves the area. Had nothing but good things to say about it. Talked to her tonight for a good while.
I also didn't flee Michigan 17.5 years ago to go back, although the cost of living will be less than IL (our taxes are crazy, too). I've said for years you couldn't pay me to move back to Michigan.
The big drawbacks on the job are no churches of my denomination within 20 miles. I'm 3 miles from church now, very involved. Nothing more need to be said on that.
Also, it's too damned close to family members I've not seen in years. The parents never popped in on me in Chicago because they hate the traffic.
Then my current company posted a corporate customs compliance job. The previous person left and that position was split into two, which was a good idea. I could easily do it. However, I don't like (loathe actually) and don't trust the person I've have to report to. I'd rather slit my own wrists first. Ton of travel, too. People have been asking me if I was going to apply. I've just told them I like what I'm currently doing and leave it at that.
Nice to be wanted by the first company, though.
Tussiemussies
9-25-13, 12:21am
I got an email out of the blue via LinkedIn today, from an internal recruiter with a Michigan company, basically begging me to apply for a global trade compliance position. The job would actually be a pretty good fit for me - if I wanted to work in trade compliance, which I really don't. I much prefer working on the customs broker side. It's also in a small town, although they do have a SuperWalmart and are within 30-45 minutes of decent sized cities. I have a friend who moved from that area a couple of years ago and she loves the area. Had nothing but good things to say about it. Talked to her tonight for a good while.
I also didn't flee Michigan 17.5 years ago to go back, although the cost of living will be less than IL (our taxes are crazy, too). I've said for years you couldn't pay me to move back to Michigan.
The big drawbacks on the job are no churches of my denomination within 20 miles. I'm 3 miles from church now, very involved. Nothing more need to be said on that.
Also, it's too damned close to family members I've not seen in years. The parents never popped in on me in Chicago because they hate the traffic.
Then my current company posted a corporate customs compliance job. The previous person left and that position was split into two, which was a good idea. I could easily do it. However, I don't like (loathe actually) and don't trust the person I've have to report to. I'd rather slit my own wrists first. Ton of travel, too. People have been asking me if I was going to apply. I've just told them I like what I'm currently doing and leave it at that.
Nice to be wanted by the first company, though.
A great big compliment for for you!
Yes, it IS that, Tussie!
Another reason it's not a good idea - I'm one month into a new lease and I'm on the hook for the remainder of the year if I move before the year is up. That's a lot of dough at $800/month!
Just emailed Michigan company's contact and told her I was very tempted, but I wasn't looking on moving
It's always nice to be able to say, "no, thank you". :)
Always so nice to be wanted!!
I regretted all day not going for the job, so I emailed the internal recruiter telling her it was too tempting to pass up. With the help of someone who is really good with resumes, mine was totally revamped. I applied for the job online last night. Took a day longer than I wanted to, but I was really busy with work and didn't have the time during the day to interact with person helping me with resume.
We shall now see. I'm not exactly in financial shape to move, although I suspect that if a company wanted me, they would pay for relocation expenses. Then there's the sticky point of my lease, which I'm one month into, under which I'm responsible for the entire year's worth of rent. Not sure how that would be handled. Don't know if I'd even get called to interview, but I'm off the whole middle week of October, so there's that.
Not sure what will happen, but it was interesting enough that I had to give it a whirl.
This is in the Grand Rapids area.
Sometimes in life it just makes sense to be brave and go for it...I'm glad that you did!
We shall now see. I'm not exactly in financial shape to move, although I suspect that if a company wanted me, they would pay for relocation expenses. Then there's the sticky point of my lease, which I'm one month into, under which I'm responsible for the entire year's worth of rent. Not sure how that would be handled. Don't know if I'd even get called to interview, but I'm off the whole middle week of October, so there's that.
If it's a position at a level that will offer relo, then you could put the cost of the remainder of the lease on the table, too. It's all in how you negotiate....
Steve, not $8K worth of remaining lease. I'm practical, not stupid. A month or two, I'd have a good shot to get, I'd say (my rent is $800/month). But $8K? Absolutely not.
You know, I'm even having second thoughts - again.
I consider myself irresponsible to even be thinking about a job out of my area (even though it's only 3-3.5 hours away), as I am in absolutely no financial shape at all to be moving. I've been having fun with my raise this summer, not saving.
iris lilies
9-28-13, 9:22pm
Steve, not $8K worth of remaining lease. I'm practical, not stupid. A month or two, I'd have a good shot to get, I'd say (my rent is $800/month). But $8K? Absolutely not.
You know, I'm even having second thoughts - again.
I consider myself irresponsible to even be thinking about a job out of my area (even though it's only 3-3.5 hours away), as I am in absolutely no financial shape at all to be moving. I've been having fun with my raise this summer, not saving.
Tradd! Pull yourself together!
Honestly, how much can it cost you to move? You have hardly any stuff!!!!!!!!! DO NOT ignore a good career opportunity for the bit that it costs to move.
NOw, we really don't know if that's a job you'd really want and they haven't offered it to you. But to me, moving expenses are the least of it. I"m sure they'd pick up some of that.
IL, I'm thinking more along the lines of first month's rent, security deposit, that sort of thing, plus the small incidentals that add up.
SteveinMN
9-28-13, 11:20pm
Steve, not $8K worth of remaining lease. I'm practical, not stupid. A month or two, I'd have a good shot to get, I'd say (my rent is $800/month). But $8K? Absolutely not.
So maybe you get them to pay half. Or a third. Better than nothing. Or it's part of relo since they ordinarily would have to get out the semi-trailer to move most workers and their families. Or it's a "signing bonus" and you offer something in return. Maybe they won't go for the whole thing, but, if you don't ask, they won't go for anything. And offer time is the best time to ask for that "special treatment".
Steve, and I don't have the rest. At all.
See, this is part of why it was a bad idea for me to even THINK about this. Hopefully, I'll be lucky and they won't even contact me.
Applying is about opening up a conversation about the job, so good on ya for applying. Don't worry about the lease until it's decision time. Then, you can assess if you're tempted/interested/intrigued 8K worth. Or whatever you criteria may be at that point. Though I do understand scenario planning all options, don't let money get in the way of choosing something that would benefit you!
Some companies would be thrilled if relo was only 8k! You just never know.
And, typically in a lease situation, you continue to pay the rent until the unit can be re-leased. Also, can you sub-let? Can you find a new tenant? What is the fine print on the lease agreement? Good luck! Choice is always a good thing.
This job is not management. It appears to be a "middle"-ish position, not the bottom of the rung.
Title is Global Trade Compliance Analyst
Reporting to the Global Trade Compliance Manager, this position provides expert counsel and direction to [company name] personnel, suppliers and customers regarding import and export requirements. Primary responsibilities include:
Determine Customs, FDA, USDA, etc. (“other government agency”) requirements for imported products for all [company name] U.S. entities, including Harmonized Tariff Classifications, FDA product codes, and country of origin
Determine export requirements for export shipments from all [company name] U.S. entities and ensure all export shipments adhere to Export Administration Regulations
Perform thorough and documented compliance reviews of export shipments, denied parties screening, product classifications, import shipments, etc. to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and internal procedures
Manage [company name] international logistics program
Manage North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) program for imports and exports for all [company name] U.S. entities
Manage [company name] Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), ensuring all activities are executed in compliance with Customs & FDA regulations and internal procedure
Communicate directly with U.S. Customs, FDA, USDA and other government agencies as required to trouble-shoot or facilitate release of import shipments
Participate in announced and unannounced U.S. Customs and other government agency audits
Monitor vendor, forwarder and broker compliance with regulations and internal procedures and issue detailed quarterly performance reports
Required Skills
Bachelor’s degree required.
Licensed Customs Broker strongly preferred.
3-5 years experience in imports/exports and/or international logistics and C-TPAT a plus.
Experience with imports and/or working with U.S. Customs and other relevant government agencies preferred
Effective decision-making and analytical skills required
Initiative and the ability to work with minimal supervision (self-directed) required
Attention to detail, accuracy and the ability to prioritize required
Excellent written and verbal communication and strong interpersonal skills required
Ability to effectively interact with government agencies and company personnel at all levels required
Previous experience with SAP preferred
Some travel required (15% maximum)
I have a bachelor's degree, customs broker license, 20 years in international transportation, experience working with U.S. Customs, FDA, USDA, Fish & Wildlife. Work independently quite well. Very strong on detail. I regularly catch things others miss. Have no problems dealing with CBP and other government agencies. I worked on SAP 10+ years ago. No problems making decisions. I have excellent communications skills.
Export regulations I don't know much on, but I could learn easily enough if I can deal with the import side and Customs regulations!
But I don't think this position would rate them paying me $8K to buy out the remainder of my lease. I have to look and see if subletters are allowed. I rent a condo, so there is the condo association to deal with as well.
This company is based in a very small town (under 10K population), although near GRR. They're probably having difficulty finding what they want in the local population or even GRR, as this sort of experience would be found in bigger cities. It's 3 hours to Chicago. 2.5 hours to Detroit.
ETA: I suspect, given the location, that they will not be able to pay me even what I currently make. You had to put that down on the online application (where you also upload your resume). I currently make $56K in an area with a high COLA. I asked for $60K.
Gardenarian
9-30-13, 2:01pm
Good for you for applying! You won't know what the job is like until you start talking with the people and maybe make a visit.
If it is the right job for, you will know it, and all the apartment/moving stuff will just be details.
Congratulations on the offer!
Tradd, you might want to see if you can find a copy of the book "Ask for It" at your library -- I am about to go check it out again as I start my own official journey down the road to a possible major promotion. It is a really great resource.
I agree with the others that you shouldn't worry too much about these details -- just stay open and see what happens/where the discussion leads. I'm working hard on that myself, and making some progress. There are lots of things we can't control. No need to stress too much about those. Just figure out what you CAN do, and do that. Like looking at your lease to see what exactly it says about the penalties for breaking it early. I think in many cases as long as they find a new tenant you won't be liable for any costs other than the time the apartment was vacant. If that isn't in the lease, it might be something you can bargain for. Same with the relocation costs. Don't make assumptions and back out based on those. instead, stay engaged with them and see where it leads. I know that is easier said than done, but you have the advantage of being an outside candidate at least! I'm struggling with some issues related to my complicated situation that I may post on a separate thread so as not to hijack yours.
Anyway, good luck and keep us posted on how things go. I don't think you have anything to lose with this, and you might learn a lot/get the chance to practice some important professional skills.
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look for that book, lhamo.
Boy, was today interesting at work. Sheesh.
Long term coworker gave her two weeks notice. Since she's going to work for a competitor, she had to pack her desk up and leave today. We at least got to say goodbye. Her workload volume was kind of low. I didn't know that. She's not being replaced. Her stuff was divided up amongst two people, and I got none of it, thank goodness. From comments she's made, I believe she was tired of all the changes. She was gone a few hours before the next change!
Then, GM comes over to our department at the end of the day to tell us the new import manager, who had only been hired four months ago, was fired. I suspect it was because he was weak in one area. They're searching and have already interviewed one or two people.
So, I'm now back in charge of compliance again, even though there is a supervisor, but she knows nothing beyond the basics. Old manager says I'm a very resourceful person, and it's a good thing - there's no corporate compliance person now, since that person left two months ago.
And, no, I don't want the empty manager spot!
This puts the Michigan job in a whole new light, doesn't it? They would really be screwed if I left.
I told my old manager I would bet her lunch that I'm eventually asked to put my license up on the wall, to be the licensed broker qualifying the local operating permit from Customs. She wouldn't agree to the bet, as she thinks it's likely it could happen.
We had calm for about four months. Now, this.
They have two candidates for mgr position. One a licensed broker, the other not, but knows the transportation.side. I've been asked to be the "listed" broker with CBP if the transportation person is hired. Bump in pay. I mandated I must have authority over brokerage.functions. And a title tweak to indicate I'm the permit qualifier. So we shall see.
Simpler at Fifty
10-1-13, 3:26pm
This puts the Michigan job in a whole new light, doesn't it? They would really be screwed if I left.
I recently got a new job and they are doing fine without me. I think it takes a few key people leaving before management gets serious about the way things are. In your case Tradd, they may never get it. Most of the management seems inept to say the least. You may be much better off in MI.
Emailed Michigan company yesterday. Got response back they want to do a 30 minute phone screen on Monday or Tuesday. Will do it on my lunch
Forgot to mention: I did check my new lease, and I can sublet, just need landlord's approval.
Simpler at Fifty
10-4-13, 4:49pm
Congrats Tradd. Great news.
I am having Very Bad Vibes about the Michigan job, due to personal financial situation. I will do phone interview on Monday, but if I'm called for an interview, don't know what I will do.
It seems like you are in a very strong position, Tradd. If they are interested in you for the Michigan position, you can just tell them that recent changes at your current position mean you are likely to be asked to take on new responsibilities (with commensurate additional pay) soon. And if they continue to show interest you can potentially use that as a bargaining chip with your current organization.
Do you feel comfortable outlining what your concerns are financially? I was under the impression that you always lived very frugally, and with recent bonuses/raises I had assumed you would be on solid ground. Don't want to pry, but we're pretty good in these parts about helping people figure stuff out financially and otherwise. Maybe a bit of collective brainstorming would help?
Hello, lhamo! I've been bad on the savings part. I've been having fun with my raise this summer and not saving at all. I've got an upcoming trip that I'm not putting off (plane ticket bought anyway, months ago) to see a friend who has cancer. The ticket was the first thing I bought with my raise, or just about.
I have a 2005 car with 93K+ miles that needs work, is making some noises, etc. I've never had to do much work on it, and it seems as if it's now catching up with me. If I moved I would be living in something of a snow belt (lake effect off Lake Michigan). My car needs new tires. I definitely wouldn't want to drive it on the 3.5 hour drive to where an interview would be, let alone moving and driving long distances in snow. I shelled out for the most needed item - front brakes in July - but that was only the tip of the iceberg.
Even if I was able to find a subletter for my apartment (I'm two months into a new lease) and was able to get relocation costs from new company, there are still first month's rent and deposit on new apartment, plus all the little incidentals that add up so quickly for moving.
I'm in the midst of some much needed dental work that is going to be $500 or so (I'm cash flowing that) - dentist appt tomorrow -with more to come.
To top that off, my work wardrobe is adequate for the warmer months in Chicago (I bought a bunch of Talbots pieces on sale in the spring/summer), but not for a colder/snowier winter. I'd be interviewing in warmer weather pieces. This company has a much more professional dress code where I currently work (I can tell from website pictures). Current workplace has a very casual dress code. Talbots isn't having a lot of sales now like they did in the spring (40% off very frequently). If I have to dress up for the office, Talbots is the only choice due to fit issues. And it would take $600-700 minimum for me to bring the wardrobe up to a decent place.
In other words, I believe moving would put me in a very bad place financially.
ETA: I'm good on expenses, other than eating out and a new hobby. After the year of studying and working very hard, I kind of let my hair down in a major way.
And even if I was totally wanting to move, this was totally outside my timeline of doing it this time next year.
Things are going pretty well (aside from my department losing new manager and the one girl leaving) at current job. Plus, I have friends here I really do not want to leave. They are my support system AND family, and I had pretty much decided to NOT move. There's my very good church here, too. That might not be important to others, but it is to me. I'm very close distance-wise. In Michigan, I would be driving at least 40 miles round trip each Sunday. Here, I'm 10 minutes way. I've contacted the churches in Michigan that were possibilities with a few questions (email/voice mail), and not one could be bothered to get back to me by a week later. To me, that is not a very good sign.
I have such an impending sense of doom and gloom about this whole Michigan situation, it's not funny. I don't usually get like that, but when I do, watch out! Guess I should just trust my gut and not do anything.
All valid concerns. Still, I wouldn't pull out yet. See how the first interview goes. If they offer you an in-person, think about it and if the church stuff, etc. is a deal killer then maybe just tell them you have a lot going on right now at your current job and want to see how it all turns out, but hope they will keep you in mind for future opportunities that are a closer fit to what you currently do.
If you do decide to go for an in-person interview, maybe it would make sense to rent a car for a day or two just so you aren't risking anything with your old car.
I'd hold off buying new clothes, even for an interview situation. If they are going to make a decision based on how you dress, it wouldn't be a place I would want to work (says the woman who is facing the possibility of having to upgrade her wardrobe substantially as I may move into a more public-facing, high level management role -- ugh...).
I am emailing Michigan company today to cancel the phone interview scheduled for tomorrow. Simply going to say I was offered and accepted promotion with current company late on Friday. It is disrespectful in my book, to go ahead with even this little part of the process when I don't intend on accepting the job at all, if it was offered.
I've continued to have Very Bad Vibes and feelings about the whole thing. Very bad juju. I've decided to just listen to my gut and leave it be.
Tussiemussies
10-6-13, 4:05pm
I respect you for the basis you have made this decision upon! Chris
Mighty Frugal
10-21-13, 8:48pm
I think you made a wise decision. If you've got that bad vibe that you can't shake then there is your answer.
fidgiegirl
10-21-13, 9:35pm
I think there is a lot to be said for gut.
I was thinking about you, though, lately, and your dilemma. Would you consider searching in your own area? I mean, they came to you, and there were a lot of things you didn't like about the situation, but if you were the one striking out? You have a great marketable skill. Anyway, just wondering.
Fidgie, I'm actually staying with current company. The GM has finally gotten his head around the fact that a licensed broker with extensive transportation experience is a very rare bird in my city, and so the new manager will be a transportation person (hopefully with some brokerage experience). I'm actually one of those rare birds myself, but you couldn't pay me to be the manager.
I'm going to be the supervising broker, but it's going to happen when the new manager starts. We've got 180 days, so we're in OK shape. GM hasn't told me yet to send the letter to Customs locally that I'm now "it." I'll get a bump in pay, not sure how much. I'm already making $12K/year more than I was in July 2012 (when I got $2K raise).
I just came back today after being off for the past week. Did a staycation, needed to use up a week. I mostly slept and was a veg. Needed that. The GM pretty much leaves me alone, although we had an interesting discussion a few days before I was off. Got a little intense, but still civil. He'd been telling us to do something a certain way for months, but I came to a point where things weren't making sense, and things were hammered out.
fidgiegirl
10-21-13, 9:50pm
Well good, I hope you are excited for the new challenge.
Well good, I hope you are excited for the new challenge.
Yes, I am. I'm essentially going to be doing what I was last summer and have been since manager was fired, just with some authority over brokerage functions. I stipulated that.
You have a very interesting day just like me today where i experience a great coaching or huippuvalmennus (http://www.eximia.fi/) in Finland ,I never thought that i will experience coaching stuff cause most of the time i deciding by my self.
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