Please excuse this post being all over the place. My ADD gets the best of me when I try writing down my thoughts in a organized way...
Its been a little over a year from the day I walked into my current shop with no experience(mid 20s). We do high mix low volume prototype work and
as of now, I program, setup and operate both the mills and lathes in conjunction with our manual mill and lathe. Ive found a love for fast turn around work and do well under stress. I am extremely passionate and borderline obsessed with everything machining. I want to take advantage of the energy and motivation I currently have to get further ahead skill wise.
The owner/head machinist is on his way to retirement in the next couple years and has basically handed off all the work he normally does to me as I have gained more experience. I briefly spoke to him about learning the management side of the business to prepare myself for my own shop. He seemed to brighten up to the idea that I/other employees, could take over and he could be there less. This is exciting but my lack of experience and knowledge makes me worried I am getting ahead of myself. I still have so much to learn.
Given this situation. What would you do if you were in my position?
I want to learn as much as I can but, I am worried if I take on a lead roll or buyout the owner, that I am sacrificing learning more for making more money. I am confident I want to open my own shop eventually but, I assumed it would be 10 years down the line, not 2-3. I had imagined working at a few shops before running my own to gain that knowledge and experience I seem to hold in high regards. Is this silly?
Long story short... How do I continue learning and chasing that "master machinist" title while also running/taking over a shop?
Its been a little over a year from the day I walked into my current shop with no experience(mid 20s). We do high mix low volume prototype work and
as of now, I program, setup and operate both the mills and lathes in conjunction with our manual mill and lathe. Ive found a love for fast turn around work and do well under stress. I am extremely passionate and borderline obsessed with everything machining. I want to take advantage of the energy and motivation I currently have to get further ahead skill wise.
The owner/head machinist is on his way to retirement in the next couple years and has basically handed off all the work he normally does to me as I have gained more experience. I briefly spoke to him about learning the management side of the business to prepare myself for my own shop. He seemed to brighten up to the idea that I/other employees, could take over and he could be there less. This is exciting but my lack of experience and knowledge makes me worried I am getting ahead of myself. I still have so much to learn.
Given this situation. What would you do if you were in my position?
I want to learn as much as I can but, I am worried if I take on a lead roll or buyout the owner, that I am sacrificing learning more for making more money. I am confident I want to open my own shop eventually but, I assumed it would be 10 years down the line, not 2-3. I had imagined working at a few shops before running my own to gain that knowledge and experience I seem to hold in high regards. Is this silly?
Long story short... How do I continue learning and chasing that "master machinist" title while also running/taking over a shop?