Quote:
Originally Posted by LankyLad
Hi folks,
This forum is great with some crucial info. I've just been offered a job as a Field Tech (with virgin, not subs) and really wanted to ask some questions to current employees. I'm currently earning £25k+ and realise this is a large pay cut but as I'm currently breathing is all sorts of chemicals daily I'm happy to take the cut. I also used to install solar systems so I know I enjoy the driving around and fixing problems kind of role.
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Congratulations with the job offer, if you ask me you’re health is far more important than a job, don't get me wrong the money is nice but if as you say you are breathing in all kinds of crap, how long can that carry on for before something gives?
Quote:
Originally Posted by LankyLad
If any of you could shed some light on the below questions I would ever so thankful.
1) The business van. The missus has a car, so I could sell mine and use the van for business use - however are they really that strict, I'm not saying I'd be going everywhere in the van but are you allowed to call to the gym or supermarket on the way home etc? If so getting shut of my car in theory takes the 18.5k up to 21k ish.
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I would ask your line manager about this, you might find you can use the van for personal use, but you will be taxed the same as having a company car etc. As far as I know you’ll need to fill out some forms etc but this policy might have changed so as I said ask your line manager first.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LankyLad
2) Ive been on hold for this position for a while so can hardly remember the video on wages at the interview day. But am I right in thinking you get annual rises from £18k to £23k, £1000 a year or whatever it is?
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Pay goes up with your skill level, in other words you dictate your own pay scale to a certain degree. If you have low fault rates and score well with customer feedback, which they are very big on at present, you'll start to earn more. Also if you want to work your days off, you’ll earn whatever the going OT rate is.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LankyLad
3)Are they realistic bonuses you can get? I remember a virgin tech once telling me you get bonuses for zero complaints etc..
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When I was there, the bonus was quite realistic yes although that was going back some years now....
Quote:
Originally Posted by LankyLad
4)The up-selling of products, I enjoy sales - Can you realistically earn some decent dough through this? or is it poor like 50p a sale etc.
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Not sure on the current rates but you'll need to balance this with your work load, if you want to get finished on time
That said, opportunities will fall in your lap from time to time, so you'd be a fool for not taking them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LankyLad
5)The shifts, I'm aware its 37 hours a week but what happens if you're still working past your set finish time? Whats the overtime rate...normal rate plus?
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See above, and you'll probably find you will have to take the rough with the smooth, some days you'll work over others you won't, so it will prob work out about even in the end. Not sure what the OT rates are now sorry.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LankyLad
6) Is Saturday working all day, I have a season ticket at football, work comes first to me, but its nice to know...
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If you are down to work on a Saturday, it will be all day yep, no football.....
Quote:
Originally Posted by LankyLad
7) Whats the virgin package discount like, is it a bargain? I currently have the top package with 2 TiVo's
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I believe there is a good staff package, not sure what the current if but back in the Telewest days, it was pretty much everything for nothing, this has changed now however.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LankyLad
Basically, I just want an honest overview from those in the role before I commit to the job. It would be nice to know my current £25k a year is still achievable with bonuses, up-sells, annual wage increases, saving on the current £70 a month virgin bill and the help of a company van.
Thanks for your help. I genuinely do appreciate it.
All the best!
---------- Post added at 23:51 ---------- Previous post was at 23:39 ----------
If you have anything else helpful please share. Your pros and cons of the job would be nice, what the atmosphere is like within the company etc and if you enjoy it  |
You will work and work hard, but once you are used to it, it's not a bad job TBH, stay well away from contractors (for employment) at all costs however
Good luck, hope that helps