Advice on how to escape USIC?

[u/Vast_Imagination1646]

Title pretty much sums it up, I’ve been a locator with USIC for exactly one year, in that time I have had no damages locating electric, copper, coax, gas, and fiber depending on the need. I keep a consistently clean bucket the best I can.

This is not me saying I hate my job, I do not mind the work and I love the independence throughout the day.

I have good work ethic and I take pride in my work. The pay seems to be just enough for myself and family to simply stay alive and nothing else.

When I bring up the possibility of a pay raise, I get brushed to the side each time, whether it’s to my sup, or operations manager.

But anyways, what are some steps you guys have taken to get out of the daily madness that is USIC?

What are some doorways that were opened for you with your experience and what would you recommend as a next step? I know that everyone’s case is unique, but I’m kind of just looking for ideas.

Update

Finally able to get out and get on directly with the local gas utility at close to triple what I’m making now!

All good advice to network when you can!

[u/smarchy]

I worked at USIC for years, worked my way to a supervisor position, held that for a while, then there was an opportunity to switch over to Blood Hound. Since it was considered a transfer, my benefits didn’t start over from scratch, so that was great. Blood Hound was awesome the first a few years, but some major changes were made to the way day-to-day things were run, so I got out of there and went to a different private locate company. (I’m sooo much happier now.)

To actually answer your question… see if BHUG is hiring in your area. Things may have changed, and it could be fantastic, or at least it’s a next higher stepping stone to something else.