questions to ask in interview- advice?

W

westcoast27

I am seriously considering changing my career to tree work and becoming an arborist. My main reason is because I like working and being outdoors. I have been a teacher and working indoors for years. I still do alot outdoors, but it is mainly that I need some reassurance of this change or some advice from someone for what to watch out for or questions to ask in an interview.

I had the initial interview yesterday with a Canadian company (not sure if I should name companies on here?). They are quite large and apparently have been around for over 100 years. It is scary to take such a cut in pay from my career I was in especially since this is to stay in an expensive city I love living for now- Vancouver. I am curious about what to expect for pay, holidays (paid or not), benefits (medical and if companies pay usually or dental). Or is it best to get experience with a company and then branch off and do your own business since it seems the pay and benefits do not compliment long term goals (mine include buying my first home or condo)?

Am I right or do some companies have good compensation? I am from a logging family and saw my logger friends and family in Unions and getting ahead quite comfortably. Is there any such unions in Arborism/tree work other than working for the cities.

I would appreciate any advice since I was hired yesterday but I was not prepared with good questions so I want to call the guy back today since I have to give my teaching job an answer today as well.

Thanks for any advice
 
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Lordy, I'd stay a teacher.

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Amen!

Read up and study arboriculture but by all means keep the day job.
 
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I would appreciate any advice since I was hired yesterday but I was not prepared with good questions so I want to call the guy back today since I have to give my teaching job an answer today as well.

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Westcoast, if this is true you've left it a little late to asking these kind of questions.

Don't do it man, at least not yet. Get your home first, spend a year researching, studying and perhaps get some weekend work (voluntary if need be) before you decide whether or not the job is for you.

Seriously, (unless of course your school has left your teaching position open in case you change your mind) it sounds reckless and foolish.

Whatever you decide, let us know. Best of luck
 
Does the school you teach at have class year round?? Around here there is no class in the summer, which would be a good place for you to start. Work the summers with a tree crew for atleast a summer, probally more. After you get the experiance you will know if it is really what you want, and also be getting better options for the full switch.
 
100 year old Canadian company??? I doubt that. Davey, Asplundh and Bartlett have the age but their origins are American.

Would you be so kind as to inform me if I am wrong? (PM)
 
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Do you still want to be a tree man now?

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guess not.
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