Supermarkets vs. 3 man do-it-all shop

[JWB]

I work for a great 3 man shop. Mainly res, but some commercial, some refrig and alittle of everything. I love the mix, the people in the community-our customers.

I was asked out of the blue, if I would like to work for a supermarket chain here in FL. Sounds pretty good, but I am in no position to make a fair comparision with the down-sides or what he is offering. Essentially, I would handle everything in about three stores. Sounded like a lot of great work, some down time, but enough to keep you busy so you aren't bored to tears.......

I am very green (less then 2yrs.), willing to learn (I read your posts and other internet learning for about an hour before work every morning), I spend money on tools, clean mvr-etc etc.

[refer guy]

i would say to take the supermarket work, in the long run its going to lead you to make more money then working a little of everything like you described at your current company, I had less then three years when i went into supermarket refrigeration just over two weeks ago, your first two days are overwhelming but eventually you become comfortable with all the wiring and piping. My current service manager told me that i would always have my 40 hours minimum and that in five years i will make more money then if i stayed five years in restaurant refrigeration, if someone is willing to train you i say go for it right now.

[flange]

Supermarket refrigeration has its benefits, lots of ot usually, high tech equipment on newer markets that will require you to learn automation, rack systems, and a different type of system configuration than you are used to...ie multiple evaps and control devices on a loop. The only downside is ....lots of overtime, and being in the same three stores all of the time.

[JWB]

Supermarket refrigeration has its benefits, lots of ot usually, high tech equipment on newer markets that will require you to learn automation, rack systems, and a different type of system configuration than you are used to...ie multiple evaps and control devices on a loop. The only downside is ....lots of overtime, and being in the same three stores all of the time.

Yeah, I think that the same three stores could be bad. Is it realistic for one person to be on three stores? They are close to each other, I know that the money will exceed the small business that constitutes every ac co. in my area. But I absolutely love going to a job that is unknown and figuring out the problem and fixing it.

[mustardman]

I look at it like this you could probably make more money at the supermarket but you will be working on a very limited amount of equipment. If I were you I would be trying to get well rounded and good training in variuos aspects of this trade. And then I would look at picking something to specialize in. Ie chillers racks whatever. It will not do you any good to get yourself pigeonholed with one thing because when it comes time to command a journeymans wage its a lot tougher to justify learning a whole new facet of the trade. I have always worked in hvac for me to service supermarkets at my current wage would not be fair to an employer. I could do it but not as well as a 20 year guy simply from familiarity and experience.my 02

[refer guy]

if you havent knocked up your girlfriend and/or still live with moms then your better off just staying with the three man shop. Now if you have a wife and kids then you should really think about this because when you have those kind of responsabilities then there is no such thing as having a job that makes you feel happy and fulfilled especially when you have less then 2 years.

[crackertech]

I say go for it.I think markets are great and yes sometimes the hr's suck
but the pay day is good.:)

[shaun66]

markets are great work, most at my shop are 6 figure income, divorce rate high, hours can be crazy