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Recent content by DonPE

  1. DonPE

    Current Financial Mess

    Even though they have $519B worth of US Treasuries, the Chinese economy is highly dependent upon exports to the US and Europe. Many of us are just worried about paying the mortgage, not spending on more stuff we don't really need. The domestic Chinese economy won't be able to pick up the slack...
  2. DonPE

    Current Financial Mess

    In the last few decades, the power of unions has decreased to only a small percentage of non-governmental workers; to blame them for the current fiscal problems is silly since they weren't much of a player in the financial decisions of Wall Street. In their heyday, unions provided a great...
  3. DonPE

    developer relationship corporation

    The following is from a FAQ on the NYS Engineering website: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. Can an entity not authorized to provide professional engineering or land surveying services in New York, such as a general contractor, subcontract...
  4. DonPE

    Resistance to Firm Registration

    In my opinion, you are correct in saying that the company would need to be registered as an engineering company for each state in which it offers those services. Your are correct that it is your legal obligation to formally complain to the State Board(s), but I wouldn't want to be in your...
  5. DonPE

    Time to move on, but....

    I wouldn't work with a temp agency at all. There is no reason to let these parasites into your life. Start networking on your own instead, and cut them out of the employment loop. I would guess that all of us have contacts at placement agencies; I can't seem to shake mine. Do you already...
  6. DonPE

    Consulting with a PE

    A lot depends on your strengths and experience. What do you do at Boeing? If you design parts, then maybe you would want to do that on the side. I think the main thing, though, is to network outside of the plant.
  7. DonPE

    Consulting Opportunity Demographics

    If you haven't settled on a particular state yet, then look at how stringent the PE laws are. It is difficult to compete within states that allow anyone to practice consulting or professional engineering. I'm not knocking the unlicensed guys' skills, I'm only pointing out that in some states...
  8. DonPE

    Consulting with a PE

    Regarding home inspection, in some states the PE allows you to get a license right away, circumventing the usual internship, which can run $2,000 for the training courses and another $10,000 to intern with a licensed home inspector. From what I'm reading, there is still some work out there, but...
  9. DonPE

    Other 'job'

    ajack1: In the US, most employees are considered at-will employees unless they have an employment contract. This means the employee can be fired for any reason whatsoever, and the employee can leave for any reason whatsoever. There are state-to-state exceptions to the "fire-at-will" policy...
  10. DonPE

    terminology question--stamp or seal?

    HgTX: Yeah, you're correct in using the term "seal". That is the term that the laws in TX use: http://www.tbpe.state.tx.us/downloads/law_rules042708.doc
  11. DonPE

    Other 'job'

    Is there a pay differential for working past scheduled hours? What is the remuneration for travel expenses? Is he taking this part-time "job" (as he does get paid for it) because he needs additional money or because his kid is on the team? What are the penalties if he breaches his contract...
  12. DonPE

    Stamping Someone Else's Drawings

    It is not just the electrical part of the design. If it is roof mounted, there would also be structural considerations.
  13. DonPE

    College, ME, EE, or ?

    It sounds like the reason for wanting the degree is mostly money, which is OK. Right now, you have a stable job where they seem to respect you. Can you ask them to pay for your degree? Can you ask them for a raise? If you are doing the bidding, then you should have some idea about what kind...
  14. DonPE

    glassdoor.com anyone used it?

    Even from home, you need to watch what you post about a company. About 7 years ago, there was a similar website, Vault.com, that was successfully sued to find out who posted some damaging information about a defense company. Nothing is really anonymous.
  15. DonPE

    Overworked to Death

    Wow. I thought I had it bad... http://www.usatoday.com/money/world/2008-07-09-japan-overwork-case_N.htm

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