The chemical industry is in a weak position; the future for instrumentation is uncertain
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As a instrumentation technician who has only been in the job for three years, maybe I shouldn’t describe my situation as so sad, but that’s exactly how it is… To give a brief overview of the current situation: two months ago, there were four instrumentation engineers in our team (two engineers and two assistants), two instrumentation technicians, one supervisor responsible for both electrical and instrumentation tasks, and four instrumentation workers. Some time ago the company laid off employees, and now we are left with three instrumentation engineers (one engineer and two assistants; one engineer is on a business trip and it’s not known when he will return), one electrical and instrumentation supervisor, and one instrumentation technician. Currently, there are no instrument technicians on night shifts. In case of an emergency, if the electrician can handle it, they will do so; if not, the instrument technician will take a taxi or drive to the company to deal with it ； Or handle it during the day the next day. A meter reader – I think everyone can understand – if they got a headache or something, or if they took annual leave, I really can’t even imagine it. I wonder if it’s the same in everyone’s companies as well? I’m truly exhausted… I don’t know what to do… Has the condition of the instruments deteriorated to such an extent? Can the instrumentation department of a chemical plant just decide to cut things out like that?……
Cut or not. Look at the boss{:3_47:}
It should be the same in all cases: when businesses are doing poorly and layoffs are necessary, it’s these auxiliary positions that are cut first...
It depends on the nature of production in your company: if your production process is relatively simple and does not involve high temperatures, high pressures, or flammable/explosive materials, then in the context of our instrumentation field, its importance isn’t evident, and it naturally becomes a target for cuts. If it involves high temperature, high pressure, and tightly controlled chemical reactions in the production process, take another look! Hehe, so, the layoffs of the technicians only indicate two things: 1) The laid-off employees had insufficient skills, and 2) The company’s production process is extremely simple. So, the key at the moment isn’t to be pessimistic about one’s major; rather, it’s important to study hard and diligently. Once one’s professional skills improve, there will be no problems anywhere, and one will be respected wherever they go.
Rather than wasting time complaining, it’s better to go and get things done on the ground. By the way, when are you going to come and replace me? :'(:'(
Instrumentation is in high demand these days; it depends on whether you have real skills, especially those that cover mechanics, electricity, and instrumentation.
What is the main function of the instrument now? Instrument repair? I have been working in instrument design since I graduated, and I haven’t had much work to do since last year. . . . Worried about the future!!
Design work is really frustrating at the moment; there are fewer projects worldwide, and many have been cut back in our country as well. Hold on through these next two years.
I was at the site all day long, okay?... If you still have time to visit forums, that means you’re quite free... If it weren’t for the equipment meeting, I wouldn’t be able to get back. I guess it’s hard to say whether I would have quit before going to help you; if I had quit, there would be a shortage of staff here and then you would have come back… I spent over a year there without even a desk of my own, while you managed to get one as soon as you arrived. I’m really envious of that… By the way, when will that testing station be sent out, and where will it be sent? Have you gotten in touch? Besides, I’m also very worried without you here; how about we swap places?
Tell me where things are tight, and I’ll go for an interview... If you have the skills, it will be clear once I see them in action……
It makes sense. However, the company’s production process is not simple, and there are frequent malfunctions. Still, compared to other specialized fields, this area is relatively less busy……