Anybody from HPC?

guitarman001

I used to post on HPC but for some reason, about two years ago... every time I logged in it gave me an error message saying I'm not allowed to view the forum. I've sent a couple messages over the years to admin but got NOTHING back - what's up with that?

Anyway, could somebody do me a favour? There's a thread in the 'House Prices and Economy' section entitled 'One in Five Must Become an Engineer'. My name was mentioned and I need somebody who can still post there to say this (many thanks!!):

Guitarman is still alive... but for some reason the forum admin don't let me post here and don't reply to e-mails In any case... I'm still a chip designer. Took a jump from £30k to near £50k which isn't too bad for up Scotland way. You were right in that I underestimated the effects my girlfriend's situation would have on a move... hence why I'm still here. I believe the money COULD be better, but it's not THAT bad. Still.... definite improvements could be made. I've read some tosh about what some non-engineers think an engineer should be... of course there maths has to be good, there is a severe distinction between a manual techie and a real design engineer - I mean, come on! I wont continue...

The wages compared to other professions are roughly the same in different parts of the world. Probably worst in UK, though. Best in the U.S. but they're coming down, and they have next to no holidays there. Oil and gas pays the most - should have gone into that. I'm considering going into management for the transferable skills and higher salary. Considering we do really complicated silicon design, it's a bit galling that a book-keeper (I know accountants on more with 30% bonuses) or policeman with overtime can get the same money. But hey, I've made my bed and will lie in it.

Fact is, engineers make things that people buy, and people always want things for cheaper, so wages go down. With law, finance etc... it's easy to charge whatever you want. I don't think the money I'm on is bad - even if that stayed in line with inflation for 20 years I'd be totally set up. Would I do anything different? If I was to stay in engineering, I'd go into oil & gas... I guess there's still time to do that but I don't know if I could stomach starting from the bottom again.

There's a very grim view and misinformed debate on engineering from what I've read. Where else can you almost guarantee a job where the average salary is quite so high and the work is ok? On the other hand... pay. That's really the big sticking point.

P.S. I got offered my jobs in Boston, Munich, Graz.... but never took them because of mentioned reason... Still may in future, though - will see.

james_toney

I was i remember your posts, i got banned for no reason at all, and they woudl never reply to my emails not 1, i was a bear for many years but have bought and got into BTL over the last couple of years sorry cant help you in posting on there , thought i woudl say hi to an ex HPC'er

Mr._Pricklepants

Anyone on here registered with mumsnet?

I'm not, so can't post there, but if anyone could post on the car kiddy seat thread that maxi cosis are the best, that would be much appreciated, ta.

bluedrop

I was (am) on HPC. But I see that its all gone very quiet there.

Mr._Pricklepants

bluedrop wrote: »

I was (am) on HPC. But I see that its all gone very quiet there.

No doubt.

I guess websites discussing the Y2K bug don't get much traffic anymore either.

guitarman001

Hi guys, good to hear from you!! bluedrop, could you post the reply, please Would be very much appreciated!

James - strange, huh! One day you can post and the next... no reply from anybody! I was preety peeved about it. That's quite a change, from bear to BTL!

dryhat

Mr._Pricklepants wrote: »

Anyone on here registered with mumsnet?

I'm not, so can't post there, but if anyone could post on the car kiddy seat thread that maxi cosis are the best, that would be much appreciated, ta.

Did you get banned for ramping wendy house prices?

Or was it because you were caught thrusting and pumping in mothercare?

Mr._Pricklepants

dryhat wrote: »

Or was it because you were caught thrusting and pumping in mothercare?

Oops...busted.

HAMISH_MCTAVISH

bluedrop wrote: »

I see that its all gone very quiet there.

Not today it hasn't.

"Bears in despair" central.

guitarman001

To be fair Hamish, the market's stayed stangant. Neither up nor down, however it's given me time to save up a bit more, and inflation has taken a bite out for sure (though without wage inflation, it doesn't matter much). Got to admit I'm a happier person for not posting on there lol!

Road_Hog

guitarman001 wrote: »

James - strange, huh! One day you can post and the next... no reply from anybody! I was preety peeved about it. That's quite a change, from bear to BTL!

I should imagine a moderator comes across a previous post or one is reported, that says, it's really better to buy and just sit tight, very few people have ever been better off renting.

And then bang, you're hit with IP ban.

I just checked the forum as I used to read it, but never joined. If I remember rightly, they were okay originally, but seem to have got a bit bitter and intolerent over the years.

Some of them are actually trying to say house prices will drop off this year, because some will put off buying until next year because of today's budget.

That phrase in bold suggests they are in a position to buy now, and anyone in that position wouldn't wait until everyone else piles in in 2014.