My local tree family vs. a corporate arborist gig - need advice!

I've been climbing and cutting with the same small crew for three years now. We all know each other's kids, and our boss lets us call the shots on site. But last week, a big national tree service offered me a job with double the pay and full benefits. Part of me wants the security and new gear they promise. The other part worries I'll just be a number in a helmet, following rules from some office far away. I've heard corporate jobs can mean less time with actual trees and more paperwork. But my buddy left a small shop for a corporation and says the training saved his back. So, is the trade-off worth it? Have you faced this choice before?

3 comments

3 Comments

gavinw532mo ago

See, that safety training your buddy mentioned is no joke. A good company invests in that stuff so you don't get hurt and can work longer. The right gear and knowing how to use it beats feeling like a big shot on a crew that might cut corners.

the_sandra2mo ago

Ever notice how people skip basics everywhere, @gavinw53?

elizabethwhite2mo ago

What about the part where your boss trusts you to call the shots? That freedom on site is huge, and you can't buy that feeling with new gear. I've seen guys take the corporate job and hate being micromanaged by someone who's never even tied a knot.