u/Figginator11

So I recently changed careers from a classroom teacher (past 14 years) where my top pay was $75k which included coaching stipends for a couple sports. This is Houston suburbs.

I now have 1 year under my belt as an Implementation Consultant in an ed-tech software company, specially their ERP software for schools.

I started as a junior consultant making $70k, but because it was 100% remote, and the time commitment that I used to deal with when teaching/coaching (specifically the coaching) was much greater, so I gladly took the pay cut to get in the door (thanks to a friend I had that worked there). Now after 1 year my manager has me on track to potentially be promoted to senior consultant within 6 months.

My question is, for an Austin, Tx based ed-tech/ERP IC role, especially senior level, what is my likely salary bump? I was told when I got hired (from my friend) that they basically got me for cheap compared to the rest of my team because I didn’t have experience, so im just curious how much the bump might be when I land the senior IC role, or more specifically- if after another year as a senior level, if I shopped around for a new job, now that I have a couple years experience in the field, and as a senior consultant at that, how much the jump might be?

I’m new to all of this since as a teacher I really had no say in my raises, it was all set by state law and board policy which was public- so it was just a step up each year. ($40k my first job, $58k in year 3 due to a change of location/district, and then then slowly from $58-$75 over the next 10 years in the same position.

I need recommendations for lights similar to the Wurkkos FC11 as far as size goes (they are about the perfect size for the sheath I use that also carries my Leatherman.

I have a Sofirn SR12 which I like a lot, the right size, but I don’t love how deep the clip carries on it, sits down too low in my sheath.

I also like the Wuben C3, but I’m not a fan of the rear switch for my edc, as it’s too easy to hit when sliding it back into the sheath.

All 3 of those are about the right size though.

The Sofirn SC29 is just a bit too big for it.

I do love the FC11, I am just looking for some variety in what I carry daily.

Thanks!

Anybody have thoughts about the new sheath that dropped? I have a credit from the exchange to burn, just trying to figure out what to use it for.

I carry typically in the heritage leather sheath, so I’m a little nervous of the new one not having a snap enclosure- anybody have experience with that style and can comment? I do usually carry a light but just clipped onto a cargo pocket.

So I have a $77 credit from selling something on the exchange and I’m debating getting a Raptor Rescue- It would be entirely for personal use- I am not a first responder of any kind. My question is, do you think it’s a tool worth having for the average joe? Maybe to keep in the truck for emergencies, or are the scissors good enough to keep in my bag for times I just need a solid set of scissor (not necessarily for emergency type situations).

What are yalls thoughts?

If not the raptors, I’m thinking of maybe picking up the leatherman maintenance kit.

So my first ever Spyderco was given to me at 18 by my dad for Christmas, a Tenacious- carried it for years and eventually lost it, and replaced it with a variety of Tenacious, persistence, Ambitious, and resilience models in various blade styles (serrated, straight, partial).

I’d love to add another Spyderco for EDC, however I’ve never been a guy that can justify carrying a $100+ knife…I was wondering what you all would recommend for my next Spyderco that would fall closer to the $50 range outside of those I already have.

I also prefer the G-10 scales, but willing to try others, just not a huge fan of the FRN ones.

Thanks!

I am in the market for a lightweight serrated edge knife to pair with my new Leatherman Arc since that model doesn’t have a serrated blade on it.

I’m looking for something in the budget range like the Byrd series, sub $50 ideally. I’m torn between the rescue edge on some of the Byrd series blades or the traditional spyderedge.

This wouldn’t be for super heavy duty use, more for mild use occasionally.

Anybody else wish Leatherman would let you customize scale colors and/or blade/tool coatings (black oxide) in the customization shop? At least choosing from options they already produce? For example I want to order an Alpha, and I love the orange “Canyonlands” scales, but I really prefer black oxide tools, which the “Obsidian” has.

I sure wish folks who purchased from the exchange would review/verify their purchases when they get them, instead of having to wait an extra 72 hours for auto-variation to get the payment. I’m dying to order the Alpha and Signal!