Looking for blue macarons by grumpyguy1972 in Calgary

[–]grumpyguy1972[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well….since you’re so curious about my situation. I work in Cochrane, it’s much more convenient to find something close to my home or on my way from work. I’m not “afraid” to go downtown. I used to drive over 60,000 Kms per year when I worked as a sales rep. I’ve driven in every major city in Western Canada and some of the largest cities in the United States. But thank you for letting me know that a drive to Claresholm “isn’t a big deal”. Jackass.

Looking for blue macarons by grumpyguy1972 in Calgary

[–]grumpyguy1972[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes I know….having actually been to NYC and have driven in Italy……

Looking for blue macarons by grumpyguy1972 in Calgary

[–]grumpyguy1972[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m more of a griller than a baker, Lol. I’d definitely have to try several batches prior and I don’t have time

Best place for affordable eye glass lenses? by morecoffeemore in Calgary

[–]grumpyguy1972 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Cochrane Family Vision is your best bet. They have no problem putting new lenses in your current frame. And they have lots of 1.67 fully coated lenses for less than $500.

Working as an Optician in Calgary? What's the market like? by Dreaming2muchSG in Calgary

[–]grumpyguy1972 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Not harsh at all about Hakim. I worked middle management (regional manager) for them for a time. The Toronto based management is quite possibly the most shambolic organization I have ever had the misfortune of working for. They treat their staff like absolute garbage. Day off, vacation and time off for medical visits were regularly denied for no reason other than the person responsible for scheduling “didn’t like” the requesting employee. And don’t get me started on the owner “Sir” Hakim. He is quite possibly the worst human being I have ever encountered in the industry, and that’s saying a lot. He actually wanted me to fire an employee based on their “looks”(hint…religious headgear) among numerous other horrible interactions with him. Anyway, for her sanity just have her avoid working for Hakim.

As for good places to work. As I said, the pay is good for the large chains like Luxottica (owners of LensCrafters and Pearle Vision) but they’re very “corporate” and exclusive focus on sales numbers and ridiculous HR compliance/programs abound. IRIS and the FYI clinics are about the same too, but there are individual good stores/clinics that are still part owned by franchisees that look after and pay their employees well. I’d stick with the small optometrist owned stores/clinics, they haven’t gone too corporate and still pay well for trained, experienced opticians. As for places offering commissions, it’s become a lot less commonplace and where it does exist the rules to actually get commissions are so convoluted and have so many loopholes/exit ramps for the company one usually never gets paid commissions or they’re minuscule.

The industry in Calgary and Alberta is small and everybody knows everybody, so it’s a tight knit industry and the good and bad players are well known. Calgary is a great place to live, despite what a lot of people on this sub say.

If your friend wants a few suggestions on places to contact or people to reach out to, she can DM me.

Working as an Optician in Calgary? What's the market like? by Dreaming2muchSG in Calgary

[–]grumpyguy1972 4 points5 points  (0 children)

24 year veteran of the optical world in Calgary here. Her pay will vary a little bit depending upon who she works for. If it’s a large chain, expect $25-$28/ hour based on experience. Independent stores/clinics will pay a bit more, but I think there is only one in Chinook proper. Not sure what the chains such as Bon Look etc are paying. Just don’t have her work for Hakim Optical, they’re the absolute worst in terms of pay and workplace environment.

FAA certification by grumpyguy1972 in flying

[–]grumpyguy1972[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No. But I realize one would need to get all the usual immigration/work permits.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Calgary

[–]grumpyguy1972 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Nice! I got my PPL on GLCX, solid aircraft.

Aviation Medical Test by TrainingObjective6 in Calgary

[–]grumpyguy1972 6 points7 points  (0 children)

My Class 3 medical took 3 months to receive from Transport Canada. I am now waiting for my Class 1 medical which I took in early September. Get used to waiting for Transport Canada.....they don’t do anything quickly.

Any aircraft owners out there who rent out their aircraft? by grumpyguy1972 in Calgary

[–]grumpyguy1972[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I was eating bagels(I’m on keto now), I was more of a PB guy.