New Job – Are You Better Off?

About a month ago I started a new job within the company I’ve been working for over the last four years.  I guess I’ve never gotten into my career background on here, or maybe I have.  Either way, I’ve spent the last 4 years doing maintenance and support on the DCS at a few of the largest oil companies’ many sites.  I’ve gained experience with Honeywell and Foxboro control systems.  I believe I made a post when I first began, but it’s been a while.
I learned a lot while I was there, but the politics of large corporations get complicated.  I was ready to get out just under a year ago.  The funny part is that I did not really make much effort to leave.  About four days after an ‘incident’ occurred that caused me to look for new opportunities, I got an interesting email from a recruiter who had found me on LinkedIn.  I had pretty high hopes for the move, but it didn’t pan out.  I didn’t have experience with their specific brand of control system.  A few weeks later, I got another email from another company, but the move wouldn’t have worked for my family.  I had gotten back into the swing of things, and had gotten accustomed to the changes happening at work.  A few months later, I got a tip about a job that might have my name on it, but the company that was going to hire me didn’t end up getting the contract.  I got two other emails from other companies who found me on LinkedIn within the same few weeks that were for short projects in other states, but I’m not going to leave a semi-solid job for one that’s guaranteed to last only a month or two.  Then about a month later this company from Colorado emails me about a permanent position in a remote area of Wyoming.
I had a performance review about a month later, and was asked if I would be interested in another line of work.  This new line of work would allow me to work 4 10 hour days a week, and make anywhere from 25-45% more than I am currently making.  I had a class that taught the basics of the job, and felt that I could possibly succeed in it and said yes.  Six months later, I finally started the new job.  I don’t work in the plants anymore.  Christle said I’ve been coming home in a better mood after 4 weeks.  I’ve learned a lot, but have also brought a bit to the table.  My work is being done well, and I’ve been complimented on how quickly I’ve picked up on what I’ve done so far.
I have had no experience in this line of work, and they really took a chance on me by giving me this opportunity.  I really appreciate all of the trust they have in me to give me this opportunity.  Of course, this first project that I’m working is a test, so I can’t really make any solid assumptions yet.  I really feel that I’m exceeding their expectations of my progress.
On a similar, but completely different note…
I’ve heard a lot of people say that you can decide on who you want to vote for by asking yourself the following question… “Are you better off now than you were 4 years ago?”  Well, yes I am.  The problem with the question is that it gives the power to those in office.  They had nothing to do with what I’ve done in the last four years.  I live in Texas, a state that is insulated from the highs and lows of this nations economy.  A little over five years ago, a former boss told me that I had just about topped out in pay rate in my position.  I started going to school, got a better opportunity, and the rest is history in the making.  The Hand of Providence has led me to be better off than I was 4 years ago.
I’ll guarantee one thing, though.  Just like 4 years ago, I will not be voting for a Communist.