Researching switching jobs into the trades. Any advice?

[Loneiguana]

To try to make a long story short, I've spent the last 8 years working in front of a computer. I was using my college degree, but 2 years ago I was involuntary moved to graphic design. I tried to learn it on my own, no help from employer, but it was rough. I recently went out a got another editing job, but I don't like it. I'm tired of being bored. And I'm tired of not really building any skills, mastering my craft, and the day going by super slow.

I have some connections in the local trade unions and am looking at tech schools as well. Though I need to remain employed, I have 3 kids.

I have a meeting with a carpenter union this afternoon for some information, local job market and such.

My current job does offer things like pension, Healthcare, paid time off, sick leave. So I do have nice bendifits.

My wife is worried if I went into the trades, I'd hardly see my family, let alone be able to help her with sick kids or running them around. My father was a union labor, so I have experience with that as well.

I do have a good work life balance now, if only super bored and burned out at work.

Anyone here work for any of the unions or any trades? What's work life balance like currently? Any non union jobs out there with paid training? Anyone else make a similar career change in mid life?