Money Researching switching jobs into the trades. Any advice? - Page 9

Loneiguana · 12-15-2022, 09:17 AM

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?

JohnnyHammersticks · 12-15-2022, 07:49 PM

Electrical and HVAC people have made a mint in Colorado since the weed boom started in 2009.

Probably the same in almost any state that legalized.

**lewdog** · 12-15-2022, 08:12 PM

Thoughts and prayers!!!!

Couch-Potato · 12-16-2022, 08:08 AM

My .02c is that you have a pretty cushy job, and might not like what trade work has to offer in the long run. Folks with career desk jobs often forget that if you don't pursue a promotion or a new job at another company every 2 years then you will leave 50% of your career money on the table. Switching companies or roles every 2 years should provide plenty of fresh experiences.

rabblerouser · 12-16-2022, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup

Leaving a "desk" job that has good benefits and is cushy for a construction job would be stupid as it gets.

Fuggin' A, man.

**lewdog** · 12-16-2022, 12:13 PM

If you're making what you say you're making, the obvious choice here is a GoFundMe.

12-15-2022, 09:17 AM
Loneiguana In Search of a Life Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Jefferson City Casino cash: $1122570	Researching switching jobs into the trades. Any advice? 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?
Posts: 30,575

12-15-2022, 07:49 PM	#121
JohnnyHammersticks MVP Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chandler AZ Casino cash: $2181254	Electrical and HVAC people have made a mint in Colorado since the weed boom started in 2009. Probably the same in almost any state that legalized.
Posts: 12,971

12-15-2022, 08:12 PM	#122
lewdog Mod Team Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Valley of the hot as **** Casino cash: $1351900	Thoughts and prayers!!!!
Posts: 45,746

12-16-2022, 08:08 AM	#123
Couch-Potato MVP Join Date: Jan 2015 Casino cash: $2823065	My .02c is that you have a pretty cushy job, and might not like what trade work has to offer in the long run. Folks with career desk jobs often forget that if you don't pursue a promotion or a new job at another company every 2 years then you will leave 50% of your career money on the table. Switching companies or roles every 2 years should provide plenty of fresh experiences.
Posts: 6,313

12-16-2022, 12:13 PM	#125
lewdog Mod Team Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Valley of the hot as **** Casino cash: $1351900	If you're making what you say you're making, the obvious choice here is a GoFundMe.
Posts: 45,746