The 5 Reasons Being An Electrician Sucks

The worst things about being in the trades. Why not to become an electrician. The bad side of electrical work. It really isn't that bad.

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[americanelectrician]

Check out the updated version of this video here: 3 Things You NEED To Know BEFORE Becoming An Electrician Apprentice

[jonathanburks]

I’m a self employed residential electrician with no employees. Very little headache. I only accept profitable jobs and low stress jobs. I make great money while going on vacation whenever I want. I’m living the dream! No complaints for me!

[ryanrice]

Electrician here in California, 5am start time, get off at 1pm, pretty much perfect weather 10 months out of the year. The worst part is the commute by far. California traffic is the worst.

[erichovatt]

Uncomfortable work trucks, heat, freezing cold, dangerous work conditions, unreasonable expectations, working late, stress, being an apprentice and being demoralized, getting injured, working around or with people that constantly make your job harder… I’ve been through all of that. With that being said it’s still a good job and made me a better person. Definitely not for everyone and it will take a toll on your body and mind.

[jgbecker]

I'll take every one of these cons over wasting away in a cubicle.

[WalkHard]

I think the hardest part of becoming electrician is showing up to school after work for 5 years

[Jeff-xyfv]

I do strictly residential work, and my three biggest gripes are:
1) Lack of help (pulling wires, lugging tools/materials where needed, etc.)
2) Parts shortages
3) Cluttered workspaces (especially basements and garages)

[joekillah]

The issue is that Electrical work or trade work in general is not a get rich quick scheme. People talk about it like everyone needs to drop out of school and join the trades. Im in it 7 years and have been a journeyman for two years. I was a very proactive apprentice and forced myself to learn a lot. While i worked in commercial, light industrial, and new construction I worked residential for a friend on the weekends. I eventually helped him full time run a business. I realized that even though I learned a lot and know how to do a lot, the things i can't stand are irreconcilable. The job is also not aligneed with my goals and aspirations outside of work. I have yet to meet anyone similar to me in the trade. Yeah ive learned an important skill, but that means nothing if its a something that I loathe doing. I don't want to shit on my profession but give warning that you should do what you want to do. Dont let anyone push or con you into doing something that you don't. The only people that should become electricians are the people who always wanted to become electricians. If theres a shortage, then the industry should change to make it more bearable. The same goes vis versa if you're a blue collar trapped in a white collar job. Do what you want. Screw trends and advice.

[siggitiggi]

My least favourite things about being an electrician are painters, plumbers, AC installers, weather and traffic.

[itzkong]

There’s a downside for everything, but being an electrician is quite nice in my opinion especially when you’re in a state with nice weather.

[adimensionalhunter]

I do it all: residential, industrial, and construction. Yes, depending on many factors, there are a lot of difficult things about the job, but I love my work. I choose my clients, my rules, and my time. It took a lot of effort to achieve this, but self-love made me atypical for most clients. First and foremost is me, then the rest of the world.
Electricity is one of the most powerful forces in the entire universe, and I love to dance with it.

[annquach]

1. Last ones allowed to install, so coordination with duct guys are a must. 2. First ones to move their pipe given a conflict 3. So many different form and materials which requires expertise and ends up creating 3x more trash compared to other trades 4. High wages means always undermanned or rushed projects 5. Working high up and in extremely tight spaces

[txpitmaster]

Hang in there! I started at my company as a green Jouneyman now I run the whole show. 25 employees. I don't wear tools anymore! That part is what I miss the most. Enjoy it while you can young man!

[Michaelbrian]

Im a welder and work got slow a few years back. My neighbor was a master electrician. He put me to work changing plugs and switches in an Apartment complex. I loved it. Thought it was way nicer than being in a hot fab shop 12 hrs a day 7 days a week. Clean work. I picked it up pretty fast. We did the whole complex. 5 days a week, 8hrs a day.

[MrCodyFults]

Living in misery (Missouri) as an electrician, I completely get where you’re coming from when you say you get like 2 months a year where it actually feels good outside.. I guess Mother Nature will weed out the ones who can’t make it

[dac]

This is why i went back to college to get a degree in electrical engineering then Masters in Finance. Now work as an energy trader making over $300k a year. No more nasty body aches

[pronewun]

Worst part about being an electrician no one talks about is apprentice pay. You make dog shit for 4-5 years no matter how much you bust your ass.

[jamesarrendell]

As a resi electrician, we don’t deal with this nearly as much. Of course we still deal with the heat and cold and crawl spaces are something else, but it’s usually pretty nice. A lot of times you’re in an air conditioned space. We don’t work insane hours because no home owner wants you in their house at 2 am. Idk I like being a resi guy. Running conduit is pretty cool tho

[shepardlatham]

20 years old. 2 year apprentice in my first year of school. Done residential work, including multiple "HGTV Hometown" remodels, NRG contracts, and Commercial construction. Worked in georgia, texas, oklahoma, tennessee, and mississippi where i live. Get up at 3:30 every day. My biggest gripes have to be other apprentices who dont listen, and THAT DAMN FIBERGLASS

[skytrooper]

Master Electrian here. To me it's working on hack work done by other electricians, or facilities guys. Drives me nuts. Oh yea fiberglass insulation sucks!