Working In The Trades - Things to Consider

[hjlelow]

Another thing the young person coming into the trade should know is to be willing to work outside normal hours. The ones willing to work late or on weekends are fed work during the slow times. Another part of it is having the backing of your crew. I was on a job where the entire crew walked off a coworker’s job at the end of the day while he had a ton of work to finish. He was the guy who would never stay late for anyone. Needless to say he’s no longer in the trade. I see this as a major problem nowadays with the new guys coming in.

[Aldo-dz]

Was in the IBEW Union for over 45 years. Local electric utility company provided good wage, health benefits, great pension ( with wife getting half if I kick). Self funded 401K near 7 figures. Maxed out SS at FRA. Company provided all FR work clothes. Started @21 for $5.40 and ended $65 an hour. These same jobs are still out there but yes, you will need to be there and be willing to work OT . Maybe 10-16 hr. days if needed. Same spouse, same house, same job wins the race. Remember, if you don’t money you can’t do ANYTHING! GOOD LUCK 👍

[evanhughes]

Pros: spot on with the comradery, pay and benefits. I work residential in a VERY rural area. People are generally appreciative of your efforts, I really do conceptualize most of my work as helping people. Sure it's a client relationship, we both know the deal, but i take great pride in my work and people notice that. I appreciate their appreciation...yin yang, etc. It's a nice relationship to have.
For reference, i left a career as a registered PE in Maryland. No direct rewards (ie, sees the work completed the right way), very little appreciation, problems by email with committee oversight.

Cons. It is dangerous. The weather when inclement is worse than the work. Body aches. Yeah, I chose that over mental stress in the office, but it is real. Disrespect....pffif. I've been both. I pity office workers, they can look down on me all they want.

[Apache-Helicopter-Life]

You learn all the terminology, pricing, processes, and how to bid it competitively to do it right.

Get into the office, sell and manage millions of dollars of work a year, while training the new generations to do it efficiently the right way.

[nolanbeazley]

I’m an electrician also. Been in the trade about 15 years and will be turning 40 this year. I have worked hard and found success in the commercial sector and worked my way into hvac controls and PLC with a very large company, and am currently the largest job foreman for our branch. Currently at a crossroads where part of me is looking for an exit strategy into project management etc. because I know the toll this has on your body and I’m not getting younger. But the other part of me wonders if I will find as much satisfaction and enjoyment with that. Anyone else here in a similar situation that can speak to making or not making the jump and why?

[jimmyjackass]

35 years as a Tinknocker I am almost there now.