+aninfowarrior Hey, I'm 18 going on 19, I'm about to enter my first semester in college and I'm really not interested at all into going and studying and doing things that aren't going to take me anywhere. I barely graduated high school and overall don't have a good work ethic when it comes to sitting school at all!!!! Can you tell me how you went about getting to where you are(making 21 and hour as electrician)? I'm really interested in learning a trade and not wasting time and money in college. Thanks
+Zac Efron What I did was work as a labourer for various trades right after I graduated highschool to find what I enjoyed. Then what the Provincial Govt of BC, Canada does is what is called a pre-apprenticship, which is first year technical training without the required hours to get into said training. You still have to do 20 weeks of school to get it, But as long as you show up and pay attention it is really easy, Plus it is really cheap, cost me $2000 I'm not sure how it works in the states though. Then I went and looked for work, Luckily natural gas is booming here so I'm payed well and treated well.
Ok, I've got one job opening for a clerk. What's that? 200 people applied? Make it require a Bachelors Degree. What? Still have 150 applicants? Require them to have a minor in accounting. Down to 65? Um, make them have 5 years of experience. 25? Are any of their resumes pink and scented? No? It's all online now? Um, make them take this test to with their resume, and then charge them to use a software program that nobody else uses to upload that test to our database. How many now? 2 applicants. Great. They're overqualified.
I was practically pushed into college by my parents. Completed 3 years towards a degree in business then dropped out cause I hated it. Oh did I mention the tons of student loans I took out as well! After college I went back into the HVAC trade (I worked as a helper after school and in the summers in high school). After being back in the HVAC trade 5 years I was already making more money than most of my friends that had completed college. It sure would have saved me a ton of money had it been socially acceptable to take on a trade straight from high school......sure it's been hard work but the skills I've learned would translate into a great paying job anywhere in the country.
raymond Moore Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad to hear things have worked out for you in the end. All we can do now is keep talking about it so it eventually becomes acceptable.
raymond Moore Thanks Raymond, I'm trying to encourage my brother-in-law that the trades are a great option (just graduating high school). My wife is in a similar situation but she graduated and has had trouble for years finding a job and has never really been able to apply what she learned in college. Like Mike said, supply/demand play a huge role.
raymond Moore I was pushed into applying to a college, I asked to go to a trade school and my parents scoffed at the idea. I luckily stood my ground and refused to go to the college, but alas, no trade school.
Dropped out in the middle of Calc 3. Became a Firefighter/Paramedic. Work 120 days out of the year for 50k, will be retired at age 47 and with no debt! Anyone who considers this pathway should also know that guys in my occupation often bridge to nursing and have tons of employment opportunities. But I fell for that college is the 'automatic next step after high school' too. Medical trades, however, I would definitely recommend to anyone.
+Travro Thats good to hear. I am currently working in the oil field (rough times) and actually want to transition to a Paramedic. Excited to see where it goes from there!
+Travro My uncle is a fireman, I want to be one too...well somewhere along the line or a medic or firemen. If you may, can you elaborate on being a fireman?? like did you do a trade for it? go to college for it? how's the life? Is pay decent enough to have an apartment and etc?
Spot on Mike. I'm a carpenter on the side and the demand for skilled and reliable tradesmen is really growing. America has been feeding its youth the lie of one path to success for too long. College is great for some and a really bad choice for others. Pick a career that's interesting, work hard, be nice and you'll do fine.
yukoncornelius007 I had bad experiences in the trades but you are 100 percent right. I went to trade school for free and do not regret any of it. I use almost all that information in my field.
Gnome Child Happy to hear that. In my state it is almost impossible to get into the union which made it difficult to get my license working for dbags in the residential field. I highly suggest commercial. Had alot of fun there.
Were you not months away from getting some kind of degree? Spending that much time and having nothing to show for it is a bigger waste than going and getting an actual degree.
Kinda in the same boat in cc and because of a rough patch of no job and under employed used a lil to much. Am on way to almost 20 grand in debt only a lil under half way to my engineering degree. I did get a part time low level job at solar city part time so am thinking of focusing on that and becoming a installer and trying to get the degree one class at a time and moving up in the company.
Christopher Banacka bro. is it sometimes too late to try? I went to college and have had an office job for 3 years. I am almost 27 and picking a trade has peeked my interest but I am afraid I am too late to start
I agree with all of this. I feel like universities make students mediocre at lots of things instead of fostering students into becoming great at one thing. Flooding the market and with people who are just okay at things and don't like, well anything. Which of course I know isn't an absolute. Trade schools make people great at something. They teach students in the areas they like and enjoy to do. Friends of mine who have become Hair Stylists, Mechanics, and Carpenters all love what they do and are usually turning down work. Most of them own their own businesses and are doing better then most people we know. If you're going to be a doctor or lawyer, yes please go to school. But for me typical schooling never made sense. So I didn't go to a university. I wanted to be an artist/designer. Why are you making me take a million math and science classes? I would rather be learning how to build a website. All I know is I have learned more in doing than I ever did in a classroom where I was paying for my professor to tell me to look it up on youtube.
I had doubts about going to an art school to learn the visual and performing arts. I made the dumb choice of listening to my parents to go to college and realized I was only pleasing them. Now I feel like I've had a setback in my life and have been really just self educating myself on ways to build a career with doing the things you love. I would love to hear about your journey as an artist and how you've made an impact on others around you.
Ephdel nah fam, go learn it from a course or pay a mentor to teach you. Learn from someone who has done it and not a professor who has never gone out on the field 😎 keep dreaming big.
Community college is better than University especially when you have to waste 2 years of it to do what is basically high school and get an associate's degree in your major. Also another good thing is that when you're 26 years old and you're poor as shit you can go to college for damn near free because they're not basing it on your parents income but on your income.
I feel everyone should be made to take a year off of education and work full time after high school because the 10% who are serious about college and there future will still go everyone else will save themselves a bunch of money and find they're own way
for real I wish I never went straight to college. When you're 18 you're still a kid. I barely even knew who I was let alone what I wanted to do for the rest of my life
100% agree. It also makes you independent, appreciate what you've got and understand the value of money, it also gives you real world experience and something to fall back on. Amazing suggestion.
I heard that if both a tradesman and a lawyer each make a million dollars, the tradesman will really save more, because the lawyer might have to fit in with a higher class (i.e. buying suits, fancy cars etc.). Not judging by any means, just something interesting I though I'd share.
Lawyer has way more leverage than a plumber, he could potientially handle thousands of clients (just sign his name and let the paralegals handle the paperworks) at the same time while the plumber can only handle a few. Not to mention a lawyer's network is much more valuable than the network of a plumber.
Scott Schmidt yeah i went to trade for my lpn nursing license now im in college going for my ADN rn license, it should be approx. 20K so far I paid 8K and received approx 1K in grants, its pretty cheap when you make 50K a year with normal hours at a pay of 21 an hr, i get paid 24+ an hour with my two jobs,
Ephdel dude, get your life together because those skills can be self taught. Lmao. Plus I’m sure someone looking to hire a video editor isn’t going to ask you for a diploma
Couldn't agree more. I will be teaching my kids at an early age how to earn a buck with their hands. It's a simple matter of whether or not you want the "American dream" which seems more and more like a joke every year
Conrad Designs I have hope our generation might finally get our act together as we watch our parents retire with nothing. We're eventually going to see first hand that it's all been a lie...
I honestly don't think that has ever existed. It is only an artificial hope to sell to people how great and important America is to the rest of the world.
I believe it truly depends on the person and what they want to do for work. I took the halfway route and got a 2yr associates degree in Electrical Engineering. This qualified me for a good paying technicians position in a good company. Technicians are in demand, even more so than engineers with bachelors degrees. The degree was paid for with state funding, but even without that it would've only cost around $10-12K. Now I can use company benefits to further my education after work. When I do complete my bachelors degree, I will end up getting paid more because of my hands on experience than someone coming straight out of school.
I have to say that as a young tradesman (Carpenter) myself who briefly went to university here in the uk, and being able to compare the two. I would have to say that some if not most young people in the uk see uni as a way of extending a period of unaccountability for there life e.g. being able to party when ever, this is harsh i know but from experience this is some what of the reality.
Jack alexander-sanchez We've been born into a generation of relative luxury can you blame those who enjoy it a little too much. You are right, however there are many people in college who are working hard towards a career path and are not just there to party.
This is exactly why my friend went to uni, because of 'hot girls' and 'for something to do'. This was one of the worst things I've ever heard. He literally has no interest or knowledge about what he is 'studying'.
I finished highschool in New Zealand back in 1999. Like in most western countries, learning a trade was for the dumb kids and the teachers pushed most of us towards university. Being reasonably academic myself I went off to uni (business studies) which I hated. I dropped out and worked as a labourer in a few different trades (arbory, carpentry, commercial printing, and welding) before I settled on one that I liked and did an apprenticeship. It still took me years to pay back my student loan from uni.
Tell me about it. I went to college and majored in business and I freaking hated it. Accounting, business law, economics, and the rest of all that crap. I took a course in electrical theory and I was hooked! Now I'm making more money then my brother with his master's degree and Im having fun investing in real estate for cashflow. Best decision I made.
I'm stuck with engineering because my parents want me too. I could have easily become a real estate agent by now, and make good money. Instead of putting in so much stuff in my mind that I won't even use later in my life.
@@Wolf741000 well it's your life not theirs. Do what you want to do! You're trying to become independent anyways right? Don't go into debt and make less money just because they say you should.
As Metis, I took a plumbing trade with free schooling that pays as you learn which was $17 hr. And i finshed as a apprentice plumber. To start is was $19.50 hr with lots of over time 60hr week. After 3 months i was bumped up to $20.50/hr. I been there now a year and im at $23.25. Bottom line: It's worth looking into. I paid off my girlfriends collage bill ..lol
+al jones I think your correct sentence would be Haha...But you can not spell college. Noun you later ! P.S. What your here looking into. I already finished..
I came to this same conclusion a while back thinking about my sons future. I run my own construction business and I do very well in my area , southeastern nh, there aren't too many guys my age doing this, I'm 31 now and I wish I could've told my 20 yr old self not to go spend 60,000 on a degree I didn't even finish. I think I'll just give my son his college money I've saved in the form of a down payment on a house and teach him the trade.
I think working hard with your brain and body is very honorable especially when helping others. I solve a lot of problems for people and make decent money doing it. Its very rewarding creating something also. And there is potential to earn if you run your own company.
Cant agree more. You are absolutely right. I just graduated but have been plumbing residential and commercial for 3 years. Its definitly a great skill and trade to learn. I make good money for being an apprentice. But ill be in trade school by the end of this year. I would recommend this to anyone finishing high school or anyone whos likes to go out and work. So thanks for the video. Definitly couldnt agree more.
I couldn't agree with you more. College wasn't for me and I always have enjoyed working with my hands. Anyone that thinks an experienced plumber or electrician is dumb, obviously has no idea what it takes to do the job. Often in a trade, you have to be quick on your feet and come up with solutions to problems that are sometimes unforeseeable. jimmydiresta is one of the best ones I've seen on RUclips at doing this. His tips and tricks videos highlight this kind of thinking and shows some of the things he's learned that have saved him time by getting the most out of the materials and tools on hand.
Oh yeah tradesmen def. aren't dumb, when I was growing up my dad made sure that I knew just because dropped out of primary school and is a construction worker doesn't mean he's not intelligent, he use to school me in things I should have known when I was still in middle and high school.
@@ashleyashleym2969 Top five problems killing Trades. Number one licenses. Getting a license means you work for some jerk for 2 to 4 years making peanuts so that you can finally take a test to get a license so you can go into business for yourself, however multiple people have beat you to the punch. Number two wages. Wages to learn a trade are pathetic depending where in the country you live. Most of the time learning the trade is for kids not people looking into for a career change. Most of the time the pay again is peanuts for the first few years. Number three unions. Trade unions were once a way to help kids who couldn't put together a sandwich to later become masters in the trade. However unions now seem more about having lavish buildings and hand picking candidates as favors to union members. Don't forget that your union card isn't worth shit in the south. Number four old farts that won't share their experiences or tricks to the trade. All the time I hear. "I'm gonna retire and take the secrets with me." Or "If I show them my tricks I'll be layed off" or the best one. "No one showed me how to do it I had to figure it out!" Number five trade school. Go to Trade school and learn jack shit and mostly read books or write about the trade. You'll begin to wonder if you study so much to use your hands without using your hand because all the projects are on paper you begin to think. "I guess they are training me to be an engineer." So to be honest the reason people hate the trades is for the following reasons. How do I know because I worked hard to be an electrician and now want to be and electrical engineer.
Top five problems killing Trades. Number one licenses. Getting a license means you work for some jerk for 2 to 4 years making peanuts so that you can finally take a test to get a license so you can go into business for yourself, however multiple people have beat you to the punch. Number two wages. Wages to learn a trade are pathetic depending where in the country you live. Most of the time learning the trade is for kids not people looking into for a career change. Most of the time the pay again is peanuts for the first few years. Number three unions. Trade unions were once a way to help kids who couldn't put together a sandwich to later become masters in the trade. However unions now seem more about having lavish buildings and hand picking candidates as favors to union members. Don't forget that your union card isn't worth shit in the south. Number four old farts that won't share their experiences or tricks to the trade. All the time I hear. "I'm gonna retire and take the secrets with me." Or "If I show them my tricks I'll be layed off" or the best one. "No one showed me how to do it I had to figure it out!" Number five trade school. Go to Trade school and learn jack shit and mostly read books or write about the trade. You'll begin to wonder if you study so much to use your hands without using your hand because all the projects are on paper you begin to think. "I guess they are training me to be an engineer." So to be honest the reason people hate the trades is for the following reasons. How do I know because I worked hard to be an electrician and now want to be and electrical engineer.
I agree. I did something similar back when I was choosing college vs. trade. I went to a two year community college, got a degree then adapted that to side step and work my way into the great job I have today. I work alongside people with masters degrees and medical degrees and they view and treat me as a colleague and advisor. It goes to show that sometimes the real world values a work ethic and job experience over a paper from a college. Love the videos, keep them coming. You two are an inspiration and regular discussion topic with friend and family. :-)
Agreed. But one should go to college or learn a trade only if they absolutely want to! Someone who would fair as an electrical engineer may not fair too well in college, but someone who has a passion for science may not be up for trade school. I guess the moral of the story is this: Follow your gut. If it feels right, do it. Remember, if you get a career in something you love then you won't work a day in your life
Definitely pick something you're interested in. However; just because you are intelligent in one discipline doesn't mean you can't learn a skill in another area. Our high schools don't train for trades anymore, so many people don't even have the opportunity to realize that working with their hands or going into a trade could be something they would be good at. Also consider that if something is making you money, you may also suddenly discover that you have a passion for it.
I don't fully agree. I'd say to follow opportunity instead of your gut and take any chances. Instead of doing something out of interest, learn to take interest so you can adapt to any type of field one gets into.
Industrial Maintenance Technician/ Electrician is the way to go if you want fast money right out of school. I've worked as both and I am now an Electronics Controls Technician. I make 70k a year sitting in my office doing plc stuff, watching youtube, and waiting on calls to go out and fix stuff when it breaks. I do a lot of work with robots also which is pretty awesome. Nothing physically hard about it just mentally when shit hits the fan and you gotta get the line running again.
+Anthony Lochirco I moved to Morgantown Wv from Tuscaloosa Al a little over a year ago. I have two Associate degrees in Industrial Electronics and Electrical Technology from Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa
Yea dude fuck that lol I couldnt stand sitting in a little cubicle every day of my life. Well good luck man if you have any questions I'll be glad to help you out.
I agree with this video almost 100 percent. College is for most guys a waste of time and money. I personally know plumbers and carpenters that retired before 60 and own multiple properties. I remember meeting a gentleman from Vietnam many years ago in a gas station. He was very dirty, and his hands were made of stone. But he owned many properties and when he went to pay for the his purchase, he must have had thousands of dollars in his pocket. He said to me. "Look, I have so many checks on me and not enough time to get to the bank. ' Most of these kids graduating from college these days are in for a nasty surprise.
Skilled trades is hard work tbh, it's not for everyone. You have to have a business oriented mind to continue to do this type of work or you'll go hungry. I work as an apartment maintenance technician and I also do remodeling on the side, it's good money if you like to work hard.
You are comparing apples to oranges. An apartment maintenance technician is not actually a trade. Since when does changing light bulbs, patching holes in drywall, cleaning, unclogging toilets, snow shoveling, changing out air filters and trimming hedges a trade. Property management companies often " lump" multiple skills together because it is far cheaper to hire a single" highly skilled maintenance person" than to hire a maintenance man , a carpenter, plumber and a electrician. These type of companies operate on a strict budget, which is based on expected income from rentals / leases etc. But the majority of apartment or facilities maintenance work are low skilled jobs.
If you do not have work or contracts in works, you will be looking for work. But usually you can always find something, but the problems is how much does it pay, the agreed cost of the project. Now, I am primarily a Handyman with strong skills in carpentry. Although generally the projects are usually small, you will always have money in your pocket as long as you are will to go out there an hustle.I believe that the key to this Handyman thing is to have strong skills in one or two trades and become competent it the others by focusing on those specific task that are in high demand, such as installing a sink, hot water heater, toilet etc. You simply cannot be a pro in multiple trades.
Depends on the the college path you take, what I mean is that if you decide to do the "college route", you need to make sure that you are learning to actually "do something". By this I mean, how to "do" complex analysis of data, or how to review and report money as a CPS accountant, or how to "teach" a classroom of children or teens on how to do something, or how to "proof read" and "edit" books and articles, or how to "practice" law, medicine or religious pastoral duties. A philosophy, humanities or liberal arts degree is good for self-actualization and higher levels of examination of the world, but these can also be learned outside of the pay-to-learn environment of college. It comes back to what adds value to society. Trades are very practical and will always be in demand, as will teachers, doctors, accountants and writers. I would say that it is worth paying an institution to learn these things and to become qualified with a degree. The principal problems with colleges now are (1) cost is SO high due to an over supply of students from parents and high schools pushing "college as the way to wealth" and (2) a list of available of degrees too long to count, with most being complete rubbish in the practical working world. My advise is that after high school you should consider taking some time off. Get a full time job and get some working experience while putting some serious thought into your own destiny. At the same time you can read books from a library or visit an art museum and get the humanities/philosophy side of things nailed down (these studies do have a place and do matter in becoming a more well rounded person). College is one path, but consider your many options.
I agree. If you are going to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in some degree, major in a field that is worthwhile. I majored in English and I regret it. If I could and knew what I know now I would have majored in something more practical like Computer Science or Computer Information Systems instead. Now, I'm looking into Web Development while writing novels on the side. My advice for students is to go into STEM and if you want to learn the Arts and Humanities, just read books, hear and watch lectures online or join live streams where you can learn about the subject.
@Nightingale No. You stick your neck out. Ask people you already know if they would be okay with introducing you to people that are involved with whatever you're interested in getting in to. Or you send an email to a union and ask if they have any way they can get you an apprenticeship. You have to put yourself out there. Not stand there with your hand out and then complain when you get nothing.
@Nightingale Im sure you can get financial aid if you need it. But if you're near a bigger city the few bucks you'll have to spend would be worth it. Welding can put you into a few different files. Ironworking, pipe fitting, boiler making, etc. You should totally look into it
I went to a community college out of high school. My class mates belittled it. I completed a training program that was held by a few companies in the nearby city of where I live. They noticed my technical and soft skills. I did an internship and proved I was worth it and got hired in as a Software Engineer at the age of 20 with a high school degree. I am 23 now and the paying rate is above $30 per hour (Salary). All I have now is a certificate and an associate. I've been investing the money and I am not going to school next semester. If things go well, I won't be going back at all. To me it isn't about paying for education. It is true that education is expensive. Personally I have not paid a single dollar for education. The first two years were financial aid since I did not make much and the past semesters were paid by work. I can still go for free but is it worth my time and energy (mental stability)? I argue that it isn't and my time is better spent developing my business.
@My Action Videos | What did you go to a community college for and what training program did you complete? What internship did you do and as a software engineer, what do you do on a day to day basis?
And this is happening all over the world. Here in Brazil everybody are been pushed into Universities to have a degree.... But after that are tons of lawyers, administrators, marketing administrators and other kinds of low cost superior studies, but high cost degrees, like engeneers, or M.D. are in shortage and people with skills in electric, woodworking, metalworking, etc are becoming extremely rare. If you like to do stuff like that , have a basic knoledge of administration (or search for help) and don't enter in the wave of the "You must have a degree to be someone in life," you coul'd have a high rate income very fast.
The thing that is great about trades is that you can make good money and the entry barriers are really low. The bad thing though, is that it's often VERY dangerous compared to an office job that requires a bachelors. Most electricians I know have completely busted shoulders, knees and backs. So there are other reasons why people don't go into the trades.
I feel even more confident and excited about my future. Am attending a common wealth of Pennsylvania state own Technical college majoring in Electrical Technology. Glad I saw this video! Thank you!
I've been considering doing a locksmith training/apprenticeship. You can make hundreds of dollars in a few minutes, and it's actually something I find fairly interesting. The average salary is $40,000 to $60,000.
I’m an I&E Technician for Spitzer, and I’m making $65/hr. I never thought I could make that much money working a trade job. I do have a Bachelors in Psychology and man was that a great 4 years of my life wasted.
Chris Alvarez That sounds great how you make a lot of Money. I am interested in going to trade school and become a handyman since I would love to learn how to do a bit of everything and I am interested in making a lot of money and saving, I might change my mind about college since I’m a senior in high school but I do not know yet
always said this only go to college if u gonna be a doctor or lawyer those are careers that require college education but if not dont waste your time yeah youll get paid more but the people who learn a skill at trade school start making money first instead of wasting 2-5 years in school
+chris ce It's a waste if you are going into that field with the sole intentions of financial benefit. We all know there are easier ways to make money. Most of us on this journey are doing it to be positive impacts on patient's lives.
What about if one wants to get into video editing or E-Commerce? That's what i'm wanting to do. Would you say one should go to college for either one of those two things?
Ravens Analysis Hvac is great. Doesn't pay as well but it's a good career. Im going for engineering but if that falls through I'd probably do hvac. My friend does it and he loves it.
Master Plumber since 1999 currently training over a dozen apprentices of various ages. What I really need more than anything is 4-5 more that can do everything I do.
In Wisconsin Plumbers and Electricians alone make an average of $32-$40 an hour which is 71-90k of annual income before taxes of course... But you also get good benefits and no college debt which no one could ever go wrong with that! Nationwide the trades pay good and provide good benefits and plus you can take pride in any and all work you complete! Don't be baited into the corrupt college education system! Learn a skill trade because those jobs can't be shipped overseas and they can't be replaced by robots!
I'm from wisconsin and you're right on most parts. Just remember that when the economy tanks, tradesmen, construction workers, and truck drivers get hit very hard. College graduates (yes even thise with liberal arts degrees) enjoyed less than half the unemployment rate of those without. I just hope this standout economic period doesn't leave many unhappy when it tanks...
Complete and utter brilliance. Matches my mind completely. People think I'm crazy when I say it, but I'll take knowing a trade before ever even thinning about going to college.
Not to mention the obvious bubble we are seeing in college and university tuition. the college I went to was 41k per year (PER YEAR), but I had 80% of that paid with scholarship. Now the same collage 9 years later is at 65k per year. When the bubble burst, you'll see a ton of people transitioning to the trades, community college, or the military (b/c of the GI Bill).
+Brandon Driver I hoping that doesn't happen to the trades. I'm going to a trade school right now. They have a CADD program so I did that. I start my first CADD job in 2 weeks while i'm still in school. I just can not see they're being a class of 20-30 people at my school (class size now is 7 students). I just can not picture that or it being a good thing.
+Brandon Driver The military though is a little tricky. I'm a veteran. The military has done a major cutback in recruitment and personnel. Unless there's another war, the kinds of recruiting and personnel numbers I saw back then in the late 07-08 most likely won't happen happen again.
+KiLLED5639 Those people who aren't going to college have to go somehere. Community College are already getting over enrolled and for profit school like Univ. of Phoenix have their problems. I think most Americans will drop the notion that the trades are for uneducated laborer and just follow a career where there is consistent employment and work options.
Excellent take on it! Here is a spin though most people don't think about. I am a tradeperson, I also have a degree and masters... all paid for by my trades work. No loans, no debt. I now have the best of all worlds and made a 6 figure salary and trades were still a part of it. There are better paths to success. I've even been able to step my work back to an extremely enjoyable (trades relate) job as I move towards retirement and I'm only 50.
So a stat I heard on the radio was there is a traditional need for about 20-25% of workers to have a degree for a white collar job, like management. That leaves about 75-80% of jobs don't really need a degree to perform them, but some job-specific skills; like an admin asst, non-management professional. The study often cited of college graduates making more money than non-college graduates is skewed by those who become ultra successful (Say anyone making more than $200k/yr). When those statistical anomalies need to be removed you'll see a much smaller percent increase...~15%. Generally it holds, more education = more lifetime earnings; but not at the levels were led to believe. Again, remove graduate degrees like doctors & lawyers and compare trades to a typical white collar worker. And, many people with degrees continue to work jobs that don't require or need degrees, or that have mandatory OJT training programs (Police, Fire). If I was king for a day...I'd graduate everyone after 8th grade. Anybody wanting to continue with education would either go A) trade school for up to 2yrs; or B) begin college prep courses for 2yrs. There'd be no nonsense at either school...those who want to be there are required to perform or leave...those who want to be disciplinary problems can leave. There are plenty of low and no skill work for new graduates (dig ditches, landscaping, driving, fast food, etc). I'd allow anyone, any age, to start a program on the public's dime. The greatest wealth builder by far is owning your own business. Robert Kiyosaki preaches again and again about the tax savings of the business owner and investor; and the tax losses of the employee. The challenge I see today is finding a evening/part time trade program/school that doesn't price itself as much or more than the university. Many states have created license & continuing education requirements for trades. For example, massage therapy requires like 750hrs of in AZ. A typical program is $13,000 for 7 months. I find the junior colleges really being stuck in the 1950's education model of 16week semesters, and not being innovative with people's time or practical usefulness of class offerings.--Somebody's going to make a small fortune teaching hands-on classes on things like: appliance repair, basic/adv auto maintenance (oil to brakes to installing rear cameras to window tint), and basic carpentry & home repair. You already see some Tiny Home designers having weekend hands-on workshops for $500. Most of these are not rocket science...just people don't know how, don't have the tool, or have had a bad experience and need a walk through to gain back confidence.
dhawkins0000able Speaking of massage therapy, I'm finishing up my diploma in it this year and getting ready to be licensed soon. The hour requirements vary from state to state. Here in NC I believe it's 500, though I'm taking my program through the local community college and has over 800 hours. Because it's through the community college and not a for-profit school (Miller Motte, for example) I'm only paying about $4000 for the three semesters. It's true that there are a number of other school in the state charging insane tuition for comparable education (anyone in the Eastern NC region check of Pitt Community College -- they're great). I'm able to work part-time as a server to pay for my schooling, which is something that I definitely couldn't do when I was in college for my bachelor's degree (graduated five years ago and unemployed for the majority of that time).
I would suggest learning all trades. car salesman flipping cars for yourself. painting cars, mechanic, look into truck driving if you're bold ready to learn love taking risks
Thats a good idea. My friend's dad is a chef which is a relatively low paying job in our area. However he has always had an interest in working on cars but didn't want to do it as a career. He buys crashed ( but repairable) cars from auction. Repairs them, sells them for a profit, and uses the profit to buy property and more cars to flip.
Vocational School in my country is actually set during the first two years of upper secondary school (equivalent to year 11 and 12). 2 years of school, 2 - 2.5 years of apprenticeship, and you've finished your education. It's free too. I'm currently doing electronics year one (I wasted a year, so I'm a year older than the others). And next year I wanna do ICT.
You hit the nail right on the head! We need to speak to the parents of all the kids that don't want to go to college but they believe this is the only path to having a lucrative career. I went to a running start trade school program for collision repair and went journey level at 19. I bought my first 5 bedroom house when I was 20 years old earning a 6 figure income in 1994. There is a place for the schooling and knowledge you receive from college but there are alternatives that are just as good...if not better. My brother has a business degree and I have still earned more than double what he has my entire life...food for thought kids!
Thanks for posting. Good post. A lot of people dont realize that a college graduate paying back student loans may take years to catch up to what a trade skill certified worker nets after paying bills. This is why I say it is better to pursue a trade while working toward a four year degree.
Another point is that there's college, and then there's college. (Or University as it's more commonly known in other countries.) If you're going to uni to get a degree in Philosophy or History or Women's Studies or Politics or whatever, that's great and all, but you can't reasonably expect to ever be employed. (Uni lecturer jobs are hard to come by.) But if you're going to uni to get a degree in accounting or dentistry or engineering, that's something entirely different.
Very true, I'm only going to university because I want to be a medical technologist and a bachelor's degree is required for that. If I could have started working without needing that degree I would have.
True, unfortunately. As someone in the performing arts, which I majored in, it paid off more for me to get specialized training and outside teaching certification instead of pursuing to finish a BFA and then tackle an MFA (student loans and debt on top of securing a full time teaching position {very hard to come by nowadays}does not appeal to me). Not everyone has a calling nor desire to work in law or the medical field. Creative types just need to work a lot harder to make it work but it is worth it.
+Mike and Lauren Exactly. College is great if you go into it to be something, as opposed to going into it to get something(i.e being a doctor, vs getting some random degree).
Honestly though, women are looked at as socially backwards (and even unattractive) to go learn trades such as the ones discussed, and others. Manual labor is normally ascribed as "men's work." Personally, due to this horrific economic depression, I would rather learn a trade than return to college and finish my degree simply because of everything already mentioned in this video. Most of all, for financial freedom. College does not promise that anymore. Basically what I'm saying is, if women went and worked in trades like this, I'm willing to bet by a landslide that people would rather hire men to do the actual job than a woman. So what should us women do who want financial freedom and don't want to work like a robot locked in a chair at a desk answering phone calls? -_-
***** Thanks for your comment. And I can agree with what you mentioned about being debt-ridden, which is in fact a main concern of mine if I had decided to finish my BFA.
Actually not true, people hire the women, I know women in the trade world and they do just as good for themselves as the men do, the difference is though, they're actually just as talented as the men.
I didn't say no women get hired. I was saying men are preferred in these trades. Most hard labor/manual labor jobs are filled by men. Do you know women who work in construction? And I don't mean as in field inspectors, I mean as in hard manual labor. I'm glad there are women who are able to get jobs like whatever you're referring to, but in general it isn't common.
I don't know why you're putting words in my mouth. Do what you want. Everyone is different. It's just a hard fact though that most men look at women strange when they want a job in construction/hard labor. Most of those jobs are in fact taken by men because men are naturally physically stronger and less vulnerable to injury than women. It's a waste of time to argue that point just for the sake of starting an argument which was not MY intent here. People need to calm down.
Erin Kristova it's more that most women don't want jobs like this but if you do then you have to do it like everyone else. At least that's how it is where i live.
Mike! I am totally on board with your entire argument. I think one thing you have to factor into the equation is the physical toll working in the trades takes on your body over a lifetime.
George Schwab Absolutely. I think eating right and maintaining a healthy weight would probably go a long way if you're in a physically demanding environment.
George Schwab While I agree with your assessment that it should maybe enter the equation, you would then need to take into account the sedentary behaviors that accompany most office jobs.
I'm a truck driver...challenging yeah bit frustrating hell yeah but pays amazing,one of my recent checks, $1,600 put that up with the rest or what I had saved up BOUGHT myself a really nice truck to car payment nothing but insurance and gotta real nice place. If you can handle the challenges that come with trucking. I'd say go for it the demand is high chances of getting employed are pretty good if I do say so myself
Do both I learned carpentry, as a part of high school trade school.Learned the basics of being an electrician from my grandfather and father. Learned how to build engines, weld, run machines and work on cars ... and I’m still off to college. It’s possible to do both and if the time comes building houses or wiring houses ever become more profitable I’d do that
Doctor, lawyer and engineer need diplomas, anything else can be done with licenses and certifications. Now, an engineer is the hybrid of all jobs because you are a leader right from the get go and if you also get the license or certification to do a job a tradesman does you get raises and bonuses from jobs because there is a shortage of skilled laborers and evolve into a tradesman that stays with companies for 3 to 4 years instead of just for 1 project and at the end of the day you are the reason a company keeps taking on more projects and receives multiple investments, because you can be part of a team that can do any job in that market. Finally, if you aren't in a market that necessarily needs a huge infrastructure to compete, you can stop working for others and start your own business like consulting, "mercenary work" which is getting hired for months to do a job at a higher cost because of the reputation or rare skills only you posses, etc. A cool thing about degrees is getting to work a cushy job like university professor, investigator, consultant or just your signature alone for validation, inspections and training programs, an engineer never stops learning but an engineer also never stops earning. If you wanna learn something physical and just do that the rest of your life, learn a trade; mental? get a degree. Also remember the other hybrid jobs that exist in farming, construction and real estate.
I agree. Most jobs theoretically speaking do not really require a degree and can be learned on the job, earning certifications, or going to a Trade School or Apprenticeship. Other jobs like being a Doctor, Lawyer, or Professional Engineer do and they do end up paying well.
It is supply and demand really. There was a huge push for college since there was a high demand for those educated fields (engineering, new HR regulations, globalization, etc.) however as with any supply and demand curve were there is a delay between supply meeting demand (in this case of about a generation delay) you get an oversupply right before a collapse and the process repeats. Right now the trade profession is coming up while the schooled profession is on the decline, but in a generation it will switch as everyone will be directed towards the trades and less towards white collar and it will reverse again. Grandfather -> Plumber, Father -> Electrical Engineer, Self -> Computer Engineer, Children -> Maybe a trade? And the cycle will repeat again. :) Of course this does assume that there isn't any major shift in the trades through automation.
When people do the calculations, they also neglect to mention the compounding interest from investing the money your earn 4 years earlier, and the catching-up that grads have to do. Wish I never went the college route. I'm still on the fence, trying to do both college and a trade ATM.
As someone who is saddled with Student Loan debt and will be until I'm in my 50's ( undergrad + masters) I think you are spot on. Trades are fairly high paying jobs and since buying our house in January we have called a plumber twice an a/c repair person once and and a pond resort person once. It's an older home in a nicer neighborhood.
Can someone that's over 40 even get into a trade? If so, any suggestions? I'm experiencing a mid-life crisis with no real career in sight and ANY help would be greatly appreciated! Losing alot of sleep and hair over how unsuccessful my life has become.
There is a very passionate 49 year old lady attending welding school 7 month program and she loves it. What I learn from her is don’t be afraid and work hard for what you want and age don’t matter when it comes to learning new things.
I always thought I would go to college but that’s drastically changed this year. I’m a senior in high school and my school has this program where you can take a class somewhere else that’s a trade (mechanic, electrician, etc). I’m really regretting not taking advantage of it over these 4 could’ve had a good paying job directly out of HS. But I’m planning on going into some type of trade, just gotta figure out which would be a good option for me.
My area suffers from both a poverty issue and a lack of skilled laborers, because everything in our school system has been set to send students to college. My state even has a scholarship program called TOPS, but it recently ran out of money. Now, more and more people are stuck with incomplete degrees and no skills. I wish that the school system would incentivize becoming a laborer at least some, so people could get real jobs and avoid debt generators that we call colleges.
I think your point of view has a lot of merit. This is coming from someone who immediately went to college out of high school, and ended up getting nothing but three years of loans and headaches (not counting the social aspects, which admittedly were and are very nice). If I had actually decided to just go do a trade right out of high school I could have been doing any number of things by now, because it's been 9 years since I graduated high school. I've done nothing but slowly recover from the debt spiral I went into after those disastrous years in college. I'd be nearly a decade further along than I am. So yes, if I could go back to my 18 year old self, I'd slap me, tell me to quit being stupid, and just go into the family business (contractor work). I'd then sit back and watch the money flo... wait, what's that? There still wouldn't be any money because of the housing bubble? Ah, well, screw it then.
I went to college and have my bachelors and you are so right. My friends who took the trade routes have no debt and just collect money. I make great money as a marketing specialist but I may a huge portion back to School debt.
You forgot the third option - military/organizational training(job corp)... but the first thing is to decide if you are blue coller or white coller oriented... I think most people know at least that much by the end of high school.
+jeff foster military is good is you get the job you want....and not go die or get dismembered for corporate $$$ interests which is what the military is used for
Jean-Eider Pierre-Louis actually about more than half of the mos have some type of transfer to the outside world all 25 series and 68 series jobs in the army have great carryover to the outside world
I agree. It is the same case where I am located...skilled labor is in high demand all of the time, and in low supply. I have discussed with my wife that we might want to encourage our children to pursue a trade route.
Damn, That's what makes me scared to work in America because $17/hour is considered a decent wage, here it's considered an unskilled wage. I def. need to lower my expectations of wages when I go out there, I've been spoiled with my $21.32/hour plus benefits.
I'm a student in year 10 and before year 10 I had no clue what I wanted to be and after discovering the benefits of doing a trade and all that jazz I have signed up for this trade school thing in plumbing and I do this once a week on top of year 10 and I'm loving it I recommend people to give it a try!
best decision I made was going to a state run trade school to become a licensed practical nurse. I wanted to be a nurse but couldn't afford college and didn't want to wait 2-4+ years for a degree. It was a really intense program but it only took 10mos, cost me about $1500, started my career at 19 and got set up with a state job with all the bennys that comes with. I am 33 now and will be able to retire at 39 with a full pension. I most likely won't but just knowing I don't have to work well into my golden years is really exciting. More kids need to hear about trades or trade school as an option.
I'm 23 and will graduate with a degree in business administration next year. However, I don't want to do a masters degree. I'd rather go to trade school. Will having a bachelors give my any advantage? Also, I won't graduate with student loans.
I'm working as a body collision repairman 3 hours a day after school because I'm currently in a trade program for it but I work 15 hours a week at 10 dollars an hour, so I'm going to school and making 150 bucks to basically learn. I get an internship the last 3 months of my program where I'll be be making more money the job I currently have is more of a temp for experience and even more hands on learning. I think a trade is definately something more people should look into. I'm not just stopping at body repair because I can paint as well, I can weld, and I can do estimates by the end of my program. I can pursue something in welding if I find this line of work isn't what I want to do. I like trade school because of how many oppurtunities and options their are for people who are as young as me. I have a whole lot of time to learn things and make money doing many different things on the side instead of just having one job. I like having hobbies and using my hands to make something I can be proud of. I just think it's cool more and more people are figuring this out and are starting to look into the prospect of a trade, thanks for readin'.
Hey all. I have a 4.4 GPA and got a 29 ACT. Any advice as to whether to go to college or try a trade? My goal is to retire by 30 but college definitely takes up some time haha. Thanks for any advice you have.
There's plenty of trades out there that will provide you with satisfaction in life, it's just a matter of finding out what's going to make you happy, and how to get there. Trades definitely give you an advantage in the fact that you have less student loan debt to worry about as you're saving for retirement.
Good Video. I would add that two good points 1) Being your own boss/own business 2) Consider Tradeschool You could acquire a trade and then receive a formal education and now your subject matter expert with a piece paper. You can see how this can snowball.
Trade jobs a great but the job security isn't all that great, when a recession hits we are the first ppl to get laid off...unlike a doctor, nurse or lawyer or engineer
So true. We own a kitchen and bathroom remodeling business and it's incredibly hard to find anyone in a trade that is good at what they do and is a hard worker!
I HATE hearing that college graduates will earn more. That number is skewed because the highest paying jobs are the ones that often require a degree. It doesn't mean that you will magically make more money just because you got that piece of paper !!!!!
dont forget something as simple as getting a license in some fields. You can become a Property & Casualty Insurance Salesperson by spending less than $500 for a week long class/course and take the State exam and you can work for just about any insurance company. Starting pay will likely be around 12-15 an hour but will also over commissions and within a couple of years be upto 40 -50 k with moderate success and actually after that could continue to climb over the years ultimately with the opportunity of owning the book of business and selling it to another agency when you quit or do it for life and build residuals for a nice retirement. lots of ways to do things with this license. In Texas you can become a claims adjuster using this technique if sales isn't your "thing".
Im a locksmith with a labor rate of 80/hr...7 years in i now own my own business and make a much higher % than even 3 years ago while working elsewhere I also got paid for 3 years while training as well...i feel i am much better off than most college graduates (not all obviously) but based on friends and family i am much further ahead.
Currently attending Aircraft Mechanic school, in 2 years I will be a mechanic in the airlines starting at $29 hourly and in 7 years I'll be topped out at $52 hourly and will be able to retire in my early 50's
thats the problem with "get into the trades" bullshit how the fuck does a first year get a job to get it going without major contacts? all I ever see from online hires is "require years experience"
Kirk Rodriguez call up companies in your area and ask for their apprenticeship programs. also, their are local unions that you can contact for apprenticeships too.
Altiar Beezelbub unions are the best way, even starting in general labour is good. You can network and see what everyone in different trades do, and you make good money in the process. It's a grind but it's worth it
Did an Associates of Fine Art in college. Bastards didn't want to even transfer my credits to a university. I still tattoo, draw, make paintings and street art. But I bailed halfway through my bachelor's and went to a trade school for my ASE certifications as a mechanic. Gotta say I'm loving life so much more now.
Started plumbing apprenticeship at 19 years old, I'm 22 now. I do new construction plumbing and I love it, it's so fun just wish I could get paid more. Going to have to go to college to get a degree in construction to supplement my field experience and maybe get a good paying job being a construction manager or something I dunno.
Where I'm from (Sweden) all education, including university and other higher education, is free. I would love to see that model in the rest of the world too. Of course, I took some loans to pay a low rent and some food, but I managed to pay that off in a few years after getting my first job. Now, it's all downhill. :)
Toni I'm an electrical engineer, and as most such I work as a software developer. :) I should point out that all Nordic countries have free education, not just Sweden. Also, I'm not saying Mike is wrong in this video, I just happen to think that education is "the great leveller of the playing field", as Henry Rollins puts it. The more people who can have access to it, the better for everyone.
***** That's awesome man I know a lot about how the Nordic countries and their education works Your very lucky to be born over there where you get that opportunity and not be buried in debt I'm gonna go into a trade and apprenticeship this year haven't decided on what to do exactly just yet Your very lucky bro , if school was payed for here life would be a lot easier
Learn a trade! Get treated with the same dignity as the dirt under your boots! Stay a faithful grunt! Work long hours! Work in the hottest heat and coldest cold! All while the IT guy sits in his nice comfy chair making almost 70k and gets applaud for his job. Most tradesmen are pieces of shit. Grow thick skin my ass, more like, "listen to me vent my hate because I couldn't pass even my art class exam". Now, remember this isn't all tradesmen, but some of them need to figure out that some people actually were smart enough to go to college free of charge, and picked a degree that wasn't bullshit.
I once attended college and one day i saw an man walking out of campus with a few books and a big smile on his face. He was a biker looking fellow in his late 50's early sixties. I thought to myself "i guess it's never too late." I was surfing through Imgur, a social website, in my younger days and came across a post about this exact subject so i naturally went to the comments and what i read left an impression on me I'll never forget. One commenter admitted he was depressed and wanted to kill himself because of the stress of finances and not knowing what he wanted in life and he was already 33yrs old. Only reason why he didn't commit was because every night he'd come back home from a long day and see his kids and wife which was his saving grace. Listen closely to this part because this is what made this memory worth keeping for me. A woman replied to him and said that she had a decent job and a home but she had no idea what she wanted or what exactly she was working towards. Her age? She was 56. Commenters came pouring in and started talking about how they were all winging it themselves. Ages from 18-60yrs of age and they all had one thing in common; they were all "just winging it" older folk were reassuring younger folk telling them to do what makes them happy and to "never compare yourself to someone else because chances are they're winging it too and are just as afraid as you are" with the whole getting older but still not knowing what to do. This too made me think its never too late. I have many stories that reassure me of life that i love sharing with anyone but it all comes down to perspective. What makes you happy? What do you do that after doing gives you a chuckle or a sense of glee in your heart? No matter how stupid it is i guarantee you can make money off of it so long as you strive to become knowledgeable and/or skilled in it. Live for yourself not for others and remember: live a simple life. If you can afford to buy it twice then ask yourself if its worth getting now. If both answers are yes then by all means enjoy the fruit of your labor but if not, enjoy the fruit of your sanity by knowing you're financially stable. Not many people can say they feel this way and genuinely mean it. Hope you find a reason to smile today.
Nope...it may not to others but check it: did 20 years in the Air Force, went back to school for welding, diesel technology and picked up my CDL using my GI Bill. Currently in North Dakota working 8 months out of 12 making close to 80k a year in the oil fields...with my CDL. I'm 44 years old.
My dad owned his own mobile mechanic business and made $85,000 a year and he only took a few classes at a community college. He never went any higher than that and learned his trade while he was a merchant mariner in the mid-70's. He inspired me to take a trade since doing things with your hands was better than whatever you learned in college. Of course, I went to college and tried majoring in graphic design, but dropped out twice since 1) I didn't like sitting in a classroom and felt like I had to be spoonfed the material, 2) didn’t like putting myself in debt on courses that were too easy (I was actually more bored there than educated), 3) was disdained with completing 3-4 years of coursework for something that may act as a big “maybe/maybe not” for potential HRs, and 4) I felt like I was just kind of...there. Having an artistic hobby is nice, but trade jobs definitely are there to give you a sense of security and worth, and the best buck for your bang.
Thank you I have been recently considering learning a trade. I have finished and will be obtaining my AA degree in Tech studies but I want to learn a trade I feel like it will be more useful and in demand. I like the concept.
I just graduated from a career center and got an apprentice welding job. If you go and take classes to learn a trade. Sometimes the jobs will come find you. My instructor had a huge part in it too. The world is about making good relationships with the people around you. The more people you know and the better you treat them. The easier life will be.
You just need to be confident and sell yourself. And if you have a highschool diploma or GED, you can join the union under an apprenticeship program. Just contact your local Union Hall, they'll pay for college and everything. If not that, just call all the local companies and ask if they'll take apprentices. They probably won't pay for your college, but you'll get experience.
Agreed Mike. I have my trade as a steamfitter and the demand is everywhere in the construction trade. In 5-7 years the choice of jobs will be endless. Once thing that I don't see in the trade arena is teaching trades men/women how to transition their skill into running work, estimating projects and overall management of a project. One thing that will be severely lacking is the skill to run construction projects.
19 years old and an apprentice electrician making 21 an hour! No debt either! Plus I wake up every day happy to go to work!
+aninfowarrior Nice!
+aninfowarrior Hey, I'm 18 going on 19, I'm about to enter my first semester in college and I'm really not interested at all into going and studying and doing things that aren't going to take me anywhere. I barely graduated high school and overall don't have a good work ethic when it comes to sitting school at all!!!! Can you tell me how you went about getting to where you are(making 21 and hour as electrician)? I'm really interested in learning a trade and not wasting time and money in college. Thanks
+Zac Efron What I did was work as a labourer for various trades right after I graduated highschool to find what I enjoyed. Then what the Provincial Govt of BC, Canada does is what is called a pre-apprenticship, which is first year technical training without the required hours to get into said training. You still have to do 20 weeks of school to get it, But as long as you show up and pay attention it is really easy, Plus it is really cheap, cost me $2000 I'm not sure how it works in the states though. Then I went and looked for work, Luckily natural gas is booming here so I'm payed well and treated well.
aninfowarrior Okay thanks, I appreciate the reply man
@TheCanadianOne | What do you do exactly as an apprentice electrician on a day to day basis?
Turning 17 in 2 days. My HVAC teacher offered me a job for tomorrow. I think I'm going places boys :)
Tony how’s it going?
@@xchampoxchampo7963 he's dead!
Tony good luck!
Tony that’s good bro keep up the hustle and the grind 🤲🏻👌
everybody, respond every few days till he responds
Most people are watching this from college dorm rooms.
Jokes on you I'm a 14 year old ukranian immigrant sitting on a chair
Fuck im 15. I'm just looking for good opportunities to get started.
In an electrical apprenticeship 💪
@@sam666young how does that work?
im an unemployed teenager with a greasy zit face
Degrees are useless when everyone has one.
Depends what you have. No one can take a degree away from you. However the state CAN take your lisence from you.
Dev4stating x that’s why not everyone has one, I’m sure you don’t have a PhD in law or engineering
Ok, I've got one job opening for a clerk. What's that? 200 people applied? Make it require a Bachelors Degree. What? Still have 150 applicants? Require them to have a minor in accounting. Down to 65? Um, make them have 5 years of experience. 25? Are any of their resumes pink and scented? No? It's all online now? Um, make them take this test to with their resume, and then charge them to use a software program that nobody else uses to upload that test to our database. How many now? 2 applicants. Great. They're overqualified.
@@WhatsAfterThisPlace Tru Tru ~.~ Uright-Uright
In the words of Syndrome, “....and When everyone is super ... no one will be."
I'm a high school teacher. Making about $45-51,000 a year. I've been thinking about learning a trade to work over the summers and increase my income.
That's a fantastic idea. I know a few teachers who do that.
Could even overlap to your teaching career... You never know
Dr4g0nSlayer my highschool teacher makes good pay but still runs a landscaping company in the summer for more money. He was kind enough to hire me
Great idea!
teacher with that username ? lol love it
I was practically pushed into college by my parents. Completed 3 years towards a degree in business then dropped out cause I hated it. Oh did I mention the tons of student loans I took out as well! After college I went back into the HVAC trade (I worked as a helper after school and in the summers in high school). After being back in the HVAC trade 5 years I was already making more money than most of my friends that had completed college. It sure would have saved me a ton of money had it been socially acceptable to take on a trade straight from high school......sure it's been hard work but the skills I've learned would translate into a great paying job anywhere in the country.
raymond Moore Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad to hear things have worked out for you in the end. All we can do now is keep talking about it so it eventually becomes acceptable.
raymond Moore Thanks Raymond, I'm trying to encourage my brother-in-law that the trades are a great option (just graduating high school). My wife is in a similar situation but she graduated and has had trouble for years finding a job and has never really been able to apply what she learned in college. Like Mike said, supply/demand play a huge role.
raymond Moore True dat!
raymond Moore I was pushed into applying to a college, I asked to go to a trade school and my parents scoffed at the idea. I luckily stood my ground and refused to go to the college, but alas, no trade school.
Same here - except it felt like prison for me
Dropped out in the middle of Calc 3. Became a Firefighter/Paramedic. Work 120 days out of the year for 50k, will be retired at age 47 and with no debt!
Anyone who considers this pathway should also know that guys in my occupation often bridge to nursing and have tons of employment opportunities.
But I fell for that college is the 'automatic next step after high school' too. Medical trades, however, I would definitely recommend to anyone.
+Travro Thanks for the comment. Glad to hear about other alternatives.
+Travro Thats good to hear. I am currently working in the oil field (rough times) and actually want to transition to a Paramedic. Excited to see where it goes from there!
Usually nursing. High attrition/burnout in this field, not to discourage you, just be aware.
Good to know. Thanks
+Travro My uncle is a fireman, I want to be one too...well somewhere along the line or a medic or firemen. If you may, can you elaborate on being a fireman?? like did you do a trade for it? go to college for it? how's the life? Is pay decent enough to have an apartment and etc?
Spot on Mike. I'm a carpenter on the side and the demand for skilled and reliable tradesmen is really growing. America has been feeding its youth the lie of one path to success for too long. College is great for some and a really bad choice for others. Pick a career that's interesting, work hard, be nice and you'll do fine.
yukoncornelius007 Great advice.
yukoncornelius007 I had bad experiences in the trades but you are 100 percent right. I went to trade school for free and do not regret any of it. I use almost all that information in my field.
Gnome Child Happy to hear that. In my state it is almost impossible to get into the union which made it difficult to get my license working for dbags in the residential field. I highly suggest commercial. Had alot of fun there.
yes
yukoncornelius007 what do you do full time?
I only wasted 10,000$ and 4 years in college.
Best choice i ever made was to quit!
If you went for 4 years why not just finish? lol
Kellen Hunter-La Voy cause another 60secs there.was another 60secs wasted
Were you not months away from getting some kind of degree? Spending that much time and having nothing to show for it is a bigger waste than going and getting an actual degree.
Kinda in the same boat in cc and because of a rough patch of no job and under employed used a lil to much. Am on way to almost 20 grand in debt only a lil under half way to my engineering degree. I did get a part time low level job at solar city part time so am thinking of focusing on that and becoming a installer and trying to get the degree one class at a time and moving up in the company.
Christopher Banacka bro. is it sometimes too late to try? I went to college and have had an office job for 3 years. I am almost 27 and picking a trade has peeked my interest but I am afraid I am too late to start
I make $27.27 righ now as a UPS package driver no college degree!
u tweakiin
Not a trade, youre working as an unskilled laborer.
When is my package arriving?
Which will be replaced in 2 years by robots
RealG7 Be your own boss
I agree with all of this. I feel like universities make students mediocre at lots of things instead of fostering students into becoming great at one thing. Flooding the market and with people who are just okay at things and don't like, well anything. Which of course I know isn't an absolute.
Trade schools make people great at something. They teach students in the areas they like and enjoy to do. Friends of mine who have become Hair Stylists, Mechanics, and Carpenters all love what they do and are usually turning down work. Most of them own their own businesses and are doing better then most people we know.
If you're going to be a doctor or lawyer, yes please go to school. But for me typical schooling never made sense. So I didn't go to a university. I wanted to be an artist/designer. Why are you making me take a million math and science classes? I would rather be learning how to build a website. All I know is I have learned more in doing than I ever did in a classroom where I was paying for my professor to tell me to look it up on youtube.
I had doubts about going to an art school to learn the visual and performing arts. I made the dumb choice of listening to my parents to go to college and realized I was only pleasing them. Now I feel like I've had a setback in my life and have been really just self educating myself on ways to build a career with doing the things you love.
I would love to hear about your journey as an artist and how you've made an impact on others around you.
@Olivia D'Amico | I want to get into video editing or E-commerce, do you think I should go to college for any one of those two things?
Ephdel nah fam, go learn it from a course or pay a mentor to teach you. Learn from someone who has done it and not a professor who has never gone out on the field 😎 keep dreaming big.
Community college is better than University especially when you have to waste 2 years of it to do what is basically high school and get an associate's degree in your major. Also another good thing is that when you're 26 years old and you're poor as shit you can go to college for damn near free because they're not basing it on your parents income but on your income.
I feel everyone should be made to take a year off of education and work full time after high school because the 10% who are serious about college and there future will still go everyone else will save themselves a bunch of money and find they're own way
for real I wish I never went straight to college. When you're 18 you're still a kid. I barely even knew who I was let alone what I wanted to do for the rest of my life
Their*
100% agree. It also makes you independent, appreciate what you've got and understand the value of money, it also gives you real world experience and something to fall back on. Amazing suggestion.
I heard that if both a tradesman and a lawyer each make a million dollars, the tradesman will really save more, because the lawyer might have to fit in with a higher class (i.e. buying suits, fancy cars etc.). Not judging by any means, just something interesting I though I'd share.
TheTechShow I agree but it can go both ways. There are frugal lawyers and tradesmen who constantly upgrade their truck rather than their suit and tie.
Invest your money.
Not to mention the student loans from law school.
Lawyer has way more leverage than a plumber, he could potientially handle thousands of clients (just sign his name and let the paralegals handle the paperworks) at the same time while the plumber can only handle a few. Not to mention a lawyer's network is much more valuable than the network of a plumber.
not all lawyers are like the ones you see on tv
College should be for specialized fields, like a trade (nursing, engineering, computer science, sometimes accounting).
Scott Schmidt yeah i went to trade for my lpn nursing license now im in college going for my ADN rn license, it should be approx. 20K so far I paid 8K and received approx 1K in grants, its pretty cheap when you make 50K a year with normal hours at a pay of 21 an hr, i get paid 24+ an hour with my two jobs,
@Scott Schmidt | What about if someone wants to get into video editing and E-Commerce? That someone being me.
Ephdel You fucked up.
Erick Rosa I thought colleges gave you diplomas, not licenses. Lol
Ephdel dude, get your life together because those skills can be self taught. Lmao. Plus I’m sure someone looking to hire a video editor isn’t going to ask you for a diploma
Couldn't agree more. I will be teaching my kids at an early age how to earn a buck with their hands. It's a simple matter of whether or not you want the "American dream" which seems more and more like a joke every year
Conrad Designs I have hope our generation might finally get our act together as we watch our parents retire with nothing. We're eventually going to see first hand that it's all been a lie...
I honestly don't think that has ever existed. It is only an artificial hope to sell to people how great and important America is to the rest of the world.
“You see, they call it the “american dream” because you have to be asleep to believe it.” - George Carlin
I believe it truly depends on the person and what they want to do for work. I took the halfway route and got a 2yr associates degree in Electrical Engineering. This qualified me for a good paying technicians position in a good company. Technicians are in demand, even more so than engineers with bachelors degrees. The degree was paid for with state funding, but even without that it would've only cost around $10-12K. Now I can use company benefits to further my education after work. When I do complete my bachelors degree, I will end up getting paid more because of my hands on experience than someone coming straight out of school.
Aj Johnson That sounds like a great plan. Thanks for sharing!
Aj Johnson Im confused on how theres electrical engineering degrees and then theres electronics engineering degrees? Are they pretty much the same
@Aj Johnson What classes did you take for Electrical Engineering?
I have to say that as a young tradesman (Carpenter) myself who briefly went to university here in the uk, and being able to compare the two. I would have to say that some if not most young people in the uk see uni as a way of extending a period of unaccountability for there life e.g. being able to party when ever, this is harsh i know but from experience this is some what of the reality.
Jack alexander-sanchez We've been born into a generation of relative luxury can you blame those who enjoy it a little too much.
You are right, however there are many people in college who are working hard towards a career path and are not just there to party.
Have been wondering how trades are appreciated on the other side of the pond. Cheers, m8.
This is exactly why my friend went to uni, because of 'hot girls' and 'for something to do'. This was one of the worst things I've ever heard. He literally has no interest or knowledge about what he is 'studying'.
i dont like partying and stuff like that i'll go for the reason unis were made for
I finished highschool in New Zealand back in 1999. Like in most western countries, learning a trade was for the dumb kids and the teachers pushed most of us towards university. Being reasonably academic myself I went off to uni (business studies) which I hated. I dropped out and worked as a labourer in a few different trades (arbory, carpentry, commercial printing, and welding) before I settled on one that I liked and did an apprenticeship. It still took me years to pay back my student loan from uni.
Tell me about it. I went to college and majored in business and I freaking hated it. Accounting, business law, economics, and the rest of all that crap. I took a course in electrical theory and I was hooked! Now I'm making more money then my brother with his master's degree and Im having fun investing in real estate for cashflow. Best decision I made.
+Josh V. That's awesome, congratulations!
Jose V. So what exactly do you do?
Education is for thinkers.
Trade is for doers.
I'm stuck with engineering because my parents want me too. I could have easily become a real estate agent by now, and make good money. Instead of putting in so much stuff in my mind that I won't even use later in my life.
@@Wolf741000 well it's your life not theirs. Do what you want to do! You're trying to become independent anyways right? Don't go into debt and make less money just because they say you should.
As Metis, I took a plumbing trade with free schooling that pays as you learn which was $17 hr. And i finshed as a apprentice plumber. To start is was $19.50 hr with lots of over time 60hr week. After 3 months i was bumped up to $20.50/hr. I been there now a year and im at $23.25. Bottom line: It's worth looking into. I paid off my girlfriends collage bill ..lol
do you like it? I'm thinking about going it to school for it but I don't know anyone in the trade so it would be cool to get your view :)
+freakyflow Nice! Glad its working out.
+freakyflow haha.... but you can't spell college.
+al jones I think your correct sentence would be Haha...But you can not spell college. Noun you later ! P.S. What your here looking into. I already finished..
freakyflow wtf? Is that english?
I came to this same conclusion a while back thinking about my sons future. I run my own construction business and I do very well in my area , southeastern nh, there aren't too many guys my age doing this, I'm 31 now and I wish I could've told my 20 yr old self not to go spend 60,000 on a degree I didn't even finish. I think I'll just give my son his college money I've saved in the form of a down payment on a house and teach him the trade.
+Joshua LeClair how hard and stressful is it?
can be stressful, hard to find good help. pay is great though
thanks for the
reply hope you and your family are doing well take care friend
I think working hard with your brain and body is very honorable especially when helping others. I solve a lot of problems for people and make decent money doing it. Its very rewarding creating something also. And there is potential to earn if you run your own company.
Joshua LeClair that's called good parenting!
Cant agree more. You are absolutely right. I just graduated but have been plumbing residential and commercial for 3 years. Its definitly a great skill and trade to learn. I make good money for being an apprentice. But ill be in trade school by the end of this year. I would recommend this to anyone finishing high school or anyone whos likes to go out and work. So thanks for the video. Definitly couldnt agree more.
I couldn't agree with you more. College wasn't for me and I always have enjoyed working with my hands. Anyone that thinks an experienced plumber or electrician is dumb, obviously has no idea what it takes to do the job. Often in a trade, you have to be quick on your feet and come up with solutions to problems that are sometimes unforeseeable. jimmydiresta is one of the best ones I've seen on RUclips at doing this. His tips and tricks videos highlight this kind of thinking and shows some of the things he's learned that have saved him time by getting the most out of the materials and tools on hand.
Joshua Luther Agreed. Love Diresta's quick tips as well!
Oh yeah tradesmen def. aren't dumb, when I was growing up my dad made sure that I knew just because dropped out of primary school and is a construction worker doesn't mean he's not intelligent, he use to school me in things I should have known when I was still in middle and high school.
@@ashleyashleym2969 Top five problems killing Trades. Number one licenses. Getting a license means you work for some jerk for 2 to 4 years making peanuts so that you can finally take a test to get a license so you can go into business for yourself, however multiple people have beat you to the punch. Number two wages. Wages to learn a trade are pathetic depending where in the country you live. Most of the time learning the trade is for kids not people looking into for a career change. Most of the time the pay again is peanuts for the first few years. Number three unions. Trade unions were once a way to help kids who couldn't put together a sandwich to later become masters in the trade. However unions now seem more about having lavish buildings and hand picking candidates as favors to union members. Don't forget that your union card isn't worth shit in the south. Number four old farts that won't share their experiences or tricks to the trade. All the time I hear. "I'm gonna retire and take the secrets with me." Or "If I show them my tricks I'll be layed off" or the best one. "No one showed me how to do it I had to figure it out!" Number five trade school. Go to Trade school and learn jack shit and mostly read books or write about the trade. You'll begin to wonder if you study so much to use your hands without using your hand because all the projects are on paper you begin to think. "I guess they are training me to be an engineer."
So to be honest the reason people hate the trades is for the following reasons. How do I know because I worked hard to be an electrician and now want to be and electrical engineer.
Top five problems killing Trades. Number one licenses. Getting a license means you work for some jerk for 2 to 4 years making peanuts so that you can finally take a test to get a license so you can go into business for yourself, however multiple people have beat you to the punch. Number two wages. Wages to learn a trade are pathetic depending where in the country you live. Most of the time learning the trade is for kids not people looking into for a career change. Most of the time the pay again is peanuts for the first few years. Number three unions. Trade unions were once a way to help kids who couldn't put together a sandwich to later become masters in the trade. However unions now seem more about having lavish buildings and hand picking candidates as favors to union members. Don't forget that your union card isn't worth shit in the south. Number four old farts that won't share their experiences or tricks to the trade. All the time I hear. "I'm gonna retire and take the secrets with me." Or "If I show them my tricks I'll be layed off" or the best one. "No one showed me how to do it I had to figure it out!" Number five trade school. Go to Trade school and learn jack shit and mostly read books or write about the trade. You'll begin to wonder if you study so much to use your hands without using your hand because all the projects are on paper you begin to think. "I guess they are training me to be an engineer."
So to be honest the reason people hate the trades is for the following reasons. How do I know because I worked hard to be an electrician and now want to be and electrical engineer.
I agree. I did something similar back when I was choosing college vs. trade. I went to a two year community college, got a degree then adapted that to side step and work my way into the great job I have today. I work alongside people with masters degrees and medical degrees and they view and treat me as a colleague and advisor. It goes to show that sometimes the real world values a work ethic and job experience over a paper from a college.
Love the videos, keep them coming. You two are an inspiration and regular discussion topic with friend and family. :-)
Sam C Thanks Sam!
@Mr Privus | What did you get your degree in?
@@12eveal yeah I'm curious myself
Agreed. But one should go to college or learn a trade only if they absolutely want to! Someone who would fair as an electrical engineer may not fair too well in college, but someone who has a passion for science may not be up for trade school. I guess the moral of the story is this: Follow your gut. If it feels right, do it. Remember, if you get a career in something you love then you won't work a day in your life
Definitely pick something you're interested in. However; just because you are intelligent in one discipline doesn't mean you can't learn a skill in another area. Our high schools don't train for trades anymore, so many people don't even have the opportunity to realize that working with their hands or going into a trade could be something they would be good at. Also consider that if something is making you money, you may also suddenly discover that you have a passion for it.
I don't fully agree. I'd say to follow opportunity instead of your gut and take any chances. Instead of doing something out of interest, learn to take interest so you can adapt to any type of field one gets into.
Industrial Maintenance Technician/ Electrician is the way to go if you want fast money right out of school. I've worked as both and I am now an Electronics Controls Technician. I make 70k a year sitting in my office doing plc stuff, watching youtube, and waiting on calls to go out and fix stuff when it breaks. I do a lot of work with robots also which is pretty awesome. Nothing physically hard about it just mentally when shit hits the fan and you gotta get the line running again.
+Anthony Lochirco I moved to Morgantown Wv from Tuscaloosa Al a little over a year ago. I have two Associate degrees in Industrial Electronics and Electrical Technology from Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa
+Anthony Lochirco Some nights I won't get a single call but some I'll be busting my ass for 12 hours straight you never know what will happen.
+Anthony Lochirco I work for a catalyst manufacturing plant. Not much office work except filling out preventative maintenance and downtime reports.
Yea dude fuck that lol I couldnt stand sitting in a little cubicle every day of my life. Well good luck man if you have any questions I'll be glad to help you out.
Hey I have thought about becoming an electrician. Is it possible to be self employed by straight out of apprenticeship?
Learn a trade and go to college older - best of both worlds - and pay for school with cash
What if you are doing well with just the Trade?
Issac Moreno cant go wrong with a little more education
@@sdski223 If all you want is education, just go to the library and internet and learn any subject.
can you go to trade school after college
I agree with this video almost 100 percent. College is for most guys a waste of time and money. I personally know plumbers and carpenters that retired before 60 and own multiple properties. I remember meeting a gentleman from Vietnam many years ago in a gas station. He was very dirty, and his hands were made of stone. But he owned many properties and when he went to pay for the his purchase, he must have had thousands of dollars in his pocket. He said to me. "Look, I have so many checks on me and not enough time to get to the bank. ' Most of these kids graduating from college these days are in for a nasty surprise.
Skilled trades is hard work tbh, it's not for everyone. You have to have a business oriented mind to continue to do this type of work or you'll go hungry. I work as an apartment maintenance technician and I also do remodeling on the side, it's good money if you like to work hard.
You are comparing apples to oranges. An apartment maintenance technician is not actually a trade. Since when does changing light bulbs, patching holes in drywall, cleaning, unclogging toilets, snow shoveling, changing out air filters and trimming hedges a trade. Property management companies often " lump" multiple skills together because it is far cheaper to hire a single" highly skilled maintenance person" than to hire a maintenance man , a carpenter, plumber and a electrician. These type of companies operate on a strict budget, which is based on expected income from rentals / leases etc. But the majority of apartment or facilities maintenance work are low skilled jobs.
@Richard Burns | What do plumbers and carpenters do usually on a day to day basis?
If you do not have work or contracts in works, you will be looking for work. But usually you can always find something, but the problems is how much does it pay, the agreed cost of the project. Now, I am primarily a Handyman with strong skills in carpentry. Although generally the projects are usually small, you will always have money in your pocket as long as you are will to go out there an hustle.I believe that the key to this Handyman thing is to have strong skills in one or two trades and become competent it the others by focusing on those specific task that are in high demand, such as installing a sink, hot water heater, toilet etc. You simply cannot be a pro in multiple trades.
@Richard Burns | How did you learn to become a handyman with strong skills in carpentry?
Depends on the the college path you take, what I mean is that if you decide to do the "college route", you need to make sure that you are learning to actually "do something". By this I mean, how to "do" complex analysis of data, or how to review and report money as a CPS accountant, or how to "teach" a classroom of children or teens on how to do something, or how to "proof read" and "edit" books and articles, or how to "practice" law, medicine or religious pastoral duties. A philosophy, humanities or liberal arts degree is good for self-actualization and higher levels of examination of the world, but these can also be learned outside of the pay-to-learn environment of college. It comes back to what adds value to society. Trades are very practical and will always be in demand, as will teachers, doctors, accountants and writers. I would say that it is worth paying an institution to learn these things and to become qualified with a degree. The principal problems with colleges now are (1) cost is SO high due to an over supply of students from parents and high schools pushing "college as the way to wealth" and (2) a list of available of degrees too long to count, with most being complete rubbish in the practical working world. My advise is that after high school you should consider taking some time off. Get a full time job and get some working experience while putting some serious thought into your own destiny. At the same time you can read books from a library or visit an art museum and get the humanities/philosophy side of things nailed down (these studies do have a place and do matter in becoming a more well rounded person). College is one path, but consider your many options.
Alex Reichard Great comment ( senior in high school)
@alphasoris Sounds great, I didn't know Trade Schools taught Business. Sounds like you really outdid yourself. Good job.
I agree. If you are going to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in some degree, major in a field that is worthwhile. I majored in English and I regret it. If I could and knew what I know now I would have majored in something more practical like Computer Science or Computer Information Systems instead. Now, I'm looking into Web Development while writing novels on the side.
My advice for students is to go into STEM and if you want to learn the Arts and Humanities, just read books, hear and watch lectures online or join live streams where you can learn about the subject.
The problem is, it's hard to find apprenticships
often impossible.
Just gotta have contacts
@Nightingale No. You stick your neck out. Ask people you already know if they would be okay with introducing you to people that are involved with whatever you're interested in getting in to. Or you send an email to a union and ask if they have any way they can get you an apprenticeship. You have to put yourself out there. Not stand there with your hand out and then complain when you get nothing.
@Nightingale "Skilled" not walk right in. Do you have trade schools near you? Thats your best bet to get both contacts and experience
@Nightingale Im sure you can get financial aid if you need it. But if you're near a bigger city the few bucks you'll have to spend would be worth it. Welding can put you into a few different files. Ironworking, pipe fitting, boiler making, etc. You should totally look into it
I went to a community college out of high school. My class mates belittled it. I completed a training program that was held by a few companies in the nearby city of where I live. They noticed my technical and soft skills. I did an internship and proved I was worth it and got hired in as a Software Engineer at the age of 20 with a high school degree. I am 23 now and the paying rate is above $30 per hour (Salary). All I have now is a certificate and an associate. I've been investing the money and I am not going to school next semester. If things go well, I won't be going back at all.
To me it isn't about paying for education. It is true that education is expensive. Personally I have not paid a single dollar for education. The first two years were financial aid since I did not make much and the past semesters were paid by work. I can still go for free but is it worth my time and energy (mental stability)? I argue that it isn't and my time is better spent developing my business.
+My Action Videos Awesome! IT is a great alternative to college.
@My Action Videos | What did you go to a community college for and what training program did you complete? What internship did you do and as a software engineer, what do you do on a day to day basis?
please reply
@My Action Videos | ?
That's too much money
And this is happening all over the world. Here in Brazil everybody are been pushed into Universities to have a degree.... But after that are tons of lawyers, administrators, marketing administrators and other kinds of low cost superior studies, but high cost degrees, like engeneers, or M.D. are in shortage and people with skills in electric, woodworking, metalworking, etc are becoming extremely rare. If you like to do stuff like that , have a basic knoledge of administration (or search for help) and don't enter in the wave of the "You must have a degree to be someone in life," you coul'd have a high rate income very fast.
The thing that is great about trades is that you can make good money and the entry barriers are really low. The bad thing though, is that it's often VERY dangerous compared to an office job that requires a bachelors. Most electricians I know have completely busted shoulders, knees and backs. So there are other reasons why people don't go into the trades.
I feel even more confident and excited about my future. Am attending a common wealth of Pennsylvania state own Technical college majoring in Electrical Technology. Glad I saw this video! Thank you!
What do you do now?
@Justin what are you doing now?
@@infamouscrusader3363 Industrial Electrician. Best Choice i ever made. ⚡️ 👍
@@AW-yc2tc Industrial Electrician. Best Choice i ever made. ⚡️ 👍
@@Justin-ro8nf the pay is good?
I've been considering doing a locksmith training/apprenticeship. You can make hundreds of dollars in a few minutes, and it's actually something I find fairly interesting. The average salary is $40,000 to $60,000.
daaaaaaang
Harleylover14 in Alberta Canada if you work industrial it's $120, 000+ annually
tim sim Good to know! Are you a locksmith?
Actually, electrician! :)
tim sim Nice!
Me as a software engineer with no financial problems at all: "Man I should've become a builder..."
Why brain, why?
I’m an I&E Technician for Spitzer, and I’m making $65/hr. I never thought I could make that much money working a trade job. I do have a Bachelors in Psychology and man was that a great 4 years of my life wasted.
Chris Alvarez
That sounds great how you make a lot of Money. I am interested in going to trade school and become a handyman since I would love to learn how to do a bit of everything and I am interested in making a lot of money and saving, I might change my mind about college since I’m a senior in high school but I do not know yet
always said this
only go to college if u gonna be a doctor or lawyer
those are careers that require college education
but if not
dont waste your time
yeah youll get paid more
but the people who learn a skill at trade school start making money first
instead of wasting 2-5 years in school
chris ce damn yeah i forgot they gotta go to med school
i mean being a doctor is great though not saying dont be it
+chris ce It's a waste if you are going into that field with the sole intentions of financial benefit. We all know there are easier ways to make money. Most of us on this journey are doing it to be positive impacts on patient's lives.
What about if one wants to get into video editing or E-Commerce? That's what i'm wanting to do. Would you say one should go to college for either one of those two things?
Engineering and Science too.
Ravens Analysis Hvac is great. Doesn't pay as well but it's a good career. Im going for engineering but if that falls through I'd probably do hvac. My friend does it and he loves it.
I know people who graduated from college and are doing great. We all have to take different paths. Dont knock people for the paths they took.
I’ve been working maintenance since I was 21, never went to collage and now I have bank and no debt plus I’m a jack of all trades.
Master Plumber since 1999 currently training over a dozen apprentices of various ages. What I really need more than anything is 4-5 more that can do everything I do.
In Wisconsin Plumbers and Electricians alone make an average of $32-$40 an hour which is 71-90k of annual income before taxes of course... But you also get good benefits and no college debt which no one could ever go wrong with that! Nationwide the trades pay good and provide good benefits and plus you can take pride in any and all work you complete! Don't be baited into the corrupt college education system! Learn a skill trade because those jobs can't be shipped overseas and they can't be replaced by robots!
I'm from wisconsin and you're right on most parts. Just remember that when the economy tanks, tradesmen, construction workers, and truck drivers get hit very hard. College graduates (yes even thise with liberal arts degrees) enjoyed less than half the unemployment rate of those without. I just hope this standout economic period doesn't leave many unhappy when it tanks...
WEMAN296 i think the weight of sometimes getting shitbits in your mouth outweighs the $10,000 stack in their pocket sometimes
Complete and utter brilliance. Matches my mind completely. People think I'm crazy when I say it, but I'll take knowing a trade before ever even thinning about going to college.
Not to mention the obvious bubble we are seeing in college and university tuition. the college I went to was 41k per year (PER YEAR), but I had 80% of that paid with scholarship. Now the same collage 9 years later is at 65k per year.
When the bubble burst, you'll see a ton of people transitioning to the trades, community college, or the military (b/c of the GI Bill).
+Brandon Driver I hoping that doesn't happen to the trades. I'm going to a trade school right now. They have a CADD program so I did that. I start my first CADD job in 2 weeks while i'm still in school. I just can not see they're being a class of 20-30 people at my school (class size now is 7 students). I just can not picture that or it being a good thing.
+Brandon Driver The military though is a little tricky. I'm a veteran. The military has done a major cutback in recruitment and personnel. Unless there's another war, the kinds of recruiting and personnel numbers I saw back then in the late 07-08 most likely won't happen happen again.
+KiLLED5639 Those people who aren't going to college have to go somehere. Community College are already getting over enrolled and for profit school like Univ. of Phoenix have their problems.
I think most Americans will drop the notion that the trades are for uneducated laborer and just follow a career where there is consistent employment and work options.
Excellent take on it! Here is a spin though most people don't think about. I am a tradeperson, I also have a degree and masters... all paid for by my trades work. No loans, no debt. I now have the best of all worlds and made a 6 figure salary and trades were still a part of it. There are better paths to success. I've even been able to step my work back to an extremely enjoyable (trades relate) job as I move towards retirement and I'm only 50.
So a stat I heard on the radio was there is a traditional need for about 20-25% of workers to have a degree for a white collar job, like management. That leaves about 75-80% of jobs don't really need a degree to perform them, but some job-specific skills; like an admin asst, non-management professional.
The study often cited of college graduates making more money than non-college graduates is skewed by those who become ultra successful (Say anyone making more than $200k/yr). When those statistical anomalies need to be removed you'll see a much smaller percent increase...~15%. Generally it holds, more education = more lifetime earnings; but not at the levels were led to believe. Again, remove graduate degrees like doctors & lawyers and compare trades to a typical white collar worker. And, many people with degrees continue to work jobs that don't require or need degrees, or that have mandatory OJT training programs (Police, Fire). If I was king for a day...I'd graduate everyone after 8th grade. Anybody wanting to continue with education would either go A) trade school for up to 2yrs; or B) begin college prep courses for 2yrs. There'd be no nonsense at either school...those who want to be there are required to perform or leave...those who want to be disciplinary problems can leave. There are plenty of low and no skill work for new graduates (dig ditches, landscaping, driving, fast food, etc). I'd allow anyone, any age, to start a program on the public's dime.
The greatest wealth builder by far is owning your own business. Robert Kiyosaki preaches again and again about the tax savings of the business owner and investor; and the tax losses of the employee.
The challenge I see today is finding a evening/part time trade program/school that doesn't price itself as much or more than the university. Many states have created license & continuing education requirements for trades. For example, massage therapy requires like 750hrs of in AZ. A typical program is $13,000 for 7 months. I find the junior colleges really being stuck in the 1950's education model of 16week semesters, and not being innovative with people's time or practical usefulness of class offerings.--Somebody's going to make a small fortune teaching hands-on classes on things like: appliance repair, basic/adv auto maintenance (oil to brakes to installing rear cameras to window tint), and basic carpentry & home repair. You already see some Tiny Home designers having weekend hands-on workshops for $500. Most of these are not rocket science...just people don't know how, don't have the tool, or have had a bad experience and need a walk through to gain back confidence.
dhawkins0000able Speaking of massage therapy, I'm finishing up my diploma in it this year and getting ready to be licensed soon. The hour requirements vary from state to state. Here in NC I believe it's 500, though I'm taking my program through the local community college and has over 800 hours. Because it's through the community college and not a for-profit school (Miller Motte, for example) I'm only paying about $4000 for the three semesters. It's true that there are a number of other school in the state charging insane tuition for comparable education (anyone in the Eastern NC region check of Pitt Community College -- they're great). I'm able to work part-time as a server to pay for my schooling, which is something that I definitely couldn't do when I was in college for my bachelor's degree (graduated five years ago and unemployed for the majority of that time).
I would suggest learning all trades. car salesman flipping cars for yourself. painting cars, mechanic, look into truck driving if you're bold ready to learn love taking risks
Thats a good idea. My friend's dad is a chef which is a relatively low paying job in our area. However he has always had an interest in working on cars but didn't want to do it as a career. He buys crashed ( but repairable) cars from auction. Repairs them, sells them for a profit, and uses the profit to buy property and more cars to flip.
Vocational School in my country is actually set during the first two years of upper secondary school (equivalent to year 11 and 12). 2 years of school, 2 - 2.5 years of apprenticeship, and you've finished your education. It's free too. I'm currently doing electronics year one (I wasted a year, so I'm a year older than the others). And next year I wanna do ICT.
You hit the nail right on the head! We need to speak to the parents of all the kids that don't want to go to college but they believe this is the only path to having a lucrative career. I went to a running start trade school program for collision repair and went journey level at 19. I bought my first 5 bedroom house when I was 20 years old earning a 6 figure income in 1994. There is a place for the schooling and knowledge you receive from college but there are alternatives that are just as good...if not better. My brother has a business degree and I have still earned more than double what he has my entire life...food for thought kids!
can you help me?
@@AIBINUKK Yes, want a job as an Auto Body Repair Technician Apprentice?
You bought your first 5 bedroom house at 20, i never even thought it was possible, this is amazing!!
Im 18 years old making $73 an hour as an ironworker... so glad i didnt choose college
You're lying???
Thanks for posting. Good post. A lot of people dont realize that a college graduate paying back student loans may take years to catch up to what a trade skill certified worker nets after paying bills. This is why I say it is better to pursue a trade while working toward a four year degree.
Another point is that there's college, and then there's college. (Or University as it's more commonly known in other countries.) If you're going to uni to get a degree in Philosophy or History or Women's Studies or Politics or whatever, that's great and all, but you can't reasonably expect to ever be employed. (Uni lecturer jobs are hard to come by.) But if you're going to uni to get a degree in accounting or dentistry or engineering, that's something entirely different.
w0mbles Yea, there are several exceptions including medicine, engineering and accounting etc.
I have a degree in applied math and working on my actuary exams which could make up to 500k a year. I spent many nights in the library.
Very true, I'm only going to university because I want to be a medical technologist and a bachelor's degree is required for that. If I could have started working without needing that degree I would have.
True, unfortunately. As someone in the performing arts, which I majored in, it paid off more for me to get specialized training and outside teaching certification instead of pursuing to finish a BFA and then tackle an MFA (student loans and debt on top of securing a full time teaching position {very hard to come by nowadays}does not appeal to me). Not everyone has a calling nor desire to work in law or the medical field. Creative types just need to work a lot harder to make it work but it is worth it.
+Mike and Lauren Exactly. College is great if you go into it to be something, as opposed to going into it to get something(i.e being a doctor, vs getting some random degree).
Honestly though, women are looked at as socially backwards (and even unattractive) to go learn trades such as the ones discussed, and others. Manual labor is normally ascribed as "men's work." Personally, due to this horrific economic depression, I would rather learn a trade than return to college and finish my degree simply because of everything already mentioned in this video. Most of all, for financial freedom. College does not promise that anymore. Basically what I'm saying is, if women went and worked in trades like this, I'm willing to bet by a landslide that people would rather hire men to do the actual job than a woman. So what should us women do who want financial freedom and don't want to work like a robot locked in a chair at a desk answering phone calls? -_-
***** Thanks for your comment. And I can agree with what you mentioned about being debt-ridden, which is in fact a main concern of mine if I had decided to finish my BFA.
Actually not true, people hire the women, I know women in the trade world and they do just as good for themselves as the men do, the difference is though, they're actually just as talented as the men.
I didn't say no women get hired. I was saying men are preferred in these trades. Most hard labor/manual labor jobs are filled by men. Do you know women who work in construction? And I don't mean as in field inspectors, I mean as in hard manual labor. I'm glad there are women who are able to get jobs like whatever you're referring to, but in general it isn't common.
I don't know why you're putting words in my mouth. Do what you want. Everyone is different. It's just a hard fact though that most men look at women strange when they want a job in construction/hard labor. Most of those jobs are in fact taken by men because men are naturally physically stronger and less vulnerable to injury than women. It's a waste of time to argue that point just for the sake of starting an argument which was not MY intent here. People need to calm down.
Erin Kristova it's more that most women don't want jobs like this but if you do then you have to do it like everyone else. At least that's how it is where i live.
Mike! I am totally on board with your entire argument. I think one thing you have to factor into the equation is the physical toll working in the trades takes on your body over a lifetime.
George Schwab Absolutely. I think eating right and maintaining a healthy weight would probably go a long way if you're in a physically demanding environment.
George Schwab While I agree with your assessment that it should maybe enter the equation, you would then need to take into account the sedentary behaviors that accompany most office jobs.
Cody Bushnell True in both cases.
I'm a truck driver...challenging yeah bit frustrating hell yeah but pays amazing,one of my recent checks, $1,600 put that up with the rest or what I had saved up BOUGHT myself a really nice truck to car payment nothing but insurance and gotta real nice place. If you can handle the challenges that come with trucking. I'd say go for it the demand is high chances of getting employed are pretty good if I do say so myself
I'm in a 3 year bricklaying apprenticeship. Things are going pretty good.
Can you give us an update hows it going?
Do both I learned carpentry, as a part of high school trade school.Learned the basics of being an electrician from my grandfather and father. Learned how to build engines, weld, run machines and work on cars ... and I’m still off to college. It’s possible to do both and if the time comes building houses or wiring houses ever become more profitable I’d do that
Doctor, lawyer and engineer need diplomas, anything else can be done with licenses and certifications. Now, an engineer is the hybrid of all jobs because you are a leader right from the get go and if you also get the license or certification to do a job a tradesman does you get raises and bonuses from jobs because there is a shortage of skilled laborers and evolve into a tradesman that stays with companies for 3 to 4 years instead of just for 1 project and at the end of the day you are the reason a company keeps taking on more projects and receives multiple investments, because you can be part of a team that can do any job in that market. Finally, if you aren't in a market that necessarily needs a huge infrastructure to compete, you can stop working for others and start your own business like consulting, "mercenary work" which is getting hired for months to do a job at a higher cost because of the reputation or rare skills only you posses, etc. A cool thing about degrees is getting to work a cushy job like university professor, investigator, consultant or just your signature alone for validation, inspections and training programs, an engineer never stops learning but an engineer also never stops earning. If you wanna learn something physical and just do that the rest of your life, learn a trade; mental? get a degree. Also remember the other hybrid jobs that exist in farming, construction and real estate.
I agree. Most jobs theoretically speaking do not really require a degree and can be learned on the job, earning certifications, or going to a Trade School or Apprenticeship. Other jobs like being a Doctor, Lawyer, or Professional Engineer do and they do end up paying well.
It is supply and demand really. There was a huge push for college since there was a high demand for those educated fields (engineering, new HR regulations, globalization, etc.) however as with any supply and demand curve were there is a delay between supply meeting demand (in this case of about a generation delay) you get an oversupply right before a collapse and the process repeats. Right now the trade profession is coming up while the schooled profession is on the decline, but in a generation it will switch as everyone will be directed towards the trades and less towards white collar and it will reverse again. Grandfather -> Plumber, Father -> Electrical Engineer, Self -> Computer Engineer, Children -> Maybe a trade? And the cycle will repeat again. :) Of course this does assume that there isn't any major shift in the trades through automation.
David Springgay Great analysis. Makes a lot of sense.
When people do the calculations, they also neglect to mention the compounding interest from investing the money your earn 4 years earlier, and the catching-up that grads have to do.
Wish I never went the college route. I'm still on the fence, trying to do both college and a trade ATM.
What do you do now?
Lots of banks would charge like 5 percent interest on those loans
As someone who is saddled with Student Loan debt and will be until I'm in my 50's ( undergrad + masters) I think you are spot on. Trades are fairly high paying jobs and since buying our house in January we have called a plumber twice an a/c repair person once and and a pond resort person once. It's an older home in a nicer neighborhood.
What did you get an undergrad and master's degree in?
Can someone that's over 40 even get into a trade? If so, any suggestions? I'm experiencing a mid-life crisis with no real career in sight and ANY help would be greatly appreciated! Losing alot of sleep and hair over how unsuccessful my life has become.
SweetHere111 are you in relatively good health? If so, of course.
There is a very passionate 49 year old lady attending welding school 7 month program and she loves it. What I learn from her is don’t be afraid and work hard for what you want and age don’t matter when it comes to learning new things.
I always thought I would go to college but that’s drastically changed this year. I’m a senior in high school and my school has this program where you can take a class somewhere else that’s a trade (mechanic, electrician, etc). I’m really regretting not taking advantage of it over these 4 could’ve had a good paying job directly out of HS. But I’m planning on going into some type of trade, just gotta figure out which would be a good option for me.
Lead time on a carpenter to build a custom double vanity for our master bath. 10 weeks and counting...
Kevin R. Yup. That's the reason Alex couldn't get a replacement subcontractor. They wouldn't be able to get out there for several weeks.
My area suffers from both a poverty issue and a lack of skilled laborers, because everything in our school system has been set to send students to college. My state even has a scholarship program called TOPS, but it recently ran out of money. Now, more and more people are stuck with incomplete degrees and no skills. I wish that the school system would incentivize becoming a laborer at least some, so people could get real jobs and avoid debt generators that we call colleges.
I think your point of view has a lot of merit. This is coming from someone who immediately went to college out of high school, and ended up getting nothing but three years of loans and headaches (not counting the social aspects, which admittedly were and are very nice). If I had actually decided to just go do a trade right out of high school I could have been doing any number of things by now, because it's been 9 years since I graduated high school. I've done nothing but slowly recover from the debt spiral I went into after those disastrous years in college. I'd be nearly a decade further along than I am. So yes, if I could go back to my 18 year old self, I'd slap me, tell me to quit being stupid, and just go into the family business (contractor work). I'd then sit back and watch the money flo... wait, what's that? There still wouldn't be any money because of the housing bubble? Ah, well, screw it then.
I went to college and have my bachelors and you are so right. My friends who took the trade routes have no debt and just collect money. I make great money as a marketing specialist but I may a huge portion back to School debt.
wish me luck trying to enter the Plumbing field by getting into a apprenticeship program in Local 1 nyc
Jorge Padilla
Good luck pal
I'm going to college, but when in government I plan on pushing and encouraging more students to become involved in trades.
You forgot the third option - military/organizational training(job corp)... but the first thing is to decide if you are blue coller or white coller oriented... I think most people know at least that much by the end of high school.
jeff foster military an be tricky. They may throw you into jobs that you don't want to do and that can't transfer into the civilian workforce.
+jeff foster military is good is you get the job you want....and not go die or get dismembered for corporate $$$ interests which is what the military is used for
Jean-Eider Pierre-Louis actually about more than half of the mos have some type of transfer to the outside world all 25 series and 68 series jobs in the army have great carryover to the outside world
I agree. It is the same case where I am located...skilled labor is in high demand all of the time, and in low supply. I have discussed with my wife that we might want to encourage our children to pursue a trade route.
Bruce A. Ulrich Good for you. I think we are going to see a lot more of that in the coming years.
I'm 22 years old and I just joined the union as a terrazzo finisher and I'm making $17 per hour
+Michael Vallejos Nice! Congrats
What trade your in bro
Damn, That's what makes me scared to work in America because $17/hour is considered a decent wage, here it's considered an unskilled wage. I def. need to lower my expectations of wages when I go out there, I've been spoiled with my $21.32/hour plus benefits.
What's the conversion rate and cost of living difference between where you live and the USD though?
Ashley ASHLEYM - He actually wrote he just joined for $17 an hour which is pretty good starting off.
I'm a student in year 10 and before year 10 I had no clue what I wanted to be and after discovering the benefits of doing a trade and all that jazz I have signed up for this trade school thing in plumbing and I do this once a week on top of year 10 and I'm loving it I recommend people to give it a try!
Union crane operator here, make more money than most people I know
In illinois the crane/engineer union you "have to know someone". Are you from the south?
best decision I made was going to a state run trade school to become a licensed practical nurse. I wanted to be a nurse but couldn't afford college and didn't want to wait 2-4+ years for a degree. It was a really intense program but it only took 10mos, cost me about $1500, started my career at 19 and got set up with a state job with all the bennys that comes with. I am 33 now and will be able to retire at 39 with a full pension. I most likely won't but just knowing I don't have to work well into my golden years is really exciting. More kids need to hear about trades or trade school as an option.
I'm 23 and will graduate with a degree in business administration next year. However, I don't want to do a masters degree. I'd rather go to trade school. Will having a bachelors give my any advantage? Also, I won't graduate with student loans.
In business? HELL NO. Thats like getting a communications degree.
I'm working as a body collision repairman 3 hours a day after school because I'm currently in a trade program for it but I work 15 hours a week at 10 dollars an hour, so I'm going to school and making 150 bucks to basically learn. I get an internship the last 3 months of my program where I'll be be making more money the job I currently have is more of a temp for experience and even more hands on learning. I think a trade is definately something more people should look into. I'm not just stopping at body repair because I can paint as well, I can weld, and I can do estimates by the end of my program. I can pursue something in welding if I find this line of work isn't what I want to do. I like trade school because of how many oppurtunities and options their are for people who are as young as me. I have a whole lot of time to learn things and make money doing many different things on the side instead of just having one job. I like having hobbies and using my hands to make something I can be proud of. I just think it's cool more and more people are figuring this out and are starting to look into the prospect of a trade, thanks for readin'.
Hey all. I have a 4.4 GPA and got a 29 ACT. Any advice as to whether to go to college or try a trade? My goal is to retire by 30 but college definitely takes up some time haha. Thanks for any advice you have.
The Orbinator dude holy shit that's a very early retirement age
***** thats still early asf
There's plenty of trades out there that will provide you with satisfaction in life, it's just a matter of finding out what's going to make you happy, and how to get there. Trades definitely give you an advantage in the fact that you have less student loan debt to worry about as you're saving for retirement.
Orbinator go to college if u score that high on act and get that high of gpa your obviously more a white collar oriented worker.
Trade
Good Video. I would add that two good points 1) Being your own boss/own business
2) Consider Tradeschool
You could acquire a trade and then receive a formal education and now your subject matter expert with a piece paper. You can see how this can snowball.
Trade jobs a great but the job security isn't all that great, when a recession hits we are the first ppl to get laid off...unlike a doctor, nurse or lawyer or engineer
Just don't work in construction. A recession doesn't affect a good plumber or electrician.
So true. We own a kitchen and bathroom remodeling business and it's incredibly hard to find anyone in a trade that is good at what they do and is a hard worker!
Brittany Giegerich I can imagine finding good cabinet makers is difficult. You need a lot of tools to get into that business.
I HATE hearing that college graduates will earn more. That number is skewed because the highest paying jobs are the ones that often require a degree. It doesn't mean that you will magically make more money just because you got that piece of paper !!!!!
dont forget something as simple as getting a license in some fields. You can become a Property & Casualty Insurance Salesperson by spending less than $500 for a week long class/course and take the State exam and you can work for just about any insurance company. Starting pay will likely be around 12-15 an hour but will also over commissions and within a couple of years be upto 40 -50 k with moderate success and actually after that could continue to climb over the years ultimately with the opportunity of owning the book of business and selling it to another agency when you quit or do it for life and build residuals for a nice retirement. lots of ways to do things with this license. In Texas you can become a claims adjuster using this technique if sales isn't your "thing".
Learning an electricians trade is the best decision I've ever made
That's what I'm considering after high school
Im a locksmith with a labor rate of 80/hr...7 years in i now own my own business and make a much higher % than even 3 years ago while working elsewhere
I also got paid for 3 years while training as well...i feel i am much better off than most college graduates (not all obviously) but based on friends and family i am much further ahead.
What do you do exactly as a locksmith on a daily basis? Also, how/where were you trained...in a trade school or college or what?
I second that!
Currently attending Aircraft Mechanic school, in 2 years I will be a mechanic in the airlines starting at $29 hourly and in 7 years I'll be topped out at $52 hourly and will be able to retire in my early 50's
ok but how the fuck do I get into an apprenticeship!? I'm already on helmets to hardhats and there is barely anything on there...
thats the problem with "get into the trades" bullshit
how the fuck does a first year get a job to get it going without major contacts? all I ever see from online hires is "require years experience"
im in the same boat my dude
Kirk Rodriguez call up companies in your area and ask for their apprenticeship programs. also, their are local unions that you can contact for apprenticeships too.
Altiar Beezelbub unions are the best way, even starting in general labour is good. You can network and see what everyone in different trades do, and you make good money in the process. It's a grind but it's worth it
Kirk Rodriguez United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners
Did an Associates of Fine Art in college. Bastards didn't want to even transfer my credits to a university. I still tattoo, draw, make paintings and street art. But I bailed halfway through my bachelor's and went to a trade school for my ASE certifications as a mechanic. Gotta say I'm loving life so much more now.
degrees come at university,college is secondary education
Started plumbing apprenticeship at 19 years old, I'm 22 now. I do new construction plumbing and I love it, it's so fun just wish I could get paid more. Going to have to go to college to get a degree in construction to supplement my field experience and maybe get a good paying job being a construction manager or something I dunno.
I just graduated high school, is it okay to look for an electrician apprenticeship at the age of 18?
Jim Dragston yup.
Learn anything you can. They all are good. I am a I.T technican
Where I'm from (Sweden) all education, including university and other higher education, is free. I would love to see that model in the rest of the world too.
Of course, I took some loans to pay a low rent and some food, but I managed to pay that off in a few years after getting my first job. Now, it's all downhill. :)
What did you study for ? And yes we do wish school was free here too
Toni I'm an electrical engineer, and as most such I work as a software developer. :)
I should point out that all Nordic countries have free education, not just Sweden.
Also, I'm not saying Mike is wrong in this video, I just happen to think that education is "the great leveller of the playing field", as Henry Rollins puts it. The more people who can have access to it, the better for everyone.
*****
That's awesome man I know a lot about how the Nordic countries and their education works
Your very lucky to be born over there where you get that opportunity and not be buried in debt
I'm gonna go into a trade and apprenticeship this year haven't decided on what to do exactly just yet
Your very lucky bro , if school was payed for here life would be a lot easier
It's free? What about the loans? Lmfao
You mean the optional loan? Sure, most need a loan to cover everyday expenses, but it's up to you.
I said school and education is free, not life.
Learn a trade! Get treated with the same dignity as the dirt under your boots! Stay a faithful grunt! Work long hours! Work in the hottest heat and coldest cold! All while the IT guy sits in his nice comfy chair making almost 70k and gets applaud for his job. Most tradesmen are pieces of shit. Grow thick skin my ass, more like, "listen to me vent my hate because I couldn't pass even my art class exam". Now, remember this isn't all tradesmen, but some of them need to figure out that some people actually were smart enough to go to college free of charge, and picked a degree that wasn't bullshit.
But most college degrees (I would say 85 to 90 %) are bullshit
I am studying a petroleum engineer. If it doesnt pan out, I will work as a mechanic or contractor.
Not a bad idea. Petroleum Engineering pays off big time but your alternative plans are good also.
I'm in my 40's but sick of the office rat race. Does it makes sense for someone my age to change to a trade career now in my life?
Yeah it’s too late old man jk
It's not to late. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. In fact, the experience and maturity that comes with age will be and advantage.
Dude, go for it...It will be worth it and you will thank yourself later on in life for making that change.
I once attended college and one day i saw an man walking out of campus with a few books and a big smile on his face. He was a biker looking fellow in his late 50's early sixties. I thought to myself "i guess it's never too late."
I was surfing through Imgur, a social website, in my younger days and came across a post about this exact subject so i naturally went to the comments and what i read left an impression on me I'll never forget. One commenter admitted he was depressed and wanted to kill himself because of the stress of finances and not knowing what he wanted in life and he was already 33yrs old. Only reason why he didn't commit was because every night he'd come back home from a long day and see his kids and wife which was his saving grace. Listen closely to this part because this is what made this memory worth keeping for me.
A woman replied to him and said that she had a decent job and a home but she had no idea what she wanted or what exactly she was working towards. Her age? She was 56.
Commenters came pouring in and started talking about how they were all winging it themselves. Ages from 18-60yrs of age and they all had one thing in common; they were all "just winging it" older folk were reassuring younger folk telling them to do what makes them happy and to "never compare yourself to someone else because chances are they're winging it too and are just as afraid as you are" with the whole getting older but still not knowing what to do.
This too made me think its never too late. I have many stories that reassure me of life that i love sharing with anyone but it all comes down to perspective. What makes you happy?
What do you do that after doing gives you a chuckle or a sense of glee in your heart?
No matter how stupid it is i guarantee you can make money off of it so long as you strive to become knowledgeable and/or skilled in it. Live for yourself not for others and remember: live a simple life. If you can afford to buy it twice then ask yourself if its worth getting now. If both answers are yes then by all means enjoy the fruit of your labor but if not, enjoy the fruit of your sanity by knowing you're financially stable. Not many people can say they feel this way and genuinely mean it. Hope you find a reason to smile today.
Nope...it may not to others but check it: did 20 years in the Air Force, went back to school for welding, diesel technology and picked up my CDL using my GI Bill. Currently in North Dakota working 8 months out of 12 making close to 80k a year in the oil fields...with my CDL. I'm 44 years old.
My dad owned his own mobile mechanic business and made $85,000 a year and he only took a few classes at a community college. He never went any higher than that and learned his trade while he was a merchant mariner in the mid-70's. He inspired me to take a trade since doing things with your hands was better than whatever you learned in college.
Of course, I went to college and tried majoring in graphic design, but dropped out twice since 1) I didn't like sitting in a classroom and felt like I had to be spoonfed the material, 2) didn’t like putting myself in debt on courses that were too easy (I was actually more bored there than educated), 3) was disdained with completing 3-4 years of coursework for something that may act as a big “maybe/maybe not” for potential HRs, and 4) I felt like I was just kind of...there.
Having an artistic hobby is nice, but trade jobs definitely are there to give you a sense of security and worth, and the best buck for your bang.
engineering, doctors, lawyers, IT, financial, etc. three car garage house, vacation home, bmw's, etc. come on man. u need to get out more
+Chris Kovach What?
Ur a idiot
+Chris Kovach *an
+Chris Kovach I agree ppl never truly live they just horde expensive items .
What are you referring too?
Thank you I have been recently considering learning a trade. I have finished and will be obtaining my AA degree in Tech studies but I want to learn a trade I feel like it will be more useful and in demand. I like the concept.
How to obtain an apprenticeship tho ??
Google that shit! See you in class😉
I just graduated from a career center and got an apprentice welding job. If you go and take classes to learn a trade. Sometimes the jobs will come find you. My instructor had a huge part in it too. The world is about making good relationships with the people around you. The more people you know and the better you treat them. The easier life will be.
You just need to be confident and sell yourself. And if you have a highschool diploma or GED, you can join the union under an apprenticeship program. Just contact your local Union Hall, they'll pay for college and everything. If not that, just call all the local companies and ask if they'll take apprentices. They probably won't pay for your college, but you'll get experience.
Agreed Mike. I have my trade as a steamfitter and the demand is everywhere in the construction trade. In 5-7 years the choice of jobs will be endless. Once thing that I don't see in the trade arena is teaching trades men/women how to transition their skill into running work, estimating projects and overall management of a project. One thing that will be severely lacking is the skill to run construction projects.
Palango Joseph That's true. There are plenty of skills besides "the trade" you need to learn to be your own boss.
@Jose LaPango | What do you do as a steamfitter exactly?