One point about Nick's Boots sizing: Their shoe width equivalents to a Brannock Device for those with wider feet are roughly F = EEE, FF = EEEE, FFF = EEEEE. (Nick's doesn't use G or H width nomenclature that I know of, and yes, I know the Brannock Device typically only goes to EEE - which it calls 2W.) As sizing is not standardized between manufacturers you should contact their customer service for proper sizing before ordering.
As someone who does odd jobs let me tell you. Yes it will hurt after doing it for a while but the money is awesome. The work is hard but you get paid for what you do. Now here are some realities. Yes the people on the job sites will love working with you and those people you work with are like your brothers because they are doing the same work with you. You get work buddies which are closer to brothers because you guys go out there and you get dirty together. Do not be afraid of getting dirty or getting cut because you will. You will have to scrape dirt and your nose will have dirt go up it. Your lungs will have a healthy coat of dust. It will cause you to have what is called a man handshake which men appreciate and grants you access to Valhalla when you die. The money is great. The cuts and scrapes and bruises you get on the job site builds character and the scabs cause your hands to be like rocks. Hell a few days ago I was hired to help throw cat claw trees to the curb for brush and bulk and today I helped my dad destroy a cast iron bathtub an throw old furniture and a shit ton of old wall tile into a dumpster. I made $60 for the first job which took me about 5 hours but we went to Jack in the box for lunch and today I made $100 for about 4 hours of work. Cat claw is not too bad I have built an immunity to it. Then after a long day of work take a bath and soak. Let the dirt wash away. Its hard work and yes its true you will be lucky have access to a toilet. There have been hundreds of jobs I have not had access to toilets nor port a potties. Sometimes being on the side of a house is what you have access to and what you have to do. Its a rewarding job. Also if something pisses you off and you get a job where you get to use a big hammer it can be rewarding in more ways than 1. The joy of destruction. Its the little things. Hell one job I got to destroy an entire brick wall without having to worry about anything at all and I had fun. It only lasted 20 minutes because I had a lot of fun. That was almost 15 years ago. I had a job where I had to tear out the carpet of a the cities main office building downtown and I ripped out and threw away nearly 5000 square feet of carpet including all the tack strips and threw it all into the dumpster in about 30 minutes. I got paid for the whole day. The faces of horror on all the other people doing other work at the area around where I was working was priceless. They literally didn't see anyone else go in or leave and were like what the frog why is that guy making us look soo bad. I used my tiny hammer, my Ace hard ware pocketknife hammer and a single blade on my utility knife. I filled that dumpster up and then had to wait for my dad for about 2 hours while he was doing other jobs around the city. So I called up some friends to chat while board out of my mind waiting to be picked up and paid. The job was suppose to take 5 hours but I did it in half an hour. Messed up fact is I did the job so fast that it distorted other people's jobs and allowed other people to get to their jobs sooner which they liked but were a little weirded out. If you get good at jobs you can seriously mess with people. I recommend the trades but if you are afraid of getting dirty or don't like your body screaming at you then chose hair cutting because in the nest 10 years the only jobs left will be hair cutters, a few employees in grocery stores and hardware stores and well the rest will be in the trades. Hell AI is already doing far better at making music and movies and even video games than humans to the point some human made video games are good but not very many but hell nearly 100% of all updates to coding are now done 100% by AI and hell AI is even being used for surgeries and turns out AI is better than the best surgeons to such a level that many hospitals are actually requiring humans take steps away from patients more and more. Working in the trades will be the only jobs left for humans for a while. So do I recommend the trades well seeing as they are basically going to be the only jobs left you kind of have no choice. Hell many McDonalds are not hiring humans anymore because AI machines actually do all the jobs at once faster and more efficient with better service than humans. AI is already mastering cooking. I predict in 20 years AI and robots will be so good in quality that every human will get their own personal care taker robot from birth and most jobs will go extinct which will cause the entire people alive to blatantly have a set credit system and you can get extra credits if you do certain jobs but you won't really need to. Stuff you have will be able to be build and repaired by your personal AI robot which will be provided by the single government system controlled by AI. AI is taken over that can not be stopped. So yea go into the trades because soon there won't be any other type of carriers.
Very true. I was an engineer for 7 years. Now I'm an electrician and I don't feel like dying every day. My health is way better. My blood pressure is WAY lower even though my weight is the same (sitting in a chair is so fucking bad for your health).
@@jonm57 get a load of this dweeb. “Um AKSHUALLY, my pencil pushing job is VERY physically demanding and has developed my character betterer than manual labor” 🤣
The one thing that we as tradesmen don't hardly talk about is how much of your body you have to give. Nobody is superman, nobody can "beat the curve". I've been in the aircraft industry as a mechanic for 15 years now. Last week, I got to listen to my doctor tell me that my shoulders and knees are destroyed. I've never had any serious accidents or anything. They've just started aching recently. I'm 35 years old. I'm typically involved in lots of overhead work for long periods of time, as well as kneeling down on rough surfaces like grating or diamond plate, fitting into super tight, awkward confined spaces for long, long periods. Just over time, the work has taken its toll on my body. I just never thought it'd ever happen to me because I'm a young, healthy person. I'm not saying to stay away from the trades. I don't regret my decisions as I absolutely love my job. However, I feel it's important to understand that you hypothetically sell/age your body while you're young, and only start to pay for it later in life.
If you're body can't take daily exercise them you just not eating properly. I've done ground works , dry wall and carpentry for 25 years now. No aches pains nothing. Still sit in a primal squat for hrs nailing skirting bourd. Can still swing a pick all day . Can still put oxy bottle on my sholder and walk op a ladder. Even had my hand crushed between a digger bucket and a whacker plate . Healed in 6 months back to complete original strength. Get rid of all sugar and cards up the protein and watch all your inflammation disappear.
@@doctorwhodjdon't kneel mste squat like slav . I watch people crawling around on there knees like wtf is wrong with you squat than stand up again. Never had knee pads ever.
@@Sulfuron41 can you still work in the industry? Destroy it sounds a little bit like it's been overstated like if they were destroy you wouldn't be able to do anything
Been an electrician for 16 years here in Texas. Everything you're saying is spot on. This trade has taught me more than I could have expected. The most important thing I've learned is NEVER think you're too old or be ashamed to learn a different part of the trade.
I’m 23 doing HVAC I wanted to give myself 6 or 7 years to see if I’m happy in this career sometime I think about doing trucking as my career when I’m 30. Honestly the work load isn’t bad but dealing with you boss yelling is tough. Physical work I don’t care about that
I’m a trucker here. Not a terrible trade - you can live out of it and save money, especially retirement accounts. Might be a good thing to start younger.
Began being an Residential. Electrician this August. Good work. Just have to mind the heat and make sure everything is done right in the Rough in and Trim Out. Always be willing to ask for help is what I learned.
If youre a tradesman you need to lift weights and stretch. Too many guys get to their 40s and are just wrecked. You need to keep your body strong so it can withstand the abuse and so you can actually enjoy your retirement.
@burtbiggum499 that's so hard to do in your late 40s though. For me the trick is job progression. Set yourself up to where in your late 40s.You don't have to do all the heavy physical stuff late in your career. So, manager, teamleader, trade school instructor.
The entire porta-potty segment was hilarious! I’m a forester, the first few years I was a field forester. I lived out of my truck, visiting logging sites every day for inspections, inventorying timber, marking boundary lines, etc. I learned a few tricks: The residual engine heat from an F150 was enough to heat up any canned meat/soup if you put it under the hood and left it for an hour or two (just don’t forget it was there). In the summer in Louisiana, on the dashboard it was hot enough to cook a pizza. Bathroom use in the woods is a bit of a balancing act, but much nicer than a porta-potty. Just squat and don’t fall backwards! Make sure to spray down with insect repellent, if you’re in the south you’ll know what red bugs are, very itchy, and they can and do get EVERYWHERE. Don’t eat at small town grease racks, you’ll wish you starved to death about 2 hours later. There are some exceptions, but you need to fully vet them because truck drivers have iron stomachs. Modern “work” jeans, especially ones with any stretchy stuff in them are useless in a briar patch, they will pull, and your legs will be all cut up like you were wearing shorts, just get the cotton duck double fronted pants and save yourself some blood. Everyone pays their dues, I have a masters degree and I worked field work and on a plywood plant mill yard starting out alongside folks without degrees and union guys who made more than I did with less experience. I learned more from them than I did in a college classroom! I still try to get out to the woods and work in our mills weekly. It’s hot in the summer, wet in the winter and can be frustrating in a briar patch. But, when you sit on your tailgate and eat lunch you hear nature nothing else. Look around and you’re the only one for miles, that’s what I call living.
@@thunderusnight I went to The University of Arkansas - Monticello. That was where their forestry school is/was. A bunch of colleges have dropped the “forestry” degree in favor of a Natural Resources or Forest Resources degree. True 4-year Forestry programs (especially industrial forestry) are getting harder to find. No matter what I’ll offer some free internet advise: Make sure they are accredited by the Society of American Foresters. This is the standard accreditation for any forestry program in the US, programs are out there that are not accredited, but they are not generally forestry centered. Most programs from major universities offer concentrations in forestry or wildlife, you’ll most likely have to pick a track. If you can keep a 3.0 and have a decent SAT/ACT score you’ll qualify for scholarships in most programs. Schools vary by the packages offered, but I went on a full academic scholarship and graduate assistantship(this was 20 years ago so keep that in mind). I paid very little for college and my part time job and summer jobs more than paid for the books and campus living expenses. I walked out of college with no debt, three degrees and money in my pocket. Go to a college in the area where you intend to work. An example: in the South we use feller-butchers and skidders, the Pacific Northwest uses high lead logging and saw-hands. The north has processors and forwarders. Each area has different species and manufacturers/mills that require different sized trees. Going from one area to another can be a challenge. There is nothing wrong with getting an associate degree or certificate first, I did and it allowed me to get higher paying jobs in the summer and during the school year. The old technicians are a wealth of knowledge, listen and learn they may not have a degree, but they know more than anyone.
I’ve been doing this for 50 years. I have my share of physical problems, but staying active is the secret. don’t ever sit down (retire) because you probably won’t get back up again. Great video, Carl!
I worked trades for 15 years and then went back to school after the body started hurting to get a mechanical engineering degree. Best thing I ever did. Now work as a test engineer, still get to do fab, wiring of test fixtures, occasional machining, and get paid to break stuff. Spend about 20% of the day at a desk and the rest working with my hands. There's no overtime, but I make real close to six figures and don't work 5 minutes over 40 hours a week. Trades are a great stepping stone to learning solid problem solving skills, but they will take their toll on your body.
How'd you find the motivation to study after a long career in the trades? I studied mechanical engineering after high school and found it so boring that I eventually dropped out, I wanted to do some real work and when I started making money I kinda lost interest in finishing my degree. All my life I wanted to be an engineer but the thought of going back to reading all that boring material is off putting.
@@giovannifoulmouth7205if becoming that engineer is a big goal in your life, you’ll have to endure the boredom of studying in order to achieve that goal. I wish you a lot of good luck in whatever avenues you take going forward.
Considering making the jump myself, just got accepted into a pretty prestigious engineering program in my company. Weighing up my options and the wage gap as it will cost me about 450k+ in lost wages plus the fees.
@giovannifoulmouth7205 it was boring when I was young, and the maths were intimidating. I guess as I got older, I wanted to learn more, learn a new skill set, and keep pushing the boundaries of what I'm capable of. I won't lie, I wanted to give up a hundred times, but when I finally grasped a concept, I knew I was kicking butt. Going back like I did at 35 wasn't easy, but at 35, you've gotten your ass kicked enough, dusted yourself off, and have the discipline to get at it again. At 35, you have humility; you know what you don't know, but you are able to find the folks that can help you learn it. If you're serious about going back, have a study group, and I can't emphasize this enough. Yeah, you might be with a bunch of "kids," but some of those folks will teach you things, and you will teach them things. And at the end of the day, you know you'll get out of school and have an immediate promotion with that first job. After that first job, your GPA means nothing. And because you already have skills, you don't need to do internships, co-ops, etc.
@Kiss-my-patu I guess you'll have to weigh those disadvantages/advantages. If your debt is settled and you can afford to be a student of engineering, I'd say go for it. It'll never hinder your career.
4 years ago I was broke and unemployed backpacking around Appalachia rethinking life. Decided I wanted to learn hvac, but didn’t want to go to trade school. That fall I landed a job as an apartment maintenance technician. They set me up with my epa license and I spent two years absorbing as much hvac literature and RUclips videos while working on the properties heat pump systems. After two years I landed my first dedicated hvac “lead service tech role” today I am a hybrid service tech/comfort advisor (new system seller/designer) and on track to make about 115k this year. We’re planning to buy a house on 5-10 acres in the next couple years and start building a mini farm. Life’s good.
@@millenialmemoirs Amazing, hope it all pans out well for you 👍. Also unemployed at the moment- so my question is, what exactly lead you to obtaining the job in maintenance with apartments and then the next? (just a bit more depth). I’m also curious how you managed to become a seller/designer that seems like it takes some smarts to do. Regardless- nice work!
I used to be a raltor back in 2008 i lost everything houses cars wife the whole package in desperation i went into a friends construction company sweeping and cleaning basically i was useless at $9 hr yah... After making 10k a month what an ego smacker But i kept watching them all soon after I started helping the plumber the electrician painters tile guys etc about a year after i knew a little of each trade opened my own handyman business then after giving most trades a try i stuck with painting after the real estate market sort of came back i got my realtor license back but i realized i was making more money painting houses than selling houses and even as a looking nice realtor i was having more fun painting so i let the whole realtor thing go and kept painting Today im doing roof coatings for a company why ? Ha! A saw one roof coating estimate and i was amazed by the pricing so yup quit painting houses for now but im learning another thing that if i can do on my own i will be well off with one job a month btw im in phoenix 7 month of over 100 straight we start at 3 am i dont come home until 2
32 Year IBEW Electrician here. I taught 20 Years in our apprenticeship program. It's free for the students... You hit the nail on the head; The trades aren't for everyone!
I don't think many jobs are for everyone. But all these online people tend to put in many hours for their jobs but it tends to not always be physically demanding work which I think makes a huge difference.
@@anissaferringer4965 these unions are bullshi**ing with the hiring , the gotta get the last of the nepo babies in the door first then open the doors up. Crazy that they all cry nobody wants to work but now mostly all of the trades are ghost hiring
Great video!!! I lived that life for 15 years before changing careers to get out of working in the field when I could feel my body breaking down. I have massive respect for anyone who makes field construction a career, especially in the cold Chicago winters. Stay warm my friends.
I worked a few years in a labor union and Carl some of these ultra masculine guys were the biggest drama queens you’ve ever encountered. Can be a real paradox.
I come from a family of tradesmen in Italy but was not brought up doing manual jobs because you don't earn that well in Italy with the trades and my dad wanted something better for me. Gotta say that now that I'm in my 30s I do regret not learning a proper trade, especially after I moved to Scotland
Why does everyone say trades pay well? I was a factory mechanic and it took 2 years of school and 2 years of work to make it to 20 an hour and by then I stopped giving a shit USA edition
I’m a nurse and I see construction workers on my long walk in to work daily. They make us park far away too. And I don’t see you as dirty or rotten. I see you as equals and I appreciate the work you all do to give us the infrastructure we all enjoy and often take for granted in this country.
@drachenmarke most of the people I know who have college degrees are unemployed or working in entry level food & retail jobs, and are broke ass. Shitty apartment/shotgun house in the poor side of town, shitty looking old car that keeps breaking down.... All the guys I know who own their homes, have a few acres of land, maybe an RV or boat, a nice fairly new pickup truck etc....they're pretty much all carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc....
I'm a 6'4", 250+lb electrician. I'm 50 years old now. I killed my body overdoing the big, strong part of the job. I should have listened to the older guys telling me that I would pay for it later in life. Bad knees and ankles, arthritis requiring surgery and a general negative attitude is all that I have to show for it today. Thanks for the video. Most don't talk about the other construction trash.
On the subject of your body breaking down: I went with a couple of other brothers to a training where we were a few of the only building trades people and what struck me was how much we focus on retirement compared to people in other fields. We recognize that we HAVE to prepare for retirement, we feel it every day, it's always somewhere in the back of our mind. Nobody wants to be that 70 year old in the field that is broken down but still has to work, limping around and having to go backwards down stairs. Luckily, in most local unions we make sure that we can retire comfortably as long as we don't get a bunch of DUIs and multiple divorces.
@seandasilva2125 can't speak for anything but my own experience in my own IBEW Local, but that's not what I've seen. For one, anybody over 40 is considered a protected person by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), so any age based discrimination would be illegal and the local would go after the contractor. Second, in my local and many others, there is a provision which states that on all jobs requiring 5 or more journeyman, at least every 5th journeyman, if available, shall be 50 or older. Third, in my local we look after the old guys. We recognize the wisdom they provide and we know we gotta teach that value if we want the same when we get older. The B in IBEW is for BROTHERHOOD (and sisters and siblings too!)
My son will be graduating this year and is considering trade school. The timing and value of this video is beyond what I can convey. Thank you for this, Carl.
I got out of construction and went to trucking. My main problem with working in the trades was honestly the other people who worked in the trades. There’s a lot of drug and alcohol issues in the trades. Cause a lot of these dudes are old school and don’t talk about their problems. Cause in the trades depression and mental illness runs rampant. Long hours occasionally working weekends barely seeing your family because of these hours. Then depending on what trade you’re in but all of them eventually give you joint/back pain. Which can lead to an addiction with pain killers if you’re not careful. I had a lot of fun I worked with some good dudes I definitely miss them.
I was a book smart but suicidal and troubled kid in highchool. By senior year decided the trades weren't for me. Egged into doing it by promise of good pay, upperclassmen I knew doing it, and the councilor thinking that I was bored in classes from lack of activity. In reality I was Isolated before covid even hit and stayed quiet so none of the other kids would bully me with most of my teachers genuinely not caring beyond a paycheck. I was learning welding in one of the best states to learn trades NY but, I'm not really the mocho type and it's just not my vibe. Every day I was learning the trade it was draining so I never talked to anyone but instructors and just kept my head down to keep me from being screwed. (extensive history) I graduated and going to community college was the best choice I ever made because bullying is non existent and I could be the person I wanted. I'm now gearing up to go back and obtain a bachelors from another state school. I found I enjoy algebra, studying, and networking with 100's of peers. It was the first time I felt like I fit in. neither college nor trades are meant for everyone and it is up to each person to know the difference and what atmosphere fits them best.
@@nicksoehren4812 i have a former tradesman in my air conditioned office and hes just a mean guy. hes also a big drama queen and always has a person to tlak shit about behind their back. made me happy i stayed in IT instead of being an electrician(especially bc im a woman)
This is one of the reason why I quit engineering as well. I like solving problems and fixing things but I couldn't stand being stuck between tradesman who have the experience but no analytical capability, and office nerds who could can whip up a spreadsheet to support whatever hair-brained idea they just came up with but can't understand why it never goes according to their plan in Real Life. I was able to see the strengths in weaknesses in each but I wasn't able to get them to see it in themselves or to meet the other side halfway. There is a really great meme that shows what an airplane would look like if each design group never had to compromise with the others and it is pretty hilarious. Life is complicated and no one has all the answers
When you talked about eating at your vehicle, I wanted to share what has been a game changer for me. It is called the hot logic mini. You plug it into your car and it warms up your food. They are awesome.
I’m a welder by trade & I’ve been doing it “professionally” for 10 years now (I’m 28). There was a quote going around since the start that went “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” & after ten years in this, I see how true it is. That’s probably the only thing I never hear anyone online mention. You can go far alone but you can get there faster & go further if you network & are a solid individual.
I've been in a trade for 12 years and I also weld. It's definitely true that you move up in the trades by being friends with the right people and kissing a--... Almost every Formen on these jobs is a person that sucked up to the general Forman or superintendent. People get called out on jobs for being buddies with the right people and the stewards are usually people that suck up to people at the union hall. Hard work a lone doesn't get you very far when it comes to getting higher up jobs. I refuse to be fake and pretend like I'm friends with people that I don't like which is why I never advance past a regular journeyman. I have too much self respect to hangout with selfish ignorant people or to pretend like I enjoy their company.
@@Shenmue06 this is the same everywhere , no matter what job you do. took me long time to realize it though. (btw, i feel you, as a foreman, i hate some of my coworkers, and I know there is way too many people in company only because they know right people, but they are not skilled enough ... )
Man, you hit the nail right on the head with this video. I've been in the trades for 25 years now and it has beat the 5h!t out of my body. I still keep working but it's mostly supervisor roles now. I will still get out there and work side by side with everyone, but I have to step back from time to time to let my body heal. 4 serious back surgeries later and I can still out perform most anyone that gets into the trades. All I can say is stay head strong. A strong and determined mind is stronger than the strongest body out there.
I thought this was a very well articulated and nuanced list of considerations before entering the trades. Thank you for sharing your expertise and experience! The trades can definitely be a great option/career but I have also noticed lots of folks without actual experience in the trades advocating them and not acknowledging the drawbacks. The freedom of certain white collar jobs can be a HUGE fringe benefit especially if you work from home. It is not lost on me that I can go run a 20 minute errand basically whenever I want as long as it doesn’t conflict with a meeting and I get my work done especially living in a small city now where lots of places close at 5.
Appreciate it Carl. You and your work was a big reason I left a corporate career to go back into the trades this last year and I’m so glad that I did it! Punching in all that OT to get my residential journey electrician license as fast as I can. The advice has been awesome and all your gear reviews have helped make my apprenticeship all that much better knowing I’ve got the right boots and clothing.
Ive been in the building trades for over 25yrs. And you nailed it on alot of stuff. As far as substance abuse. I know plenty of nurses, lawyers, and teachers that have drug problems that make trade guys look like pre school. Every profession has there issues. Theres plenty of office people that have body issues at 30-40 yrs old because they dont do anything physically active all day.
I'm a lifelong IT professional and this was a great video to gain some inside perspective Particularly found this interesting because the IT field is currently getting completely saturated at the entry-level, so I see a lot of folks recommending the trades as a financially viable alternative when folks can't make the cut into IT Now I have something to point them to before they take the plunge into a trade
Brilliant and enlightening. I'm one of those who sadly talked the trades advantages up without ever working in one. Thanks for talking about this in the nuanced way it deserves.
I am an accountant by trade and have been for about 8 years now. But after I graduated college and was having a hard time finding work and I contemplated being a locksmith or an electrician. I even started the sign up process to get an apprenticship at the local eletrical union. But I got my first job in payroll and the rest is history. I come from a long line of farmers, tradesmen, and career military and I was heavily encouraged to go white collar. But I still respect blue collar work and the people that help build our society.
As a red seal carpenter, I’ve gotten to the point where I’m building my own house and garage pretty much on my own. The trades aren’t just a job, they have a value that can carry you through your life. The value goes far beyond a paycheque from a boss. Having trade knowledge can lower many home ownership costs by doing things most people pay for. I’ve found a lot of resolve and clarity in my life through the process of persevering and completing large tasks. I’ve always felt that I’ve been paid to learn. It’s hard, it’s challenging, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My dad is a carpenter. He was a marvel at building things. Even stuff unrelated because it crosses over. I ended up being a janitor. It's humbling work but leaves much to be desired
Be proud of your work, whatever it may be. All jobs are important. Take pride in your work and don’t let anyone look down on you. Those who do are not worth a second thought.
I cleaned project hallways , drug addicts piss & sh*t and all of the unimaginable in nyc. Made some good money since it was a city job i was 19 goin on 20 no kids easy work once you learned the system and did sidework. Moved up to maintenance learned the handy man game became skillful and listened to the OG’s that knew what they were doing and talking anout about and got into plumbing after.
During my time working in the trades, I frequently worked extensive overtime, often enduring extreme temperatures ranging from -40F to 104F here in Canada. After three years of this demanding schedule, I had to move to a more sustainable routine, working 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., five days a week. One key lesson I quickly learned was the relentless nature of the work, we were always behind schedule and constantly pushing ourselves to meet demanding deadlines. However, over time, I made a conscious decision to prioritize my well-being. By stepping away from that grueling pace, I found a balance that allows me to live life more fully and take pride in what I do. I've now been with the same company for approximately 13 years. I have a good working relationship with my boss, who has also grown over the years. He has learned to set realistic timelines when quoting jobs and isn’t afraid to push back against general contractors when necessary. This mutual growth has greatly improved our workflow and work environment.
I agree man! The good and bad of the trades. The advice of “if they’re messing with you that means they like you, it’s when they’re quiet when you gotta worry”. The goofing around and just having fun while working is really what it’s all about. Sucks when companies are too pc and overly sensitive. Great info thanks for the video!
I started in HVAC service work with a great company. 6 years into it I had the opportunity to be a project manager/install salesman. I now have an office, company truck, company phone, great benefits, commission, and at 30 my body isn’t destroyed. I attribute my success (if it can be called that) to finding an amazing family owned company that values me. And yes, they paid me to learn OTJ.
@@braindamage7128 btw company provided phone too. And computer. PTO. Retirement. Commission. Stuff you can get when you are loyal to a GOOD family company. I earned every bit of it too.
This topic is something that I was thinking about recently. I graduated from college 6 months ago and couldn't find a job the entire time. I was thinking about what would happen if I went to trade school instead but then I was thinking about all the people I've met in the trades. Every time I've talked to a mechanic, plumber, or someone working on electric lines, they tell me the same things: "stay in school and don't end up like me". Even people in the trades dissuaded me from initially going into the trades. Hell, there was even a classmate from high school who became a welder a year after he graduated and told me not to do it.
They’ll tell you that, My dad ALWAYS told me that, But when it came time to find a job my father immediately brought me in as his apprentice to be a sign installer The isn’t bad, dealing with the outside elements on the other hand is tough Texas weather can either make your day easy or hell but it really isn’t as tough as you may think (I went from a highschooler who laid in bed ALL day on my phone averaging 13 hours a day phone time for years to jumping into 50-60 hour work weeks being outside constantly and really it ain’t so bad
So true. I’ve been doing hvac sheet metal 33 years and the body breaking down is so true. lol I’m glad you told it like it is because like you said it’s not for everybody. Cheers!!!!
I started off as a building maintenance moved on from working a high rise to working for the govenor of Texas. I now am a energy management specialist for a large school district. I work building controls and supervise around 30 guys that take care of all the hvac equipment. I am now learning programming and its a bit difficult but i hope ti someday understand it better.
Great video. "Just get into the trades" is no better advice than "just go to college". Either way, you should know what you're getting into, see if it's right for you and make a plan. Some things hit harder when you're older, not just heavy lifting, but shift work and long hours, so take that into account too.
After getting my 2 year degree I had no direction so I joined the oilfield. I worked there for 6 years. I made near 6 figures and learned so much. Once I wanted to settle down with my girlfriend and get married and have kids I realized that I needed a lifestyle change. I was working only 40hrs some weeks and other weeks 80+ hours. I could not dependably say when I would be home and we couldn't make plans ever. When COVID hit and oil was trading at a negative value there was a lot of layoffs. I went back to school and it was the best thing I could have ever done. I make the same amount but can actually have a life outside of work. I think that for young men who don't know what they want, the trades can be a great thing. But if you have a plan for school and are dedicated it will more than likely be the best thing for you. There are no across the board answers because everyone lives a different life. I appreciate this video because if after watching, blue collar still sounds good to you, then you can now make an educated decision. People are being fed this fairy tail by people who have never done it, it's exactly the same thing we did with college in the 90s.
@theoneandonlytony1827 I'm a pipeline engineer for an engineering firm. We do a lot of work with some of the bigger oil companies. When I graduated there was a lot of opportunities due to me having actual field experience and that's a rare thing for engineers.
I work in the food industry and we deliver food to construction sites and workers there. Been doing it for 5 years now on the same site. Those guys are amazing! Some of the nicest people. Just dont piss them off!
Man getting into the IBEW is dang near impossible here in NJ. I’ve passed the test and everything. For a guy like me 28 with a wife and 3 kids union is the only way. I’m getting $20 and hour 3 years in doing commercial/industrial when IBEW guys are making 28 second year in lol. With better education which is very important in electric.
I got into HVAC after the Navy, I do supermarket refrigeration. Quality of life is great, but overtime is something I'm happy to occasionally oblige to. After doing 120+ hour weeks in the Navy, you can't pay me enough for my free time.
@@CaseyGumball It's been great so far. Started in apartment maintenance, went to school to get my associates, worked at a residential company while in school and during the pandemic, then decided to take a leap and do supermarket refrigeration.
@@Keandrew I used my Post 9/11 GI Bill, so yes. It wasn't the most optimal way to go about it but I really wanted to focus on school to begin with. I was very lucky to have a professor in my second year that needed an apprentice in his residential business. Learn from him in the morning, run calls with him in the afternoon.
Thanks, 20 + years in the overhead door business, service, sales installation of commercial and residential. Doors openers docks and dock devices. I mostly worked in residential. Thanks for the insight for those that don't know. Not much money in doors but good work.
Retired union HVAC service fitter here, with 33 years in the field. I did a lot of service work but also spent plenty of time on construction jobs. Thank you for articulating perfectly daily life in the construction world. All true, so true. The part about the porta-johns was hilarious. Ah, memories.
I was a mechanic on a submarine in the USN for 10 years and gained a great deal of technical knowledge on how to work on anything. I went to trade school for electrical and graduated with a 4.0 GPA, perfect attendance and at the top of my class in 2019. It seemed easy to me and my teachers were happy and said that I’d go far in the field. I applied to 20 electrical jobs and all of the offers were between $11-$15 in the Pittsburgh, PA area. I settled on an office job as an analyst that pays a modest income, but has nothing to do with the trades. I don’t understand how companies can say they are hurting to find quality workers when anyone worth their weight couldn’t entertain such low offers.
I did well working as a welder for years,. in that time I came a long ways in my life. If someone is tech savvy there's a huge demand for them in tech trades. Factory/production places, warehouses etc etc are full of of electronics that need to serviced. Internet, fiber optics , phone infrastructure, stuff is endless, just everywhere and only increasing. Good video. Footnote: When you're working six tens or seven twelves, you're not thinking of the money you're making...just other places that you'd rather be.
the biggest problem with the trades, is hardly no one will hire an apprentice, and if they do they expect you to work for $8 an hour. No one can live on that not even still living with their parents. The other option is union if you can get lucky enough and the starting pay is still crap! Here in Dallas In n Out burger starts at $20 an hour to flip burgers but the trades want you to take $12-14 an hour and do a backbreaking job. Tell me I'm wrong! If these companies are raking in the cash, and bitching that they can't find people they need to step it up or stop complaining they can't find any help.
@@bgordo73 This is why i haven’t made the switch from white collar yet. I have an office job that pays me literally just enough to keep my head above water, but because of that I have no recourse for taking a paycut to apprentice for a few years. I genuinely don’t understand how people can afford to change careers after 25. I figure they must have enough savings or a partner to help with bills, but I’ve not got either right now.
@@bgordo73 true. I don’t mind busting my a** but if a company thinks I’m gonna bust my a** for low pay and take time away from my family they got another thing coming.
You are spot on with the wage gap or lack there of. But as a manager and trained 10 different apprentices, I can tell you out of the 10 only two succeeded. The rest of them spent more time on their phones and standing around waiting for free money or not trying to learn anything and that’s the biggest issue there is a lack of journeyman that are willing to train because the apprentices suck and they’ve sucked for the last 10 years if not more It’s a lack of drive a lack of desire to actually be something and yes in an out Burger may pay $20 an hour, but do you want to be flipping burgers at age 50 that’s the difference you can have your own business you’re not gonna have your own franchise In-N-Out Burger if all you’re doing is flipping burgers maybe a few yes but generally not so much. I would say go small company first try to find some non-union shops that will be willing to work with you get started just get your foot in the door and keep on pushing it’s your drive. That’s gonna get you where you end up so be positive. Be strong be confident and learn
Love this. As a union painter/finisher for 10 years, I thought your analyses ranged from mostly true to dead-on. Doesn’t describe my workplaces at all times, but you gave an excellent overview of the careers in construction trades in general. Reluctantly, I think videos like this should be showed in trade schools such as FTI. I don’t wish to deter anyone from the trades, frankly, because we need just about anyone we can get. Rather, I think each sector should be more transparent about the honest pros and cons of seeking their careers.
I think one thing that isn't really mentioned by those recommending the trades. Is the fact that it can be very dangerous. Yes you can occasionally be paid well for certain jobs but working at a desk your biggest danger is most likely being sedentary. As an apprentice I've had to work in rooms full of asbestos (having it floating around in the air getting on your clothes is kinda nerve wracking) and around other dangerous gases and chemicals. The expectation is to get the job done and if you don't work for a company that follows rules like they should or provides the appropriate PPE. It can get pretty rough as health and safety can be non existent. Young guys should really think about these things.
@@lbg2160 I’m thankful for my asbestos training and masks I now own. I think it’s good to at least take and be aware. Even if you don’t stick to it. Because at least then you are protected and you can help to further educate. I normally work demo though. But I’m brand new.
Ive seen way too many people outright lying about how much you make in trades. Bragging about making 200-300k when they're realistically making half or less of that. You're 100% right about the more relaxed atmosphere. When i used to work residentoal construction that was the way it was. We see it in mechanical engineering too though. Smaller engineering firms have a really "bro" atmosphere, just a bunch of dudes designing cool machines. But large firms have really oppressive HR policies that have you afraid to even invite your co-workers for a beer.
I am an Aussie , was a roof tiler for 30 yrs , when I was young , I loved it , tanned up , ripped and as fit as possible, very hard work .Got you the girls and the comments. 52 skin cancers removed later , stuffed wrists and fingers not worth the body abuse subjected and certainly didn’t purchase any islands
@@stevepetty3458 I'm 64 live in the southern USA where it's hotter than he'll and humid. I am a carpenter and welder. Mostly built houses and remodeling. Surgery on both shoulders knee surgery, 2 back surgery one was a fusion. I need knee replacement s now. My thumbs are wore out arthritis is all over my body. I did build my own house and garage and repair most anything that tears up. So no cost there. If I had it to do over I would have joined the Air Force right out of high school . Come out at 38 years old after 20 years. No wars when I would have been in 78- 98.
I’m a water and wastewater operator. The absolute worst part is the on call. We lose people all the time because they can’t handle it. Planning vacations is impossible because you don’t know when someone will drop and ruin the rotation schedule you’re planning around. Being called at 2 in the morning and getting out of bed to start the day. Not knowing if you’ll be coming home on time or at midnight. It’s extremely stressful.
Solid and truthful perspective, the old man was a journeyman carpenter, the last time we spoke after graduating high school (25+ years ago), he advised me to go into the trades. My path was different, I didn't hone a single trade but tried to learn a variety and maintenance work is the best and worse of the trades, with plenty of employment opportunities with every new building constructed, so thanks for the abundance! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and perspective! Have a wonderful weekend!
Hey Carl. I started as an electrician in 93 journeyman in 00, and master on 05. Now I do plant maintenance to get away from all the 4” rigid and 500s. You right I’ve worked on all these jobs you described, even a substation install in a mine 800 feet below ground to a government building with a cafeteria that compares to any decent restaurants.
I worked as a building engineer in Boston and the busting chops was a thing. Gets old real quick and you just want to be left alone to do your work. I am lucky to have entered maintenance work so it is the happy medium. Get the best of both worlds, work at the same spot everyday but still hands on. I think that is how most guys do it, enter into a trades and learn for a few years then once they are ready for a slower day they go into maintenance.
The way office jobs work is that you get a certain amount of time for lunch, usually 30 minutes to an hour and you don't get paid for that time. You can take lunch whenever you feel like as long as you don't have any meetings and it's not too close to the start or the end of the workday. Some companies have specific times when you can take a lunch break, say noon-2pm or 11:30am-2pm. You can leave whenever you want during those times, but you can't take more than those 30 minutes or the unpaid hour that you get for lunch. Some places are more flexible on that.
where I work they let you take unlimited paid lunch, you can take a 4-hour lunch as long as you have your phone on you and it's like half an hour after start or half an hour before close. if you finish your tasks it's all gravy. that said if someone comes running in to ask you an important question and you're not there you're in deep shit, so it's not like you can just disappear for even 10 minutes.
The other benefit is you know other trades people so if you need help on a home project like you need some electrical work done you have a buddy to either help you with it
I tried out an Electrician apprenticeship several years ago, when I was younger and less resilient, and only made it about 3 months in before an a-hole CW drove me completely away. I'm nearly 28 now and thinking maybe going back, but also considering getting into welding, carpentry or maybe plumbing, but for those I would be starting completely from scratch. I'd love to hear from anyone here about their experiences in these areas and whether you think a relatively unskilled 28yo man can be successful in them. Thanks Carl for the video, very insightful and interesting!
When I was 19 I got into commercial window glazing. Looking back I wish I would have kept doing it because I could’ve started my own company, and that was ultimately my main goal. I couldn’t handle the weather. I was always sick in the winter time; and it sucks working in the cold weather while being sick. But, I wish I would’ve had the money, or extra money, to buy good cloths. I feel like the clothes these days especially are way better. Instead of wearing sweat pans with jeans over them, crappy shoes and coats; I’d buy nice work boots, pants, and a jacket. The time it takes just to hang up your clothes every night to let them dry out, is time that’s never accounted for. You bring up a good point about the coffee and lunch thing; another topic would be cell phones. Trades aren’t the type of work where you can play on your phone all day; most of the younger generation couldn’t handle that. Anyway, thank for the video.
Amazing video, totally reflects my personal experience. Best years of my life were blue, job satisfaction was amazing, you built or created something and it was a testament to your effort. Learned how to work with people, oh yeah. We could hate each other but we worked it out and got the job done, no HR out there. Done other things since then but all that experience, confidence and belief in myself has helped me succeed in my other careers. Now in health care, patients are my success. It is easy to not see the results of your hard work but my blue days taught me, have a standard, keep it up and you can always be proud. So much pressure on the new generation, feeling like they are constantly being judged, not just by family and peers but now by social media. Blue gave me the confidence that I AM ON THE A TEAM, I might make mistakes but I deliver 110% and am proud of it.
Worked in the field for almost 20 years, about half as a superintendent. Started an office job as a construction manager at an AE firm 2 years ago. Completely different world. I can relate to the camaraderie points you mentioned. My advice is to work in the field in your 20s and then move to the office in your 30s onward. Take care of your body so you appear presentable. Big part of it.
As a woman working in the trades in shipbuilding, the most interesting thing I learned was that guys are just as gossipy, rumor mill turning, and backstabbing as women. They just get a free pass because of stereotypes. The political moving around and squabbling exists in the trades too. It was the biggest disappointment in my life to realize my work life wasn't going to be drama free 😂
I have heard people saying that boys don't gossip, talk behind people's back or insult others like the girls do. Heck, just yesterday, I watched a TikTok video repeating the same cliche, of boys bullying being purely physical and girls bullying being verbal. And when girls bully, they are more vicious than guys. Its obviously all bullshit. There's a common stereotype about how guys don't talk about personal stuff with their male friends. Of course we don't talk about those things! The expectation is that, if we talk about our insecurities or embarrassing situations, or anything of that sort. That anything we say, *will* be weaponized against us. I think the fact that, women frequently talk about their feelings and personal stuff with their girl friends. Just shows that women are *less* likely to attack you for what you tell them... But it also means that, when/if they get nasty, they have lots of ammunition to hurt you. I think that's where the myth of women being back stabby and more likely to verbally attack comes from. ...but that's just my theory 🤔
They the sassiest, back biting, sisters girls you’ll ever meet, the politics & good ol boy gangs, kiss butt cheeks, then the layoffs for the strong workers & keep the sister girls on while you collect unemployment
What most people fail to realise is that trades can be a starting point. For example, tradespersons can become estimators, supervisors, QA Inspectors etc, with some training they can become project managers. I recommend that the moment you start your apprenticeship, start planning to get off the tools. You accumulate too many injuries over the years, especially those trades which involve a lot of manual handling. The next point about trades it depends on what trade, what skill and certificates you have and where you work. An electrician wiring houses is low pay, an electrician who does HV jointing in a city will get a reasonable pay, but an electrician doing installation work on a remote mine site gets 6 figures. An electrician with hazardous area certification working on a FIFO basis in a remote gas field or offshore get even bigger 6 figures.
I've worked all kinds of construction in my life, but now I'm a maintenance carpenter in my local school district, and it's great. I have to mind my Ps and Qs a bit more in terms of my language, but I get a lot of genuine appreciation from students and teachers when I come in and fix their shit. It's really gratifying.
The disadvantages are the reason I went the white collar trade route with drafting. Yes, the pay isn't the highest, but it is great for my area and I get to work in the A/C. Office ergonomics are also awesome nowadays, so desk based work risk is easier to mitigate than ever.
@ruthlessmofo imo carpel tunnel should not be a deciding factor. Plenty of people get carpel tunnel in the trades as well. Repetitive tasks with yourbhands is a big thing in the trades not just in office work.
I’m not a blue collar worker, but many of my family members worked in factories. Currently, I am getting ready to start a job in admissions at a truck driver school. I love how nuanced your approach to this topic is. The approach of my family was that there’s dignity in all work. Blue collar isn’t better than white collar and vice versa. I could never handle a blue collar job and people who do that kind of work make life way better. I wish we just lived in a world where kids were given the chance to explore their talents and interests to find their opportunities rather than the modern education formula.
I’m an apprentice at a specialty electrical contractor and it’s some of the toughest work you’ll do but talking to the residents or the customer after you get their system back online is one of the most rewarding things you’ll do.
Welder here, ive been in the trades my entire life literally. I was on jobsites before I could walk. One thing I will say is that I've only taken lunches a handful of times. 99% of the time we were working through them, I also work a minimum 6 12s up to 12 16s. Money was generally very good I cracked 100k at 19. It's definitely not for everyone. Our love language is definitely abstract I guess. Also I never paid for certs or licensing in fact I got paid to go. That was nonunion, but didn't really see much of a pay difference between union and non union. I did the storm chasing as a welder/mechanic money was absolutely insane there can confirm did that for 2 years. But I will say take care of your body I didn't really do that in my early years, and luckily I caught to were it was all reversible. So now I work smarter and not harder. And smarter is almost always faster.
Seen a guy throw a rock down the joy john vent tube while someone was in there. He got kicked out of union. They started putting screens at top of those vent tubes. Nastiest part of trades work is the bathrooms. I would hold my breath and come running out before i even had my pants pulled up. Then seen a guy have a heart attack while sitting in joy john. Last place you would want to go out. I worked as carpenter in indiana for 10+ yrs. Everything you said is spot on. I miss it. Had to change paths due to injury. Rode bikes from parking lot to job site many times because it was 20+ min walk. Good money. But theres alot of stamina needed for working in the temperatures.
I worked at a shipyard as a shipfitter apprentice (think carpenter but steel, at least at our yard) for a couple years. As my first full time job it gave me a lot of valuable experience and crucially payed fairly well. Ultimately it was not for me, and I’ve actually ended up really enjoying my time at my current office job largely thanks to the people, but also just because I don’t mind the simple and predictable routine. My takeaway as far as the “trades argument” is that only you know what kind of work you’re gonna thrive in, or at least tolerate until you can get something better lol. There is no universal solution, not everyone is going to do well in college, and not everyone is gonna do well in the trades.
Always like hearing your stories. Im 29 and lived in Florida my whole life, its true. People cap out in the low to mid-thirties an hour in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical. Not terrible but our state is getting more expensive and harder to raise a family. Ive been in it for 4.5 years and looking for better avenue forward in electrical. Seems like the more north you go, better the pay. Cousin's starting pay in Canada shocked me, 😂 makes me want to move to a different state.
Union tinknocker here I'm in colorado, one thing I feel you left out is the disadvantage of layoffs. Colorado is the slowest state currently to deliver unemployment benefits and its killing me. There's no work and I'm on week 7 of waiting for an unemployment check. I'm lucky enough to have good friends and family to help but some guys might not have that. And it can be devastating to a young man and his family. Becoming a journeyman means you are more expensive and you usually will be the first on the list for a layoff if they can get the job done with less journeyman and more apprentices
Oh boy this video hits home pretty hard. I started off as an electrician helper at a young age, and what you described in this video was pretty spot on. I’ve worked blue-collar jobs for most of my life and yes, it’s got a bad stigma. Now after 20 years or so , I’m in the old man category at the job site and yes, the body falls apart before the mind does. Knocking on the door of 50 doesn’t help. At the end of the day, though we have to do what we have to do for our family and push through. by the way, I’ve been meaning to tell you that the hat toss cracks me up every time I see it.
I’ve been in the trades as a journeyman floor installer for over 18 years, it’s true about the body breaking down before the mind does. The one thing that pays off is teaching the next generation what hard work is and skills learned along the way. I know all three of my boys will be hard working but also will have the long term outlook to use their minds and not just their backs. Keep up your videos, I truly enjoy them.
Everything you said was correct, been an electrican since highschool, can't complain always kept the roof over my head and food on the table. When getting older I went to college, obtained several professional degrees, the transition in management was hard due to the drop in pay, but once I got through that part it was alright. Doing CM work now (not supervision) my time in the trade helps me to have a better understanding while doing the business end of construction.
@@gooe9561 Sorry dude, I don't believe for a second you've turned wrenches for 20 years. I've never met a tech who's done it for more than 5 that talks like that, even those of us who actually like our jobs.
As someone who has worked in a trade in the past. The big thing they conveniently leave out when they talk about earning potential is overtime. They say you will earn major dollars compared to white collar but they don’t tell you that the reason you can earn that is because people do extreme levels of over time. If they are going to compare trades income to white collar it should be compared based on hours work. It’s not a true comparison if one job works 80 hours to earn what another earned in 40.
I’ve been a lineman for 9 years for a local utility company. Base pay is about 120K but with OT making 200-215 K a year. Still have pensions, medical benefits and a self funded 401K . Yes it can be hard work and long hours. Problem seems to be that many guys don’t want to work in physical jobs. But those that do are doing very very well. Think outside the box people. GOOD LUCK
Great video! My dad is also an electrician in Connecticut but I had no idea that this is some of the stuff he has to deal with. I have a new appreciation for those who work in the trades!
I started off working doing construction, also did some landscaping, and then did security while I went to school...I now do one of the most white collar things out there (about 5 months from getting a PhD) but my appreciation for blue collar work has never waned (my dad is still doing it, old man needs to slow down). I think it also taught me a lot of lessons that have allowed me to thrive in my new career.
Great video! People tell these kids get into the trades and you will make good money but nobody tells them that this is hard work. Also I never went to trade school and I run projects now. Our owner owns a temp service and that is were we get a bulk of our labor. A lot of guys are doing really well in school but ate absolutely terrible on the job. Lazy, tardy, unmotivated and mush for brains. It takes a special kind of person to be successful in the trades.
I drove tractor trailer for 12 years then got into an electrical apprenticeship. I didn't have to pay anything fortunately but that has changed at least where I work. This is my 20th year and hold a master's license. At 55 my advise is to try and get into more technical areas of the trades. For Electrical it's commercial service, testing or control work. It's better for your body and your usually dealing with much better conditions. Getting out of trucking was the best thing I ever did. That's a rotten job and nobody wants to do it once they figure out how the game is played, which is why the turnover is unbelievable high. I'm going to try and ride this wave to the shore because I'm not an office guy type and my boss told me he want me to work there till I retire. Great video Carl everything was spot on except women on the job, I never see it except commercial painting. I'm guessing the porti-johns keep them away which is understandable.
Been in the trades 35 years. I don't see any old HVAC guys. Only a few old plumbers. I see a bunch of old electricians. That tells you all you need to know about which trade to go into
I've been doing commercial HVAC until I was diagnosed with Cancer and I'm on medical leave and I wasn't making big buck like everyone claims you can. I worked my ass off, I'm spending a lot of money on tools every week along with gas and maintenance on top of out of pocket expenses for my "Benefits" Unless you are unionized it's not worth it. Get a remote job, you're getting paid more without working as hard.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Aaaand cue the fake tough guy comments!
-My favorite work boots: bit.ly/3T2FA8f
-Work jacket: carhartt.pxf.io/QOr5Ez
-Wool Socks: bit.ly/3WyzQpW
-Work shirt: bit.ly/48deO4P
-Work Pants: bit.ly/3JEn834
One point about Nick's Boots sizing: Their shoe width equivalents to a Brannock Device for those with wider feet are roughly F = EEE, FF = EEEE, FFF = EEEEE. (Nick's doesn't use G or H width nomenclature that I know of, and yes, I know the Brannock Device typically only goes to EEE - which it calls 2W.) As sizing is not standardized between manufacturers you should contact their customer service for proper sizing before ordering.
Husky Jon Cryer is right! It ain’t for everybody!
Whoa whoa whoa people work less than 8 hours?
@@nothanks9503 lol
As someone who does odd jobs let me tell you. Yes it will hurt after doing it for a while but the money is awesome. The work is hard but you get paid for what you do. Now here are some realities. Yes the people on the job sites will love working with you and those people you work with are like your brothers because they are doing the same work with you. You get work buddies which are closer to brothers because you guys go out there and you get dirty together. Do not be afraid of getting dirty or getting cut because you will. You will have to scrape dirt and your nose will have dirt go up it. Your lungs will have a healthy coat of dust. It will cause you to have what is called a man handshake which men appreciate and grants you access to Valhalla when you die. The money is great. The cuts and scrapes and bruises you get on the job site builds character and the scabs cause your hands to be like rocks. Hell a few days ago I was hired to help throw cat claw trees to the curb for brush and bulk and today I helped my dad destroy a cast iron bathtub an throw old furniture and a shit ton of old wall tile into a dumpster. I made $60 for the first job which took me about 5 hours but we went to Jack in the box for lunch and today I made $100 for about 4 hours of work. Cat claw is not too bad I have built an immunity to it. Then after a long day of work take a bath and soak. Let the dirt wash away. Its hard work and yes its true you will be lucky have access to a toilet. There have been hundreds of jobs I have not had access to toilets nor port a potties. Sometimes being on the side of a house is what you have access to and what you have to do. Its a rewarding job. Also if something pisses you off and you get a job where you get to use a big hammer it can be rewarding in more ways than 1. The joy of destruction. Its the little things. Hell one job I got to destroy an entire brick wall without having to worry about anything at all and I had fun. It only lasted 20 minutes because I had a lot of fun. That was almost 15 years ago. I had a job where I had to tear out the carpet of a the cities main office building downtown and I ripped out and threw away nearly 5000 square feet of carpet including all the tack strips and threw it all into the dumpster in about 30 minutes. I got paid for the whole day. The faces of horror on all the other people doing other work at the area around where I was working was priceless. They literally didn't see anyone else go in or leave and were like what the frog why is that guy making us look soo bad. I used my tiny hammer, my Ace hard ware pocketknife hammer and a single blade on my utility knife. I filled that dumpster up and then had to wait for my dad for about 2 hours while he was doing other jobs around the city. So I called up some friends to chat while board out of my mind waiting to be picked up and paid. The job was suppose to take 5 hours but I did it in half an hour. Messed up fact is I did the job so fast that it distorted other people's jobs and allowed other people to get to their jobs sooner which they liked but were a little weirded out. If you get good at jobs you can seriously mess with people. I recommend the trades but if you are afraid of getting dirty or don't like your body screaming at you then chose hair cutting because in the nest 10 years the only jobs left will be hair cutters, a few employees in grocery stores and hardware stores and well the rest will be in the trades. Hell AI is already doing far better at making music and movies and even video games than humans to the point some human made video games are good but not very many but hell nearly 100% of all updates to coding are now done 100% by AI and hell AI is even being used for surgeries and turns out AI is better than the best surgeons to such a level that many hospitals are actually requiring humans take steps away from patients more and more. Working in the trades will be the only jobs left for humans for a while. So do I recommend the trades well seeing as they are basically going to be the only jobs left you kind of have no choice. Hell many McDonalds are not hiring humans anymore because AI machines actually do all the jobs at once faster and more efficient with better service than humans. AI is already mastering cooking. I predict in 20 years AI and robots will be so good in quality that every human will get their own personal care taker robot from birth and most jobs will go extinct which will cause the entire people alive to blatantly have a set credit system and you can get extra credits if you do certain jobs but you won't really need to. Stuff you have will be able to be build and repaired by your personal AI robot which will be provided by the single government system controlled by AI. AI is taken over that can not be stopped. So yea go into the trades because soon there won't be any other type of carriers.
Trades are taxing on the body, office work is taxing on the soul.
So true
Very true. I was an engineer for 7 years. Now I'm an electrician and I don't feel like dying every day. My health is way better. My blood pressure is WAY lower even though my weight is the same (sitting in a chair is so fucking bad for your health).
No it’s not. You tried to make a clever comparison. Go back to poetry school.
@@jonm57 get a load of this dweeb. “Um AKSHUALLY, my pencil pushing job is VERY physically demanding and has developed my character betterer than manual labor” 🤣
Wise luckily stretching is a great way to preserve your body but nobody including myself does it
The one thing that we as tradesmen don't hardly talk about is how much of your body you have to give. Nobody is superman, nobody can "beat the curve". I've been in the aircraft industry as a mechanic for 15 years now. Last week, I got to listen to my doctor tell me that my shoulders and knees are destroyed. I've never had any serious accidents or anything. They've just started aching recently. I'm 35 years old. I'm typically involved in lots of overhead work for long periods of time, as well as kneeling down on rough surfaces like grating or diamond plate, fitting into super tight, awkward confined spaces for long, long periods. Just over time, the work has taken its toll on my body. I just never thought it'd ever happen to me because I'm a young, healthy person.
I'm not saying to stay away from the trades. I don't regret my decisions as I absolutely love my job. However, I feel it's important to understand that you hypothetically sell/age your body while you're young, and only start to pay for it later in life.
@@Sulfuron41 high quality kneeling pad bro. Also taking 1-2 min rest and stretch breaks every 15 min.
@@Sulfuron41 holy shit man, does this mean your bones are effectively about 46-50 years old instead of 35
If you're body can't take daily exercise them you just not eating properly. I've done ground works , dry wall and carpentry for 25 years now. No aches pains nothing. Still sit in a primal squat for hrs nailing skirting bourd. Can still swing a pick all day . Can still put oxy bottle on my sholder and walk op a ladder.
Even had my hand crushed between a digger bucket and a whacker plate . Healed in 6 months back to complete original strength.
Get rid of all sugar and cards up the protein and watch all your inflammation disappear.
@@doctorwhodjdon't kneel mste squat like slav . I watch people crawling around on there knees like wtf is wrong with you squat than stand up again.
Never had knee pads ever.
@@Sulfuron41 can you still work in the industry? Destroy it sounds a little bit like it's been overstated like if they were destroy you wouldn't be able to do anything
Been an electrician for 16 years here in Texas. Everything you're saying is spot on. This trade has taught me more than I could have expected. The most important thing I've learned is NEVER think you're too old or be ashamed to learn a different part of the trade.
I’m 23 doing HVAC I wanted to give myself 6 or 7 years to see if I’m happy in this career sometime I think about doing trucking as my career when I’m 30. Honestly the work load isn’t bad but dealing with you boss yelling is tough. Physical work I don’t care about that
I’m a trucker here. Not a terrible trade - you can live out of it and save money, especially retirement accounts. Might be a good thing to start younger.
@@johnnewman8322 hey bro I'm in Odessa and just recently moved here and am interested in getting into the electrician trade
Began being an Residential. Electrician this August.
Good work. Just have to mind the heat and make sure everything is done right in the Rough in and Trim Out.
Always be willing to ask for help is what I learned.
@danielyounker5371 what company do you work for? I work for amazon for about 25$ an hour with hardly any overtime
If youre a tradesman you need to lift weights and stretch. Too many guys get to their 40s and are just wrecked. You need to keep your body strong so it can withstand the abuse and so you can actually enjoy your retirement.
@burtbiggum499 that's so hard to do in your late 40s though. For me the trick is job progression. Set yourself up to where in your late 40s.You don't have to do all the heavy physical stuff late in your career. So, manager, teamleader, trade school instructor.
@@TheSodog8 it's not, you don't have to train for the Olympics, just for life
@@burtbiggum499 truth
Everyone should lift weights its the only way to maintain and improve recovery as you age. ❤
Good luck finding energy to do anything after miserable long work days
Being a plumber has a stigma but if you have ever stopped someones toilet from overflowing you just became the most important person in there life.
I wonder how many people didnt become a plumber because of the stigma. And if that helps wages.
God bless good plumbers!
*their
@@omonteso Rocks of correcting plumber grammar???
@@omontesoWhy haven’t you ever done anything with your life?
The entire porta-potty segment was hilarious! I’m a forester, the first few years I was a field forester. I lived out of my truck, visiting logging sites every day for inspections, inventorying timber, marking boundary lines, etc. I learned a few tricks:
The residual engine heat from an F150 was enough to heat up any canned meat/soup if you put it under the hood and left it for an hour or two (just don’t forget it was there). In the summer in Louisiana, on the dashboard it was hot enough to cook a pizza.
Bathroom use in the woods is a bit of a balancing act, but much nicer than a porta-potty. Just squat and don’t fall backwards!
Make sure to spray down with insect repellent, if you’re in the south you’ll know what red bugs are, very itchy, and they can and do get EVERYWHERE.
Don’t eat at small town grease racks, you’ll wish you starved to death about 2 hours later. There are some exceptions, but you need to fully vet them because truck drivers have iron stomachs.
Modern “work” jeans, especially ones with any stretchy stuff in them are useless in a briar patch, they will pull, and your legs will be all cut up like you were wearing shorts, just get the cotton duck double fronted pants and save yourself some blood.
Everyone pays their dues, I have a masters degree and I worked field work and on a plywood plant mill yard starting out alongside folks without degrees and union guys who made more than I did with less experience. I learned more from them than I did in a college classroom! I still try to get out to the woods and work in our mills weekly. It’s hot in the summer, wet in the winter and can be frustrating in a briar patch. But, when you sit on your tailgate and eat lunch you hear nature nothing else. Look around and you’re the only one for miles, that’s what I call living.
Where did you go to get your degree? I want to be a forester and I'm looking at colleges right now.
@@thunderusnight I went to The University of Arkansas - Monticello. That was where their forestry school is/was. A bunch of colleges have dropped the “forestry” degree in favor of a Natural Resources or Forest Resources degree. True 4-year Forestry programs (especially industrial forestry) are getting harder to find. No matter what I’ll offer some free internet advise:
Make sure they are accredited by the Society of American Foresters. This is the standard accreditation for any forestry program in the US, programs are out there that are not accredited, but they are not generally forestry centered.
Most programs from major universities offer concentrations in forestry or wildlife, you’ll most likely have to pick a track.
If you can keep a 3.0 and have a decent SAT/ACT score you’ll qualify for scholarships in most programs. Schools vary by the packages offered, but I went on a full academic scholarship and graduate assistantship(this was 20 years ago so keep that in mind). I paid very little for college and my part time job and summer jobs more than paid for the books and campus living expenses. I walked out of college with no debt, three degrees and money in my pocket.
Go to a college in the area where you intend to work. An example: in the South we use feller-butchers and skidders, the Pacific Northwest uses high lead logging and saw-hands. The north has processors and forwarders. Each area has different species and manufacturers/mills that require different sized trees. Going from one area to another can be a challenge.
There is nothing wrong with getting an associate degree or certificate first, I did and it allowed me to get higher paying jobs in the summer and during the school year.
The old technicians are a wealth of knowledge, listen and learn they may not have a degree, but they know more than anyone.
I’ve been doing this for 50 years. I have my share of physical problems, but staying active is the secret. don’t ever sit down (retire) because you probably won’t get back up again.
Great video, Carl!
I realized I was old when I knelt down to tie my boot and thought: "what else can I do while I'm down here?".
@@CarlMurawski ❤️
Hell I'm 45 and I have that saying for every day. Don't sit down, I'll play hell getting back up.
@CarlMurawski or think to yourself, "here seems nice, I'll just stay here"
I worked trades for 15 years and then went back to school after the body started hurting to get a mechanical engineering degree. Best thing I ever did. Now work as a test engineer, still get to do fab, wiring of test fixtures, occasional machining, and get paid to break stuff. Spend about 20% of the day at a desk and the rest working with my hands. There's no overtime, but I make real close to six figures and don't work 5 minutes over 40 hours a week. Trades are a great stepping stone to learning solid problem solving skills, but they will take their toll on your body.
How'd you find the motivation to study after a long career in the trades? I studied mechanical engineering after high school and found it so boring that I eventually dropped out, I wanted to do some real work and when I started making money I kinda lost interest in finishing my degree. All my life I wanted to be an engineer but the thought of going back to reading all that boring material is off putting.
@@giovannifoulmouth7205if becoming that engineer is a big goal in your life, you’ll have to endure the boredom of studying in order to achieve that goal. I wish you a lot of good luck in whatever avenues you take going forward.
Considering making the jump myself, just got accepted into a pretty prestigious engineering program in my company. Weighing up my options and the wage gap as it will cost me about 450k+ in lost wages plus the fees.
@giovannifoulmouth7205 it was boring when I was young, and the maths were intimidating. I guess as I got older, I wanted to learn more, learn a new skill set, and keep pushing the boundaries of what I'm capable of. I won't lie, I wanted to give up a hundred times, but when I finally grasped a concept, I knew I was kicking butt. Going back like I did at 35 wasn't easy, but at 35, you've gotten your ass kicked enough, dusted yourself off, and have the discipline to get at it again. At 35, you have humility; you know what you don't know, but you are able to find the folks that can help you learn it. If you're serious about going back, have a study group, and I can't emphasize this enough. Yeah, you might be with a bunch of "kids," but some of those folks will teach you things, and you will teach them things. And at the end of the day, you know you'll get out of school and have an immediate promotion with that first job. After that first job, your GPA means nothing. And because you already have skills, you don't need to do internships, co-ops, etc.
@Kiss-my-patu I guess you'll have to weigh those disadvantages/advantages. If your debt is settled and you can afford to be a student of engineering, I'd say go for it. It'll never hinder your career.
4 years ago I was broke and unemployed backpacking around Appalachia rethinking life. Decided I wanted to learn hvac, but didn’t want to go to trade school. That fall I landed a job as an apartment maintenance technician. They set me up with my epa license and I spent two years absorbing as much hvac literature and RUclips videos while working on the properties heat pump systems. After two years I landed my first dedicated hvac “lead service tech role” today I am a hybrid service tech/comfort advisor (new system seller/designer) and on track to make about 115k this year. We’re planning to buy a house on 5-10 acres in the next couple years and start building a mini farm. Life’s good.
@@millenialmemoirs Amazing, hope it all pans out well for you 👍. Also unemployed at the moment- so my question is, what exactly lead you to obtaining the job in maintenance with apartments and then the next? (just a bit more depth). I’m also curious how you managed to become a seller/designer that seems like it takes some smarts to do. Regardless- nice work!
I used to be a raltor back in 2008 i lost everything houses cars wife the whole package in desperation i went into a friends construction company sweeping and cleaning basically i was useless at $9 hr yah... After making 10k a month what an ego smacker
But i kept watching them all soon after I started helping the plumber the electrician painters tile guys etc about a year after i knew a little of each trade opened my own handyman business then after giving most trades a try i stuck with painting after the real estate market sort of came back i got my realtor license back but i realized i was making more money painting houses than selling houses and even as a looking nice realtor i was having more fun painting so i let the whole realtor thing go and kept painting
Today im doing roof coatings for a company why ? Ha! A saw one roof coating estimate and i was amazed by the pricing so yup quit painting houses for now but im learning another thing that if i can do on my own i will be well off with one job a month btw im in phoenix 7 month of over 100 straight we start at 3 am i dont come home until 2
@@millenialmemoirs How old are you now?
@@DittersGustav 33
hell yeah bro
32 Year IBEW Electrician here. I taught 20 Years in our apprenticeship program. It's free for the students... You hit the nail on the head; The trades aren't for everyone!
I don't think many jobs are for everyone. But all these online people tend to put in many hours for their jobs but it tends to not always be physically demanding work which I think makes a huge difference.
Kid applied to the local 10 IBEW, not response so he started at trade school last week.
@@anissaferringer4965 these unions are bullshi**ing with the hiring , the gotta get the last of the nepo babies in the door first then open the doors up. Crazy that they all cry nobody wants to work but now mostly all of the trades are ghost hiring
it's not free, starting pay at my local is only $14hr and books/classes are $400 put of pocket plus layoffs
Too bad they only respond via mail so if the post office fucks up you lose out on your opportunity 🙃
Great video!!! I lived that life for 15 years before changing careers to get out of working in the field when I could feel my body breaking down. I have massive respect for anyone who makes field construction a career, especially in the cold Chicago winters. Stay warm my friends.
Well said!
How cold does it usually get in Chicago? I've worked outdoors in -37 degrees Celsius. It sucks, but I'm stubborn.
@@jasonkrasowski4673 what do you do now? How did you change careers
I worked a few years in a labor union and Carl some of these ultra masculine guys were the biggest drama queens you’ve ever encountered. Can be a real paradox.
Oh theres no doubt! It's often just a facade.
Gotta balance the different parts of a healthy(-ish) mind and personality.
@@mrtibbs8335 I’m a fireman and I see the same bs amongst some of the guys
Well masculine to these peoples often just means growing a beard, getting tattoos and lucking gruff. They wear it as a costume.
You see that in the military as well
I come from a family of tradesmen in Italy but was not brought up doing manual jobs because you don't earn that well in Italy with the trades and my dad wanted something better for me.
Gotta say that now that I'm in my 30s I do regret not learning a proper trade, especially after I moved to Scotland
It’s not too late, all the trades need help.
They earn pretty damn well in the trades in Italy too. Well enough to afford an enviable lifestyle.
Why does everyone say trades pay well? I was a factory mechanic and it took 2 years of school and 2 years of work to make it to 20 an hour and by then I stopped giving a shit USA edition
Fantastic realistic depiction of "just go into the trades"
I’m a nurse and I see construction workers on my long walk in to work daily. They make us park far away too. And I don’t see you as dirty or rotten. I see you as equals and I appreciate the work you all do to give us the infrastructure we all enjoy and often take for granted in this country.
Yeah....but when you ask a kid what they want to do they say, "well, If I fail college, I can go into trades", that's the stigma.
@drachenmarke most of the people I know who have college degrees are unemployed or working in entry level food & retail jobs, and are broke ass. Shitty apartment/shotgun house in the poor side of town, shitty looking old car that keeps breaking down....
All the guys I know who own their homes, have a few acres of land, maybe an RV or boat, a nice fairly new pickup truck etc....they're pretty much all carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc....
I'm a 6'4", 250+lb electrician. I'm 50 years old now. I killed my body overdoing the big, strong part of the job. I should have listened to the older guys telling me that I would pay for it later in life. Bad knees and ankles, arthritis requiring surgery and a general negative attitude is all that I have to show for it today. Thanks for the video. Most don't talk about the other construction trash.
On the subject of your body breaking down:
I went with a couple of other brothers to a training where we were a few of the only building trades people and what struck me was how much we focus on retirement compared to people in other fields. We recognize that we HAVE to prepare for retirement, we feel it every day, it's always somewhere in the back of our mind. Nobody wants to be that 70 year old in the field that is broken down but still has to work, limping around and having to go backwards down stairs. Luckily, in most local unions we make sure that we can retire comfortably as long as we don't get a bunch of DUIs and multiple divorces.
More like they make you retire…. Heard stories where you hit 50 and start to slow down they lay you off and don’t let you get another shop
@seandasilva2125 can't speak for anything but my own experience in my own IBEW Local, but that's not what I've seen. For one, anybody over 40 is considered a protected person by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), so any age based discrimination would be illegal and the local would go after the contractor. Second, in my local and many others, there is a provision which states that on all jobs requiring 5 or more journeyman, at least every 5th journeyman, if available, shall be 50 or older. Third, in my local we look after the old guys. We recognize the wisdom they provide and we know we gotta teach that value if we want the same when we get older. The B in IBEW is for BROTHERHOOD (and sisters and siblings too!)
Carl I appreciate you for informing young men about the things that really matter
It's my pleasure, and honestly it feels like the responsible thing to do!
My son will be graduating this year and is considering trade school. The timing and value of this video is beyond what I can convey. Thank you for this, Carl.
I got out of construction and went to trucking. My main problem with working in the trades was honestly the other people who worked in the trades. There’s a lot of drug and alcohol issues in the trades. Cause a lot of these dudes are old school and don’t talk about their problems. Cause in the trades depression and mental illness runs rampant. Long hours occasionally working weekends barely seeing your family because of these hours. Then depending on what trade you’re in but all of them eventually give you joint/back pain. Which can lead to an addiction with pain killers if you’re not careful. I had a lot of fun I worked with some good dudes I definitely miss them.
@@nicksoehren4812 imagine the military! No wonder the suicide rate is high
I was a book smart but suicidal and troubled kid in highchool. By senior year decided the trades weren't for me. Egged into doing it by promise of good pay, upperclassmen I knew doing it, and the councilor thinking that I was bored in classes from lack of activity. In reality I was Isolated before covid even hit and stayed quiet so none of the other kids would bully me with most of my teachers genuinely not caring beyond a paycheck. I was learning welding in one of the best states to learn trades NY but, I'm not really the mocho type and it's just not my vibe. Every day I was learning the trade it was draining so I never talked to anyone but instructors and just kept my head down to keep me from being screwed. (extensive history)
I graduated and going to community college was the best choice I ever made because bullying is non existent and I could be the person I wanted. I'm now gearing up to go back and obtain a bachelors from another state school. I found I enjoy algebra, studying, and networking with 100's of peers. It was the first time I felt like I fit in.
neither college nor trades are meant for everyone and it is up to each person to know the difference and what atmosphere fits them best.
@@nicksoehren4812 i have a former tradesman in my air conditioned office and hes just a mean guy. hes also a big drama queen and always has a person to tlak shit about behind their back.
made me happy i stayed in IT instead of being an electrician(especially bc im a woman)
This is one of the reason why I quit engineering as well. I like solving problems and fixing things but I couldn't stand being stuck between tradesman who have the experience but no analytical capability, and office nerds who could can whip up a spreadsheet to support whatever hair-brained idea they just came up with but can't understand why it never goes according to their plan in Real Life. I was able to see the strengths in weaknesses in each but I wasn't able to get them to see it in themselves or to meet the other side halfway. There is a really great meme that shows what an airplane would look like if each design group never had to compromise with the others and it is pretty hilarious. Life is complicated and no one has all the answers
@@matthewbarber4505 What do you do now? Are your tradesman still?
Trades have huge pros and cons. Sadly a lot of people in trades aren’t worth a damn and are just grumpy and tired.
@@IL_Bgentyl wtf do you know about trades with them clean ass hands and tucked in shirt?
When you talked about eating at your vehicle, I wanted to share what has been a game changer for me. It is called the hot logic mini. You plug it into your car and it warms up your food. They are awesome.
I’m a welder by trade & I’ve been doing it “professionally” for 10 years now (I’m 28). There was a quote going around since the start that went “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” & after ten years in this, I see how true it is.
That’s probably the only thing I never hear anyone online mention. You can go far alone but you can get there faster & go further if you network & are a solid individual.
I've been in a trade for 12 years and I also weld. It's definitely true that you move up in the trades by being friends with the right people and kissing a--... Almost every Formen on these jobs is a person that sucked up to the general Forman or superintendent. People get called out on jobs for being buddies with the right people and the stewards are usually people that suck up to people at the union hall. Hard work a lone doesn't get you very far when it comes to getting higher up jobs. I refuse to be fake and pretend like I'm friends with people that I don't like which is why I never advance past a regular journeyman. I have too much self respect to hangout with selfish ignorant people or to pretend like I enjoy their company.
@@Shenmue06 you couldn’t have said it any better. hvac here.
True with any career path, not only trades.
@@moneymattersmastery55897 yea true
@@Shenmue06 this is the same everywhere , no matter what job you do. took me long time to realize it though. (btw, i feel you, as a foreman, i hate some of my coworkers, and I know there is way too many people in company only because they know right people, but they are not skilled enough ... )
Man, you hit the nail right on the head with this video. I've been in the trades for 25 years now and it has beat the 5h!t out of my body. I still keep working but it's mostly supervisor roles now. I will still get out there and work side by side with everyone, but I have to step back from time to time to let my body heal. 4 serious back surgeries later and I can still out perform most anyone that gets into the trades. All I can say is stay head strong. A strong and determined mind is stronger than the strongest body out there.
I thought this was a very well articulated and nuanced list of considerations before entering the trades. Thank you for sharing your expertise and experience! The trades can definitely be a great option/career but I have also noticed lots of folks without actual experience in the trades advocating them and not acknowledging the drawbacks. The freedom of certain white collar jobs can be a HUGE fringe benefit especially if you work from home. It is not lost on me that I can go run a 20 minute errand basically whenever I want as long as it doesn’t conflict with a meeting and I get my work done especially living in a small city now where lots of places close at 5.
Not in the trades but the algorithm recommended this fascinating video and I enjoyed it. Thank you.
It's a sign.
"The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long."
Enjoy 50 years of looking at a screen bro
Enjoy that back pain from sitting on a chair for 50 years
Appreciate it Carl. You and your work was a big reason I left a corporate career to go back into the trades this last year and I’m so glad that I did it! Punching in all that OT to get my residential journey electrician license as fast as I can. The advice has been awesome and all your gear reviews have helped make my apprenticeship all that much better knowing I’ve got the right boots and clothing.
So glad to hear it man!
I had a similar path. Started as a mechanic, tried deep sea diving, settled on commercial pool and facilities maintenance.
Ive been in the building trades for over 25yrs. And you nailed it on alot of stuff. As far as substance abuse. I know plenty of nurses, lawyers, and teachers that have drug problems that make trade guys look like pre school. Every profession has there issues. Theres plenty of office people that have body issues at 30-40 yrs old because they dont do anything physically active all day.
I'm currently on my second year as a apprentice fabricator/welder on a shipyard and I'm loving it, I definitely made the right choice.
I'm a lifelong IT professional and this was a great video to gain some inside perspective
Particularly found this interesting because the IT field is currently getting completely saturated at the entry-level, so I see a lot of folks recommending the trades as a financially viable alternative when folks can't make the cut into IT
Now I have something to point them to before they take the plunge into a trade
Brilliant and enlightening. I'm one of those who sadly talked the trades advantages up without ever working in one. Thanks for talking about this in the nuanced way it deserves.
I am an accountant by trade and have been for about 8 years now. But after I graduated college and was having a hard time finding work and I contemplated being a locksmith or an electrician. I even started the sign up process to get an apprenticship at the local eletrical union. But I got my first job in payroll and the rest is history. I come from a long line of farmers, tradesmen, and career military and I was heavily encouraged to go white collar. But I still respect blue collar work and the people that help build our society.
As a red seal carpenter, I’ve gotten to the point where I’m building my own house and garage pretty much on my own. The trades aren’t just a job, they have a value that can carry you through your life. The value goes far beyond a paycheque from a boss. Having trade knowledge can lower many home ownership costs by doing things most people pay for. I’ve found a lot of resolve and clarity in my life through the process of persevering and completing large tasks. I’ve always felt that I’ve been paid to learn. It’s hard, it’s challenging, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My dad is a carpenter. He was a marvel at building things. Even stuff unrelated because it crosses over. I ended up being a janitor. It's humbling work but leaves much to be desired
Be proud of your work, whatever it may be. All jobs are important. Take pride in your work and don’t let anyone look down on you. Those who do are not worth a second thought.
Your job matters buddy
I cleaned project hallways , drug addicts piss & sh*t and all of the unimaginable in nyc. Made some good money since it was a city job i was 19 goin on 20 no kids easy work once you learned the system and did sidework. Moved up to maintenance learned the handy man game became skillful and listened to the OG’s that knew what they were doing and talking anout about and got into plumbing after.
9:40 people tell me as an hvac tech i have it made in terms of heat No, on the contrary. Everywhere i go, they don't have AC or their heat is out.
@@evanthesquirrel lol
They only call when its broken😢
During my time working in the trades, I frequently worked extensive overtime, often enduring extreme temperatures ranging from -40F to 104F here in Canada. After three years of this demanding schedule, I had to move to a more sustainable routine, working 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., five days a week. One key lesson I quickly learned was the relentless nature of the work, we were always behind schedule and constantly pushing ourselves to meet demanding deadlines. However, over time, I made a conscious decision to prioritize my well-being. By stepping away from that grueling pace, I found a balance that allows me to live life more fully and take pride in what I do. I've now been with the same company for approximately 13 years. I have a good working relationship with my boss, who has also grown over the years. He has learned to set realistic timelines when quoting jobs and isn’t afraid to push back against general contractors when necessary. This mutual growth has greatly improved our workflow and work environment.
I agree man! The good and bad of the trades. The advice of “if they’re messing with you that means they like you, it’s when they’re quiet when you gotta worry”. The goofing around and just having fun while working is really what it’s all about. Sucks when companies are too pc and overly sensitive. Great info thanks for the video!
I started in HVAC service work with a great company. 6 years into it I had the opportunity to be a project manager/install salesman. I now have an office, company truck, company phone, great benefits, commission, and at 30 my body isn’t destroyed. I attribute my success (if it can be called that) to finding an amazing family owned company that values me.
And yes, they paid me to learn OTJ.
You don't deserve a company truck for that. Give it to the tradesmen
@@braindamage7128 btw company provided phone too. And computer. PTO. Retirement. Commission.
Stuff you can get when you are loyal to a GOOD family company.
I earned every bit of it too.
@@braindamage7128 ...you assume the tradesmen don't have their own.
This topic is something that I was thinking about recently. I graduated from college 6 months ago and couldn't find a job the entire time. I was thinking about what would happen if I went to trade school instead but then I was thinking about all the people I've met in the trades. Every time I've talked to a mechanic, plumber, or someone working on electric lines, they tell me the same things: "stay in school and don't end up like me". Even people in the trades dissuaded me from initially going into the trades. Hell, there was even a classmate from high school who became a welder a year after he graduated and told me not to do it.
They’ll tell you that, My dad ALWAYS told me that,
But when it came time to find a job my father immediately brought me in as his apprentice to be a sign installer
The isn’t bad, dealing with the outside elements on the other hand is tough
Texas weather can either make your day easy or hell but it really isn’t as tough as you may think (I went from a highschooler who laid in bed ALL day on my phone averaging 13 hours a day phone time for years to jumping into 50-60 hour work weeks being outside constantly and really it ain’t so bad
Don’t really get much free time at home on weekdays tho
So true. I’ve been doing hvac sheet metal 33 years and the body breaking down is so true. lol I’m glad you told it like it is because like you said it’s not for everybody. Cheers!!!!
I started off as a building maintenance moved on from working a high rise to working for the govenor of Texas. I now am a energy management specialist for a large school district. I work building controls and supervise around 30 guys that take care of all the hvac equipment. I am now learning programming and its a bit difficult but i hope ti someday understand it better.
Great video. "Just get into the trades" is no better advice than "just go to college". Either way, you should know what you're getting into, see if it's right for you and make a plan. Some things hit harder when you're older, not just heavy lifting, but shift work and long hours, so take that into account too.
Well said!
After getting my 2 year degree I had no direction so I joined the oilfield. I worked there for 6 years. I made near 6 figures and learned so much. Once I wanted to settle down with my girlfriend and get married and have kids I realized that I needed a lifestyle change. I was working only 40hrs some weeks and other weeks 80+ hours. I could not dependably say when I would be home and we couldn't make plans ever. When COVID hit and oil was trading at a negative value there was a lot of layoffs. I went back to school and it was the best thing I could have ever done. I make the same amount but can actually have a life outside of work. I think that for young men who don't know what they want, the trades can be a great thing. But if you have a plan for school and are dedicated it will more than likely be the best thing for you. There are no across the board answers because everyone lives a different life. I appreciate this video because if after watching, blue collar still sounds good to you, then you can now make an educated decision. People are being fed this fairy tail by people who have never done it, it's exactly the same thing we did with college in the 90s.
@@austin8313 where you work now?
@theoneandonlytony1827 I'm a pipeline engineer for an engineering firm. We do a lot of work with some of the bigger oil companies. When I graduated there was a lot of opportunities due to me having actual field experience and that's a rare thing for engineers.
I work in the food industry and we deliver food to construction sites and workers there. Been doing it for 5 years now on the same site. Those guys are amazing! Some of the nicest people. Just dont piss them off!
Man getting into the IBEW is dang near impossible here in NJ. I’ve passed the test and everything. For a guy like me 28 with a wife and 3 kids union is the only way. I’m getting $20 and hour 3 years in doing commercial/industrial when IBEW guys are making 28 second year in lol. With better education which is very important in electric.
I got into HVAC after the Navy, I do supermarket refrigeration. Quality of life is great, but overtime is something I'm happy to occasionally oblige to. After doing 120+ hour weeks in the Navy, you can't pay me enough for my free time.
@@Sonic6293 I’m getting into hvac after being in the army how was the experience
@@CaseyGumball It's been great so far. Started in apartment maintenance, went to school to get my associates, worked at a residential company while in school and during the pandemic, then decided to take a leap and do supermarket refrigeration.
@@Sonic6293 did you get paid to go to school?
@@Keandrew I used my Post 9/11 GI Bill, so yes. It wasn't the most optimal way to go about it but I really wanted to focus on school to begin with. I was very lucky to have a professor in my second year that needed an apprentice in his residential business. Learn from him in the morning, run calls with him in the afternoon.
@@Sonic6293 occasional overtime? The guys that work on my store are there 3 times a week for the same self contained fridge lol
Having your CDL class A with experience is also very lucrative. I easily make $120,000 working driving locally Monday to Friday home every day.
I left a union electrical job to do just that. I hate construction!
If you don’t mind me asking who you work for?
Thanks, 20 + years in the overhead door business, service, sales installation of commercial and residential. Doors openers docks and dock devices. I mostly worked in residential. Thanks for the insight for those that don't know. Not much money in doors but good work.
Excellent thoughts, Carl. Your video should be shown in high schools across the country.
Retired union HVAC service fitter here, with 33 years in the field. I did a lot of service work but also spent plenty of time on construction jobs. Thank you for articulating perfectly daily life in the construction world. All true, so true. The part about the porta-johns was hilarious. Ah, memories.
I was a mechanic on a submarine in the USN for 10 years and gained a great deal of technical knowledge on how to work on anything. I went to trade school for electrical and graduated with a 4.0 GPA, perfect attendance and at the top of my class in 2019. It seemed easy to me and my teachers were happy and said that I’d go far in the field. I applied to 20 electrical jobs and all of the offers were between $11-$15 in the Pittsburgh, PA area. I settled on an office job as an analyst that pays a modest income, but has nothing to do with the trades. I don’t understand how companies can say they are hurting to find quality workers when anyone worth their weight couldn’t entertain such low offers.
Don’t you maybe go for an engineer degree or something like this?
I did well working as a welder for years,. in that time I came a long ways in my life. If someone is tech savvy there's a huge demand for them in tech trades. Factory/production places, warehouses etc etc are full of of electronics that need to serviced. Internet, fiber optics , phone infrastructure, stuff is endless, just everywhere and only increasing. Good video.
Footnote: When you're working six tens or seven twelves, you're not thinking of the money you're making...just other places that you'd rather be.
the biggest problem with the trades, is hardly no one will hire an apprentice, and if they do they expect you to work for $8 an hour. No one can live on that not even still living with their parents. The other option is union if you can get lucky enough and the starting pay is still crap! Here in Dallas In n Out burger starts at $20 an hour to flip burgers but the trades want you to take $12-14 an hour and do a backbreaking job. Tell me I'm wrong! If these companies are raking in the cash, and bitching that they can't find people they need to step it up or stop complaining they can't find any help.
@@bgordo73 This is why i haven’t made the switch from white collar yet. I have an office job that pays me literally just enough to keep my head above water, but because of that I have no recourse for taking a paycut to apprentice for a few years. I genuinely don’t understand how people can afford to change careers after 25. I figure they must have enough savings or a partner to help with bills, but I’ve not got either right now.
@@bgordo73 true. I don’t mind busting my a** but if a company thinks I’m gonna bust my a** for low pay and take time away from my family they got another thing coming.
You are spot on with the wage gap or lack there of. But as a manager and trained 10 different apprentices, I can tell you out of the 10 only two succeeded. The rest of them spent more time on their phones and standing around waiting for free money or not trying to learn anything and that’s the biggest issue there is a lack of journeyman that are willing to train because the apprentices suck and they’ve sucked for the last 10 years if not more It’s a lack of drive a lack of desire to actually be something and yes in an out Burger may pay $20 an hour, but do you want to be flipping burgers at age 50 that’s the difference you can have your own business you’re not gonna have your own franchise In-N-Out Burger if all you’re doing is flipping burgers maybe a few yes but generally not so much. I would say go small company first try to find some non-union shops that will be willing to work with you get started just get your foot in the door and keep on pushing it’s your drive. That’s gonna get you where you end up so be positive. Be strong be confident and learn
Love this. As a union painter/finisher for 10 years, I thought your analyses ranged from mostly true to dead-on. Doesn’t describe my workplaces at all times, but you gave an excellent overview of the careers in construction trades in general. Reluctantly, I think videos like this should be showed in trade schools such as FTI. I don’t wish to deter anyone from the trades, frankly, because we need just about anyone we can get. Rather, I think each sector should be more transparent about the honest pros and cons of seeking their careers.
This was one of the best videos describing what it’s like to work in the trades that I’ve EVER seen, keep up the good work Carl…!
I appreciate that!
I think one thing that isn't really mentioned by those recommending the trades. Is the fact that it can be very dangerous. Yes you can occasionally be paid well for certain jobs but working at a desk your biggest danger is most likely being sedentary. As an apprentice I've had to work in rooms full of asbestos (having it floating around in the air getting on your clothes is kinda nerve wracking) and around other dangerous gases and chemicals. The expectation is to get the job done and if you don't work for a company that follows rules like they should or provides the appropriate PPE. It can get pretty rough as health and safety can be non existent. Young guys should really think about these things.
@@lbg2160 I’m thankful for my asbestos training and masks I now own. I think it’s good to at least take and be aware. Even if you don’t stick to it. Because at least then you are protected and you can help to further educate. I normally work demo though. But I’m brand new.
Ive seen way too many people outright lying about how much you make in trades. Bragging about making 200-300k when they're realistically making half or less of that.
You're 100% right about the more relaxed atmosphere. When i used to work residentoal construction that was the way it was. We see it in mechanical engineering too though. Smaller engineering firms have a really "bro" atmosphere, just a bunch of dudes designing cool machines. But large firms have really oppressive HR policies that have you afraid to even invite your co-workers for a beer.
I am an Aussie , was a roof tiler for 30 yrs , when I was young , I loved it , tanned up , ripped and as fit as possible, very hard work .Got you the girls and the comments. 52 skin cancers removed later , stuffed wrists and fingers not worth the body abuse subjected and certainly didn’t purchase any islands
@@stevepetty3458 I'm 64 live in the southern USA where it's hotter than he'll and humid. I am a carpenter and welder. Mostly built houses and remodeling. Surgery on both shoulders knee surgery, 2 back surgery one was a fusion. I need knee replacement s now. My thumbs are wore out arthritis is all over my body. I did build my own house and garage and repair most anything that tears up. So no cost there. If I had it to do over I would have joined the Air Force right out of high school . Come out at 38 years old after 20 years. No wars when I would have been in 78- 98.
I’m a water and wastewater operator. The absolute worst part is the on call. We lose people all the time because they can’t handle it. Planning vacations is impossible because you don’t know when someone will drop and ruin the rotation schedule you’re planning around. Being called at 2 in the morning and getting out of bed to start the day. Not knowing if you’ll be coming home on time or at midnight.
It’s extremely stressful.
That sounds dreadful.
Solid and truthful perspective, the old man was a journeyman carpenter, the last time we spoke after graduating high school (25+ years ago), he advised me to go into the trades.
My path was different, I didn't hone a single trade but tried to learn a variety and maintenance work is the best and worse of the trades, with plenty of employment opportunities with every new building constructed, so thanks for the abundance!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and perspective! Have a wonderful weekend!
Hey Carl. I started as an electrician in 93 journeyman in 00, and master on 05. Now I do plant maintenance to get away from all the 4” rigid and 500s. You right I’ve worked on all these jobs you described, even a substation install in a mine 800 feet below ground to a government building with a cafeteria that compares to any decent restaurants.
I worked as a building engineer in Boston and the busting chops was a thing. Gets old real quick and you just want to be left alone to do your work. I am lucky to have entered maintenance work so it is the happy medium. Get the best of both worlds, work at the same spot everyday but still hands on. I think that is how most guys do it, enter into a trades and learn for a few years then once they are ready for a slower day they go into maintenance.
The way office jobs work is that you get a certain amount of time for lunch, usually 30 minutes to an hour and you don't get paid for that time. You can take lunch whenever you feel like as long as you don't have any meetings and it's not too close to the start or the end of the workday. Some companies have specific times when you can take a lunch break, say noon-2pm or 11:30am-2pm. You can leave whenever you want during those times, but you can't take more than those 30 minutes or the unpaid hour that you get for lunch. Some places are more flexible on that.
Depends on the office. For my office we get an hour and it's paid
where I work they let you take unlimited paid lunch, you can take a 4-hour lunch as long as you have your phone on you and it's like half an hour after start or half an hour before close.
if you finish your tasks it's all gravy.
that said if someone comes running in to ask you an important question and you're not there you're in deep shit, so it's not like you can just disappear for even 10 minutes.
The other benefit is you know other trades people so if you need help on a home project like you need some electrical work done you have a buddy to either help you with it
I tried out an Electrician apprenticeship several years ago, when I was younger and less resilient, and only made it about 3 months in before an a-hole CW drove me completely away. I'm nearly 28 now and thinking maybe going back, but also considering getting into welding, carpentry or maybe plumbing, but for those I would be starting completely from scratch. I'd love to hear from anyone here about their experiences in these areas and whether you think a relatively unskilled 28yo man can be successful in them. Thanks Carl for the video, very insightful and interesting!
When I was 19 I got into commercial window glazing. Looking back I wish I would have kept doing it because I could’ve started my own company, and that was ultimately my main goal. I couldn’t handle the weather. I was always sick in the winter time; and it sucks working in the cold weather while being sick. But, I wish I would’ve had the money, or extra money, to buy good cloths. I feel like the clothes these days especially are way better. Instead of wearing sweat pans with jeans over them, crappy shoes and coats; I’d buy nice work boots, pants, and a jacket. The time it takes just to hang up your clothes every night to let them dry out, is time that’s never accounted for. You bring up a good point about the coffee and lunch thing; another topic would be cell phones. Trades aren’t the type of work where you can play on your phone all day; most of the younger generation couldn’t handle that. Anyway, thank for the video.
Amazing video, totally reflects my personal experience. Best years of my life were blue, job satisfaction was amazing, you built or created something and it was a testament to your effort. Learned how to work with people, oh yeah. We could hate each other but we worked it out and got the job done, no HR out there. Done other things since then but all that experience, confidence and belief in myself has helped me succeed in my other careers. Now in health care, patients are my success. It is easy to not see the results of your hard work but my blue days taught me, have a standard, keep it up and you can always be proud. So much pressure on the new generation, feeling like they are constantly being judged, not just by family and peers but now by social media. Blue gave me the confidence that I AM ON THE A TEAM, I might make mistakes but I deliver 110% and am proud of it.
Worked in the field for almost 20 years, about half as a superintendent. Started an office job as a construction manager at an AE firm 2 years ago. Completely different world. I can relate to the camaraderie points you mentioned. My advice is to work in the field in your 20s and then move to the office in your 30s onward. Take care of your body so you appear presentable. Big part of it.
I like that idea thx for the advice 🤘
As a woman working in the trades in shipbuilding, the most interesting thing I learned was that guys are just as gossipy, rumor mill turning, and backstabbing as women. They just get a free pass because of stereotypes. The political moving around and squabbling exists in the trades too. It was the biggest disappointment in my life to realize my work life wasn't going to be drama free 😂
I have heard people saying that boys don't gossip, talk behind people's back or insult others like the girls do. Heck, just yesterday, I watched a TikTok video repeating the same cliche, of boys bullying being purely physical and girls bullying being verbal. And when girls bully, they are more vicious than guys. Its obviously all bullshit.
There's a common stereotype about how guys don't talk about personal stuff with their male friends. Of course we don't talk about those things! The expectation is that, if we talk about our insecurities or embarrassing situations, or anything of that sort. That anything we say, *will* be weaponized against us. I think the fact that, women frequently talk about their feelings and personal stuff with their girl friends. Just shows that women are *less* likely to attack you for what you tell them... But it also means that, when/if they get nasty, they have lots of ammunition to hurt you. I think that's where the myth of women being back stabby and more likely to verbally attack comes from.
...but that's just my theory 🤔
They the sassiest, back biting, sisters girls you’ll ever meet, the politics & good ol boy gangs, kiss butt cheeks, then the layoffs for the strong workers & keep the sister girls on while you collect unemployment
What kind of cope is this?
@@YusefAlim33 What are you trying to say? This makes no sense.
@@laius6047 This is my life experience. I went from an office environment to shipbuilding. The drama doesn't discriminate between the sexes.
What most people fail to realise is that trades can be a starting point. For example, tradespersons can become estimators, supervisors, QA Inspectors etc, with some training they can become project managers. I recommend that the moment you start your apprenticeship, start planning to get off the tools. You accumulate too many injuries over the years, especially those trades which involve a lot of manual handling.
The next point about trades it depends on what trade, what skill and certificates you have and where you work. An electrician wiring houses is low pay, an electrician who does HV jointing in a city will get a reasonable pay, but an electrician doing installation work on a remote mine site gets 6 figures. An electrician with hazardous area certification working on a FIFO basis in a remote gas field or offshore get even bigger 6 figures.
Same applies with teachers telling every student to go to college. It depends on the person. College is not for everyone.
I've worked all kinds of construction in my life, but now I'm a maintenance carpenter in my local school district, and it's great. I have to mind my Ps and Qs a bit more in terms of my language, but I get a lot of genuine appreciation from students and teachers when I come in and fix their shit. It's really gratifying.
The disadvantages are the reason I went the white collar trade route with drafting.
Yes, the pay isn't the highest, but it is great for my area and I get to work in the A/C.
Office ergonomics are also awesome nowadays, so desk based work risk is easier to mitigate than ever.
@@aEtherEater how does one avoid carpel tunnel in office type work?
@ruthlessmofo imo carpel tunnel should not be a deciding factor. Plenty of people get carpel tunnel in the trades as well. Repetitive tasks with yourbhands is a big thing in the trades not just in office work.
@@ruthlessmofo trackballs, vertical mice...
I’m not a blue collar worker, but many of my family members worked in factories. Currently, I am getting ready to start a job in admissions at a truck driver school. I love how nuanced your approach to this topic is. The approach of my family was that there’s dignity in all work. Blue collar isn’t better than white collar and vice versa. I could never handle a blue collar job and people who do that kind of work make life way better. I wish we just lived in a world where kids were given the chance to explore their talents and interests to find their opportunities rather than the modern education formula.
And it’s a shame people judge you on what kind of work you do.
I’m an apprentice at a specialty electrical contractor and it’s some of the toughest work you’ll do but talking to the residents or the customer after you get their system back online is one of the most rewarding things you’ll do.
Welder here, ive been in the trades my entire life literally. I was on jobsites before I could walk. One thing I will say is that I've only taken lunches a handful of times. 99% of the time we were working through them, I also work a minimum 6 12s up to 12 16s. Money was generally very good I cracked 100k at 19. It's definitely not for everyone. Our love language is definitely abstract I guess. Also I never paid for certs or licensing in fact I got paid to go. That was nonunion, but didn't really see much of a pay difference between union and non union. I did the storm chasing as a welder/mechanic money was absolutely insane there can confirm did that for 2 years. But I will say take care of your body I didn't really do that in my early years, and luckily I caught to were it was all reversible. So now I work smarter and not harder. And smarter is almost always faster.
Seen a guy throw a rock down the joy john vent tube while someone was in there. He got kicked out of union. They started putting screens at top of those vent tubes. Nastiest part of trades work is the bathrooms. I would hold my breath and come running out before i even had my pants pulled up.
Then seen a guy have a heart attack while sitting in joy john. Last place you would want to go out.
I worked as carpenter in indiana for 10+ yrs. Everything you said is spot on. I miss it. Had to change paths due to injury.
Rode bikes from parking lot to job site many times because it was 20+ min walk.
Good money. But theres alot of stamina needed for working in the temperatures.
I worked at a shipyard as a shipfitter apprentice (think carpenter but steel, at least at our yard) for a couple years. As my first full time job it gave me a lot of valuable experience and crucially payed fairly well. Ultimately it was not for me, and I’ve actually ended up really enjoying my time at my current office job largely thanks to the people, but also just because I don’t mind the simple and predictable routine. My takeaway as far as the “trades argument” is that only you know what kind of work you’re gonna thrive in, or at least tolerate until you can get something better lol. There is no universal solution, not everyone is going to do well in college, and not everyone is gonna do well in the trades.
Always like hearing your stories. Im 29 and lived in Florida my whole life, its true. People cap out in the low to mid-thirties an hour in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical. Not terrible but our state is getting more expensive and harder to raise a family. Ive been in it for 4.5 years and looking for better avenue forward in electrical. Seems like the more north you go, better the pay. Cousin's starting pay in Canada shocked me, 😂 makes me want to move to a different state.
I'm a welder here in florida and it's the same
Union tinknocker here I'm in colorado, one thing I feel you left out is the disadvantage of layoffs.
Colorado is the slowest state currently to deliver unemployment benefits and its killing me. There's no work and I'm on week 7 of waiting for an unemployment check. I'm lucky enough to have good friends and family to help but some guys might not have that. And it can be devastating to a young man and his family. Becoming a journeyman means you are more expensive and you usually will be the first on the list for a layoff if they can get the job done with less journeyman and more apprentices
Oh boy this video hits home pretty hard. I started off as an electrician helper at a young age, and what you described in this video was pretty spot on. I’ve worked blue-collar jobs for most of my life and yes, it’s got a bad stigma. Now after 20 years or so , I’m in the old man category at the job site and yes, the body falls apart before the mind does. Knocking on the door of 50 doesn’t help. At the end of the day, though we have to do what we have to do for our family and push through. by the way, I’ve been meaning to tell you that the hat toss cracks me up every time I see it.
We don’t have an HR department. If we did, everyone would be fired. Also if you live up here in Alaska it’s common to work in -40°.
I’ve been in the trades as a journeyman floor installer for over 18 years, it’s true about the body breaking down before the mind does. The one thing that pays off is teaching the next generation what hard work is and skills learned along the way. I know all three of my boys will be hard working but also will have the long term outlook to use their minds and not just their backs. Keep up your videos, I truly enjoy them.
May all the real tradesmen out there retain their grit
Everything you said was correct, been an electrican since highschool, can't complain always kept the roof over my head and food on the table. When getting older I went to college, obtained several professional degrees, the transition in management was hard due to the drop in pay, but once I got through that part it was alright. Doing CM work now (not supervision) my time in the trade helps me to have a better understanding while doing the business end of construction.
I'm a mechanic. It's actually pretty awesome. I can fix anything. I have actual job security.
First year, huh?
@@thechrononaut1 right? Lol
@@thechrononaut1 Over 20. Perspective let's me see the value in difficult things, I suppose.
@@gooe9561 Sorry dude, I don't believe for a second you've turned wrenches for 20 years. I've never met a tech who's done it for more than 5 that talks like that, even those of us who actually like our jobs.
My dad did it all his life, I did it for about 10 years. I got out and I'm a lot happier.
As someone who has worked in a trade in the past. The big thing they conveniently leave out when they talk about earning potential is overtime. They say you will earn major dollars compared to white collar but they don’t tell you that the reason you can earn that is because people do extreme levels of over time.
If they are going to compare trades income to white collar it should be compared based on hours work.
It’s not a true comparison if one job works 80 hours to earn what another earned in 40.
I’ve been a lineman for 9 years for a local utility company. Base pay is about 120K but with OT making 200-215 K a year. Still have pensions, medical benefits and a self funded 401K . Yes it can be hard work and long hours. Problem seems to be that many guys don’t want to work in physical jobs. But those that do are doing very very well. Think outside the box people. GOOD LUCK
First video I’ve seen of you and hearing someone say “I show stuff that lasts a long time” I subscribed 😂
Great video! My dad is also an electrician in Connecticut but I had no idea that this is some of the stuff he has to deal with. I have a new appreciation for those who work in the trades!
I started off working doing construction, also did some landscaping, and then did security while I went to school...I now do one of the most white collar things out there (about 5 months from getting a PhD) but my appreciation for blue collar work has never waned (my dad is still doing it, old man needs to slow down). I think it also taught me a lot of lessons that have allowed me to thrive in my new career.
Great video! People tell these kids get into the trades and you will make good money but nobody tells them that this is hard work. Also I never went to trade school and I run projects now. Our owner owns a temp service and that is were we get a bulk of our labor. A lot of guys are doing really well in school but ate absolutely terrible on the job. Lazy, tardy, unmotivated and mush for brains. It takes a special kind of person to be successful in the trades.
I drove tractor trailer for 12 years then got into an electrical apprenticeship. I didn't have to pay anything fortunately but that has changed at least where I work. This is my 20th year and hold a master's license. At 55 my advise is to try and get into more technical areas of the trades. For Electrical it's commercial service, testing or control work. It's better for your body and your usually dealing with much better conditions. Getting out of trucking was the best thing I ever did. That's a rotten job and nobody wants to do it once they figure out how the game is played, which is why the turnover is unbelievable high. I'm going to try and ride this wave to the shore because I'm not an office guy type and my boss told me he want me to work there till I retire. Great video Carl everything was spot on except women on the job, I never see it except commercial painting. I'm guessing the porti-johns keep them away which is understandable.
Been in the trades 35 years. I don't see any old HVAC guys. Only a few old plumbers. I see a bunch of old electricians. That tells you all you need to know about which trade to go into
Got 12 years in the ibew local 363, I'm an inside wireman (electrian) best decision I've ever made
I liked commercial
@belowfray5251 you know there's no difference right....
I've been doing commercial HVAC until I was diagnosed with Cancer and I'm on medical leave and I wasn't making big buck like everyone claims you can. I worked my ass off, I'm spending a lot of money on tools every week along with gas and maintenance on top of out of pocket expenses for my "Benefits" Unless you are unionized it's not worth it. Get a remote job, you're getting paid more without working as hard.