Attention: TDR Forum Junkies ok, a lil background info. I'm 24, working as a sysadmin. Salary, the equivalent of about $21 an hour. Pretty decent money but I just don't enjoy my work at all. The only thing I like about it is that I'm in an air conditioned office all day... but it's so boring, and I get no satisfaction out of it.
I'm thinking of switching career paths, doing some form of skilled labor. not necessarily today because I can't really afford a paycut, but once I get some of the toys paid off and can afford somewhat of a paycut (as long as it's something that I can work my way up to at least as much as I'm making now, preferably a good bit more). If I can get something starting at about $15 an hour, and making more like $25 or so in a few years, I'd be fine with that.
My grandfather was a mechanic, and I considered that for a while, but that's a hobby of mine, and I really think doing it for a living would kinda burn me out... like after doing it for 8+ hours, I'm not gonna wanna come home and work on my car or truck. I wouldn't mind doing something that would be useful in my off time though, like say welding. There's already been quite a few times I coulda had a much easier time on an automotive project if I could weld.
So... what are some ideas I could look into? Starting $15ish an hour, eventually (but not taking too long) making 25 or 30 (or more of course). Year-round work, nothing seasonal. Home every night... not on the road for days/weeks/months at a time. Or home every morning if I'm stuck working evenings for a while... whatever... just not something where I'll be away from home for long periods. Reasonably steady 40 hour week, or 40 + OT. Nothing where it's 15 hours this week, 70 hours next week, and you can't plan ahead financially because you have no idea what you're gonna make.
I know there's alotta blue collar skilled labor type people on this board (it kinda goes hand in hand with the 3/4 or 1 ton diesel pickup
). Care to share advice or experiences?
I'm thinking of switching career paths, doing some form of skilled labor. not necessarily today because I can't really afford a paycut, but once I get some of the toys paid off and can afford somewhat of a paycut (as long as it's something that I can work my way up to at least as much as I'm making now, preferably a good bit more). If I can get something starting at about $15 an hour, and making more like $25 or so in a few years, I'd be fine with that.
My grandfather was a mechanic, and I considered that for a while, but that's a hobby of mine, and I really think doing it for a living would kinda burn me out... like after doing it for 8+ hours, I'm not gonna wanna come home and work on my car or truck. I wouldn't mind doing something that would be useful in my off time though, like say welding. There's already been quite a few times I coulda had a much easier time on an automotive project if I could weld.
So... what are some ideas I could look into? Starting $15ish an hour, eventually (but not taking too long) making 25 or 30 (or more of course). Year-round work, nothing seasonal. Home every night... not on the road for days/weeks/months at a time. Or home every morning if I'm stuck working evenings for a while... whatever... just not something where I'll be away from home for long periods. Reasonably steady 40 hour week, or 40 + OT. Nothing where it's 15 hours this week, 70 hours next week, and you can't plan ahead financially because you have no idea what you're gonna make.
I know there's alotta blue collar skilled labor type people on this board (it kinda goes hand in hand with the 3/4 or 1 ton diesel pickup
). Care to share advice or experiences?
)... looks like carpenters make pretty good money... even $15+ as an apprentice... I'm sure there's plenty of overtime to be had too. Only problem is it's "weather permittin'" work. Looks like I'd need somethin else to do in the winter... 
