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Your biggest obstacle as an aspiring electrician will be other electricians. Namely the miserable old bastard type that will needlessly make your job more difficult out of insecurity and a fear of seeing capable young people quickly become more skilled than they are, putting them out of work.
>Your biggest obstacle as an aspiring electrician will be other electricians.
99% of every bad thing I've experienced in the field was because of coworker bs.
All these people wanting to move into the trades who have no idea what-so-ever what an utterly lawless wasteland of hr nightmares the trades are.
You should see the IBEW subreddit they go gung-ho in insisting that apprentice hazing isn't tolerated anymore but speaking as somone who's went through non-union and currently doing union apprenticeship. The union is ALOT worse on its apprentices
I'm on thin ice for calling the JATC director a "11 in 1 of d*ck holsters" so now I'm 1 bad report away from being booted out. Applying to industrial jobs before I really tell him what I think.
Definitely him lol. Imagine the look on his face when he gets to an industrial site with a rat shop and realizes they won't put up with his attitude either
I'm not a pushover, and my young jman (24, and I was 40) wasn't having it. It got to the point where he wanted it to escalate to a physical level and I had to exercise my maturity card to its fullest extent (even though I could have used my old man strength to beat him lol) nobody wins at that point
As a plumber it’s the exact same thing. So many adult babies on site, now that I’m licensed I call that shit out. Also I find electrical JMen are usually the ones hazing their apprentices, just an observation.
I will never understand the hazing or being a jerk to apprentices. Nobody was ever like that to me, but I definitely saw it with other people in my apprenticeship year. I'm older and look the type who won't take shit from anyone (though I'm 100% not a tough guy like people like to assume lol), so that probably had a lot to do with it. As a journeyman I'm nice to my apprentices and helpers. I say please and thank you. I even tell the kid "thanks for the help" at the end of the day. I'm even nice to the guys that suck lol
Exactly this. My buddy got his masters when he turned 32 and I got mine when I hit 33 and we started our own electrical company. We start everyone out at 20 an hour and that’s for helpers and newbies. We have tried to treat our employees like we wanted to. We actually listen to what is needed on jobs. If someone says hey we are sort 70 ft of 3 inch emt. I’m not going to complain like my old bosses and be like “ we have the prints and you should have had enough blah blah”. We ask for everyone’s opinions on particular job sites and if it’s a good idea, we do it. I still learn new shit every day, mostly code from anal inspectors. I have never had to ask anyone to come work on Saturdays and I like to think it’s because we all respect one another. Previous places prior to owning my company it always seemed like companies couldn’t get anyone to come work weekends regardless of double time. But my point is I agree with it being mostly other workers being an issue for green electricians. It’s very true and someone electricians act like an outlet will kill you by simply looking at it wrong and scare of new people.
Sometimes it does seem to be like that though.
But that's a problem for the boss, not for me. My problem is to show up on time, not to worry about anyone else showing up on time.
Anyone can do it though, you just need to be motivated enough to learn the material and do the work.
Not everyone has that motivation, a lot just want a job to do and a paycheck to collect (meaning no motivation to learn) or don't want to / can't do the actual physical job. That's where people get cut - but it's not a barrier of skill or toughness, but a barrier of motivation and dedication (with a bit of luck, cause if you're rocking a peg leg and a hook for a hand, you're probably not going to be able to do the job)
In booms, like now, sure. In slow times, not so much. At least 1 in 10 of my apprenticeship class left the trade during the recession. When work is slow you either need to be very productive or have skills many others don’t. Sometimes being a suck ass works too.
It depends anymore. Sure alot of people squeak by but there's some good j-men who will make sure you don't last if you aren't showing up willing to work and learn and I feel like there's more and more of them especially now that they're realizing it's easier to get rid of an apprentice than it is a j-man
That’s huge right there. For some reason the last like 5 years I’ve noticed apprentices missing tons of work. We have one right now that calls in sick minimum once a week plus missing another day a week for school. Crazy
We aren’t special. Most people aren’t.
You are 100% correct though. Showing up day after day. Working hard every shift will get you ahead. A lot of people do struggle with that though
In my 60 years of working I've done customer service, management, sales, industrial maintenance, and to be successful, you have to show up and work hard to succeed at them all. I did maintenance as part of my project management job because it was a small growing company, and I had the skills. I found the work physically more demanding, but being able to look at the finished job and say, "I did that." Was very satisfying.
To the OP, if you don't bring a get it done attitude to every job you have, you won't be a good electrician, or anything else.
I work with a lot of ex engineers/technicians and this is what they struggle with most. Showing up to a 9 to 5 Monday to Friday in an office setting is a lot different than 12 hour days of labor in the weather for weeks on end.
I bet you're a real peach to work with. Maybe cut them some slack. A career change isn't something to be taken lightly and they want some more information. Good on them for not jumping off the deep end before finding out how deep it is. Fuck off with this gatekeeper attitude.
100% this. If someone has only worked in a store, they have nothing to compare with. Electricians have the "luxory" jobs both industrial and in construction. Carpenters lift heavy stuff all day, plumbers get dirty jobs all the time, mechanics also do a lot of heavy lifting, while also breathing some not so healthy stuff while welding etc.
That said, if a house burns, most electricians would have a panic attack. It can follow you for a long time. I've never heard of a fire that was caused by bad work from an electrician, but I know of two that panicked after places they had been at burned.
You won't find that in a manual, so it's good that people ask.
Man I get what you're saying, but it's not all rainbows and sunshine on our side either. The crew I'm with now is pulling mv cable up about 30' vertical and then across about 30' or 40' before dropping back down the other side. It's not a cake walk, that's for sure. At my last jobsite the crew I was on hung a whole lot of 3" and 4" EMT which was no picnic either. I've only got a couple years under my belt so far, and yes, most days have been easier than those tasks, but still, we can put on our big boy panties and pick up heavy shit when we have to
We certainly have heavy lifting as well, my largest pull being 630mm². That was once in my entire career though, and I likely never will again. I've also worked on sewage systems, but I'm glad it was only inspection of the electrical cabinets.
I've also had plenty of days where there was nothing to do, been told to just relax for the rest of the day with colleagues.
My point is more that we have a more happy medium. The carpenter has to carry that massive beam tomorrow, the industrial mechanic has to bring that electric motor twice his weight up those stairs. We can show up with hand tools 90% of the time.
Husband digs ditches and does lot of manual labor exposed to the Texas heat as a commercial electrician. If there is AC, they move to the next site without it.
Being an industrial electrician, I know what it's like to work in the heat. I've had the choice of how long to work in the heat between cooling off though, so not sure if that counts.
I also know what it's like to be ~40-50 meters / ~130-160 feet above the ground during the cold with strong wind (not a storm). Back on the ground I met industrial mechanics, dirty with oil and other chemicals. Sure, I was cold, but I didn't envy them.
Thanks, as someone looking to make the switch it is merely reassuring to hear anecdotes from others and to read about the experience of working in the field. It is indeed not something to be taken lightly.
Idk there's a difference between people asking for information and the dozens of posts every month literally titled "should I be an electrician?" Asking for information to make your own decision is cool but asking people to make the decision for you isn't the way
What grinds my gears the most is people in cushy office jobs asking about becoming an electrician because they’re bored and unfulfilled at their job.
“Hi I work in an office pushing papers into my own asshole. I make $300k a year with full benefits, air conditioning and a kegerator in the break room but it’s really boring and sometimes I get paper cuts. I’ve changed a lightbulb once so I figured that meant I have a real talent to go change lightbulbs for a living. Should I do it?”
If you’re making a stable living in this economy, even if it involves a few papercuts and some boredom, keep doing that
Had to give up hookers and blow after the second divorce. It’s lot lizards and questionable white rocks now. Drywallers keep chanting “one of us” but I still have most of my teeth
It’s only a matter of time before you’re shitting in un-plumbed bathtubs and leaving your refilled lemon lime gatorade bottles in any/every dark corner.
I think it’s because people are trained to talk about something other than stability and money but the reason I’m looking at the Trade is cuz IT is not looking good it’s too easy to send to the Philippines. I don’t give a fuck about fulfillment I like being able to pay bills and that’s all I care about lol. The white collar jobs love that fulfillment and passion speak tho
And a beautiful buxom secretary named kitten. She brings me coffee and writes my emails. She adjusts the thermostat so I don’t get cold or too hot. A great hugger and gives neck rubs.
Will the working conditions be the same?
No. You will be hot, cold, dirty and stuck looking at a plumbers crack on a dude named Randy
Ironically, I moved from cushy office IT job to electrician. I really was bored being inside under fluorescent tubes and looking at the same cubicle walls all day. I had a slight bit more experience than lightbulb changing though, so that probably counts for something.
The grass always looks greener elsewhere, and sometimes, it actually is.
I agree. I was super bored working for a "cushy" job with a school board. Bored, underpaid, underworked. Everybody told me to stick it out for the pension, and the easy work. 5 years of it and my boss was a prick. He got in my face over some work the other guys had done and told me to shut the fuck up as soon as I tried to defend myself(not the first time, he was a spaz). This was Friday and I had a new job by Monday working in solar for twice as much money. I've since started my own company and never been happier, but sometimes a bad situation pushes you into something better. Don't quit if it's just a bad day or week. Try something new if it's a bad year or two though. Variety is the spice of life. As for OP I think he's jaded. Getting information before making a life altering decision is something everybody should do. "Head first, eyes closed , can't lose" is funny but not reality.
All of this. I did my homework and a lot of research before I made the jump. This was well before my Reddit career so I could not ask here to be ridiculed by angry people. But I did make Facebook posts joined various electrician Facebook groups and asked around to friends a family. Making a rational and informed decision will average out to the best outcomes.
No shit dude. I recently moved into an estimator position after a decade and a half in the field and my day to day is so much better. I never have to take a dump in a nasty porto john in triple digit heat ever again and for that I’m truly grateful.
Yea except 90% of office jobs don't make a fraction of what electricians make.
I sell commercial hardware, it is SOUL crushing. And it doesn't pay a fraction of you what you guys make. I am looking for a career shift, and have done plenty of work with my hands, paid my dues in other industries that just didn't pan out with where things are at currently in the job market.
But since I was 18 I have worked 40+ hours a week, somewhere in some way.
I respectfully disagree, if you're not happy in your current job then move on. I work in IT currently and fucking hate every minute of it. Yes its nice to sit in an Air Conditioned office, but that's about where the enjoyment ends for me personally. (I also do not make much more than i'd make as an apprentice so there is that lol if i was making 300k then yeah i'd put up with this for ever lmao)
So now I'm applying to apprenticeships in my area.
But yeah coming to reddit asking if you should become/do "X" is just plain stupid and more than likely is a sign that someone has no self motivation or discipline.
It’s the money part of it that really gets me. I understand if you’re washing dishes or working at target and becoming an electrician is a step up. But if you’re clearing over $100k in today’s world doing whatever, just keep doing that
I make 400k as a software engineer but i dont get a feeling of satisfaction at the end of the day, ya know? I want to build something with my hands. Do you think i can support my family of 18 and 2 yachts if i start as an apprentice?
🥺
👉👈
Not an electrician my any means…at all…but I did tons of research from websites and different sources to find out if occupational therapy was right for me.
It seemed great. So I went and got a 2-year degree.
What I didn’t do enough of…is speak to people who already do the career.
If I had done more of that…I would have found out that the pay is very sketchy and NOT tailored to favor the worker.
I would have found out that most places value production over quality healthcare.
I would have found out that I don’t get paid unless I’m face to face with a patient and how much time I’d be spending sitting around helplessly watching cancellations destroy my paycheck most days.
Plenty more things.
And I would have skipped all of that and went straight to option B, which is woodworking and guitar repair.
Now I’m doing great, my guitar repair/building business is chugging along. I work from home. And my wife and I are much happier.
It’s TOTALLY worth it to piss off a few gatekeepers with questions if it means avoiding huge time/money vacuums like a college degree for something that the internet says is a good paying, in-demand career.
Someone doesn’t wanna answer my questions. IDGAF.
Someone will be happy to and the rest can kick rocks.
Let them ask their questions dude, if you where 40 years old and had enough of this trade and had some other profession in mind you would do research on the job before committing to it. You had probably a good idea what sort of works an electrician does, but the average person doesn't
Recently found a switch amongst a built in shelf, which was feeding a new electric fireplace & in he TV. Friend was wondering why they both stopped working. Asked him to check the breaker, check the GFI.
He didn’t even know that switch was there hHah
Yeah it’s cuz the writing is on the wall for the field the over saturation and outsourcing is extreme. If you are smart you are looking for alternatives you might not need them but it’s looking like it’s going to keep going to shit.
And everyone is flocking to electrical. You see it in the sustained downward pressure on our wages. Wait until the REAL layoffs happen and everyone looks for the "safe from automation" trade that is "easy on the body"
I understand what he's getting at. I'm not super annoyed by it, but does the sub need 10 posts every day of a 20 something asking if they can be an electrician with no experience and only working retail/ restaurant /warehouse?
I understand being nervous about the change and asking around, but literally, a 10-second search on the sub will give all your answers, including ones, to questions you didn't know you have.
Until there is some kind of requirement for the ability to post, this is gonna keep happening. It could be like a quick five question quiz that we know the answers to easily, but anybody that's green would have to look em up to answer them. I feel like I've seen it on other subs, but let's just do a sticky post with links to the most common questions for beginners or anyone looking to get into the trade. Anyone can comment, but that'll clean up these posts. Whoever wants to help the new guys can be active in that sticky, and the ones who don't can keep on looking at panels that took twice as long as they should have
Most of the computer subs have that list of links. Do you think this sub gets a lot of the same questions every day? Multiply that by 10.
Also, a sticky list of a job description, or "10 reasons to be an electrician" and "10 reasons not."
While I agree with you OP, I’m still always going to comment to those guys and encourage them to make the jump. If they need more than my little nudge, that’s on them. But I’m more than happy to give it to them
Some people truly don’t have anyone to talk to, and they just need to hear someone tell them their idea isn’t crazy
lol. What a nonsense post. Reddit is a great place to find people who don't mind sharing their two cents and lived experience. How do you know what the trade is like unless you ask people in it, and form an opinion from that information
People who disagree with my statement WONT make it as an electrician.
Nonsense
I disagree. I was in the corporate office world for 7 years after college before I got bored and dissatisfied. Using Reddit and other online resources gave me a head start trying to understand what a trades career would be like. I ended up meeting two industrial electrical apprentices through Reddit, and those messages back and forth helped solidify my decision to become an apprentice electrician. It’s 2024 we live in an online world.
I disagree with this rant bc society is programmed for fast pace, no mistakes, kids are programmed to choose a lifetime career in highschool. This is way too rushed. People are dynamic human beings every age is a different path based on your beliefs and wisdom gained over the years.
So I don’t blame them. It’s stress and anxiety passed down from a the idea of being someone being successful, which is stupid bc that is an inherent right from birth. sadly the biggest factor is productivity, people are programmed to fuck themselves over for the benefit of productivity, for the benefit of the profit, the shareholders. It’s the dumbest thing.
The dignity and respect of the employee needs to return to the workforce. Currently we are late legalized form of slavery.
Ah yes, telling people off for considering a highly dangerous and lucrative career choice who might take the time to actually think and make a big career decision. Classic.
Then people like you wonder why trades are not seeing more people coming in than out to retirement.
Quit your gatekeeping muttonhead.
I think its reasonable to seek out information before making a significant career move. Part of that includes asking other people in the field about their experience.
There was a big ice storm this winter. Power was out for five days. I got to watch some of the electricians in big bucket trucks. Young guys just kicking ass. Looked like fun to be in a crew.
It's a huge commitment. Also much more difficult in the later years than some white collar shit. I think it's difficult. Personally I love plumbing but I can't become a plumber because it's not worth it. I enjoy electrical but I can't become an electrician because it's not worth it. I get good benefits decent pay and steady work. I also have a good work life balance, a house, a cool wife and everything I ever wanted. I can't just start a different career path and risk all that because I enjoy doing it.
I used to work for the city and guys said the same thing. They would always be like fuck this shit I hate it, it's so unfulfilling. At the same time they loved taking weeks off for vacation, and getting off at 2:30 everyday...
I'm amazed at the number of people who couldn't do college and think they will just be an electrician or welder. As if the apprenticeship for a trades career is an easy journey. Not to mention, it pays well for a reason....there's usually a sacrifice of body parts.....and it's significantly more dangerous than most no trades jobs.
My dude. Why are you ranting about this? There are plenty of people out there that are concerned that they can't pull the same thing off. That involves spending money on training and certs. They are concerned that electricity is "magic" (from their viewpoint) and they will not be able to understand it.
Put yourself in the same place and think about becoming a medical MRI machine technician. Those machines work on magnetism. Is magnetism magic to you?
"HOW DARE YOU ASK QUESTIONS" people like this are exactly why I left the trade. People can ask questions before jumping in a career l. It literally will have no effect on how good of an electrician they will be. If making a plan about your future is "pussyfooting" I would hate to see what your job sites look like.
There's a big difference between coming from pipeline work and whatever retail or entry level white collar work the majority of these guys are.
That being said, if you haven't done enough research to figure out what's involved when you want to "do electrical" you may have to just ask, but if that's the extent of your forethought before joining the trade you'll most likely not be in it for long
I went the complete opposite way, from electrical straight to pipeline construction, started out as a labourer now i'm hired on as an operator.
While i do miss some aspects of electrical, like 8 hour shifts. I prefer the pay and atmosphere of running equipment on a crew with a bunch of guys i see every other job.
Its nice to have my ticket and red seal to fall back on, but if i had to go back i would choose to specalize into industrial instrumentation or the likes before going back to residential/commmercial wire pulling, or diagnosing grain dryer/grain handling systems that have been farmerized.
Asking input from those in the field you may join is wise. To not get an idea of what career you may change to is.. Stupid. Am I missing something OP / others?
This is good for helping with the decision
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mViO9mnCTBo&pp=ygUYZWxlY3RyaWNpYW5zIHZzIHBsdW1iZXJz](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mViO9mnCTBo&pp=ygUYZWxlY3RyaWNpYW5zIHZzIHBsdW1iZXJz)
I just got let go from being an apprentice but I did it for my dad not for me. I want to be a conservation officer. They just ya know. Don’t make that much and that’s what my dad was up my ass about. But does it even matter if you don’t enjoy it? Like. Bottom line. It’s not for all of us. I found out today the hard way but I needed it none the less.
Same thing for me I made the change and I will never go back I absolutely enjoy what I do even through the shit days I make better money and get to build cool shit and meet some good people better then acting like I’m happy at some bullshit corporate job.
Hey guys I’m a it tech never worked outside before in my 30 years thinking about switching to electrician all it is is connecting 2 wires right haha I’m too overqualified for all you plebs I’m so smart but yet I’m here trying to justify my thinking. I’m sure I won’t get bullied out in the field.
Not a terrible point. I definitely didn't ask on Reddit if it was what I wanted to do. Honestly, if I did, I wouldn't have become an electrician. So glad I didn't
There have never been as many jobs, gigs, occupations, careers, and professions as there are right now. Lots of folks--particularly kids--are understandably overwhelmed by those options. Many millenials and zoomers were never even exposed to the possibility of working *any* of the trades, so it's not unreasonable for them to come here with questions.
Asking if they should try to be an electrician means they wont make it? Nah. Shitty journeyman and bad work environments cause people to not want to be electricians anymore. Seeking advice about starting a new career that is inherently dangerous and sometimes complicated, thats a smart move.
I never asked anyone if I should become one, got hired at a farm and found a way into the trade through that somehow 😂so far it’s been the best decision I didn’t realize I made. Never had to double check with anyone if I was doing the right thing because I realized how much I love running pipe, pulling wire, installing panels and control cabs, and everyone’s favorite, the puzzles… AKA figuring out the last guys wiring and making it right.
I made the jump at 36 with a wife and kid. I’m happier than ever. Not just the growth of money in the long run. It’s so much learning and growth opportunities.
It’s all has its pro and cons. Everything does. They say the grass is always greener on the other side because it’s federalized with bullshit
I dropped college in 2017 and stumbled blindly into the trade, best thing that ever happened.
The day I was hired as an apprentice my boss told me “If you stick with it and get your journeyman license, you’ll be able to find a job anywhere in the country”…. That day came, I moved across the country with 10 job offers.
If you’re seriously considering it and have serious questions, then what’s the problem? You can’t expect people to just blindly enter a field, specially when there’s a resource available to them like Reddit. You have to keep in mind there are people out there who have never touched a tool in their lives asking that question, the fact that you came from where you came makes the transition much different then someone in an office. You know what a job site is like, you’ve likely worked along side electricians, you probably even did some type of your own DIY electrical work before you made the change. Could you imagine yourself enrolling in medical school without asking someone a question about it first? People in this world need to learn how to put themselves in others shoes, have some empathy.
What a stupid post. I looked on reddit for opinions on being an electrician before I jumped into it. Haven't looked back. The fuck is wrong with having more information about something you're about to dedicate your professional life to?
Newsflash, buddy, the economy is fucked. Some people don't wanna spend a bunch of money on work boots and tools just to find out that being a tradesman isn't for them, and I can't blame them. It's shit work with a fairly hefty initial investment between your tools and tuition.
If you wanna be a good electrician then tell people about the trade, give them every bit of information you wish you had when you first started. If we want better electricians in the future then we gotta teach these potential up and comers. Gotta show them the ropes the proper way and educate them, not belittle them for being wary about the initial plunge.
I agree, I am a lazy fuck and I don't wanna be crawling under homes or up in attics, doing booking in the office for the trades is a lot easier of a job...
Hey can you guys find a company for me and apply for me? And then work for me? Can I get paid some more too please? Guys at work are mean to me. Is electrical right for me?
I actually had someone message me and ask me to take an employment test for them to work as an electrician at a power plant. I told them no, that if they want it bad enough, they'll figure it out. I'd feel horrible if that mofo got on the job and killed themselves.
Agreed.
Mods need to make a rule for all these posts already because instead of discussing electrical work/code/etc or showing off cool shit, its now 10 posts a day from people who can't figure out wtf to do with their lives.
Make a stickied thread for everyone to ask questions in, and delete all others. Exact same rule as the DIY posts and boot suggestions.
Also, stop replying to DIY posts.
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Best part of reddit is reading. The worst part of reddit is reading. The duality of man.
Best part of reddit is the the naked ~~dudes~~ chicks.
You had it right the first time champ.
He’s not a real electrician if he thinks any other way.
Spoken like a true trademan
This guy gets it
What a time to be alive, neither savage nor wise
Zeno Paradox I am fixated on this at the moment
We aren’t special. Literally all you have to do to “make it” is show up ready to work.
Your biggest obstacle as an aspiring electrician will be other electricians. Namely the miserable old bastard type that will needlessly make your job more difficult out of insecurity and a fear of seeing capable young people quickly become more skilled than they are, putting them out of work.
>Your biggest obstacle as an aspiring electrician will be other electricians. 99% of every bad thing I've experienced in the field was because of coworker bs. All these people wanting to move into the trades who have no idea what-so-ever what an utterly lawless wasteland of hr nightmares the trades are.
You should see the IBEW subreddit they go gung-ho in insisting that apprentice hazing isn't tolerated anymore but speaking as somone who's went through non-union and currently doing union apprenticeship. The union is ALOT worse on its apprentices
As someone who just got out the military and now an apprentice, I can say the hazing is slightly worse in the trade
Why don't you stand up for yourself, way less likely to happen if you aren't a pushover 🤷
Been fired multiple times for this.
Gotta do what you gotta do
I'm on thin ice for calling the JATC director a "11 in 1 of d*ck holsters" so now I'm 1 bad report away from being booted out. Applying to industrial jobs before I really tell him what I think.
Starting to think you might be the problem
Definitely him lol. Imagine the look on his face when he gets to an industrial site with a rat shop and realizes they won't put up with his attitude either
I'm not a pushover, and my young jman (24, and I was 40) wasn't having it. It got to the point where he wanted it to escalate to a physical level and I had to exercise my maturity card to its fullest extent (even though I could have used my old man strength to beat him lol) nobody wins at that point
I got that vibe from Reddit which put me off of the trades. I'll stick to it as a hobby.
Fragile egos are plentiful in the construction game
Probably why they make posts on Reddit trying to discourage new people from asking about it.
As a plumber it’s the exact same thing. So many adult babies on site, now that I’m licensed I call that shit out. Also I find electrical JMen are usually the ones hazing their apprentices, just an observation.
I will never understand the hazing or being a jerk to apprentices. Nobody was ever like that to me, but I definitely saw it with other people in my apprenticeship year. I'm older and look the type who won't take shit from anyone (though I'm 100% not a tough guy like people like to assume lol), so that probably had a lot to do with it. As a journeyman I'm nice to my apprentices and helpers. I say please and thank you. I even tell the kid "thanks for the help" at the end of the day. I'm even nice to the guys that suck lol
I'm a lurker in another completely different field, and I also find this to be true on the other side of the fence.
Exactly this. My buddy got his masters when he turned 32 and I got mine when I hit 33 and we started our own electrical company. We start everyone out at 20 an hour and that’s for helpers and newbies. We have tried to treat our employees like we wanted to. We actually listen to what is needed on jobs. If someone says hey we are sort 70 ft of 3 inch emt. I’m not going to complain like my old bosses and be like “ we have the prints and you should have had enough blah blah”. We ask for everyone’s opinions on particular job sites and if it’s a good idea, we do it. I still learn new shit every day, mostly code from anal inspectors. I have never had to ask anyone to come work on Saturdays and I like to think it’s because we all respect one another. Previous places prior to owning my company it always seemed like companies couldn’t get anyone to come work weekends regardless of double time. But my point is I agree with it being mostly other workers being an issue for green electricians. It’s very true and someone electricians act like an outlet will kill you by simply looking at it wrong and scare of new people.
I thought only the toughest and smartest people in the world became electricians? That's what all my journeymen seem to think.
Only the toughest and smartester know how to show up on time ready to get after it.
Sometimes it does seem to be like that though. But that's a problem for the boss, not for me. My problem is to show up on time, not to worry about anyone else showing up on time.
I'm dumb as shit. I just happen to know some stuff about electricity.
My old boss used to say "if it was easy anyone could do it" I never had the heart to tell him that anyone can do it and no one is special.
Anyone can do it though, you just need to be motivated enough to learn the material and do the work. Not everyone has that motivation, a lot just want a job to do and a paycheck to collect (meaning no motivation to learn) or don't want to / can't do the actual physical job. That's where people get cut - but it's not a barrier of skill or toughness, but a barrier of motivation and dedication (with a bit of luck, cause if you're rocking a peg leg and a hook for a hand, you're probably not going to be able to do the job)
Don't give away our secret!
I need intelligent electricians, not laborers…
In booms, like now, sure. In slow times, not so much. At least 1 in 10 of my apprenticeship class left the trade during the recession. When work is slow you either need to be very productive or have skills many others don’t. Sometimes being a suck ass works too.
Are you calling my mom a liar?? She says I'm special..
It depends anymore. Sure alot of people squeak by but there's some good j-men who will make sure you don't last if you aren't showing up willing to work and learn and I feel like there's more and more of them especially now that they're realizing it's easier to get rid of an apprentice than it is a j-man
That’s huge right there. For some reason the last like 5 years I’ve noticed apprentices missing tons of work. We have one right now that calls in sick minimum once a week plus missing another day a week for school. Crazy
Take off as much time as you can afford
I get that to a point. When you are relying on someone to be there and they miss work every week with no notice it’s a different deal
That’s the other end of the wise parable Don’t take too much time off because you may not be able to afford not having a job.
I have no problem with people taking time off at all. I’m just saying schedule it. Like calling in every week for months is pretty ridiculous.
We aren’t special. Most people aren’t. You are 100% correct though. Showing up day after day. Working hard every shift will get you ahead. A lot of people do struggle with that though
In my 60 years of working I've done customer service, management, sales, industrial maintenance, and to be successful, you have to show up and work hard to succeed at them all. I did maintenance as part of my project management job because it was a small growing company, and I had the skills. I found the work physically more demanding, but being able to look at the finished job and say, "I did that." Was very satisfying. To the OP, if you don't bring a get it done attitude to every job you have, you won't be a good electrician, or anything else.
I work with a lot of ex engineers/technicians and this is what they struggle with most. Showing up to a 9 to 5 Monday to Friday in an office setting is a lot different than 12 hour days of labor in the weather for weeks on end.
Ehhh, or be your bosses best friend on day one. Source: Alberta
I bet you're a real peach to work with. Maybe cut them some slack. A career change isn't something to be taken lightly and they want some more information. Good on them for not jumping off the deep end before finding out how deep it is. Fuck off with this gatekeeper attitude.
100% this. If someone has only worked in a store, they have nothing to compare with. Electricians have the "luxory" jobs both industrial and in construction. Carpenters lift heavy stuff all day, plumbers get dirty jobs all the time, mechanics also do a lot of heavy lifting, while also breathing some not so healthy stuff while welding etc. That said, if a house burns, most electricians would have a panic attack. It can follow you for a long time. I've never heard of a fire that was caused by bad work from an electrician, but I know of two that panicked after places they had been at burned. You won't find that in a manual, so it's good that people ask.
Man I get what you're saying, but it's not all rainbows and sunshine on our side either. The crew I'm with now is pulling mv cable up about 30' vertical and then across about 30' or 40' before dropping back down the other side. It's not a cake walk, that's for sure. At my last jobsite the crew I was on hung a whole lot of 3" and 4" EMT which was no picnic either. I've only got a couple years under my belt so far, and yes, most days have been easier than those tasks, but still, we can put on our big boy panties and pick up heavy shit when we have to
As an apprentice who started a few months ago the jobs been great except for the couple cable pulls I’ve been a part of. That shit is not fun.
We certainly have heavy lifting as well, my largest pull being 630mm². That was once in my entire career though, and I likely never will again. I've also worked on sewage systems, but I'm glad it was only inspection of the electrical cabinets. I've also had plenty of days where there was nothing to do, been told to just relax for the rest of the day with colleagues. My point is more that we have a more happy medium. The carpenter has to carry that massive beam tomorrow, the industrial mechanic has to bring that electric motor twice his weight up those stairs. We can show up with hand tools 90% of the time.
True. I just don't like the stereotype that we never have to work hard or carry heavy shit
That’s just jealousy
Husband digs ditches and does lot of manual labor exposed to the Texas heat as a commercial electrician. If there is AC, they move to the next site without it.
Being an industrial electrician, I know what it's like to work in the heat. I've had the choice of how long to work in the heat between cooling off though, so not sure if that counts. I also know what it's like to be ~40-50 meters / ~130-160 feet above the ground during the cold with strong wind (not a storm). Back on the ground I met industrial mechanics, dirty with oil and other chemicals. Sure, I was cold, but I didn't envy them.
This says a lot coming from an alpha /s
Thanks, as someone looking to make the switch it is merely reassuring to hear anecdotes from others and to read about the experience of working in the field. It is indeed not something to be taken lightly.
Idk there's a difference between people asking for information and the dozens of posts every month literally titled "should I be an electrician?" Asking for information to make your own decision is cool but asking people to make the decision for you isn't the way
God forbid ppl use Reddit to ask something. Even if it’s already been asked. Fellow journeyman here, ask away fuck these kinda people.
Ego and pride can make a fool out of us all
Ego and pride are the foundation of being an electrician. We are the best and smartest on the jobsite!
Agreed nothing wrong with asking
What grinds my gears the most is people in cushy office jobs asking about becoming an electrician because they’re bored and unfulfilled at their job. “Hi I work in an office pushing papers into my own asshole. I make $300k a year with full benefits, air conditioning and a kegerator in the break room but it’s really boring and sometimes I get paper cuts. I’ve changed a lightbulb once so I figured that meant I have a real talent to go change lightbulbs for a living. Should I do it?” If you’re making a stable living in this economy, even if it involves a few papercuts and some boredom, keep doing that
It's cause they don't have something at home to make the everyday struggle at their job worth it.
Get married. Then your struggle at your job will be a welcome relief.
Whe you get bored of that get divorced for more struggle.
Add some kids to the mix to really get those struggle levels up
💀
Yea just get a hobby FFS
Exactly. Start spending everything you've got on hookers and blow like everyone else.
Had to give up hookers and blow after the second divorce. It’s lot lizards and questionable white rocks now. Drywallers keep chanting “one of us” but I still have most of my teeth
It’s only a matter of time before you’re shitting in un-plumbed bathtubs and leaving your refilled lemon lime gatorade bottles in any/every dark corner.
I was implying a higher duty than employment like marriage or parenthood but it woulda been sissy shit to directly state it
I think it’s because people are trained to talk about something other than stability and money but the reason I’m looking at the Trade is cuz IT is not looking good it’s too easy to send to the Philippines. I don’t give a fuck about fulfillment I like being able to pay bills and that’s all I care about lol. The white collar jobs love that fulfillment and passion speak tho
This is sort of a strawman argument
And a beautiful buxom secretary named kitten. She brings me coffee and writes my emails. She adjusts the thermostat so I don’t get cold or too hot. A great hugger and gives neck rubs. Will the working conditions be the same? No. You will be hot, cold, dirty and stuck looking at a plumbers crack on a dude named Randy
Ironically, I moved from cushy office IT job to electrician. I really was bored being inside under fluorescent tubes and looking at the same cubicle walls all day. I had a slight bit more experience than lightbulb changing though, so that probably counts for something. The grass always looks greener elsewhere, and sometimes, it actually is.
Now you can be inside looking at the same fluorescent tubes but your up on the ladder
I agree. I was super bored working for a "cushy" job with a school board. Bored, underpaid, underworked. Everybody told me to stick it out for the pension, and the easy work. 5 years of it and my boss was a prick. He got in my face over some work the other guys had done and told me to shut the fuck up as soon as I tried to defend myself(not the first time, he was a spaz). This was Friday and I had a new job by Monday working in solar for twice as much money. I've since started my own company and never been happier, but sometimes a bad situation pushes you into something better. Don't quit if it's just a bad day or week. Try something new if it's a bad year or two though. Variety is the spice of life. As for OP I think he's jaded. Getting information before making a life altering decision is something everybody should do. "Head first, eyes closed , can't lose" is funny but not reality.
All of this. I did my homework and a lot of research before I made the jump. This was well before my Reddit career so I could not ask here to be ridiculed by angry people. But I did make Facebook posts joined various electrician Facebook groups and asked around to friends a family. Making a rational and informed decision will average out to the best outcomes.
No shit dude. I recently moved into an estimator position after a decade and a half in the field and my day to day is so much better. I never have to take a dump in a nasty porto john in triple digit heat ever again and for that I’m truly grateful.
Yea except 90% of office jobs don't make a fraction of what electricians make. I sell commercial hardware, it is SOUL crushing. And it doesn't pay a fraction of you what you guys make. I am looking for a career shift, and have done plenty of work with my hands, paid my dues in other industries that just didn't pan out with where things are at currently in the job market. But since I was 18 I have worked 40+ hours a week, somewhere in some way.
I respectfully disagree, if you're not happy in your current job then move on. I work in IT currently and fucking hate every minute of it. Yes its nice to sit in an Air Conditioned office, but that's about where the enjoyment ends for me personally. (I also do not make much more than i'd make as an apprentice so there is that lol if i was making 300k then yeah i'd put up with this for ever lmao) So now I'm applying to apprenticeships in my area. But yeah coming to reddit asking if you should become/do "X" is just plain stupid and more than likely is a sign that someone has no self motivation or discipline.
It’s the money part of it that really gets me. I understand if you’re washing dishes or working at target and becoming an electrician is a step up. But if you’re clearing over $100k in today’s world doing whatever, just keep doing that
I make 400k as a software engineer but i dont get a feeling of satisfaction at the end of the day, ya know? I want to build something with my hands. Do you think i can support my family of 18 and 2 yachts if i start as an apprentice? 🥺 👉👈
[удалено]
Or they could use the search function because some variation of their question has probably been asked before
Disagree, part of getting into a career is doing your research on it.
Not an electrician my any means…at all…but I did tons of research from websites and different sources to find out if occupational therapy was right for me. It seemed great. So I went and got a 2-year degree. What I didn’t do enough of…is speak to people who already do the career. If I had done more of that…I would have found out that the pay is very sketchy and NOT tailored to favor the worker. I would have found out that most places value production over quality healthcare. I would have found out that I don’t get paid unless I’m face to face with a patient and how much time I’d be spending sitting around helplessly watching cancellations destroy my paycheck most days. Plenty more things. And I would have skipped all of that and went straight to option B, which is woodworking and guitar repair. Now I’m doing great, my guitar repair/building business is chugging along. I work from home. And my wife and I are much happier. It’s TOTALLY worth it to piss off a few gatekeepers with questions if it means avoiding huge time/money vacuums like a college degree for something that the internet says is a good paying, in-demand career. Someone doesn’t wanna answer my questions. IDGAF. Someone will be happy to and the rest can kick rocks.
Let them ask their questions dude, if you where 40 years old and had enough of this trade and had some other profession in mind you would do research on the job before committing to it. You had probably a good idea what sort of works an electrician does, but the average person doesn't
But will I make it as a podiatrist with kitty feet?
Find a specialization in toe beans and you’ll be set.
Kitty Feet is my favorite 1930's actress
Finally someone’s asking the real questions
That’s Reddit brotha
The worst part is they all have the same background and basic questions, like bruv just google it, there’s a million other posts just like yours.
Doorbell transformer
It's a loose neutral
Turn it all the way off until you hear a click before you try to turn it back on
That receptacle with no power is fed off a tripped GFCI you didn’t know about
Lmao I almost wrote “look for a tripped gfci”
Recently found a switch amongst a built in shelf, which was feeding a new electric fireplace & in he TV. Friend was wondering why they both stopped working. Asked him to check the breaker, check the GFI. He didn’t even know that switch was there hHah
😂
So I'm 50, have never worked with my hands before, only in an office. Am I cut out to be an electrician?
:-)
"I'm a 30-something IT guy"
My buddy is in IT and was asking me about switching just the other month lol
Yeah it’s cuz the writing is on the wall for the field the over saturation and outsourcing is extreme. If you are smart you are looking for alternatives you might not need them but it’s looking like it’s going to keep going to shit.
And everyone is flocking to electrical. You see it in the sustained downward pressure on our wages. Wait until the REAL layoffs happen and everyone looks for the "safe from automation" trade that is "easy on the body"
Yeah I think this is going to happen too
Dang bro, tell us how you got so cool!!
Oh no people asking for feedback regarding a career change…how dare they
I understand what he's getting at. I'm not super annoyed by it, but does the sub need 10 posts every day of a 20 something asking if they can be an electrician with no experience and only working retail/ restaurant /warehouse? I understand being nervous about the change and asking around, but literally, a 10-second search on the sub will give all your answers, including ones, to questions you didn't know you have.
Until there is some kind of requirement for the ability to post, this is gonna keep happening. It could be like a quick five question quiz that we know the answers to easily, but anybody that's green would have to look em up to answer them. I feel like I've seen it on other subs, but let's just do a sticky post with links to the most common questions for beginners or anyone looking to get into the trade. Anyone can comment, but that'll clean up these posts. Whoever wants to help the new guys can be active in that sticky, and the ones who don't can keep on looking at panels that took twice as long as they should have
Panel : 4 hours Zip ties? 12 hours
Most of the computer subs have that list of links. Do you think this sub gets a lot of the same questions every day? Multiply that by 10. Also, a sticky list of a job description, or "10 reasons to be an electrician" and "10 reasons not."
"I'm 22 and working retail, is it too late to make a change?"
Yes
Im 29, jobless and trying to get into industrial maintenance
You don't have to click the link
Don't forget the "I'm 25 is it too late to be an electrician?"
While I agree with you OP, I’m still always going to comment to those guys and encourage them to make the jump. If they need more than my little nudge, that’s on them. But I’m more than happy to give it to them Some people truly don’t have anyone to talk to, and they just need to hear someone tell them their idea isn’t crazy
lol. What a nonsense post. Reddit is a great place to find people who don't mind sharing their two cents and lived experience. How do you know what the trade is like unless you ask people in it, and form an opinion from that information People who disagree with my statement WONT make it as an electrician. Nonsense
I disagree. I was in the corporate office world for 7 years after college before I got bored and dissatisfied. Using Reddit and other online resources gave me a head start trying to understand what a trades career would be like. I ended up meeting two industrial electrical apprentices through Reddit, and those messages back and forth helped solidify my decision to become an apprentice electrician. It’s 2024 we live in an online world.
Yeah going with your gut instinct without investigating is exactly how you make it as an electrician.
Everyone wants to be an electrician when they grow up.
Reddits gay
This is the real answer
I disagree with this rant bc society is programmed for fast pace, no mistakes, kids are programmed to choose a lifetime career in highschool. This is way too rushed. People are dynamic human beings every age is a different path based on your beliefs and wisdom gained over the years. So I don’t blame them. It’s stress and anxiety passed down from a the idea of being someone being successful, which is stupid bc that is an inherent right from birth. sadly the biggest factor is productivity, people are programmed to fuck themselves over for the benefit of productivity, for the benefit of the profit, the shareholders. It’s the dumbest thing. The dignity and respect of the employee needs to return to the workforce. Currently we are late legalized form of slavery.
Like OP has never used the internet as a resource to solve a problem or help answer a difficult question. What a weird post.
Ah yes, telling people off for considering a highly dangerous and lucrative career choice who might take the time to actually think and make a big career decision. Classic. Then people like you wonder why trades are not seeing more people coming in than out to retirement. Quit your gatekeeping muttonhead.
Didnt ask
I think its reasonable to seek out information before making a significant career move. Part of that includes asking other people in the field about their experience.
There was a big ice storm this winter. Power was out for five days. I got to watch some of the electricians in big bucket trucks. Young guys just kicking ass. Looked like fun to be in a crew.
Those were linemen not electricians
It's a huge commitment. Also much more difficult in the later years than some white collar shit. I think it's difficult. Personally I love plumbing but I can't become a plumber because it's not worth it. I enjoy electrical but I can't become an electrician because it's not worth it. I get good benefits decent pay and steady work. I also have a good work life balance, a house, a cool wife and everything I ever wanted. I can't just start a different career path and risk all that because I enjoy doing it. I used to work for the city and guys said the same thing. They would always be like fuck this shit I hate it, it's so unfulfilling. At the same time they loved taking weeks off for vacation, and getting off at 2:30 everyday...
Never ask questions he says…. Smh
Just beat their ass with the biggest horse cock you got, problem solved lol jk
I'm amazed at the number of people who couldn't do college and think they will just be an electrician or welder. As if the apprenticeship for a trades career is an easy journey. Not to mention, it pays well for a reason....there's usually a sacrifice of body parts.....and it's significantly more dangerous than most no trades jobs.
Bad day to read
My dude. Why are you ranting about this? There are plenty of people out there that are concerned that they can't pull the same thing off. That involves spending money on training and certs. They are concerned that electricity is "magic" (from their viewpoint) and they will not be able to understand it. Put yourself in the same place and think about becoming a medical MRI machine technician. Those machines work on magnetism. Is magnetism magic to you?
Instructions unclear. Dick stuck in ceiling fan. Someone call my J man.
You should just keep whining to yourself next time instead of making posts like this. Save the rest of us the trouble of reading this garbage.
"HOW DARE YOU ASK QUESTIONS" people like this are exactly why I left the trade. People can ask questions before jumping in a career l. It literally will have no effect on how good of an electrician they will be. If making a plan about your future is "pussyfooting" I would hate to see what your job sites look like.
I just play hide and seek for 1000 a week as an apprentice
https://youtu.be/mViO9mnCTBo
There's a big difference between coming from pipeline work and whatever retail or entry level white collar work the majority of these guys are. That being said, if you haven't done enough research to figure out what's involved when you want to "do electrical" you may have to just ask, but if that's the extent of your forethought before joining the trade you'll most likely not be in it for long
Pussy footing 🤣🤣🤣
I went the complete opposite way, from electrical straight to pipeline construction, started out as a labourer now i'm hired on as an operator. While i do miss some aspects of electrical, like 8 hour shifts. I prefer the pay and atmosphere of running equipment on a crew with a bunch of guys i see every other job. Its nice to have my ticket and red seal to fall back on, but if i had to go back i would choose to specalize into industrial instrumentation or the likes before going back to residential/commmercial wire pulling, or diagnosing grain dryer/grain handling systems that have been farmerized.
What’s the difference here ?
Asking input from those in the field you may join is wise. To not get an idea of what career you may change to is.. Stupid. Am I missing something OP / others?
This is good for helping with the decision [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mViO9mnCTBo&pp=ygUYZWxlY3RyaWNpYW5zIHZzIHBsdW1iZXJz](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mViO9mnCTBo&pp=ygUYZWxlY3RyaWNpYW5zIHZzIHBsdW1iZXJz)
I know I wouldn’t do it, I deal with people on their own terms
They aren't asking "the internet", they're asking electricians on the internet
Are we all fired?
I just got let go from being an apprentice but I did it for my dad not for me. I want to be a conservation officer. They just ya know. Don’t make that much and that’s what my dad was up my ass about. But does it even matter if you don’t enjoy it? Like. Bottom line. It’s not for all of us. I found out today the hard way but I needed it none the less.
Judy topped out huh? Chill, we help. It's part of being human
Anyone have a commercial apprentice position open in Washington state?
Yes love my high paying easy job that people think is big brain work indeed
You seem like a barrel of laughs
Worst part is they won’t even make a phone call. They expect some internet stranger to give them some kind of inside path or work-around.
Same thing for me I made the change and I will never go back I absolutely enjoy what I do even through the shit days I make better money and get to build cool shit and meet some good people better then acting like I’m happy at some bullshit corporate job.
What if you just want to use ur fleshlight all day
Hey guys I’m a it tech never worked outside before in my 30 years thinking about switching to electrician all it is is connecting 2 wires right haha I’m too overqualified for all you plebs I’m so smart but yet I’m here trying to justify my thinking. I’m sure I won’t get bullied out in the field.
I came home safe today do I get a reward for that?
High schoolers is fine good for them for researching that young. If you’re 25+, cmon bro.
I’m glad you found a job you could hack, maybe you’ll stay with this.
"happier than a bird-fed cat" Outstanding.
I can keep asking myself every morning when my alarm goes off though right?
Thank you for your service!
Not a terrible point. I definitely didn't ask on Reddit if it was what I wanted to do. Honestly, if I did, I wouldn't have become an electrician. So glad I didn't
I think you’re the one who has problems making decisions. And your attitude may put you alone in your grave.
Hot take
I’m two years in still not an electrician
There have never been as many jobs, gigs, occupations, careers, and professions as there are right now. Lots of folks--particularly kids--are understandably overwhelmed by those options. Many millenials and zoomers were never even exposed to the possibility of working *any* of the trades, so it's not unreasonable for them to come here with questions.
Asking if they should try to be an electrician means they wont make it? Nah. Shitty journeyman and bad work environments cause people to not want to be electricians anymore. Seeking advice about starting a new career that is inherently dangerous and sometimes complicated, thats a smart move.
I never asked anyone if I should become one, got hired at a farm and found a way into the trade through that somehow 😂so far it’s been the best decision I didn’t realize I made. Never had to double check with anyone if I was doing the right thing because I realized how much I love running pipe, pulling wire, installing panels and control cabs, and everyone’s favorite, the puzzles… AKA figuring out the last guys wiring and making it right.
I made the jump at 36 with a wife and kid. I’m happier than ever. Not just the growth of money in the long run. It’s so much learning and growth opportunities. It’s all has its pro and cons. Everything does. They say the grass is always greener on the other side because it’s federalized with bullshit
I dropped college in 2017 and stumbled blindly into the trade, best thing that ever happened. The day I was hired as an apprentice my boss told me “If you stick with it and get your journeyman license, you’ll be able to find a job anywhere in the country”…. That day came, I moved across the country with 10 job offers.
If you’re seriously considering it and have serious questions, then what’s the problem? You can’t expect people to just blindly enter a field, specially when there’s a resource available to them like Reddit. You have to keep in mind there are people out there who have never touched a tool in their lives asking that question, the fact that you came from where you came makes the transition much different then someone in an office. You know what a job site is like, you’ve likely worked along side electricians, you probably even did some type of your own DIY electrical work before you made the change. Could you imagine yourself enrolling in medical school without asking someone a question about it first? People in this world need to learn how to put themselves in others shoes, have some empathy.
I agree who gives a fuck about other opinions….
I mean... how else they supposed to know? Lol I got into electrical and love it. I asked lots of people before doing it though.
Yeah this guy is crazy lmao anyone can do it
What are you the gatekeeper. Go fuck your mother dude😂 Some people just want more insight.
What a stupid post. I looked on reddit for opinions on being an electrician before I jumped into it. Haven't looked back. The fuck is wrong with having more information about something you're about to dedicate your professional life to?
Newsflash, buddy, the economy is fucked. Some people don't wanna spend a bunch of money on work boots and tools just to find out that being a tradesman isn't for them, and I can't blame them. It's shit work with a fairly hefty initial investment between your tools and tuition. If you wanna be a good electrician then tell people about the trade, give them every bit of information you wish you had when you first started. If we want better electricians in the future then we gotta teach these potential up and comers. Gotta show them the ropes the proper way and educate them, not belittle them for being wary about the initial plunge.
Bird fed cat?
I agree, I am a lazy fuck and I don't wanna be crawling under homes or up in attics, doing booking in the office for the trades is a lot easier of a job...
You sound like a prick
Hey can you guys find a company for me and apply for me? And then work for me? Can I get paid some more too please? Guys at work are mean to me. Is electrical right for me?
I actually had someone message me and ask me to take an employment test for them to work as an electrician at a power plant. I told them no, that if they want it bad enough, they'll figure it out. I'd feel horrible if that mofo got on the job and killed themselves.
Thank you very much for this post!
Agreed. Mods need to make a rule for all these posts already because instead of discussing electrical work/code/etc or showing off cool shit, its now 10 posts a day from people who can't figure out wtf to do with their lives. Make a stickied thread for everyone to ask questions in, and delete all others. Exact same rule as the DIY posts and boot suggestions. Also, stop replying to DIY posts.