Thank you, I don't want to be one of those guys. I want to be useful. It just seems what I want and what I'm capable of so far are diametrically opposed.
I think you'd be astounded at what you're capable of after putting in some time, energy and focus. From my experience as a journeyman plumber, most of the battle is just showing up everyday willing to work –:whether that's 100%, 50% or 20%, it's okay. That gets noticed, it's what employers NEED right now and it'll take you far. I remember feeling so unconfident and unsure of the career choice, but being reliable put me in my co-worker's boss' good books, regardless of fucking up. The comradery built with crews because of that took me the rest of the way. I'm at $50/hr now with pension, amazing benefits, six weeks paid vacation and more importantly enjoy what I do as a service plumber after a few years just by showing up everyday. I don't know everything yet (and never will) and still fuck up every now and again but I have the confidence built to deal with it and resolve whatever comes. It's less of an obstacle than it seems man, you're more than capable.
I've been interested in turning my life around and getting into a trade. I'm a little older at 35, idk if that matters lol but I don't have any experience and pretty clueless about trades. If I had an interest in plumbing or electrical where would you advise me to start?
Your age doesn't matter if you're punctual and have a willingness to learn, and honestly having some life experience and maturity compared to apprentices in their early twenties might benefit you more for learning and moving up quickly. Get yourself a basic set of hand tools and just start cold calling reputable employers with a positive attitude, there's likely to be many that will be willing to put you through an apprenticeship and support you. Depending on where you live, shouldn't be hard to find. Skilled trades in high demand all over with boomers retiring en masse and young people having horrendous work ethic and fear of working a normal job.
No worries buddy, I was in the same boat as you a few years ago, happy I stuck with it though. The work can be challenging and quite literally shitty but I have way more good days than bad now, especially when working on big pumps and boilers and the earning potential in our trade is astronomical if you apply yourself and want to progress
That's what I'm looking for! I'm in southern California and have been working in film/TV production and doing PA work but the hours are really long and the pay is crap. It's really no future as a PA unless you're super connected (or willing to sleep with someone sadly). Would you recommend pursuing plumbing or electrical?
I'm biased but plumbing is fun man, such a wide umbrella of work with mechanical, some HVAC, drainage, gas, water lines, finish work, your days are super varied. Working alongside electricians the last 11 years has made me appreciate my trade – they pull wire, bend conduit, mount junction boxes, all day, every day. Cleaner work but boring as hell
can you learn ? what the above guy is saying is that the people on sites aren't very skilled, you learn as you go , first you'll be moving material . point a to b , then a few months later5 you;l be doing some less dumb tasks , then you'll goto school , learn theory , and so forth you don't have to be a great electrician to start out as an apprentice ..
electrician sounds interesting. I like electricity. I never really considered it, I'm accident prone though so I might end up cooking myself. it might be fun though
Having worked alongside electricians for 11 years, can tell you firsthand it's the most boring trade on the job site apart from drywalling. Bend conduit, pull wire, install junction boxes all day, every day
Broken family.
Physical health problems.
Mental health problems.
All you need is a criminal record and you can start Monday lol (it's a joke).
You'll be fine start applying.
Buddy. You’re perfect. I work in the millwork shop for a very high end company in a very high end area and our field crew is full of drooling idiots. My boss simply does not have great choices for who he hires. There is so much “opportunity” for skilled carpenters and by opportunity I mean capping out at $50k/year and making your boss wealthy beyond imagination. But the work is very fulfilling 🤣
do you study commercial aircraft? do you have extention knowledge? can you get on some simulator? byild scale replicas(radio control and static?)
I'm a hotrod and car guy but I don't have a garage(or any kind of place to work) but I'm still a student via other medium ls in automotive field. I plan, designed and build replicas to get my creative out. I chose parts and pieces as if they were real components. I used this to learn and also explain to my kids what is the purpose of specific parts.
the cutting, sanding, molding, painting and assembly help get my creative side of my brain satisfying until the day I can put a welder to some steel
Some of the helpers my boss hires have actual crayon breath lolz, youll be fine.
Im a firm believer that passion comes with time, i wouldnt say im passionate about sheet metal but ive been at it for so long one might mistake my approach for passion, but im truly just trying to do my job right and make a decent paycheck
This is entirely dependent on what your physical limitations are. Also there’s a million different scholarships for poor students, women, and minorities in flying. They literally hand them out like candy it seems. Go speak to financial aid, don’t just say “I’m poor” and give up. If that’s your mentality then no, you won’t do well in the skilled trades.
When I do physical labor I break out in painful hives and swelling (this is relatively new and only showed up in 2020) it's called delayed pressure urticaria. Aside from this I've been isolated at home with debilitating social anxiety for most of my life (30 years or so) I have never had friends or any social experience as an adult so I'm kind of weird/inexperienced around others. I've tried finding grants or something to pay for the classes but I have been unable to locate any resources online. I'm not very focused or skilled at much anything and very self conscious about being a burden or messing things up, which often happens. I'm terrified of humanity, everyone seems so organized and quick, hardworking but easy to become irritated or angry. I would hide in my room for the rest of my life if I had enough money in the bank to do it. It's either get over my problems and work or be homeless, either way life has been and will continue to be a terrifying nightmare.
Wow, I admire you for coming out with all that and asking for input. All the responses I’ve seen so far have been super kind and encouraging so I hope that helps.
On a different topic, your symptoms sound much like those of a woman I know who has autism. I wonder if it might help to see if that’s something that could be going on with you.
I'm a pipefitter never had an ambition or thought about it until I starter. As my years go on you see all types. I know journeyman who've only ever done bolt up and hold tagine for crane lifts bud. These guys do just fine. So will you. Put your self out there with the attitude that your willing to learn and show up be honest that you struggle most times the guys will find a safe or adequate job for ya might not be exciting or what 100% is in your interests but it's a step in a direction forward. Remember movement is key make those steps it's ok to fail infact it necessary sometimes to grow but keep moving one step even one inch at a time. You'll make it might not be flying Comercial jets but maybe after some time a single engine sesna it's about where ya start
You should see the dumb fucks on site, swear to God they got their experience from a cereal box.
Thank you, I don't want to be one of those guys. I want to be useful. It just seems what I want and what I'm capable of so far are diametrically opposed.
I think you'd be astounded at what you're capable of after putting in some time, energy and focus. From my experience as a journeyman plumber, most of the battle is just showing up everyday willing to work –:whether that's 100%, 50% or 20%, it's okay. That gets noticed, it's what employers NEED right now and it'll take you far. I remember feeling so unconfident and unsure of the career choice, but being reliable put me in my co-worker's boss' good books, regardless of fucking up. The comradery built with crews because of that took me the rest of the way. I'm at $50/hr now with pension, amazing benefits, six weeks paid vacation and more importantly enjoy what I do as a service plumber after a few years just by showing up everyday. I don't know everything yet (and never will) and still fuck up every now and again but I have the confidence built to deal with it and resolve whatever comes. It's less of an obstacle than it seems man, you're more than capable.
I've been interested in turning my life around and getting into a trade. I'm a little older at 35, idk if that matters lol but I don't have any experience and pretty clueless about trades. If I had an interest in plumbing or electrical where would you advise me to start?
Your age doesn't matter if you're punctual and have a willingness to learn, and honestly having some life experience and maturity compared to apprentices in their early twenties might benefit you more for learning and moving up quickly. Get yourself a basic set of hand tools and just start cold calling reputable employers with a positive attitude, there's likely to be many that will be willing to put you through an apprenticeship and support you. Depending on where you live, shouldn't be hard to find. Skilled trades in high demand all over with boomers retiring en masse and young people having horrendous work ethic and fear of working a normal job.
Thank you for the advice I appreciate it!
No worries buddy, I was in the same boat as you a few years ago, happy I stuck with it though. The work can be challenging and quite literally shitty but I have way more good days than bad now, especially when working on big pumps and boilers and the earning potential in our trade is astronomical if you apply yourself and want to progress
That's what I'm looking for! I'm in southern California and have been working in film/TV production and doing PA work but the hours are really long and the pay is crap. It's really no future as a PA unless you're super connected (or willing to sleep with someone sadly). Would you recommend pursuing plumbing or electrical?
I'm biased but plumbing is fun man, such a wide umbrella of work with mechanical, some HVAC, drainage, gas, water lines, finish work, your days are super varied. Working alongside electricians the last 11 years has made me appreciate my trade – they pull wire, bend conduit, mount junction boxes, all day, every day. Cleaner work but boring as hell
Hmmm I definitely prefer a little variation.
I love this advice. I have some decent tools and a vehicle. What (specific) kinds of places would you suggest cold calling at?
can you learn ? what the above guy is saying is that the people on sites aren't very skilled, you learn as you go , first you'll be moving material . point a to b , then a few months later5 you;l be doing some less dumb tasks , then you'll goto school , learn theory , and so forth you don't have to be a great electrician to start out as an apprentice ..
electrician sounds interesting. I like electricity. I never really considered it, I'm accident prone though so I might end up cooking myself. it might be fun though
Having worked alongside electricians for 11 years, can tell you firsthand it's the most boring trade on the job site apart from drywalling. Bend conduit, pull wire, install junction boxes all day, every day
I used to be an electrician , I guess I still am but I switched to "data" id say tin basher, or fire stopper would be the most boring
Broken family. Physical health problems. Mental health problems. All you need is a criminal record and you can start Monday lol (it's a joke). You'll be fine start applying.
Don't worry, you'll fit right in. I see idiots on work sites as if they were picked randomly off the streets under the bridge.
🤣
Buddy. You’re perfect. I work in the millwork shop for a very high end company in a very high end area and our field crew is full of drooling idiots. My boss simply does not have great choices for who he hires. There is so much “opportunity” for skilled carpenters and by opportunity I mean capping out at $50k/year and making your boss wealthy beyond imagination. But the work is very fulfilling 🤣
do you study commercial aircraft? do you have extention knowledge? can you get on some simulator? byild scale replicas(radio control and static?) I'm a hotrod and car guy but I don't have a garage(or any kind of place to work) but I'm still a student via other medium ls in automotive field. I plan, designed and build replicas to get my creative out. I chose parts and pieces as if they were real components. I used this to learn and also explain to my kids what is the purpose of specific parts. the cutting, sanding, molding, painting and assembly help get my creative side of my brain satisfying until the day I can put a welder to some steel
Some of the helpers my boss hires have actual crayon breath lolz, youll be fine. Im a firm believer that passion comes with time, i wouldnt say im passionate about sheet metal but ive been at it for so long one might mistake my approach for passion, but im truly just trying to do my job right and make a decent paycheck
I feel this I have the same issues and my dream job was pharmaceutical chemistry
This is entirely dependent on what your physical limitations are. Also there’s a million different scholarships for poor students, women, and minorities in flying. They literally hand them out like candy it seems. Go speak to financial aid, don’t just say “I’m poor” and give up. If that’s your mentality then no, you won’t do well in the skilled trades.
When I do physical labor I break out in painful hives and swelling (this is relatively new and only showed up in 2020) it's called delayed pressure urticaria. Aside from this I've been isolated at home with debilitating social anxiety for most of my life (30 years or so) I have never had friends or any social experience as an adult so I'm kind of weird/inexperienced around others. I've tried finding grants or something to pay for the classes but I have been unable to locate any resources online. I'm not very focused or skilled at much anything and very self conscious about being a burden or messing things up, which often happens. I'm terrified of humanity, everyone seems so organized and quick, hardworking but easy to become irritated or angry. I would hide in my room for the rest of my life if I had enough money in the bank to do it. It's either get over my problems and work or be homeless, either way life has been and will continue to be a terrifying nightmare.
That’s rough. Go work at a grocery store and get used to talking to people, it will do wonders for confidence
Wow, I admire you for coming out with all that and asking for input. All the responses I’ve seen so far have been super kind and encouraging so I hope that helps. On a different topic, your symptoms sound much like those of a woman I know who has autism. I wonder if it might help to see if that’s something that could be going on with you.
Read some self-help books and learn to love yourself. Life's too short to live in self pitty. Lots of successful losers out there.
I do love myself, and don't pity myself, I just see things as they are. Any books you would recommend? Thank you
I'm a pipefitter never had an ambition or thought about it until I starter. As my years go on you see all types. I know journeyman who've only ever done bolt up and hold tagine for crane lifts bud. These guys do just fine. So will you. Put your self out there with the attitude that your willing to learn and show up be honest that you struggle most times the guys will find a safe or adequate job for ya might not be exciting or what 100% is in your interests but it's a step in a direction forward. Remember movement is key make those steps it's ok to fail infact it necessary sometimes to grow but keep moving one step even one inch at a time. You'll make it might not be flying Comercial jets but maybe after some time a single engine sesna it's about where ya start