Opinions On Job Switch

68ss396

Hello everyone. I'm new to the site and was just hoping to get some opinions from some of you guys (or girls!).

In short, I'm 26 and I've been working in IT as a System Admin for about 3 years. I started college in Automotive and even worked as a tech for about 2 year's. I had to find out the hard way that working on car's is more of a hobby then something I wanted to make a living out of. The problem is I don't have any passion for what I do now. I switched to Comp Sci in college because of the money I saw my peer's making before they were even out of school.

I know working as a tech isn't for me. But I also know that sitting in an office for the rest of my life isn't gonna fly either. Back in high school I actually intended on becoming a carpenter after 2 years of classes. I loved it and since I have a family history of carpenters...I think it's in my blood or something. Problem is now at this point making a switch from what I'm doing to Carpentry. So sorry for the long post. But what do you guys' think? I live in Orange County Socal by the way. Any opinions would be appreciated.

send_it_all

Join the carpenter's union. They have a 4 year apprenticeship program at the end of which you will be making over $30 per hour and have benefits and a retirement plan. PM me if you want a little more info on how to get started.

JohnJ0906

Have you thought about being an electrician? Something like alarms, fire alarms, communication, controls, computer systems? Your computer knowledge would be an asset, I think.
Not that being a carpenter isn't a good thing!

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John from Baltimore
"One Day at a Time"
All replies based on the 2008 NEC

Glasshousebltr

The building industry is a big commitment. You can't get away with halfa$$. Not that you'd try, just that it's not for everyone. The public can be very demanding. I think Send might be right, the Union apprenticeship program may be a good place to start and maybe even stay. You'll have to jump in and gain some knowledge to find your way.

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Bob

68ss396

I don't see the PM function when I click your name and even under my User CP I don't see an Inbox for Private messages. Does that kick in after a few days of being a member perhaps? I'd love some more info and I see your also in Orange County.


Thanks everyone for the responses. Most people think I'm nuts for wanting to switch careers at this point. It seems like everyone here has positive attitudes about the trades on this site. I was wondering about that because in the Auto field all you'll hear ALL day long is "kid you don't want to do this all your life...get out while you can!"

Diesel65

in the Auto field all you'll hear ALL day long is "kid you don't want to do this all your life...get out while you can!"

Sorry to have to tell you but you hear this in construction too, I reckon you hear it in every profession but like my dad used to say "son you have to follow your passion if you want to be happy"

I followed his advise, and now I am a miserable bastard !!

Just kidding, I hope you get it all figured out, the funny thing is if you chase the "buck" you hardly ever get it, if you have the will to do a particular trade and love what you do the money will come.

Strange but true !!!

mdshunk

What causes you to think that a construction career would appeal to you more? Have you considered the possibility that you're one of those free spirits, who's hardly ever happy with any particular job?

In any event, considering your background as an auto tech and an IT person, I'd also recommend that you look into the electrical trade. Easier on the body in the long run, and utilizes some of the career skills you've accumulated so far. The earning potential is at least equal to that of the carpentry trade. Perhaps even more.

send_it_all

Where exactly in O.C. are you?....I'm in Huntington Beach. I also just noticed your screen name. I'm a chevy guy also. I sold my 67 camaro a coupla years back and I have a 65 Caddy coupe de ville now. Anyway,...I'm hesitant to post my phone number so e mail me at send_it_all2000@yahoo.com.

68ss396

[quote=mdshunk;250292]What causes you to think that a construction career would appeal to you more? Have you considered the possibility that you're one of those free spirits, who's hardly ever happy with any particular job?
quote]


From past experiences working with the classes that I took as well as working with family (mainly just built forms all day long and did normal grunt work). It's the feeling of working hard that I love. Feeling like I did something for my money. Because honestly in IT I make a good buck...but I never feel I really do much to earn it.

As far as considering if I'm just a free spirit...well yea I've considered it but to think "Ahh, doesn't matter what I do I'll never be happy" isn't going to get me anywhere.

68ss396

Email sent!

POOLMANinCT

if your a techie, to start. go niche work!!!!
smart home automations systems!!!! get a few under your belt, become the go to guy & gauage the hell out of the niche!!!!! btw if you know your **** & are responsible, there is no such thing as guagin'

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......Less with the jaw & More with the paw.....

dirt diggler

then git ready for a change ...

GregS

That's essentially what I did.. except the office I was working in closed down, so I had to find something to do, turned my side job into my main job. Trying to go high end, but it's not always there.

As for the gouging, you can get away with that sometimes.. usually it's with the people who's drywall is going in tomorrow and they need something done today.