Question for you old farts. Uhh... I mean wise men.

[summitlt]

Ok, so i'm graduating in less than a month. And I have no idea what I am doing after school. I originally wanted to be a mechanic, but realized that working flat rate, the huge expense of tools, being inside, at the same place every day wasnt for me.

So I thought of being a electrician. Your somewhere differnt, I hear the moneys good, your able to do it on your own on the side.

I have a good ability with wiring I think. Ive wired many things in my truck with no problems. I dont have any problems with automotive wiring diagrams.

Is it a good profession ?

[Beej]

All the trades are looking pretty good these days...

[Seiler]

I have a next door neighbor that's an electrician.

It seems like he's almost never home (works a lot, til late at night dependent upon where he's working).

He's mentioned that it's also hard work too. Working with your hands in tight places and what not. It's definitely a labor intensive job.

However, he did just buy the "house" right next to us, and is currently fixing it up real nice. So the money is definitely there. You also meet lots of people in other professions through the job which could help you later on down the line. Hookups and what not.

.02

Scott

[goodburbon]

I resigned a very exciting position with loads of travel you may be interested in, come to south louisiana and check out the "electronics service technician" field where you can log as much as 600 miles a day on top of an 8-12 hour workday.

no experience starts you around 20K a year and within 5 you'll be making 35-40k a year

all of the entry level oil field jobs around are like that......wouldn't want to become dependent on it though, just get some good experience and quick. Oil is a fickle bitch and will leave you flat on your ass when the next bust rolls around (should be within the next 4-5 years or so) so it's best to move on before you begin a 20 year house note.

[azdesertrhino]

I've worked supermarket refrigeration for most of my working life. Pays very well, I've had the opportunity to work in different parts of the country (my choice). Worked in the Virgin Islands and the Bahamas, BUT it's long hours, physical labor, hot or cold, depending on the part of the country. If the ice cream is melting at 2 a.m., you drag your butt out of bed at 2 a.m., climb in the truck and go.

But I buy the toys I want when I want them. There is always a trade off.

[Boatwrench]

After HS went into the military to learn to be a mechanic...then worked at a dealer for 10 years as a mechanic including a 4 year apprenticship (boats don't translate to Buicks very well). Got offered an electricians apprenticeship after five years as a mechanic but with three small children I passed. Worked in the mechanics trade, Buicks and then transit buses for close to 25 years, working up through the ranks to the equivelant of Service Manager. That pays $45 an hour, or equal to Journey level electricians in this area who don't have to supervise anyone, meet with elected officials and dodge newspaper reporters. Since 9/11 have been back in the military and loving it...see previous sentence for the why.

My advice, electrician. Learn the basics of the job in the Navy Seabees or the Coast Guard. I know the CG is offering bonuses right now for those wishing to be electricians or electronic techs.

good luck in whatever you chose

[98XJSport]

Theres a lot of ways you can go with electrical experience. By day I work on automated commercial/residential wastewater treatment systems, making control panels and writing programs to keep em automated. On weekends I make spare cash fixing residential wiring for friends and family. Gives me a good mix all around. 90% of it is knowing electrical workings and being able to read diagrams, beyond that its all training in the specific field you enter.

[dphillips]

Try not to sweat it too much. Sometimes things have a way of working themselves out. I had no idea what I wanted to do when I got out of high school so I tried a little higher learning at a local univesity. That didn't pan out so well, but I have a strong work ethic. After working for a few years at a hospital a friend tried to get me to come work with him for the local county water works. To make a long story short, it all just kinda fell into place. Went from a maintenance worker to water treatment operator, to supervising water treatment. Working for a municipality is not usually the best money in the world, but after 8years it's not too bad either and we don't have to wory about lay-offs. It's also a technical field that I can work in anywhere in the country.

[bobnoxious]

As far as choosing to be a mechanic for a profession, only do that if you truly love to work on stuff, and have an easy/fun time of figuring out how stuff works. If you pick it to "just make a good living", you will probably hate it, but if you love it and are good at it (and can't help yourself:roll: ), you'll probably go far and enjoy yourself at the same time.

JMHO:D

[Ralph]

What do you love to do? What are you passionate about? Look for something that involves that which you are passionate about. I know this sounds hocky, but you are a young man and you can do whatever you set your mind to. Don't settle for something that will just get you by. Now is the time to go for your dreams. With a positive attitude, some creativity and hard work, you can achieve what you desire. Don't put it off. Go for it now.

I tell you this from the perspective of years. Now is the time in your life when you are best able to do these things. Once life takes hold of you, ie. wife, kids, debts and other financial burdens, you will not have the freedom to do what you can now.

[djblade311]

What do you love to do? What are you passionate about? Look for something that involves that which you are passionate about. I know this sounds hocky, but you are a young man and you can do whatever you set your mind to. Don't settle for something that will just get you by. Now is the time to go for your dreams. With a positive attitude, some creativity and hard work, you can achieve what you desire. Don't put it off. Go for it now.

I tell you this from the perspective of years. Now is the time in your life when you are best able to do these things. Once life takes hold of you, ie. wife, kids, debts and other financial burdens, you will not have the freedom to do what you can now.

Yea indeed. When you get stuck doing a job that pays the bills but not fun, its a real downer. When I see guys who are running their own shops and are doing what they love for a living, it makes me jealous.

[RichP]

If you really have no plans, join the service, don't care which one. It will expand your world like you won't believe. It will also open you eyes to what the world outside is really like. Four years in the service goes by fast, much faster than you can imagine.
My son is going USMC [thank god], delayed entry when he graduates from college in Dec. He's already started the PT with the recruiters...

[red91]

how about being a gigillo (SP?)

I hear the perks are pretty good....

[Fergie]

What kind of Sparky? Comm or Res? Do you want to pull wire, or troubleshoot items?

I hate to say it, but look into local unions. Our ceiling tile guys are making $37 as journeys, which will take you around 4 years to hit no matter what.

Honestly, try ROTC or the Guard with the SMP. You may not want school right now, but it will make life much easier down the road.

Fergie

[Jeepsloth]

Hell, I'm 44 and still haven't figured it out yet.

I spent 21 years in the Army working on Helicopters and loved it. While I was doing that I went to school and got a degree in HR. Now I'm working in a poultry plant here in NC as a Maintenance Superintendent.

One thing I do know is that education and training opens a lot of doors and increases your opportunities. If you're interested in something go for it, but go to school and get some formal training/education while you're at it.

The military is one place to get some of this stuff, but it's not for everyone. There are training programs at local community colleges for just about every technical field you can imagine.

So bottom line, do what you like, but get learned up too!

[XJ Jeepin Girl]

My friend went was planning on going to trade school to become an electrician... that never happened. He built the barn that he lives in and wired everything himself, which is why he considered maybe doing it for a job. But, he felt it wasn't him because it was really much more technical and harder than he thought.

I'm no old fart or wise guy, that's for sure... but I am in the same boat you are: I have no idea what I want to do... I will be heading off to college next year, and I am stuck somewhere in between journalism/english, being a teacher, or computer programming/web design. There's far too many options to know what to do yet. I just pray I don't end up changing majors 100 times...

Good luck!

[Bent]

What do you like to do? What drives you? For me the passion lies with being able to step back to look at what I have built, modified or otherwise created. The paycheck isn't my driving force. Don't get me wrong, a paycheck is why I have a roof over my head. I have attempted career changes that did not allow for the creative release that I have to have. It was a nightmare for myself as well as those around me, I was chasing only one half of the equation. Yes, it is important that you are able to eventually earn a living, provide for a family. It's great if you can afford the lifestyle that you think you need. If you sell yourself out to get there, end up miserable with how you earn your living, you're not.
What's the hurry? You won’t be a grown up for another five to ten years or so. Look around, try a few things; you might even learn something about yourself along the way. Twenty-five years from now the amount of money, you have earned between now and then will be of little consequence. It is a blessing to be able to look back and see that your priorities were in order.

[gigage]

I don't post here much, but like reading the dribble, (just kidding) My daughter is just finishing high school and It is alittle intimidating trying to figure out what you want to do the rest of your life. I work in the aviation business, I build helicopters in Dallas/Fort Worth. We are doing alot of hiring in my dept. looking for people with decent mechanical skills, and willing to work. You don't have to have certification to get started. Look up Bell Helicopter Textron and send a resume if you are interested. And good luck with the rest of your life. (1990 red Cherokee)

[rightseatsis]

Well I would recommend something in the energy business. I myself operate a power plant for a living. I got lucky, because I was working at the power plant as the office assistant and an opening came up in the power house. My company was willing to train me and now I have been in that position for over 10 years. It is a good paying job, (I pulled 85K last year) and cannot be offshored. If you could inquire at your local union hall they should have apprentice courses that can start you on your way. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Mary

[\\'anderer]

Don't look for a job that pays well and hope you will like it. Do what you like and hope you can find a way to make money doing it.
College and the military will always give you more opportunities.

My wife is quitting her job of 20 years, even though the pay is great she HATES it. She will be getting a job driving an H2 off road for tourists, the pay is less, but at the end of the day she will be so much more happier doing a job she loves.(im jealous)

[ZPD]

GO TO COLLEGE!

[xjcrawlr]

X a billion on the military, do your home work and get a list of all the jobs the recruiters are trying to fill and research all the jobs you find interesting. Then get then to guarantee the position IN WRITING, even if it means delayed entry for the job to open. Dont let them push you around and make false promises.

I joined the Air Force and I had a job I loved, unfortunately there was no civilan market for my job so had to find a new career. The benefits you will receive from the military will last your entire life.



BTW, if I could it all over again, I'd a gone Coast Guard.

[summitlt]

GO TO COLLEGE!

I am, to be an electrician.

[Fergie]

I am, to be an electrician.
No, you don't go to college and receive a bachelors for that. You would Journey out, as in be an apprentice for 4 years, while attending school, paid for by the company, and you would receive your JM card.

Now, consider this:

I am fresh out of college, BS in CM, and make close to 45k a year plus benefits. However, I am salaried. I work for free from Thurs @ 10am,

I know many people my age that work less, and get paid more, AND get paid for their OT. Then again, they are a bunch of worthless pogues, and while I will make over 100k in 5 years, and have a free company vehicle, they will be at the same spot.

Main thing is, get an education. If you specialize too much, you'll need a Uniion, if not, learn all you can, and do what makes you happy.

Money isnt everything, but is sure makes life nice.

Fergie

[ZPD]

No, you don't go to college and receive a bachelors for that. You would Journey out, as in be an apprentice for 4 years, while attending school, paid for by the company, and you would receive your JM card.

Now, consider this:

I am fresh out of college, BS in CM, and make close to 45k a year plus benefits. However, I am salaried. I work for free from Thurs @ 10am,

I know many people my age that work less, and get paid more, AND get paid for their OT. Then again, they are a bunch of worthless pogues, and while I will make over 100k in 5 years, and have a free company vehicle, they will be at the same spot.

Main thing is, get an education. If you specialize too much, you'll need a Uniion, if not, learn all you can, and do what makes you happy.

Money isnt everything, but is sure makes life nice.

Fergie


x2
That is what I was getting at; Fergie just went into detail. If you go to college and become an electrician then good for you although I have never met an electrician with a bachelor's degree and I have worked with several. Get as much education as possible. The most important thing you learn is how to learn and that is invaluable. I went to school for 6 years and got my MS and it was the best investment I have made. I have been out of school for 5 years now and I am in that spot that Fergie referred to while the guys I went to high school with are still working in the mill, Best Buy, or the garage.

[98XJSport]

Im guessing you are going for a degree in Electromechanical Technology? You'll graduate that program with a Associates degree and an electrician's helpers liscense as well as a certain number of credited hours towards the next step. Is this your first year in the program? The second year opens your eyes to what other things you can do with that degree besides being an electrician. I graduated from it 2 years ago now.