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Becoming a carpenter instead of Computer Science which you probably spent a lot of money on is beyond me. The only reason people in construction don't get out is because they DON'T have a degree, trust me, I know.
Nonsense, there are lots of union tradesmen in Chicago with degrees and in many trades here it's not unusual to make well into six figures. Note too that the people who become management for the contractors are people who come from the trades and there's big money in that; you know, like being a superintendant or project manager for an outfit like Bechtel or ABB.
I got into my trade at a young age with two years of college figuring I'd go back but I made such good money and enjoyed the work so much I never did. Next thing you know I'm 55 and retired.
kind of random but I'm just curious - how often do electricians need to work at high heights? Is a fear of heights something that could be worked around if you wanted to be an electrician?
Electricians are seldom exposed to the kind of risks routinely taken by ironworkers, boilermakers and carpenters, most high work a sparky would do would be from a ladder (which isn't really high) or from a protected position. Being a sparky IS dangerous though, quite a few are seriously injured and killed by electricity.
Even the trades that have the most exposed high work are MUCH less dangerous than they were a generation ago when I started thanks to mandatory tie off, decking, JLGs and such.
Becoming a carpenter instead of Computer Science which you probably spent a lot of money on is beyond me. The only reason people in construction don't get out is because they DON'T have a degree, trust me, I know.
He is not talking about the private sector, he is talking about the union. Union construction workers make very good money plus they get pensions (unheard of these days). On my job site I worked with journeyman electricians, carpenters, and ironworkers who were all pulling in $70,000+. By the time you factored in side-work they were all making over $100,000+ a year. A B.S. in Computer Science probably won't even get you a job nowadays (because they are all being offshored to India) and even if it does said job will pay what....$40,000 a year if you're lucky?
However, the trades aren't for everyone. You will be outside often. You will freeze in the winter and fry in the summer. You will rip up your hands and your knees and back will ache. The older guys seem to be miserable and they take it out on you. It's going to be tough for him because he's 32. I'm 30 and I left my apprenticeship because I didn't want to do that stuff and deal with the bull**** for the rest of my life.
Even the trades that have the most exposed high work are MUCH less dangerous than they were a generation ago when I started thanks to mandatory tie off, decking, JLGs and such.
Yeah, OSHA has a pretty good handle on things. The contractors are mortified about getting some of those fines (which go into the tens of thousands of dollars at times). Also, the union tends to only deal with reputable contractors and the local hall will go to bat for you if a contractor is screwing with you (asking you to do dangerous things, etc..).
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So many different view points being presented here, but that said, I think this is a valuable thread to those considering a career.
OP, I have to say, I wouldn't necessarily give up on your IT career if that was your original interest. While I don't dismiss the carpentry field at all(in fact I highly suggest it for those unsure of a path to go) I will say that there are lots of benefits to continuing down the IT path. Yes, it can be hard to overcome that stereotypical "we want 5 years experience for entry level" requirement. It's asinine and ridiculous, I agree.
But if you can get past that, the career path is lucrative and will pay you much better. The only reason I would suggest carpentry is if you really didn't like IT. That's something you need to answer for yourself though. Don't go into either field for the money, go into it because you like it. Both fields require a dedication that you can't fake.
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