Looking seriously at careers, not just jobs.

[HeartString]

HVAC Izzy

 

[cristi tanasescu]

Learn to code

 

[Shawn Lutz]

I have 2 sons, one 21 and one 20. I recommended tech for them. I work in tech (broadcast engineering / digital media) and it always changes and always something new to learn and keep your from getting bored. Cisco routers, Networking, MCSE, Sql/Oracle db, programming etc. Companies always need data, networks and connectivity so its not so much economy based...meaning you won't be laid off but if it happens you can find work easily.

I personally don't feel a college degree is always a necessity. Education is important but unfortunately it a profit business. I think it is a waste of money spending $80,000 - 120,000 on a basket weaving degree that will pay you pocket change upon graduation.

 

[Arzachel]

theres HGV I think there is a still a shortage but the issue there is having got the license theres the catch 22 of needing expeience to get a job and a needing a job to get experience plus every mile and gear change is monitored by people sat in offices nowadays taking away the reason to want to do that kind of work in the 1st place.

 

[Caoimhin]

Learn a trade. I went to school to be a machinist when I was about 22 and there's some good money in it. A lot of shops will pay for you to go to school if you want to be engineer.

Took a look in your room. Just about everything was made by a machine.

 

[Caoimhin]

Working with your brain is always a good part of the experience. Having real skills won't ever be automated away. I learned to TIG weld after college. Once I got real good, it paved the way to design weld fixtures. I also took a 4 year tool & die apprenticeship. There I developed serious skills with machinery. All those early experiences and the training along with the schooling is the exact foundation my business is built on.

Now I only work with what's between my ears. And there are days, when going back to the shop and doing an honest days work really is inviting.

Maybe tomorrow

You don't have answer if you don't feel comfortable but where in WI are you? I've always had a dream of being a tool & die tech. A tech college offers a program but I don't know if it's worth because I don't see many jobs.

 

[S_G_D]

If you consider work to be nothing more than a means to an end, and you're not academically inclined, I have only two words:

Tugboat Captain.

Put on your sea legs and get going.

That is the job I wish I pursued.

Hindsight is so 20-20.

Thread winner for originality

 

[Philuk]

Nursing. Basic £25K starting wage with £30k easily doable in the first year with weekends and nights, plus the extra shift here and there. You get increments every year and promotions and job opportunities within the NHS can easily get you to £35-£40k within 3-5 years.

There are lots of opportunities to earn £50k-£70k by working abroad in the Middle East, Australia, working agency etc.

It's degree only now but you can do an access course for a year, and then you'll get a student loan/grant for the further 3 year degree pathway.

That's the money side out of the way. Most importantly, people sincerely thank you every day and you save lives and actively make a difference to your community, plus you'll never be out of work because you can go anywhere and you're actively encouraged to continue your professional development as a nurse with diplomas and degrees in your chosen speciality, in fact it's a requirement of your continued registration.

Hope this helps!

 

[Dilemma]

Nursing.

I can't think of a single job I have more respect for than Nurses. Talk about being in the trenches of health care. Holy Hell.

 

[Minte]

You don't have answer if you don't feel comfortable but where in WI are you? I've always had a dream of being a tool & die tech. A tech college offers a program but I don't know if it's worth because I don't see many jobs.

The company is between Madison & Milwaukee in Lake Mills. We are a few minutes off I-94

 

[wizard1183]

I'll give you a trade that beats damn near ALL college grads excluding lawyers and doctors. Inspection, starting off its not the most lucrative but still pretty good as a tech. You're young. Once you get experience API certifications.

I make more than engineers, granted I'm not home everyday. But, I don't have to put up with companies treating me like crap, my job is never monotonous, I meet many diff ppl, I work when I want. The sky is the limit. You can travel all over the world in petrochemical, oil refineries and offshore platforms, pipelines, fab shops. No shortage of work. Economy's down? No problem! If it's up? More opportunities. You CANT go wrong. Look into Non Destructive Examination/Testing (NDE/NDT)

 

[Dilemma]

Look into Non Destructive Examination/Testing (NDE/NDT)

And if you get into this? You need to be a Level III. That's where the cash is.

 

[L60N]

Find career in something you are passionate about.
Not only because a day job takes up a fair chunk of your life but to become qualified, good, even respected in any field takes time, hard work, study and dedication out of what other wise would be free time. You have to make sacrifices. Are you willing to make sacrifices? I sacrificed a **** load early on when everything was stacked against me. I could tell you the struggles but instead I can tell you now, from the other side it was worth it. Worth the hard work to persue something you are passionate about. The rest thereafter is just enjoying continued development.

 

[SteveC]

Find something that you love, fvck the money.
Find something that pays stupid well, fvck the job.

Find both - you're in heaven!

Only you can answer that question. But, keep in mind that working with your mind, generally pays significantly more than working with your hands. And, when you get older, it will get harder & harder to get up in the morning to do hard labor.

I sold out for the money... work is a means - not a life. I hate what I do, except on the the 15th & 30th of every month. In between, I exist and enjoy life.

 

[wizard1183]

And if you get into this? You need to be a Level III. That's where the cash is.

Well level III is salary based and they do treat you like a king. That's not a bad deal to be level III. I prefer API 510/570/653.

Overall, best field to get into bar none. Highest paid blue collar field. Once you have 5-10 yrsxperience, $100k+ is easily accessible.

And idk anyone who doesn't enjoy this type of field.

 

[WholeLottaIzzy]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. Thing is, it needs to be a part time apprenticeship or home study with one day a week at a college. Unfortunately, I can't afford to do full time education as I have bills that need paying.

 

[Arzachel]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. Thing is, it needs to be a part time apprenticeship or home study with one day a week at a college. Unfortunately, I can't afford to do full time education as I have bills that need paying.

start with an ONC in something thats 1 day a week, I would advise against home study for anything technical.

 

[WholeLottaIzzy]

start with an ONC in something thats 1 day a week, I would advise against home study for anything technical.

Is that a BTEC course?

 

[WholeLottaIzzy]

It's just finding something I'm passionate about. With my guitar, I know I can and will get very good in a few years. I practice all the right things regularly and am determined. Same with fossiling. I know I will find some amazing stuff because I'm so passionate about it. I have a lot of drive with my hobbies. However neither of them are reliable careers.

I just don't have that drive with any careers I've looked into. It holds me back. I always have an "I'm not smart enough" attitude towards careers. I just don't have enough confidence in myself to believe I can do it. It's not that I'm lazy. It's just I don't believe I can. The fault is my own.

 

[Actinic]

Bull****.

Anyone can do engineering. It's a matter of work ethic, and willingness to study.

That is something of a fallacy. At some point, math is involved and if your problem solving skills are weak, you'll make a mistake that will lead to a critical flaw, like a bridge falling down. Not all engineering is done by cookbook formulas. Software takes creativity, but too much creativity of the wrong kind can lead to unmaintainable spaghetti code. The smartest engineers in any field have one trait- they can look at end results and tell you that the outcome is a mistake. That's why they pay me the big bucks.