Another career change thread lol

[hallett21]

Shocker because it seems like a theme around here lol. I’m starting to really get burned out with running a construction company in Southern CA. I’m 32, marrried with one daughter. Wife is a trauma RN.

My back story is that when I was 25 my dad was in a fatal car accident. At the time we were in the middle of 2 million dollar project that had a liquidated damages clause. I left my IBEW apprenticeship half way through to run the business and finish the project. IBEW at the time basically said either stay in the program or leave (basically don’t come back). After that I just kept going on my own because of the sour taste it left. I should add I attended class for almost 6-8 months and scored the highest in my class lol. I only had to spill the beans because I had logged zero work ours. My at the time boss was very helpful and even sat in on meetings with subs for me.

Today I can’t seem to keep good guys for very long. They all start strong but within 3 months are operating at 50% and causing expensive screwups.
Clients all feel their 100k job should cost 75k, and god forbid they add anything and you charge them for it. We seem to constantly be fighting to get paid.

Couple that with the bare minimum costs of the business are about 60k a year and always rising. Its been putting quite a bit of stress on me. If you gotta make 60k to break even (not even put a dollar in your pocket) it starts to make me think about other options. Being a corporation I do have the advantage of “hiding” a lot of money but lately it doesn’t seem worth it. Even working solo I can’t seem to scale the business because you can only charge so much an hour lol.

I have a contact who owns a union High Voltage company. I wouldn’t exactly look forward to being on a pole in 105 degree weather but I’m more than capable. Other than long hours and hard work it seems to be a very fruitful career. Especially with the pension and medical.

I’ve got an uncle who is an Air Traffic Controller and he’s always telling me about the worker shortages. It’s a mentally stimulating job and pays well over time. Plus you don’t need any prior experience.

I looked into crane operating, but it seems like a difficult apprenticeship to get in Southern CA. I’m not sure how hard operators are hit during a recession. I could always do side electrical work.

Looking into city electrical jobs or even testing into being a city inspector. Both pay pretty good but look to top out at 100k. The benefits (paid vacation, retirement medical etc) seem to help with the salary ceiling.

Anyone have any other ideas lol? Hoping to hear from people who do the above or other carriers they enjoy. Its not all about the money for me but I’d need to be over 120k within 5 years.

Thanks!

 

[Runs2rch]

In and Out!

You will be on the grill making 150K in 5 years easy!

 

[hallett21]

In and Out!

You will be on the grill making 150K in 5 years easy!

I’ve seen plenty of job wanted ads for superintendents or electricians. I’m not doing the same job for $30 an hour with no benefits lol.

 

[Done-it-again]

I know guy who has his own electrical company. He does a shit ton of control wiring for large integrators that install DC centers and new buildings with warehouse lighting.

I know he was wanting to slow down and be done (think he is 60-65) but work keeps coming. He's out of SD or there abouts.

I can see if he's looking for someone to take the load off and possibly take over down the road.

 

[BHC Vic]

Look into an instructor position in a prison. If I were to leave the apprenticeship it would be to work at a prison. If I was looking for a career change it would be a sheriff or open a batting cage, or maybe a welding shop. As an instructor I’m over your 120 number but i had to journey out in the union first, I’d imagine it’s the same for electricians

 

[BHC Vic]

I said in a prison cause of calper benefits. I could go on and on forever but I gotta get these guys back I. The shop before I get fired and really steal this thread

 

[hallett21]

Look into an instructor position in a prison. If I were to leave the apprenticeship it would be to work at a prison. If I was looking for a career change it would be a sheriff or open a batting cage, or maybe a welding shop. As an instructor I’m over your 120 number but i had to journey out in the union first, I’d imagine it’s the same for electricians

We’ve never met but I‘m not sure you’d say my 5’9’ 178lb body is meant for prison lol

 

[riverroyal]

id go to a GC. Get in as a JR super with electrical strength. I know a few in Socal. Where do you live?

 

[hallett21]

@CLdrinker How do you like working for SoCal Edison?

Im finding quite a few of Hybrid jobs. Do they do a lot of internal movement?

 

[Cole Trickle]

Have the wife work more OT and retire early......

 

[hallett21]

id go to a GC. Get in as a JR super with electrical strength. I know a few in Socal. Where do you live?

Woodland Hills. But right now I work from Ojai to San Gabriel valley and down to Redondo Beach.

 

[hallett21]

Have the wife work more OT and retire early......

I mean the trophy husband life sounds good to me Lol. Idk if my ego could take it at dinner parties lol

 

[TCHB]

Complete the California Electrician Electrical program.
Apply at SCE.

 

[Cole Trickle]

I mean the trophy husband life sounds good to me Lol. Idk if my ego could take it at dinner parties lol

Tell them you have a youtube channel showing people how to properly wire electrical panels. They will be more impressed with you than the brain surgeon...lol

 

[DC-88]

A couple of the electricians I know and have used for many years have gotten rid of their guys and just work hourly as sole proprietors dumping their S corps. No comp, minimal liability policies, 1 truck, way less than 60k overhead. They all charge 70-85 per hour or more, $125 for the service call to push the GFI or replace the arc fault , and will bid or do hourly doing however much new construction residential and/or service work as they feel like. All are currently logging at least 2,000 hours a year whether they want to or not. Easily 150k + in semi retirement with low overhead, and obviously no 1099 from many of the clients. Do your sole prop with your real name instead of a fictitious name statement. I wouldn't ever be able to work for a big outfit or the gov after being self employed for 33 years !

 

[Done-it-again]

Just remember, you have worked for yourself your whole career. It will be a change when going to work for someone and the politics that it brings.

 

[RitcheyRch]

Have the wife work more OT and retire early......

Or start an OnlyFans page since those seem to be happening more and more lately.

 

[DoughBallin14]

Ill toss out Longshoreman or whatever its called these days. My buddies little sister is in her second year being certified and working the dock for a company. He says shes in the mod 80s already and has good bennys.

I keep asking her to scoop up a speed car and bring it home haha

 

[77charger]

Shocker because it seems like a theme around here lol. I’m starting to really get burned out with running a construction company in Southern CA. I’m 32, marrried with one daughter. Wife is a trauma RN.

My back story is that when I was 25 my dad was in a fatal car accident. At the time we were in the middle of 2 million dollar project that had a liquidated damages clause. I left my IBEW apprenticeship half way through to run the business and finish the project. IBEW at the time basically said either stay in the program or leave (basically don’t come back). After that I just kept going on my own because of the sour taste it left. I should add I attended class for almost 6-8 months and scored the highest in my class lol. I only had to spill the beans because I had logged zero work ours. My at the time boss was very helpful and even sat in on meetings with subs for me.

Today I can’t seem to keep good guys for very long. They all start strong but within 3 months are operating at 50% and causing expensive screwups.
Clients all feel their 100k job should cost 75k, and god forbid they add anything and you charge them for it. We seem to constantly be fighting to get paid.

Couple that with the bare minimum costs of the business are about 60k a year and always rising. Its been putting quite a bit of stress on me. If you gotta make 60k to break even (not even put a dollar in your pocket) it starts to make me think about other options. Being a corporation I do have the advantage of “hiding” a lot of money but lately it doesn’t seem worth it. Even working solo I can’t seem to scale the business because you can only charge so much an hour lol.

I have a contact who owns a union High Voltage company. I wouldn’t exactly look forward to being on a pole in 105 degree weather but I’m more than capable. Other than long hours and hard work it seems to be a very fruitful career. Especially with the pension and medical.

I’ve got an uncle who is an Air Traffic Controller and he’s always telling me about the worker shortages. It’s a mentally stimulating job and pays well over time. Plus you don’t need any prior experience.

I looked into crane operating, but it seems like a difficult apprenticeship to get in Southern CA. I’m not sure how hard operators are hit during a recession. I could always do side electrical work.

Looking into city electrical jobs or even testing into being a city inspector. Both pay pretty good but look to top out at 100k. The benefits (paid vacation, retirement medical etc) seem to help with the salary ceiling.

Anyone have any other ideas lol? Hoping to hear from people who do the above or other carriers they enjoy. Its not all about the money for me but I’d need to be over 120k within 5 years.

Thanks!

I hear you on change. My situation I pretty much hoped to get away as well. Never the owner but at my old job I got tired of being forced to train new hires only to see them as you say start strong then fade away but this was within three weeks.

Boss was going through divorce and he changed too money tight saw no future his dad was a different person unfortunately he passed a few years ago was coolest guy and took care of me. I still tried to help my friend out save his company but felt no thanks and no effort from him etc after I moved to az.

Help my brother temporarily well for last year I work every other week seems I got use to it they’re good with me appreciate the help. I wanted to get a cdl and drive dump trucks still a plan just on back burner for now but out of high school I did want to be hvac or electrician. Right now if I could get an entry level electrician job with a contractor I’d probably do it. Yes would be learning curve but would probably enjoy it too. I like to tinker and troubleshoot some things at home.

But no way I could deal with the stress of business ownership like you say people don’t want to pay current cost employees are flaky some willing to do for way less to get the bids etc and just the hassle of business. Guess that’s why I like a simple life vs the bling life.

 

[Done-it-again]

Or start an OnlyFans page since those seem to be happening more and more lately.

I tell the wife all the time I'm going to put my feet on there. There has to be some oddball's on there that would pay.

 

[NicPaus]

It's a lot of hours but good pay as a linemen. My good buddy your age making 240k a year. He lurks here but doesn't post. You got the sparky knowledge and are young enough to be climbing poles.

I hear ya on the burned out part of being a GC. It's been great last 5 years. But the slow years suck. People could care less about a license when things slow down its all about price.

 

[bilz]

LACity electricians are right around 100k plus the pension and benny's. DWP only goes up from there. Most of the retirements are 62yoa
I really dig getting my monthly check. I was able to get out at 56.5.

 

[Emac]

I would look into Edison. They do have their own substation electricians who easily pull in over 140K a year plus all the benefits and plenty of overtime available. Good news is they consider it an entry level position but you will have a 3 year apprenticeship to pass and complete. If you want more info let me know. I was a substation electrician for many years then a supervisor for the past 10 years.

 

[C-Ya]

I mean the trophy husband life sounds good to me Lol. Idk if my ego could take it at dinner parties lol

Honestly…….. it’s not too difficult. I’ve gotten used to it.

 

[Sportin' Wood]

You can do a whole bunch of reinvention at 32.

Before you pull the plug on the business, consider investing in a coach. Some of the best pivots have been when a service company identifies a nitch market opportunity and leverages cash flow to flip the script.

A market that is in high demand but perhaps not widely publicized is automation repair and maintenance. CNC controls and equipment, robotics and machinery. Your experience in electrical work should play well in that field and you likely could leverage your current license and insurance to take on that kind of work. You may be sitting in a perfect location to fill a need.

If you would like a pretty good game changing book to read, check out "Energy Leadership" by Bruce D Schneider. I found it to be eye opening.

11 years ago this month I took a job and started unwinding my business. It was miserable for the first 6 years. I still have moments of doubt, but I've been lucky to postion myself in a role that suites my personality and I don't have to worry about payroll, taxes and the grinding BS of owning a business. I can focus on what I'm good at. However, I still dream of building one more business someday.

Good Luck

 

[Bugginout]

Shocker because it seems like a theme around here lol. I’m starting to really get burned out with running a construction company in Southern CA. I’m 32, marrried with one daughter. Wife is a trauma RN.

My back story is that when I was 25 my dad was in a fatal car accident. At the time we were in the middle of 2 million dollar project that had a liquidated damages clause. I left my IBEW apprenticeship half way through to run the business and finish the project. IBEW at the time basically said either stay in the program or leave (basically don’t come back). After that I just kept going on my own because of the sour taste it left. I should add I attended class for almost 6-8 months and scored the highest in my class lol. I only had to spill the beans because I had logged zero work ours. My at the time boss was very helpful and even sat in on meetings with subs for me.

Today I can’t seem to keep good guys for very long. They all start strong but within 3 months are operating at 50% and causing expensive screwups.
Clients all feel their 100k job should cost 75k, and god forbid they add anything and you charge them for it. We seem to constantly be fighting to get paid.

Couple that with the bare minimum costs of the business are about 60k a year and always rising. Its been putting quite a bit of stress on me. If you gotta make 60k to break even (not even put a dollar in your pocket) it starts to make me think about other options. Being a corporation I do have the advantage of “hiding” a lot of money but lately it doesn’t seem worth it. Even working solo I can’t seem to scale the business because you can only charge so much an hour lol.

I have a contact who owns a union High Voltage company. I wouldn’t exactly look forward to being on a pole in 105 degree weather but I’m more than capable. Other than long hours and hard work it seems to be a very fruitful career. Especially with the pension and medical.

I’ve got an uncle who is an Air Traffic Controller and he’s always telling me about the worker shortages. It’s a mentally stimulating job and pays well over time. Plus you don’t need any prior experience.

I looked into crane operating, but it seems like a difficult apprenticeship to get in Southern CA. I’m not sure how hard operators are hit during a recession. I could always do side electrical work.

Looking into city electrical jobs or even testing into being a city inspector. Both pay pretty good but look to top out at 100k. The benefits (paid vacation, retirement medical etc) seem to help with the salary ceiling.

Anyone have any other ideas lol? Hoping to hear from people who do the above or other carriers they enjoy. Its not all about the money for me but I’d need to be over 120k within 5 years.

Thanks!

Go take the test for ibew inside wireman and get your state cert. I'm a certified medium voltage guy. 1000 to 35,000 volts and a superintendent. We are dying for smart guys that can run work. We have enough work on the board to keep us working until we retire. I was 35 when I joined and been in 15 years. My family were c10 contractors and I wouldn't trade my skills and work ethic I picked up non union for anything. I rose straight to the top. If you want any advice on it PM me and I can show you how to walk right in. Best thing I ever did. My wife is a nurse as well. Life changing for me. Just a thought.

 

[RVR SWPR]

Shocker because it seems like a theme around here lol. I’m starting to really get burned out with running a construction company in Southern CA. I’m 32, marrried with one daughter. Wife is a trauma RN.

My back story is that when I was 25 my dad was in a fatal car accident. At the time we were in the middle of 2 million dollar project that had a liquidated damages clause. I left my IBEW apprenticeship half way through to run the business and finish the project. IBEW at the time basically said either stay in the program or leave (basically don’t come back). After that I just kept going on my own because of the sour taste it left. I should add I attended class for almost 6-8 months and scored the highest in my class lol. I only had to spill the beans because I had logged zero work ours. My at the time boss was very helpful and even sat in on meetings with subs for me.

Today I can’t seem to keep good guys for very long. They all start strong but within 3 months are operating at 50% and causing expensive screwups.
Clients all feel their 100k job should cost 75k, and god forbid they add anything and you charge them for it. We seem to constantly be fighting to get paid.

Couple that with the bare minimum costs of the business are about 60k a year and always rising. Its been putting quite a bit of stress on me. If you gotta make 60k to break even (not even put a dollar in your pocket) it starts to make me think about other options. Being a corporation I do have the advantage of “hiding” a lot of money but lately it doesn’t seem worth it. Even working solo I can’t seem to scale the business because you can only charge so much an hour lol.

I have a contact who owns a union High Voltage company. I wouldn’t exactly look forward to being on a pole in 105 degree weather but I’m more than capable. Other than long hours and hard work it seems to be a very fruitful career. Especially with the pension and medical.

I’ve got an uncle who is an Air Traffic Controller and he’s always telling me about the worker shortages. It’s a mentally stimulating job and pays well over time. Plus you don’t need any prior experience.

I looked into crane operating, but it seems like a difficult apprenticeship to get in Southern CA. I’m not sure how hard operators are hit during a recession. I could always do side electrical work.

Looking into city electrical jobs or even testing into being a city inspector. Both pay pretty good but look to top out at 100k. The benefits (paid vacation, retirement medical etc) seem to help with the salary ceiling.

Anyone have any other ideas lol? Hoping to hear from people who do the above or other carriers they enjoy. Its not all about the money for me but I’d need to be over 120k within 5 years.

Thanks!

Really enjoyed reading your journey. Well Done all the way thru.
Especially stepping up for your Dad.

 

[CLdrinker]

@CLdrinker How do you like working for SoCal Edison?

Im finding quite a few of Hybrid jobs. Do they do a lot of internal movement?

I’m not a lineman.
We have a ton of Hybrid jobs. I am in office once a week and off every other Friday.

We are hiring like crazy right now. We have lots of internal movement as most of the positions will require specific knowledge that outsiders don’t have unless they are from other utilities.

There are pros and cons. Let’s just say I keep my mouth shut allot.

Depending on what you want to do being an external hire may prove difficult.

 

[TonyFanelli]

I hear ya bro...I'm thinking about turnin libtard and not working anymore...seems that's what there plan is. New neighbor moved in a couple houses away...8 cars parked up and down the street for a 3 bedroom house, no one there seems to go to work ever. Supposedly they sell solar. I'm stressed out running a business and trying to find help ever since covid...WTF

 

[Racey]

In and Out!

You will be on the grill making 150K in 5 years easy!

Plus, free meals!

 

[HTTP404]

Electrical for the big weed grow operations.

 

[rivergames]

Wana install tile?

 

[MeCasa16]

I’ll always advocate for people becoming airline pilots. You’re young and could have a long career. It’s a little sacrifice up front but it’s a lot more rewarding now than it ever has been. You could be at an airline within a little over 2 years from no experience and the ceiling pay is so much higher than an air traffic controller. School is expensive, you have to put a lot into it, but it’s an amazing job. Especially if you can deal with leaving your family for a couple days at a time.
-more time off than most jobs
-free travel
-essentials no boss to report to
-very good earning potential
-huge retirement incentives
-and on and on…
I can give more specific information if you’re interested

 

[ChrisV]

.

 

[Badchoices03]

Or start an OnlyFans page since those seem to be happening more and more lately.

Im trying to get my wife to do this.....so far no luck...lol

 

[Badchoices03]

Wana install tile?

Honestly, probably not the same tile, but ceiling tile installers can make decent money, its kind of niche market especially in Califronia...in other states, the drywallers usually pick up the ceilings, but in California, most the ceiling subs do just ceilings, so good honest workers are hard to come by because they arent many of them..

 

[hallett21]

I would look into Edison. They do have their own substation electricians who easily pull in over 140K a year plus all the benefits and plenty of overtime available. Good news is they consider it an entry level position but you will have a 3 year apprenticeship to pass and complete. If you want more info let me know. I was a substation electrician for many years then a supervisor for the past 10 years.

I wouldn’t mind the apprenticeship, although I’d probably pull my hair out having sit through Ohms law etc.

My wife can always work an extra shift or 2 to make up the difference. I just need to know by year 2,3 whatever, that I’m making a decent wage.

And that I could move up as a Forman, supervisor etc.

 

[hallett21]

Wana install tile?

Fuck no lol.

 

[hallett21]

I’ll always advocate for people becoming airline pilots. You’re young and could have a long career. It’s a little sacrifice up front but it’s a lot more rewarding now than it ever has been. You could be at an airline within a little over 2 years from no experience and the ceiling pay is so much higher than an air traffic controller. School is expensive, you have to put a lot into it, but it’s an amazing job. Especially if you can deal with leaving your family for a couple days at a time.
-more time off than most jobs
-free travel
-essentials no boss to report to
-very good earning potential
-huge retirement incentives
-and on and on…
I can give more specific information if you’re interested

I’d be very interested

 

[WYRD]

Consider staying in the electrical field but moving into the office. I own a small electrical contracting company out of the Inland Empire and finding qualified project managers and estimators that know the trade is becoming harder and harder. $100k package with benefits is very attainable with room too grow based on experience. Woodland Hills maybe too far a commute for you to the IE but I'm sure there are other NECA contractors in your area that are also seeking qualified management level positions.

If you're into the political Arena at all NECA also has multiple internal positions open that are in the electrical related field. Those positions often require large amounts of travel and involve public speaking and collective bargaining negotiation experience.

 

[white tortilla]

I don’t think anything compares to working for yourself once you have done that. Hard to go back to punching a clock and asking permission. Grass isn’t always greener.

 

[Bobby V]

I wouldn’t mind the apprenticeship, although I’d probably pull my hair out having sit through Ohms law etc.

My wife can always work an extra shift or 2 to make up the difference. I just need to know by year 2,3 whatever, that I’m making a decent wage.

And that I could move up as a Forman, supervisor etc.

Try getting back in the IBEW apprentice program. They may give you some credit for your experience. I know they do in my old trade.

 

[grumpy88]

I wouldn’t mind the apprenticeship, although I’d probably pull my hair out having sit through Ohms law etc.

My wife can always work an extra shift or 2 to make up the difference. I just need to know by year 2,3 whatever, that I’m making a decent wage.

And that I could move up as a Forman, supervisor etc.

I don't know about the ibew but the elevator constructors allows apprentices to challenge courses. I have a co worker who knocked off 2 of the four years of his aprentiship that way .

 

[LuauLounge]

Huge thing is work ethic. You'd be extremely valuable to anyone because of your experience and seeing both sides. My biggest bitch about younger employees is that they seem to have blinders on when they go to work. From day one, I always wanted to know how the whole operation worked and how I could become more valuable.

 

[LuauLounge]

I don't know about the ibew but the elevator constructors allows apprentices to challenge courses. I have a co worker who knocked off 2 of the four years of his aprentiship that way .

Heard the elevator workers isn't what it used to be. Could be mistaken, but it used to be top of the pay scale.

 

[whiteworks]

Climbing poles in 105* weather at 32 is a lot different than climbing poles in 105* weather at 52. You’re young enough you could completely pivot away from being a laborer, just my two cents.

I’d be looking into aviation.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

The ATC gig cuts off at 33 I think, with age 55 mandatory retirement. So if you want to go that route you'll need to hustle.

 

[C-Ya]

FWIW………

Knowing what I know at my age, I really have a lot of admiration for digital nomads. These people have the freedom to go anywhere or live anywhere. All they need is a laptop and internet connection.

Digital nomads can be all sorts of things. I met a guy who makes over 3 million per year, buying and selling, air conditioning parts worldwide. Speak about a niche business.

My wife had a legal case in which the 3 twenty something‘s influencers, were each making in excess of 450k each. Just traveling around, being themselves.

Riverdave is in this category too. He fits the catagory of digital nomad.

I followed a YouTube couple that sold U.S. Medicare insurance over the phone, while they lived in multiple cities in Spain and Italy. All they needed was a internet connection. They started at 2pm and worked to 11, while overlooking the Mediterranean from just about everyone of their rental places. It looked like a fun life.

I truly envy those that can make a decent living, never having to even leave their house. That’s freedom!

 

[WYRD]

I know guy who has his own electrical company. He does a shit ton of control wiring for large integrators that install DC centers and new buildings with warehouse lighting.

I know he was wanting to slow down and be done (think he is 60-65) but work keeps coming. He's out of SD or there abouts.

I can see if he's looking for someone to take the load off and possibly take over down the road.

Sounds like a potential established market...good deal for an existing business to merger with

 

[hallett21]

The ATC gig cuts off at 33 I think, with age 55 mandatory retirement. So if you want to go that route you'll need to hustle.

My uncle is 62. They’ve had him waiver every year. I think he may be the oldest ATC in history lol.

He says they keep having new guys wash out. I’m only hearing their “intelligence” levels from him so I have no idea if they are all that dumb or just can’t handle the stress?