Jobs

[riverroyal]

For those 2 criteria, I'd suggest a CAD type job. 3D drafting for construction is getting to be pretty big and I wouldn't be surprised if it's darn near standard practice within the next couple years. I did all of the plans for my dad's commercial HVAC company down south for a few years and it really hits both of those points really well. I'd definitely recommend that to you. And schooling for it is pretty simple and cheap since a lot of JC's offer classes on it.

shortage of HVAC cad guys. that's a open as well, same thing though. You need to get into the union and finish the school, then head into CAD. Im using Glue 360 now, its pretty fun.

 

[HBCraig]

but...to be honest if you going to go with a union trades / construction life pick something else. Union carpenters rarely make it to full retirement, they just don't. Then at 40 your scrambling to stay working.
If you put in your time as carpenter and make it to foreman you have a chance, but the reality is there are only so many foreman positions. So as you get older you are trying to compete with guys in their 20s, you just can do it.

Pipefitter, steamfitters, sheet metal, fire protection, electrical. If you don't have a connection it can be a tough start.

Here is what I would do if I started over again, get in a union here, construction. Finish the schooling which is paid for by the union. Then get the fuck out of California. Travel to another union where the wages will be slightly less, but the cost of living is wayyyy less. UA piping union you can travel anywhere and work. There are open calls for welders all over the country right now. That wont end. You can get in your truck today and head to a 7-10s job all over the place. Once you get hooked up with the right guys you stay.

or DJ at a strip club. all you need is a Mac and head phones

My brother is a union carpenter and has been for 25 years. He is a General concrete foreman for McCarthy and has been there for a while. He does very well. Single guy, never been married and owns his house in HB. He works his ass off though and has done so far many years. 90 percent of the time he works Saturdays and hovers around 50 to 60 hours a week.

 

[riverroyal]

My brother is a union carpenter and has been for 25 years. He is a General concrete foreman for McCarthy and has been there for a while. He does very well. Single guy, never been married and owns his house in HB. He works his ass off though and has done so far many years. 90 percent of the time he works Saturdays and hovers around 50 to 60 hours a week.

you can make it. But at his age, 45? you need to be at that level to work steady. Or at least work steady with one company

 

[Flying_Lavey]

shortage of HVAC cad guys. that's a open as well, same thing though. You need to get into the union and finish the school, then head into CAD. Im using Glue 360 now, its pretty fun.

This is mostly directed at the OP. Just quoting your post to expand on it a bit more.

In my opinion, I'd stay out of any of the HVAC unions. I was, and am open shop and the amount of hoops you gotta jump through to get where you wana go is pretty ridiculous. Also, there are plenty of design and engineering companies that hire draftsman as well. It does help do your job though when you have some field experience under your belt. Not a necessity most places but the efficiency and accuracy you complete the plans at is night and day difference from a pure pencil pusher.

 

[riverroyal]

This is mostly directed at the OP. Just quoting your post to expand on it a bit more.

In my opinion, I'd stay out of any of the HVAC unions. I was, and am open shop and the amount of hoops you gotta jump through to get where you wana go is pretty ridiculous. Also, there are plenty of design and engineering companies that hire draftsman as well. It does help do your job though when you have some field experience under your belt. Not a necessity most places but the efficiency and accuracy you complete the plans at is night and day difference from a pure pencil pusher.

but I will say im 46 and retiring from this soon....very soon. Because I have a pension and with 27 years under my belt I can

 

[Flying_Lavey]

but I will say im 46 and retiring from this soon....very soon. Because I have a pension and with 27 years under my belt I can

Remember, you started the trade young and back when the unions were really strong. In today's day and age with technology becoming an ever larger force in the trades and changing how things are done, the unions are not as strong and have, for the most part, been on a downward decline.

I'm not trying to start a union debate here by any means. Just stating some observations and opinions to help she'd light on both sides of the divide for the OP. As more and more of the larger construction companies are becoming less union and more technology is involved reducing the physical labor requirements of each job, the unions get weaker and I believe at least, the future isn't as bright as it once was to go the union route.

 

[BDMar]

Just curious to see what some of you guys do and if theres any openings out there. Im 23, live in yorba linda and have absolutely no idea what i want to do and it stresses me out everyday. Im currently doing deliveries for a small company and have hit the end of the road with it. Any guidance or input would be great, thanks guys
-Nick

I'm hiring.

626-443-3721
Brian

 

[Bobby V]

Remember, you started the trade young and back when the unions were really strong. In today's day and age with technology becoming an ever larger force in the trades and changing how things are done, the unions are not as strong and have, for the most part, been on a downward decline.

I'm not trying to start a union debate here by any means. Just stating some observations and opinions to help she'd light on both sides of the divide for the OP. As more and more of the larger construction companies are becoming less union and more technology is involved reducing the physical labor requirements of each job, the unions get weaker and I believe at least, the future isn't as bright as it once was to go the union route.

Maybe the unions have gone down a little in the past. But with the new construction boom going on now in So Cal we are taking guys from the non union companies and hiring them as apprentices. The state has passed a law where all fire sprinkler installers have to have a license to install fire sprinklers. Union guys that go thru the apprenticeship are excluded. Hopefully this may change for the other trades.

 

[bocco]

For those 2 criteria, I'd suggest a CAD type job. 3D drafting for construction is getting to be pretty big and I wouldn't be surprised if it's darn near standard practice within the next couple years. I did all of the plans for my dad's commercial HVAC company down south for a few years and it really hits both of those points really well. I'd definitely recommend that to you. And schooling for it is pretty simple and cheap since a lot of JC's offer classes on it.

Lavey brings up good points. I use CAD software all day but I design printed circuit boards. HVAC and construction will probably be using 3D CAD more and more. In addition to just providing drawings. It helps to make sure everything fits and complete material lists and estimates can be produced assuming you input all good data. Junior Colleges are a great place to get a cheap education and many of the programs are very geared towards the industry trends.

Also you are usually working in an air conditioned office.

 

[HBCraig]

you can make it. But at his age, 45? you need to be at that level to work steady. Or at least work steady with one company

He has back problems, knee problems, etc. He has been lucky in his tenure by having steady work.

 

[riverroyal]

Remember, you started the trade young and back when the unions were really strong. In today's day and age with technology becoming an ever larger force in the trades and changing how things are done, the unions are not as strong and have, for the most part, been on a downward decline.

I'm not trying to start a union debate here by any means. Just stating some observations and opinions to help shed light on both sides of the divide for the OP. As more and more of the larger construction companies are becoming less union and more technology is involved reducing the physical labor requirements of each job, the unions get weaker and I believe at least, the future isn't as bright as it once was to go the union route.

there is more union construction now than I can remember for years and years. Not a union verses non thing. I don't care how people make a living. I think its stronger now than 10 years ago....for certain trades. If you look at the union out of work numbers yes it looks bad. But, unfortunately unions have kept excepting more and more guys. Carpenters union has done this. This has forced more non union shops to fold in the commercial side. Not residential. That's piece meal and no Caucasians, sorry but its true. This will sound racist as hell, but tract home trade is absolute bottom of the barrel. Piece meal has ruined this. It did years ago. (side note, I hear Cal is changing the laws next year, no more piece work?)

Its pretty easy to find out how many out of work union guys are out there. Its public record. How many non union construction guys are out there?? who knows, they go get other jobs outside of construction. Theres no way to know. This has always made the unions look like shit. (among a few other things)

You can go on the UA website right now, and be working this week somewhere. If you have the certs and are a journey man. That's not the life for most, but its out there.

Im 3rd generation union, but Im not Mr Union. Its has provided wayyy better than I expected.

Large companies have never been union. They may hire signatory subs, but that's only when its required by the owner of the project. Or they make it prevailing wage, which has always bothered the non union contractor. Most union contractors will not even bid against non union, they will lose. The wages are not apples to apples

In fact most large construction projects are all Union. LA X, all these freeway projects, the new LA stadium, 95% of all new hospitals, prisons. The GC is not, but the workers are.

as far as technology, the physical labor hasn't changed. But we have found more efficient ways to construct so it takes fewer man hours in the field. All new jobs that are larger are being built with BIM first. This allows the jobs to be built off site and then shipped in pieces. It eliminates risk in the field and reduces man hours.
Most of these BIM detailers are from the field, they are also still in the union. Just building with a mouse now.

 

[riverroyal]

Just curious to see what some of you guys do and if theres any openings out there. Im 23, live in yorba linda and have absolutely no idea what i want to do and it stresses me out everyday. Im currently doing deliveries for a small company and have hit the end of the road with it. Any guidance or input would be great, thanks guys
-Nick

do you live at home? can you move out of socal? If I was your age I would relocate. Its so damn tough for young people here now. 30k a year here and your struggling or at home. 30k a year outside of socal and you can actually be doing ok. College degree helps, but that gets you 40k a year and loans to pay off for the most part. But that degree can also open a door outside Cal.

Whatever you do be ready to completely bust your ass. Accept the fact you will not be happy with your hourly pay, or how many hours you put in. That's how it starts, don't let that discourage you. Nothing comes fast or easy.

 

[Mays351]

do you live at home? can you move out of socal? If I was your age I would relocate. Its so damn tough for young people here now. 30k a year here and your struggling or at home. 30k a year outside of socal and you can actually be doing ok. College degree helps, but that gets you 40k a year and loans to pay off for the most part. But that degree can also open a door outside Cal.

Whatever you do be ready to completely bust your ass. Accept the fact you will not be happy with your hourly pay, or how many hours you put in. That's how it starts, don't let that discourage you. Nothing comes fast or easy.

I live at home and cant see myself going anywhere anytime soon because i figured its the best time to save money(which is an impossible thing) but i might have just landed a job at sunstate hauling equipment:thumbup: and yeah i don't mid working my ass off, never really have cared about pay just as long as im content and happy which has been a hard thing for me to find. I worked for Sparkletts over the summer humping water for 12-14 hours a day and was absolutely miserable but i stuck it out for as long as i could before my body said nope so i figured nothing could be worse then that. looked at it as a learning curve i guess

 

[BHC Vic]

I live at home and cant see myself going anywhere anytime soon because i figured its the best time to save money(which is an impossible thing) but i might have just landed a job at sunstate hauling equipment:thumbup: and yeah i don't mid working my ass off, never really have cared about pay just as long as im content and happy which has been a hard thing for me to find. I worked for Sparkletts over the summer humping water for 12-14 hours a day and was absolutely miserable but i stuck it out for as long as i could before my body said nope so i figured nothing could be worse then that. looked at it as a learning curve i guess

Drywall... Hanging drywall is worse [emoji4]

 

[riverroyal]

I live at home and cant see myself going anywhere anytime soon because i figured its the best time to save money(which is an impossible thing) but i might have just landed a job at sunstate hauling equipment:thumbup: and yeah i don't mid working my ass off, never really have cared about pay just as long as im content and happy which has been a hard thing for me to find. I worked for Sparkletts over the summer humping water for 12-14 hours a day and was absolutely miserable but i stuck it out for as long as i could before my body said nope so i figured nothing could be worse then that. looked at it as a learning curve i guess

so you will drop and pick up rentals....if you get the job, ask the sales manager what you need to do get in sales. Not like you don't want to drive, but what skills, training etc. The sales guys do pretty damn good. It will take some time, but if he says you need some school, go to night school. Learn the equipment and how its used. Be super cool to the contractors, were typically dicks to the drivers. Not on purpose just never have time for you guys! or the equipment is broke and you are the victim by being there. The drivng job can lead to much more, sunstate is huge. There will be opportunities.

 

[Wheeler]

View attachment 450520
Just starting to enjoy it [emoji3]

Is this the company that you've been working for all along? I started with Jack Jory back in '77 and my pay was not far off from yours today. Finishers always made more than hangars.

Is John jr. running the business now?

 

[Richard.E]

I'm hiring.

626-443-3721
Brian

Any position in particular? I don't live too far away and I've always wanted to work on boats.

 

[HBCraig]

I live at home and cant see myself going anywhere anytime soon because i figured its the best time to save money(which is an impossible thing) but i might have just landed a job at sunstate hauling equipment:thumbup: and yeah i don't mid working my ass off, never really have cared about pay just as long as im content and happy which has been a hard thing for me to find. I worked for Sparkletts over the summer humping water for 12-14 hours a day and was absolutely miserable but i stuck it out for as long as i could before my body said nope so i figured nothing could be worse then that. looked at it as a learning curve i guess

I said it before in this thread, sales in this industry isnt bad. Riverroyal said it as well. You will have a leg up learning how to operate the equipment. Prospective buyers love it when the salesmen know how to demo and operate the machines they are selling/renting. Sunstate is a way in for you. I have several friends in the business. Once you get some experience, keep at it. Again, like RR said, you will need some schooling. I hire salesmen that have a degree only because it is a corporate requirement. It can be overlooked in lieu of experience.

If you have any question, feel free to PM and I can give you my phone number. I am a regional sales manager for a crane company and have some insight if you want it.

You are on the right track. Keep up the hard work; it will pay off.

 

[Richard.E]

I'm kinda in the same boat except I have a few years of sales experience, I've been working on my BM degree online while I'm Helping my grandpa out running a small business in Anaheim, Where I've pretty much learned the in's and out's of service, sales, shipping, etc.... It's been a lot of fun, but I wanna branch out and start a new challenge in the new year.

My dad wants me to get involved with QA in the aerospace industry which means I would have to go to air frame school.

But I do have a background in sales and every sales gig I've had has been big $, but I'm kinda at a crossroads right now.
What do the masses recommend?

 

[rivrrts429]

I live at home and cant see myself going anywhere anytime soon because i figured its the best time to save money(which is an impossible thing) but i might have just landed a job at sunstate hauling equipment:thumbup: and yeah i don't mid working my ass off, never really have cared about pay just as long as im content and happy which has been a hard thing for me to find. I worked for Sparkletts over the summer humping water for 12-14 hours a day and was absolutely miserable but i stuck it out for as long as i could before my body said nope so i figured nothing could be worse then that. looked at it as a learning curve i guess

So you met with my guy? I never heard back but he promised me he'd meet with ya.

 

[rivrrts429]

I said it before in this thread, sales in this industry isnt bad. Riverroyal said it as well. You will have a leg up learning how to operate the equipment. Prospective buyers love it when the salesmen know how to demo and operate the machines they are selling/renting. Sunstate is a way in for you. I have several friends in the business. Once you get some experience, keep at it. Again, like RR said, you will need some schooling. I hire salesmen that have a degree only because it is a corporate requirement. It can be overlooked in lieu of experience.

If you have any question, feel free to PM and I can give you my phone number. I am a regional sales manager for a crane company and have some insight if you want it.

You are on the right track. Keep up the hard work; it will pay off.

I'm a Key Account Rep for Sunstate. Your advice is spot on.

I'm sure we've run across each other or have mutual friends in the industry. [emoji106]

 

[milkmoney]

I am 48 and still trying to figure out what I am going to do for a living. [emoji12][emoji202][emoji106]

And I only have 5 years to decide

 

[shawngr]

Chase more muff around... Muff said

Lmao

 

[Joker]

If I had to do it all over again, I'd join the union.
I met a lot of good people working for Kiewit. It seemed to me that you can make lifelong friends as well.

 

[rivrrts429]

If I had to do it all over again, I'd join the union.
I met a lot of good people working for Kiewit. It seemed to me that you can make lifelong friends as well.

Shit, I was thinking all a long you had the dream job [emoji2]

 

[BHC Vic]

Is this the company that you've been working for all along? I started with Jack Jory back in '77 and my pay was not far off from yours today. Finishers always made more than hangars.

Is John jr. running the business now?

New company. I'm not really sure who the owner is maybe I'll find out at the Christmas party. Hangers/framers make a little more than finishers now. Finishing isn't easy and id love to learn how to do it right [emoji106]

 

[milkmoney]

If I had to do it all over again, I'd join the union.
I met a lot of good people working for Kiewit. It seemed to me that you can make lifelong friends as well.

Isn't that what this place is for. ( life long friends ) [emoji202]

 

[Big B Hova]

Union is the way to go for commercial carpentry. :thumbup:

 

[Wheeler]

New company. I'm not really sure who the owner is maybe I'll find out at the Christmas party. Hangers/framers make a little more than finishers now. Finishing isn't easy and id love to learn how to do it right [emoji106]

If you run across John Jory jr. ask him about Irwin and the titty bar. He'll understand. :boobeyes:

 

[ilmormark]

You will never be wealthy working for someone else!

 

[Bobby V]

You will never be wealthy working for someone else!

What do you consider wealthy. ? My boss says I make more then he does.

 

[OutCole'd]

What do you consider wealthy. ? My boss says I make more then he does.

He lies.... Is your boss the company owner? Who's worth more?

 

[wishiknew]

What do you consider wealthy. ? My boss says I make more then he does.

I thought you said they were millionaires ! And you thought they want to make you a millionaire also. You must have a 55 gallon drum of cool aid on your desk

 

[HBCraig]

I'm a Key Account Rep for Sunstate. Your advice is spot on.

I'm sure we've run across each other or have mutual friends in the industry. [emoji106]

Amen brother. I am sure we have met sometime or ran across each other.

 

[Activated]

My only input is that you should do what you love. If you do what you love, you will make good money and it won't be work.

You can always start your own business doing what you love if you want to make more money.

I like what I do but do not love it and wish every day I could find something I was more passionate about. At this point, it would be dumb of me to start over.

My .02

 

[locogringo]

Hope you don't mind me sharing some of my personal experiences. I'm a simple man, not any smarter than the rest of you, which is why I feel this could be of use.

My thoughts and advice, although it is the road less traveled and definitely puts it all on you...

Be willing to do what most people won't, so that you can ultimately afford (lifestyle, security, wealth) what most people can't.

1. I started investing in real estate back in 1997 and never looked back. Started with one rental by borrowing and begging.

That rental led to positive cash flow, leading to the ability to purchase more RE, which created more cash flow which created more cash and the cycle continues. Leveraging correctly to expand further creates security. Buying assets (RE) that are under-valued, fixing them up and deciding whether it is best to secure that asset or sell is the key.

The one constant is that real estate will ALWAYS go up, you just need to have the wherewithal to NOT over-leverage during the up and down markets and you won't be affected in the same degree as all the others.

Wealth is generated by learning to invest in assets that don't depreciate over the long run, being able to ride the waves, and committing yourself to owning those assets free and clear, as quickly as possible.

2. Create multiple streams of income and make real estate one of them.

For roughly 4 years now, I have been studying alternative forms of renewable energy, particularly solar. I have seen solar in the residential and commercial market in CA increase ten fold over the last four years. I decided to dedicate the next 10 years to further advancing my wealth by jumping into the solar industry. Sales has always been my forte and this avenue has come so easily for me. Saving homeowners a huge amount of money over the next 20 years of their lives is one of the reasons I now do this.

Something for you to consider:

Sales- One of the most lucrative fields you can get into is sales. If you are a man (or woman) of integrity, can find a product or service that is excellent, can also find a company that stands for integrity, their employees and offers a fantastic product or service, then the sky will be the limit for you as well.

Making $150-$500k a year in sales is definitely NOT an unrealistic possibility, to say the least. It does take a lot of tenacity, self-dedication and correct perspective which is why everyone is not in sales.

If it's security you strive for, then working a 9-5 or 7-7 or whatever, as a time-stamper, may be a better route for you. Absolutely nothing wrong with it and you can make a crap-load of money as well.

Lastly, if you can consistently surround yourself with those who are smarter than you, you WILL be successful. If your circle of friends finds you as the smartest one in the bunch, it's time to find some new friends.

 

[locogringo]

Daymn that was a long post. Looks like I got carried away

 

[Icky]

What if you just think you're the smartest one of your friends

Lastly, if you can consistently surround yourself with those who are smarter than you, you WILL be successful. If your circle of friends finds you as the smartest one in the bunch, it's time to find some new friends.

 

[parker112]

If you like wood working or working on CNC machines. Call Cabinet Outsource. We are hiring. I have opening in the day shift and night shift. We are located in Brea. 714-671-7720

 

[nowski]

What do you consider wealthy. ? My boss says I make more then he does.

You probably do make more than your boss and your probably worth more to the company than he is...