Looking for a new career

[FROGMAN524]

Guys, looking for a career change but the problem is I don't really know what I want to do. So, I wanted to see what everyone here does, how they like it and how they got into it.

Aside from not knowing what I want to do, I know that what is most important to me is upward mobility and something that isn't mind numbingly boring either.

 

[Boozer]

There's a lot more to offering career advice than knowing someone wants a new career.

What's your background? Education? Income requirements? Do you have a nest egg you can live off for a while or do you need immediate cash flow?

Lots of stuff we need to know.

 

[Wadernation]

welcome to the club. Graduated college and went right into Construction Management / Estimating. Been doing this for about 7 years and absolutely hate every waking moment of the work week..and that is a sad reality to face. im 28..No kids..no wife. i have decided to make a career change and will actually take off a few months from work to figure my shit out. I wish you the best because i know how hard it is to do something you hate..even if you try to suck it up and make the best of it.

Just remember that you have control over your life and if you aren't happy then you need to try to fix it. :thumbsup

 

[waterhorse]

2 words, F.D.:thumbsup

 

[TPC]

Elevator mechanic is where I'd start over.
Plumbings an excellent trade too.

No one argues the bill.

Journeyman Electrician with a Elevator license = the employment world is yours, anyplace.

 

[warpt71]

Work SUX!!!

I switched gears last lear and its not all roses but Im trying to stick it out. I do keep my eyes and ears open for anything that pays better though. Its tough for sure. I took a pay cut, but also decressed my work load and that was a good move, unfortunatly, Im now looking for more money lol You cant ever have both extra money and extra time.

 

[Bigbore500r]

Construction managment, commerical.
It pays the bills - nothing fun about it, wish I could stop.

 

[Yellowboat]

Elevator mechanic is where I'd start over.
Plumbings an excellent trade too.

No one argues the bill.

Journeyman Electrician with a Elevator license = the employment world is yours, anyplace.

i would do this... the union is very hard to get in, but once you do... lets just say $80 a hour is common.

 

[HBCraig]

Elevator guys are some of the highest paid of the union trades.

I like what I do. I am a sales manager for Crane company.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Elevator mechanic is where I'd start over.
Plumbings an excellent trade too.

No one argues the bill.

Journeyman Electrician with a Elevator license = the employment world is yours, anyplace.

My brother just got in the union about a month ago and loves the work. He was an apprentice electrician at Berg Electrical before and took a pay cut to switch but really enjoys the work better and there is a LOT more earning potential. Just be aware that he waited over a year to get the call.

If you have any mechanical capabilities and any refrigeration knowledge at all, even just the extreme basics, I'd suggest looking at refrigeration service tech. I know my company is darn near constantly hiring and has A LOT of work. You don't need a degree or tech school certificate either. They have very good training programs set-up for that. If you have your EPA card would really help. I love my job. It's a little different everyday and I get to establish good working relationships with managers and such without having to worry about sales or anything like that. And I'm working with my hands and using my head to diagnose and repair issues. It's very rewarding.

 

[bruddah]

Territory manager - Medical Devices

As with any job it has its stressful/annoying times, but at the end of the day I am allowed to run my territory/team with a lot of autonomy and not having someone watch over my shoulder. I get to work from home and make my own schedule... bottom line is as long as the work gets done and business is growing, I can do what I want!

 

[aka619er]

Government. To much damn politics. Very good money and half the time I'm sitting around doing nothing or enjoying being paid for one of our numerous holidays. Work the 4-10 schedule so every weekend is a 3 day holiday.

 

[TCHB]

The power industry is a great place to work. Lots of jobs from entry level to executive positions.

 

[troostr]

Dairyman/Farmer. Ownership sucks lately. On the employment side, real secure if the farm you are working for has plenty of equity to withstand the shitty times (like now). You cant shut off a cow, so it's 24/7. There are some opportunities for desk type, commodities purchasing and trading if you have any kind of background or experience if you don't like getting dirty.
That said, one of my good buddies just left Ag for oil. Production side can be scary when prices drop because they'll shut off production or limit it, and last in first out usually applies. My buddy got hired at the refinery. Paid $18/hr for training, then $28 and up after. I know guys that have been in there for 5 years making $35/hr, the overtime is where the bank comes in! Requirements: HS diploma, (+ for college), physical, absolutely zero tolerance D/A on random checks. The part that would mess with me is the shift changes 4 days on, 4 off, back on 4 at nights, off 4 back on days. That part isn't for me.
Good luck with whatever you do! Employers, I think, will always reward a great work ethic and results over what a person or their papers say they can do.

 

[FreeBird236]

Water/ wastewater, you won't get rich, but will have a decent income and good benefits with most cities and districts, and most of your education can be achieved at the community college level.

 

[Deja_Vu]

CAD jock... work in the Aerospace industry

You can go to ITT tech and get a certificate in CAD drafting and work your way into some decent design positions.
I work in the structural design group designing wings, fuselage, tails, etc. All composite graphite/epoxy resin.

After 32 years in the biz you can work for 20 somethings straight out of college ... LOL

 

[Firemanjoe]

2 words, F.D.:thumbsup

I agree. Great job and lots of time with family

 

[Singleton]

I switched after 15 years in corporate audit, to a sales consulting (software demos) role. I now help sell software I used when I was practicing. I miss the challenge of audit, but not the 60+ hour work weeks I averaged. I still travel but no more then 1 day a week and I get to work from home when not on the road. Thinking about moving back to audit, but it will have to be the right company and position.

 

[FROGMAN524]

There's a lot more to offering career advice than knowing someone wants a new career.

What's your background? Education? Income requirements? Do you have a nest egg you can live off for a while or do you need immediate cash flow?

Lots of stuff we need to know.

Background is Im 27, have 5 years management experience in facilities/security/maintenance with a school, graduated with Bachelors in Hotel and Restaurant Management in 2011 and have been searching for something different since.

Right now I'm strongly considering a career with a financials company such as JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley or the like because of the amount of positions and mobility as well as potential for compensation beyond what I make now.

If I had it my way I'd fly for UPS but can't justify the expenditure on flight school and paying for flight hours.

If also be very interested in working for Union Pacific or BNSF, however, they're never hiring and are taking a hit financially.

 

[Paul65k]

I switched after 15 years in corporate audit, to a sales consulting (software demos) role. I now help sell software I used when I was practicing. I miss the challenge of audit, but not the 60+ hour work weeks I averaged. I still travel but no more then 1 day a week and I get to work from home when not on the road. Thinking about moving back to audit, but it will have to be the right company and position.

Yeah.....once you get that in your blood it's hard to quit

 

[OutCole'd]

I would own a trim shop in Vegas, as a matter of fact, I may know of one for sale.....

 

[FROGMAN524]

What I should say is I can't promote at my current job unless the guy above me dies and the pay increase is cost of living with no other means of increasing pay whether through increased education or anything else. Therefore I'd classify my current job as a JOB and not a CAREER. The hours are great being Monday through Friday 6-2PM and we get lots of paid holidays and good vacation time/sick leave. Otherwise, the healthcare is very expensive, the pension sucks and the 401K/403B matching is minimal. On the other hand, I have low stress and lots of autonomy but don't feel challenged in any way, which may be a blessing or a curse as I have yet to find out.

 

[3.Slow]

The power industry is a great place to work. Lots of jobs from entry level to executive positions.

Currently in the power industry, pay is good but there are some changes going on with the increase in renewable energy and EPA restrictions. I know of a few smaller power plants that are having a hard time getting power purchase agreements. That being said, if you can get in at a facility with a long term contract or some type of renewable energy facility, there is decent pay and advancement opportunity.

Water/ wastewater, you won't get rich, but will have a decent income and good benefits with most cities and districts, and most of your education can be achieved at the community college level.

Currently trying to get in at the Metropolitan Water District, pay is decent and the benefits are great. Just got an e-mail this morning for the 2nd round of testing, pretty intense hiring process.

 

[FROGMAN524]

Are you under 35yo? If so, how about the CHP? Great career! I wish I would've tried harder...

Yes just turned 27 last month, same as my wife. I have at least 3 family members who are retired or current LAPD and I would do that but I couldn't afford the initial pay cut nor the cost of living moving back to California with my wife leaving her job too so that's out. Arizona is broke just like California and it seems the economy here blows.

 

[28Eliminator]

Started as a carpenter 35 years ago then went to work as a foreman for GC building high end customs, then got into custom finish, cabinets and custom built staircases/balustrades. Got My Contractors license at 28 and started a framing company and a GC building customs. We did all the concrete work, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, finish and paint ourselves. Gave it all up after 25 years and went to work for big Development company as their General Superintendent of Construction. office and field time are about 50/50, but I love it. We build high end Country Club Communities in the western U.S.

If you can get into Custom stuff, construction can be great!! something different all the time.. production work, not so much.

 

[squirtnmyload]

I just walked away from the glass industry which i was involved with for 14 years.

I decided it was time for a new path and got in to the custom screen print, embroidery and promotional products biz. Just as cut throat as before but i was ready for a new challenge.

Do whatever you think will make you happy, a big paycheck doesn't always provide that.

Good luck!

 

[Singleton]

Yeah.....once you get that in your blood it's hard to quit

View attachment 491399

I was never the bean counter, I was the guy that made sure the bean counter did his job right
I was smart and made sure I was in a position that was not impacted by month end and quarter end close tasks. I have too many friends in corporate accounting and external audit that can't enjoy New Years or the big holiday weekends due to close responsibilities. I never wanted to be in that position.

 

[Long Way Home]

Try for a Lineman job for electric power transmission/distribution facilities. Just check out the pro's and cons to this occupation first.

 

[FROGMAN524]

welcome to the club. Graduated college and went right into Construction Management / Estimating. Been doing this for about 7 years and absolutely hate every waking moment of the work week..and that is a sad reality to face. im 28..No kids..no wife. i have decided to make a career change and will actually take off a few months from work to figure my shit out. I wish you the best because i know how hard it is to do something you hate..even if you try to suck it up and make the best of it.

Just remember that you have control over your life and if you aren't happy then you need to try to fix it. :thumbsup

Absolutely best of luck. I've applied for about 100 jobs in the last 6 months with various companies in various industries and usually I get an email saying they've selected someone more qualified than myself. It's an employers market right now and has been for the last 8 years or so.

 

[Tooms22]

Yes just turned 27 last month, same as my wife. I have at least 3 family members who are retired or current LAPD and I would do that but I couldn't afford the initial pay cut nor the cost of living moving back to California with my wife leaving her job too so that's out. Arizona is broke just like California and it seems the economy here blows.

Pay cut? You must be doing fairly well right now then. I know some guys who work as city cops in SoCal... they easily make into 6 figures with overtime. They're the same age as you and have only been doing it a few years.

 

[EmpirE231]

Government. To much damn politics. Very good money and half the time I'm sitting around doing nothing or enjoying being paid for one of our numerous holidays. Work the 4-10 schedule so every weekend is a 3 day holiday.

:eek Sounds about right for government work... and we all wonder why there are so many taxes.


Honestly... almost any career that I see friends in, that are moving on up and making good money, are all somehow tied to govt. So it all depends on how long you think this gravy train will last. But I have friends that are firefighters, cops, DWP, linemen etc... and they seem to all enjoy the job.... I mean why not, 100k+ a year, full benefits, job security, ridiculous pension...and if you work for it, upward mobility. No offense to anyone in these fields, like I said, these are all good friends of mine... but if you think these packages are sustainable without major tax/ fees/ utility rate increases... or without the govt going broke, you are delusional. It all comes down to, how long that can will be kicked down the road...

:drink

 

[FROGMAN524]

Try for a Lineman job for electric power transmission/distribution facilities. Just check out the pro's and cons to this occupation first.

Thought about it but not too thrilled playing with 50,000 volts, especially with kids in the next few years.

 

[FROGMAN524]

:eek Sounds about right for government work... and we all wonder why there are so many taxes.


Honestly... almost any career that I see friends in, that are moving on up and making good money, are all somehow tied to govt. So it all depends on how long you think this gravy train will last. But I have friends that are firefighters, cops, DWP, linemen etc... and they seem to all enjoy the job.... I mean why not, 100k+ a year, full benefits, job security, ridiculous pension...and if you work for it, upward mobility. No offense to anyone in these fields, like I said, these are all good friends of mine... but if you think these packages are sustainable without major tax/ fees/ utility rate increases... or without the govt going broke, you are delusional. It all comes down to, how long that can will be kicked down the road...

:drink

Unfunded pensions is a big reason why California is going broke or already has.

 

[warpt71]

Where are you currently living? I know my job is continuously hiring

 

[FROGMAN524]

Where are you currently living? I know my job is continuously hiring

Phoenix

 

[rivrrts429]

Go into some sort of sales. Commission/Bonus based and you can make as much as you want.

Only position I've been in that is hiring like crazy in a down economy. Not going to get rid of the ones that bring the money.

 

[FROGMAN524]

Go into some sort of sales. Commission/Bonus based and you can make as much as you want.

Only position I've been in that is hiring like crazy in a down economy. Not going to get rid of the ones that bring the money.

I did sales for about 6 months and was fired because I can't lie or pursuance generally speaking, therefore, I was a terrible salesman.

 

[River Lynchmob]

Elevator guys are some of the highest paid of the union trades.

I like what I do. I am a sales manager for Crane company.

Which Co?

 

[rivrrts429]

I did sales for about 6 months and was fired because I can't lie or pursuance generally speaking, therefore, I was a terrible salesman.

I've been doing it for 17 years and have never had to lie lol.

Not talking about high pressure door to door type sales. More like long term vendor relationship based sales.

Good luck with your search.

 

[FROGMAN524]

I've been doing it for 17 years and have never had to lie lol.

Not talking about high pressure door to door type sales. More like long term vendor relationship based sales.

Good luck with your search.

I should say I tried auto sales so that may give you an idea. Getting out of college in 2011 was unlucky to say the least. Not knocking salesman anyway as I work with quite a few corporate salesman in my job currently, however, I discovered that it wasn't my strong point if auto sales is similar in any way to what you do.

 

[BHC Vic]

Union carpenter... I like it. I'd like to be a pm or estimator interesting to see guys w that job that don't like it. Maybe that's why jobs always go sideways 😜

 

[GRADS]

Trophy Husband. I'd tell you more about the job requirements but I'm already late for my paddle board time.

 

[jones performance]

Currently trying to get in at the Metropolitan Water District, pay is decent and the benefits are great. Just got an e-mail this morning for the 2nd round of testing, pretty intense hiring process.

i was talking with one of the board of directors a month ago. he was telling me they are having a hard time finding people that really want to work

 

[BHC Vic]

Oh and trophy husband ftw 😎

 

[C-2]

After 28 years, I am changing too, going into the juvenile justice system, or a state position. I have returned to school and I am a few credits away from being employable.

I see a lot of kids at school chasing degrees that will get them nowhere, if you need to, go back and get another one. Mine will be in criminal justice, crime never goes out of style.

I also studied/study Cybersecurity, if you are flexible and good with technical stuff, then it's a career that is in uber demand with big $$$$ and you can work anywhere in the world with the right security/networking certs. They can't find enough QUALIFIED people to fill positions, but that's because you have to be pretty damned smart, too. If you kick ass at math, then you could do well. You can get into WGU and get a Cybersecurity degree lickety split since you already have your BA.

 

[riverroyal]

27 years now. I STRONGLY discourage anything construction, ANYTHING. At least in California. Heres why, which im sure some will disagree.
labor pay has peaked, cost of living has not. Projects used to get 15-20% profit all the time. That went to 10, now its at 5% or less. Not every project, but most. Companies will not be paying more, unions will not raise wages. Contractors are less profitable due to the competition. So, the end effect is your yearly income will not go up, yet everything else has and will, gas, homes, milk, everything. The days of the rich construction worker are over, today is the best its going to get. It will get worse in 10 year and more. Getting into the building industry now has a weak future. Yes you can make $65K a year but that doesn't do much today, it will do nothing in 10 years. No matter how good a tradesman you are someone is more hungry and will perform for less.
If your in the labor pool a short time to get educated then start your own deal thats different. But not without massive challenges.

Im 3rd generation, I have 2 sons. My 19 year old is in college. He could have started with me a year ago at $19 a hour and been at 25ish by now, at 19. No way I was letting that happen.


Plus, construction isn't fun like it used to be. If you have been in it 30 years you know what im saying. I don't have any advise as to what you should do, just what you shouldn't. By 27 I was married with a child and a mortgage. I cant imagine how difficult it is for this next generation. Participation trophies and technology has not help.

 

[rivermobster]

27 years now. I STRONGLY discourage anything construction, ANYTHING. At least in California. Heres why, which im sure some will disagree.
labor pay has peaked, cost of living has not. Projects used to get 15-20% profit all the time. That went to 10, now its at 5% or less. Not every project, but most. Companies will not be paying more, unions will not raise wages. Contractors are less profitable due to the competition. So, the end effect is your yearly income will not go up, yet everything else has and will, gas, homes, milk, everything. The days of the rich construction worker are over, today is the best its going to get. It will get worse in 10 year and more. Getting into the building industry now has a weak future. Yes you can make $65K a year but that doesn't do much today, it will do nothing in 10 years. No matter how good a tradesman you are someone is more hungry and will perform for less.
If your in the labor pool a short time to get educated then start your own deal thats different. But not without massive challenges.

Im 3rd generation, I have 2 sons. My 19 year old is in college. He could have started with me a year ago at $19 a hour and been at 25ish by now, at 19. No way I was letting that happen.


Plus, construction isn't fun like it used to be. If you have been in it 30 years you know what im saying. I don't have any advise as to what you should do, just what you shouldn't. By 27 I was married with a child and a mortgage. I cant imagine how difficult it is for this next generation. Participation trophies and technology has not help.

Replace every work here that says construction, with automotive, and it will be the exact same story!

Although, I do like the position/job pronstar has. But he is in advertising, and it just happens to be in automotive.

Good luck!! :thumbsup

 

[jones performance]

i am in the manufacturing/warehousing/material handling industry. currently the maint lead for a large corp. i do the jobs of several people, handle environmental stuff, security stuff, heavy role in EHS, hazmat, it, wms systems, sourcing, accounts payable, and po generation as well for the site.

oh.. i also run the maintenance dept LOL

 

[Paul65k]

Go into some sort of sales. Commission/Bonus based and you can make as much as you want.

Only position I've been in that is hiring like crazy in a down economy. Not going to get rid of the ones that bring the money.

Replace every work here that says construction, with automotive, and it will be the exact same story!

Although, I do like the position/job pronstar has. But he is in advertising, and it just happens to be in automotive.

Good luck!! :thumbsup

And even with that............................He is moving to Texas

 

[rivrrts429]

I should say I tried auto sales so that may give you an idea. Getting out of college in 2011 was unlucky to say the least. Not knocking salesman anyway as I work with quite a few corporate salesman in my job currently, however, I discovered that it wasn't my strong point if auto sales is similar in any way to what you do.

Totally different type of sales but yeah the industry is heavily dependent on personality types. Lots of personality tests to get your foot in the door nowadays. Many past athletes with an ultra competitive personality in our field. It's not for everyone but can be fairly lucrative after you have a consistent customer base.