Random advise for the younger guys...

[Cray Paper]

Been thinking about this for a while, I m 54 YO and have taken on a mentor approach at work the last 5 years to all of the younger trades workers even though I am a carpenter. Not just work related, but life in general. Obviously putting money away for retirement is a big one, side jobs when your younger is another.
This is a small one, but as I was vacuuming out my work truck and personal rig I noticed several different female long hairs stuck in the carpet and seats. Women mark their territory like no other with the hair. When a relationship is over do your diligence and and clean the crap out of your vehicles.

That being said, if you are in the later stages of life, what tidbits would you randomly pass along as general knowledge the younger guys on RDP?

 

[attitude]

Being a younger guy in a trade full of older people I have been lucky to have some great mentors. It seems like the 50+ crowed loses all ego and wants to transfer their knowledge to the next generation.

One none trade specific peace of knowledge I received was: when give the option to have a work phone or use your personal cell, always use your personal cell. When you part ways with your job your contacts come with you, and those same contacts are still able to get ahold of you.

 

[was thatguy]

Learn Spanish.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

When in doubt just whip it out.

 

[Cray Paper]

Being a younger guy in a trade full of older people I have been lucky to have some great mentors. It seems like the 50+ crowed loses all ego and wants to transfer their knowledge to the next generation.

One none trade specific peace of knowledge I received was: when give the option to have a work phone or use your personal cell, always use your personal cell. When you part ways with your job your contacts come with you, and those same contacts are still able to get ahold of you.

Great point, IT related stuff. Most GC's in the PNW give you a cell phone (apple) but you have to use your personal apple account. Not a bad thing, as they usually allow you to take the phone at termination, might have to pay a little bit if it is less than 2 years old to keep it. When you are either relieved of your duties are tell them your parting ways, you will be shut out of the corporates network. All those custom made spreadsheets, schedules in MS project or P6 will no longer be available to you, and the next company you work for may not be as sophisticated as the one that hires you and you will wish you had access to those templates and contacts in your new position.

 

[Taboma]

Learn Spanish.

No shit
I took French in HS in '64, instead of Spanish. Motivation was simple, what lady isn't moved by a man's lips whispering Francais ?
What a dumb-shit language to take.
Did miserable in the class, the little I learned never helped me get laid, and it served me once, just barely, since. Ended up working with a French Tunisian electrician in Germany, I didn't speak German, he didn't speak English, but I could recall a few words I'd learned in that dumb-ass French class.
Needless to say, our conversations mostly consisted of gestures like pointing.

 

[Cray Paper]

In the PNW, being able to fluently speak Spanish is a huge plus. Most drywallers, metal stud framers, landscapers and flooring installers are not able to speak the English language. Used to be one of the foreman would be a fluent translator, not so much anymore. They are good workers but do not speak our language and don't seem to be invested in learning it.

 

[callbob]

Rubbers, wear em.

 

[NicPaus]

Learn Spanish.

100%

I know paquito Spanish. Knowing more would make me a lot more money. Majority of the construction industry speaks Spanish. My current framer his kid only speaks Spanish 19 year old bad ass framer running jobs. But I have to bring 1 of my Guys with me to interpret for me.

 

[500bbc]

Learn Spanish.

Chinese

 

[Taboma]

Been thinking about this for a while, I m 54 YO and have taken on a mentor approach at work the last 5 years to all of the younger trades workers even though I am a carpenter. Not just work related, but life in general. Obviously putting money away for retirement is a big one, side jobs when your younger is another.
This is a small one, but as I was vacuuming out my work truck and personal rig I noticed several different female long hairs stuck in the carpet and seats. Women mark their territory like no other with the hair. When a relationship is over do your diligence and and clean the crap out of your vehicles.

That being said, if you are in the later stages of life, what tidbits would you randomly pass along as general knowledge the younger guys on RDP?

" That being said, if you are in the later stages of life, what tidbits would you randomly pass along as general knowledge the younger guys on RDP?"

Thanks for the laugh, that's a f*ckin good one I'm sure you've realized by now, they already know everything, just ask them

 

[Paradox]

Don’t burn bridges. When there is a conflict (and they always seen to pop up in construction), take the high road. Be the adult in the room. Over the 45 plus years I’ve worked, I can’t count the number of times someone I’ve worked for or with has crossed my path, often multiple times. Many of them on hiring/interview panels early in my career and now in front of me as I sit on these panels. It makes no sense what so ever to make professional enemies.

 

[NicPaus]

I was told from my first customer not to ever rent a tool or equipment. Start buying at a young age. He handed me $25K cash as upfront payment to buy my Skidsteer 18 years ago. He paid for a lot of my tools the first few years. They are all still making me money. And he gets the price these days.

 

[Taboma]

Chinese

I thought most of them were encouraged (Errr forced) to learn Engrish in school

 

[C-Ya]

Ive purchased a file cabinet very early on. I don’t know how I could live, if I had no way to sort my important documents and tax info.

 

[DWC]

Don’t burn bridges. When there is a conflict (and they always seen to pop up in construction), take the high road. Be the adult in the room. Over the 45 plus years I’ve worked, I can’t count the number of times someone I’ve worked for or with has crossed my path, often multiple times. Many of them on hiring/interview panels early in my career and now in front of me as I sit on these panels. It makes no sense what so ever to make professional enemies.

Good advice in all career paths.

 

[MPHSystems]

Just 2

1) never trust a fart
2) never put your dick in crazy

 

[NicPaus]

Just 2

1) never trust a fart
2) never put your dick in crazy

That's 95% of women. Should be Pull Out!

 

[Outdrive1]

Go big early.

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

Sometimes best words are the one's left unsaid.
Listen, watch and learn.

Looking back over my years, the most influential men I learned from didn't tell me things, they just did them and I learned by example who I wanted to emulate.

 

[was thatguy]

In the PNW, being able to fluently speak Spanish is a huge plus. Most drywallers, metal stud framers, landscapers and flooring installers are not able to speak the English language. Used to be one of the foreman would be a fluent translator, not so much anymore. They are good workers but do not speak our language and don't seem to be invested in learning it.

It’s everywhere.
And it’s not all because of the invasion.
I’ve been in the oilfield over 35 years.
Since leaving Alaska over 20 years ago a large % of oilfield hands I’ve worked with and around are Mexican. Some central and South Americans but predominantly Mexican.
I’m not talking about uneducated roustabouts either.
The sharpest directional drillers I’ve worked with are Mexican. They typically are from Mexico City and have an engineering degree with emphasis on mathematics.
ALL are bilingual. Every single one.
We had a crew in Colorado that had 4 Jose’s on it. All cousins. We called them “hose A, hose B, hose C, and hose D depending on rank.
Jose A was the rig driller. Everytime he’d bring another cousin up from Mexico he absolutely forbade them from speaking Spanish. They HAD to learn English right fucking now. Usually by 90 days they could converse adequately.
By 6 months they were typically 100% bilingual.
I once told Jose “I don’t know how you guys do it so easy, I’ve been trying for a decade to become fluent in Spanish”
He looked me right in the eye and said “yeah?? But what if you HAD TOO??”
Right now this minute I’m at work in Wyoming.
I’m on my 12 hours off.
My company man is another Jose I’ve known for 17 years.
We call him JR.
The day company man is “Manny”…(Manuel)
Both are bad ass excellent bosses. Our client engineer who is the boss of the bosses is Donaldo.
All have been in the oilfield for decades. I’ve worked with them off and on all over the country.
Every single one is bilingual.
Every Mexican guy I know is bilingual.

No matter your trade.
Learn Spanish.
No bullshit.

Oh, and trust me they know what you’re saying.
What’s important is that YOU know what they are saying!

Where’s BHC Vic?
He knows whats up.

 

[rivermobster]

 

[CLdrinker]

Just because you are right don’t mean you need to prove it.

If you don’t know something admit it and ask for help.

Start saving for retirement even if it’s $5 a month. Make retirement contributions a priority that takes a back seat only to food and housing.

Be very careful with whom you date and whom you marry. This is the biggest decision of your life and quite literally will make or break you.

 

[pixrthis]

One of my younger riding buddies told me “ I don’t like to judge people, I’ve got my own shit to deal with” and I try to be better about that because of it.
His daughter also said a line in a high school graduation speech that I think should be tattooed on everyone’s arm at birth, “don’t ever expect anything you’re not willing to work for”. Obviously they’re a great family and truly inspirational humans who don’t take the easy out on anything.

 

[Jonas Grumby]

Eat healthy. Heart attack sucks

 

[monkeyswrench]

Just because you can afford a new truck, doesn't mean you should buy one for work. Probably depends on the trade, but in roofing, they get F'd up.

Like the burning bridges mentioned above. Some people you part ways with, my be the ones paying you later.

Be sober on the job. Don't come to a site late, or hung over.

Be respectful to the client's family and employees. You'll get paid for the job you're doing, but getting future work because they thought well of you is important.

Be aware that circumstances change. Money, work, life and health, every person you interact with has these things going on as well. Be prepared for changes, but don't fear them.

 

[C-Ya]

If I am being honest……… the best life decision I ever made, was to marry a lawyer. Lol

 

[ChrisV]

Be good to your parents.

 

[riverroyal]

In trades it's learn the office of it. So many tradesmen put in strictly 8 hours with their bags on. You are only a tool to the company when they need you.
If you know the actual paper portion you have longevity.

Travel. I only know construction. When your young, not married, no kids, no morgage, go work other places.

Depending on who these youngster hang out with it might worth lifting the truck..you know, to get chick's.

Also, stop living through your cell.

 

[Javajoe]

In the PNW, being able to fluently speak Spanish is a huge plus. Most drywallers, metal stud framers, landscapers and flooring installers are not able to speak the English language. Used to be one of the foreman would be a fluent translator, not so much anymore. They are good workers but do not speak our language and don't seem to be invested in learning it.

On our Public Works Projects, all trades are required to provide a Foreman who are fluent in written and spoken English. Landscape foremen are the ones I struggle with but my PE’s are normally fluent in Spanish.

 

[Javajoe]

I would say…
Work for Public Utilities. They have great retirement.

 

[bilz]

Own your position. Even if you at the bottom, own that spot. Be the one they look to to get shit done.

 

[Romans9]

SNL back when it was funny.
”If you ain’t gonna wrap it stay home and wack it”…

 

[Deckin Around]

Re: machines and tools advice...
Never stick your finger anywhere you wouldn't put your dick.


I thought of this with the mention of different hairs in the vehicle. Some chicks would loose their minds over this and the guy would have to stick with "I don't know how it got there" .

 

[Kachina26]

Own your position. Even if you at the bottom, own that spot. Be the one they look to to get shit done.

Some days it feels like the only reward for that is getting someone else's work on top of your own.

 

[gqchris]

Being a younger guy in a trade full of older people I have been lucky to have some great mentors. It seems like the 50+ crowed loses all ego and wants to transfer their knowledge to the next generation.

One none trade specific peace of knowledge I received was: when give the option to have a work phone or use your personal cell, always use your personal cell. When you part ways with your job your contacts come with you, and those same contacts are still able to get ahold of you.

Being an IT Leader, I would suggest against this if you are using email and apps on your personal phone. We own all of that data and you never want to "cross the beams!"

But I get it if you are in just using the phone for contacts and calls.

 

[attitude]

Being an IT Leader, I would suggest against this if you are using email and apps on your personal phone. We own all of that data and you never want to "cross the beams!"

But I get it if you are in just using the phone for contacts and calls.

My last two companies have just been email access on my personal; however, the last company had me download some app that changed my password and lock screen time which was lame.

My current company I have a work phone, but I have all kinds of company specific apps on it.

Usually when I share this advice with people their response is “I don’t use my personal because I don't want to be contacted outside of work hours”

I get the IT part of it however.

 

[Fastech382]

Buy a house in 2019

 

[Dana757]

Advice my dad gave when I got my first job and has served me well in life is:

At work don’t talk money, politics or religion. All it will accomplish is pissing you or someone else off. It won’t change anyone’s opinions.

 

[stephenkatsea]

“I don’t know, but let’s find out” are important words for you. If you have a boss who will say that, they’re probably a good one.

 

[petie6464]

Not really trade related but worth remembering..

-Never say the first thing that comes to mind.

-Wait at least two seconds before responding to someone.

-In an argument or disagreement add another 4 seconds to the above.

-A bad woman will destroy you.

Trade related:

-Someone will get rich off the sweat off your back; Be that someone.

 

[Orange Juice]

My advice it to go to college at 18, or enlist in the military for 4 year. The life skills you gain under these situations will put you where you need to be for life.

 

[lbhsbz]

My last two companies have just been email access on my personal; however, the last company had me download some app that changed my password and lock screen time which was lame.

My current company I have a work phone, but I have all kinds of company specific apps on it.

Usually when I share this advice with people their response is “I don’t use my personal because I don't want to be contacted outside of work hours”

I get the IT part of it however.

I had my work email on my personal phone for 15 years…answered emails night/weekend/whatever….until some new management wanted us to install some app that gave them some level of activity tracking and the ability to remotely wipe the phone. That was the end of me going above and beyond. I just deleted all my work related shit. Any contacts that I valued for written down in notebooks over the years, that I bought so they’re mine. I’ve got a couple crates full of all my notebooks from 18 years I spent there.

I’d go for the company phone

 

[lbhsbz]

Not really trade related but worth remembering..

-Never say the first thing that comes to mind.

-Wait at least two seconds before responding to someone.

-In an argument or disagreement add another 4 seconds to the above.

-A bad woman will destroy you.

Trade related:

-Someone will get rich off the sweat off your back; Be that someone.

This is worth repeating

 

[DaveH]

my advise to young guys....dont trust that GF on the pill. implanted birth control.

 

[spectra3279]

English should be mandatory

 

[Mandelon]

God gave you two ears, and one mouth. Use them proportionately.

Be nice, even to people you don't like.

Burning bridges at work is dumb. You might be able to use that contact in the future.

Owning a business, I tend to keep my politics to myself at work. We have been fired from one my guys saying the wrong thing.

Buy real estate and hold it. Duplex, triplex, fourplex are best. An occasional vacancy won't kill your returns. The tenants pay the building off for you and the rents go up every year. The first ten years are annoying, but after that you are pocketing cash.

Take chances, but don't be dumb.

Max out that 401K early. You don't need a $1000 truck payment. So dumb.

 

[samsah33]

Accept none of the credit and all of the blame.

 

[Sportin' Wood]

I won't say any of this is advice, but some random things to consider. I don't agree with some comments on here, so free advice is worth what you pay; nothing.

I'm 54

Speaking from a tradesman point of view. Inevitably you will try and make a go of it on your own.

I say Burn the ships, burn the bridges and scorch the earth. I never gained much benefit from going backward, the reasons I left were still in place and I was wasting valuable time going backward.

Learn basic accounting principles along side your craft. Understand the difference between generating revenue and generating profit. There are a whole bunch of pikers who are going to take advantage of your labor and cheat you at every turn. (aka Developers GCs and Homeowners) Know what they know.

Learn project management and the tools like MS Project or one o the cloud based programs. Track everything you can and understand how long it takes and how long it takes others. You should be able to call BS on the super, trying to get you on a job site early. Get a signed change order every time before you do the work. They will cheat you, it is in their nature.

Stay one step ahead of the payment schedule and make sure you are whole at all times. Understand the concept of Working Capital. That's why people are holding your money for dumb reasons and playing games.

When the old guys tell you to protect your knees, listen to them. Don't be a tough guy about the safety stuff. Protect your body, it is not always gonna perform like you are 25. It is going to piss you off when you are older that you did not listen.

Never Never Ever, sell your tools. That is your insurance policy no matter where life takes you, with those tools and your skills you will always have a way to make money.

As far as the life stuff, don't get hooked on the dope and drink. Find a good woman you'll be able to enjoy the company of and can pee outdoors. Have more kids than you think you want.

 

[Desert Whaler]

To the really younger guys in middle school / high school …. Or maybe some of you Dads to pass on to your sons ….. “ALWAYS be cool to every girl” … especially the nerds, geeks, fatties, & uglies ….many of them will be the hotties later in life. All of the popular / cute cheerleader types are ‘peaking’ now …. and they’ll be the dogs later.

Trust me on this one, I speak from experience.