White Collar to Blue Collar transition advice

[Nosocks]

Looking for advice from Blue Collar/Adjacent Business Owners.

Mid 30s, no family. Currently work an extremely well paid white collar management job (top 1%).

Growing tired of the rat race. Plus the whole AI thing looming.

At this point, I'm thinking of using the large cash flow of money as a means for purchasing something more AI proof, and hopefully more satisfying.

I know there's a bunch of folks here who own business related to trades, or adjacent industries.

Any suggestions on businesses to go toward?

How do I not fuck up right away?

Obviously having decades in a particular trade is helpful, but that's not happening overnight. I could probably do some trade related classes at a local community college but I don't know that this will actually help me run the businesses.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Good luck on the rat race escape! You'll live longer I think. I'm of no help though. I went from a fair paying blue collar guy, and escaped to be a lower paid blue collar

If I were you, I'd think about a partial transition, like sales for a construction firm. Over the next few years, materials and such may be good to get into as the rebuilding starts as well.

 

[evantwheeler]

Looking for advice from Blue Collar/Adjacent Business Owners.

Mid 30s, no family. Currently work an extremely well paid white collar management job (top 1%).

Growing tired of the rat race. Plus the whole AI thing looming.

At this point, I'm thinking of using the large cash flow of money as a means for purchasing something more AI proof, and hopefully more satisfying.

I know there's a bunch of folks here who own business related to trades, or adjacent industries.

Any suggestions on businesses to go toward?

How do I not fuck up right away?

Obviously having decades in a particular trade is helpful, but that's not happening overnight. I could probably do some trade related classes at a local community college but I don't know that this will actually help me run the businesses.

There are a TON of niche trades that you can make a great living doing. I think it just comes down to your interests, skill set and your network of what you've been exposed to to know what exists and what the market needs. I think the biggest downside to your white to blue collar costume change will be loss of freedom of time. I obviously do not know your schedule, but it seems most folks in management have a lot of schedule flexibility. In a trade, you are required to be there in person in order to generate revenue, at least until you get systems, training, and employees squared away and step back into a management role in your new venture. Best of luck!

 

[adam909]

While working your well paid white collar job Take that large cash flow and invest in AI stocks. Best bet to get ahead.

 

[D19]

Without family responsibilities, the sky’s the limit. Go after everything you can right now. Work hard, save all your money, stay focused, and save your free time for worthwhile things—not distractions.

 

[JL95]

Invest in @NicPaus outfit lol.

 

[lbhsbz]

Looking for advice from Blue Collar/Adjacent Business Owners.

Mid 30s, no family. Currently work an extremely well paid white collar management job (top 1%).

Growing tired of the rat race. Plus the whole AI thing looming.

At this point, I'm thinking of using the large cash flow of money as a means for purchasing something more AI proof, and hopefully more satisfying.

I know there's a bunch of folks here who own business related to trades, or adjacent industries.

Any suggestions on businesses to go toward?

How do I not fuck up right away?

Obviously having decades in a particular trade is helpful, but that's not happening overnight. I could probably do some trade related classes at a local community college but I don't know that this will actually help me run the businesses.

Might help to have an idea of what industries you have experience in, and what sort of interests you have.

I hear stealing trucks and VIN swapping them pays well....more of a black hood than blue collar job though

 

[BHC Vic]

I feel like @OldSchoolBoats would be the e ideal person to talk to about this. I know it hasn’t been easy but I think it’s going ok? I like watching and rooting for him

 

[Gelcoater]

But some molds and become a west coast custom boat builder

 

[JDKRXW]

Invest in @NicPaus outfit lol.

Forget investing - I think I'd just go to work for him.

 

[NicPaus]

My cousin just flew into town from Iowa. I told him I would have him recruit some guys to move out here. He said they have a shortage there. He said it was -17 . Weather is great here but he couldn't live here.

 

[JLG614]

I worked in commercial concrete for 11 years. Ended that and now do sales and management for a propane and fuel company. If you can do sales I don't think it will ever go away. Yes, we get leads from our website and ads but nothing compares to boots on the ground door knocking, thats where all of our biggest new customers come from but door knocking day after day can get brutal too. If it was me and I was completely restarting I think I would go into construction services. I have a few friends that own small HVAC, Plumbing, and electrical companies and they absolutely kill it. If you wanted to start small but have a badass set up you could get into any of those trades with $50k and have a majority of the tools needed, a nice work truck, and whatever else is needed. With construction I have more the mentality of do something that is needed not wanted. Everyone wants a nice house, floors, paint, ect. But when the toilet is broken or the AC isn't working in the middle of summer they are going to care alot less what it costs to fix and get it done asap. That said everyone has their niche, just have to see what works for you

 

[jetboatperformance]

In 84 I walked away from a lucrative Upper management deal with benefits ,retirement plan a New car, good salary and became a plebian , best move ever

 

[hawgty55]

Just be shitty at the rat race! Make it work for you. Extremely well paid top 1% is crazy!

 

[BHC Vic]

I will also add I’m pretty blue collar. I’m very tired of the rat race also. So not sure how that would effect your situation. A lot more money would definitely help my situation

 

[530RL]

I'm not sure switching from white to blue relieves the rat race.

 

[JLG614]

I'm not sure switching from white to blue relieves the rat race.

I agree with this, Instead of pushing paper you'll be pushing pipe or whatever trade you get into. Also if its your own deal I would think it would be more work, stress, paperwork, rat race. Billing, invoicing, estimates, managing jobs, materials, guys. I have a small epoxy business I run on the side and it still consumes a ton of my time besides my day job. Not trying to turn you away from that though its just part of owning a business. It does feel better doing all of those things when its your own company

 

[EmpirE231]

what state / area are you in? and what industry is your current skill set in?

those can change a lot of factors

 

[riverroyal]

dont think for a second the rat race ends in the 'trades'. its a shit show. Quality of life is what you make it, 12 hours a day is always gonna be 12

 

[rivermobster]

An entrepreneur is someone who's willing to work 80 hours a week...

To avoid working 40 hours a week.

- Unknown

 

[Deckin Around]

Looking for advice from Blue Collar/Adjacent Business Owners.

Mid 30s, no family. Currently work an extremely well paid white collar management job (top 1%).

Growing tired of the rat race. Plus the whole AI thing looming.

At this point, I'm thinking of using the large cash flow of money as a means for purchasing something more AI proof, and hopefully more satisfying.

I know there's a bunch of folks here who own business related to trades, or adjacent industries.

Any suggestions on businesses to go toward?

How do I not fuck up right away?

Obviously having decades in a particular trade is helpful, but that's not happening overnight. I could probably do some trade related classes at a local community college but I don't know that this will actually help me run the businesses.

Start a boat business.

 

[Mandelon]

Just a different rat race. Smellier rats, dirtier track. Trade work in California is not easy. Don't let all the fakers on Instagram fool you.

Employees steal stuff and time. If they fuck up all you can do is fire them and pay someone else to fix it. They don't show up. They fuck up customers floors and driveways, your tools disappear. Stolen, left behind and forgotten. Insurance costs are stupid and getting stupider. The payroll stuff is a hassle, the rules and regulations are getting worse every year. People don't pay, people sue, permits are difficult, inspectors can be horrible.

If you can skip having employees that would sure help make things easier. I don't know what that would be....

 

[SkyDirtWaterguy]

My advice would be to stick with what you know.

 

[Gelcoater]

Start a boat business.

I know where there’s some molds for sale.
Cheap

 

[JL95]

Being in the trades more or less (Not top 1%) I would just invest as much as you can so you can fuck off and play golf etc. instead of the headaches of doing what you say in the original post LMAO.

 

[rivermobster]

Looking for advice from Blue Collar/Adjacent Business Owners.

Mid 30s, no family. Currently work an extremely well paid white collar management job (top 1%).

Growing tired of the rat race. Plus the whole AI thing looming.

At this point, I'm thinking of using the large cash flow of money as a means for purchasing something more AI proof, and hopefully more satisfying.

I know there's a bunch of folks here who own business related to trades, or adjacent industries.

Any suggestions on businesses to go toward?

How do I not fuck up right away?

Obviously having decades in a particular trade is helpful, but that's not happening overnight. I could probably do some trade related classes at a local community college but I don't know that this will actually help me run the businesses.

So? Get ON the AI boat!!!

As they say, if you can't beat em, join em. Figure out a way to work For you and make people realize they can't live without you (and your knowledge of HOW to use AI.

There was a different thread where someone mentioned being able to search Google for an answer, and someone else mentioned...

Sure, but you have to be able to "interpret" the answer Google gives you.

Be the guy that not only knows how to query AI, but the guy that knows how to implement the info that AI gives you.

Signed,

- A life long blue collar worker.

 

[Mr. Jones]

Become good at servicing outboard engines. Figure out what services you can offer for boats that are in the water, like in a marina. Fuel system, throttle problems, and computer diagnostics I would think are things you can do while a boat is sitting in the marina.

Offer mobile service for the river, lake havasu, etc. Buy a duplex in Parker. Rent one side out while you stay in the other one week out of the month doing boat repairs. I do not need to get into what a tax slush fund that would be.

Contact the local boat storage places and give them flyers that they can send out to their clients offering a special rate discount for preseason boat work. You would pick up the boats directly from the storage lot and make sure they are ready to run for the season. Maybe get good at detailing & washing as well so you can offer that service too. So boaters coming out can call you for your bandidos and have you do a quick wash and wax so they come out to a beautiful boat that they know will run.

And finally, buy a ton of props. One in each size of all of the Mercury outboard props. Pick up a ton of Hill props. Let people test them. 50 bucks for the weekend. You damage it, you buy it. Or, charge 250 bucks for a weekend and let them use any prop in your inventory and swap them at will.

 

[CLdrinker]

You are doing well stick it out until the wheels fall off.

 

[Angler]

Start a Website rivermobster could hook you up.

 

[CLdrinker]

Wait what about only fans? I heard Summer has time on her hands she can show you the ropes.

 

[Looking Glass]

"IF" sales is an interesting option, I would look at the "Health Care" Industry in the Desert South West and is a Trade that will never go away and keeps growing with retirees.

 

[JFMFG]

I worked in commercial concrete for 11 years. Ended that and now do sales and management for a propane and fuel company. If you can do sales I don't think it will ever go away. Yes, we get leads from our website and ads but nothing compares to boots on the ground door knocking, thats where all of our biggest new customers come from but door knocking day after day can get brutal too. If it was me and I was completely restarting I think I would go into construction services. I have a few friends that own small HVAC, Plumbing, and electrical companies and they absolutely kill it. If you wanted to start small but have a badass set up you could get into any of those trades with $50k and have a majority of the tools needed, a nice work truck, and whatever else is needed. With construction I have more the mentality of do something that is needed not wanted. Everyone wants a nice house, floors, paint, ect. But when the toilet is broken or the AC isn't working in the middle of summer they are going to care alot less what it costs to fix and get it done asap. That said everyone has their niche, just have to see what works for you

I agree my buddy Andrew started his own hvac company a few years back. Dude is building his house at the sands now employs like 15-20 people guy does great for himself.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

I feel like @OldSchoolBoats would be the e ideal person to talk to about this. I know it hasn’t been easy but I think it’s going ok? I like watching and rooting for him

Thanks man, appreciate it!!

Yeah, I "left" a white collar job for a trade but I have never had a salary, always commission only for almost 20 years, so technically always in business for myself.

I still do that business so never really left, I just spend my days in the field running All Dry at the moment, rather than in an office. I have a great team with the other business so I haven't really skipped a beat on that side.

There is a ton of PE money in Home Services, so if your plan is to exit in 5-10 years, that is where you are going to get the best multiples.

I have learned so much in the past 2.5 years. Lots of ups and lots of downs, in fact the downs definitely outnumber the ups right now, but that's just the way it goes in the first couple years I guess!!

Biggest mistake I made was not asking the right questions when deciding to invest in a franchise.

Feel free to reach out anytime if you want to chat!

 

[riverroyal]

Dog walkers do pretty good.
If you pick up the shit at the house pre walk I'm sure it pays better.
Cash business. Plenty of exercise lol.

I'm in Korea town in LA tonight. It would appear the food street corner biz is thriving! Everywhere.
I hope my truck has wheels in the morning

 

[NicPaus]

If I started all over again I would of focused on plumbing right away. Instead of being a GC.

When People need to shower or shit they pay top dollar. They won't take cold showers either.

Where I am at its not hot or cold enough for HVAC service to boom. It is good money but we only get so many hot or cold days.

Plumbing takes a big initial investment to get going. Trucks and tools are expensive and people love to steal them. It's been around 5 years since one of my trucks got broken into. Cost me $20K. Well today they took the whole dam truck. My guess is after insurance it will be 25-30k loss once I buy a new 1 and replace the items. Now I need to spend 10k plus on a gate and fence. I know a few that have lost there only truck and instantly put out of business.

It's definitely a rat race lifestyle. I work my ass off. And every time I feel like I am getting ahead and business is good. I get kicked in the nuts.

 

[gqchris]

How long can ones body maintain a blue collar job? My hats go off to you guys who do it every day!

I feel blessed that I moved up into C-Level when i did as before I was the one racking things, pulling cable. My back is jacked now and no way I could do that work.

But I am sure you are thinking of it from a higher management position and would have crews for that.

Like others said, guys that are humping it in trades have just as much stress and bullshit to worry about. I dont think there is any easy way. Well, maybe growing weed and dispensaries when the boom happened. Lol

 

[RiverDave]

Am I the only one that thinks this is absolutely fucking crazy?

 

[OCMerrill]

But some molds and become a west coast custom boat builder

Start a boat business.

Seems you need to start with a cocaine addiction first because those that start later seem to implode pretty quick.

 

[sml]

Am I the only one that thinks this is absolutely fucking crazy?

No lol

 

[ChrisV]

I would love an office job....

 

[NicPaus]

If he sees his industry going away due to AI. At least he is thinking ahead.

Picking a trade is a hard decision. None are easy money. Customers can be great or difficult. It's very hard to determine which ones are good to work with.

You think everything is great and boom you get a difficult customer. They will make you want to throw in the towel and go work at McDonald's or home depot. Then you have numerous great customers forget about the bad and out the blue you get another difficult one. Something years between sometimes months.

 

[wzuber]

Am I the only one that thinks this is absolutely fucking crazy?

NO....lol

 

[whiteworks]

Am I the only one that thinks this is absolutely fucking crazy?

No, he’ll figure it out real quick when he climbs into a 150* attic to roll around in insulation for an afternoon. Or maybe hoofing 90lbs sacks of concrete around and hand mixing them for a small concrete pour that doesn’t justify a mixer or pump. It’s super fun to crawl around on the floor kicking in carpet or spreading thinset, while you get up and down a few hundred times. Or my personal favorite is digging a hole, it’s not complicated, it’s just a lot of work.

If you know some shit and want to be a boss, you can make money off others backs. That being said, “schools expensive”.

 

[Kachina26]

I would love an office job....

Everyone wants an office job until they get to the office. I miss being outside, be it the shop as a tech or out on the rails as a conductor. I mean, I don't miss it on the 110* days or the 20* days, but I do have fond memories of the nice days. I don't even have a window. Gotta watch my mouth all the time, can't play the, "do you smell BBQ" game or all the other fun we had.

 

[CarolynandBob]

Again it would help to know what type of business you are in now.

I was in Aerospace for 15 ish years and worked my way into management in a big corporation. When I was burnt out on that I went into construction. Took about 3-4 years to get back to the pay level, but I was happier. I was in management at the construction co as well and eventually the GM. Funny thing was after I got back to the pay I was at, my wife took a down grade at her job and took a pay cut, but she was happier. In less than a year I was able to make up her pay cut as I renegotiated my pay and added bonuses.

Being a 1% I am not sure I would make the change, but if AI looks like it will put you out of a job, then you are smart to be looking ahead.

 

[BHC Vic]

How long can ones body maintain a blue collar job? My hats go off to you guys who do it every day!

I feel blessed that I moved up into C-Level when i did as before I was the one racking things, pulling cable. My back is jacked now and no way I could do that work.

But I am sure you are thinking of it from a higher management position and would have crews for that.

Like others said, guys that are humping it in trades have just as much stress and bullshit to worry about. I dont think there is any easy way. Well, maybe growing weed and dispensaries when the boom happened. Lol

Its a young man’s game. I can still frame and hang drywall plenty fast. I can’t do it all week though and I don’t want to. These 18-20 year olds are bigger and stronger than me. My best bet these days is to teach them what I know.

 

[riverroyal]

Am I the only one that thinks this is absolutely fucking crazy?

I don't think it's crazy. But I wouldn't suggest it. Building with your hands is rewarding to most of us.

 

[Singleton]

I would pivot WC jobs before moving into a trade.
Your established in your career and jumping into a trade you would be back to level 1. Plus trades can be more demanding, dealing with upset customers. If your burnt in your current not, you will be toasted within 5-10 in a trade IMO.

My pivot was from Chief Audit / VP Audit into Sales Engineering - best thing I have done. I now sell the software that I used when in the profession and the burnout I was experiencing is gone.

 

[CLdrinker]

I would love an office job....

It’s awesome being surrounded by whinny little bitches all day.

 

[530RL]

It’s awesome being surrounded by whinny little bitches all day.

This perfectly describes that one investment I made in a chain of strip clubs.

Never again.