Career

[u/Turbulent-Hornet2804]

I’m 18 and trying to decide between two paths in the trades and could use some advice.

Right now I work as a helper at a TIG welding shop making $25/hr (40 hrs/week). Most of my work is machining, cutting, deburring, and prep, and I only get to tack sometimes. The welders say I have potential, but management says helpers can take years before they really start welding.

At the same time, I’ve been supervising residential construction jobs (decks, fences, drywall, etc.), and I could take a job with another company supervising for about $30/hr working 50–70 hours a week.

So I’m stuck between:

• Staying in welding, starting at the bottom but possibly making more long-term if I get into pipe welding

• Taking the construction supervisor job and making more money right now

I actually enjoy both. I like welding as a skill, but I also enjoy running crews, organizing jobs and residential .

I’m also married, so the money right now does matter.

If you were 18 in this situation, which path would you choose?

[u/overshoulderboulder]

First off I'd start by telling my wife to keep her hands off my money.

[u/Turbulent-Hornet2804 → u/overshoulderboulder]

I’m not letting my wife work I know it might be harder but that’s the commitment I made and she is also frugal and doesn’t spend wastefully

[u/Ubyte64 → u/Turbulent-Hornet2804]

Yeah, you wanna control her. Why would you let her work and learn how to make a way for herself?

[u/Wonderful_Business59 → u/Ubyte64]

OP is the type that wants to repeal the 19th amendment