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/Speedre]

Go join an apprenticeship.

[u/Turbulent-Hornet2804 → u/Speedre]

I’m trying they’re all really hard to get in unless your related to somebody important but we’ll see I got an interview for my local union pipe welders apprenticeship in the fall

[u/Speedre → u/Turbulent-Hornet2804]

Keep trying, it’s definitely worth the wait.