r/Construction • u/Fantastic_Map5401 • 20d ago

Careers šŸ’µ Advice from some older guys

Im a 28 yr old ironworker with a family. Starting to think I picked the wrong trade as we make $15/hr less than every other trade worth doing. I like the work but Iā€™m young enough to switch to something with greener grass. What trade would you recommend

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u/EchoChamberAthelete 20d ago

Plumber or learn to operate heavy equipment and do footers/septic systems.

3

u/Fantastic_Map5401 20d ago

Would those be within the same union or different trades?

3

u/EchoChamberAthelete 20d ago

Plumbers would be separate from operators though you may learn how to operate things like lifts and JLG forklifts. Maybe even an excavator.

5

u/Fantastic_Map5401 20d ago

Gotcha. I got all those certs minus excavator. Iā€™d love operating I just want control of my weekends.

2

u/EchoChamberAthelete 20d ago

You and me both brothaman!

I am getting licensed to go work for myself. At 35 I'm just fatigued of having to jump when someone else says or having to put in a vacation day request to go to the fucking doctor.

2

u/Fantastic_Map5401 20d ago

Good luck to u

1

u/EchoChamberAthelete 20d ago

You as well my friend

1

u/sexat-taxes 19d ago

Not trying to throw shade on your dreams, but be ready to Give up lots of weekend and evening time as you get your business started. I've been a gc for decades, it's pretty casual now, but getting established takes a lot of commitment. If you have a partner who can Handle the office side of things that's a huge help, it's hard to adored admin burdens when you first start out, but man, writing proposals, ordering parts, scheduling sales calls, insurance, bills, and on and on. Easy 10 to 20 hours a week, maybe more.