With my college degree basically doing nothing for me at this point, I have been thinking about going back to school and pursuing a trade. I was wondering what are some trades that you recommend?

  • MoreFPSmorebetter@lemmy.zip
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    18 hours ago

    Electricians make good money and the work is mostly clean.

    Plumbers make great money and the work is mostly disgusting.

    Really it depends on your threshold for gross and how much physical labor you are willing to do yourself.

    • bobs_monkey@lemm.ee
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      13 hours ago

      Electrician here. One thing I will say, in times of inclement economic weather (like now), service plumber stay busy. People are likely not going to not fix a leak, blocked drain, or a heater/AC problem. People will run an extension cord if an outlet stops working or get creative if a light goes out. From what I’ve seen, many views plumbing as a more pertinent issue to resolve than electrical issues. But, as OP said, I’ll take electrical all day over dealing with poo.

      Linemen for the power company will always stay busy regardless of the economy, and it pays stupid well. The guys in my town clear $200k with storm shifts.

    • Geodad@lemm.ee
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      18 hours ago

      Electricians often have to crawl in crawlspaces under homes and in attics.

      The trend seems to be hiding heating units so they’re out of sight.

      • MoreFPSmorebetter@lemmy.zip
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        17 hours ago

        I said mostly clean. Yeah you gotta deal with dust, cobwebs and the occasional mouse or whatever, but it’s better than getting literally shit sprayed all over you.

        • Geodad@lemm.ee
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          17 hours ago

          Indeed. Although electrician is a broad category. My first thought was a lineman.

          • So, Geodad… Geodad, right? So Geodad, today’s your first day with us and what you’re going to be doing is changing a lightbulb. Nope, that’s it, just the lightbulb, then you get to go home. Cushy? I guess.

            Ok, I’m going to drive you over to the tower- what? Yeah, the KRDK-TV tower. Light’s at the top. Just climb to top there and swap out the bulb.

            Just a couple of things: There’s no caging once you get up a ways so you’re just climbing on the outside. This being your first time, you should clip in. It gets gusty up there. Second if you hear a helicopter locate its direction. If it’s above you, climb down. If it’s below, hang on tight and say your hail Marys - you signed the waiver, right? Good, good.

            Just a lightbulb, today. I’ll be back to pick you up later this afternoon when you get back down. Have fun!

            • Geodad@lemm.ee
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              15 hours ago

              I know! I would love that job. I have zero fear of heights and an intense urge to get as far away from people as possible. 🤣

    • Xaphanos@lemmy.world
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      17 hours ago

      New construction work is also much easier than repairs. Commercial is better than residential.