What do you do for a living?

Hello all, I have been working construction (mostly concrete) for around 4 years now and I'm really starting to understand how bad the trades are to work in. The work itself is taking a toll on my body and life outside of work, and the people in this industry are taking just as much a toll on my mental health. I imagine tacoma owners to have similar values and hobbies to myself, so I'm asking you, what job or entreprenurial venture would be fulfilling and worthwhile for me to pursue? I'm 22 years old and have most of my life ahead of me still, and I'm looking for an enjoyable career, and/or a career that gives me plenty of time to do the things I love and spend time with people I love. Specific lines of work, positions, or even simple career advice is much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

Welder

Fire fighter/ emt

Truck driver (CDL)

If you're near water longshoremen

 

I’ve been a career firefighter/paramedic for 10 years. Great job if you’re looking for something rewarding with a versatile schedule, not the best for your body. I work a second job for a company that does land clearing, demo, site work and utility line road access as a jack of all trades. Most trade work is going to beat on your body but you’re not going to find much with equal pay without having to shell money for school. After one spinal fusion, blown rotator cuff and torn bicep before the age of 30 I’ve learned to find ways to work smarter not harder, which is applicable to almost any field.

 

Look into electrical/electrician.
What do you like to do?

 

What do you enjoy outside of work?

If you can, find a job that you can be paid to do something you enjoy.

 

I'm in the railroad industry. RR's pay well, but that's because they're quite inconvenient to work for. If you've got any interest in electrical, railroad signalling is neat. The first years are hell, but as you gain experience and seniority, things get better.

EDIT: Also, railroad retirement kicks ass.

EDIT 2: Also, they're all hurting right now financially, as is everyone else. Not sure if they'll be hiring much.

 

God work smarter not harder is something unfortunately learned the hard way.

 

Ha, you’re tellin me. I get a laugh when I think about all the times my old man would try and show me an easy way to do something but my arrogant young self would just push my way through it. With time and mistakes comes wisdom.

 

I don't think we get older and wiser. I think we get older and know we don't want to be messed up constantly.

 

Nothing! Been retired almost two years!

 

I started working in food service and management out of high school and vo-tech. I did that up to my mid 20s. That job was fun at first but the pay wasn't that good and the peak work hours were always evening and weekend.

Since I really liked messing with computers and learning about anything with them that I could I went back to school and got a degree in computer systems and networking. School wasn't cheap but I worked my job through it and finished just after 9/11 when tech jobs were hard to get. I did get a job with the IT department of a local public school system and I'm still there. The pay was just ok in the beginning but good health insurance and retirement plan is decent. It's a decent career. There is always something new to learn about in the IT field. Things just don't move as fast in education as they do in other businesses you might work for.

 

I just heard my dad say "you're doing it the hard way"

 

Look at the people doing the work. If you don't see old guys, avoid it. If you spend 20 years in a young man's trade when you're in your 40's and can't do it anymore, you'll be starting a new career with a bunch of 20 somethings. (note to future 40 year old you. You will be WTF happened?! Where did these kids, mortgage, bills, ex-wives, step kids, older parents, aches, and pains come from? How do I take a cut in pay to start a new career? )

I'm an "old" guy in IT and I've lost count of the number of 40 somethings I've known trying to get into IT and feeling completely overwhelmed. At 22 you are in a prime age to get into a lifetime career. As for doing the things you love, that's up to you. I known people that are always too busy, and others that always have time. How you approach life will dictate which group you fall into. I'm in the second group. I never miss a kids little league game, take vacations, and have time for hobbies. This while working the long and often odd ball hours required of IT people.

What should you do? My pat answer is IT. It's great money, everyone needs you and even old guys can do it. IT also SUCKS! Every 18 months everything you knew is ancient history, and every high school kid knows more about the latest technology than you do. You will work odd ball hours because the systems have to be up for regular business hours, and heaven help you if the business runs 24/7.

 

I work in construction, however I’m a Union Wireman. Construction isn’t bad, however I wouldn’t be a masoner. Not enough pay and too much physical labor.

 

This ^

 

Get your CDL and go to a trade school for mechanics.
1) mechanics needed everywhere
2) cdl is a good fall back.

 

I design a lot of the equipment you work with! Also stuff for fire trucks, wheel loaders, forestry harvesting, dozers, etc.
I started college when I was your age. Before that I was a bodyman and a mechanic. I was always curious how things worked. 4 1/2 year later I was an engineer.

 

Well said
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-do-you-do-for-a-living.676679/

 

I’m a union Steamfitter and I enjoy the hell out of it. I joined when I was 21 now I’m 28 and running crews. I still have a lot of experience to gain and I found that although the work may be less physical now it does take a higher level of mental work. I’m proud of what I do and how I do it. It makes it worthwhile....well that and the money! $$$$$ lol!