Houston area (along with DB's not from Houston) BS thread

That was the absolute worst time to try to reach the cut. Miserable, but still a fun trip.

 

literally the worst mileage I've ever gotten. I think we clocked something like 60 miles that trip and burnt close to 40 gallons.

 

Yup, we only made it down 30 miles and limped back on nearly empty tanks.

 

This didn't help.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDXv_xgFZsg

 

Why is my truck dead?

 

Now that was fun!!

 

That's a blast from the past.

 

Was that when it caught fire?

 

No, that happened in TC.

 

No. I ment is that why it's dead in the picture?

 

Probably. That truck was like a cat. Had nine lives.

 

Bump. I need some adult help in life. Anyone still active on here that can offer good life advice?

 

Good advice? You come to the right place!!

 

You can always reach out to me.

 

You might be a good guy for this question

long story-ish

but I grew up in the country on a farm. I was born and raised to be a blue collar guy as I started working concrete and welding for my uncle at 15yrs old. It’s what everyone always preached around me and said how great trades are and how much money they can make.

now, I’m 28. Been all over the US and Welding on a bunch stuff and some leadership positions as well. I’m at $32/hr which isn’t bad hourly till you look at the big annual salary number which is a big fat average American income.

I can make more(and do) but have to work 6-7 days a week to get close to that 6 figure number.

being the go getter I am, I can’t get off my mind that there has to be a better way to make decent money than rolling on hot steel and getting burned every day while slowly ruining my eyes and hearing and lungs.

I would love to make a jump or step into more of a mentally challenging job than physically and also be able to make 6 figures (obviously won’t happen overnight)without beating my body up for it or being away from family 90% of the time.

But don’t know what to even look into that’s realistic or what the first move would be. I need some leads or advice from the people who done been through the shit and can help me out some cause if you talk to a bunch of welders about this shit they think you’re too good for them or something.

 

I completely understand. When I was 28 I was in a similar situation. I was working my tail off to get the extra OT. My base salary was just ok, but I knew I had a much higher earning protentional.
That is when I decided I have to get my Engineering degree. Within 4 years of graduating my base salary was over $100K.
I was actually pulling in $120k-$160K (Plant commissioning and startup work, 50-60 hours a week with per diem) within 2 years of graduating because I was such a go getter.
I am not afraid to take on challenging projects and I actually request and seek out that type of work. I work my tail off, but not to much physically.
There are days where I can easily walk 5-8 miles in my boots and climb a ton of scaffolding and ladders, but all my work is done with computers and electronics.
When I do get exhausted It is mental exhaustion form using my brain soo much to trouble-shoot, program, and test automation.

Here is my advice. Work on getting into a lower level management position, shop manager, weld team lead, project foreman, ect. Then look into getting a technical degree/training in engineering,
chances are high that your employer with pay for you to get that degree or technical training. From there evaluate yourself and adjust your plan and goals to go even further.

I have set up short term and long term development goals for myself. I am not content at just being a stagnant worker.
I have my eye's set on eventually being a director or global manager in my field ($200k-$300K salaries) and I have researched and aligned my goals to get me there.
I research salaries for jobs at certain levels and then I evaluate myself against those to keep myself on track.
Design experience, engineering degree, plant experience, consulting experience, PE License, cybersecurity certifications, automation certifications, Master of Engineering Management.
These are goals I have completed and or working towards completing so I can get myself the jobs I want and make good money at it too.

It is not easy. I had to completely change everything I do to accomplish my goals. Late nights studying, turning down fun events and trips to take night courses. Setting money aside to pay for training.
But all that effort will bring rewards. A financially comfortable life, providing for my kids, retirement plan so I don't work till I die. I could go on and on. I don't mind offering more advice and please feel free to always reach out to me.

 

Honestly that’s exactly the kind of advice I’m wanting to here. Can’t type much as we are driving up to Rhode Island currently but genuinely appreciate this.

I’m actually already in a leadership position at work as well. It’s taught me that I do enjoy supervision/management positions but it’s fairly simple what our job roles are. As supervision you just make sure the workers are placed appropriately and work is getting done efficiently and answer any questions the welders have. There’s a planner and production manager to handle all the really technical details and problems.

 

anyone active on here? I recently moved to Htown from Nashville. Looking to find cool places to go--thinking about PINS soon. Been to the Sam Houston, it was alright.

 

Welcome! Overall, it is a fairly quiet group. I think a lot of the contributors have actually moved away or no longer have Tacomas. I'm over in City Centre with a 2020 Sport. I just got back from 2 nights at Huntsville State Park and have camped on the Brazoria County Beach between Surfside Beach and the San Luis pass. Have been trying to go on more camping trips with the Taco, but so many campgrounds in Texas require reservations and are already booked until the hottest parts of the summer. Not sure where to find dispersed camping within an easy drive from HTX.