White-collar work has been considered preferable to blue-collar work for a while now. Not everyone is suited for an office job though. Some people prefer to work with their hands, and more and more people are learning that office jobs aren’t the only ones that pay well. If you’re sick of the office, some trades are worth looking into.
Welding
If you like building things, welding may be a good trade for you to learn. Welders use heat to make repairs and bring different metals together in a secure manner. Because you’ll be working with high temperatures and incredibly bright light, welding can be a dangerous job. Make sure you understand what the risks are and how to mitigate them before you decide to pursue a career in this field. Once you’ve completed your training and education and have become a proficient welder, the earning potential is significant.
Home Repair
Home repair can be another good trade for those who like to work with their hands and fix things. It can cover anything from electrical work to HVAC repair. You can specialize in specific types of repairs, or go more general. You will likely need specific education and training for a lot of specialties, and you may need to complete an apprenticeship and be a journeyman for some time before starting your own business. Keep your end goal in mind when deciding what to focus on. Specialization can help ensure your handyman business is successful.
Plumbing
Plumbing is not for the faint of heart, but it can be a great career if you don’t mind getting dirty. You’ll be dealing with all sorts of messes as a plumber. Anything from basic toilet clogs to blocked main sewer lines in homes and businesses is fair game. You’ll need to complete your education and apprenticeship as required by your state before you become a journeyman plumber, which allows you to work independently if you wish. With further education and after passing another exam, you can become a master plumber, which allows you to start your own business with your own plumbers and apprentices.
Trades can be an excellent alternative to office jobs. You can get a job in welding, home repair, or plumbing that allows you to get out of the office and get your hands dirty. As with most trades, it will take time to build up your career, but given time and hard work, you can use trades to create a career you can be proud of.
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