When are higher education COSTS going to come around to the current economic realities? Higher education must be overpriced when Columbia University in NYC has enough cash to buy all the buildings in their neighborhood. This practice has driven up housing costs in Harlem, NYC and put Columbia at odds with their (low income) neighbors. I guess all the good socialist professors really do like capitalism after all.
The Case for Working With Your Hands
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As long as you are doing something you like and enjoy, you are ahead of the game.
Even if you have to take a pay cut for the job your really want.
I have a good friend that spent 28 miserable years as a fire-fighter/paramedic only because the city he worked for offered a great pension plan. He now feels that he could of spent all those wasted years at a career he really wanted. To him it was just a job, similar to stocking cans of beans at Walmart (zero love for what he did).
Even if you have to take a pay cut for the job your really want.
I have a good friend that spent 28 miserable years as a fire-fighter/paramedic only because the city he worked for offered a great pension plan. He now feels that he could of spent all those wasted years at a career he really wanted. To him it was just a job, similar to stocking cans of beans at Walmart (zero love for what he did).
Consider the changes working men have experienced over the last 100yrs ... from largely physical (if not at work at least at home) to now sitting our flattened cans at computer workstations. I've seen a few bored mech engineers down in the machine shop looking desperate to drill/tap/saw SOMETHING - anything but make another spreadsheet, deliver another presentation or endure another meeting.
A friend lent me John Eldredge's Wild at Heart. Interesting thoughts of how business/wives/churches want a tidy, efficient and sanitized nice man. It's worthwhile looking at what makes us tick so we can pursue careers that aren't stifling and inane.
A friend lent me John Eldredge's Wild at Heart. Interesting thoughts of how business/wives/churches want a tidy, efficient and sanitized nice man. It's worthwhile looking at what makes us tick so we can pursue careers that aren't stifling and inane.
Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
As long as you are doing something you like and enjoy, you are ahead of the game.
Even if you have to take a pay cut for the job your really want.
+1000.
As long as you are doing something you like and enjoy, you are ahead of the game.
Even if you have to take a pay cut for the job your really want.
+1000.
In high school I thought a hands-on profession was for me. It didn't end up that way, but I still enjoy hands-on work. Yesterday I planted two fruit trees, and surprised myself by doing the second faster and with less effort than the first, thinking I was fresher for the first. But doing the first taught me the best way to dig/mix/move/etc in that soil, for that hole size, with those tools. Reminds me of when I changed the brake shoes (rear drums) in the early '90s on my 1984 Cougar. The first took a lot of effort, the second was a breeze. In the end there are two gains: Learning and accomplishment. Of course you could say the same for other skills and trades, but physical work isn't quite the same as mental work. I like both.
Sometimes getting laid off is a blessing in disguise because it now forces you to step back from a job you really didn't enjoy....
and ask yourself what you really want to do for the next 20 or 30 years. You might have to go back to school or get some job retraining but it will pay off in the long run.
and ask yourself what you really want to do for the next 20 or 30 years. You might have to go back to school or get some job retraining but it will pay off in the long run.
Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
As long as you are doing something you like and enjoy, you are ahead of the game.
Even if you have to take a pay cut for the job your really want.
Not many Porn star opportunities out here in the midwest for me, so I had to compromise.
As long as you are doing something you like and enjoy, you are ahead of the game.
Even if you have to take a pay cut for the job your really want.
Not many Porn star opportunities out here in the midwest for me, so I had to compromise.
Originally Posted By: Kestas
I too like working with my hands, but how many people would like to retire from such a job? Some of these jobs take a toll on the body. I don't know if I would last to 65 years of age wrenching on cars or fitting pipe.
When Oz raised the retirement age to 67, that exact issue was raised with the appropriate minister.
Her response...retrain in your mid 50s to a career that's not so physically demanding.
Let them eat cake.
I too like working with my hands, but how many people would like to retire from such a job? Some of these jobs take a toll on the body. I don't know if I would last to 65 years of age wrenching on cars or fitting pipe.
When Oz raised the retirement age to 67, that exact issue was raised with the appropriate minister.
Her response...retrain in your mid 50s to a career that's not so physically demanding.
Let them eat cake.
All I ever wanted to be growing up was a gunsmith...
In my teens, there was a premier who was trying to ban ALL guns, and I realised that it was a career that I wouldn't retire from (it's currently not a recognised trade, so you cannot technically become a gunsmith, but a "sheet and metal worker").
Took the easy way out into engineering.
Ended up doing some stuff that I have really enjoyed.
Observationally, I'd give a mechanical fitter who did an engineering diploma $5 before giving a university graduate $1.
In my teens, there was a premier who was trying to ban ALL guns, and I realised that it was a career that I wouldn't retire from (it's currently not a recognised trade, so you cannot technically become a gunsmith, but a "sheet and metal worker").
Took the easy way out into engineering.
Ended up doing some stuff that I have really enjoyed.
Observationally, I'd give a mechanical fitter who did an engineering diploma $5 before giving a university graduate $1.
I graduated high school in 2000 in a suburb of Buffalo, NY.
The trade and BOCES program's were touted as paths for those who would never go to college, or were not smart enough to go to college.
I took the Regent's diploma path, business courses.
After high school, I went to college, and got my degree in Information Technology.
Out of college, I was rewarded with a bill for $28,000 (and growing), and several job prospects in the sub $10 per hour range.
Fast forward five years, I'm working an entry job at a bank, work that I hate.
It will be very hard to realize my dreams. But I will work at it.
The trade and BOCES program's were touted as paths for those who would never go to college, or were not smart enough to go to college.
I took the Regent's diploma path, business courses.
After high school, I went to college, and got my degree in Information Technology.
Out of college, I was rewarded with a bill for $28,000 (and growing), and several job prospects in the sub $10 per hour range.
Fast forward five years, I'm working an entry job at a bank, work that I hate.
It will be very hard to realize my dreams. But I will work at it.
Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
As long as you are doing something you like and enjoy, you are ahead of the game.
Even if you have to take a pay cut for the job your really want.
Yup. A couple years ago I was offered a promotion to manage my department. I said no. Got some odd looks... but I enjoy working with our equipment hands-on. Sitting around, planning schedules and doing budget work is a DEmotion to my mind.
As long as you are doing something you like and enjoy, you are ahead of the game.
Even if you have to take a pay cut for the job your really want.
Yup. A couple years ago I was offered a promotion to manage my department. I said no. Got some odd looks... but I enjoy working with our equipment hands-on. Sitting around, planning schedules and doing budget work is a DEmotion to my mind.
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Originally Posted By: javacontour
PS, in highschool, I did BOTH. I was in college prep courses, not because I had any great desire to go to college, but because I was a straight A student, so it was "expected" of me.
But I also took auto shop and electronics shop, because I liked doing those sorts of things. I sort of stood out, as I was the only one with Shakespeare, Calculus and Physics books in those classes. But it also taught me that we are all people. Just because I took different classes, that didn't make me a higher class person.
So there WAS a valuable social lesson in learning to work with my hands.
We were in the same boat!
I was taking Advanced English, CAD, Physics, Micro Electronics, Automotive Mechanics, Calculus, Chemistry, Canadian History and spent my spare time building and fixing the school's computer systems. The rest of my spare time was spent wrenching on stuff, because the mechanics teacher (an actual mechanic by profession, not a teacher) liked me and a few other students, and trusted us enough to work on "other" stuff....
PS, in highschool, I did BOTH. I was in college prep courses, not because I had any great desire to go to college, but because I was a straight A student, so it was "expected" of me.
But I also took auto shop and electronics shop, because I liked doing those sorts of things. I sort of stood out, as I was the only one with Shakespeare, Calculus and Physics books in those classes. But it also taught me that we are all people. Just because I took different classes, that didn't make me a higher class person.
So there WAS a valuable social lesson in learning to work with my hands.
We were in the same boat!
I was taking Advanced English, CAD, Physics, Micro Electronics, Automotive Mechanics, Calculus, Chemistry, Canadian History and spent my spare time building and fixing the school's computer systems. The rest of my spare time was spent wrenching on stuff, because the mechanics teacher (an actual mechanic by profession, not a teacher) liked me and a few other students, and trusted us enough to work on "other" stuff....
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It amazes me how poor my peers are in terms of knowledge of how to repair cars, electrical equipment, etc. Even in the concept of just how it works.
I dont think most would ever imagine knowing how to change brakes or wire a lightswitch, let alone doing anything more advanced.
And some of these are engineers! They understand the basics of how things work and why...
By not having a clue, and having our towns stocked by illegals, we enhance their trades. Why do it yourself when you can have your sub-human Mexican or Dominican doing work at cut-rates? The only saving grace may be that a licensed electrician or plumber, or mechanic may save you from insurance issues and non-payment of a claim, I suppose.
Sure is smart to know how to DIY... and when you can't get some real help. Doesn't seem that anyone really knows how to do anything, and then, like the wal-mart effect - goes lowest bidder when doing something. Like slaugthering cattle, if you don't see the conditions in which the sub-human laborers exist to provide you cheap rates, then it likely doesn't exist...
I dont think most would ever imagine knowing how to change brakes or wire a lightswitch, let alone doing anything more advanced.
And some of these are engineers! They understand the basics of how things work and why...
By not having a clue, and having our towns stocked by illegals, we enhance their trades. Why do it yourself when you can have your sub-human Mexican or Dominican doing work at cut-rates? The only saving grace may be that a licensed electrician or plumber, or mechanic may save you from insurance issues and non-payment of a claim, I suppose.
Sure is smart to know how to DIY... and when you can't get some real help. Doesn't seem that anyone really knows how to do anything, and then, like the wal-mart effect - goes lowest bidder when doing something. Like slaugthering cattle, if you don't see the conditions in which the sub-human laborers exist to provide you cheap rates, then it likely doesn't exist...
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A few years ago a young co-worker and I were discussing his Batchelors degree in Communications. I knew that this degree would be useful for sports reporting etc...but I asked him what else a major in communications would be qualified for. He jokingly replied "Would you like fries with your burger".
Now that my children are approaching college age I will encourage them to take courses with a plan or goal. I feel that it is too costly to just 'take courses' and see where it leads. The world only needs so many philosophy, psychology, history, communications etc...majors.
Having a marketable skill is far more worthwhile IMO.
Now that my children are approaching college age I will encourage them to take courses with a plan or goal. I feel that it is too costly to just 'take courses' and see where it leads. The world only needs so many philosophy, psychology, history, communications etc...majors.
Having a marketable skill is far more worthwhile IMO.
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I don't know what I'd tell anyone to go into now. There will be a quickly increasing vacancy rate in just about everything in the next few years.
I think if I were to do a few things all over again, with (sorta) ease of making money using brains, it would be with getting certifications and licenses that make you a choke point for a few things.
I think the guy who decommissioned our big propane tank was well positioned. His overseeing the hook up of a nitrogen bottle pack to displace and burn off any propane in the tank and certify it safe for either removal or cutting up. A guy who did Eddy Current inspections of heat exchangers looked like he did quite well.
That's sorta what my uncle did. He'd see something was going to become licensed or require certification. He go and become certified. It's a neat way to tap into the main veins when you live on an island where there's otherwise no employment.
I think if I were to do a few things all over again, with (sorta) ease of making money using brains, it would be with getting certifications and licenses that make you a choke point for a few things.
I think the guy who decommissioned our big propane tank was well positioned. His overseeing the hook up of a nitrogen bottle pack to displace and burn off any propane in the tank and certify it safe for either removal or cutting up. A guy who did Eddy Current inspections of heat exchangers looked like he did quite well.
That's sorta what my uncle did. He'd see something was going to become licensed or require certification. He go and become certified. It's a neat way to tap into the main veins when you live on an island where there's otherwise no employment.
I doubt if I could ever work in an office type job,a trade is all I've ever wanted and want to do.I've been a mechanic for 39 years,reached the top qualification in our old system,owned my own business,worked on all sorts of things...never found it boring.After the pressure of running my own business I've scaled back in what I do (and what I earn) - I do compliance/safety inspections,servicing and small repairs.I used to do a lot of diagnosis in my own business,and am proficient using a scanner and scope....but they don't pay me for my brains now,I just watch and add comments if they look stuck.
10 more years,unless we follow Aussie and shift the goal post.I might look to tutoring in the future - gets to a point when you want to put back in....it's what a trade is all about.The apprenticeship system,the old guys teaching the young guys.
10 more years,unless we follow Aussie and shift the goal post.I might look to tutoring in the future - gets to a point when you want to put back in....it's what a trade is all about.The apprenticeship system,the old guys teaching the young guys.
I graduated college in 2008, and am whiling away time before my 9 AM class beginning the second year of my masters program in speech-language pathology. It's a restricted field, with national board certification and state licensure needed to practice. It gets me thinking, working with my hands a little bit, and meeting all sorts of people I would not otherwise have met.
All my friends joke about how I'm going to be a mechanic or do something with my hands, since I'm always ripping into something. Cars, computers, bicycles, etc. It's a hobby, and one I happen to be good at. No point in paying somebody for something I can do myself, even accounting for the time needed.
During summers in college I worked as a survey technician, humping surveying equipment through the woods. It was hot, hard work. And the pay wasn't that great. It was kinda fun, but also not something I saw myself doing for the rest of my life. Delivering pizza was a lot more fun, and paid a lot better too.
All my friends joke about how I'm going to be a mechanic or do something with my hands, since I'm always ripping into something. Cars, computers, bicycles, etc. It's a hobby, and one I happen to be good at. No point in paying somebody for something I can do myself, even accounting for the time needed.
During summers in college I worked as a survey technician, humping surveying equipment through the woods. It was hot, hard work. And the pay wasn't that great. It was kinda fun, but also not something I saw myself doing for the rest of my life. Delivering pizza was a lot more fun, and paid a lot better too.
I have a degree in IT but currently working in security. Won alot of awards etc but I hate to say it I prefer dealing with the public odd I know (or could be laziness). I prefer to keep mechanic's to a hobby. Growing up on the farm and living in a family carpenters I could do about anything if I wanted to. Everybody seems to think I'm wasting my talents having my current job. At least I can't be outsourced. Someday when the wife can start working again might find a part-time hands on jig.
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