[rsaz]

I was laid off some time ago and made an earnest effort to break into the trades. I have some experience in framing and general handiwork, but it is extremely difficult to find an apprenticeship/get on a track to certification. I’ve heard unions are extremely selective to ensure their current union members can find consistent work.

As with most things, getting into it seems to be primarily about knowing someone to get you in.

I’d love to hear more ideas/advice on finding alternative employment if anyone has any. I’m worried I won’t be able to find a normal job again.

[DivingForGold]

Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs fame has a piece circulating now on Fox Business that says classic trade jobs are the best bet in the age of AI. So called "white collar workers" are being laid off by the hundreds of thousands - - - but blue collar jobs are actually HIRING. I am retiring at 71 yrs. from my own "blue collar" company I started 15 years ago, I created and manage both my websites without a lick of javascript, I have averaged $150K+ a year gross, working mostly from May through October. Scuba diving in my area lakes, nothing to be ashamed of, I am out in mother nature, not locked up in a cubicle cranking out code all day. It's your choice. In 2023 I did $335K and have a solid method to add on another 100 to $200K with a related blue collar offering.

[rsaz]

From my own searching, blue collar jobs are hiring in the same way tech jobs are hiring: they’re happy to hire experienced folks, but not to train. It’s likely this isn’t the case elsewhere of course, but I am struggling with it.

[cuttothechase]

What kind of blue collar work gets you $335K? What would be a 10 - 20 year average wage / year look like?

[brailsafe]

I read it as they run a scuba business during the viable months for it, but idk that I'd call that blue collar as much as just "not an office job"

[SoftTalker]

Either very high risk work such as underwater welding or owning a contracting business.

[burnt-resistor]

Manual labor can be a thing until you get too hurt to continue, and then you'll need another vocation.

Do whatever is of most value you find easy but others find difficult, specialize, find a location with more demand and less competition, brand distinctly, advertise efficiently, and make sure your prices are calibrated correctly. Maybe it's installing security systems or home automation integration.

[rsaz]

I’ve been wanting to try starting something simple and sustainable for a while now, this is seems like great advice for doing so. Thank you.