Nate R
Member
I enjoy my job. But it's in a small field that isn't the most stable. If I were to lose it, I would have a tough time ever getting back up to my current income level without 4 years of schooling. I'd also have a tough time finding the same job elsewhere.
Seems to me that becoming a plumber would work out better. I would start making at least a little money in my first year of apprenticeship, and it would go up from there. Eventually I'd make more than I do now, I think. If I went back to college instead, I'd have no income for 4 years.
So, how does it work?
Is it like this:
Schooling
4 yrs apprentice
Then you can be a certified plumber?
And how does the apprentice time work? Am I always side by side with someone else? Do I work on my own on my 3rd or 4th years and someone just checks it out?
I don't think I'd have a problem with the job. Sounds like it can be hard on the body, thankless, and dirty. I've also read on here that the first 6 months to a year are like boot camp/hell. But it also sounds like working hours are pretty flexible if I go off on my own when I'm done with the training.
What kind of money can I expect to make? If I work for someone else, I get paid hourly? If I work on my own, how much of my fee can I expect to take home? I know this stuff varies by region, but is there a way to find out more?
How do I find out if my area is hurting or swamped with plumbers?
Pros and cons to being a plumber?
Any help is appreciated. If the money is what I think it is, I'll stay at my current job, but have the knowledge that I could get into plumbing should I lose my current job. If it's better, I may consider quitting now and going to school.
Thanks!
-Nate
Seems to me that becoming a plumber would work out better. I would start making at least a little money in my first year of apprenticeship, and it would go up from there. Eventually I'd make more than I do now, I think. If I went back to college instead, I'd have no income for 4 years.
So, how does it work?
Is it like this:
Schooling
4 yrs apprentice
Then you can be a certified plumber?
And how does the apprentice time work? Am I always side by side with someone else? Do I work on my own on my 3rd or 4th years and someone just checks it out?
I don't think I'd have a problem with the job. Sounds like it can be hard on the body, thankless, and dirty. I've also read on here that the first 6 months to a year are like boot camp/hell. But it also sounds like working hours are pretty flexible if I go off on my own when I'm done with the training.
What kind of money can I expect to make? If I work for someone else, I get paid hourly? If I work on my own, how much of my fee can I expect to take home? I know this stuff varies by region, but is there a way to find out more?
How do I find out if my area is hurting or swamped with plumbers?
Pros and cons to being a plumber?
Any help is appreciated. If the money is what I think it is, I'll stay at my current job, but have the knowledge that I could get into plumbing should I lose my current job. If it's better, I may consider quitting now and going to school.
Thanks!
-Nate