Aaaand cue the fake tough guy comments! -My favorite work boots: bit.ly/3T2FA8f -Work jacket: carhartt.pxf.io/QOr5Ez -Wool Socks: bit.ly/3WyzQpW -Work shirt: bit.ly/48deO4P -Work Pants: bit.ly/3JEn834

@Malember

6 ай бұрын

One point about Nick's Boots sizing: Their shoe width equivalents to a Brannock Device for those with wider feet are roughly F = EEE, FF = EEEE, FFF = EEEEE. (Nick's doesn't use G or H width nomenclature that I know of, and yes, I know the Brannock Device typically only goes to EEE - which it calls 2W.) As sizing is not standardized between manufacturers you should contact their customer service for proper sizing before ordering.

@davidj2826

6 ай бұрын

Husky Jon Cryer is right! It ain’t for everybody!

The entire porta-potty segment was hilarious! I’m a forester, the first few years I was a field forester. I lived out of my truck, visiting logging sites every day for inspections, inventorying timber, marking boundary lines, etc. I learned a few tricks: The residual engine heat from an F150 was enough to heat up any canned meat/soup if you put it under the hood and left it for an hour or two (just don’t forget it was there). In the summer in Louisiana, on the dashboard it was hot enough to cook a pizza. Bathroom use in the woods is a bit of a balancing act, but much nicer than a porta-potty. Just squat and don’t fall backwards! Make sure to spray down with insect repellent, if you’re in the south you’ll know what red bugs are, very itchy, and they can and do get EVERYWHERE. Don’t eat at small town grease racks, you’ll wish you starved to death about 2 hours later. There are some exceptions, but you need to fully vet them because truck drivers have iron stomachs. Modern “work” jeans, especially ones with any stretchy stuff in them are useless in a briar patch, they will pull, and your legs will be all cut up like you were wearing shorts, just get the cotton duck double fronted pants and save yourself some blood. Everyone pays their dues, I have a masters degree and I worked field work and on a plywood plant mill yard starting out alongside folks without degrees and union guys who made more than I did with less experience. I learned more from them than I did in a college classroom! I still try to get out to the woods and work in our mills weekly. It’s hot in the summer, wet in the winter and can be frustrating in a briar patch. But, when you sit on your tailgate and eat lunch you hear nature nothing else. Look around and you’re the only one for miles, that’s what I call living.

@thunderusnight

6 ай бұрын

Where did you go to get your degree? I want to be a forester and I'm looking at colleges right now.

@cle_roknn3742

6 ай бұрын

@@thunderusnight I went to The University of Arkansas - Monticello. That was where their forestry school is/was. A bunch of colleges have dropped the “forestry” degree in favor of a Natural Resources or Forest Resources degree. True 4-year Forestry programs (especially industrial forestry) are getting harder to find. No matter what I’ll offer some free internet advise: Make sure they are accredited by the Society of American Foresters. This is the standard accreditation for any forestry program in the US, programs are out there that are not accredited, but they are not generally forestry centered. Most programs from major universities offer concentrations in forestry or wildlife, you’ll most likely have to pick a track. If you can keep a 3.0 and have a decent SAT/ACT score you’ll qualify for scholarships in most programs. Schools vary by the packages offered, but I went on a full academic scholarship and graduate assistantship(this was 20 years ago so keep that in mind). I paid very little for college and my part time job and summer jobs more than paid for the books and campus living expenses. I walked out of college with no debt, three degrees and money in my pocket. Go to a college in the area where you intend to work. An example: in the South we use feller-butchers and skidders, the Pacific Northwest uses high lead logging and saw-hands. The north has processors and forwarders. Each area has different species and manufacturers/mills that require different sized trees. Going from one area to another can be a challenge. There is nothing wrong with getting an associate degree or certificate first, I did and it allowed me to get higher paying jobs in the summer and during the school year. The old technicians are a wealth of knowledge, listen and learn they may not have a degree, but they know more than anyone.

I got out of construction and went to trucking. My main problem with working in the trades was honestly the other people who worked in the trades. There’s a lot of drug and alcohol issues in the trades. Cause a lot of these dudes are old school and don’t talk about their problems. Cause in the trades depression and mental illness runs rampant. Long hours occasionally working weekends barely seeing your family because of these hours. Then depending on what trade you’re in but all of them eventually give you joint/back pain. Which can lead to an addiction with pain killers if you’re not careful. I had a lot of fun I worked with some good dudes I definitely miss them.

Being a plumber has a stigma but if you have ever stopped someones toilet from overflowing you just became the most important person in there life.

@yahbuddy7930

6 ай бұрын

I wonder how many people didnt become a plumber because of the stigma. And if that helps wages.

@jonathanbellows113

6 ай бұрын

God bless good plumbers!

@omonteso

6 ай бұрын

*their

@curtshelp6170

6 ай бұрын

@@omonteso Rocks of correcting plumber grammar???

@Ornelas11B

6 ай бұрын

@@omontesoWhy haven’t you ever done anything with your life?

Great video!!! I lived that life for 15 years before changing careers to get out of working in the field when I could feel my body breaking down. I have massive respect for anyone who makes field construction a career, especially in the cold Chicago winters. Stay warm my friends.

@CarlMurawski

6 ай бұрын

Well said!

Awesome video! It’d be interesting to see your take on Union Vs. Non-Union. I worked 10 years non-union and right now, going on 5 years union carpenter. I would NEVER go back to non-union. Wages, benefits, non-union just can’t compete.

Been an electrician for 16 years here in Texas. Everything you're saying is spot on. This trade has taught me more than I could have expected. The most important thing I've learned is NEVER think you're too old or be ashamed to learn a different part of the trade.

@Ricky-_-H

24 күн бұрын

I’m 23 doing HVAC I wanted to give myself 6 or 7 years to see if I’m happy in this career sometime I think about doing trucking as my career when I’m 30. Honestly the work load isn’t bad but dealing with you boss yelling is tough. Physical work I don’t care about that

I’ve been doing this for 50 years. I have my share of physical problems, but staying active is the secret. don’t ever sit down (retire) because you probably won’t get back up again. Great video, Carl!

@CarlMurawski

6 ай бұрын

I realized I was old when I knelt down to tie my boot and thought: "what else can I do while I'm down here?".

@tomcollins3227

6 ай бұрын

@@CarlMurawski ❤️

My son will be graduating this year and is considering trade school. The timing and value of this video is beyond what I can convey. Thank you for this, Carl.

Carl I appreciate you for informing young men about the things that really matter

@CarlMurawski

6 ай бұрын

It's my pleasure, and honestly it feels like the responsible thing to do!

32 Year IBEW Electrician here. I taught 20 Years in our apprenticeship program. It's free for the students... You hit the nail on the head; The trades aren't for everyone!

Oh boy this video hits home pretty hard. I started off as an electrician helper at a young age, and what you described in this video was pretty spot on. I’ve worked blue-collar jobs for most of my life and yes, it’s got a bad stigma. Now after 20 years or so , I’m in the old man category at the job site and yes, the body falls apart before the mind does. Knocking on the door of 50 doesn’t help. At the end of the day, though we have to do what we have to do for our family and push through. by the way, I’ve been meaning to tell you that the hat toss cracks me up every time I see it.

Thanks for making this video. Some of my first jobs almost 50 years ago, while in Junior High, were as a janitor and street sweeper, then I got two years towards electricians' apprenticeship before enlisting. Life took a different path after that. There are definitely pros and cons to the trades, and it is nice to see someone actually mention some of them. Great video! PS: Really love some of your videos where you show gear that is also available for larger folks. Far too many companies max out at XL or 2X at best.

What an amazing video Carl. I have seen most if not all of your videos and this was the most honest talk I’ve ever heard about the trades. Hopefully when you are done with working as an electrician, you can move into more YouTubing or other areas that interest you because you are certainly talented.

Man, you hit the nail right on the head with this video. I've been in the trades for 25 years now and it has beat the 5h!t out of my body. I still keep working but it's mostly supervisor roles now. I will still get out there and work side by side with everyone, but I have to step back from time to time to let my body heal. 4 serious back surgeries later and I can still out perform most anyone that gets into the trades. All I can say is stay head strong. A strong and determined mind is stronger than the strongest body out there.

Great stuff and tons of insightful advice. Thanks Carl.

@CarlMurawski

6 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Excellent thoughts, Carl. Your video should be shown in high schools across the country.

This was a great video. Thanks for putting out the real talk about conditions. The thing I always point out to people are the porta Johns.

I thought this was a very well articulated and nuanced list of considerations before entering the trades. Thank you for sharing your expertise and experience! The trades can definitely be a great option/career but I have also noticed lots of folks without actual experience in the trades advocating them and not acknowledging the drawbacks. The freedom of certain white collar jobs can be a HUGE fringe benefit especially if you work from home. It is not lost on me that I can go run a 20 minute errand basically whenever I want as long as it doesn’t conflict with a meeting and I get my work done especially living in a small city now where lots of places close at 5.

Solid and truthful perspective, the old man was a journeyman carpenter, the last time we spoke after graduating high school (25+ years ago), he advised me to go into the trades. My path was different, I didn't hone a single trade but tried to learn a variety and maintenance work is the best and worse of the trades, with plenty of employment opportunities with every new building constructed, so thanks for the abundance! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and perspective! Have a wonderful weekend!

Really great Carl - yes, I agree - there’s a huge variability in the trades - in pay and work conditions. Larger companies vs smaller, unionized vs not, etc.

I agree man! The good and bad of the trades. The advice of “if they’re messing with you that means they like you, it’s when they’re quiet when you gotta worry”. The goofing around and just having fun while working is really what it’s all about. Sucks when companies are too pc and overly sensitive. Great info thanks for the video!

Great video!!! I was in architectural and GC sales for 30 years working with the trades guys. You nailed life on that level pretty damn well. It can be good. It can be brutal though.

Great video,all true,hats of to trade workers.

I'm currently on my second year as a apprentice fabricator/welder on a shipyard and I'm loving it, I definitely made the right choice.

So true. I’ve been doing hvac sheet metal 33 years and the body breaking down is so true. lol I’m glad you told it like it is because like you said it’s not for everybody. Cheers!!!!

This is such a great video. I was a superintendent in residential construction. I’ve also run a landscape company and have worked other office type marketing jobs. I’m now starting my own concrete business. I love working the job site and working with trades. I love working in and out of a truck all day and working hard. I also get to wear all of my favorite waxed canvas jackets and leather work boots. I’m in a place now where I no longer actually have to do the work, but the honest money is in the trades. It will survive AI. We have to adapt and use the tools AI creates, but it will outlast.

Excellent video sir. I'm very happy you made a video like this. I really hope some young people see this and consider the trades. For those individuals where college isn't their thing the trades is an equally good career choice. I just wish high schools would inform young people about the trades as much as they do with going to college.

I’ve been in the trades as a journeyman floor installer for over 18 years, it’s true about the body breaking down before the mind does. The one thing that pays off is teaching the next generation what hard work is and skills learned along the way. I know all three of my boys will be hard working but also will have the long term outlook to use their minds and not just their backs. Keep up your videos, I truly enjoy them.

When you talked about eating at your vehicle, I wanted to share what has been a game changer for me. It is called the hot logic mini. You plug it into your car and it warms up your food. They are awesome.

Appreciate it Carl. You and your work was a big reason I left a corporate career to go back into the trades this last year and I’m so glad that I did it! Punching in all that OT to get my residential journey electrician license as fast as I can. The advice has been awesome and all your gear reviews have helped make my apprenticeship all that much better knowing I’ve got the right boots and clothing.

@CarlMurawski

6 ай бұрын

So glad to hear it man!

Great video!!!!

dude your videos from reviews to this one have actually been really helpful & inspiring, i still think trades is right for me but its just the time aspect of it... i could get an apprenticeship & go trafes route but after id be limited in terms of what i can do in free time, meanwhile i can also finish uni & worl in the server space with more spare time but struggle with student debt which isn't cheap in the uk.

Perfectly executed video! Everything you said spot on! Wish we didn’t break down so that we can enjoy our family with the big checks haha, but it’s all a part of a bigger plan! Thanks for the video always a pleasure to watch and listen!

I had a similar path. Started as a mechanic, tried deep sea diving, settled on commercial pool and facilities maintenance.

Fun stuff, thanks.

the timing on this video is perfect. im not from the USA but im from Canada and i think i can assume most points are the same... i currently work in insurance and i DESPERATELY need out of my career... i had a really bad turn for my health and my stress just cant take an office job anymore. my family owns a farm so i really want to get back to working with my hands and get into plumbing or electrician but im rather old at this point and have zero experience or knowhow of how to get into the trades and ive been debating the worth in it all for me... listening to you weigh it all out i think im more than happy to deal with all those negatives just to live the life that suits me best. i just have to find a way into the trades now...

I started off working doing construction, also did some landscaping, and then did security while I went to school...I now do one of the most white collar things out there (about 5 months from getting a PhD) but my appreciation for blue collar work has never waned (my dad is still doing it, old man needs to slow down). I think it also taught me a lot of lessons that have allowed me to thrive in my new career.

Also, the hardenco shirt looks great on you!

good vid. ive been in trades for 15 years, residential commertial heavy industrial. very honest i appreciated your negatives to trades, i can tell you are experienced, people who havent worked in trades would not know this

I come from a family of tradesmen in Italy but was not brought up doing manual jobs because you don't earn that well in Italy with the trades and my dad wanted something better for me. Gotta say that now that I'm in my 30s I do regret not learning a proper trade, especially after I moved to Scotland

@matthewgallant3622

2 ай бұрын

It’s not too late, all the trades need help.

What a great video! I can tell you that many of your experiences also happen in plants and factories; you will be surprised what grown men will do to a toliet and stall walls. I spent some time in the Army, and after my discharge worked in a small cotton mill for a couple of years, right beside guys who were on work release from jail, alcoholics, or stoned out of their minds. In one plant we had a guy who had an imaginary dog, we had guys who's idea of fun was pulling knives on new folks to get their reactions. Plants where it was like hell in the summer, crap supervision, you name it. At 57 I have a pretty decent job now working for a major American manufacturing company, on the floor but 16 years on I still enjoy it. I guess my point is that no matter how bad you think you have it, it is always worse somewhere else. Or, as an old timer once told me, "There're all holes, just some holes are nicer than others."

😂😂😂😂😂 you are spot on. I then informed you have brought to light. As someone who start plumbing in 1999 and in 2004 started a union apprenticeship I really appreciate your candor.

Spot on information. Especially when the economy is tough.. trade schools flourish and academic schools suffer... looking for jobs and new skills. Would be great if trade skills.. automotive, woodworking, metalshop... etc. . Were brought back to the schools.. high school and jr high school students. Me i started in the trades [framework and carpenter]... it sucked right away... jumped into the mechanics world and loved it. But it too has many shared issues... and I took a bigger leap.. literally... (beat the draft) and joined the military. Drastic change of lifestyle and loved every bit of it for 30 years. Has it's own pluses and minuses. As does anything you decide to do in the working world. Best bit of advice... always be of open mind and if a better opportunity presents itself. Take it ! .. Do whatever you can do from the beginning to prepare for retirement. Don't be the old man broken down and beat up.. still showing up on the job site and dying on the jobsite. You work to live you don't live to work. Plan plan plan and execute your goals and retirement. Great information and well stated. 👍 Now.. pay attention in school and go to college and get your degree... !

Everything you said was Totally spot on, good and bad. Really enjoyed this video and identified with everything you mentioned. In my 50's now and transitioned to Facility Maintenance with accompanying perks as well as corporate B.S. policies. I look back on many fond memories of working with my fellow "degenerates" :). The camaraderie was one of the most memorable aspects of working in the trades, especially learning from the older guys(if they thought you were worth a damn). P.S. "Shitter's full!"

Thank you, Carl. The body breaks down for sure...I thought it was going to take me longer to get old. Age may only be a number, but the number that's telling is how many miles you have on the clock. I am a late model, high mileage man. FWIW my time in the trades was short lived, but commercial food service is a very close parallel. Now I'm taking it easy as a laborer at a kiln-dried firewood operation.

Great video Carl! I've got a very simple but silly request. Please do a video on boot laces. I know it sounds stupid but I'm curious to see what's out there besides KG extreme kevlar laces. I like the look of leather laces but always end up breaking them prematurely.

you had me at 6:20 brother we need more of that

Really interesting video. I've always thought about going into a trade, but now feel it's too late. I'm 40 next year and stuck working for a well known fast food chain here in the UK. I mostly enjoy it, and I like not being stuck behind a desk, but it's definatly not as rewarding as a trade

I’m an auto mechanic ALSO here in Connecticut, and have been for about 5 years now. I spent a lot of time in restaurants after getting a useless college degree in art. I came in through the back door just wanting to get a normal work schedule. I did restoration for a little bit and now I’m back to doing class B level work on regular cars. I love it, I don’t want to do anything else. The pay could be better and tools are expensive but beyond that it never gets old.

I started off as a building maintenance moved on from working a high rise to working for the govenor of Texas. I now am a energy management specialist for a large school district. I work building controls and supervise around 30 guys that take care of all the hvac equipment. I am now learning programming and its a bit difficult but i hope ti someday understand it better.

Good video

This is a great video highlighting the pros and cons. I was in the military. Then bartended. Then electrical for 2 years. Now law enforcement. When I got into the trades in AZ. I started at $12 an hour and took a huge pay cut from my bartending job. During the summer I had to wake up at 2 am to get to work and had to drive an hour and a half each way on some jobs. I worked 6-7 10 hour shifts a week. For the most part. But other than the things listed above it was a great job. I only left because I felt the pull to public service. I enjoyed it more than LE but know if I left. I would feel the need to do public service again. The most rewarding career field. Except for when you are at the end of the job just installing devices 😂 I still miss it. And do it on the side for friends for free because I enjoy it so much. You did a great job of summarizing all aspects of the job most don’t think about.

This is a great video describing the careers of us low life/animals out in the field, Some of us have made a good living, most making 6 to 7 figures, But it took a lot of back breaking work to get there, And you're not going get there with a phone glued to one hand and a tool in the other!

It’s funny that you made this video, cause I’ve been considering getting a job in the trades. I’m 27 right now working as a cart pusher at BJ’s. I suddenly have the opportunity to do construction work, but I’ve been kind nervous that I might not fit in. You’ve touched a lot on what I’ve been thinking about and I just wanna say I appreciate you making this video. Hopefully I end up making the right decision. 🙏🏼

@bigcatmans6631

6 ай бұрын

Good luck to you, definitely consider the trades especially the union route. The benefits are excellent. If you work hard and take your career seriously you will fit in just fine.

I worked a few years in a labor union and Carl some of these ultra masculine guys were the biggest drama queens you’ve ever encountered. Can be a real paradox.

@CarlMurawski

6 ай бұрын

Oh theres no doubt! It's often just a facade.

I did flooring . It was tough but great guys

A masterclass video on the trades.

Always like hearing your stories. Im 29 and lived in Florida my whole life, its true. People cap out in the low to mid-thirties an hour in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical. Not terrible but our state is getting more expensive and harder to raise a family. Ive been in it for 4.5 years and looking for better avenue forward in electrical. Seems like the more north you go, better the pay. Cousin's starting pay in Canada shocked me, 😂 makes me want to move to a different state.

@davidsonner6488

6 ай бұрын

I'm a welder here in florida and it's the same

I hear you on the body braking down I’m 33 and I have a bad back, knee and leg pain and arthritis in my hands

Im a welder pipefitter with local 777 and I love it learned everything I know through there school so in my opinion Union is the way to go

Great video. Do a video on Union vs open shop

I’m 49 and I drive a 22 wheel fuel tanker, delivering mostly to gas stations in Massachusetts. I’m fortunate to work for a smaller family owned company that doesn’t bother me. I often go weeks or months without ever seeing my boss. The worst part of it is the weather. If you remember that one day last year when it was -13. I was out in it for 15 hours and 37 minutes that day. Not fun. Overall though I am satisfied. The money is really good and I have a decent schedule. Take care! 👍

I worked trades for 15 years and then went back to school after the body started hurting to get a mechanical engineering degree. Best thing I ever did. Now work as a test engineer, still get to do fab, wiring of test fixtures, occasional machining, and get paid to break stuff. Spend about 20% of the day at a desk and the rest working with my hands. There's no overtime, but I make real close to six figures and don't work 5 minutes over 40 hours a week. Trades are a great stepping stone to learning solid problem solving skills, but they will take their toll on your body.

Truest truth I’ve heard all week right here. Also, what shirt is that you’re wearing, I want one! Haha

Great video Carl! Lol im a tinner. I took the test in 2008. My dads a linesman. I was paid to learn but I need to get better known by the contractors. Im first generation, and all my connections are retired. And yeah i think you have to swear to be in the trades. In Chicago growing up with my dad who was a linesman then fireman over 20 years now linesman again, I grew up with the shit talk. Yeah the shitters are always full of weird graffiti too. Id rather work on a roof in Detroit in winter than be laid off a lot. My closest job was 5 minutes. I was working 7-12s at a the Chrysler plant. But, now just give me 40 hrs. There shouldn't be any problem with not working OT, you shouldn't be punished if you don't work, but you can be. They may not say it is the reason, but it is. There shouldn't be.... im not gonna say what you said that that comment was for.

Fellas, check out the oil field. The Permian or Delaware basins

I’m an apprentice at a specialty electrical contractor and it’s some of the toughest work you’ll do but talking to the residents or the customer after you get their system back online is one of the most rewarding things you’ll do.

I drove tractor trailer for 12 years then got into an electrical apprenticeship. I didn't have to pay anything fortunately but that has changed at least where I work. This is my 20th year and hold a master's license. At 55 my advise is to try and get into more technical areas of the trades. For Electrical it's commercial service, testing or control work. It's better for your body and your usually dealing with much better conditions. Getting out of trucking was the best thing I ever did. That's a rotten job and nobody wants to do it once they figure out how the game is played, which is why the turnover is unbelievable high. I'm going to try and ride this wave to the shore because I'm not an office guy type and my boss told me he want me to work there till I retire. Great video Carl everything was spot on except women on the job, I never see it except commercial painting. I'm guessing the porti-johns keep them away which is understandable.

Great video and insight. I may have my kids listen to this. These are things no one talks about that need to be sonsidered. Poseidon's Kiss...lol

Union tinknocker here I'm in colorado, one thing I feel you left out is the disadvantage of layoffs. Colorado is the slowest state currently to deliver unemployment benefits and its killing me. There's no work and I'm on week 7 of waiting for an unemployment check. I'm lucky enough to have good friends and family to help but some guys might not have that. And it can be devastating to a young man and his family. Becoming a journeyman means you are more expensive and you usually will be the first on the list for a layoff if they can get the job done with less journeyman and more apprentices

I work in the food industry and we deliver food to construction sites and workers there. Been doing it for 5 years now on the same site. Those guys are amazing! Some of the nicest people. Just dont piss them off!

my son graduated this year and decided to forgo college and went into construction. he is loving it. He loves talking shit and doesn't do "office PC" so his crew is a great fit. and NO one is gonna bully him. so Perfect fit

That's very fair and worth mentioning to people who're looking into it. As someone who admittedly doesn't have experience with blue collar work try to tell students at school that there's nothing wrong with blue collar jobs and advise them to look into it. The reason I do that is mixed, one I think there was a very big everyone has to go to college push when I was young that hasn't translated into successful jobs for adults but I also think for some of my students not to be harsh but I don't really think they would do well in a life of academics or office work. You know the kind of people who frankly can't follow simple instructions without someone to drag them through it. And I think they have a higher potential of getting ahead in life if they use their younger years doing something in the trades than wasting their time bouncing around working minimum wage jobs at grocery stores and restaurants. But yeah it's not all roses and sunshine and they ought to know that too.

👍🏻👍🏻 gave me some good laughs

I'm a heating engineer in the UK. I played ice hockey as a goalie until very recently to. I'm 38 now an I'm already off the tools, I know assess apprentices. My knees and back are shot from years of abuse both professionally and recreationally. I miss being on tools as it was nice dealing greatful customers when repairing their systems. The job was super satisfying however I love waking up in next to no pain now even if the job maybe isn't as satisfying. There's the other issue that I'm actually developing a gut for the first time in my life as well...

As a 32 year Union pipe fitter and the open top thunder lodges in high rise buildings left a mark on my psyche.

I am about to turn out as a sprinkler fitter and gotta say I really enjoy this job. Yes I have to wake up super early, work can be hard and taxing on the body but I am a union member and I enjoy a good wage and great benefits.

Where is that denim jacket you’re wearing in this vid from? Very nice!

When I was 18 yrs old in 1978, everyone was pushing for the college degree. Back then a University education was not so expensive as it is today. A degree meant something back then. Now, they are overtly expensive and degrees don't have the cache they once did. And, throw in all of the Political BS as well and it seems not to be worth it. I have been in transportation and air freight business for 43 and other then a bad knee and bad sleep, I have made a decent living. Plus, I got to see a lot of the country in my travels around the country. I did work in dispatch office. It was not a good time being tied to the phone and computer all day, I would change after year or two and go back driving. My brother was a plumber all of his life and he made great money, but it took a toll on his body as well. Thanks for another nice video Karl.

I am pretty fortunate that I didn't have to work outdoors too much (more in the beginning of my career) nor have to use porta-potties. Been working as a union finish carpenter for NYC for the last 25 years. I had my own carpenter shop most of the time and the commute is on average about 1/2 hour most of the time. Have a coffee machine, refrigerator, microwave and a personal bathroom in my shop. Getting ready to retire in a few years with a nice pension. Overtime is optional and since I am getting ready to retire, have been working more OT to boost my pension. Working in the trades has been great and working for NYC has been great, don't regret my decision at all. Getting into the city as a trademen requires passing and scoring well on a city issured exam, it does weed out a lot of seedy characters. I only mention this because people should think more about working for the city as a civil service tradesperson, it is a great job.

Got 12 years in the ibew local 363, I'm an inside wireman (electrian) best decision I've ever made

How interesting Here in Australia most/many apprenticeships are paid by the employer. You sign a contract between the state Gov, the employer and the employee. Provided you comply the employer pays for the modules throughout.

This topic is something that I was thinking about recently. I graduated from college 6 months ago and couldn't find a job the entire time. I was thinking about what would happen if I went to trade school instead but then I was thinking about all the people I've met in the trades. Every time I've talked to a mechanic, plumber, or someone working on electric lines, they tell me the same things: "stay in school and don't end up like me". Even people in the trades dissuaded me from initially going into the trades. Hell, there was even a classmate from high school who became a welder a year after he graduated and told me not to do it.

Nice shirt!

We always had running water and proper toilets in the barracks and with lunch tables, fridges and micro waves. Weird thats not common in the US.

On the subject of your body breaking down: I went with a couple of other brothers to a training where we were a few of the only building trades people and what struck me was how much we focus on retirement compared to people in other fields. We recognize that we HAVE to prepare for retirement, we feel it every day, it's always somewhere in the back of our mind. Nobody wants to be that 70 year old in the field that is broken down but still has to work, limping around and having to go backwards down stairs. Luckily, in most local unions we make sure that we can retire comfortably as long as we don't get a bunch of DUIs and multiple divorces.

@seandasilva2125

6 ай бұрын

More like they make you retire…. Heard stories where you hit 50 and start to slow down they lay you off and don’t let you get another shop

@kylemorgan3399

6 ай бұрын

@seandasilva2125 can't speak for anything but my own experience in my own IBEW Local, but that's not what I've seen. For one, anybody over 40 is considered a protected person by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), so any age based discrimination would be illegal and the local would go after the contractor. Second, in my local and many others, there is a provision which states that on all jobs requiring 5 or more journeyman, at least every 5th journeyman, if available, shall be 50 or older. Third, in my local we look after the old guys. We recognize the wisdom they provide and we know we gotta teach that value if we want the same when we get older. The B in IBEW is for BROTHERHOOD (and sisters and siblings too!)

Open shop licensed electricians here, had my schooling paid for by 2 different employers during my apprenticeship

My dad has worked in the trades his whole life. He’s even a pretty big subcontractor who deals only with commercial new builds. His advice to me growing up was always to go to college lol.

Wow! Tell us how you really feel about porta Johns. Don’t hold back.

Carl, great information as always. What shirt are you wearing here? Thanks.

@CarlMurawski

5 ай бұрын

That is from the local company (to me) HARDENCO. They're in New Hartford CT

@The_Distance_111

5 ай бұрын

@@CarlMurawskiThank you. I hope to visit them soon.

The worst was the first time I hydroplaned off the porta John seat in the middle of the summer 😂

Man getting into the IBEW is dang near impossible here in NJ. I’ve passed the test and everything. For a guy like me 28 with a wife and 3 kids union is the only way. I’m getting $20 and hour 3 years in doing commercial/industrial when IBEW guys are making 28 second year in lol. With better education which is very important in electric.

The other benefit is you know other trades people so if you need help on a home project like you need some electrical work done you have a buddy to either help you with it

Ayeee also from CT it is expensive here though hahaha

I'm currently a union distribution technician for natural gas in California. Carl hit a lot of the points right on the nose. You can make some great money, better than a lot of people with degrees. We get overtime and double time. You're out and about, working with your hands and problem solving on the spot, and it gives good job satisfaction feeling that you earned every penny in your paycheck. The group of people you work with can feel like siblings that you'll trust your life with. Being in a union we get benefits, PTO, retirement plans, and some job security. However, there are its downsides. We get emergencies that we have no choice but to work through. I've pulled 24hr+ shifts. There's long days you go home, beaten up, and all you can do is shower, eat, and go to sleep before you do it all over again the next day. I've worked through the heat where I feel I'm sweating through my uniform, through freezing cold where as soon as you stop moving you shiver, in the rain about knee deep in mud. There is the state of California that isn't too friendly towards natural gas, so there is a stigma about us being villains.

Handyman/maintenance for 5 years out of highschool. I downgraded to the warehouse to work with my fiance, evened out bills. Never had school training, but grew up fixing things

I personally found after a few years that the "corporate" construction world wasn't for me. The demands bigger jobs had just weren't compatible with my mental health and schedule. However, smaller companies and jobs, some even self employed, were the absolute best occupational experiences I've ever had. So consider the different aspects and applications for the trade(s) you have in mind.

If you can find a place that’ll work with your school schedule you can work part time with a company as an apprentice while you go through trade school which is pretty cool. Also look into ways to go to school for free or even getting paid to go to school by the government

Been going to trade school for Electrical.