OT Jobs for a younger guy?

I know this isn't tractor related but this is the best place I know to ask. I'm one of the many people out of a job because of the dying RV market. Been out of a job since sept. actually. I'm qualified for the education plan they have here in Ind. where I can get help with training and schooling for a new career. Question is what. I've always had an idea about doing electrical work as being a good option. Any opinions on that? I've also thought about truck driving but I'm think of that as more of a fall back plan since its easy to get training through a company. Also thought about Diesel mechanic too. I'd like to hear any opinions, It looks like I'm open to most anything in a technical school maybe even something beyond that I'm not sure. I know I can count on you guys for good info thanks in advance. Mike.

I don't know your age but Green energy is what I'd be looking into if I had to do it again. Too late for me.

I gave this advice to in-to-deep a month or so ago,so I'll repeat it to you. My son needed a job here in mid Michigan in a county where unemployment has been running 12-15% for 4-5 years now. He went to the County Clerks office and got a DBA. That's an alias or Doing Business As. Then he went to State Farm where he had his auto insurance and got a liability policy. He's been busier than a one armed paper hanger. He works for a general contractor most of the time. Then for an insulation contractor when he's not busy there. He's done some work for a guy who makes and installs awnings. I told him when he started this he should at least get a CDL B so he could drive dump truck or something if he needed to,but he hasn't needed it.

ITD asked how he got his name out there. He just called a contractor and asked if he had any grunt jobs or anything that he could do. Once he started showing up on jobsites,other subcontractors saw how hard he worked,how he interacted with the rest of the guys on break,all that and he usually works seven days a week. He's even been doing some work on his own lately,setting concrete forms and such.

With that DBA and liability insurance,he can work for anyboby for as much or as little time as they need him. They don't have to put him on payroll and withhold anything. He's responsible for his own taxes. He just gives them a bill,they pay him in full and they have the bill for a 100% writeoff. I'd take a look at something like that if I were you. If you ever wanted to be in business for yourself,that's the way to get started.

What do you like, Electrical or diesel mech. or something else. If you like being a diesel mech better then go to a few heavy equipment repair places and ask: How busy are you? How many guys work here? If I got a 2 year degree in Diesel mech. would you bring me on as an apprentice.
Do the same thing with Electricians, You may want to go into being an electonics bench tech, but in my experience they make less then an electrician, usually--but not always.
What ever you choose make sure you like it, It really sucks when you wake up every morning hating your occupation.
A friend of mine was a truck driver with a CDL A licence. He hated it, but after 2 years he was making $50,000/year. But he only saw his wife on the weekends. He mostly drove all over the USA.
You may want to put out an add for a handyman too.

Welding, you'll have to go where the money is, but you'll always have work.

Diesel mechanic, always going to need those

You sound like me. I've always thought I'd fall back on truck-driving too. I'd be worried about getting laid off in the winter if you become an electrician. That was my dream, but in this area I don't think there's enough work. I could see myself being a diesel mechanic because people always need their trucks, tractors and construction equipment. I'd do what gun guru said and go bug some guys you'd like to work for (D. mechanic, electrician, etc.) Go in when they don't look too busy and ask a few questions. In case the rest of you are wondering what I ended up doing after I asked for advice, I've almost got it figured out...then I'll post back. Good luck Mike!

If you are interested, I would pick electrician or nurse. Both are pretty secure fields.

If you have a family truck driving is not going to be good for that.You can make more money driving a truck than working on them as a mechanic,but you can be home every night working on them.You have to buy a lot of tools,go to schools,and work hard to work on trucks.There is quite a bit of pressure on you to get stuff done all the time,and if you make a mistake it could kill people,like wheel come off,axle come out,brakes fail on a mountain,just lots of things can happen.I would think some kind of electrician,welder,or the new technology stuff like windmills,or construction of that stuff would be the better jobs.I like to weld lots better than roll around in grease under a truck.I dont mind working on motors and transmissions for some reason,but digging them out of a greasy truck is not that appealing.I like working on tractors better.I also like working outside if the weathers good.After spending 10 years in a shop its kind of like being in a cave after a while,but its better than being out in the cold in the winter.Driving a truck is not an easy job if you drive over the road.Then theres hurricanes,tornadoes,crazy people and lots more to look out for.I could write lots about it but you wouldnt know until you did it.Some people like it,some dont last 2 weeks.Way more dont last 2 weeks than last 2 years.

The last I heard an outfit in South Dakota that's associated with a massive hog farm near here was looking for "boar milkers".

Would you like me to get a phone # for you?

(quoted from post at 15:01:09 12/03/08) I know this isn't tractor related but this is the best place I know to ask. I'm one of the many people out of a job because of the dying RV market. Been out of a job since sept. actually. I'm qualified for the education plan they have here in Ind. where I can get help with training and schooling for a new career. Question is what. I've always had an idea about doing electrical work as being a good option. Any opinions on that? I've also thought about truck driving but I'm think of that as more of a fall back plan since its easy to get training through a company. Also thought about Diesel mechanic too. I'd like to hear any opinions, It looks like I'm open to most anything in a technical school maybe even something beyond that I'm not sure. I know I can count on you guys for good info thanks in advance. Mike.

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have been a electric lineman for many years.If you are not afraid of heights or electric power I say become a lineman.Check this website out www.powerlineman.com and look at the jobs that are out there.Good luck.coobie

this is a test it is only a test we will return your regularly scheduled program shortly. lol

If you want a secure job with 30 days paid vacation in your first full year, see a military recruiter.
Since I am out of work, that is what I did today. Not sure if they are going to let me back in or not. I will wait and see.

Mortician.Plenty of steady work with good pay.

Can't argue with that but I don't think thats my kind of job. LOL.

The whole country is hurting for good heavy truck mechanics. You really don't have to be diesel rated to start out just a good background in air brakes and electrical systems.

My brother works for Aurora Casket and he says sales are down there too.

Just saw this article on CNN, and thought of this thread.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/02/maguire.job.training/index.html



Article talks about industries that are hurting for folks, specifically mentions "Hospitals looking for X-ray technicians, manufacturers looking for machinists, and energy suppliers looking for people to service rigs and keep them safe are all facing real worker shortages."

My advice? Find something that sounds like it would interest you, figure out a way to get the training, and go for it.

If want a secure job with 6 monthes paid vacation your first year, take a look at off shore oil. $70K starting wage.

(quoted from post at 18:42:00 12/03/08) If you want a secure job with 30 days paid vacation in your first full year, see a military recruiter.
Since I am out of work, that is what I did today. Not sure if they are going to let me back in or not. I will wait and see.

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With what kids are getting now as far as sign up bonuses almost unlimited edecutation benefits for very little $ investment on their part, free medical, yada, yada. A kid owes it to themselves to try it. Couldn't believe what these kids are taking home for pay either.

Dave

Last year I happened to visit with a college teacher about their HVAC program. They said the drop out rate was nearly 100%----companies are so in need of employees that they are hiring them before they graduate, hence the drop out rate being so high.

Pays well, might be worth checking into.

Call your local high school and speak to the student counselor as they should be knowledgeable on the "need worker" trends.

Be a consultant or a weatherman. You just give your opinions and get paid no matter if your right or wrong.