Im 29, turning 30 in July and I’m absolutely stuck in a rut. Ive been in sales the past 7 years and the fluctuations in pay are just too much for me now. I want to go to school but I’m terrified of being in debt and paying down student loans until I’m burried. Ive been told to check out trades but I’m not good with my hands whatsoever. I’m sure this all of this souds like I’m making excuses but its really not. Ive tried and seen what my shortcomings are when you put a wrench or power tool in my hands and its not pretty. How many of you started over in your 30s? It seems daunting to start over but when I think theres a possibility (god willing) I may live another 40 years or longer, learning something fro 4 or 5 years doesnt seem as bad.
3 comments
I switched from being a 1st Fix Carpenter/2nd Fix Joiner a few years ago after spinal damage. I transitioned over to the computing industry and now build server stacks/racks.
A lot of skills that I picked up in 18 years of construction were transferable. As well as the people skills
Found the switch pretty easy. Made a plan of what I wanted to do with a mini step by step guide developed with an online careers advisor.
From time to time I still draw-up storey rods for bench joiners who like doing things the old fashioned way. As it’s a skill not taught anymore in UK Trade Schools.
my 2 cents 100% trades. you’ll be trained, depending where you live you can have the schooling paid for. Honestly I don’t know a trades person making less than 100k and I know a lot of them. There is a huge shortage as well, so you can expect competitive incentive packages etc.
Eh if you don’t like of idea physical labour stay out of the trades. I’m a welder and I can teach blind person to weld. It all comes down to practice and time. Best part about the trade jobs is there low barrier to entry. If want combine computers and trades work look into CNC machining. Pretty easy to get into and typically easy on the body. As for starting over it just takes. I started the process when I was 26 and now at age 30 I feel like the “rebuild” is over.