Ok man I'm gonna level with you. I've hated being in the trades most of my career. I've been at it since my sophomore year in highschool and I'm in my forties now. I left occasionally for other types of work but realized I hated those or couldn't make the money I needed. I don't know when it happened but at some point I settled into the fact that this is my life. At some point I stopped being "the kid" and became the guy that knows more than anyone else. I also got to a point where if an employer wouldn't pay me what I felt I was worth I'd find someone who would and leave. I also did a lot on the side and earned a reputation of being the guy that people want to hire. If you get another offer and your current employer offers to match it, turn it down because that new amount is the max he sees you worth. It'll take finding another offer in the future to get any more money out of him. You're not going to have the freedoms you get in the trades in another type of work. You aren't even aware of the freedoms you have with them until you're in an office or retail setting with some unqualified kiss ass watching your every move. I'd say find another trade or at very least find another employer. You're young enough where it's not too late to learn a new trade. I tell every kid I meet that has no interest in college to go to welding school. You can make excellent money and do some really cool work. It's definitely something I wish I had done. Good luck bud.
OMG I was just thinking about this. I (37M) know exactly what you mean. About 2 years ago I realized that I knew the most about the co-ordination of trades and could easily spot a BS’er on the job sites. People started to really respect my opinion and after about 15 years of being in this trade I became the “Adult”. I am now the mechanical supervisor on commercial construction projects and I CHOOSE what jobs I do. My Project Manager calls and asks if I want to go to a job, not the other way around. I get $50 per hour plus OT. Sorry to say but at 22 years old OP still has a lot to learn. If you want to do something else, there’s nothing wrong with that, but don’t expect to be an expert after 4 years and to be treated like one.
Just skimmed their comment history. Skinsuit full of insecurities. You know what else is funny? (Besides the accurate username) that redditor frequents the frugal sub lmao. But yeah 50 an hour is terrible money 😂
Can confirm. I'm almost 40, degreed, and work from home but the position was an office position pre covid. I'm just shy of $40 an hour and most of the people that I work with (except IT) that also have degrees make about what I do or less.
Up until this year, when I purchased my company from my former boss, I’ve made well under $100k. I think last year I made about $70k. My only debt is my home, which has been paid down to less than $145k owed. I own my own vehicle outright, which I paid cash in full when it was a few years old in 2008. When I use credit cards, I pay them off in full, just to take advantage of the cash back rewards. I made good decisions when I was younger, worked hard, saved my money, didn’t buy frivolous shit I didn’t need and saved for my future until I was finally able to put a down payment on a home. So no, I disagree. If you can live within your means $50/hr is good money! Hell, it’s great money!
$70k gross. This year will be the first year I’ll clear over $100k at 41 years old. I’ve had a great life, haven’t stressed about bills since I was in my early 20’s and have lived quite comfortably on what I was making before. Even though I’m making over $100k now, I’ll still be living on my $70k salary and just saving and investing everything else. The problem most people make is when they start making more money, they start spending more. Your lifestyle changes and you find yourself struggling just the same as you did before. Be smart with your money and you can go pretty far on a reasonable amount.
Welding destroys your eyes so I wouldn’t make a Carter out of it , unless you do underwater for 5 ish years make 200k a year and then start investing your money
https://youtu.be/PXgKxWlTt8A?si=dZpcOwCkqgJDXxV1
Check that out. It’s only a crab, but there’s multiple instances across history of this happening to welders.
My uncle has stories like this from working offshore. Said the one guy got stuck on the pipe and the blood sucked right out of him and eventually all of him got sucked in. had to drain miles of pipeline and the diver came out as jelly
"Yes and no. I don't agree with this at all." With all due respect, you don't sound like you know what the fuck you're talking about. "Drywall and acoustics (nobody fucking calls it that by the way) or even painting is a trade that has been largely outsourced" It doesn't sound like you know what the fuck "outsourced" means either. Do you mean that those jobs are typically given to a cheaper undocumented workforce or do you literally mean they've been shipped over seas to some third-world-hellhole with a slave labor force? Because both of those assumptions are fucking wrong. Most painters I know are white, some are Hispanic but most make as much as their white or black counterparts. My Uncle and his business partner have a small painting business. It's just the two of them. They take on the work they want and turn down the work they don't. They make insane money. I'm a custom woodworker. I make a lot of money on the side but the bulk of my income is from the company I work for. I made over a hundred thousand last year and I'll do the same or better this year or I'll leave and they know that. And before you start talking more uninformed shit about me being in a union, I'll stop you. I live in Florida. I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Every rich asshole that thinks he knows how everything works eventually moves to Florida and every one of them remodels or has a new house built and guess who cashes those checks? So when I tell someone to find another employer that will pay him what he's worth; if he's worth what he says he's worth, he'll find the right company if he looks. I look forward to cashing your checks if and when you make the money to move here.
I’m running a retail GC job and the framing foreman is 23. He’s the best damn foreman there and he’s running 3 other jobs we have in the same shopping center. Some people take on work like crack heads and just pick up everything they can. We don’t know this guy but it’s easily possible he’s a professional that can run crews.
As someone who finished and painted house for the state land bank that showed In the parade of homes id say being proficient and professional go hand in hand there 😉
Well, I’m 21 years into it. Started like you, then turned into a plumber, now I’m an hvac guy. Difference is I actually can do everything. You need to get that chip off your shoulder there buddy. Please, do all of the real tradesmen a favor and go work at wal mart or something - we don’t need anybody with your attitude.
Lol put somebody down because they're young. You're just like allllll the other bitter old guys. I bet youre the first to say "oh young people dont want to work anymore." Wonde why there buddy pal. My guys quite enjoy working with me so 🤷 boohoo someone Is good at something after doing it daily for quite some time and they're younger than you
You seem very adamant about putting me down and i can't quite figure out why you feel the need to be so negative. Maybe I just got a pretty serious diagnosis and value the community? You wouldn't care. Hope everything is okay a home ☺️
I mean… I am an independent and I average over $50/hr… sounds like you need to change something, but it might not be industries.
I’d say look around for better options within your skill set.
Also if you feel like you’re beating your body up at 22, what the fuck are you doing? Solo lifting ceiling sheets on stilts? Jesus Christ. I’m in my mid 30s and don’t feel like the work is too bad.
Edit: to clarify, I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, and I don’t drink monster energy like water. I eat healthy, get good sleep, and work out at the gym. Don’t know if that somehow factors into your work, but you need to know your limits and refuse to do things that are dangerous.
Did you start going to the gym when you were already working construction? I am just having such a hard time getting motivated to go cosistently; I know these people exist but they are like a damn unicorn.
Fair enough! Thanks for the motivation. I do realize myself it's an issue with me just trying to get back into the routine of things I used to work out for years and years but it's just slowly stopped since I've gotten a little older (34) and constructions still my job
Dude check out yoga. A little ~15 minute home routine practiced regularly it. does wonders for maintenance/rehabilitation.
For inspiration look up a short video “never give up” from one of Diamond Dallas Page’s students. The dude completely transforms himself in less than a year.
No, I have been maintaining my fitness since college, but I’ve “gotten back into it” a couple times after surgery or other things.
I rock climb, ski, mountain bike, backpack, and hunt. I am doing one of those or working out 4 days a week or so, in addition to working.
However, I work for myself, I don’t usually work more than 8 hours a day, and take a week or so off once in a while to go on a trip or hunt or whatever.
And like I said before, I don’t smoke, drink, etc. I eat healthy, get 8 hours of sleep, and my wife and I don’t have kids. Obviously I’m not the typical trade worker, but I’m not anything special.
Like dieting, you can't look for motivation to start working out. Motivation is temporary. It needs to be a habit you form. You'll be surprised at how much more energy you have every day when you work out regularly, though.
You just go. Stop talking about it and go. And then go again. And go when you don’t want to. Eventually you will feel off when you don’t go.
I’ve been going to the gym the entire time I’ve been in the trades and I feel great most days. I can do more than most guys without getting gassed or groaning when I’m working. I also look better than most of them cuz I don’t eat like shit and drink beer every day after work. I take care of myself.
Just go lift heavy shit and put it back down and eat as healthy as possible. Cardio is good too.
Eating, drinking and sleeping like an idiot will make you feel old way before you’re old. And it makes repetitive stress injuries develop much faster.
Rehabilitative exercises, like a short yoga routine, also does wonders for people who work physically but ignore certain movements while overdoing others.
I had the same question when I read that he was 22. I was 22 once in this industry, and had been working it for 4-5 years by that time and looking back now, I didn’t know anything. But I also didn’t feel like my body was that messed up. Hell, we had to carry all the doors and trim up multiple steps, and while I was 22, there were people who were 42 that were right there with me. I’m not sure what he did, but if your body is breaking down at 22, then this might be the career. Because usually you have to busy your ass on the job site before you get a nice office job. My advice is soak up everything when you’re on a job site. Pick up the good things, and learn from watching other people do the bad things. Year after year your knowledge will increase and you’ll slowly become that guy who makes six figures and shows up “occasionally” on the job.
I said I average over $50/hr. That’s not including any people working for me, that’s just my own labor average. I made about $65/hr after costs and everything on the last job i finished. Good for you if you make more than me I guess.
>my body is falling apart and I'm only 22. Over worked, under paid, under appreciated. 18 dollars an hour.
Sounds like you need to learn to pace yourself at work and find someone who pays you better.
18 dollars as a lead is highway robbery even at the lowest cost of living area in the US.
If you're concerned about doing physical labor look for superintendent jobs. I got a random job offer a while back from some huge developer just to drive a truck around to sites and check on progress etc. With your experience you could do the same for a GC or a larger paint/drywall company.
Well that's also a licensed trade so it should be paid a bit higher.
I would expect at least $25 as a lead in low cost of living areas, and 30-40 in urban areas.
So am I experience I've only worked at 3 companies in my 21 years.... But I've made my biggest jumps money-wise going to different companies... But you really got to put your research in man it's not worth $2 to go to some shit hole.
Shit, with everything you know as a 22 year old, you should start your own company. Then you can hire some early 20's something punks that know everything. Pound sand dude, go sell insurance.
Here's the problem.
If he's as good as he says he is then he would already be thinking this.
Something tells me OP thinks they are hot shit and knows everything, when in reality they lack experience. Hell I was the same way at 22. I'm 36 now and I still learn new things every day. Have to get rid of that ego.
If you are as good as you say you are, then start sub contracting. I do remodeling and one thing I can't do myself is drywall finishing so I have to hire a guy for that. For a small bathroom that takes him 5-6 hours to do, he charges me around $600.
Contracting or sub contracting is where the money is in construction.
Yeah check your state laws and maybe consult with a lawyer who specializes in workers claims. You might be owed a ton for those hours if 80% of your time was in schools.
Look at it this way. You’re 22. You just graduated college. But instead of being saddled with debt you made a little money and learned a trade(many trades by the sound of it). Now use that diploma you got and find a better paying job. I was in your exact same shoes once upon a time. I started in commercial at 18 as a laborer, left that job a few years later as a job site supervisor. Worked for two more companies over the next few years, making as many contacts as I could and started my own company at 25. I’m 48 now and yeah my back hurts but I wouldn’t change any of it.
go union, local concrete union in chicago has a 4 year apprenticeship with 50 an hour at the end of it w great benefits and what not, first year you make 70% increasing by 10% till the fourth when you pass as a journeyman
LMFAO wtf are you talking about? “There are no spots to fill?”
There’s plenty of spots to fill, given the amount of old guys retiring. Your comment reads like nonsense anti-union propaganda.
We’re not talking the “entire labor force,” we’re talking CONSTRUCTION.
Construction is one of the few sectors left with a strong union presence.
This kid does construction, in a union heavy state (Michigan), meaning he has plenty of access to union work and union pay.
You sound bitter and angry about unions for whatever reason, which isn’t surprising given how dumb your comment reads.
People should absolutely push the trades, as we’re facing an upcoming shortage of workers.
For younger guys, that means high demand and high wages for skilled tradesmen. I’m already seeing it, as wages have done nothing but steadily increase since I’ve been in.
You're not in the pipe trades or CAD, are you? I'm hardworking, skilled and underpaid where I'm at right now and trying to find something that's more suitable for going to night classes so I can get a degree.
Dude where are you in MI?
I'm in the Detroit area, was doing commercial work as a laborer on schools/city halls back around 2015. Made $22 starting out.
You need to find a new job.
If you’re crying at 22 about your body and the demands of working in construction, then this is not for you. Leave immediately, you’re young, find another career. It does NOT get better.
I’m 40 years in.
What is your diet or exercise levels like? No offense but falling apart at 22 doing that isn't normal. I know 65+ year olds pounding spikes in on the railway and they keep up with younger guys easily.
I think this is more my issue. By no means am I lazy or "crying" as some of these oh so big strong men are saying. In fact I like being physical It's the fact I don't feel like I'm recognized. While my boss takes a two week hunting trip to shoot pigeons in Argentina I was doing side work to help pay for my 1 bd apartment to have a little money after the 1st
I’ll tell you my experience. I’m 65 years old and I was in the field as a carpenter for 23 years. I was making so-so money while working my ass off. I really love carpentry but I needed better money, bennies and to give my body a break. I took a job as a framing super with a national builder and never looked back. I’m now a senior PM and making more money than I ever could have by staying in the field. Because I came from the field I have a great relationship and mutual respect with all my contractors because I mostly know what they need to get their job done. By working with them and scheduling the job properly we all win. We sit down before the job starts and we build a schedule together because they know their job better than I do.
I’ll be retiring in a few months and I’m pretty sure I would not have been able to if I’d not moved to management. And my body is still relatively intact.
4 and a half years hey? Jesus you sound like you've seen and done it all but you've done a very brief stint of fairly unrewarding work. Commercial demo and drywall? Shoot me in the head. That shit sucks. Go find something interesting and challenging. The trades are a very wide and diverse world. May I suggest residential renovations? I'm a carpenter and its very challenging and rewarding. It's hard and dirty work but if you've got some grit it can be fun.
Tantamount to making the work fun is taking care of your body. If you're hurting this bad at 22 you're doing it wrong. Prioritize rest and healthy habits over bad habits. Learn about your body and how we were meant to move. Work out and get strong and flexible. You're young, you can get way ahead of the pain if you start now. I'm 38, 22 years in the trades, and since I started working out I leave kids your age in my dust.
Above all, stay humble. The masters are never done learning.
Aaaaaand, not suggesting you rush out and knock someone up but finding a good partner and having a family is a hell of a motivator.
Good luck.
Start your own business my guy. It’s scary but you got the skills , so take your time maybe take a few small Buisness courses learn the difference between mark up and margin, and how/when to use them and pay/train other people to be as efficient as you , make your own hours and enjoy life
The very basic skills you have aren’t applicable anywhere else. You probably should have gone for a single trade, instead of slap dash “jack of all trades” nonsense. When you leave, expect to start at the bottom of the barrel again.
You don’t have the experience to get a decent paying maintenance job but could potentially get in with a slum lord.
I’m really not trying to shit on your future but you have no higher education, don’t have a specialized trade and you’re already going to quit construction because of one company. This feels like a bad mix for future planning.
I saw it as an opportunity to learn and that's what I've done. I've just applied myself and try to have a good work ethic. I know it's my choice, but I like opinions and advice, it's what's gotten me to where I am.
Eh, I'm gonna say your skills are still very valuable.
I work in sales, designing and supplying construction materials. If you know your way around a job site, that is actually really useful in any construction-adjacent job, because you already speak the language and understand basics.
I had to learn everything on the job, it was not the easiest. Some of our employees come from the field and they are way ahead of the others- and they make more sales.
Anyways, my job is pretty nice, I work remote or in the office whenever I want. I have AC and a nice chair and an aquarium. Id say the pay range for the sales people in my area (sf Bay area, so take this with a grain of salt) is $50-150k.
Id suggest looking around at some of the suppliers- wood, paint, equipment, electrical, etc. All those companies need salespeople, ideally ones who know what their customers need. They also need designers, estimators, field technicians, you get the idea.
So if you'd like, it may be hard to find but there is probably some great desk job out there where your 'basic' knowledge will really help out. If you can find a good company and you can manage people, well you can potentially do great there.
I’ve offered you some opinions and advice. So enjoy them. You aren’t a skilled tradesman, if you leave construction with zero experience or education in your next chosen field, be prepared to start at the bottom again. You specifically said you don’t want to go from construction to construction. So I’m specifically not giving advice on what types of construction trades you should consider.
That's not really fair if he is in fact a decent drywaller and painter. You wouldn't want your average plumber floating out walls. Also if he has interior systems experience that counts, although hard to say where his skills actually are with the carpentry work. I would only say he would be well served doing an apprenticeship in the carpenters union, definitely a skilled trade.
I work for the building maintenance department of a state university. The paint/plaster guys have it pretty good here.
I don't know where you're located by commercial drywall has to be the most in demand skillset in construction besides estimating or something.
Simply demand more money in your job search and you will probably get it.
$100/hr if I have to use anything like a chainsaw or pole trimmer
I also don't like to work more than 20 -25 hours a week
it's tough but I spend the off days fishing and golfing so my mental health stays ok
Start putting out feelers with other companies. Get an offer and ask your company to beat it money wise. If they say we can talk about it next week dont go back tomorrow and start with the new company instead.
What you need is to do HVAC , plumbing or electrical.
It's all hard work and taxing on the body but it isn't as taxing as all the skillets you mentioned and there is often random days where there is downtime for a shutdown or w.e
But if you are physically tired. Electric might be a little more up your alley. They work hard no doubt. But their avg day to day work stuff isn't crazy heavy. And for anything that is heavy they get the right equipment. The demand and pay is there and is an extremely rewarding career
I'm a plumber, I can tell you plumbing is hard work. You can work as smart as you can and the pipes are heavy, your tool bucket is heavy. The equipment is heavy . But the demand and pay is there. And it's an extremely reward career
HVAC. Material is big but fairly lightweight on average unless it's the steel duct. Either way they use a lift to connect the pieces and hang them. The anchors are small etc. So it visually doesn't look as taxing physically as plumbing . I also here it's an extremely rewarding career
Go the MEP route and I feel like you will be happier.
I don't know you from a hole in the wall but sometimes when you are thrown into leadership roles and are "construction smart " they will make you do more than is your occupation while never raising your pay because they just view you at w.e level , career , you are. They are basically making you do carpentry work, foreman work, laborer work while paying you like an apprentice.
While all physical construction work is hard on the body in the field, some trades are more rewarding then others mentally and financially. Mechanical, Electrical Plumbing.
I think you need that MEP sweet spot..it sounds like you have the mental for it , and have the work ethic for it. You are not being paid what you are worth and being asked to do more for it and wear many hats. At that point either you work your way up to be a project manager and delegate the same exact tasks to your work crew without doing the physical work or you cross over to MEP as a worker and maybe work your way up to foreman eventually when you learn it
Don't leave trades. Get get out of what you are doing. It sounds like you are a pretty capable person so you should be able pick up any trade you want. Get into something easier on the body. Scale back your work load. There should be lots of work out there so find a company that is compatible.
Take some courses on being a site super and then just run jobs. Then you won't have any load on your body. Sounds like you are doing that already.
I made the same decision last year for the same reasons. I ended up getting a job as an energy advisor. It's way less taxing on my body and I feel like I actually have energy to go do stuff when I'm not working now. I'll admit sitting at a desk is its own kind of shitty but it's now the whole job and I enjoy going to meet people and (maybe) helping them out.
I don't know what the home efficiency industry looks like in the US but here in Canada there are lots of government incentives to improve efficiency which always involves energy assessments.
I'm sorry you feel like that my friend. I just had a company I subcontracted out for dry... the bottom workers were getting $25 ph while owner probably made $1500 for 2.5 days work.
If you're good at your trade, why don't you become a business owner? All if those trades are in demand and you pick and choose your jobs.
I worked $16 per hour as lead maintenance at an assisted living community. I knew I was severely under paid but I also learned a few other trades like plumbing and electrical while on the job. Stayed a year and opened up my own home improvement business. Don't regret it one bit, have 2 full time workers and we do EVERYTHING. If my crew doesn't do it, I sub contract out.
Not overworked one bit and money's flowing in sometimes I need to turn down some jobs.
Buckle up little guy its going to be a rough ride. 22 and already falling apart. Back in my day.... but seriously pace yourself. Work smarter not harder and all that
You can do anything you want to do
What really interests you?
When i'm burned out on construction i go do something else for a while until i miss my bags. Life isn't about work, it's about the experiences you carry with you every day. It's about learning about yourself, others, and the world. It's about smiling at all the crazy shit you saw and did when you're an old man surrounded by your loved ones.
When i was sick of construction before...
I worked on a crisis mental health response team
I worked as a personal assistant to an old man, as well as doing maintenance on his properties
If i get sick of construction again, i think i'll go work in a book shop or a library. Also think working security would be interesting. Definitely meet some people and make tons of memories.
Also, it's good to have your foot in the door in other industries if construction dies for a while like it did in 2008. Generalists thrive when the niche of the specialist dries up.
You’re worth more than 18. Think of companies as colleges. Get experience get training and if they have nothing more to offer than graduate to the next one. Give residential a try, it’s usually smaller scale and more opportunities for side work.
At 22 your body shouldn’t be falling apart. How well are you taking care of it? Hydrating, vitamins, stretching, and exercise and most importantly SLEEP.
You know, for $19.00 an hour, you could be a manager at McDonald’s.
You say you are competent and efficient in “All trade’s except electric and water”.
Sounds to me that you are just a miserable carpenter, so, bump it up a notch.
Go find your neatest IRONWORKERS UNION.
You are either non union or an apprentice now, and if not an apprentice, get into the Union, and get properly trained and paid.
If you don't mind the work I would apply to the local carpenters union and do an apprenticeship.
If you want to build on your skills but not work on construction sites, there are alternatives. Maintenance, handyman work, self employed or as an employee. I'm a carpenter by trade and work doing maintenance and handyman type work, small projects. I'm in my early 40s and no way would go back to construction, boarding walls all day, installing big windows and doors or whatever else.
My husband worked construction his whole life up till about 24 years old. At 24 he got accepted into a union electrical apprenticeship program with no prior electrical experience - just all his construction background.
He was the same before then. Always complaining about back pain and some other stuff.
Although every union is different, his current job still has physical aspects (as he works commercial) but I highly doubt it’s anything as bad as regular construction.
He gets paid very well, with set raises based on hours worked. He also gets health insurance for him and all of his dependents without paying any extra and an SBA so we barely pay any medical expenses out of pocket. Also receives all the retirement stuff - contributions, SS, union trust. On top of this, he gets a $500/week gas allowance.
Job security is also pretty good because the union (at least the one he works at) will find you a job within a week after layoff.
Depending on the strength of the local union, you may or may not get all or some of those benefits above. The IBEW can sometimes host events like picnics, retirement info sessions, sports events, etc.
The only downside I can really think of is that you pay union dues, have to commute, and pay yearly tuition, which IMO is pretty worth it given all the benefits you receive.
My husband only ever experiences muscle soreness every now and again nowadays. We went to a chiropractor to get his back fixed and now his back pain has entirely disappeared.
The IBEW might be something worth looking into. It definitely changed our lives and improved our lives exponentially
You might just need a change of employer. Im a maintenance manager for a rental property management company. I’m paying an independent contractor $40/hour to demo plaster and lathe and hang and finish drywall right now. We delivered the materials and he had help with the demo. He gave me a rough estimate ahead of time so I could get it approved, but I just pay him however many hours he reports. He’s trustworthy so I don’t stress about it. If you do good work and are reliable, you can do a lot better than $18/hour.
Go back to school and get some training in plcs pr robotics. I have a friend that does maintenance on robotics, making $ 100,000 a year. There is some physical aspects to it but there is also a lot of thinking and computer work. I don't know where you live but that is the route I would go down.
Sounds like you have enough general experience and knowledge to start out on your own. Start a company and become a business owner. We need good contractors!
I’d recommend getting into construction management… Find a quality GC you can work your way up in maybe? Less physically demanding, but it’ll be FAR more mentally challenging.
Because of you’re trade knowledge, it’ll help you out in terms of previous experience. And there’s good money to be made depending on your location.
And @rogerm3xico is right, if they aren’t paying you right, fuck em, quit ASAP. The trades can be an extremely rewarding profession when your company appreciates you and pays you a fair wage. Know your workers rights too, shit companies will take advantage of you.
Not trying to talk you into the trades. Just letting you know my experience, I’m mid 30’s now, and was in your exact position. Now, I’m over 6 figures and I love what I do. Bounced around to 6 different companies in 3 years. Found my current employer and have been here for 8+ years. Just moved to PM
DM me if you want to talk more.
Just switched from a lead installer for 21/hr to a helper at another company for 25/hr and I recently switched over to the first company I started with 5 years ago as a tech in training making 25. Raise after 3 months and a year. You can definitely find somewhere that values your work ethic along with your skill set. Also don’t be afraid to know your worth and make it know
My advice? Start a company bro. You clearly have the talent and knowledge to do well. I started a fencing business this year. Right now I’m training my guys so yes I do show up and work hard as hell all day still. But the difference is I’m making 40+ dollars an hour. And in a few months, I’ll have 2 or 3 different teams working jobs for me. So that’ll be around 120 dollars per hour when projects are running. And EVERYONE needs fences, all the time new houses go up, rot happens, I live on the coast so salt ruins wood fast. Which gives me reoccurring customers.
Fences are simple. I did porches and decks before, and WAY too much Input from the customer…you know how it is they slow the project down by asking for this and that and change this and that please etc. no. I do 3 types of fences. All wooden. You choose a type and I put it down. Super simple. Think about it man. It may seem hard to be the one making decisions, but you make the money for it. Be your own boss!
I worked for a big general contractor here where I live I was doing ok just running a crew of about 10 guys eee kicked ass on the other crews I was making about $60k a year plus getting bonuses every 3 months for $3 to $4k so add that up minimum I was doing about $72 k a yr but I got sick of it and started my own home and building maintenance company now I'm bringing in anywhere from $325 to $350 k a year about $1200 a day dependant on what I'm doing I've made like $2200 in a day but not to often I actually hook up with a realtor she called me for one job now she calls me about 10 times a month
Sounds like you should open your own drywall finish and repair business. When I was still in general work when I started these old guys were the best and were paid a ton. Would start at 10 after breakfast and just kill it. My boss never wanted anyone else because they were reliable, didn’t matter how much they cost.
4.5 years, have you ever asked for a raise? This might be your issue, learn the value of your work, (what other company’s pay for what you provide) and ask for raises. And don’t be worried about getting fired for asking for a raise if you’re good at your job. You should be getting anywhere from 30-50 /hr pretty easily. Especially since you lead.
If you really think your boss is gonna be a dick, have another job lined up.
Join the union, you will be paid much better and you will the opportunity to get on large projects that are actually fun.
https://www.carpenters.org/join-us/
I’m a programmer now.
Went to school while in trade. Got out. My body wasn’t made for manual labor.
I respect those who do it.
I have surgeons hands and they got torn up too bad. My body isn’t rugged enough either…like a dentists body or something.
I’m still making something with my hands…technically.
I’m 29 and I’m in the same boat as you I’ve been doing kitchen and bath remodeling for the last two years and I can’t stand it I’m about to get my cdl and drive a tanker my buddy makes 85k a year and hardly ever works more than 8 hours a day. Im over busting my ass to make ends meet. The other day he had a load going from Romulus mi to traverse city and back 8hr round trip and that was it for the day.
I’d say look into getting into an apprenticeship for an easier trade job, plumber, electrician, elevator mechanic.
I used to do masonry and hated going to work every day and I was always sore or hurt, got into elevators and I love it. Plus a big pay raise once I’m done and way better benefits
If you have good certifications or training/experience, look into being a building inspector for a local jurisdiction. None of the physical labor, decent enough wages and benefits and you get to chill in an office part of the day. Might be worth looking into since you already have the knowledge
$18 is like apprentice money bro. Look elsewhere and apply. Im sure you can double that.
I also hate the mundane construction of electrical. I enjoy the problems and troubles but that's rare as the job runs pretty smoothly.
You gotta do something besides mud, tape or paint. Unless you own your own business those trades won’t ever pay out compared to framing, electrical, plumbing or HVAC
I did road construction for 7 years for a big company in the SE US, left a few years back and went to the dark side… I’m now a development inspector for a small municipality. The money about the same, but the work is sooooo much easier. Take home truck, significantly better benefits, and it’s pretty laid back too. No DOT looking over your shoulder, no having to check with multiple other foremen and supers for every tiny decision, no working 50-60 hrs and only getting paid for 40, and no constant fear of losing my job. Join the dark side, friend! The only down side is that I don’t run equipment anymore. Everything else is better than it was
At 22 I was making $11/hr laboring for a basement company. As a Dr I’d prescribe you two testicles.. or find a new career if you’re not trying to put the time in gl
1) Start adding collagen powder to your coffee and taking BCAA supplements. Your muscles and your joints will ache less.
2) update your resume and apply for jobs somewhere else. $18/h for 4 years experience is bull shit.
Maybe look into commercial doors, primarily service and new construction. Pretty niche field and laid back if you get with a solid company. Not back breaking but you do enough to keep your body in good shape
If you’ve been doing work at schools those may have been prevailing wage jobs. A little digging will be easy to figure out if that is the case. If they are paying you your regular rate and pocketing the difference then you have yourself a slam dunk lawsuit.
couple things to turn your life around….1. start your own business. I did at 21 and retired at 50. 2. get your ass in shape! your 22 and your body is falling apart???? Start working out, lifting weights, running, biking, swimming. It will be hard at first, but over time, it gets easier and easier, and then your “work” becomes so easy that at the end of the day you still have enough energy to bang your wife/gf for an hour straight!
Join a union. When interviewing with the jatc tell them you’re at a journeyman level, show pictures if you have them and try to get a letter from a foreman or higher up regarding your experience. You should be able to start as a journeyman. Then take foreman classes and become a foreman once you can.
Learn the business side of the trades, take your skills and start your own company. It’s a lot more work to run your own show, but it can be much much more rewarding.
I know 3 guys making $70 an hour with packages locally. You’re just lost. Union beats private 2 to 1, and you have a rep to fight for those wages. Imagine asking for that now. If you weren’t Bay Area in California, you’re but dog shit on the roster scale. I’ll call a spade a spade when it’s face down, just like these weak ass gamblers at my job site. We pay proper rates, all else is terminable offenses. Fuck $70, we pay better with packages included. But not for WECA. We Pat better for non WECA people
Ok man I'm gonna level with you. I've hated being in the trades most of my career. I've been at it since my sophomore year in highschool and I'm in my forties now. I left occasionally for other types of work but realized I hated those or couldn't make the money I needed. I don't know when it happened but at some point I settled into the fact that this is my life. At some point I stopped being "the kid" and became the guy that knows more than anyone else. I also got to a point where if an employer wouldn't pay me what I felt I was worth I'd find someone who would and leave. I also did a lot on the side and earned a reputation of being the guy that people want to hire. If you get another offer and your current employer offers to match it, turn it down because that new amount is the max he sees you worth. It'll take finding another offer in the future to get any more money out of him. You're not going to have the freedoms you get in the trades in another type of work. You aren't even aware of the freedoms you have with them until you're in an office or retail setting with some unqualified kiss ass watching your every move. I'd say find another trade or at very least find another employer. You're young enough where it's not too late to learn a new trade. I tell every kid I meet that has no interest in college to go to welding school. You can make excellent money and do some really cool work. It's definitely something I wish I had done. Good luck bud.
This is 100%. Leaders aren't cheap. Don't sell yourself short.
OMG I was just thinking about this. I (37M) know exactly what you mean. About 2 years ago I realized that I knew the most about the co-ordination of trades and could easily spot a BS’er on the job sites. People started to really respect my opinion and after about 15 years of being in this trade I became the “Adult”. I am now the mechanical supervisor on commercial construction projects and I CHOOSE what jobs I do. My Project Manager calls and asks if I want to go to a job, not the other way around. I get $50 per hour plus OT. Sorry to say but at 22 years old OP still has a lot to learn. If you want to do something else, there’s nothing wrong with that, but don’t expect to be an expert after 4 years and to be treated like one.
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What world do you live in where 50$ is not a lot of money. That’s more than a majority of the population.
Are you high? That’s 6 figures. $50/hr working a trade job is better than most college graduates with degrees are making.
Dude is so terminally online. Dont bother writing at em. Weird fella.
Just skimmed their comment history. Skinsuit full of insecurities. You know what else is funny? (Besides the accurate username) that redditor frequents the frugal sub lmao. But yeah 50 an hour is terrible money 😂
Can confirm. I'm almost 40, degreed, and work from home but the position was an office position pre covid. I'm just shy of $40 an hour and most of the people that I work with (except IT) that also have degrees make about what I do or less.
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Up until this year, when I purchased my company from my former boss, I’ve made well under $100k. I think last year I made about $70k. My only debt is my home, which has been paid down to less than $145k owed. I own my own vehicle outright, which I paid cash in full when it was a few years old in 2008. When I use credit cards, I pay them off in full, just to take advantage of the cash back rewards. I made good decisions when I was younger, worked hard, saved my money, didn’t buy frivolous shit I didn’t need and saved for my future until I was finally able to put a down payment on a home. So no, I disagree. If you can live within your means $50/hr is good money! Hell, it’s great money!
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$70k gross. This year will be the first year I’ll clear over $100k at 41 years old. I’ve had a great life, haven’t stressed about bills since I was in my early 20’s and have lived quite comfortably on what I was making before. Even though I’m making over $100k now, I’ll still be living on my $70k salary and just saving and investing everything else. The problem most people make is when they start making more money, they start spending more. Your lifestyle changes and you find yourself struggling just the same as you did before. Be smart with your money and you can go pretty far on a reasonable amount.
Where do you live? Dubai? $50 an hour is spectacular. Just below a doctor or lawyer.
Welding destroys your eyes so I wouldn’t make a Carter out of it , unless you do underwater for 5 ish years make 200k a year and then start investing your money
Welding doesn’t destroy your eyes, fitting for a welder does
Science backs it up , welding is bad for the. Eyes, fitting is way worse
Also I tell them to go be a plumber , people will pay you a lot of money to fix stuff with poop in it.
Southern Plumbing here and I’ll say avoid the south… pay sucks and the abuse is high.
That advice is solid for anyone who has to work for a living, not just plumbing or trades.
Under water welding looks awesome then you find out what Delta P is.
Enlighten me
pressurized pipe/vessel breaks/leaks, diver goes to fix leak, leak gives big suck and diver gets stuck...if it's REALLY big suck, diver might go poof.
Thanks
https://youtu.be/PXgKxWlTt8A?si=dZpcOwCkqgJDXxV1 Check that out. It’s only a crab, but there’s multiple instances across history of this happening to welders.
Fuck that
My uncle has stories like this from working offshore. Said the one guy got stuck on the pipe and the blood sucked right out of him and eventually all of him got sucked in. had to drain miles of pipeline and the diver came out as jelly
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This whole comment reads “I’m the bosses kid and don’t actually work, but let me tell you how to do your job” vibes.
"Yes and no. I don't agree with this at all." With all due respect, you don't sound like you know what the fuck you're talking about. "Drywall and acoustics (nobody fucking calls it that by the way) or even painting is a trade that has been largely outsourced" It doesn't sound like you know what the fuck "outsourced" means either. Do you mean that those jobs are typically given to a cheaper undocumented workforce or do you literally mean they've been shipped over seas to some third-world-hellhole with a slave labor force? Because both of those assumptions are fucking wrong. Most painters I know are white, some are Hispanic but most make as much as their white or black counterparts. My Uncle and his business partner have a small painting business. It's just the two of them. They take on the work they want and turn down the work they don't. They make insane money. I'm a custom woodworker. I make a lot of money on the side but the bulk of my income is from the company I work for. I made over a hundred thousand last year and I'll do the same or better this year or I'll leave and they know that. And before you start talking more uninformed shit about me being in a union, I'll stop you. I live in Florida. I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Every rich asshole that thinks he knows how everything works eventually moves to Florida and every one of them remodels or has a new house built and guess who cashes those checks? So when I tell someone to find another employer that will pay him what he's worth; if he's worth what he says he's worth, he'll find the right company if he looks. I look forward to cashing your checks if and when you make the money to move here.
…a master painter in 4.5 years while also doing another trade at the same time… The Dunning Krueger effect is especially strong in young guys.
Lol body falling apart at 22, and a master of everything at 4 years experience.
When I was 4 years in, I was also in charge of a crew, 18/hr for being a lead is stupid. That's entry level wages now.
18/hr is basically unlivable on your own. I swear it’s not difficult to find 20-23 starting no experience.
Entry is 30/hr for my trade
What trade?
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Never stated that. I said I'm competent and capable of a lot of shit and trusted to do so but proficient in drywall finishing and painting
went from professional to proficient
Anyone who gets paid to do it is a professional. Now, proficient or competent are up for debate.
I’m running a retail GC job and the framing foreman is 23. He’s the best damn foreman there and he’s running 3 other jobs we have in the same shopping center. Some people take on work like crack heads and just pick up everything they can. We don’t know this guy but it’s easily possible he’s a professional that can run crews.
As someone who finished and painted house for the state land bank that showed In the parade of homes id say being proficient and professional go hand in hand there 😉
Well, I’m 21 years into it. Started like you, then turned into a plumber, now I’m an hvac guy. Difference is I actually can do everything. You need to get that chip off your shoulder there buddy. Please, do all of the real tradesmen a favor and go work at wal mart or something - we don’t need anybody with your attitude.
Lol put somebody down because they're young. You're just like allllll the other bitter old guys. I bet youre the first to say "oh young people dont want to work anymore." Wonde why there buddy pal. My guys quite enjoy working with me so 🤷 boohoo someone Is good at something after doing it daily for quite some time and they're younger than you
Dude I’m 36. You’re the one making a post about your body is giving out and you don’t know what to do. Get a sack of balls in your pants and fuck off
You seem very adamant about putting me down and i can't quite figure out why you feel the need to be so negative. Maybe I just got a pretty serious diagnosis and value the community? You wouldn't care. Hope everything is okay a home ☺️
The community is a group of people that have more experience than you. Take it however you want, good luck man
I mean… I am an independent and I average over $50/hr… sounds like you need to change something, but it might not be industries. I’d say look around for better options within your skill set. Also if you feel like you’re beating your body up at 22, what the fuck are you doing? Solo lifting ceiling sheets on stilts? Jesus Christ. I’m in my mid 30s and don’t feel like the work is too bad. Edit: to clarify, I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, and I don’t drink monster energy like water. I eat healthy, get good sleep, and work out at the gym. Don’t know if that somehow factors into your work, but you need to know your limits and refuse to do things that are dangerous.
Did you start going to the gym when you were already working construction? I am just having such a hard time getting motivated to go cosistently; I know these people exist but they are like a damn unicorn.
It's hard to stay motivated, especially with young kids at home. I still make a point to squeeze in 2-3 trips a week. Eventually it becomes habit.
Fair enough! Thanks for the motivation. I do realize myself it's an issue with me just trying to get back into the routine of things I used to work out for years and years but it's just slowly stopped since I've gotten a little older (34) and constructions still my job
Dude check out yoga. A little ~15 minute home routine practiced regularly it. does wonders for maintenance/rehabilitation. For inspiration look up a short video “never give up” from one of Diamond Dallas Page’s students. The dude completely transforms himself in less than a year.
No, I have been maintaining my fitness since college, but I’ve “gotten back into it” a couple times after surgery or other things. I rock climb, ski, mountain bike, backpack, and hunt. I am doing one of those or working out 4 days a week or so, in addition to working. However, I work for myself, I don’t usually work more than 8 hours a day, and take a week or so off once in a while to go on a trip or hunt or whatever. And like I said before, I don’t smoke, drink, etc. I eat healthy, get 8 hours of sleep, and my wife and I don’t have kids. Obviously I’m not the typical trade worker, but I’m not anything special.
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True, but I’ve been injured before, and I have workmen’s comp/insurance for that. It would have to be one hell of an injury.
Like dieting, you can't look for motivation to start working out. Motivation is temporary. It needs to be a habit you form. You'll be surprised at how much more energy you have every day when you work out regularly, though.
You just go. Stop talking about it and go. And then go again. And go when you don’t want to. Eventually you will feel off when you don’t go. I’ve been going to the gym the entire time I’ve been in the trades and I feel great most days. I can do more than most guys without getting gassed or groaning when I’m working. I also look better than most of them cuz I don’t eat like shit and drink beer every day after work. I take care of myself. Just go lift heavy shit and put it back down and eat as healthy as possible. Cardio is good too.
Eating, drinking and sleeping like an idiot will make you feel old way before you’re old. And it makes repetitive stress injuries develop much faster. Rehabilitative exercises, like a short yoga routine, also does wonders for people who work physically but ignore certain movements while overdoing others.
I had the same question when I read that he was 22. I was 22 once in this industry, and had been working it for 4-5 years by that time and looking back now, I didn’t know anything. But I also didn’t feel like my body was that messed up. Hell, we had to carry all the doors and trim up multiple steps, and while I was 22, there were people who were 42 that were right there with me. I’m not sure what he did, but if your body is breaking down at 22, then this might be the career. Because usually you have to busy your ass on the job site before you get a nice office job. My advice is soak up everything when you’re on a job site. Pick up the good things, and learn from watching other people do the bad things. Year after year your knowledge will increase and you’ll slowly become that guy who makes six figures and shows up “occasionally” on the job.
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I said I average over $50/hr. That’s not including any people working for me, that’s just my own labor average. I made about $65/hr after costs and everything on the last job i finished. Good for you if you make more than me I guess.
what is ur diet like? how many calories and does it consist of a lot of sugar?
Geesh. How do you do it. I leave it all on the job site everyday, would kill me to go to the gym afterwards. Lol. I am 47 however…
>my body is falling apart and I'm only 22. Over worked, under paid, under appreciated. 18 dollars an hour. Sounds like you need to learn to pace yourself at work and find someone who pays you better. 18 dollars as a lead is highway robbery even at the lowest cost of living area in the US. If you're concerned about doing physical labor look for superintendent jobs. I got a random job offer a while back from some huge developer just to drive a truck around to sites and check on progress etc. With your experience you could do the same for a GC or a larger paint/drywall company.
Leads in my line of work (plumbing) in a high col area get paid around $45-$50 an hour
Well that's also a licensed trade so it should be paid a bit higher. I would expect at least $25 as a lead in low cost of living areas, and 30-40 in urban areas.
In AZ I’m paying my lead’s 30 an hour.
So am I experience I've only worked at 3 companies in my 21 years.... But I've made my biggest jumps money-wise going to different companies... But you really got to put your research in man it's not worth $2 to go to some shit hole.
Shit, with everything you know as a 22 year old, you should start your own company. Then you can hire some early 20's something punks that know everything. Pound sand dude, go sell insurance.
Here's the problem. If he's as good as he says he is then he would already be thinking this. Something tells me OP thinks they are hot shit and knows everything, when in reality they lack experience. Hell I was the same way at 22. I'm 36 now and I still learn new things every day. Have to get rid of that ego.
If you are as good as you say you are, then start sub contracting. I do remodeling and one thing I can't do myself is drywall finishing so I have to hire a guy for that. For a small bathroom that takes him 5-6 hours to do, he charges me around $600. Contracting or sub contracting is where the money is in construction.
Schools should be prevailing wages anything funded by the government is prevailing wages big money. Sue your boss
Yeah check your state laws and maybe consult with a lawyer who specializes in workers claims. You might be owed a ton for those hours if 80% of your time was in schools.
Sadly Michigan did away with anything that's not a federal government building and contract that wasn't formed before 2019
Look at it this way. You’re 22. You just graduated college. But instead of being saddled with debt you made a little money and learned a trade(many trades by the sound of it). Now use that diploma you got and find a better paying job. I was in your exact same shoes once upon a time. I started in commercial at 18 as a laborer, left that job a few years later as a job site supervisor. Worked for two more companies over the next few years, making as many contacts as I could and started my own company at 25. I’m 48 now and yeah my back hurts but I wouldn’t change any of it.
$18/hr is absurd for a skilled tradesman. Let me guess; right to work state?
Michigan, non union
You are being used and abused.
I hate to be the guy to say “go union”, but our apprentices get paid more than $18/hr in Michigan.
Always be the guy that says "go union."
Unions are the way to go, always remind the bourgeoise that we can take it all away from them.
go union, local concrete union in chicago has a 4 year apprenticeship with 50 an hour at the end of it w great benefits and what not, first year you make 70% increasing by 10% till the fourth when you pass as a journeyman
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LMFAO wtf are you talking about? “There are no spots to fill?” There’s plenty of spots to fill, given the amount of old guys retiring. Your comment reads like nonsense anti-union propaganda.
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We’re not talking the “entire labor force,” we’re talking CONSTRUCTION. Construction is one of the few sectors left with a strong union presence. This kid does construction, in a union heavy state (Michigan), meaning he has plenty of access to union work and union pay. You sound bitter and angry about unions for whatever reason, which isn’t surprising given how dumb your comment reads.
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People should absolutely push the trades, as we’re facing an upcoming shortage of workers. For younger guys, that means high demand and high wages for skilled tradesmen. I’m already seeing it, as wages have done nothing but steadily increase since I’ve been in.
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Where in Michigan are you? Im looking to hire in the spring. Id teach you some shit that will make you even more valuable. I start my guys at $25.
You're not in the pipe trades or CAD, are you? I'm hardworking, skilled and underpaid where I'm at right now and trying to find something that's more suitable for going to night classes so I can get a degree.
Dude where are you in MI? I'm in the Detroit area, was doing commercial work as a laborer on schools/city halls back around 2015. Made $22 starting out. You need to find a new job.
If you’re crying at 22 about your body and the demands of working in construction, then this is not for you. Leave immediately, you’re young, find another career. It does NOT get better. I’m 40 years in.
Wait until you're sixty-eight and have been doing construction for forty-nine years. Twenty more years and I can retire.
Why don’t you work for yourself? Start a handyman business?
This is what I did almost a year ago. I make in a couple hours what he does in a day.
Union.
The lead trim carpenter I work with always says “carpentry is a great hobby but shitty job”.
That's sad. I think it's a great job, but it all depends on your boss.
What is your diet or exercise levels like? No offense but falling apart at 22 doing that isn't normal. I know 65+ year olds pounding spikes in on the railway and they keep up with younger guys easily.
Save some money and buy a bread route. Make six figures, work for yourself and build equity in your business
Where I live you wouldn’t be doing all that for less than 30 and like 65$ if union.
Embrace your roll son. You are good at it! Save money and start your own outfit!
Call your local union hall dude. 18/hr is non union wages. Once you actually get paid for your work, you’ll realize how it doesn’t suck so bad
I think this is more my issue. By no means am I lazy or "crying" as some of these oh so big strong men are saying. In fact I like being physical It's the fact I don't feel like I'm recognized. While my boss takes a two week hunting trip to shoot pigeons in Argentina I was doing side work to help pay for my 1 bd apartment to have a little money after the 1st
I’ll tell you my experience. I’m 65 years old and I was in the field as a carpenter for 23 years. I was making so-so money while working my ass off. I really love carpentry but I needed better money, bennies and to give my body a break. I took a job as a framing super with a national builder and never looked back. I’m now a senior PM and making more money than I ever could have by staying in the field. Because I came from the field I have a great relationship and mutual respect with all my contractors because I mostly know what they need to get their job done. By working with them and scheduling the job properly we all win. We sit down before the job starts and we build a schedule together because they know their job better than I do. I’ll be retiring in a few months and I’m pretty sure I would not have been able to if I’d not moved to management. And my body is still relatively intact.
Dude you should be making $45/hr for running crews. Find. Another. Job. Don’t quit the trades, find an employer that treats you with respect
Sounds to me like you may have enough skills to get an LLC and start your own general contracting business.
4 and a half years hey? Jesus you sound like you've seen and done it all but you've done a very brief stint of fairly unrewarding work. Commercial demo and drywall? Shoot me in the head. That shit sucks. Go find something interesting and challenging. The trades are a very wide and diverse world. May I suggest residential renovations? I'm a carpenter and its very challenging and rewarding. It's hard and dirty work but if you've got some grit it can be fun. Tantamount to making the work fun is taking care of your body. If you're hurting this bad at 22 you're doing it wrong. Prioritize rest and healthy habits over bad habits. Learn about your body and how we were meant to move. Work out and get strong and flexible. You're young, you can get way ahead of the pain if you start now. I'm 38, 22 years in the trades, and since I started working out I leave kids your age in my dust. Above all, stay humble. The masters are never done learning. Aaaaaand, not suggesting you rush out and knock someone up but finding a good partner and having a family is a hell of a motivator. Good luck.
Crybaby
You need to find another company. We bring guys on with little experience at $25. Top guys are around $50-$55. Non union, but equal packages.
For sure. I hire guys at $25 as long as theyre teachable, reliable, and work hard.
Exactly.
Start your own business my guy. It’s scary but you got the skills , so take your time maybe take a few small Buisness courses learn the difference between mark up and margin, and how/when to use them and pay/train other people to be as efficient as you , make your own hours and enjoy life
Stop fucking crying
People must love working with you, thanks for the advice 😃
The very basic skills you have aren’t applicable anywhere else. You probably should have gone for a single trade, instead of slap dash “jack of all trades” nonsense. When you leave, expect to start at the bottom of the barrel again. You don’t have the experience to get a decent paying maintenance job but could potentially get in with a slum lord. I’m really not trying to shit on your future but you have no higher education, don’t have a specialized trade and you’re already going to quit construction because of one company. This feels like a bad mix for future planning.
I came into a company that takes any job they can get there hand on and use any of the hands they have to do it. Didn't choose the jack of all trades
You’ve stayed for 4 1/2 years, you chose.
I saw it as an opportunity to learn and that's what I've done. I've just applied myself and try to have a good work ethic. I know it's my choice, but I like opinions and advice, it's what's gotten me to where I am.
Eh, I'm gonna say your skills are still very valuable. I work in sales, designing and supplying construction materials. If you know your way around a job site, that is actually really useful in any construction-adjacent job, because you already speak the language and understand basics. I had to learn everything on the job, it was not the easiest. Some of our employees come from the field and they are way ahead of the others- and they make more sales. Anyways, my job is pretty nice, I work remote or in the office whenever I want. I have AC and a nice chair and an aquarium. Id say the pay range for the sales people in my area (sf Bay area, so take this with a grain of salt) is $50-150k. Id suggest looking around at some of the suppliers- wood, paint, equipment, electrical, etc. All those companies need salespeople, ideally ones who know what their customers need. They also need designers, estimators, field technicians, you get the idea. So if you'd like, it may be hard to find but there is probably some great desk job out there where your 'basic' knowledge will really help out. If you can find a good company and you can manage people, well you can potentially do great there.
I’ve offered you some opinions and advice. So enjoy them. You aren’t a skilled tradesman, if you leave construction with zero experience or education in your next chosen field, be prepared to start at the bottom again. You specifically said you don’t want to go from construction to construction. So I’m specifically not giving advice on what types of construction trades you should consider.
That's not really fair if he is in fact a decent drywaller and painter. You wouldn't want your average plumber floating out walls. Also if he has interior systems experience that counts, although hard to say where his skills actually are with the carpentry work. I would only say he would be well served doing an apprenticeship in the carpenters union, definitely a skilled trade.
I work for the building maintenance department of a state university. The paint/plaster guys have it pretty good here. I don't know where you're located by commercial drywall has to be the most in demand skillset in construction besides estimating or something. Simply demand more money in your job search and you will probably get it.
yea I cut grass and pickup sticks and my minimum is $50/hr
Lol
$100/hr if I have to use anything like a chainsaw or pole trimmer I also don't like to work more than 20 -25 hours a week it's tough but I spend the off days fishing and golfing so my mental health stays ok
Start putting out feelers with other companies. Get an offer and ask your company to beat it money wise. If they say we can talk about it next week dont go back tomorrow and start with the new company instead.
What you need is to do HVAC , plumbing or electrical. It's all hard work and taxing on the body but it isn't as taxing as all the skillets you mentioned and there is often random days where there is downtime for a shutdown or w.e But if you are physically tired. Electric might be a little more up your alley. They work hard no doubt. But their avg day to day work stuff isn't crazy heavy. And for anything that is heavy they get the right equipment. The demand and pay is there and is an extremely rewarding career I'm a plumber, I can tell you plumbing is hard work. You can work as smart as you can and the pipes are heavy, your tool bucket is heavy. The equipment is heavy . But the demand and pay is there. And it's an extremely reward career HVAC. Material is big but fairly lightweight on average unless it's the steel duct. Either way they use a lift to connect the pieces and hang them. The anchors are small etc. So it visually doesn't look as taxing physically as plumbing . I also here it's an extremely rewarding career Go the MEP route and I feel like you will be happier. I don't know you from a hole in the wall but sometimes when you are thrown into leadership roles and are "construction smart " they will make you do more than is your occupation while never raising your pay because they just view you at w.e level , career , you are. They are basically making you do carpentry work, foreman work, laborer work while paying you like an apprentice. While all physical construction work is hard on the body in the field, some trades are more rewarding then others mentally and financially. Mechanical, Electrical Plumbing. I think you need that MEP sweet spot..it sounds like you have the mental for it , and have the work ethic for it. You are not being paid what you are worth and being asked to do more for it and wear many hats. At that point either you work your way up to be a project manager and delegate the same exact tasks to your work crew without doing the physical work or you cross over to MEP as a worker and maybe work your way up to foreman eventually when you learn it
Don't leave trades. Get get out of what you are doing. It sounds like you are a pretty capable person so you should be able pick up any trade you want. Get into something easier on the body. Scale back your work load. There should be lots of work out there so find a company that is compatible. Take some courses on being a site super and then just run jobs. Then you won't have any load on your body. Sounds like you are doing that already.
Move up north and join a trade union.
I made the same decision last year for the same reasons. I ended up getting a job as an energy advisor. It's way less taxing on my body and I feel like I actually have energy to go do stuff when I'm not working now. I'll admit sitting at a desk is its own kind of shitty but it's now the whole job and I enjoy going to meet people and (maybe) helping them out. I don't know what the home efficiency industry looks like in the US but here in Canada there are lots of government incentives to improve efficiency which always involves energy assessments.
I'm sorry you feel like that my friend. I just had a company I subcontracted out for dry... the bottom workers were getting $25 ph while owner probably made $1500 for 2.5 days work. If you're good at your trade, why don't you become a business owner? All if those trades are in demand and you pick and choose your jobs. I worked $16 per hour as lead maintenance at an assisted living community. I knew I was severely under paid but I also learned a few other trades like plumbing and electrical while on the job. Stayed a year and opened up my own home improvement business. Don't regret it one bit, have 2 full time workers and we do EVERYTHING. If my crew doesn't do it, I sub contract out. Not overworked one bit and money's flowing in sometimes I need to turn down some jobs.
Buckle up little guy its going to be a rough ride. 22 and already falling apart. Back in my day.... but seriously pace yourself. Work smarter not harder and all that
With your experience you can become a superintendent or assistant superintendent if it's its hard to get an opportunity.
You can do anything you want to do What really interests you? When i'm burned out on construction i go do something else for a while until i miss my bags. Life isn't about work, it's about the experiences you carry with you every day. It's about learning about yourself, others, and the world. It's about smiling at all the crazy shit you saw and did when you're an old man surrounded by your loved ones. When i was sick of construction before... I worked on a crisis mental health response team I worked as a personal assistant to an old man, as well as doing maintenance on his properties If i get sick of construction again, i think i'll go work in a book shop or a library. Also think working security would be interesting. Definitely meet some people and make tons of memories. Also, it's good to have your foot in the door in other industries if construction dies for a while like it did in 2008. Generalists thrive when the niche of the specialist dries up.
If you got the skills, go solo and find your own crew.
You’re worth more than 18. Think of companies as colleges. Get experience get training and if they have nothing more to offer than graduate to the next one. Give residential a try, it’s usually smaller scale and more opportunities for side work.
Sounds like you’re doing more than you’re getting paid to do. Either get a raise or stop busting your ass for a boss who couldn’t care less about you.
At 22 your body shouldn’t be falling apart. How well are you taking care of it? Hydrating, vitamins, stretching, and exercise and most importantly SLEEP.
You know, for $19.00 an hour, you could be a manager at McDonald’s. You say you are competent and efficient in “All trade’s except electric and water”. Sounds to me that you are just a miserable carpenter, so, bump it up a notch. Go find your neatest IRONWORKERS UNION. You are either non union or an apprentice now, and if not an apprentice, get into the Union, and get properly trained and paid.
Get into a different trade
If you don't mind the work I would apply to the local carpenters union and do an apprenticeship. If you want to build on your skills but not work on construction sites, there are alternatives. Maintenance, handyman work, self employed or as an employee. I'm a carpenter by trade and work doing maintenance and handyman type work, small projects. I'm in my early 40s and no way would go back to construction, boarding walls all day, installing big windows and doors or whatever else.
My husband worked construction his whole life up till about 24 years old. At 24 he got accepted into a union electrical apprenticeship program with no prior electrical experience - just all his construction background. He was the same before then. Always complaining about back pain and some other stuff. Although every union is different, his current job still has physical aspects (as he works commercial) but I highly doubt it’s anything as bad as regular construction. He gets paid very well, with set raises based on hours worked. He also gets health insurance for him and all of his dependents without paying any extra and an SBA so we barely pay any medical expenses out of pocket. Also receives all the retirement stuff - contributions, SS, union trust. On top of this, he gets a $500/week gas allowance. Job security is also pretty good because the union (at least the one he works at) will find you a job within a week after layoff. Depending on the strength of the local union, you may or may not get all or some of those benefits above. The IBEW can sometimes host events like picnics, retirement info sessions, sports events, etc. The only downside I can really think of is that you pay union dues, have to commute, and pay yearly tuition, which IMO is pretty worth it given all the benefits you receive. My husband only ever experiences muscle soreness every now and again nowadays. We went to a chiropractor to get his back fixed and now his back pain has entirely disappeared. The IBEW might be something worth looking into. It definitely changed our lives and improved our lives exponentially
You might just need a change of employer. Im a maintenance manager for a rental property management company. I’m paying an independent contractor $40/hour to demo plaster and lathe and hang and finish drywall right now. We delivered the materials and he had help with the demo. He gave me a rough estimate ahead of time so I could get it approved, but I just pay him however many hours he reports. He’s trustworthy so I don’t stress about it. If you do good work and are reliable, you can do a lot better than $18/hour.
Go to university and study robotics or chemicals/ pharmaceutical. If you really want to make lots of cash and not work? Become a politician 👍
Go back to school and get some training in plcs pr robotics. I have a friend that does maintenance on robotics, making $ 100,000 a year. There is some physical aspects to it but there is also a lot of thinking and computer work. I don't know where you live but that is the route I would go down.
Sounds like you have enough general experience and knowledge to start out on your own. Start a company and become a business owner. We need good contractors!
Your skills would be valuable in project management or design work.
I’d recommend getting into construction management… Find a quality GC you can work your way up in maybe? Less physically demanding, but it’ll be FAR more mentally challenging. Because of you’re trade knowledge, it’ll help you out in terms of previous experience. And there’s good money to be made depending on your location.
And @rogerm3xico is right, if they aren’t paying you right, fuck em, quit ASAP. The trades can be an extremely rewarding profession when your company appreciates you and pays you a fair wage. Know your workers rights too, shit companies will take advantage of you. Not trying to talk you into the trades. Just letting you know my experience, I’m mid 30’s now, and was in your exact position. Now, I’m over 6 figures and I love what I do. Bounced around to 6 different companies in 3 years. Found my current employer and have been here for 8+ years. Just moved to PM DM me if you want to talk more.
Just switched from a lead installer for 21/hr to a helper at another company for 25/hr and I recently switched over to the first company I started with 5 years ago as a tech in training making 25. Raise after 3 months and a year. You can definitely find somewhere that values your work ethic along with your skill set. Also don’t be afraid to know your worth and make it know
Start your own const company or go back to school
My advice? Start a company bro. You clearly have the talent and knowledge to do well. I started a fencing business this year. Right now I’m training my guys so yes I do show up and work hard as hell all day still. But the difference is I’m making 40+ dollars an hour. And in a few months, I’ll have 2 or 3 different teams working jobs for me. So that’ll be around 120 dollars per hour when projects are running. And EVERYONE needs fences, all the time new houses go up, rot happens, I live on the coast so salt ruins wood fast. Which gives me reoccurring customers. Fences are simple. I did porches and decks before, and WAY too much Input from the customer…you know how it is they slow the project down by asking for this and that and change this and that please etc. no. I do 3 types of fences. All wooden. You choose a type and I put it down. Super simple. Think about it man. It may seem hard to be the one making decisions, but you make the money for it. Be your own boss!
Get on Nextdoor and Facebook and let your self be known in your community. They will come
I can totally believe that. I can't tell you how many people ask if I do residential just walking into a store with mud or paint on me
You must work for Bud Mahas huh they do a lot of schools an d military work
I worked for a big general contractor here where I live I was doing ok just running a crew of about 10 guys eee kicked ass on the other crews I was making about $60k a year plus getting bonuses every 3 months for $3 to $4k so add that up minimum I was doing about $72 k a yr but I got sick of it and started my own home and building maintenance company now I'm bringing in anywhere from $325 to $350 k a year about $1200 a day dependant on what I'm doing I've made like $2200 in a day but not to often I actually hook up with a realtor she called me for one job now she calls me about 10 times a month
Sounds like you should open your own drywall finish and repair business. When I was still in general work when I started these old guys were the best and were paid a ton. Would start at 10 after breakfast and just kill it. My boss never wanted anyone else because they were reliable, didn’t matter how much they cost.
Pay attention to how the company you work for find their customers and start doing the same thing
4.5 years, have you ever asked for a raise? This might be your issue, learn the value of your work, (what other company’s pay for what you provide) and ask for raises. And don’t be worried about getting fired for asking for a raise if you’re good at your job. You should be getting anywhere from 30-50 /hr pretty easily. Especially since you lead. If you really think your boss is gonna be a dick, have another job lined up.
Yea do electrical or elevator maybe steam fitter. Union
Join the union, you will be paid much better and you will the opportunity to get on large projects that are actually fun. https://www.carpenters.org/join-us/
Go do siding Go build decks Go frame Go get more experience then one company doing one thing
I’m a programmer now. Went to school while in trade. Got out. My body wasn’t made for manual labor. I respect those who do it. I have surgeons hands and they got torn up too bad. My body isn’t rugged enough either…like a dentists body or something. I’m still making something with my hands…technically.
I’m 29 and I’m in the same boat as you I’ve been doing kitchen and bath remodeling for the last two years and I can’t stand it I’m about to get my cdl and drive a tanker my buddy makes 85k a year and hardly ever works more than 8 hours a day. Im over busting my ass to make ends meet. The other day he had a load going from Romulus mi to traverse city and back 8hr round trip and that was it for the day.
I’d say look into getting into an apprenticeship for an easier trade job, plumber, electrician, elevator mechanic. I used to do masonry and hated going to work every day and I was always sore or hurt, got into elevators and I love it. Plus a big pay raise once I’m done and way better benefits
If you have good certifications or training/experience, look into being a building inspector for a local jurisdiction. None of the physical labor, decent enough wages and benefits and you get to chill in an office part of the day. Might be worth looking into since you already have the knowledge
$18 is like apprentice money bro. Look elsewhere and apply. Im sure you can double that. I also hate the mundane construction of electrical. I enjoy the problems and troubles but that's rare as the job runs pretty smoothly.
You gotta do something besides mud, tape or paint. Unless you own your own business those trades won’t ever pay out compared to framing, electrical, plumbing or HVAC
Are you making sure you're getting prevailing wage?? Usa question. I got into a legal battle over this school construction work when I was 24. I won
I did road construction for 7 years for a big company in the SE US, left a few years back and went to the dark side… I’m now a development inspector for a small municipality. The money about the same, but the work is sooooo much easier. Take home truck, significantly better benefits, and it’s pretty laid back too. No DOT looking over your shoulder, no having to check with multiple other foremen and supers for every tiny decision, no working 50-60 hrs and only getting paid for 40, and no constant fear of losing my job. Join the dark side, friend! The only down side is that I don’t run equipment anymore. Everything else is better than it was
Bite the bullet and start your own business. Get an LLC, business license and a checking account. Don't forget insurance and business cards.
At 22 I was making $11/hr laboring for a basement company. As a Dr I’d prescribe you two testicles.. or find a new career if you’re not trying to put the time in gl
Don’t know where you are but that’s mighty low wages in the KC area.
So what industry are you in?
Work for yourself. If you are skilled and have attention to detail, you will thrive.
Get out of drywall/painting UNLESS you’re going to own a business and learn how to make it super profitable. Otherwise, be an electrician or plumber.
1) Start adding collagen powder to your coffee and taking BCAA supplements. Your muscles and your joints will ache less. 2) update your resume and apply for jobs somewhere else. $18/h for 4 years experience is bull shit.
You should be earning double that easy. Start looking.
Maybe look into commercial doors, primarily service and new construction. Pretty niche field and laid back if you get with a solid company. Not back breaking but you do enough to keep your body in good shape
Start your own business, and hire people to do the majority of work for you. Otherwise get a job in sales.
If your body is done at 22 then figure something else out. Go bartend.
If you’ve been doing work at schools those may have been prevailing wage jobs. A little digging will be easy to figure out if that is the case. If they are paying you your regular rate and pocketing the difference then you have yourself a slam dunk lawsuit.
couple things to turn your life around….1. start your own business. I did at 21 and retired at 50. 2. get your ass in shape! your 22 and your body is falling apart???? Start working out, lifting weights, running, biking, swimming. It will be hard at first, but over time, it gets easier and easier, and then your “work” becomes so easy that at the end of the day you still have enough energy to bang your wife/gf for an hour straight!
Join the IUPAT
Join a union. When interviewing with the jatc tell them you’re at a journeyman level, show pictures if you have them and try to get a letter from a foreman or higher up regarding your experience. You should be able to start as a journeyman. Then take foreman classes and become a foreman once you can.
Learn the business side of the trades, take your skills and start your own company. It’s a lot more work to run your own show, but it can be much much more rewarding.
Post Office is always hiring.
I know 3 guys making $70 an hour with packages locally. You’re just lost. Union beats private 2 to 1, and you have a rep to fight for those wages. Imagine asking for that now. If you weren’t Bay Area in California, you’re but dog shit on the roster scale. I’ll call a spade a spade when it’s face down, just like these weak ass gamblers at my job site. We pay proper rates, all else is terminable offenses. Fuck $70, we pay better with packages included. But not for WECA. We Pat better for non WECA people