Career Change???

[bucky7680]

Re: Career Change???

Instead of a career change it sounds like you might need an employer change. I was in the same boat as you during the last resession. I went from the construction trades to the medical field. Any well paying medical job requires a minimum 3 yrs of education and a licence. I'm a Radiation Therapist now. I make 100k+. I work 40 hrs a week and have weekends and holidays off. I was 35 when I went back to school 15 yrs ago. I worked full time and went to school full time. I was lucky to have a supportive wife and family. At 52 the time left in your working career might not be long enough to make the investment pay off. I think your best bet is to start some type of business on the side and try to build it up to the point that you can leave the HVAC field. Do you have land and the correct zoning at your house to build a pole barn to house a business? The canvas business sounds ike something that requires minimal investment in tools and equipment as log as you have the space. The other thing about a business is that it can be sold when you decide to retire. I own an RV/Boat storage lot that I get an average of $50 a month for each unit. I already had the fenced land. I just put in gravel, a sliding gate with a combination lock and a sign out front. It took me 3 months to get full and now I have a waiting list to get a spot. Just remember nothing ventured nothing gained. Just work as hard for yourself as it sounds like you work for your boss now.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Career Change???

So you are salary ?

And they are increasing your hours? nothing new there.

Company paid retirement/pension disappeared, nothing new there.



" it is getting to be painful to perform my work. Also the grease and dirt jobs I get into tends to turn me off of the jobs "

your getting older, body is hurting, don't want to keep doing greasy dirty work for the rest of your working days.

nothing new there.

"the blood and sweat type jobs just doesn't bring in the money like they use to."

ya think?

Sounds like you are in the same boat that i am, and millions like us. At least I'm not salary and get paid for my hours. ( averaged 61+ per week last year.)

Canvas work is tedious work. Not only do you need the skills, but lots of patience.

The ice business sounds interesting.

Keep your eyes open, something will jump out at you.

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Career Change???

OK....you seem good at what you do....but feel you are being taken advantage of a little.

In your country, can you become a sub-contractor instead of an employee?
Once you get the 12month debt plan sorted, would it be possible to become a contractor, as in run your own business, and sub-contract to your current employer.....plus of course take on other customers.
You will become responsible for everything financial of course....so your rates will increase dramatically....but that may suit your employer too....he has no responsibility for you.

If you'r are a little cautious, then maybe you start building up work on the 'side', as in weekends, so when you do decide to make a move, you have something already established.

Last option is, stick with what you are doing, stop overworking yourself, (if a job takes 2 hrs, then don't bust your gut to do it in 1.5hrs) etc, then start something on the side for yourself...preferably a hobby you can turn in to $$'s, or just contract yourself out at what you curently do.

My electrician gave up his business and works for a boss. In evenings and weekends he does cash jobs....picks the best ones, and says he can make as much in cash as he takes in net wages.
He is going to do my packing shed over 2 sat mornings and his cash price is way less than his bosses price, so I don't worry about writing it off to the business....I am well ahead.

Cheers
Phillip