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I am currently in mid management at a small computer company in mid Michigan. I have a few master’s degrees in training development. I have always wondered about a career as a carpenter and I do have skill at carpentry but lack experience. I am looking for advice on how to change careers at 38 years old.
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As long as yer asking, I'd go for middle-aged rock star (kind of a Mick Jagger sort of thing). You still have a few years to get there. It doesn't happen overnight, you know. As for carpenter, it doesn't pay nearly as well. And sometimes you hit your fingers with a hammer.
SHG
*Find a trade school that offers complete training and do it!I did it for formal training after working for my father's remodeling co. while growing up.I went to college and had 8 yrs. in sales before realizing I needed to work with my hands and for myself.We did kitchens and baths when I was helping Dad and I realized I needed to learn structural, exterrior and framing(structural and roofs)to grow a company. 15 mos. of living in rental apt. 2 hours away from wife and home, but the schooling taught more and refreshed more than 5 years of working on a crew would have.I still believe this is true do to my background in remodeling though.Check out the schools and see how extensive and hands on they are and combine that with your background.It may start you on the way to your own co., or it may give you a real start to working on a crew with room for advancement.Sometimes less money w/ more fulfillment adds up better.Do it soon...one way or the other
*Sean,(Also my son's name)Several years ago two of my friends, both in computer-related management positions, decided to start a remodeling business and get out of computers. I became their saleman and worked on the job about six months until I saw the type of product that I was selling, which turned out to be junk. They were nice guys, had some carpentry skills, but could not make themselves do the work correctly. I quit and shortly afterwards, theyy returned to the world of computers. It was a very big jump from the world (and pay) of computers to the life of a carpenter. Since my Dad was a carpenter, I knew the problems involved, but they did not have that experience. If possible, try doing some odd jobs to get your feet wet and see how it goes before you leave your computer job. I remember scrapping ice off roofs in order to reshingle--that might be a good place to start to appreciate the glamour of being a carpenter. Good luck and I hope whatever happens turns out well for you! Happy Holidays!!!
*What aspect of the broad, wonderful world of carpentry you aiming for? You are a few years younger than me, even still you're gonna' be feeling the aches of your tired ailing body if not now, very soon.What about wood boat building, or boat cabinetry, or kitchen design or doors and trim? I don't think you'd want to get on with a framing company. I'm not saying don't go after framing, but it is a young man's game. If given the choice, I'd shoot for a goal as a high-end finish carpenter. Lot's of guys call themselves finish...well, let's just say there has always been a market for a good finish carpenter.For a career path, I'd suggest 2-5 years with a house builder, then start aiming for your specialty. Knowing how things are put together allows you to develop a good foundation... Stop the press: I just though of this. You'd probably learn more--broader knowledge base--with a busy residential remodeler than on a framing crew. Here, you'd be pulling apart other guy's work--and figuring out how and why they did what they did--and then be putting it all back together and observing the different trades involved.
*Sean,To coin a phrase....."If it feels good..do it".Ed. Williams
*I'm going to have to go along with most of what Rich said. I've been a framing contractor for 20 years and it truly is a young man's game. Even though I am in my late forties around my crew I am known as "R.O.D." Really Old Dude. The suggestion to hook up with a busy residential remodeler is a good one. Every time we are involved with a remodel we usually come away with something new to try or at least a good story about how not to do something. It will give you a good basic background on how the parts of a house go together. The construction game is not an easy one but I have to admit that after all these years I still enjoy the process as long as the checks don't bounce of course. Good luck.
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Go for it! You've got a few good years in ya!
How? I like the advice of finding a remodeler. You'll get
a taste of framing, finish work, and you'll see just how
many tools you'll have to buy with those much easier-earned
computer dollars!
But there's nothing like having a cup of coffee in the
morning at your worksite, getting your day in order, working
outside a lot and developing skills that will last you the
rest of your days. I wouldn't trade it for the stones.
M
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Sean Look around Your area for a custom builder who still runs a crew, not the fellow who subs everything out. look for the absolute highest quality guy You can find, ask around, You are in a special market and I am thinking that you may have a supplementary income or a little nest egg so You can affoerd to live on what You are gonna get payed which won't be much. You should be able to find someone who will give You a try. If You go for quality at first and if You find aguy who still takes it from the ground up You can learn the basics and build a foundation for a future in building if it suits You. Personally I think that new construction is a better place to start than remodeling at least the first year or to. This business has been good for me. I'm not rich but I enjoy the work and pay my bills. Just remember to keep the quality #1 and You'll always be able to find work. Good luck, Skip
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Quinn,
If it;s any consolation to you, I;ve been struggling with the same question for the last several years. I have a masters in social work and have been working in community mental health for the past 20 years. I have restored my own very neglected 1830's colonial for the past 10 years and would love to try my hand at working in remodeling/resotoration. I have a friend who "builds them from the ground up" who has an opening but it feels very risky to give up a career with paid insurance,tda, and 4 weeks vacation for $14 hr. I currently continue wait and grow old but secure.
*Sage advise. Thanks. Rock on!
*Thanks Jeff. Good advice. By the way, what school did you attend? Any thoughts on schools near the Michigan Ohio border area?
*Thanks for the thoughts and the story about your experience. I was outside last night (in cold mid Michigan) building a home through Habitat for Humanity. It was a good reminder of the challenges involved with leaving a warm office environment.
*Thanks Rich. Good advice. I like your ideas.
*Thanks for the tips. I feel like a R.O.D. here with most of the graphic artists, web developers, and computer engineers being born while I was in high school.
*Thanks Mad Dog. Your last paragraph says a lot!
*Thanks Skip.
*It's true that you won't start out making a lot of money. That shouldn't be much of a surprise. I doubt if money has anything to do with it, but you could pick a worse financial move pretty easily. If you do get serious, and put in some time, you should be able to bill a good hourly wage within a couple years. I don't know where you live, it makes a big difference for pay, but a lot of hacks in my area make at least $20/hr. and some bill a LOT more.MD
*Sounds very similar. Jeez, I might give the decision more "air time" if I could get $14 per hour and not the $8-$10 people I'd give it closer consideration.
*Thanks Mad. I certainly wouldn't be a hack since I take what I do seriously. What area do you live in?
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Sean -
I stuck my neck out and did something like that about a year ago. I worked in an office, and kind of felt caged in. I was under a tremendous amount of pressure, and was working a ton of hours. (I once worked 29 days straight without a day off)
I quit my old job and went to work for a general contractor. But things shortly went sour on me. He managed to piss off all his carpenters, and they all left. Eventually, I was left the company, as the owner didn't seem interested in keeping his company going.
I'm now back at the company I previously worked for, but in a different job. (And, unfortunately, a lower salary) I'm not making near the money, but my life has settled down a lot. I no longer worry about having a heart attack on a daily basis.
So am I glad I tried it ? I'd have to say "yes". I learned a lot from the experience of working for a different type of company. The company I left (and returned to) reorganized their office staff, and is stronger for it.
I'd definitely give it a lot of thought, though. It takes a lot of guts to swallow your pride and go back to your old employer. Make sure you don't burn any bridges if you leave.
Also - are ya married ? If so, does your wife support what you're thinking about doing ?
Best of luck, whatever ya do.............
*Hi Sean,You pose an interesting question so here is my go at it.There are many ways to get started in construction and what will be best for you is whatever has the best opportunities for advancement. It is very tough to drop income and prestige and begin paying dues (gaining experience and humility at the bottom of the ladder). Honest, intelligent, talented, hard-working, individuals don't stay at the bottom very long. If that sounds like you, and your family and financial obligations won't suffer too much in the interim, then chase your dreams.Now for specifics; specialty trades are the easiest to get started in. Some are well paid some are not. Take a well paid specialty like electrical, plumbing, hvac, etc. and get in at the bottom. Alternatively if you want to do general work then either a big remodeler or Home builder might be a good start. Don't neglect the idea of working commercial jobs as they pay better than residential.What construction work are you now best at?Joe
*Sean,I hope you will be open minded enough to consider advice which is contrary to what you want to hear.simply put,the odds are stacked against at age 38.I am also 38,and to be honest ,the only people my age that I know socially who could physically do this work day after day are 2 firemen and a cop.(in fact I recognized my self in R.O.D.'s description so well that I am still laughing.and yes,there is a little tear in the corner of my eye and it ain't from the laughter)You may feel you are in pretty good shape from running,and working out at the gym etc.,but this is a whole nother thing. It is more like being able to take a beating each day(or having to take a beating).Believe me ,I am nothing special,no great physical specimen(the brace on BOTH elbows proves that),but this is just the way it is.I assume you are married with kids.carefully evaluate what you are considering doing to them financially. You are currently in management in your current career.Will your pysche be able to deal with the humility of humping plywood and other assorted gopher tasks to keep better skilled and more experienced 21 year olds supplied.Forget anything you ever saw on This Old House.Real life will not be anything like that.At one time I did quite a bit of work with my local Habitat chapter.Forget anything you ever did there also.A day on Habitat jobs is a day of vacation and socializing.In reality a skilled crew of 4 can do in less time what I have seen BLITZes do with 30-40.Get this months copy of FH. look at the cover.It will be a long time if ever,before you do that kind of pleasant work.Get a hold of FH from about a year ago. The one with the slightly over weight guy on the cover,bent over cutting in an awkward,somewhat dangerous position ,wearing an elbow brace .Welcome to your future.Can your idea work out for you?Yes.It will be a long,long shot,and you can take comfort knowing you have other skills to fall back on.Leave your present career pleasantly,and have a paper trail making it clear that you left"to pursue other interest" rather than were fired. that might ease your possible re-entry into computer work.You know,just as an aside......Most guys our age,who experience a similar mid-life crisis just go out and buy a basement full of woodworking tools,subscribe to Fine Woodworking ,become hobbyists,and develope snooty attitudes about how "true to their craft","in touch with the wood"and "Hands on" they are.In the end,only you can decide if you are gonna "put up,or shut up"Best wishes,Stephen
*I was trying to say the same thing, Stephen, but most of you guys here turned so serious all of a sudden. You're willing to beat each other up all night long, but you'd think this was like getting into the priesthood.Whenever anybody asks me about getting into any business or profession, I always tell them not to. That way, the have to really want it bad enough to suffer so that they'll ignore me and do it anyway. I figure that if they listen to me, they can't want it very badly.SHG
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Several years ago, I was bored with work, and thought I'd like driving a Semi, give me a chance to see the country. I bought one and learned just about everything the hard way, took a lot of lumps along the way, and all things considered, sort of look back at it as a break-even, waste of time with some valuable experiences and lessons learned.
All part of the game. Makes me really appreciate the positive aspects of carpentry. Instead of watching my body detiorate sitting in a rolling box and dreaming of nothing but the chance to take a nap, I am 38 also, in the best shape of my life, at least since I was about 22. And I'm creating something, instead of making smoke and beating up roads (nothing against anyone in the business) it just feels like good, solid work.
You don't have to get on a framing crew with a bunch of hotshot young punks that are banging up houses that all look the same. The experience is determined by choices, and some luck, but it can be what you want it to be. The cautionary words of Stephen and SHG have strong merit, and it is hard work, but I'm guessing you're more than ready to work like a dog, you're just bored at the desk.
The best advice I've read so far here: Don't burn your bridges. If you're a knowledgeable computer guy, you'll always have that to fall back on, there's plenty of well-paying jobs in that field.
If you're in your 50's, thinking back to "why didn't I give it a try" it'll probably be too late to get into it.
But I did have people telling me not to get into trucking!
MD
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I am currently in mid management at a small computer company in mid Michigan. I have a few master's degrees in training development. I have always wondered about a career as a carpenter and I do have skill at carpentry but lack experience. I am looking for advice on how to change careers at 38 years old.