Hello, everyone.
I’m a 40-year old office worker and weekend remodeler. When I was younger, my brothers and I served as an inexpensive work force for our Dad, who was an architect and general contractor. We built several homes on spec in the 1970s and remodelled several existing homes. We got a good deal of experience in framing, roofing, flooring, window installation, etc., and while I loved the work, I continued with schooling and several years of college (though I never graduated).
But in the years since, I’ve not found work in an office to be nearly as rewarding as physically creating a room where there wasn’t one before, or simply repairing cracked plaster or painting a patio cover.
My question is this: is there any way for a 40-year old with middling skills to break into the industry and still make a viable wage? I am the father of two small children and currently rake-home about $2,500/month. Is there part time work available, usually? Can a person break into the office side of things and move over to the ‘trade’ side? What is the most realistic scenario?
Consider my career a cautionary tale–if you’re young and enjoy the work, keep at it or you might find yourself, years later, hating your job and wishing you’d pursued the work you enjoyed rather than what was expected of you. The funny thing is, even though I enjoyed the work, I still had the bias that it was work for people who don’t, for one reason or another, go to college so that they can make a real living. Now, though, I have more respect for the farmer, the carpenter, the plumber or anyone who works with his hands AND his head than with his head alone.
I’d appreciate any input…
-matt
Replies
A lot of people feel the way you use to feel about people in the trades. Guess what? My husband (Lars) has a BS degree and has been in construction for the last almost 20 years now. By the way he will tell you that around here we find that most that apply for the job do it as a last resort. He has joined a new group that is trying to change the image of the construction industry. They want to show kids in high school that it isn't a last resort job. We did have one guy that worked for us that on days of him doing digging for us he would look at a kid and tell them "STAY in school". To answer your question, I would do some weekend work with a company. I am sure that there are some that will be needing some help on weekends soon. They might not mind letting you see how it is. See if you really want to break into the business. Just my two cents. I am sure that someone here will come by with a wealth of advice for you.
Tamara
I set out on my own about 14 years ago when the Timber industry shriveled out here on the West Coast. After a construction apprenticeship (construction millwright) after college, I worked into foreman and managerial positions and pretty much got my fill of it. Excellent pay and bennies, long hours and most of the sites I worked are now parking lots.
The concern starting out on your own is having the income and cash flow to support your family while building your business. Had I not been debt free with a spouse making a good income, it would have really been tough to be buying shoes for some little guys and building up the tool inventory necessary while I built a customer base.
I always wanted to be independent and be my own boss, but every class, every book on small business and people already doing it said it takes 2 to 5 years to start making money. I didn't really believe that but found it to be pretty much true. There are exceptions of course, but it's been my observation that generally, a small business takes time to ramp up to viability.
Right now, the construction economy is pretty strong most places, but that could go south in a heartbeat.
Now, I'm not trying to sound negative, and I can certainly relate to your dilemma. You just need to do some homework in your area...maybe get on with a local contractor for part-time or whatever, until you and your family feel ready to take the plunge.
And you might do a search on this Forum...this topic has been disussed at length as recently as 2 or 3 months ago.
Best of luck to you!
Matthb,
I have switched gears a couple times, and have not regretted doing it. I always encourage people to take a chance, and find out what they want to do, and do it.
You already know what being a carpenter is like. Do you remember doing some things you didn't really want to do, or working in the mud, heat, snow, etc.? Don't just get romanced by making stuff, tools, and pride in your workmanship without remembering that sometimes it's just a damn hard job. I think the rewards are worth the tough times, and you shouldn't have much trouble making the same or better money, depending on where you live.
Maybe the hardest part of the transition would be listening to the lousy music most of the younger guys and subs play.
Go buy some headphones,get out your tools and whack away at it.
Dog
with 3 dependents... i imagine your take home is close to your gross.. and i'm guessing you could make that amount almost starting out.. at least in our area you could.. but where do you live..?
cost of living is all over the map....
based on what you wrote, you have a lot of skills that good companies are looking forMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Matt, I was 26 or 27 when I found a builder that needed some weekend help. I had a whole lot less in skills than what you are starting with, and even fewer tools. I started cleaning up framing sites and being the gopher for the guys that worked Saturdays. They were good people that taught me some of the basics. I got labors wages and worked (labored) at my lab job and went to college durring the rest of the week. Two years of part time work and a gut full of "office" politics later I jumped to construction full time. I have since then operated my own business full time, then part time as I worked for other contractors in the commercial construction market. For the last 18 years I have worked as a maint. tech. for a utility company because I enjoy the work and the pay/benefits/security/pension are better than what I was getting working for the contractors. I still run my remodeling buis. part time. I can't get it out of my blood. At a soon to 56 some jobs are a little tougher to do than at 27, but I still love it.
Nothing ever seems to follow our plans in this business, but make yours as best you can and hope for the best. At forty you are still young enough to make a living in the trades if your family will stand with you durring the inevitable down times.
Good luck.
Dave
Been there also. I received a BSME 23 years ago and formed a steel fabrication biz designing and manufacturing fitness equipment. My wife was expecting our first child so I added a second floor to our 2 bedroom home. She said I looked good in a tool belt so a new career was launched. I tried rehabbing but didn't like associated market risks (remember the 1987 market crisis?) so remodeling was a natural choice for me. That was 15 years ago. I feel fortunate to have a sound biz that offers good salary, a comfortable back log of jobs, and lots of freedom to enjoy fun stuff. I also manufacture a construction product that nets a modest supplement income. My three buddies who are engineers work 50 hrs a week including saturdays and earn less than I do. Their stress levels are high and family time is very limited. I have never worked a weekend or missed dinner with my wife and kids.There is no amount of money that could drive me from my them.
Clients or potentials who are inconsiderate or unreasonable demanding are told to find another contractor- try this approach next time your superior(s) aggrevates you! In recent years I have encouraged two friends to start out on their own- one made the other did not. Clearly a risky idea but if you have recognizeable talent(s) promote them and folks will pay you generously them. Good luck and I support your initiative. Keith
construction money......
all depends how good you are...
and how well you sell yourself.
Just like the rest of the world.
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
Thanks to everyone who responded. I'm encouraged and am working up a resume based on my building experience. As a lateral move, I plan to apply for some openings with builders for customer service--this will at least get me closer to the industry than I am now.
If anyone knows where I might find the previous discussions of this topic that were mentioned earlier in the thread, I'd be grateful if you could point the way for me.
Thanks again.
-matt