Career change - What should I do?

[ADS]

I'm 23 years old and have been truck driving for the past 2 years. I talk to guys who have been trucking for 20+ years and I currently make the same amount of money they do. Some future I have to look forward to. I hate truck driving and want a career change. I found a local hvac company that will hire me with no experience at $10 an hour for residential service.

At $10 per hour I would have to get a room mate and live off of roman noodles and water for a few years until I make more. I also don't like the idea of residential, the customer watching everything I do everyday seems kind of stressful.

I'm just looking for a trade where I will be valued and will have a future with. I am willing to relocate anywhere in the US for a good job.

So if you were me what would you do? I've ruled out college. Is there any apprenticeship programs I can get into with no experience for industrial/commercial? I searched around and could not find anything. If you guys know of anything please post a link.

[pat461]

Don't know where you live so per hour varies by location. In New Hampshire you can go from 10 to 25 in 5 years easy. Go to work , go to school , get certified , get more certification , get out of residential , get into commercial and industrial. even residential HVAC can be rewarding.

[gtt]

I got into HVAC laaaaaate (48!) I 'd tried drafting, and hated it. And a number of other vocations. But, when I got into this trade, I knew I was onto something. Trouble was, my body almost gave out on me! I'd gotten some education in other fields, but the electronics helped the most. That $10 an hour is peanuts, but, if you can show your boss you got the gumption and drive, you'll do fine. Like the prrevious post said, listen, ask, observe, LEARN, go for the NATE, ICE and whatever else you can certify in. From the posts you will read here, there are good and bad outfits everywhere. You'll likely develop a sense of what makes a good company, after reading thru the posts.

[ADS]

what do you guys think of http://www.pipetradesap.org/?

They pay me a wage for the entire 5 years?

[wannagetstarted]

woooowwww. with no exp. doing servic man do it...not everyone is lucky as u . if u got a chance then go for it..everyone starts from the bottom in this industry..just soak up as much knowledge as u can. learn from your mistakes. and be humble. hopefully my day will come ....good luck

[wolfstrike]

HVAC HAS TO be better then truck driving.

you might have to put up with some winter lay-offs at first but in the end you'll be better off in HVAC

you've already mastered driving a truck. :)

[bruce campbell]

HVAC HAS TO be better then truck driving.

you might have to put up with some winter lay-offs at first but in the end you'll be better off in HVAC

:)

Yea, just tell him what all it has done for you.:D

[Tooner]

It is a big decission alright. If it is something you have interest in, do it. If you decide you don't like it you can always go back to driving or move on to something else. I mean you are only 23 and have a lot of time to find your niche in life. Right now time is on your side.

Another way to look at it is they would be paying you AND training you. If prove you have any aptitude, and are willing to learn and work hard they may pick up the tab for some formal schooling for you as well. If not, after you get a little experience other employers may.

I am 48 and just last month left a job that most people would be happy with. I gave up a lot to make the switch to this field. 30% cut in pay, 4 weeks of vacation a year, great bennies, etc, all gone. Why would I do that? Just like you, I had grown weary of my old career and there was no where to go in it. I now wish I had made the move 10 or 15 years ago.

My only advice is really that it is your life and life is short. Too short to be stuck doing something you don't like doing for the rest of your life. Plan ahead and follow your dreams.

Good luck.

[razorback]

Marry RICH!:D

HVAC and pipefitting can be two totally different fields of work. Both are great opportunities for a 23yr old. Whatever you decide to do, study hard, work hard, strive to be the best you can be, and enjoy what you do. Money and job security will follow.

[ComfortAdvisor]

HVAC HAS TO be better then truck driving.

you might have to put up with some winter lay-offs at first but in the end you'll be better off in HVAC

you've already mastered driving a truck. :)



You really have little to lose. Provided you keep your license in good standing, you will always have your CDL to fall back on. You could even work part time driving a truck to supplement your income. Or, you could deliver fuel oil in the winter (if you in colder climates).......or do any other CDL job.

Anyway, best of luck to you!

[isitfixedyet]

IN YOUR RIG , ALOT OF SIDE JOBS
sorry about the caps,, lol

I'd get into something thats more secure and stable! like the iraq war, perhaps

maybe less stressful

Find what youre good at , take a job assesment skill test at a local job service ,, they will help you get right at what youre good at,,
it helps narrowing it all down,,

[OregonYeti]

What you make per hour can have a lot to do with what you ask for. Get the training you need, then prove you can do it, then ask for what you're worth. Most of all, have the attitude that there is something to learn every day. I started a new career at 43 and love it. Also take note that HVAC companies hire people to dig ditches in rocky dirt. Not all jobs are the same.

[engineerdave]

ADS -

I never could back up worth a damn. If you've been driving, I assume 18 Wheels? So you at least have basic mechanical aptitude. You probably know how to inspect / adjust air breaks, inspect / adjust clutch, maybe jump out failed injectors?

If any of these are true, what part of the country are you located? I'd recommend stay off residential $10.00. You're getting it with no lube on that deal. You know trucks. Run with that. Hit up the ThermoKing or Carrier-Transicold guys, see if they need someone to jockey rigs, sweep the shop, fetch stuff.

I know that sounds lame on the face of it, but Transport Refrigeration is a very cool field and you may just already have a leg up, and with your basic Diesel knowledge, Transport Refrigeration is a logical introduction to the HVAC/R world.

While you're deciding, read as much as you can on this site and at www.sporlan.com

Good luck man!

[temp rise]

If you have a couple years exerience in driving I would go to work for a private car hauler I have four friends making 200 plus a year.it a lot of driving but its also a lot of money. on the other hand I started out at eight bucks an hour back in 1996 man am I old LOL :D and did it all the s--t jobs from washing the boses trucks to going to get lunch. it has taken me eight jobs and seven years to land the one I am at now I am paid pretty good but I have to say this is a rough trade as far as the bull you have to put up with letr me see your on call its maybe twenty below with wind chill your up on a mall roof wow thats rewarding or when you have to dig into your saving account to pay bills because its slow again that rewarding I could go on and on, there are good sides to this trade. the point I am making is that the grass is not always greener on the other side be carefull!!!.

[temp rise]

If you have a couple years exerience in driving I would go to work for a private car hauler I have four friends making 200 plus a year.it a lot of driving but its also a lot of money. on the other hand I started out at eight bucks an hour back in 1996 man am I old LOL :D and did it all the s--t jobs from washing the boses trucks to going to get lunch. it has taken me eight jobs and seven years to land the one I am at now I am paid pretty good but I have to say this is a rough trade as far as the bull you have to put up with letr me see your on call its maybe twenty below with wind chill your up on a mall roof wow thats rewarding or when you have to dig into your saving account to pay bills because its slow again that rewarding I could go on and on, there are good sides to this trade. the point I am making is that the grass is not always greener on the other side be carefull!!!.