need help choosing a career

[Psycareyo 10+ year member]

I'f I could do it all over again I would be a state trooper. I had talked to my wife about it when we were dating years ago and she didn't like the risks and starting hours. By now I'd have a normal "9-5" position. Probably be making less money but I think I'd like the job better than selling cars. I'd use the same exact skills listening to people as a trooper as I do in sales. There is no difference at all.

You learn some pretty excellent skills as a cop.

It's funny, I'd be in the Marines right now if they accepted people with mild Asthma 8 years ago. So I've always been a fan of that type of work. Then again I'd never have met my wife. Equal trade off imo!

 

[1991Brougham 10+ year member]

If you are a cop, all your friends will be cops. Are you down with that?

If you are a firefighter, you can be a volunteer firefighter to see how you like it first. You may find it winds up being a good hobby and that something else will be how you make your money. You may also find yourself in love with the job and having accumulated some experience and education, be able to apply to FD's with a solid resume. Getting that kind of job won't be easy though.

Welding jobs depend on how well the economy is doing in terms of building Fairly Large Things. When times boom you get lots of overtime. When the economy tanks, you have to sweat out no job, relocation, lower wages if you move, etc., so are you ready for that?

For ease of getting a job no matter how bleak things get, be a cop. You can always find work in that field since there is never a shortage of Bad Guys out there. Be prepared for dealing with a lot of bureacracy and paperwork though. It's not all "CHiPs" and "Adam-12"...LOL! You will be seeing people at their worst and are you able to handle that? A good break-in job would be to drive taxi at night or tend bar. If you can handle those jobs, you can handle being a cop.

Rick

 

[fanninator 10+ year member]

dont need college to be a good welder
my dad has been welding for a long time (20+ years) im sure he has many certs and what not but no college

he makes about $80k, great money for him he is very modest and saves his money

while its not requited for a few placed a degree is highly thought of by employeers nowadays. the same uy i talked to a week ago said "no you dont have to have any schooling to work here but its a great idea to and on a application we would pick it over not, everyone is a welder but not many know how to weld."

and im sure it was alot easier to get a job in 88 than 08, not doggin on your dad or anything, it just that these days everyone is lazy and wants everything handed to them. just spend 1 1/2 - 2 years in a school man, it will pay off if thats the road you want.