Help on finding a good career during this recession (electrician, HVAC technician, pipefitter)? (license, degrees)

[LookingForaCareer]

As a 21-year-old who's wasted too much money on college for a worthless sociology degree I've decided that I should instead choose a new career.

I'm considering joining an apprenticeship but my concern is whether my learned skill will be valued during the ongoing recession and likely future depression.

In a recession, how lucrative are the following careers choices:

- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- Pipefitter

I'm interested in all three and I'm considering choosing whichever of those careers will be more valued during the recession. I also really need a good career choice because I want to be financially indepedent of my parents which I'm not.

Any input on those choices or similar choices is appreciated.

[statisticsnerd]

Any of those or join the military...

Another option is to teach English overseas. You have to take a class and get certified and I've heard the pay is crap, but it seems like it would be interesting. I have an uncle who is over in Brazil right now teaching English to adults and he loves it. A bachelors in any field is required for that, which you have.

A third option is porn (if you are a decent looking female or a gay guy, I've heard normal guys don't get paid squat). You also have to worry about AIDS, Herpes, future employers finding out, etc

[LookingForaCareer]

Originally Posted by statisticsnerd

Any of those or join the military...

Another option is to teach English overseas. You have to take a class and get certified and I've heard the pay is crap, but it seems like it would be interesting. I have an uncle who is over in Brazil right now teaching English to adults and he loves it. A bachelors in any field is required for that, which you have.

A third option is porn (if you are a decent looking female or a gay guy, I've heard normal guys don't get paid squat). You also have to worry about AIDS, Herpes, future employers finding out, etc.

Thanks but I honestly have no intention of joining the military, emigrating abroad, or involving myself in porn.

Now, back on topic, does anyone else have any good advice on which of the three career choices is most lucrative and/or valued during this recession?

Any good advice is appreciated.

[statisticsnerd]

Originally Posted by LookingForaCareer

Thanks but I honestly have no intention of joining the military, emigrating abroad, or involving myself in porn.

Why not?

[JanND]

You are smart to learn a trade, we often count on our degrees to benefit us, but truly knowing how to do manual labor can keep you fed. All three of your choices offer decent money/earnings, pipefitter is less likely independent of a union?, Hvac, broad field possible, seems to be quickest to get certified in. Electrician you could get your apprenticeship, then journeyman experience, I believe you can research the license requirements for your area to become independent. Did you check on the apprentice programs on the Dept. of Labor home pages? Please do, there are sometimes apprentice programs where you can learn a trade. I know that in N.D. Hvac and Sheet metal both have been part of the apprentice programs. Also, re:HVAC at our local college there is a certificate program, for a very reasonable fee. You should check your local state or community college, for the non-traditional courses. Ours is called CEU ,Continuing Education Certificate. or, one last suggestion, go to the local companies that offer the jobs you just mentioned, ask if they offer any on the job training, you may have to convince them how serious you are, and that you'll be their hardest worker, someone may take you up on it. Your hourly income may be lower while you are learning your trade, but they may like the possibility of investing in you as a future employee. In my opinion there is nothing like on the job training/experience. Then learn your trade for couple years before starting your own business. Good luck, I'll bet your folks are proud of you, I would be.

[JanND]

Don't give up, many folks will seriously give opinions. You can report offensive posts by clicking on the little triangle shaped red icon on the top right side of your communication box

[bentstrider]

Originally Posted by LookingForaCareer

As a 21-year-old who's wasted too much money on college for a worthless sociology degree I've decided that I should instead choose a new career.

I'm considering joining an apprenticeship but my concern is whether my learned skill will be valued during the ongoing recession and likely future depression.

In a recession, how lucrative are the following careers choices:

- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- Pipefitter

I'm interested in all three and I'm considering choosing whichever of those careers will be more valued during the recession. I also really need a good career choice because I want to be financially indepedent of my parents which I'm not.

Any input on those choices or similar choices is appreciated.

With electricity being the life-blood of many households and businesses, it's quite obvious which one will suit your fancy.

I've done some college myself, but not enough to be considered anything of real value.
I've got a security guard card, but accounts and guard jobs reappear and disappear like mirages in the desert.
I also have commercial drivers license and drive trucks right now, but with few good companies out there and what I feel is hostility being fired at drivers from all directions, this venture is becoming more trouble than it's worth.

If anything, the electrician route is quite good.
But I would also throw welding and diesel repair tech training, the fields I'm looking at, as a couple of other worthy suggestions.
As long as things need to be transported, there's always going to be a need for welders to mend up train car and truck-trailer bodies.
There's always going to be a need for techs to diagnose the many things that can go wrong on a diesel engine on a truck or locomotive.