What are the downsides of working a job in the trades?

[Variable]

Some trades have to deal with extreme cold and extreme warm weather, such as working in new construction where there's no working HVAC yet. Or working outdoors in high and low temps and dealing with rain and snow and mud.

Another negative is that some trades people have to purchase their own tools and equipment and then have to haul this stuff to each job site. Not fun having to haul a generator around and the fuel to keep it running.

[SeminoleTom]

Originally Posted by jobaba

The other misconception is that people who do trades/contractors don't have college degrees.

I've met quite a few contractors who have them.

Various ones, sometimes from good schools.

This is interesting. I'm an advocate for higher education and personally I think its a good idea to have a college degree for people in the trades. At least an AA. You can earn the certification with a combined AA program

A highly educated public is generally a good thing.