Blue collar careers and running

John Walker, was a BC worker and it did not hurt hem one bit.

Get the degree anyway. You may find a "blue collar" job you love, advance in it, then hit a ceiling in the field where you can't go any further without that bachelors degree. The BA/BS of today is like a HS diploma years ago.

I agree, stick it out. Once you start working it is almost impossible to go back to school.

I wish I could say I'd stick with college. It just doesn't interest me at all. I go to class, and I do ok, but I haven't picked any sort of major because there's really nothing here for me. Seems like if I stuck with it I could get a general studies degree of some sort, but then I'd be right back where I am now, starting at the bottom of a skilled trade, only I'd be 3-4 years older.

Blue Collar Runner wrote:

Seems like if I stuck with it I could get a general studies degree of some sort, but then I'd be right back where I am now, starting at the bottom of a skilled trade, only I'd be 3-4 years older.

Yes, you may be right. But the payoff in getting the degree is long term. You will be 3 years behind that guy who went right into jobX, but you will have more options open to you as you progress in the job/career world. That other person without the degree won't have as many options. Think about the long term horizon 10-15+ years from now. You could also run across an area of your studies that you really get into.

Are you serious that nothing your college offers interests you? You said you like to work with your hands, why not major in engineering? You talked about factories, you could major in mechanical engineering. It is not an easy major by any stretch of the imagination, but it is a great field and you could work with machinery if that is what interests you.

Colleges offer programs for just about any interest, it is up to you to decide what you are going to pursue. But I think you are taking the easy way out by dropping out on the reasoning of "nothing here interests me." Find out what does interest you, then, because I promise you there will be a program for it in some college. Don't look at what you want right now, nobody enjoys the education portion of college, but everyone understands the benefits of being there and getting through it.

Wow, get the degree. Find an area of study that DOES interest you, and go with it.

How can you say that nothing interests you at the college? I am sure there is something.

You will be so happy that you have your degree in 10 years.

Sure, you think you are a smart guy, but to everyon else, you will be that guy who never went to college.

I was in your shoes some 15 years ago. I gave multiple attempts at college but it didn't work out for me, I just didn't fit in. Deep down I knew at the time that I wasn't cut out for college but I tried for the sake of my parents and even because of my friends who were all in college too. I now consider going to college the biggest mistake I ever made because it was a huge waste of time and money.

I'm now a blue collar worker and I really enjoy my life. I run 70-80 miles a week, I snowboard, I XC ski, I hike, I kayak.

The bottom line is you have to be true to yourself. It's your life, live it the way you want. It took me a long time to figure that out but once I did I became a much happier person.

Do you mind commenting on the particular field you are in, positives, negatives, etc?

i don't know many people who ENJOY school. School is about doing your best and sticking it out. There are many days that I hate school but I know its so i can start out w/$50,000 salary.

I can appreciate that, but I hope you are in a field of study that you are at least interested in? That's my problem, there's nothing here I'm passionate about. I like working with my hands and a feeling of accomplishment. Two summers ago I worked on a drywall crew, and while it would not be what I would choose to do forever (it's hard work), I came home each night with a sense of accomplishment, work got done, and I was happy with that. I can't see myself feeling that way about being a bookkeeper, computer technician, or any of the other sort of white collar jobs out there. It's not really about the money.

I disagree. I know someone, a year or so of college, and now is a skilled trades type guy. Really knows his stuff, 15 years of work, has no problem finding people who want to hire him, and makes more money and better benefits then most of my buddies with college degrees. Actually I could give a list of people like this. In today's world it is about getting the job done, and not what is on some piece paper that you paid a lot of money for.

I recommend that you get your degree. I am just now beginning college 10 years after high school. The guys I work with are initially pissed/jealous that I am going to school, but will tell me later it is a good thing to do, because they realize it is a smart thing to do. If nothing else, a degree will give you more options. As it stands, if I get hurt at work, I am screwed. I am only qualified to do blue collar work, so my physical energy = my paycheck. If you have never worked blue collar, go out and get a job paving roads, or doing some factory work before you quit school. I assure you the culture is totally different, and the work is difficult. You will come home tired almost everyday, and your running will most likely suffer.

I am not saying this to knock blue collar work, or tell you that you will be miserable if you decide to pursue a blue collar career. I just think it would be a good idea to complete school, since you are already in that environment. I have a family and job right now, so attending school is less than ideal for me.

If you decide that you cannot stand school any longer, look into a blue collar job like HVAC, electric, flooring, or painting. These are jobs that will allow you to be your own boss (if you choose), really decent pay, and you will not be stuck in a factory or warehouse all day. HVAC and electric will require a license and trade school if you want to earn any money at all, but there will always be a job opening for you.

Once again, I strongly encourage you to finish up your college education. If you do not, remember you can always start back up later if you decide the blue collar route is not for you. Good luck buddy.

My ex fiance was a lot like you. He hated the academic part of school, and thus would do poorly. But the things he enjoyed most were gardening/landscaping, working on cars, and tooling around in the kitchen. He ended up going to culinary school and is a chef. Obviously, when he was working with his hands, he was happy. He never would've made it in a "regular" university situation and would've wasted his money. It isn't for everyone and it is hard to understand that if university was agreeable for someone. Nobody truly likes school, but some people can make it work, and some cannot. In fact, we need people in this world who are skilled at jobs other than those provided by a college degree. I would suggest that you attend a school that is gearded towards your interest b/c if anything it opens up doors and contacts. It will also focus on the practical aspects of your job such as how to attend an interview, bookkeeping (if you decided to own your own business one day), etc. PLus it should also give you that "sense of accomplishment" that you crave from a blue collar job. Good luck with it all. I am sure it will be hard to tell your parents, but if you come up with a solid alternative plan, they shouldn't be too upset, especially if that plan included a trade school.

I'm in manufacturing. I get a chance to work with my hands doing detail work that requires attention, I do enjoy it. Here's my take on the positives and negatives.

Negatives-

The work can be a bit tedious. Fortunately I'm someone who doesn't get bored easily.

Not to sound too much like a jerk but you often have to deal with people who are a little small minded and dull. Sometimes they turn out to be your boss!

Positives-

When work is over, it's over. I NEVER take work home with me. This leaves me free to pursue other interests.

I don't wear a name tag, work in a cubilce, have to dress in "business casual", sit at a desk all day...

If I were in my early 20's again, I would've gone into construction or something like that. I still would've been able to work with my hands and do physical work but I would've at least been able to be outside more.

Some of my buddys who did not go to college and became "blue collar" guys are some of the most succesfull happy people I know...At least where I live if you are good at your trade and have some spunk you will do fine..now days many people have degrees and there is a shortage of quality craftsman..again thats in my area..one word of caution..make sure you are being honest with yourself

Old Man By The Sea wrote:

make sure you are being honest with yourself

This is exactly right. There are many ways to be happy in life but if you stay honest with yourself then you've made the right choice.

Go to the local community/junior college and see what trades they teach. Being an electrician would not be a bad job.

Condor

get your business degree, go work in an apprenticeship, then start your own business with some entrepreneurial savvy. bingo, no office job and more cash for you.