I couldn't agree more. As a retired R&D engineer myself, I agree with you and Mike Rowe that the trades need to be more respected and encouraged, not just as a fallback for those who do not thrive on academics.
HVAC, electrical work, and plumbing may not be as complex as physics and chemistry, but there is plenty enough to learn that would be challenging even for most scientists and engineers. And that is before we even consider the major challenges of running a business.
Russell, You are so right. I jokingly say that all you need to do to make 100 to120K a year as a plumber is take the time to learn the trade...and don't forget to grow a "plumbers crack." You will have a job forever and no machine will replace you and your knowledge. When as a plumber, you go to a job, and you charge $150.00 and the client complains about the charge, you have the opportunity to say the following: "Sure the job really only cost me 25.00 but you are paying 125.00 for all my years of experience."
For everyday jobs that keep us all going on a daily life, there will never be a replacement for skilled tradesman!
And plumbing can be a really nasty job at times. Think about being on your back under a cramped sink dealing with a rusted on or stripped nut -- when failure is not an option. Or clearing a severally clogged toilet filled with you know what. Or working in a crawl space under a house. Not something I would want to do, but the good ones can do it with a smile on their face.
I couldn't agree more. As a retired R&D engineer myself, I agree with you and Mike Rowe that the trades need to be more respected and encouraged, not just as a fallback for those who do not thrive on academics.
HVAC, electrical work, and plumbing may not be as complex as physics and chemistry, but there is plenty enough to learn that would be challenging even for most scientists and engineers. And that is before we even consider the major challenges of running a business.
Russell, You are so right. I jokingly say that all you need to do to make 100 to120K a year as a plumber is take the time to learn the trade...and don't forget to grow a "plumbers crack." You will have a job forever and no machine will replace you and your knowledge. When as a plumber, you go to a job, and you charge $150.00 and the client complains about the charge, you have the opportunity to say the following: "Sure the job really only cost me 25.00 but you are paying 125.00 for all my years of experience."
For everyday jobs that keep us all going on a daily life, there will never be a replacement for skilled tradesman!
Thanks for the conversation.
Sunny
And plumbing can be a really nasty job at times. Think about being on your back under a cramped sink dealing with a rusted on or stripped nut -- when failure is not an option. Or clearing a severally clogged toilet filled with you know what. Or working in a crawl space under a house. Not something I would want to do, but the good ones can do it with a smile on their face.