Looking for a way to bounce my thoughts around a bit....
I am thinking of a career change - although maybe it should be considered more of a job change to fit some life changes I am thinking of. I am currently a high school science teacher - have been for the past 7-8 years. Before that I was a petroleum geologist that worked for short stints at 3 major oilfield related companies (ConocoPhillips, Shell and Baker Hughes). My work as a petroleum geologist was very corporate and 'white collar' for lack of a better way to put it - I wasn't out working on a drilling rig, although I always enjoyed to opportunity to spend some time on the rig when needed. I also did a few years as a research geologist and taught at a small college (mostly a 2 year school). Of course, I also have some full time work years as an outdoor educator and still do to this day with about 30 days or so each year as a second job - really I just like it a lot and it gives me an excuse to spend as much time in the mountains of Montana as possible.
But now, I am hitting that point where I am ready to shift again - at least in terms of moving on from my primary job teaching school. One of my interests is to maybe shift into something more vocational. Is there a place for a 40 year old, mostly academic, changing careers into something like welding, fabricating, machining etc? I have been looking into certificate programs at the local education centers here in Denver (Lincoln Tech is most prominent locally), and most offer various programs toward certification. What I should look for in these programs - from my perspective, which ones will provide the most job opportunity afterwards? What jobs are really out there? For those of you in these fields, do you work with many career transplants like me, and/or would you hire someone like me? Can I make enough money to pay my bills (remember I am a high school teacher so my salary expectations are reasonably low)?
I feel like there are quite a few members here that are connected to this area of business and probably have great advice and suggestions....THANKS for your thoughtful responses...