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Thread: Career Advice...?

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    Default Career Advice...?



    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...
    ___________
    James Orofino
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    Default Re: Career Advice...?



    I can’t answer your specific questions James, but can share from personal experience. I was a journeyman union carpenter when I decided to change careers at about age 42. I went to night and weekend school for a year in computer programming while working 40+ in construction. I had no issues finding work and have been gainfully employed in that field most all of the following 25 years.

    40 is too young to experience age discrimination imo. I would encourage you to research the entry level jobs availability in your area of interest. And if they are available don’t let your age deter you.

    Just my $.02
    ___________
    Tom
    -.- . ----- .-- - -.-.

  3. The Following Member Says Thanks to Tom For This Post:

    FINOCJ (March 11th, 2019)

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    Default Re: Career Advice...?



    Do you have money to purchase some necessary equipment in the field you are looking? Why not learn it and invest into running your own business? It would require an investment but no risk no reward right?
    ___________
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    Default Re: Career Advice...?



    X2 on your own business, especially with a free summer and a career to fall back on. I could see you running something like this:

    http://thejeepfarm.com/


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    Default Re: Career Advice...?



    If you have great work ethic age doesn’t matter especially in construction type work. And as stated above you do have a career to fall back on.

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    Default Re: Career Advice...?



    James, from my experiences with you over the last couple years, I believe you would be successful at just about anything you decide to pursue whole-heartedly. Good luck in pursuing that which brings you satisfaction and joy.

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    Default Re: Career Advice...?



    I think I am starting to identify two main concerns:
    1) I am not sure what is the best way to develop the skills that I want to use. I am usually willing to give most things a go with my jeep in terms of repair etc, but I am still truly a hack. I am not even a decent shade-tree mechanic etc. I have been working on my MIG welding for 5 years and it still sucks! So that is a big concern...I am going to need to find formal instruction to develop these skills and am trying to figure out what is the best way to do that.

    2) I am eventually going to have to find some entrepreneurial spirit. I am a bit hesitant to run my own business, but the reality is, If I could develop the trade skills to enjoy my work, and eventually be able to contract my own work on a schedule and work load that suits me - that would be ideal.
    ___________
    James Orofino
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    Default Re: Career Advice...?



    Front Range Community College is likely the least expensive option. Don’t have any idea how they a received by their associated industries.
    https://www.frontrange.edu/programs-...ive-technology
    https://www.frontrange.edu/programs-...list/machining
    https://www.frontrange.edu/programs-...ing-technology
    ___________
    Tom
    -.- . ----- .-- - -.-.

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    Default Re: Career Advice...?



    Nothing to add, other than to wish you the best of luck, and I hope the change is exciting and fulfilling! (And I never knew FRCC had auto mechanic classes...!!!)

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    Default Re: Career Advice...?



    Paul previously posted:
    "X2 on your own business, especially with a free summer and a career to fall back on. I could see you running something like this:

    http://thejeepfarm.com/

    "

    wish I had the skills to build those....
    ___________
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    1970 CJ5
    1958 Willys Wagon

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    Default Re: Career Advice...?



    Just a thought - have you looked into working at a STEM school? A science teacher who has some hands-on skills might really come in handy. Imagine building different mechanical items such a robots, go-karts, etc. You might be able to step into the role with some minimal welding skills.

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    Default Re: Career Advice...?



    FINOCJ previously posted:
    "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)?"

    Materials and processes are based in science, this would be a natural extension for you. The greater problem is that you could be bored with many of the technician duties.

    My old shop used A&E Technologies in Golden for parts we could not make in-house. Perhaps they would have time for an "informational interview" and answer some of those educational questions. With any luck, they'll have time to give you the nickel tour.

    http://www.aeweldshop.com/

    FINOCJ previously posted:
    "I have been working on my MIG welding for 5 years and it still sucks!"

    Maybe it is time to have an experienced welder come to your shop and look over your shoulder.
    ___________
    The Lost Boys motto: We don't know where we're going, but we'll be there for awhile. :)

  14. The Following Member Says Thanks to Hypoid For This Post:

    FINOCJ (March 14th, 2019)

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    Default Re: Career Advice...?



    James as a union mechanic, I can't tell you the wledong, and mechanic fields are growing. Or as an opperator you can make good money have great beifits too.
    But starting is not great and you got to put in sometime and such to make the steps.
    As for what schools. Go and see the program. You will see fast who is chump and who is not.
    So much option out there man.
    ___________
    Crazy- You call me crazy, but you wouldn't know crazy if Charles Manson was eating Fruit Loops on your front porch. Suiciadl tendancies- intatutionalized

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