Decision time

[Net Tender]

My first post in this forum was in regards to Welding as a career change. I actually found this forum trying to do welding research.

I have been given the opportunity to become a welder apprentice by a friend who operates his own rigs. He not only took the time to answer questions for me, he also allowed me to come out and try my hand at burning a few rods to see if it might be something I actually liked.

I am in the final stages of trying to make this decision of going down the path of becoming a welder or staying in the corporate cubicle world that I currently live in.

A few things about me that make this such a hard decision. I have never worked in a labour field. I have 2 degrees and a highly regarded professional designation. However, I am bored day in and day out - working a job that never has an ending or completion.

I know a few of you are welders. Anyone care to share the real pros and cons of going through this in order to run your own rig?

Thanks in advance.

[foxracing_23]

My first post in this forum was in regards to Welding as a career change. I actually found this forum trying to do welding research.

I have been given the opportunity to become a welder apprentice by a friend who operates his own rigs. He not only took the time to answer questions for me, he also allowed me to come out and try my hand at burning a few rods to see if it might be something I actually liked.

I am in the final stages of trying to make this decision of going down the path of becoming a welder or staying in the corporate cubicle world that I currently live in.

A few things about me that make this such a hard decision. I have never worked in a labour field. I have 2 degrees and a highly regarded professional designation. However, I am bored day in and day out - working a job that never has an ending or completion.

I know a few of you are welders. Anyone care to share the real pros and cons of going through this in order to run your own rig?

Thanks in advance.

I assume we are talking pipe. As an apprentice you won't do a hell of a lot of welding unless you are doing cwb structural welding. You will most likely be a helper, tacker, fitters helper, pipe cutter etc. for the first several years. It is long days(10-14 hrs) I've worked outside my whole career. So the weather is a factor. Winter isn't any worse than August. Pouring sweat at 8am.
Pros: I like the work, I like the guys I work with, most hunt/fish/drink/smoke so there's lots to talk about. And finally the money. It's great money.
One thing-you better be damn good at what you do when the industry gets slow
As much as I can hate it sometimes, I do thouroghly enjoy my job and after
Any length of time off, I do look forward to going back

[bb356]

I'm not a welder but could see the pride in finishing a well made project ... better than being in a dead end job and not enjoying it ... my 2 cent's !!!

[Don Andersen]

Net Tender,

The very best part you have already figured out. At the end of the day, you can actually see the results of your work.

Regard,

Don

[Net Tender]

Thank you all for the replies and the PMs!

Changes are hard. I know that I will never be able to gain enough information to know 100% that I am making the right choice.

Thanks to all who have tried to help me understand the pros and cons. :)