Welding, woodworking and electrical workers ... all fantastic skills that shld be taught today. If i were a plumber or in HVAC, i would be wealthy. Great story abt your Grandmother.
Welding, woodworking and electrical workers ... all fantastic skills that shld be taught today. If i were a plumber or in HVAC, i would be wealthy. Great story abt your Grandmother.
It was by far the biggest day in her life. She was surrounded by celebrities like Miss America and some Hollywood folks...and was honored as Baltimore's "War Mother" for having 6 sons, a stepson and 3 sons in law in the military. They served in all branches and many theaters of the war. And all survived and came home. My mother and the family were very proud of that.
If I were coming out of high school again today, with what I know now, rather than going to college to become an engineer and work in a bunch of poorly managed American corporations, I would, absolutely, go to TSTI in Texas for two years and become plumber/electrical and certified.
Then, get to work as my own boss. It would take a few years to build, but, I would, assuming good health which I did have, have been happier, more active (sitting on arse much less), and have a business to hand off to my kids.
Plus, I would never have had to deal with the steady stream of incompetent white managers who were promoted based on their skill at prostrating themselves at the bosses feet like I did have to put up with as an engineer.
Mike, I am in the same boat. I'd really like to have had the opportunity (or even the idea) to go into the trades rather than "off to college" where, admittedly, I had the freedom to pursue an academic degree in Criminology, play and letter in two sports, and be a member of the symphonic band. I cannot say that all three of those endeavors have not been important to me as an adult, nor can I say that I did not have a rewarding career in law enforcement that has rewarded me with a very good retirement plan; I do think that in many ways, the trades (for me, carpentry and nothing to do with electricity thankyouverymuch) might have been a viable alternative.
If I look back at my resume and the number of times I was left jobless by layoffs, downsizing, or due to my independence, would I have done it the same way again? It was hard to go along. It was also hard on my family who depended on me.
A story . . . I was fortunate to attend a Chicago all boys high school where I learned drafting, drawing house plans, house framing, electric shop, etc. I also picked up the essential 4 years of English, 31/2 years of Math, three years of Science. two years history, etc. I was the geeky kid who could shoot a basketball, run, and a excellent shot as taught by my Scout Master.
Graduated middle of my class and did not know what to do. They said there was one person who was undecided as to what they were going to do after graduating. It must have been me, maybe?
The year to decide my future and went to work with my father learning how to caulk and point building. Most of the time I spent on the United of America Bldg on Wacker Drive recaulking the white stone joints of the building as the old caulking turned black. Come December of 67 it was cold working ten, twenty, and thirty stories up. The wind tunneled down the Chicago River between us and the Marina Towers on the other side.
I came off the job, my feet were cold, and I had to decide my future or be drafted. I enlisted instead and left for San Diego Marine Boot Camp.
After the beginning of my third year, I was promoted to E-5 or Sergeant status. They started to talk about re-enlisting and going to OCS after they sent me to college. They already had me chasing prisoners which I hated. I knew some of them. I was beginning to understand what I did not want to be. One from working with my father on the scaffolds and two from being in the military. If I re-enlisted, I would e overseas after I finished college and OCS. Better Grade but kind of hard to take a wife with you.
I went to NYC to see about a woman. Married at 22, moved back to Chicago, worked a bit and started college. Finished in three years with a BA in Economics and a minor in Math. I was hoping to be an Engineer and a VP my wife worked for suggested this was a better route to take.
I worked for some pretty good petty and some real idiots. Moved around a lot. Became an expert in MRP II and Throughput analysis. Watched Manufacturing go overseas as companies were trying to shuck the Overhead. It was never the hourly wage or the material cost. It was the Overhead, your bennies, SS, OSHA, Unemployment, Workmans Comp. vacation time, sick days, etc. And yes, I missed a bunch more of the costs.
You ship Labor overseas and you are out of the manufacturing business and the Labor Overhead costs that go with it. So, you want to be your own boss? Can you kowtow to a nitpicking customer base? Can you take a lesser wage if they want a lower price because the competition underbid you? Can you afford the overhead of paying double SS. Healthcare? Dental?
It looks attractive to be independent. Maybe it isn't as great as it appears. heh? Story done.
The grass is always greener. Its all about decisions but many of us have the freedom to choose. Isnt that a blessing. Hopefully more people will as Bidens legislation kicks in. Of course, we could all become historians!!
Welding, woodworking and electrical workers ... all fantastic skills that shld be taught today. If i were a plumber or in HVAC, i would be wealthy. Great story abt your Grandmother.
It was by far the biggest day in her life. She was surrounded by celebrities like Miss America and some Hollywood folks...and was honored as Baltimore's "War Mother" for having 6 sons, a stepson and 3 sons in law in the military. They served in all branches and many theaters of the war. And all survived and came home. My mother and the family were very proud of that.
Ellen,
If I were coming out of high school again today, with what I know now, rather than going to college to become an engineer and work in a bunch of poorly managed American corporations, I would, absolutely, go to TSTI in Texas for two years and become plumber/electrical and certified.
Then, get to work as my own boss. It would take a few years to build, but, I would, assuming good health which I did have, have been happier, more active (sitting on arse much less), and have a business to hand off to my kids.
Plus, I would never have had to deal with the steady stream of incompetent white managers who were promoted based on their skill at prostrating themselves at the bosses feet like I did have to put up with as an engineer.
Mike, I am in the same boat. I'd really like to have had the opportunity (or even the idea) to go into the trades rather than "off to college" where, admittedly, I had the freedom to pursue an academic degree in Criminology, play and letter in two sports, and be a member of the symphonic band. I cannot say that all three of those endeavors have not been important to me as an adult, nor can I say that I did not have a rewarding career in law enforcement that has rewarded me with a very good retirement plan; I do think that in many ways, the trades (for me, carpentry and nothing to do with electricity thankyouverymuch) might have been a viable alternative.
Can totally relate, Mike!!
Mike:
If I look back at my resume and the number of times I was left jobless by layoffs, downsizing, or due to my independence, would I have done it the same way again? It was hard to go along. It was also hard on my family who depended on me.
A story . . . I was fortunate to attend a Chicago all boys high school where I learned drafting, drawing house plans, house framing, electric shop, etc. I also picked up the essential 4 years of English, 31/2 years of Math, three years of Science. two years history, etc. I was the geeky kid who could shoot a basketball, run, and a excellent shot as taught by my Scout Master.
Graduated middle of my class and did not know what to do. They said there was one person who was undecided as to what they were going to do after graduating. It must have been me, maybe?
The year to decide my future and went to work with my father learning how to caulk and point building. Most of the time I spent on the United of America Bldg on Wacker Drive recaulking the white stone joints of the building as the old caulking turned black. Come December of 67 it was cold working ten, twenty, and thirty stories up. The wind tunneled down the Chicago River between us and the Marina Towers on the other side.
I came off the job, my feet were cold, and I had to decide my future or be drafted. I enlisted instead and left for San Diego Marine Boot Camp.
After the beginning of my third year, I was promoted to E-5 or Sergeant status. They started to talk about re-enlisting and going to OCS after they sent me to college. They already had me chasing prisoners which I hated. I knew some of them. I was beginning to understand what I did not want to be. One from working with my father on the scaffolds and two from being in the military. If I re-enlisted, I would e overseas after I finished college and OCS. Better Grade but kind of hard to take a wife with you.
I went to NYC to see about a woman. Married at 22, moved back to Chicago, worked a bit and started college. Finished in three years with a BA in Economics and a minor in Math. I was hoping to be an Engineer and a VP my wife worked for suggested this was a better route to take.
I worked for some pretty good petty and some real idiots. Moved around a lot. Became an expert in MRP II and Throughput analysis. Watched Manufacturing go overseas as companies were trying to shuck the Overhead. It was never the hourly wage or the material cost. It was the Overhead, your bennies, SS, OSHA, Unemployment, Workmans Comp. vacation time, sick days, etc. And yes, I missed a bunch more of the costs.
You ship Labor overseas and you are out of the manufacturing business and the Labor Overhead costs that go with it. So, you want to be your own boss? Can you kowtow to a nitpicking customer base? Can you take a lesser wage if they want a lower price because the competition underbid you? Can you afford the overhead of paying double SS. Healthcare? Dental?
It looks attractive to be independent. Maybe it isn't as great as it appears. heh? Story done.
The grass is always greener. Its all about decisions but many of us have the freedom to choose. Isnt that a blessing. Hopefully more people will as Bidens legislation kicks in. Of course, we could all become historians!!