5 answers
MAX
Student
3
Questions
Asked
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Is a trade job better than a white collar job if im not going to college
I don't want to go to college and I want a job that requires some physical labor and pays well what are some options that I should look into? #job-search
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5 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Max,
I looked at all 3 of your questions. It's clear that you don't want to go to college. But, what I don't understand, you say you want a job that requires some physical labor, but also, that you are lazy. I'm not sure what you mean by "lazy."
There are many skilled trades positions. These include carpenter, electrician, plumber, truck driver, culinary arts, law enforcement, fire department, medical assistant, radiology technician, auto mechanic, and the list goes on. There are many positions in the oil and gas industry, but the hours are often irregular and take you away from home for extended periods of time.
They all require some degree of formal training, and often, continuing education. If I was physically fit, and not afraid of heights, I'd look at becoming a lineman (high line electrician).
"white collar" jobs aren't for everyone, and there's nothing wrong with not wanting one!
Kim
I looked at all 3 of your questions. It's clear that you don't want to go to college. But, what I don't understand, you say you want a job that requires some physical labor, but also, that you are lazy. I'm not sure what you mean by "lazy."
There are many skilled trades positions. These include carpenter, electrician, plumber, truck driver, culinary arts, law enforcement, fire department, medical assistant, radiology technician, auto mechanic, and the list goes on. There are many positions in the oil and gas industry, but the hours are often irregular and take you away from home for extended periods of time.
They all require some degree of formal training, and often, continuing education. If I was physically fit, and not afraid of heights, I'd look at becoming a lineman (high line electrician).
"white collar" jobs aren't for everyone, and there's nothing wrong with not wanting one!
Kim
Thanks for the help.
MAX
Andrea Leszczynski MPA, CCSP
Talent Development and Career Coaching
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
I’m a huge advocate for apprenticeships. This is a very popular mode of education for young people who are starting out in their careers in Europe.
When you’re young, it can be challenging to determine what direction you would like to go in. At that stage in life, you aren’t exposed to all kinds of vocations or may not be ready to commit to one path (like becoming a doctor). If you like to work with your hands, building or creating things, I’d certainly recommend a trade that interests you.
I would check in your community to see if there is a local agency that connects young people with apprenticeships in the trades and then take it from there. You can get paid to learn on the job and gain valuable technical and soft skills experience.
Good luck, Max!
When you’re young, it can be challenging to determine what direction you would like to go in. At that stage in life, you aren’t exposed to all kinds of vocations or may not be ready to commit to one path (like becoming a doctor). If you like to work with your hands, building or creating things, I’d certainly recommend a trade that interests you.
I would check in your community to see if there is a local agency that connects young people with apprenticeships in the trades and then take it from there. You can get paid to learn on the job and gain valuable technical and soft skills experience.
Good luck, Max!
Kristin Brandt
Human Resources
1
Answer
Irvington, New York
Updated
Kristin’s Answer
Hi Max, thanks for the great question. You should do work that you enjoy and that you believe you can do well. And the work should challenge you - not just physically but it should require you to learn and think hard about what you are doing.
Success in many physically intense fields is ultimately and additionally dependent upon softer skills: judgment, ability to learn new things, teamwork, knowing and adhering to safety precautions, etc. There is room for professional growth and such fields and you can develop skills that are transferable to other professions.
You can always go to college if you find that this line of work doesn’t suit you or you are no longer challenged by it.
Success in many physically intense fields is ultimately and additionally dependent upon softer skills: judgment, ability to learn new things, teamwork, knowing and adhering to safety precautions, etc. There is room for professional growth and such fields and you can develop skills that are transferable to other professions.
You can always go to college if you find that this line of work doesn’t suit you or you are no longer challenged by it.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
MAX
Melissa Argo-Butler
Talent Acquisition/ Human Resource
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Hi Max! Great question. I definitely agree with others that you should do something you enjoy. Technical school is always an option from learning a programming language or learning how to operate a specific piece of equipment. Most programs offer an apprenticeship so it really gives you that hands on training. Currently there is a skills labor gap therefore creating great earning potential. Regardless of the path you choose, you will build on your soft skills, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, organization which are all transferrable to any position.
Erica Otto
VP of Operations
1
Answer
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Updated
Erica’s Answer
Hi! I think the others gave good advice, but I think research is helpful to determine the best role for you- be it blue collar or white collar. Even many trade jobs require specialized skills &/ or physical requirements &/or natural (or learned) aptitude in a certain area such as math, hands-on learning, basic computer skills, dexterity, etc. You can research various trades to see if anything feels as if it would be a good fit. You can also take some online career assessments to get a better idea on what roles might best suit you. As long as you enjoy the work & become an expert in a field, the money will follow.
Loved reading this, thanks!
MAX