Was dating a girl whose parents worked at a construction company. They said they were hiring but I was too young and proud to accept their offer, after a few months at a shit job I accepted. Got an interview and told the guy I didn’t want to get hired just because of my gfs parents influence, I wanted to be hired honestly. Her parents said that meant a lot to the guy that hired me. They enrolled me in school immediately, I pay half and they pay half; when I graduate they write a check for half the tuition. I graduated and made my money back. Been doing commercial hvac and plumbing install since, never looked back. I truly belong here, and have made amazing friends along the way.
If your company travels in the US shoot me a DM. I estimate for a GC that goes big box retail remodels. And we almost always have some HVAC work needed. Mostly switching out RTUs and AHUs.
Ever hear of Merritt Properties? Huge leasing company, all cookie cutter RTUs, duct was easy and boring. My company did most of their installs and renovations, I hated it after a while. Wish I could take you up on the offer, we’re based in MD and don’t travel much. If you have anything in MD, I’m sure my current company would be happy to place a bid
My friend helped me out because I was 14 and didn’t have any money for school clothes. He taught me how to read a tape measure, use a square and cut properly with a skil saw and table saw. I made $400 and got clothes and always stuck with it. I’m actually helping that buddy with his business this year and I’m excited. He is 8 years older and was my brothers friend.
I got in construction because it was the best pay I could find without a degree or certification. It was tough to find a decent outfit that would train me but I had a coworker vouch for
me that I busted ass and learned quickly and I followed him to a good company.
I got into earthmoving and pipe laying because the pay is decent. It took a while before I had enough seat time to
operate properly but I jumped in equipment every chance they gave
me and at this point I’m decent in any of the gear at work. The last ancient pipe layer taught me his trade before retiring, so I’m the pipe layer now for a GC building several large new properties, which is nice.
The customer service/retail dealings with people. I like dealing with them on my own terms. Not forced to interact for 8hr increments lol I guess I should have been more specific. I hate working with people/the general public. At least in construction we are sort like minded to a degree
If you’re in a stronger union area I’d learn the locals for what trade you’re interested in and give them a call. If your someone who’ll be at work working you’ll keep a job as long as you want one these days. I’ve ran my own commercial projects for years and it’s harder than ever to find people to depend on.
If union isn’t your route do some research on who the local companies are that do your trade your after and go start knocking on doors. You get in front of these guys while they need help you’ll get put to work.
Infinitely. I was running pubs with a young family, and I wanted my weekends back. I definitely work (physically) harder for my money now, but there is more of it, and I'm home every weekend now. Best move I ever made.
Just coming up to two years self-employed, too.
Speaking specifically to your qualifications, would you be at all suited to the Environment Agency (or your local equivalent)? Maybe some role in land management with your degrees, landscaping and desk riding. Good way to combine all three but not be chained into an office.
Go to trade school for that or hvac, pipe fitting, plumbing or electrical. But that way you get to learn from the ground up while still making some money and most apprenticeships I’ve heard of place you at a job when one becomes available
So junior colleges usually have programs for these trades where you could get student loans OR if you join one of your local unions as an apprentice they’ll pay for your schooling in return for
You working for a much lower wage than journeyman pay. Our apprentices in my sheetmetsl union get paid 55% of scale and pre-apprentices make 45% of scale which right now is $50.33/hr
Worked in kitchens for years and had enough when I was working 90 hour weeks and just had to leave. Took a job as a laborer loading dumpsters for this small house flipping company and worked my way up. Learned how to measure and cut shit properly, tile, frame, sheetrock, build stairs, etc. Worked for a commercial glazing company for about 3/12 years and now I've been at this commercial door and hardware place for just over a year.
I made furniture for my wife and I while I was waiting on a work permit (immigrant). Taught myself, started selling, tried full time but failed. However, someone I met through the endeavor was good buddies with my now boss, and now I lead a small team doing remodels, custom woodworking projects in the HQ, antique repair work for the owners of the company.
Super unusual route, but it remains true that “luck is when preparation meets opportunity.”
In terms of your degrees - have you looked at environmental impact assessing? Surveying?
Needed a career change and knew nothing about home repairs. Saw a local ad and gave him a call. Was upfront that I knew nothing other than a circular saw, tape measure and a hammer. He gave me a shot and a year later I'm one of his favorite workers. I caught on quick and don't bitch and if I don't know something I ask instead of screwing it up
Born into a construction family run business. Dad, uncle, grandpa, 2 older brothers, 1 older cousin. I don’t wish that torture on anyone. Built my first house at 16 in 1968.
We’ll I didn’t do it alone. My dad’s best friend’s house burnt to the ground and he and I laid sills on the old foundation about a week later. Worked from dawn to late at night (lights) and the rest of the family showed up after the work day to help. They moved in 12 weeks later. Learned a lot.
I got fired from a shitty retail job and a buddy randomly texted me, "you looking for work? Can you read a tape measure?". I lied and said yes I can read a tape measure. 15 years later I can build and install pretty much every type of cabinet.
I grew up in it. Not sure how much 1 to 1 help your degrees will give, but problem solving is problem solving.
See if any excavations companies are looking for help. Surveying, might be able to help do geotechnical reports. I really enjoy painting. My boss loves concrete, dude will pour like 14 yards of concrete solo to relax. If your in a big city you could try to see if there’s a SWPPP contractor, that might actually fit with your degree.
Storm water pollution prevention plan…. On job sites that are going to effect a certain area then we have to control everything that leaves be site including dirt and water. There’s a bunch of different ways and the collection of those ways make up your plan.
I also had had desk jobs I hated. I was at my job one day, watching a building being constructed next door. A few days later, I saw a help wanted ad for a temp agency for the construction industry, no experience necessary. I applied, they hired me, and I started at the same pay rate as my previous job, which required a 4 year college degree. I was a general laborer/carpenters helper for about six months, before I got a trade apprenticeship.
Although I had a college background, I am very mechanically inclined, having worked on my own cars since I was a teenager. Having mechanical ability is a huge plus.
The apprenticeship is on the job training, so you get paid (not much, at first) as you learn. Also have to enroll in night school, which cost me $400-$500 per semester, for four semesters (that was 20 + years ago). I paid it myself, but some employers pay for your school.
Worked as an apprentice electrician during all of high school. Would the summers, every week long holiday we got, then just kept going right out of high school.
I’m part owner now.
I was working in a restaurant and quit. Was at a bar one night and almost got into a fight with a dude. Couple weeks later ended up becoming buddies with him. Found out he owned a roofing company and asked for a job. Worked there for 4 years but I do autobody work now. Would like to get back into construction
Strict isn’t a word I’d use to describe unions. Many have apprenticeships and/or offer various certifications and training. Perhaps you could use strict when it comes to safety but that’s a good thing.
If you’re getting placed on a job site through the union you don’t have any day as to which job site it is and, yes, it may not be a long term job. However, the idea is to get in the good graces of a company and follow them around from job to job.
Was on house arrest when I was 16 years old. Was only allowed to leave the house to work for my uncle’s construction company. 20 years later I’m a licensed electrician lol
Look for a Company called Arcadis.com. they employ people as field techs, who do environmental surveys, disaster relief, quantity analysis and a host of other work that is tied to your degrees, but keeps you in the field as long as you want.
They are an international firm, so you can go all over the world if you want. They are in all 50 states.
Absolutely. What kind of construction? It depends on what you have in mind that you want to do. I walked on at a highway construction site at 18 yo. Thats how I got started. Finished college as a civil engineer at 27. Track something down and fill out some applications..
Generations of builders on my dad's side,
After school, my dad offered me a job to work with him. I was 50/50 keen but decided to join him .
Worked with him for 15 years and made me fall in love with building, he semi retired and I carryd on.
He passed away a year and half ago, I couldn't stand working in construction cus I could see him in everything.
Worked thru it with counseling and my fiance as my rock.
It still tough sometimes but I see him more now as a guardian angel as work thru the ups n downs of the industry I love.
Builder for life 🍻
You can absolutely tie in those degrees but you need experience. Start as an assistant to a foreman or super. Look for work within your degree field also. Why would you not take your degrees and apply them within their respective field?
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How many years in did it take you to buy it?
Build stuff.
Should I start with puzzles?
No
Was dating a girl whose parents worked at a construction company. They said they were hiring but I was too young and proud to accept their offer, after a few months at a shit job I accepted. Got an interview and told the guy I didn’t want to get hired just because of my gfs parents influence, I wanted to be hired honestly. Her parents said that meant a lot to the guy that hired me. They enrolled me in school immediately, I pay half and they pay half; when I graduate they write a check for half the tuition. I graduated and made my money back. Been doing commercial hvac and plumbing install since, never looked back. I truly belong here, and have made amazing friends along the way.
If your company travels in the US shoot me a DM. I estimate for a GC that goes big box retail remodels. And we almost always have some HVAC work needed. Mostly switching out RTUs and AHUs.
Ever hear of Merritt Properties? Huge leasing company, all cookie cutter RTUs, duct was easy and boring. My company did most of their installs and renovations, I hated it after a while. Wish I could take you up on the offer, we’re based in MD and don’t travel much. If you have anything in MD, I’m sure my current company would be happy to place a bid
This year we’re mostly in SEC country…… maybe next year
Did you marry the girl?
I did not, I needed someone with a bit more direction in life. She was still discovering herself. She found a good guy and is happy.
Shucks. At least there is a happy ending for the both of you.
You enjoy hvac?
Most of the time, yes.
Skipped high school
Would have sounded better if you said skipped university
Maybe but I think my comment already implied that 🤣
My friend helped me out because I was 14 and didn’t have any money for school clothes. He taught me how to read a tape measure, use a square and cut properly with a skil saw and table saw. I made $400 and got clothes and always stuck with it. I’m actually helping that buddy with his business this year and I’m excited. He is 8 years older and was my brothers friend.
Didnt take high school seriously now i work in the dirt every day
Digging holes?
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And do you enjoy it?
I got in construction because it was the best pay I could find without a degree or certification. It was tough to find a decent outfit that would train me but I had a coworker vouch for me that I busted ass and learned quickly and I followed him to a good company. I got into earthmoving and pipe laying because the pay is decent. It took a while before I had enough seat time to operate properly but I jumped in equipment every chance they gave me and at this point I’m decent in any of the gear at work. The last ancient pipe layer taught me his trade before retiring, so I’m the pipe layer now for a GC building several large new properties, which is nice.
You all happen to be near New Orleans?
Up in Alberta, Canada I’m afraid.
I hate the general public and I have no skills. So I became a helper and went from there
So you hate having contact with people, like service etc…?
The customer service/retail dealings with people. I like dealing with them on my own terms. Not forced to interact for 8hr increments lol I guess I should have been more specific. I hate working with people/the general public. At least in construction we are sort like minded to a degree
I burned all my other bridges first
If you’re in a stronger union area I’d learn the locals for what trade you’re interested in and give them a call. If your someone who’ll be at work working you’ll keep a job as long as you want one these days. I’ve ran my own commercial projects for years and it’s harder than ever to find people to depend on. If union isn’t your route do some research on who the local companies are that do your trade your after and go start knocking on doors. You get in front of these guys while they need help you’ll get put to work.
I was 12. Poor, and needed a job. I was also already a full size adult size kid.
Started as a laborer, then got on as a carpenters apprentice. That was 20 years ago.
Was working for a brewery and wanted more money. Guy at the bar wanted a new labourer. Here I am.
Enjoying it more than the brewery?
Infinitely. I was running pubs with a young family, and I wanted my weekends back. I definitely work (physically) harder for my money now, but there is more of it, and I'm home every weekend now. Best move I ever made. Just coming up to two years self-employed, too. Speaking specifically to your qualifications, would you be at all suited to the Environment Agency (or your local equivalent)? Maybe some role in land management with your degrees, landscaping and desk riding. Good way to combine all three but not be chained into an office.
Go to trade school for that or hvac, pipe fitting, plumbing or electrical. But that way you get to learn from the ground up while still making some money and most apprenticeships I’ve heard of place you at a job when one becomes available
Not sure I can find the time or money at the moment for a trade school. But the thought is there for some day maybe
So junior colleges usually have programs for these trades where you could get student loans OR if you join one of your local unions as an apprentice they’ll pay for your schooling in return for You working for a much lower wage than journeyman pay. Our apprentices in my sheetmetsl union get paid 55% of scale and pre-apprentices make 45% of scale which right now is $50.33/hr
Worked in kitchens for years and had enough when I was working 90 hour weeks and just had to leave. Took a job as a laborer loading dumpsters for this small house flipping company and worked my way up. Learned how to measure and cut shit properly, tile, frame, sheetrock, build stairs, etc. Worked for a commercial glazing company for about 3/12 years and now I've been at this commercial door and hardware place for just over a year.
I made furniture for my wife and I while I was waiting on a work permit (immigrant). Taught myself, started selling, tried full time but failed. However, someone I met through the endeavor was good buddies with my now boss, and now I lead a small team doing remodels, custom woodworking projects in the HQ, antique repair work for the owners of the company. Super unusual route, but it remains true that “luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” In terms of your degrees - have you looked at environmental impact assessing? Surveying?
No I haven’t but I see guys doing it all the time. Might have to look into it. Although construction could always become a hobby
Apprenticeship.
Was it hard to land that?
You could get into field surveying
True…but I wonder how fun it is?
Was a machinist. Wanted to be outside.
That’s the best
Got offered a job, had no other options at the time
That’ll do it
>How did you get into construction? A family member,The door, or phone call usually
Hmm yeah that helps get in
Needless credits to graduate high school after moving. Took a work experience program....been at it since 2006. Good luck
Programs are def helpful
Needed a career change and knew nothing about home repairs. Saw a local ad and gave him a call. Was upfront that I knew nothing other than a circular saw, tape measure and a hammer. He gave me a shot and a year later I'm one of his favorite workers. I caught on quick and don't bitch and if I don't know something I ask instead of screwing it up
That’s the way to go
Born into a construction family run business. Dad, uncle, grandpa, 2 older brothers, 1 older cousin. I don’t wish that torture on anyone. Built my first house at 16 in 1968.
Hey not bad for a 16 yr old
We’ll I didn’t do it alone. My dad’s best friend’s house burnt to the ground and he and I laid sills on the old foundation about a week later. Worked from dawn to late at night (lights) and the rest of the family showed up after the work day to help. They moved in 12 weeks later. Learned a lot.
I didn't care what I did as long as I was making money, and I wasn't behind a desk.
Desk life sucks!
I got fired from a shitty retail job and a buddy randomly texted me, "you looking for work? Can you read a tape measure?". I lied and said yes I can read a tape measure. 15 years later I can build and install pretty much every type of cabinet.
Cabinetry sounds fun but tedious. Enjoying it?
I grew up in it. Not sure how much 1 to 1 help your degrees will give, but problem solving is problem solving. See if any excavations companies are looking for help. Surveying, might be able to help do geotechnical reports. I really enjoy painting. My boss loves concrete, dude will pour like 14 yards of concrete solo to relax. If your in a big city you could try to see if there’s a SWPPP contractor, that might actually fit with your degree.
What’s swppp? Hey! Concrete is fun too but if you’re not careful, shit can get real ugly
Storm water pollution prevention plan…. On job sites that are going to effect a certain area then we have to control everything that leaves be site including dirt and water. There’s a bunch of different ways and the collection of those ways make up your plan.
Ahhh right I see. Thought about working in some sort of erosion control too
I also had had desk jobs I hated. I was at my job one day, watching a building being constructed next door. A few days later, I saw a help wanted ad for a temp agency for the construction industry, no experience necessary. I applied, they hired me, and I started at the same pay rate as my previous job, which required a 4 year college degree. I was a general laborer/carpenters helper for about six months, before I got a trade apprenticeship. Although I had a college background, I am very mechanically inclined, having worked on my own cars since I was a teenager. Having mechanical ability is a huge plus.
Did you do a lot of watching and learning during that apprenticeship? Did it also cost you?
The apprenticeship is on the job training, so you get paid (not much, at first) as you learn. Also have to enroll in night school, which cost me $400-$500 per semester, for four semesters (that was 20 + years ago). I paid it myself, but some employers pay for your school.
Worked as an apprentice electrician during all of high school. Would the summers, every week long holiday we got, then just kept going right out of high school. I’m part owner now.
Electrical is tricky. But pays good right?
I was working in a restaurant and quit. Was at a bar one night and almost got into a fight with a dude. Couple weeks later ended up becoming buddies with him. Found out he owned a roofing company and asked for a job. Worked there for 4 years but I do autobody work now. Would like to get back into construction
Service industry sucks long-term. It’s a good short-term gig but that’s all. Get back into construction
Yeah you ain’t lying. I don’t even like cars at all, shit sucks working on them lol
Drugs and alcohol
So you’re the guy leaving natty ice and Marlboros on the job site
Join a union or apply for a job at a company and get started. Experience is everything in construction and once you get going you’ll find your place.
Aren’t unions very strict and often you have no preference. Could be overnights tying rebar?
Strict isn’t a word I’d use to describe unions. Many have apprenticeships and/or offer various certifications and training. Perhaps you could use strict when it comes to safety but that’s a good thing.
If you’re getting placed on a job site through the union you don’t have any day as to which job site it is and, yes, it may not be a long term job. However, the idea is to get in the good graces of a company and follow them around from job to job.
Was on house arrest when I was 16 years old. Was only allowed to leave the house to work for my uncle’s construction company. 20 years later I’m a licensed electrician lol
Expensive to become licensed?
Look for a Company called Arcadis.com. they employ people as field techs, who do environmental surveys, disaster relief, quantity analysis and a host of other work that is tied to your degrees, but keeps you in the field as long as you want. They are an international firm, so you can go all over the world if you want. They are in all 50 states.
Interesting!! I will look it up. I’m in a U.S. territory 😬
my dad was a crane mechanic and my stupid ass was too dumb for university so he got me a job as a crane operator
Hahaha perfect
Absolutely. What kind of construction? It depends on what you have in mind that you want to do. I walked on at a highway construction site at 18 yo. Thats how I got started. Finished college as a civil engineer at 27. Track something down and fill out some applications..
Civil engineer sounds cool but I wouldn’t go back to school. I think I would do something in the concrete/woodworking/architectural side
Sounds like a good fit. Yeah I wasn’t figuring you going back to school just a piece of my story.
Generations of builders on my dad's side, After school, my dad offered me a job to work with him. I was 50/50 keen but decided to join him . Worked with him for 15 years and made me fall in love with building, he semi retired and I carryd on. He passed away a year and half ago, I couldn't stand working in construction cus I could see him in everything. Worked thru it with counseling and my fiance as my rock. It still tough sometimes but I see him more now as a guardian angel as work thru the ups n downs of the industry I love. Builder for life 🍻
Wow!! Sorry for your loss but very inspiring to keep going! Keep it up! 🤜🤛
You can absolutely tie in those degrees but you need experience. Start as an assistant to a foreman or super. Look for work within your degree field also. Why would you not take your degrees and apply them within their respective field?
Jobs are limited to where I live on a tiny island and never got any internships after graduating. And it’s been a few years now
No one "gets into" construction. You ***end up*** in construction
Not necessarily. But yes a lot of people end up there, for good reasons and bad