Too Old To Go Into A Trade? (HVAC, Plumbing, Electrician, Etc)?
I'm currently 40 years old and am considering going to a trade school for heating and air conditioning. While I think I'd be well suited for this trade, having basic electronic troubleshooting and some mechanical skills, my main concern is age.
I am in good shape but wonder just what niches in this field are more labor demanding and might be a bad choice for older workers. I'm not afraid of hard work but am thinking years down the road.
If I could be sure there are areas of the field that would be more suited to older techs it would greatly help my decision. That way I could migrate to a specific area later on if need be. For instance, commercial versus residential, store cooler work, A/C versus heat, or any other speciality area that I might not be aware of. Even input on geographic location in America would be of help.
Stories of older people going into another trade like the ones listed above as positive examples would also be of help to encourage me. Thanks.
I wish I could give you specifics, but I am not a tradesman. What I will say is that the world needs older people in trades because they are reliable, dedicated, hard-working, and mature. You would bring a lot to this line of work. I would hire an older guy in a second. BTW, 40 is not old!
Also, I would point out that a lot of tradesmen are over 40. They may have started younger, but they work into their 60s and beyond, possibly because the work makes them physically fit and also because, what the hey, who says they cannot do great work? 65 is not dead; it's 65.
My plumber is in his late 50s; my father's carpenter worked until his 70s, and his plumber did not retire until his 60s. I say go for it.
Maybe you can find someone at a trade union who you can talk to. Good luck.
PS I have a leaky PVC pipe in my basement that needs fixing.
Talk soon,
Joe Beaven
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mlmar625 Says:
I wish I could give you specifics, but I am not a tradesman. What I will say is that the world needs older people in trades because they are reliable, dedicated, hard-working, and mature. You would bring a lot to this line of work. I would hire an older guy in a second. BTW, 40 is not old!
Also, I would point out that a lot of tradesmen are over 40. They may have started younger, but they work into their 60s and beyond, possibly because the work makes them physically fit and also because, what the hey, who says they cannot do great work? 65 is not dead; it's 65.
My plumber is in his late 50s; my father's carpenter worked until his 70s, and his plumber did not retire until his 60s. I say go for it.
Maybe you can find someone at a trade union who you can talk to. Good luck.
PS I have a leaky PVC pipe in my basement that needs fixing.
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Posted on January 5th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
jannsody Says:
Just a personal opinion since you are just 40 and have stated that you are in good shape, but I don't see why not. If deciding to go to school for any of those trades, please look into a county vo-tech school or community college (perhaps non-credit course) as opposed to those private expensive schools. An apprenticeship (includes working as a journeyman/trainee) may be another option though it may take several years before working by oneself.
For career info: http://www.bls.gov/oco and search 'plumbers' or such.
US colleges: http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ
Good luck!
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Posted on January 5th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
cleo715 Says:
First of all: It's never too late. that's the biggest stigma to beat. And c'mon, you think 40 is old? That's just an insecurity YOU have to beat.
Our plumber AND electrician are 40-40+. Aside from the basic fact that they do a great job, one of the other factors we stick with them is that they're VERY dependable as a result of their maturity and age.
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Posted on January 5th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
msbrook3 Says:
40 years old is no too old to do that–actually its a good age—so if you want to do it go ahead & do it & i know you will do okay in it—just trust me you will make it just fine.Being able to work with your hands is the best job security in the world for a person who is willing to work.They are the healthist working so i've been told by Drs.So dive in there with total confidence.I just wish i was 40 i'd join you.But i did work 40 years in a trade that required manual work & it was good to me.People say get an education so you dont have to work hard for a living i say batshit i'd rather work anyday than be behind a desk or assembly line,i've done both.Remember if you learn how to use your hands as a tool you will have job security.Good luck you'll make it i can already tell you are an alright guy–now go getem tiger!!Success is right around the corner really!!
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Posted on January 5th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
thisisme Says:
Two examples: Burt Lancaster was over forty when he decided to quit being a trapeze artist in the circus and go into acting…he made rather a big success of it (and also supported 17 of his circus buddies throughout their lives) and Grandma Moses decided to try painting when she was in her late 70s!
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Posted on January 5th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
spnkysparky Says:
well as an electrician I would say no…you are not to old however…it might be 2 to 4 years before you will benifit financially.Being that you are older and wiser…you probably will listen and learn faster than the younger ones.If you want to speed up the money part,try an aprenttice program or maybe union.You might be better of learning HVAC.Not saying its easier,it just doesnt require as much time to get "certified" or liscensed.With electrical,you need 3 years experience or I believe 8,000 hours under a master before obtaining a journeyman license,where as AC you just need the know how and freon recovery certification.Even in AC you will learn a little electrical.
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Posted on January 5th, 2009 at 4:13 pm