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I said it before, I don't need a joiner but I do need a very good, realiable and honest odd job type guy to do basic wood work stuff around the house. Ex Fire Fighter friend of mine (unfortunately outside of my area) hasn't set himself up like this and does really well. Does decking, sheds, small patios, new doors, external painting, shelving etc. He hasn't spent a fortune on tools or years of training.
Perhaps I should add that I have already handed in my notice.
I did this when I was 43, changed from 25 years 'office' based work to a trade. Not Joinery but essentially a wet trade, render and masonry. I'm now 48.
I enjoy it a lot and wish I had done it sooner, however I would never have believed I could be so tired at the end of the week. Or even on a Tuesday night when we are really busy. You make it to the weekend but have zero inclination to get out on the bike, or do anything physical. Up to the career change I would be out 3 times a week and then the weekend. It is just not possible now, every evening feels like those ones you have after an epic day out.
I actually don't think I have ridden since I was 43!
So i'd say if you do go for it, or similar, prepare yourself for a shock. And sell your bikes now, you wont ride them for the next 5 years and they'll be worthless!
Anything is possible in life. I run a bespoke kitchen company in sw France where I take on newbies (mainly expats) who are interested in learning the basics. One chap started 8 months ago and not only is he hands on machining and assembling kitchens I also trust him with the fitting! Good luck...
As a Maths teacher you have a great opportunity to pick up some tutoring work while you decide what to do, I know one teacher who quit and now does 2 hours each evening and a couple on Saturday and is making more money than she did as a teacher. That leaves a lot of time free to learn some new skills or just ride your bike
NATS are begging for people to become air traffic controllers, as are ATS who do Gatwick. NATS pay £60k after validating (takes 2-3 years of training on shit money), rising to around £100k.
The maths-y folks on our course are finding it all very easy. I'm 38, three kids, £350k mortgage. I'd bet you're well placed by comparison.
https://www.nats.aero/careers/trainee-air-traffic-controllers/
Maths teacher? Theatre and events carpenter? Lots of rigging and engineering calculations to do. Managing crews as well as timber construction of scenery.
There are loads of other options within the industry made up of people winging it.
NATS are begging for people to become air traffic controllers, as are ATS who do Gatwick. NATS pay £60k after validating (takes 2-3 years of training on shit money), rising to around £100k.
The maths-y folks on our course are finding it all very easy. I’m 38, three kids, £350k mortgage. I’d bet you’re well placed by comparison.
https://www.nats.aero/careers/trainee-air-traffic-controllers//a >
Interesting, is it shifts once your full time? Are they looking for people for all airports or just certain ones?
Interesting, is it shifts once your full time? Are they looking for people for all airports or just certain ones?
It's not just based at airports, it's air traffic control centres, frinstance the one near me at Prestwick isn't part of the airport, it's there as all the transatlantic flights pass over, and that's what they handle. It can be shifts or days, but you'll never know at the start where you'll be based.
Lots of people at Prestwick were given relocation allowance from darn sarf.
IIRC the money is around 18k for the training period.
Shirley ATC is a bit like train driving in that it will become automated?
Shirley ATC is a bit like train driving in that it will become automated?
They'll always need a manual backup (ie people) in case the system crashes as you can't just ignore the planes in the air...
Shirley ATC is a bit like train driving in that it will become automated?
That was my concern also. The official line at NATS is that full automation is 30-40 years away, given that it's so hard to build flawless algorithms in 4D. But there again they would say that to the trainees.
TBH if I could kill ten years there I'd be happy.
If I was doing this I would look for something described previously as "neck up" work but for some sort of bespoke furniture or oak framework company. Things like fancy staircases, reclaimed wood furniture and fittings, fancy kitchens etc ideally something nice and sustainable. Was watching one of the house build programs about a young couple who had a wood bending (steamed wood) business, something like that.
If you have the fund immerse yourself in learning, if not a part time job like supply teaching while you learn. See if there is any local companies (eg small 1/2 person) that you could go learn from and help out.
At 40 you want something less physically demanding than being on a construction site 8 hours a day and I suspect you will want something that is also creative than putting up 100 identical houses on a modern estate.
impact driver, bubble and an iphone seems to be all you need to be a "carpenter" nowadays
oh and a CSCS card and a good line in passing the buck and talking shite
Lol
Are you actually naturally biased to practical work? Yes? go for it will be a long road and you will probably really have the hang of it by retirement age. No? Plenty like this around, just need thick skin and a bit of front and you will earn a fortune, good luck...
I work with lots of trades, good ones are hard to find, and I agree with the neck up and neck down assessment, and most of the blokes your age I know really want out.
Other than that, there is an issue which may cause you problems. Most of us would forgive crap work from a 17 year old apprentice on min wage, but you will want to earn decent money but for about 5years you just won't be that good..
It’s not just based at airports, it’s air traffic control centres, frinstance the one near me at Prestwick isn’t part of the airport, it’s there as all the transatlantic flights pass over, and that’s what they handle. It can be shifts or days, but you’ll never know at the start where you’ll be based.
Lots of people at Prestwick were given relocation allowance from darn sarf.
IIRC the money is around 18k for the training period.
So you could be based anywhere on their list of locations? Bit tricky, looks very interesting though.
Aye, I think so.
Mate of mine got right to the last part of the entry test last time, he had to control 3 aircraft, whilst someone was firing a list of numbers and letters at him.
Failed as 2 aircraft came too close, told him afterwards he should've just completely ignored the info being given, and concentrated on the task in hand.
I run a bespoke kitchen company in sw France where I take on newbies (mainly expats) who are interested in learning the basics.
How often do you take on such expats...