Do you enjoy working with your hands, prefer physical activity over sitting behind a desk, and love using problem-solving skills?
If you’re going from one job to another but feel tethered to a desk or confined to a cubicle, perhaps you’re seeking employment in the wrong industries. One source says that insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results. You might need to think outside the box to find the career opportunities that’ll keep you fulfilled.
It used to be common for people to earn a degree or diploma, work for the same company for decades, and later retire to enjoy the fruits of their labor. But that was then — and this is now. Sure, it’s possible to do things the way your parents or grandparents did them. However, you might need to do something different if you don’t fancy going to school for four years and taking on a ton of student loan debt just to earn a degree.
While there’s nothing wrong with earning a degree, many graduates struggle to find a job related to their degrees. According to one source, 46% of college graduates who participated in a survey said they were working in their field of study, while 29% worked in an unrelated field. And 16% of respondents under 54 years old said they were unemployed.
Too many students earn degrees that don’t offer great job prospects. It’s one reason to sit back and consider what makes sense and what doesn’t. Here are three signs that a trade career might be exactly what you need.
1. You Prefer Hands-On Work Over Sitting at a Desk
If you’re okay with sitting behind a desk all day, that’s okay. Some people enjoy working from behind a desk in a cubicle — and it’s possible to have a financially and professionally rewarding career going this route.
But if you’d rather be out and about while working with your hands, you might be better off pursuing a skilled trade rather than getting a corporate job.
It’s not that one is necessarily better than the other on the surface. But one might be better for you than the other, depending on your interests, temperament, and goals. If rolling up your sleeves and being hands-on is your thing, consider the trades.
2. You Don’t Want to Spend Forever in School
Another sign that a trade career might be worth pursuing is if you don’t want to spend too much time earning a degree in a classroom. Completing the requirements for a degree could take you three or four years of full-time schooling. That’s a long time if you want to be out and about — working, making money, and getting your career started.
If you go to trade school instead, however, you might only have to spend one or two years in school. During that time, you can take on apprenticeships to get on-the-job skills.
Some trade jobs require even less time in the classroom. In fact, you can earn certifications, like a forklift certification from CertifyMe, in hours rather than days, months, or years. And you can do it online.
3. You Don’t Want to Spend Six Figures
One source notes that going to trade school could cost $5,000 to $30,000 while going to a four-year college may cost $40,000 to $100,000. If you want an education that’s affordable and will prepare you for a well-paying job, trade school is an option worth keeping on the table.
Trade jobs offer many interesting career opportunities — assuming they align with what you want in a job. So, if you think it might be a good fit, it’s worth digging deeper to make an informed decision.
