Re:Ask HN: Career in trades for possible ex-programmers
by ChoGGi on Wednesday August 23, 2023 @09:08AM
(#37235278)
You shouldn't be getting down voted, residential trades will wear your body down.
Re:Ask HN: Career in trades for possible ex-programmers
by appplication on Wednesday August 23, 2023 @12:05PM
(#37238153)
This is absolutely true. I spend some time in trades before tech. I recall my first day, squeezing into a rocky and mildewy crawl space with barely enough room to flip over, only to fix up some busted plumbing using some very strong smelling chemicals with little ventilation. I knew then this wasn’t going to be a long term fit for me.
Trades work can absolutely destroy you. It’s also not really avoidable with good ergonomics - there are no good ergonomics. Some situations are just going to require you to do really physically awkward uncomfortable things to get the job done. There’s also the general slow erosion of health. Exposure to chemicals, saw dust, metal shavings, things getting in your eyes, getting poked by random nails, rolling over onto a bit of glass, tweaking your back trying to prevent a piece of lumber sliding off the roof, being constantly dehydrated and sunburned, etc. There is a reason tradesmen look like tradesmen. It’s the toll they pay.
Look for jobs where your background gives you more of a leg up, and are done indoors, with a stronger emphasis on health and safety.
Things like:
Industrial Electrical
Automation Technician
Machine Operator
Millwright
Avoid jobs done for small crews with a more cowboy attitude, like most residential trades.