[daepp]

The construction trades in SO Cal are practically begging for more workers. A guy with a few years under his belt can make a solid, middle class living if he just shows up and does a good day's work. I will say it is hard work, and like it was said up above, most 18-30 year olds just want a cush job from the get go. They'd rather not work, or work from home, or work inside with A/C - than get out and learn a trade.

Seriously not meant to PARF this up, but my suspicion is that it's just way too easy not to have to work these days. I think the social safety net is allowing too many able-bodied males not to have to go and find meaningful work; what they get from the county et al. is enough for them to survive - barely - so why go out and learn a trade?

The (untrained) psychologist in me thinks this leads to some very unhappy/depressed/bitter guys. And I can only speak for (some) dudes, but most I know need a real purpose to stay mentally healthy, and they find that usually in completing their work. I don't think you can find your purpose in your parents' basement, or working at 7-Eleven etc.