I disagree. Health issues usually come from the individual's own use and abuse of his body. Very often off duty. It's not the job that kills the body, it's the decisions. And genetics can play a part also.
There is skilled labor and then there is labor labor. Once a skill is acquired, the labor labor goes down, making the job easier for the older geezers. There are some grinding jobs, but the skilled craftsman will figure out how to do it without hurting himself.
As far as 401k, etc., Non unions are pretty sketchy on this but most union jobs provide a gov protected pension
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Originally Posted by jyl
Issue I see with most trades is that the body gives out eventually. How many carpenters, drywallers, plumbers, auto mechanics still able to work full time in the field at 50? 60? Sure, some will have their own sub business by then, but obviously the great majority won’t. They need to be saving and investing. But AFAIK these jobs don’t tend to have 401k plans and employer matches - I could be wrong. Trade education should include financial classes. |
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Originally Posted by biosurfer1
Might be decent money but so many tradesmen I know look 20 years older than they are, have back problems, knee problems, joint issues, respiratory issues, and on and on. I'm sure health and safety in that industry has come a long way but it sure makes it hard to suggest that route to youngsters.
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Originally Posted by Brian 162
You are correct. I worked in HVAC. I did a lot of heavy lifting delivering and removing commercial boilers and water heaters. My back, lungs and knees are fine. I breathed flux every day while soldering, plus working around asbestos and fiberglass. My old company was really good regarding health and safety.
I retired in 2015 at the age of 55. The only lingering issue I have is with my hands. I have slight pain between my thumb and forefinger. It's from holding large copper pipe and cutting in without using a pipe vice.
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