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What's a good trade to learn?
(lemm.ee)
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this post was submitted on 12 May 2025
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Asklemmy
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Electrician 100% and it's really fun too.
I'm a software dev and that would be my backup trade as it scratches every intellectual itch if you work on more complex setups as well as mechanical fulfillment as you actually see your work published. The community is huge and the demand will almost never decline. The only downside that it's not very mobile but still much more mobile than most other trades.
Wdym by mobile?
I almost went into the low voltage field, but realized with a bit of job shadowing that my commutes could be unpaid and unpredictable between changing jobsites. I guess that depends on the employer, and goes for any construction-related trade.
Most companies I've worked for, from union to mom and pop, pay for your drive time. Unless you're in a very small company, in which case you record your mileage and are able to use it for taxes.
If you're in a big city you'll have plenty of work all within a solid 50mile radius. If you're out in the sticks with towns spread out... Youll still have plenty of work but the majority of your day will be driving.
I personally love low voltage, specifically as a service technician. Spend 20 minutes diagnosing a problem, 20 minutes fixing it, and then 30 minutes driving to the next while getting paid the entire time. Take 4 to 7 calls a day and make bank.
I've been doing this for almost 10 years though, and most guys start out as an installer, learning the trade, working at big job sites, and gaining the skills to be able to be a service technician. If you have an aptitude for learning, and care, you'll be better than 75% of your coworkers.