There was a recent post about manufacturing and the lack of skilled trade workers right now that prompted me to ask for some opinions. Any help and feedback is appreciated. I apologize if this is long.
So to summarize and give some background info, I’m 26 years old and have worked in manufacturing since I turned 18. This is never what I really planned to do though. Graduated high school, planned on going back to college but didn’t quite know what I wanted to do so I went straight to work for Caterpillar at 18. Worked there about 2 years, then I went to Cooper Tire in Tupelo for the next 5 years until 2023. At this point I was advancing, making good money, and in a good position so I stuck with it. Especially since my wife was in undergrad at Ole Miss, I have really been the only income since then. Fast forward to 2023 my wife graduated and got her bachelors, we moved to Jonesboro, AR to get her through grad school and finish her doctorate. She graduates next year in 2026.
Now here’s where my questions come in. It’s about my next step after she graduates. Our plan is either for me to go back to school and specialize in something, but that would add another 6-7 years of school which sounds miserable to us. I think it would be a great idea to keep working in manufacturing for the time being and still just live off one income, and stack up some money to potentially open a business. The truth is, I’m just really lacking fulfillment and enjoyment in what I’m doing currently. I would like to develop a more skilled career rather than just being a machine operator in leadership. With that said, I have thought about going back to college as I am plenty capable and have somewhat of a passion for the medical field, but for the value I have also considered going into a skilled trade like an electrician, for example. I am already very familiar with the work and environment and there would be a lot less schooling and debt involved, although the career pay would likely be lower than going to be a physical therapist or something similar. I really like to get my hands on things so trades would probably suit me well. There are jobs here paying $35-$40 an hour for electricians rather than high 20s-30 for just a machine operator. Maintenance is a lot more versatile of a career as well. Other trades are also a consideration such as plumbing, HVAC. Let me know what knowledge and experience you guys have on these trades.
Something else to note:
If I go back to college starting next year, our son will be 6 years old. I don’t want to spend the first 13 years or so of his life with me and his mom just in school and not having the financial freedom to take him on vacations and make memories. This is another reason I’m leaning towards simply taking on a trade rather than spending many more years in college.
So to summarize and give some background info, I’m 26 years old and have worked in manufacturing since I turned 18. This is never what I really planned to do though. Graduated high school, planned on going back to college but didn’t quite know what I wanted to do so I went straight to work for Caterpillar at 18. Worked there about 2 years, then I went to Cooper Tire in Tupelo for the next 5 years until 2023. At this point I was advancing, making good money, and in a good position so I stuck with it. Especially since my wife was in undergrad at Ole Miss, I have really been the only income since then. Fast forward to 2023 my wife graduated and got her bachelors, we moved to Jonesboro, AR to get her through grad school and finish her doctorate. She graduates next year in 2026.
Now here’s where my questions come in. It’s about my next step after she graduates. Our plan is either for me to go back to school and specialize in something, but that would add another 6-7 years of school which sounds miserable to us. I think it would be a great idea to keep working in manufacturing for the time being and still just live off one income, and stack up some money to potentially open a business. The truth is, I’m just really lacking fulfillment and enjoyment in what I’m doing currently. I would like to develop a more skilled career rather than just being a machine operator in leadership. With that said, I have thought about going back to college as I am plenty capable and have somewhat of a passion for the medical field, but for the value I have also considered going into a skilled trade like an electrician, for example. I am already very familiar with the work and environment and there would be a lot less schooling and debt involved, although the career pay would likely be lower than going to be a physical therapist or something similar. I really like to get my hands on things so trades would probably suit me well. There are jobs here paying $35-$40 an hour for electricians rather than high 20s-30 for just a machine operator. Maintenance is a lot more versatile of a career as well. Other trades are also a consideration such as plumbing, HVAC. Let me know what knowledge and experience you guys have on these trades.
Something else to note:
If I go back to college starting next year, our son will be 6 years old. I don’t want to spend the first 13 years or so of his life with me and his mom just in school and not having the financial freedom to take him on vacations and make memories. This is another reason I’m leaning towards simply taking on a trade rather than spending many more years in college.
