Welding Tips and Tricks

Hello,

Found this forum while searching the possibility of becoming a professional welder/metal fabricator. Admittedly I'd like some direct feedback versus what I've read from other posters.

My name is Craig. I'm 44. Trying for a career change. I'm not looking to get rich, just earn a simple living doing something enjoyable. Does starting from the beginning at my age sound unrealistic?

I've been in hotel management the last 15 years. Its lucrative, but not very rewarding.

I'm an eternal tinkerer. Nothing makes me happier than wrenching on stuff or building something. The gratification of crafting something that works is very satisfying.

I'd love some feedback and or direction to help get me started. Currently residing in FL. Could be transferred to Colorado by years end though.

Thank you!

First, welcome to the forum!

I tell my kids: find a way to say yes, instead of a way (or reason, or excuse) to say no.

But this decision has a lot of inputs and can affect you and yours in many ways. How much welding experience do you already have? How far will starting over from the beginning set you back? Do you have a family at home, expecting a steady paycheck of a certain amount? Are you thinking to be self-employed, or punch a clock?

Thank you for the response.

The fortunate thing is this... I can afford to start over. We have no children and no debt. We have a steady income and an emergency fund.

When I say start at the bottom I mean, I've not used a welder. I would like to get into metal fabrication and read being a welder is an important first step. I have a lot of experience with acetylene torches, but that's a far as heat and metal goes. I'd have to be an apprentice, earn my keep, and punch a clock. I'm a firm believer in experience matters. Couldn't foresee being self-employed for some time.

I worked in a auto body shop when I was a teenager. I've wrenched on a lot of cars & trucks, as I wanted to be a mechanic, but with two in the family and older cats I hung around all saying I should do better... I took another path.

No intention of earning a lot of money... but you know... money doesn't buy the really important stuff.

Appreciate ya!

I had some classes with a guy who was just starting in a union apprenticeship at 48. It worked for him to start over.

Welcome to the forum Craig.

Craig,

I did the very same thing. I'm 45 years old, spent 22 years in the Navy, went back to school and got my degree in Healthcare Technology. Did that for 2 years and decided to get from behind a desk. I had absolutely zero job satisfaction moving paperwork from one pile to the next. So I used my remaining GI Bill benefits to get my welding certifications.

And I'm glad I did. Although I'm only a student, at the end of the school day I can look at my accomplishments and say, "I did that."

Now I am SMAW, FCAW, GMAW and GTAW certified and ready to bust my ass in this new career field.

I don't mind being the FNG again. LOL.

Good luck.

Thanks everyone... I'm going to try and get into it!

Good luck with it!Keep us posted, let us know how it goes. Depending on your financial situation and stability, you might give some thought to training while you're working, unless a flash cutover makes sense for you.