I am sorry for those that are seeing this again, but perhaps I can explain why I am posting this in several different locations. I posted it at PUP to get a broader, larger view/opinion on this subject. I want to post it here as it seems to be a much more personal site with a lot of the members close to my area, as well as me knowing most members here.
With my stepson recently being forced out of the Air Force on a Medical discharge, his entire future plans are washed away. He had even signed up for a 6 year enlistment as he was planning on making Air force his career!
My question to all is, if you were in a position to help advise an 18 year old that now really has no direction or ideas so far as what to pursue in the job field, what would you advise he looks into going into?
His background is:
Athletic, mechanically inclined, did very well in math, science, and really enjoyed the industrial arts and technology classes he took.
He is not interested in going into the traditional 4 year collage programs.
Myself, and he has not heard it from me yet, I am going to try to get him to look into the nursing field. Every time I turn around I am reading about how there is going to be a major nursing shortage, and if he continues on with it and gets into anaesthetist nursing, he can make mid 6 figures which is better then some GP medical Dr.s. I don't really think his profile fits this job, but it is all I can come up with that to me has a future.
What other fields do people see as promising for an 18 year old to try to get into?
IMO you can't go wrong in the health field...but I would encourage him to get that 4 year degree..Regardless of what he ends up doing more and more companies want a employee with a college degree. I work in plumbing sales..even for this my company gives preference to a person with a college degree...and this not a high tech industry... I am sure your son will find his way..with your support....supportive parents are indeed a blessing..I wish him the best...Vern
Well I'm no professional career councilor so don't take my suggestion to heart but since he is mechanically inclined that means he probably likes to work with his hands. If he's good in math then he's probably very analytical and have good problem solving skills. Given those qualities alone I would recommend becoming an automotive mechanic. There will always be a need for auto mechanics and with the proper training from a reputable technical school he can make really good money. The more areas he gets certified in the more opportunities he will have. Cars and trucks are becoming more and more complex with increasing use of computer controls and such, fewer people are working on their own cars which will require them to take their cars in. After a few years experience under his belt he can train with a specific car manufacturer and make even more money. I know a Mercedes Benz mechanic who makes a lot of money. Luxury car owners tend to take their cars back to the dealer for every possible service, including oil changes, so they're always busy. Just a thought.
It's a really tough time with the economy right now and to suggest going to one of the local building trade unions because there isn't a lot of new construction jobs being created at the moment. My local is hovering around 50% employment. That being said there are some specialty tracts in most of the building trades that your son could strive for. With a fair amount of luck and defiantly the right attitude, he could earn a very good living. I'm a union sheet metal worker, HVAC stuff. But early on I got an opportunity to learn a small facet of our trade called balancing. It's more of a Technicians position, and I've been able to do quite a bit with it. It's mechanically involved, involves quite a bit of math and involves developing a building owner's reports. So there even a computer, data entry, aspect to my job. As a whole my experience with the union has been positive, but like everything, it's what you're willing to put in and make of it.
Do keep in mind that there is typically a 4 year apprenticeship when joining a union, some are higher.
Another field that seems to be hiring is the railroad. CSX.com. My father in law retired 2 years ago and my wife's younger brother started about 4 years ago. Hard work I sure, but I've looked from time to time and there are quite a few areas to consider there.
[quote author=Steve A link=topic=721.msg5293#msg5293 date=1301886831]
You said he was medically discharged. Is it anything that will limit his choices or options?
They decided to deny his waivor that had been previously approved for formerly taking ADD and anti depressant medication. He has been off both for over a year.
Looking back to when I was 18, I would get a job working for the town. Not only does he need to think about NOW, but he also has to think about RETIREMENT.
My Cousin works for the DPW (Department of Public Works) since he was 20 plowing snow, mowing lawn, picking up recycling, etc. It isn't difficult. He is also in charge of the water mains and sewers in town. You just have to stay out of trouble and you are set for life. He has been doing it for 25 years. He earns a decent living and he can retire before he is 75 (actually he can retire now at 45 if he wants) and collect his pension. He has also been working part time as an EMT for a nearby city and if he retires from the town now and goes full time as an EMT he can collect a 2nd pension in 10 years (He is working on the numbers to see when it is best$$$ ). My cousin will be collecting 2 pensions when he retires. :cheers:
I work 9-5 in an office. I make the similar money to what my cousin does but I have to pay for my own retirement. Plus he accumulates his sick time, and annual good raises (I just got a crappy raise after 3 years)
I have a buddy who is in a similar situation to my cousin. He is a civilian police dispatcher and he has been doing it since he was 22.
As for keeping out of trouble, my buddy had some DPW workers in his town pull a prank on somebody. They duck taped some flares together and put it in someones lunch box. Someone else saw it and called the cops. The people pulling the prank never owned up to it and the bomb squad showed up. One of the pranksters was close to retirement. He was fired and lost his pension :banghead:
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
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