Life Handed Me Lemons

[slonezp]

Help me make some lemonade. As some of you know I was injured at work last year. Last week I was released back to work with permanent work restrictions. Needless to say, I was let go. I'm not looking for legal advice, I already have an attorney. What I am looking for is suggestions on a new career path. I had planned to retire in this trade but life had other plans. My background is in commercial refrigeration and hvac and I'm a journeyman. The hvac trade is a combination of a number of trades including electrician, plumbing, refrigeration, construction, etc.  I've done that for the last 15 years, and drove a truck for ten years prior to that. I also dabbled in auto detailing. I'd rather not drive a truck again if I don't have to. I've spent the last few days looking into facilities positions but I lack the education necessary. My restrictions have pretty much knocked me out of any type of careers similar to mine. I'm limited to 40lbs from floor to waist and 20lbs above that. I'm in my mid forties and aside from injury or vacation, I haven't missed a day of work since I was 13yo. My education level is high school graduate with some (less than a year) college. I'd rather work alone. I'm not opposed to doing something on my own and have mulled around the idea of installing electronics and other accessories like power poles and downriggers etc. on boats. I have the boat traffic in the area but other than that, I haven't researched the market. My son is graduating with a business major in the spring and I can get him to help with the business end of things as well as teach him the mechanical electrical end. I've got a garage full of tools and I also have a family of CPA's at my disposal. Going back to school is an option but would probably be my last option. As far as starting my own hvac/r business, it's an option but I'd rather not. So, back to the original question. Any suggestions on what to do besides selling shoes?    and thanks to retiredbosn for listening to me ***** the for last year. Thanks bud.

[MarkH024]

Sorry to hear they let you go. That was pretty shady, but not surprising in these days.  You seem more like a hands on type of guy so probably not some office job in the markets you're familiar with right? You should start your own business, make your own pay and hours, and fish when you want. I know...easier said than done.  In any event, I hope it all works out for you.

 

You could always try to go pro and win the Bassmaster classic!     $500,000 paycheck will let you sit at home and punch the keyboard some more, for a little while anyway. 

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I think you and Raider should start a business together.

 

Take video. Please.

[flyfisher]

What about becoming an estimator or inspector in the HVAC field?  I know when my dad's business got a little to large for him to manage by himself he hired on a guy to only do estimates.  And while i know if you become an inspector you went to the dark side it would still keep you in a field you seem to enjoy but not the physical parts.

[MCS]

What about becoming an estimator or inspector in the HVAC field?  I know when my dad's business got a little to large for him to manage by himself he hired on a guy to only do estimates.  And while i know if you become an inspector you went to the dark side it would still keep you in a field you seem to enjoy but not the physical parts.

 

 

You read my mind Fly......Slone you may also consider project manager or super work on the site might fit the bill. Check out this website to get an idea of some things.http://www.stellar.net/careers/opportunities.aspx Good luck

 

Edit: and going to school for a degree, there are some 2yr programs that work around work schedule. Many employers in the industry may hiring based directly on your experience in the field and pay for school or not even require it.

[flyfisher]

I forgot about project management.  And i know it would be tough to move form a construction based field to a corporate environment but there is always a need for project managers in just about every field. 

[Raider Nation Fisher]

You already got the background and the experience in hvac. Branch it out. Use your head ya dumb pipefighter. Look into PLC and control work. It dont get any easier than that, least as far as non strenuous work goes. Take the AB classes or whatever Logic course they have. Its three weeks and will make you more money than any pipefighter ever dreamed of. You work HVAC/R so you obviously have experience with controls. It ain't a night and day difference on the control side. The theory is the same.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

I forgot about project management.  And i know it would be tough to move form a construction based field to a corporate environment but there is always a need for project managers in just about every field.

Stop trying to change him into a carpet walker.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Use your pipefighting background and learn to TIG weld. Process piping pays good. As a fitter too you should be able to avoid lifting heavy stuff.

[MCS]

I forgot about project management.  And i know it would be tough to move form a construction based field to a corporate environment but there is always a need for project managers in just about every field. 

 

Some of the best PMs are from the field because they know what the heck goes on and how to get it done right, on time and under budget.

[slonezp]

You already got the background and the experience in hvac. Branch it out. Use your head ya dumb pipefighter. Look into PLC and control work. It dont get any easier than that, least as far as non strenuous work goes. Take the AB classes or whatever Logic course they have. Its three weeks and will make you more money than any pipefighter ever dreamed of. You work HVAC/R so you obviously have experience with controls. It ain't a night and day difference on the control side. The theory is the same.

I've got a meeting with the lawyer Monday and need to talk to him before I call the BA. As far as the welding is concerned I'm still having trouble with a couple fingers working properly, although I have seen improvement in the last couple months.

 

You read my mind Fly......Slone you may also consider project manager or super work on the site might fit the bill. Check out this website to get an idea of some things.http://www.stellar.net/careers/opportunities.aspx Good luck

 

Edit: and going to school for a degree, there are some 2yr programs that work around work schedule. Many employers in the industry may hiring based directly on your experience in the field and pay for school or not even require it.

Thanks for the link

 

What about becoming an estimator or inspector in the HVAC field?  I know when my dad's business got a little to large for him to manage by himself he hired on a guy to only do estimates.  And while i know if you become an inspector you went to the dark side it would still keep you in a field you seem to enjoy but not the physical parts.

My father suggested the same thing.  I don't necessarily enjoy the field per say, it's the hands on, and the troubleshooting that intrigues me

 

I think you and Raider should start a business together.

 

Take video. Please.

and MCS can be our supervisor.

 

Sorry to hear they let you go. That was pretty shady, but not surprising in these days.  You seem more like a hands on type of guy so probably not some office job in the markets you're familiar with right? You should start your own business, make your own pay and hours, and fish when you want. I know...easier said than done.  In any event, I hope it all works out for you.

 

You could always try to go pro and win the Bassmaster classic!     $500,000 paycheck will let you sit at home and punch the keyboard some more, for a little while anyway. 

If I had to rely on my fishing skills to put food on the table I'd be anorexic.

[flyfisher]

Stop trying to change him into a carpet walker.

Those that don't adapt....die

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Those that don't adapt....die

That's not adapting its selling out. Or if you prefer its becoming one of "them"!

Electrician til Death!

[flyfisher]

That's not adapting its selling out. Or if you prefer its becoming one of "them"!

Electrician til Death!

LOL  I am actually doing my best to get out of the carpet walking world.....only a little more than a year.  I just hope i can last that long since as I see the light at the end of the tunnel it makes it harder and harder to stay.....

[retiredbosn]

Slone,

First thanks for the kind words, second whatever path u decide to travel consider the stress involved, nothing flares my pain more than stress. Also as an estimator working from blue prints may aggrevate your injury, being constantly bent over a set of prints stresses your neck. My prayer is that u can get and remain pain free. I've worked as an estimator and a PM, either may be a valid option. And Raider I had union guys who wanted to sponsor me! Not all PM's are butts, Becoming a PM who has real world experience makes you a very valuable asset. Because you've been there and done it.

[Redlinerobert]

Sorry to hear about your situation pal.  Sounds like the perfect opportunity to start your own business and just go for it. 

[slonezp]

Sorry to hear about your situation pal.  Sounds like the perfect opportunity to start your own business and just go for it. 

Might be the case. My son already brought up that I'm the only one in the family who doesn't work for myself.

[tomustang]

When all else fails: heavy equipment operator/earth mover

[Root beer]

Slone, raider, and I start a business. That be a reality show that top Duck Dynasty. We just need a cheezy theme and clever writers.

[slonezp]

I'll need a beard as well...SPEEDBEAD???

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Slone, raider, and I start a business. That be a reality show that top Duck Dynasty. We just need a cheezy theme and clever writers.

I'm down.

[lanzbass]

Sorry to hear of your circumstances ... 

 

Your not to old to start over and your diffidently  to young to call it quits ...

 

I'm glad that you are trying to turn your lemons into apples ...

 

Maybe trying some collage courses, some take only 6 months to get into a new trade...

 

Ideas,  Dental Tech, Nurses Aid, Teacher, Mine Supervisor, Medical Supply Chain Management ....  

 

Hope this helps ?

[CayMar]

Yea man sorry to hear about your situation. I hope things get better for you soon. Starting your own thing is definitely an idea. It is my dream but I currently work for The Man. Another thought is look into the businesses that you bought tools and supplies from as a tradesman. My boss built metal building for most of his life and when his body couldn't take it anymore he had to quit. He found a job working at the shop he bought his sheet metal and red iron from. It was an easy transition because he was familiar with everything we sell and knows how these things are applied in the field. Even though you can't do your trade anymore you can still use your knowledge of the trade to find a job related to your field that isn't so physically demanding. Like sales or distribution. It's just a thought. Good luck buddy.

[MCS]

Might be the case. My son already brought up that I'm the only one in the family who doesn't work for myself.

 Does that mean a women's shoe store is in the works?

[K_Mac]

Slone I've read enough of your posts to know you have a couple of things that can't be taught, intelligence and a sense of humor. Those will both serve you well as you move on. I also was let go by a company because of permanent health issues. That is just the way the world works. Keep your head up and stay positive. Good luck.