Hi Welders... I'm looking for some career guidance.
I'm taking a welding course, and I'm enjoying it so much that I'm considering a career change to some sort of work that involves welding. It seems there are a wide range of industries, trades, union and non-union jobs, shops, etc. that will hire CWB certified welders.
Every week my instructor asks me, 'so, are you going to be a plumber' or 'so, are you going to be a steamfitter?'... and they all sound interesting.
Can you direct me to any good resources for learning about the different employment opportunities open to welders?
What can you tell me about your welding work that will help me decide what to persue? What type of welding do you do and what industry do you work in? What do you actually do in the course of a day? How much of your time do you spend welding, and what else does your day involve? Do you get to travel?
In my present freelance career I work a lot of hours, but have time flexibility, and a lot of variety, both of which I enjoy.
While I really like what I do now, I'm ready for a change; increased income, maybe travel, and the chance to weld would lure me away. I really like the freedom of selfemployment, and someday I might like to have my own fabrication shop, but I'd like to try some jobs first to gain more skills and experience (and save up to buy equipment).
Any guidance you can provide would be much appreciated!