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Post by candleangie on Dec 4, 2017 16:14:26 GMT
Dh is a welder. He makes good money and his job provides very good insurance for medical, dental and vision.
A four year degree is not the only road to take.
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Post by Patter on Dec 4, 2017 16:37:25 GMT
Obtaining a college degree is no guarantee of financial success. Ask me how many friends I have who work in fields that have nothing to do with their degrees (advanced degrees, many of them). It sounds like your son has solid goals and a career in mind. One can make a great living as a welder. I'd rather my child get certified in a solid trade than he spend four years obtaining a degree that will ultimately be useless. So, so true! So many of my daughters’ friends have gotten degrees in things that they can’t do anything with. Most don’t have jobs and are unwilling to leave the area to look for work. Sad really.
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Post by bc2ca on Dec 4, 2017 16:38:11 GMT
Your son is going to be just fine. He is way ahead of the majority of his peers because he has found something he is passionate about and fits his preference to do something with his hands. You have done a terrific job getting him to this point and need to support him as he makes choices that you wouldn't make for him.
I'm a little sensitive about the idea that trades people don't make money. DH didn't find his passion until he hit 30 and apprenticed as an electrician. After years of making good money working for others he has his own business.
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pridemom
Pearl Clutcher
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Jul 12, 2014 21:58:10 GMT
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Post by pridemom on Dec 4, 2017 16:46:25 GMT
I have worked in Workforce Development. If he already enjoys welding and wants to go to welding school, it’s in demand and he could do very well to support himself.
Trades work is high need. I could strangle whoever decided to spread the lie that a college degree is the only way to be successful.
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pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,562
Nov 14, 2016 23:47:03 GMT
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Post by pinklady on Dec 4, 2017 16:51:46 GMT
College is not for everyone and forcing someone to go to college because “that’s what you’re supposed to do” is a waste of money and time. College will always be there so the door is never permanently closed.
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Post by gar on Dec 4, 2017 16:53:03 GMT
Meant to add that, as other peas have said, at 18 this isn't a 'set in stone' decision. He's so young and most decisions at that age aren't forever. If it doesn't work out for any reason he can go back to education, re-train...so many options.
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mallie
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Posts: 3,253
Jul 3, 2014 18:13:13 GMT
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Post by mallie on Dec 4, 2017 16:53:20 GMT
You know what?
I am book smart. Have advanced degrees. Worked in two fields. Excelled at both.
You know what job I loved? The ONLY job I loved? The one where I worked with my hands.
If I could go back in time, I would go into a trade working with my hands. Why?
1. I loved it. Even when it was a bad day, it was better than almost all the other days in my two degree-required fields. There was something so much more inherently satisfying about working with my hands. 2. Tradespeople who are competent and reliable are ALWAYS in demand. 3. Tradespeople often make more money than college graduates. 4. I bet if I were a tradesperson, I would not have ended up in retail making shit in my late 50s because of age discrimination. A skill like welding is in high demand throughout a person's lifetime.
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casii
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,474
Jun 29, 2014 14:40:44 GMT
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Post by casii on Dec 4, 2017 16:53:47 GMT
If he has a passion, he might do well to follow it. A good tradesperson can really do well.
My only suggestion is that he might want to follow through with at least an AA, preferably with a business or management focus, so he can plan and manage his career path.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 4, 2017 16:54:19 GMT
Your son is actually showing a great deal of maturity to know he isn't happy going the 4 year college route, has done the research for a route he is interested in, AND done all the legwork already to proceed on that route. There are many 18 year olds (and older) who would not do all that. He deserves a great deal of credit - and you should be very proud of him for that! Welding can be a very good career choice. My late FIL was a welder, trained in the Navy during WWII and never had any college courses. He had his own business and did very well. With the amount of initiative and drive your son is showing, I'd be willing to bet he will have a successful career as a welder. In my circle of friends, everyone is expected to get the 4 year degree, then a Masters. I've always thought a trade school was a viable option for others, but now that its my kid, I am panicking. Of course you are panicking...you are a mom! But really, he sounds like he is going to be just fine. You have obviously done a great job raising him.
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Post by grammadee on Dec 4, 2017 16:58:59 GMT
Sounds like your ds has his head on straight, mom. He knows what he wants to do and has done the prep to do it. He will be fine! Our oldest ds did much the same thing: chose to drop out of university and go to a technical school. His grades at University were far from stellar and he felt like a loser there. At tech, his grades were near the top of the class and he loved it. He went on to work for a big company where his supervisor encouraged him to go back to university and complete his degree--ON THE COMPANY'S DIME! Not everyone follows the same path to their destination.
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pudgygroundhog
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Jun 25, 2014 20:18:39 GMT
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Dec 4, 2017 17:00:45 GMT
I haven't read any of the responses, but he will be more than fine. He's lucky in that he has a strong sense of what he wants to do and I think the route he has chosen is a good one for him. People with skills like welding are in demand and can make a good living, can find work in a number of places (i.e. aren't limited to a specific industry in certain geographies), and those jobs won't be outsourced.
Also, forcing a kid to be in college that doesn't want to be there does nobody any good. People will be the most self-motivated and work the hardest when their heart is in something and that sounds like welding for him. And he's planning to either be working full time or in school, so it sounds like he is responsible and being productive (i.e. he's not quitting college to sleep all day and play video games).
Something for him to consider after he finishes welding school is business classes if he ever wants to own his own business. And I would give any young kid the same advice, no matter their field - nothing is set in stone and life and circumstances change. Be willing to be flexible and always continue to learn and update skills.
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freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927
Jun 25, 2014 20:06:48 GMT
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Post by freebird on Dec 4, 2017 17:05:01 GMT
The world needs welders, especially passionate ones. Welders can make very good money (my son is one). Funny, I actually pushed my son in HS to get his welding certificate which he didn't really dream of doing. Now he really likes his job (he builds tanks - storage, not military).
He's old enough to smoke, drive, go to war, surely he can decide what job he'd like. It's not "the end". He can always get a degree later if he wants to.
It would come with rules at my house though. I'm not going to foot your whole bill. You need to make your xxx payments (whatever you want) and my home is not a boarding house. Rules here, and they get followed or you can find your own place with your own rules.
They can't ever learn to fly and leave the nest mom, if you don't let them flap their wings!
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Post by librarylady on Dec 4, 2017 17:09:42 GMT
Skipped through all the replies to say: Stop worrying. The world needs skilled trades workers. Welders, especially the good ones, make very good money (if that is what worries you). Let him follow his passion.
My DH is a machinist and has done well. He also left after 1 year of college. My nephew, years ago, left college to work with his hands and has done well.
Kick your worries to the curb. Your son has investigated and has a plan. Let him make this move.
--Make sure the school where he wants to train is legitimate.
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Post by newfcathy on Dec 4, 2017 17:18:38 GMT
I was going to recommend some business courses as well. Particularly cost accounting, as being able to properly ‘cost out’ a job is a valuable skill.
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Post by KelleeM on Dec 4, 2017 17:19:29 GMT
This is the entire basis for Mike Rowe's initiative, Mike Rowe Works. There are not enough qualified tradesman in our country. To the point that projects are being delayed because of the shortage. A master tradesman can essentially name his price. He will have no problem supporting himself. It may not be the life/education you envisioned for him but if he is happy with his life choices then you accomplished your goal of raising a great kid! I was going to post the same thing!
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Post by brina on Dec 4, 2017 17:35:08 GMT
honestly, he has a plan with a clear path and a solid future. I think its great
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MDscrapaholic
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Posts: 6,385
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Dec 4, 2017 17:35:29 GMT
I agree with everything everyone has said so far. Let him follow his dreams but encourage him to figure out a way to be successful.
My DS always wanted to be a mechanic. He joined the Navy for 5 years after the recruiter told him he was too smart for auto mechanics, he should be a nuclear mechanic. He trained for that for 5 years on a nuclear submarine and when he got out could have gotten a job at any one of the nuclear power plants in the US. What did he do? He went back to auto mechanics because he wanted to "work with his hands". He's now a fleet manager for a local company, makes good money, and most important of all, is happy with what he does. A mom can't ask for anything else.
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Post by hop2 on Dec 4, 2017 17:58:26 GMT
Depends
What does he do for the welder? Does he plan on being a welder and getting certified? If yes,then don’t worry it’s an excellent skill and will always be needed good welders are hard to find.
If he is a shop helper and plans to stay that way then perhaps you have right to be concerned. It’s a hard job with little room for advancement and there will always be young kids who will do it cheaper keeping his rate of pay lower.
If he is currently a helper and plans on becoming a welder Make him give you a plan on how to get there. Will he apprentice? For how long? Or take a welding class? How much do welding classes cost where you live, how does he plan to pay for it. Things like that in a plan will help ease your fears.
College is not the end all and be all for everyone. College is not a guarantee of decent wages.
My nephews are both welders and they both make enough to support themselves and have enough to set aside savings. One nephew though works for a company that does not have healthcare because it’s a very small company so he’s looking for a new job as he is 25. If he doesn’t find something he likes ( he’s turned down 2 because he didn’t like them ) he will go work with his cousin. Neither of my nephews have had any issue finding work. They are good at what they do and have the ‘luxury’ of being picky.
The job outlook may vary where you live but here in the northeast welding is a good paying dependable job.
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anaterra
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Posts: 3,858
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Jun 29, 2014 3:04:02 GMT
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Post by anaterra on Dec 4, 2017 18:08:05 GMT
My son is a welder... making trailers... he is part of a union.. makes more than I do... has great medical benefits... its hard n sometimes really dirty.. but he doesn't have to sit in a cubicle or deal with office politics.. he loves it...
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Post by patin on Dec 4, 2017 18:38:49 GMT
My DH was a welder for 35 years. Hired on with the railroad. We had benefits, steady income. Are we rich? No. But he was home every night and we had a great life.I do think the research he did into school and becoming certified is a great idea.
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Post by MissBianca on Dec 4, 2017 18:53:25 GMT
Your DS will be ok. He will be more than ok. Welding or any trade is an excellent job. Great pay, some with great benefits, etc. I do agree with others that he should look into some business management classes on the side but I’d let him follow his dream and his passion. The fact that he came to with all his ducks in a row to advocate for what he wants shows a huge amount of maturity. My son loves food, has wanted to be a chef his entire life. He’s going to a community college for culinary. People keep asking him when he’s going to “real college” um he’s at real college and has minimal debt. Yes it’s taken him 4 years to do a 2 year program but he’s been holding down a full time job too. When people ask me if he’s going to university after CC, I say no. But it’s because he was just offered a job at a restaurant in France. No university can give him that experience in a classroom.
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PaperAngel
Drama Llama
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Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Dec 4, 2017 19:05:36 GMT
(((hugs))) I understand your concerns. While he's not following the educational path you had envisioned, please remind yourself he's merely on an alternate route well traveled by many tradesmen before him. (For perspective: a high school classmate's parents were upset when their child chose not to attend college to go to clown school & pursue a childhood dream to join the circus.)
Without any firsthand experience, I encourage you to continue supporting your son unconditionally. Help him define his goals, evaluate his options, determine whether they are steps toward his goals, then let him chose his career path. If still desires to pursue welding, perhaps suggest he take online business courses (eg personal finance, cost accounting) to both enrich his career choice & pave the way for him to freelance/own his own business in the future. Clearly communicate the extent of your & your husband's financial, housing, etc support, & let him navigate his way from there to success. Remember that he can always return to the traditional college route if he determines a career in welding is not for him.
My thoughts & prayers are with your son & family as you navigate this intersection. (((hugs)))
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zella
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Jul 7, 2014 19:36:30 GMT
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Post by zella on Dec 4, 2017 19:23:20 GMT
We all have expectations for our kids. Mine were similar to yours. I expected they'd at least get a four year degree and have professions. That hasn't happened. And along the way my expectations changed. There were years when I just hoped my oldest would stay alive, stay off the streets, and not harm herself in any permanent way. This became our reality. I would be thrilled if either of our daughters had a passion and a plan to get the training so they could follow that passion. I wouldn't care what it was. I say all this in hopes that you can look at this a little differently. Instead of feeling disappointed and worried, think how great it is that your son has a passion for something, and at such a young age. Give him the support he needs to succeed. Let him know you're proud. Ask him questions about his work, and when he's in school show interest in what he's doing. This is a 100% valid life choice, and frankly he is far more likely to be successful in this endeavor than in continuing with a four year degree and being miserable. Remember too that success doesn't just mean being self-supporting financially. Look at success as happiness, managing to hold a job, taking steps towards independence.
Your DS will be ok. Help him through this life change. Parenting is HARD!
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Deleted
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Jun 1, 2024 6:03:43 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2017 19:35:51 GMT
If he has a passion, he might do well to follow it. A good tradesperson can really do well. My only suggestion is that he might want to follow through with at least an AA, preferably with a business or management focus, so he can plan and manage his career path. Ditto! If he at least takes a business communication class, he may find himself ahead of others because he'll have a better understanding of how to communicate professionally. I want my kids to be successful. If the field they're interested in is a skilled trade, I'll support them. If it requires a college education, then I'll support them.
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Deleted
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Jun 1, 2024 6:03:43 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2017 19:43:53 GMT
Let him go to welding school. It's not like he's quitting college to stay home and play video games. And while not on the level of an engineer, lawyer, etc., good welders can make a lot money. Speciality welders make more money than those professions. And there are actually welding engineers. The one I graduated with had a starting pay of 90 grand. Only the petroleum engineer started more...98 grand. There are no worries in the money side.
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marimoose
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Jul 22, 2014 2:10:14 GMT
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Post by marimoose on Dec 4, 2017 19:45:30 GMT
I think he should follow his passion. I seem to remember an article about how we push college so hard on kids that we are going to be sorely needing trades people in the future. Welding pays pretty well (at least in my area). Sounds like he is using his smarts - he has a plan for his future and it's a good sounding plan, IMO. ^^^^^^^^^^^^this^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Post by anonrefugee on Dec 4, 2017 19:57:33 GMT
lol we're all about the world needing more crafts and trades people until it's "our" kid. A neighbor who's DS has grown up with mine went through a similar panic when he wanted to have an automotive mechanic career. She eventually accepted it and they struck a deal balancing work with 1-2 courses a semester at community college.
Now that he's 20, she let him off the hook for college this summer. He's changed his mind and he's moving nine hours away at the end of the month to start as full time student at a major university.
This road is not always a smooth or straight one. Mine is still waffling on an exact major. I'd rather have someone thinking through their plans and life implications than one following the expected path - or so I say until next time...
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Post by disneypal on Dec 4, 2017 20:01:23 GMT
I can understand your concern but college just isn't for everyone. It sounds like your son has a pretty good head on his shoulders. He has a plan, he wants to do welding and go to welding school. You are good to support his decisions, even if you may not agree with them. I am sure he will do just fine.
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Post by candleangie on Dec 4, 2017 20:08:17 GMT
I should add, they are DESPERATELY looking for welders at the company Dave works for. It’s a great company, they take very good care of their employees, competitive pay, etc. there just aren’t enough qualified applicants to go around
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Dec 4, 2017 20:17:32 GMT
Not everyone is College inclined. I wasn't. There are many fields and careers, that offer lifelong, gainful employment that don't require a College degree. While he may be book smart, his heart and soul may be more inclined to perform his skills manually. There is nothing wrong with that. He tried College, and it's not for him.
Sounds like your Son has a "game plan". Welding School. Since he has intentions of being gainfully employed in the meantime I would ease up a bit on the "work or School full time, if you're going to live at home" since he has no control of the scheduled class start time. Sometimes, timing is everything. Sometimes, it goes in one's favor, sometimes it doesn't. I don't think waiting until the fall (to start Welding School) is unreasonable. I would give him time, let him work, live at home(charge a small rent if you feel inclined to do so, as a matter of his personal responsibility-you can always give it to him for household needs/furnishings when he gets his own place), and when the time comes....start welding School. If if follows through with his game plan, good for him and you(the Parents). If he doesn't follow through, then you can address the situation at that point in time.
Sometimes, in life, trial and error is a part of life's journey. Live and learn along the way. It's okay to change one's mind. It's okay to change course/direction. It's okay to go back to the proverbially "fork in the road" and go the other way. It's okay, to start again.
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