Postponing until 2010

[itsmrb]

Hi guys

I've been considering a change of career for a while now and after many months of looking into various options, I have decided on a 4wk tiling course. I'm currently working in the insurance industry and after 8 years of office based work I really fancy a change. I've always been a very practical individual and learn new skills quickly. Anyway after a bit of investigation at work it looks like I will be able to swing 4 weeks annual leave to do this course (I've told them I'm going to visit relatives in Canada!). The thing is though that I'm concerned about the recession and the reports that construction and trades have been particularly badly affected. I'm actually now seriously considering postponing doing the course until next year. Just wondering what your thoughts are on this. My local market would be central Scotland. Would a newbie entering the market after a 4wk course stand much chance of making a decent living (+20k) at the moment?

Thanks

 

[david campbell]

it would maybe take a few years to be potentially earning that amount in this are,unless you have a significant amount of contacts,i know many tradesmen locally who haven't worked in a while,i would probably go ahead with the course though and maybe do work for family and friends in your spare time as it will give you experience with is the main asset you will need for a successful career

 

[faithhealer]

I would do the course and see if you can practice tiling for friends etc until next year. You might take to it you might not? Dont think you'll make that money first (this) year to be honest

 

[White Room]

As David says and hold onto your job at the moment

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Hello itsmrb,

If your young free and single - its the best career/trade in the world.
If you have all the other pleasures Wife,kids,house,car,etc think very carefully.
IMO you will not earn your target in the first 2-3 years until you get established.
I don't know your central Scotland catchment area for quantity of work but some of the threads for north of the border and indeed all over are not wholely encouraging!
To be totally honest - and my name is John - I'd stick with your thoughts and postpone. If you get a salary, 4 weeks annual holiday and are in a nice warm office you may be in the best place this coming bleak winter!

By the way you still have weekends - do some labour jobs for a local tiler and pick up a few pointers - test it first!
I worked in International banking ( counting travellers cheques) when I left school - did 6 weekends grouting jobs in the New Forest area, packed in the bank and started tiling - 35 years later its still FUN.

John.

 

[itsmrb]

Thanks for all the replies. My situation is basically this. 29, no wife, no kids but fairly large morgage. Current salary is about 21k with pension and other benefits. I also have a business degree. Work wise, I guess I'm just sick of working for a large corporation and everything which goes with it like the politics, constant targets, sitting at a desk all day, answering to managers etc etc. I like the idea of doing something practical, creative and rewarding. I'm a DIY enthusiast and feel real satisfaction from standing back and admiring a good job. Tiling seems like a good option but I'll need to be bringing in enough to meet my outgoings.

 

[faithhealer]

You'd be a fool if you packed your job and then found out it's not for you mate. weekend tiling for starters. My mate has just packed his middle management job in to train for 4 months as a plumber, after two weeks he is exhausted, not used to the physical side, 8 hrs a day!

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Sell the house - buy a camper - tour the world!
The tiling course will still be there when you get back!

John.

 

[LM Ceramics]

as others have said ud be mad at the moment to throw your job away but i suggest you do the tiling course see if its for your or not. If you pack your job in then work doesnt come your way then you will struggle especially having a large mortgage. as mentioned tile for family and friends if you know a local tiler labour for him for a while then maybe next year if everything blows over you ll have a little experience under your belt and better prepared for self employment luckily for me i still live at home i dont think i could cope with a mortgage now

anyway good luck do whats right for you!