@Typo-MAGAshiv

Yes. It's very lucrative, and if you get into the union for your trade, you have all kinds of freedom.

Interesting take. I have never worked for a union only ever along side a union and felt I had more freedoms, but at that point I was also bidding my own jobs, picking and choosing what and who I would subcontract for.

I do understand unions typically supply you with work, even if your company doesn't have it or lets you go.

My experience has also been I make more even when I'm not running the jobs as a non union employee but I've been blessed with very small, Mom and Pop type crews. This is the only time my benefits have been comparable to a good union job tho.

I would second any young man reading this, who finds sitting at desk all day daunting. I wish it had been pushed more when I was in highschool versus you have to go to college and get a higher education for a good life.

All those CAP classes did shit for me. Maybe had I taken a few shop classes. That and the stigma ever trade is filled with a tyrant of a boss who live to scream and cuss you out.

@Kloi

Are you working more hours?

No, still doing about the same as I always have, 50-60. I had a short break of 40 only from mid January until mid April.

What made my time disappear was taking back over the shit my wife had previously taken over from me because I just didn't have the time, primarily much of the yard work. When I was always gone, she'd do the mowing and some other things (I still did the weed whacking because she can't start it).

Now that I'm home more, I've taken back the chores that used to be mine.

That, and sleeping more. I'm more well-rested than I've been in years. I still have some catching up to do.

Have you ever shared what trade you're in publicly?

Not on purpose.

Follow up question, would you recommend a young guy getting into the trades? Why or why not?

Yes. It's very lucrative, and if you get into the union for your trade, you have all kinds of freedom.