Any artisans in the forum? Woodwork, Metal work etc etc

[Big Yellow Tractor]

I'm a chippie by trade but a self employed general builder, I'm 45 this year and my joints are fucked, I can't remember the last time something wasn't aching.
I'd keep it to a hobby if I was you if you want to be fairly fit in your retirement, I need to change careers ASAP that's for sure.

I'm much the same.(only two years older)

Knackered disc that doesn't play up often but when it does, I'm fcuked.

Tennis Elbow and Parson's Knee one side, Golfer's Elbow and Housemaid's Knee on the other.

Worn out right hip and creaky left ankle.

Right shoulder locks up occasionally.

Every material or chemical I have ever used is now on the “If you touch it or breathe it you will die” list.

At least I know my meagre pension will be enough; I'll probably croak before I get a chance to use much of it.


Happy Tuesday everyone !!!!!!


On a serious note....... If there's anything you think you will regret not doing......DO IT NOW !

Money is the cheapest it's ever been to borrow. Do It Now

(with a bit of luck you'll have plenty of time to pay it off)

[chipy]

I'm a chippie by trade but a self employed general builder, I'm 45 this year and my joints are fucked, I can't remember the last time something wasn't aching.
I'd keep it to a hobby if I was you if you want to be fairly fit in your retirement, I need to change careers ASAP that's for sure.

Im also a carpenter. I do all the heavy stuff, floor joist, roofing etc. So outside everyday what ever the weather been doing it now for 34 years and yes everyday something aches but would i change jobs no chance i love it (thumbs)

[AndyB]

It depends on how much you want to earn, how many hours per week you want to be working and how much you've got in the bank right now.

I've worked in heavy engineering (mechanical) for nearly 40 years and there's never been a better time to get into it because of the chronic shortage of skilled labour. That sounds great but there are a lot of people who think doing a 2 week course makes them a skilled fitter or machinist and they're actually pretty crap when it comes down to it.

I don't spend a lot of time on the tools these days because I now run major power station outages and that involves deciding who we want to use on those jobs. If you want to be run ragged and work every weekend available then there's a lot of money to be earned but we generally want to see any prospective employee bringing something to the table and that either means a bit of experience or some form of qualification that suggests the guy has half a clue.

If you can afford to not be earning for a period of time the best way is to sign up for a course at your local technical college and do something like an HND and if you're good then it's odds on the college will be pointing prospective employers at you.

The other option is knocking on doors but if you're lucky enough to get in somewhere then you'll be at the bottom of the food chain for quite a while whereas getting a formal qualification short cuts that problem. It depends on if you want to be doing hands on work or move up the ladder over a few years and it also depends on whether you want to be doing something creative or just make money.

[Gas_Up_Lets_Go]

I've been working in the IT industry. And now, I feel It's time for a change.

Must be something in the Bites....

I've worked in IT since, well a long long time. Started in electronics fixing stuff (in the days you could do wonders with an iron and a scope), moved on to field support then Network specialisms. Spent time working for a big US manufacturer, traveled the world and missed my daughters first words and first steps. I've since worked in Sales support (don't ever go there!) and a few years contracting, now I'm with a big British Telecommunications company working in areas that I'm not permitted to talk about.

A couple of years ago, I to wanted out. I looked at a career as a driving instructor, there is plenty of opportunity to learn, but the reality of earning a living fails the financial tests (or at least it does in this part of the country). I have a keen interest in Woodwork, I have a well equipped workshop and my wife's father taught me lots about cabinet making before he died, I also turn wood. Working with wood is very satisfying, and the finished products are a great mental lifter (if that makes sense). I tried to see if there was a living to be made - there isn't really, and the projects I picked up were leaving me not wanting to go into the workshop to relax a little, quite the opposite.

What I did do, and this is the benefit of working in a large company, was to move into another area, and I managed a promotion in the bargain. I'm now happy again, for how long I don't know but I'm setting the ground so I can semi-retire at 55 if I so choose to.

From my experience, I wouldn't try to turn a hobby into a living. Sure a trade is a good thing, and anyone who can fix stuff will never be out of work for long (not in my part of the world anyway), and there is no reason why working wood or metal isn't rewarding, but as others have said, it's more physical than driving a keyboard and the aches and pains will be in different places.
I've mates who are steel workers, scaffolders, plumbers, roofers and one who has a grass cutting business, they would all swap for a nice well paid IT job if they had the skills - that grass must look very green from over there!

[spot]

I'm a chippie by trade but a self employed general builder, I'm 45 this year and my joints are fucked, I can't remember the last time something wasn't aching.
I'd keep it to a hobby if I was you if you want to be fairly fit in your retirement, I need to change careers ASAP that's for sure.

Same here, Be an Electrician match up the colours and leave a mess behind

[threepot]

BigYellowTractor......knackered Disc,elbows,knees,hip,ankle,shoulder,,is that you jumping the bike in your avatar?? Lol :laugh:

[Big Yellow Tractor]

BigYellowTractor......knackered Disc,elbows,knees,hip,ankle,shoulder,,is that you jumping the bike in your avatar?? Lol :laugh:

Yes, that is me and my DRZ400E on an MX track but none of my woes can be attributed to getting off my bike at the wrong time. I've popped a couple of ribs in the past but usually it's just the odd bruise. Surprisingly, trail-riding helps my back when it's playing up.

[gspod]

Big Yellow Tractor
I can recommed a book 'The back sufferers bible' by Sarah Key.
Worth a look - if you haven't already (thumbs)