Need to support my family?
Asked by crazyconfusedhelpless
I can't afford to go back to college, I can't join the army (asthma) and I don't trust any "work at home" or investment schemes advertised online. I have an associates degree in IT-Multimedia from ITT Tech but have literally not used it since I graduated in 2004 and trust me when I tell you that it is worthless. I graduated with honors without even cracking a book so you know that their education is a joke, but stayed there because once you start paying you have to stay and finish or loose your credits because they are worthless outside ITT Tech. Yes I know that was dumb but I was only just out of high school and didn't know better. They are pretty good at convincing you that if you have an associates degree under your belt that will open doors for you... not true. I am a systems operator for sears holdings (I work on computers and printers and computer equipment in a warehouse... I also print tickets and make audio visual presentations, do minor network maintenance etc) and make 12.50 an hour. They will not promote me because they only promote for education now, so I would have to go to school (and as I said I can't afford that because I am trying to support a family and they do not offer tuition reimbursement either) The only people I know that are making a good living are in some sort of labor jobs. They bring home like at least twice what I bring home, and yes they work hard... but when you are trying to support a family you have to do what you have to do. Does anybody out there know how I can get on with a construction crew or some other manual labor job like brick laying or cement work without having to get a degree or something that will pay around $20/hour or more so I can fulfill my duty to my family as a husband and father. 27,000 a year just doesn't cut it anymore unless you want to live in a one bedroom apartment and stay single your whole life... and since I'm married and have a two year old son... that is no longer an option. I literally am broke and cannot afford to invest any money in career opportunities... so please only make suggestions if you have some actual insight on the problem or first hand knowledge about what one can do to make a decent living buy working hard. Or any suggestions on second job opportunities that will work around my schedule. If I can't find one job around 10 to 12 hours a day that pays alright I guess two jobs at 16 hours a day at crappy pay will have to do... any insight folks. Thanks I live about 40 minutes south of Joliet Illinois if anyone has some specific information... thanks

Best Answer:
First, jobs like bricklaying, carpentry, etc. are considered skilled jobs and you need to enter an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships pay for time worked (you learn on the job for the most part) and once you graduate to journeyman, you get nice money. Check around the local unions to see which ones have apprenticeship programs with openings and see how to get into them. You could also check with local companies (HVAC companies, etc.) to see if they need helpers who could learn the job and move up that way. Don't expect to earn the money your friends make right away - that is where the training comes in.

To get into construction you will most likely need to go through an apprenticeship. You will start making 12 or so per hour. Apprenticeships usually last 3-5 years and eventually you can be making 20-30/hour plus benefits if you are union. I am not sure what the wages are for non-union. It is really up to the company you work for. Although some people are against unions, I really think it is worth it in construction especially if you want to make over $20/hr. I know electricians make pretty good money. Here in Madison, WI a union electrician makes over $30/hr. after a 5 year apprenticeship. I believe after 2 years you are already at $20.00/hr. I would check with some local unions. There is also some schooling involved, but check with your state, because here in Wisconsin companies are required to pay you for the time you spend in school for apprenticeships. Classes are not too expensive either. I think it was only $200 or so for a semester or year for the Painter's Union. You usually attend school once a week. There may also be some night classes you will be required to take that you will not be paid for, but again it is definitely worth it. Oh and I believe Illinois union rates are much higher than Madison's.
Answered by rachel_grote

You have to apply for those jobs at your Union Halls, you said you have friends that do these kinds of jobs, why don't you ask them to help get you in, they can. There might be a waiting list, so be prepared for that, but call the Union Halls and ask your friends when you can go in to fill out applications.
Answered by Lori