Welding / Fabrication as a second career for a 38 year old computer guy?
Asked by jvsteno
I've been a graphic designer for 12 years. 38 and burned out. That said, I can't stand to sit at a desk anymore, at least for 10 hours a day. I was looking for a second career or to change things up by having two part time jobs instead of one full time job. I love to work with my hands, love mechanical things and metal fabrication is something I've been interested in. What are you experiences with doing welding? What do you recommend doing if I were to pursue this? Suggestions? Experience? Buying my own rig? What should I expect?

Best Answer:
Howdy, I've welded most of my life, I'm 51 now. I'd suggest you start small and just do it as a hobby and build up to doing it for a living. Maybe try the wrought iron gate, burgular bar and fence market, that gives you a practical product to sell and still allows for artistic expression, you're not just spitting them out all the time. Burn out can happen with any craft, I suppose. I finally went to vocational school for welding after doing it by just coping what I saw--I really wanted to know why I was doing it a certain way, and that's important when welding different materials together. Go to craft shows and look at other types of metal working besides welding. I saw some cool stuff by these guys that coil copper wire together to make a lot of things, but would you want to do it eight hours a day, every day?? Most of all, find something you are passionate about. You're relatively young so you'll be around for quite a while doing it!! Good Luck P. S. It takes good eyes to be a good welder, If you have trouble with your eyes, that might become a concern.

sell in ebay, or be a computer network engineer, that will help to grow up your career
Answered by Capisec

Are you in the U.S? In Australia there are several courses for Welding qualifications and the actual appreticeship is as a Boilermaker. I would suggest calling your local college that run various courses so you can start at the basic level & make your way up as a Coded Welder. Once you have some tickets, then you can look at getting out on your own or applying to work with companies. Personally, I hate welding...its tough work! And you don't really want to get stuck in a workshop either which is what a lot of them do...but anyway...I think its great that your not afraid of moving on to do something that you know you'll enjoy. Good for you!!
Answered by SxySparki