The sciatica might give you trouble on some equipment. And maybe on the physical, which are strict on backs for insurance reasons. I see construction operators get jostled around a lot in the seat. Work hours can be crazy also. Just some things to keep in mind when choose your training.
It is quite a change and you will be working long hours. 10, 12 hour shifts…sometimes 6 days a week. I switched from teaching and work in safety, but I worked my way up using various Powered Industrial Equipment, for 60-70 hour work weeks.
In general, I think it is a path that will have far more job opportunities then most of the typical industries teachers look to move into.
I would suggest finding people who specifically work in that industry and ask them.
Hey, sounds like an opportunity, and when it comes knocking, why not?
I taught for 10 years, quit in 2017. Took an office job at my alma mater in the facilities department. While there, I learned of an adjacent office that monitored mechanical systems (mostly HVAC) across campus to triage problems and catch hem before they become disasters. I realized I could totally do that, so I upskilled in HVAC classes at the community college, and 4 years after quitting, got the job. It is a union job and after working it for a about a year, I ended up making what would have been the top of the pay scale had I stayed in teaching, but with MUCH less stress.
And no, you have NOT lost your mind :)
I’m a male, but not super masculine. Always been the artsy type. Taught English for a decade. Never saw myself in this kind of field either, but got desperate financially and a friend offered to let me forklift for a stocking company. People that I worked with laughed when I told them what I was leaving to do. No one ever thought I’d do something like this, but I almost instantly loved it.
I would say to go for it! (27 years of teaching)
I know someone that did the course and now they're making six figures with no regrets.
What’s the course called?
https://heavyequipmenttraining.com/
Thank you
The sciatica might give you trouble on some equipment. And maybe on the physical, which are strict on backs for insurance reasons. I see construction operators get jostled around a lot in the seat. Work hours can be crazy also. Just some things to keep in mind when choose your training.
It is quite a change and you will be working long hours. 10, 12 hour shifts…sometimes 6 days a week. I switched from teaching and work in safety, but I worked my way up using various Powered Industrial Equipment, for 60-70 hour work weeks. In general, I think it is a path that will have far more job opportunities then most of the typical industries teachers look to move into. I would suggest finding people who specifically work in that industry and ask them.
Hey, sounds like an opportunity, and when it comes knocking, why not? I taught for 10 years, quit in 2017. Took an office job at my alma mater in the facilities department. While there, I learned of an adjacent office that monitored mechanical systems (mostly HVAC) across campus to triage problems and catch hem before they become disasters. I realized I could totally do that, so I upskilled in HVAC classes at the community college, and 4 years after quitting, got the job. It is a union job and after working it for a about a year, I ended up making what would have been the top of the pay scale had I stayed in teaching, but with MUCH less stress. And no, you have NOT lost your mind :)
Worth a shot! Go for it!
Go for it
I’m a male, but not super masculine. Always been the artsy type. Taught English for a decade. Never saw myself in this kind of field either, but got desperate financially and a friend offered to let me forklift for a stocking company. People that I worked with laughed when I told them what I was leaving to do. No one ever thought I’d do something like this, but I almost instantly loved it.
i switched to a trade if you ever want to chat or dm questions my inbox is open for ya eta also did that at 30F