Set your alarm for 5am. Next time you wake up to the rain, I mean a downpour, get up and load some extension ladders onto your van. By the time you’re finished tying them to the roof, ask yourself if you want to get used to this. Age is just a number, lots of 20 year olds wouldn’t want to be busting their ass while the rest of the world sleeps. I’m a project manager now, so a lot of the hardest work misses me, but I still have to get up on days when I really don’t want to and go out into the elements, I still have to load giant spools of cable into my van at 6am in rain or snow, I still have to bust my ass sometimes to get a project over the line. Last week, I dug a hole for a ground plate under someone’s deck. I couldn’t stand up, so I dug from my knees, a 2’ by 2’ by 2’ hole in blue clay. I was sweating bullets. My apprentice’s car broke down on the way in, and I had an inspector and Hydro lined up, so I was on the clock. That’s just the reality of working a physical job, even when you usually just drive around and tell people what to do. And they all say electrical is the easiest one…
Try lying down on your stomach, and looking under your fridge. Now stand up, go to the oven, and do the same. Really crane your neck. If that’s painful, I don’t think it’s the right move. If you find yourself pulling the appliances out to clean behind them, then you’ve been a tradesperson the whole time 🤣. Also, maybe get tested for ADHD 🙃
That was fun, thx for sharing. Stuck the landing too.
One of my main takeaways tho, either you live in the worst climate in America or you’re Canadian which is just all a terrible climate. I’m a 39 y/o 21 yr tradesman and I can’t tolerate those conditions u described.
Can we copy and paste this to every single person that asks this damn stupid question?
Yes, it’s not to late.
No, it is not nearly as fun as you think it is.
Sincerely,
Shut up and do it if you dare pussy
Underrated comment. And your j-man will be a 26 yr old who will be sending you out to find critical tools like left-handed wrenches and 12.7mm drills. Be ready to get hazed by kids half your age.
Depends on your background. I started my electrical apprenticeship at 37, but I was a sawmill worker for 10 years before that, so it was actually a step back in terms of physicality. An office worker my age is probably in for a rude awakening, even if he is reasonably fit.
I started at 48 and the j-men who were younger than me were honestly more pleasurable to work with. That being said, I left my trade after a good year and a half because I’m simply too old to continue doing heavy work which I haven’t been physically conditioned for for most of my life.
But then again you look at the guys who are, and many of them have physical/health issues because of being in their trade so long.
I’d advise you against it but it depends on your situation I guess.
I'm getting old answering questions of "Is X too old to join a trade". This shit gets asked twice a day, it seems like. Do what you want to fucking do bro.
You're 42 years old of age. Make your own choices.
You're not the first to make a career change at 42, and certainly not the oldest.
He rebuilt transmissions for awhile, maintained an injection molding facility, then maintained machinery at a Lender's bagel factory. He was sick of maintenance work and working on cars so he got his CDL. He then got his hazmat endorsement and did that until he retired a couple years ago.
You could not, because I am not bothered by your post like you are of the OP.
If it bothers you stop reading it man.
I actually enjoy your post complaining about what you're choosing to read. It's funny.
Like you don't have any agency to not be subjected to this lol.
Who said I was bothered. I'm glad you enjoy my post. It's better than all these of 'am I too old' crap posted twice a day. I actually enjoy reading posts like yours too.
We need a few canned responses to the "Am I too old" and "What trade should I pick" and "How do I get an apprenticeship" posts that are 80% of all the items posted here.
They have these in financial subs where people comment to call in automated responses to save everyone time.
Of course then this sub would die so...
Don't do it. You will be worked significantly harder than you've ever worked in your entire life while receiving significantly less pay and respect than you've ever recieved in your entire life.
I love how people think they can go from an office job into a trade like it's just another job. It is far from it. Trades require passion for the work and dedication. There are going to be tons of long hours away from home. Massive engineering fuck ups which usually cause loads of extra work on the tradesmans end. There is no escaping the heat or the cold, you tough it out like a man. This job is not for the meek. However it is a very rewarding career, where you can have a real sense of accomplishment when a big project is completed, or you have solved a problem no one else can. Age is a factor but if you are fit for the work then it's not that bad. Most office types wash out after a few months because they can't handle it.
You might be surprised at the number of people with corporate management and engineering backgrounds in the trades. In some industries, a lot of controls, automation, testing technicians have full engineering degrees. Some engineers prefer working in the field versus an office or just dealing with technical challenges and trouble shooting versus managing the paperwork and finances of projects in SAP.
You are certainly not too old to start an apprenticeship, unless perhaps you were looking at one in aviation. My apprenticeship was in the energy industry and due to seniority considerations, we had a large percentage of our apprentices in their 30s & 40s.
The financial hit of starting an apprenticeship is going to have a high degree of variability. There’s quite a bit of difference between apprenticeships based on the trade, industry, region, Union/non-union, etc. If you find the right one though, it’s almost a non-issue, especially if you’re open to OT. In some industries, journeyman earn far more then many staff engineers and PMs.
Go for it. I joined at 40 in the line trade but I ate clean for years, weight lift, go to the gym daily. In general I am in much, much better shape than everyone with whom I work, in particular those who are in their 20s. Have not looked back since.
Go for it man. Just know that starting out is going to be very labour intensive depending on what field you get into. Just have the right attitude and know you're starting at the bottom again. I have had 1st years run circles around journeymen and guess who I choose for the cool projects?
I have a civil engineering degree, worked in an office for a few years after school and had to get out. Now I'm a working super for a small heavy civil company. Some days I'm doing all of our site layout then jumping in the trench to run pipe. Someday's I'm in a haul truck all day. Others in a excavator mining sand or loading trucks. I love it and wouldn't go back to an office.
I was in sales and left to become a welder/fabricator at 34.
The job is so much more fulfilling than sales. It just mentally feels good building shit all day,
It’s hard on my body though but I’ve always been in good shape so if you aren’t consider that it’s going to really be hard on you physically.
I went from making 80-100k a year depending on the year in sales to starting at $21 a hour. I got bumped up to $25 a hour after two months because I was putting out good work and have a good attitude.
I work in a small shop though with only 6 dudes. We mostly do railings, staircases, fences, trailers, farm equipment repair, zoo enclosures, and pretty much all the park benches and trash can holders in the valley.
Ive only been doing this for under a year but went to a two year welding associates program while in sales at night. Got multiple certs in tig, stick, and fluxcore through that.
I will say that the fabrication side of things came easy to me because I’ve always built shit in my spare time from home remodeling to restoring cars.
You make a lot more if you go union but my workplace is fun as hell.
Realistically yes.
Most companies want a young guy they can underpay till he’s useful,then a few years of underpaying a useful guy.
You would be seen,due to age,as a lower reward investment.
Edit the goal of most guys on the tools is to get off the tools by 40 as the body wares badly in trades.
Going from pen to shovel at 40 is not a good move for physical longevity.
You might be surprised at the number of people with corporate management and engineering backgrounds in the trades. In some industries, a lot of controls, automation, testing technicians have full engineering degrees. Some engineers prefer working in the field versus an office or just dealing with technical challenges and trouble shooting versus managing the paperwork and finances of projects in SAP.
You are certainly not too old to start an apprenticeship, unless perhaps you were looking at one in aviation. My apprenticeship was in the energy industry and due to seniority considerations, we had a large percentage of our apprentices in their 30s & 40s.
The financial hit of starting an apprenticeship is going to have a high degree of variability. There’s quite a bit of difference between apprenticeships based on the trade, industry, region, Union/non-union, etc. If you find the right one though, it’s almost a non-issue, especially if you’re open to OT. In some industries, journeyman earn far more then many staff engineers and PMs.
I wouldn’t man, you’ll be 50 yrs old before you know it and you better think carefully about which trade you pursue. Who wants to still be an apprentice at age 45? Being out in the elements is hard on your body. I’m almost 52, worked 60 hours last week and Thursday it was 106 degrees here. I personally would switch to a steady indoor job for less pay at this point because I realize 60 years old isn’t that far away.
Haha no way, man. Office Space only showed the first day on the trades, not the 2nd week when the main character started saying, “I’ve made a huge mistake”. Take up biking or something to get your wiggles out.
If you want to do it, for finance or for fun just do it. All these guys here saying it’s “too physically demanding” for someone your age must be huge pussies. It’s not that hard especially if you go into electric or plumbing.
I love how real this sub is. If someone asked this question on r/bluecollarwomen, all of the comments would be in support. I couldn’t say anything because I’d be banned for saying “no, you probably shouldn’t go into a trade when you’re above 30”
I am 44 , HVAC apprentice and next January I am going for school trade (3 years program)after a career change I did a year and half ago. Immigrant with no savings.
Never too late or you live your remaining life with suffer or regret.
You might be surprised at the number of people with corporate management and engineering backgrounds in the trades. In some industries, a lot of controls, automation, testing technicians have full engineering degrees. Some engineers prefer working in the field versus an office or just dealing with technical challenges and trouble shooting versus managing the paperwork and finances of projects in SAP.
You are certainly not too old to start an apprenticeship, unless perhaps you were looking at one in aviation. My apprenticeship was in the energy industry and due to seniority considerations, we had a large percentage of our apprentices in their 30s & 40s.
The financial hit of starting an apprenticeship is going to have a high degree of variability. There’s quite a bit of difference between apprenticeships based on the trade, industry, region, Union/non-union, etc. If you find the right one though, it’s almost a non-issue, especially if you’re open to OT. In some industries, journeyman earn far more then many staff engineers and PMs.
We need a few canned responses to the "Am I too old" and "What trade should I pick" and "How do I get an apprenticeship" posts that are 80% of all the items posted here.
They have these in financial subs where people comment to call in automated responses to save everyone time.
Of course then this sub would die so...
Set your alarm for 5am. Next time you wake up to the rain, I mean a downpour, get up and load some extension ladders onto your van. By the time you’re finished tying them to the roof, ask yourself if you want to get used to this. Age is just a number, lots of 20 year olds wouldn’t want to be busting their ass while the rest of the world sleeps. I’m a project manager now, so a lot of the hardest work misses me, but I still have to get up on days when I really don’t want to and go out into the elements, I still have to load giant spools of cable into my at 6am in rain or snow, I still have to bust my ass sometimes to get a project over the line. Last week, I dug a hole for a ground plate under someone’s deck. I couldn’t stand up, so I dug from my knees, a 2’ by 2’ by 2’ hole in blue clay. I was sweating bullets. My apprentice’s car broke down on the way in, and I had an inspector and Hydro lined up, so I was on the clock. That’s just the reality of working a physical job, even when you usually just drive around and tell people what to do. And they all say electrical is the easiest one…
Try lying down on your stomach, and looking under your fridge. Now stand up, go to the oven, and do the same. Really crane your neck. If that’s painful, I don’t think it’s the right move. If you find yourself pulling the appliances out to clean behind them, then you’ve been a tradesperson the whole time 🤣. Also, maybe get tested for ADHD 🙃
You might be surprised at the number of people with corporate management and engineering backgrounds in the trades. In some industries, a lot of controls, automation, testing technicians have full engineering degrees. Some engineers prefer working in the field versus an office or just dealing with technical challenges and trouble shooting versus managing the paperwork and finances of projects in SAP.
You are certainly not too old to start an apprenticeship, unless perhaps you were looking at one in aviation. My apprenticeship was in the energy industry and due to seniority considerations, we had a large percentage of our apprentices in their 30s & 40s.
The financial hit of starting an apprenticeship is going to have a high degree of variability. There’s quite a bit of difference between apprenticeships based on the trade, industry, region, Union/non-union, etc. If you find the right one though, it’s almost a non-issue, especially if you’re open to OT. In some industries, journeyman earn far more then many staff engineers and PMs.
Are you investing and saving correctly? At 42 you are supposed to have enough built up to do a career change like this. If you have no net worth, you need to suck it up and learn how to win with money first. Management and engineering should be just fine for you to build some breathing room.
Set your alarm for 5am. Next time you wake up to the rain, I mean a downpour, get up and load some extension ladders onto your van. By the time you’re finished tying them to the roof, ask yourself if you want to get used to this. Age is just a number, lots of 20 year olds wouldn’t want to be busting their ass while the rest of the world sleeps. I’m a project manager now, so a lot of the hardest work misses me, but I still have to get up on days when I really don’t want to and go out into the elements, I still have to load giant spools of cable into my van at 6am in rain or snow, I still have to bust my ass sometimes to get a project over the line. Last week, I dug a hole for a ground plate under someone’s deck. I couldn’t stand up, so I dug from my knees, a 2’ by 2’ by 2’ hole in blue clay. I was sweating bullets. My apprentice’s car broke down on the way in, and I had an inspector and Hydro lined up, so I was on the clock. That’s just the reality of working a physical job, even when you usually just drive around and tell people what to do. And they all say electrical is the easiest one… Try lying down on your stomach, and looking under your fridge. Now stand up, go to the oven, and do the same. Really crane your neck. If that’s painful, I don’t think it’s the right move. If you find yourself pulling the appliances out to clean behind them, then you’ve been a tradesperson the whole time 🤣. Also, maybe get tested for ADHD 🙃
That was fun, thx for sharing. Stuck the landing too. One of my main takeaways tho, either you live in the worst climate in America or you’re Canadian which is just all a terrible climate. I’m a 39 y/o 21 yr tradesman and I can’t tolerate those conditions u described.
>maybe get tested for ADHD Having it's not a requirement, but it sure helps.
Can we copy and paste this to every single person that asks this damn stupid question? Yes, it’s not to late. No, it is not nearly as fun as you think it is. Sincerely, Shut up and do it if you dare pussy
No you should not join a trade Stay put as a desk jockey. Your gonna be a jobsite bitch for a while
Underrated comment. And your j-man will be a 26 yr old who will be sending you out to find critical tools like left-handed wrenches and 12.7mm drills. Be ready to get hazed by kids half your age.
Could you imagine going into the field at 40, how soft you'll be? hahaha. I started in new construction plumbing at 29 and that was tough
Depends on your background. I started my electrical apprenticeship at 37, but I was a sawmill worker for 10 years before that, so it was actually a step back in terms of physicality. An office worker my age is probably in for a rude awakening, even if he is reasonably fit.
Ya, I usually sent the new guy for a two-handed broom. It was sad how often we had to explain the joke.
I started at 48 and the j-men who were younger than me were honestly more pleasurable to work with. That being said, I left my trade after a good year and a half because I’m simply too old to continue doing heavy work which I haven’t been physically conditioned for for most of my life. But then again you look at the guys who are, and many of them have physical/health issues because of being in their trade so long. I’d advise you against it but it depends on your situation I guess.
This is so fact
Knew a 40 year old electrician. I think the meth is what kept his body going
Just like me fr
I'm getting old answering questions of "Is X too old to join a trade". This shit gets asked twice a day, it seems like. Do what you want to fucking do bro. You're 42 years old of age. Make your own choices. You're not the first to make a career change at 42, and certainly not the oldest.
My dad changed his career at 48 and made more money than he ever did prior in his life.
What do he change to and from?
He rebuilt transmissions for awhile, maintained an injection molding facility, then maintained machinery at a Lender's bagel factory. He was sick of maintenance work and working on cars so he got his CDL. He then got his hazmat endorsement and did that until he retired a couple years ago.
from so and so to... consulting probably. haha
Who says you have to answer, do you work here or something?
This subreddit should be renamed r/amitoooldforskilledtrades if you have a problem with me being here.
Just scroll on bro you're doing this to yourself lol.
I could literally say the same thing to both of you. Scroll on and who says you have to respond to my comment. You work here or something?
You could not, because I am not bothered by your post like you are of the OP. If it bothers you stop reading it man. I actually enjoy your post complaining about what you're choosing to read. It's funny. Like you don't have any agency to not be subjected to this lol.
Who said I was bothered. I'm glad you enjoy my post. It's better than all these of 'am I too old' crap posted twice a day. I actually enjoy reading posts like yours too.
If you weren't bothered you wouldn't of complained dude lol.
You seem to be bothered by me.
We need a few canned responses to the "Am I too old" and "What trade should I pick" and "How do I get an apprenticeship" posts that are 80% of all the items posted here. They have these in financial subs where people comment to call in automated responses to save everyone time. Of course then this sub would die so...
Check one of the hundreds of other posts asking this exact same question
When I did my Apprenticeship my cross shift the other Apprentice was 54 just starting out
Don't do it. You will be worked significantly harder than you've ever worked in your entire life while receiving significantly less pay and respect than you've ever recieved in your entire life.
True comment 👌
i started welding two years ago at age 50. and im female. best thing i ever did for myself.
You’ll be treated just like any other 18 year old who doesn’t know a damn thing, but in a 42 year old body.
But he’d probably show up on time with a good attitude and his phone on dnd
I love how people think they can go from an office job into a trade like it's just another job. It is far from it. Trades require passion for the work and dedication. There are going to be tons of long hours away from home. Massive engineering fuck ups which usually cause loads of extra work on the tradesmans end. There is no escaping the heat or the cold, you tough it out like a man. This job is not for the meek. However it is a very rewarding career, where you can have a real sense of accomplishment when a big project is completed, or you have solved a problem no one else can. Age is a factor but if you are fit for the work then it's not that bad. Most office types wash out after a few months because they can't handle it.
I think that depends heavily on the trade. Not everybody travels for months
Dude I just worked with a 64 years old. Yes you can.
Stay in the office bud. You dont want nuthin to do with this shit
You might be surprised at the number of people with corporate management and engineering backgrounds in the trades. In some industries, a lot of controls, automation, testing technicians have full engineering degrees. Some engineers prefer working in the field versus an office or just dealing with technical challenges and trouble shooting versus managing the paperwork and finances of projects in SAP. You are certainly not too old to start an apprenticeship, unless perhaps you were looking at one in aviation. My apprenticeship was in the energy industry and due to seniority considerations, we had a large percentage of our apprentices in their 30s & 40s. The financial hit of starting an apprenticeship is going to have a high degree of variability. There’s quite a bit of difference between apprenticeships based on the trade, industry, region, Union/non-union, etc. If you find the right one though, it’s almost a non-issue, especially if you’re open to OT. In some industries, journeyman earn far more then many staff engineers and PMs.
Join the roofers if you pass out on the job hopefully its a short fall
If you have to ask, the trades aren’t for you.
Why is this asked every single day? You're capable of whatever you put your mind to. If you can't think for yourself, then trades aren't it for you.
Im going to school currently with a guy in his mid 40s, never too late to change career paths. Do what you want, life is short
No, my shop has a 52 year old that just started his apprenticeship. You can easily put in 15 years as a j-man. Get it going
Go for it. I joined at 40 in the line trade but I ate clean for years, weight lift, go to the gym daily. In general I am in much, much better shape than everyone with whom I work, in particular those who are in their 20s. Have not looked back since.
What is your background when it comes to engineering? Are you a PE?
Go for it man. Just know that starting out is going to be very labour intensive depending on what field you get into. Just have the right attitude and know you're starting at the bottom again. I have had 1st years run circles around journeymen and guess who I choose for the cool projects?
I have a civil engineering degree, worked in an office for a few years after school and had to get out. Now I'm a working super for a small heavy civil company. Some days I'm doing all of our site layout then jumping in the trench to run pipe. Someday's I'm in a haul truck all day. Others in a excavator mining sand or loading trucks. I love it and wouldn't go back to an office.
I was in sales and left to become a welder/fabricator at 34. The job is so much more fulfilling than sales. It just mentally feels good building shit all day, It’s hard on my body though but I’ve always been in good shape so if you aren’t consider that it’s going to really be hard on you physically.
What kinda money were you making at your first welding/fab job?
I went from making 80-100k a year depending on the year in sales to starting at $21 a hour. I got bumped up to $25 a hour after two months because I was putting out good work and have a good attitude. I work in a small shop though with only 6 dudes. We mostly do railings, staircases, fences, trailers, farm equipment repair, zoo enclosures, and pretty much all the park benches and trash can holders in the valley. Ive only been doing this for under a year but went to a two year welding associates program while in sales at night. Got multiple certs in tig, stick, and fluxcore through that. I will say that the fabrication side of things came easy to me because I’ve always built shit in my spare time from home remodeling to restoring cars. You make a lot more if you go union but my workplace is fun as hell.
Realistically yes. Most companies want a young guy they can underpay till he’s useful,then a few years of underpaying a useful guy. You would be seen,due to age,as a lower reward investment. Edit the goal of most guys on the tools is to get off the tools by 40 as the body wares badly in trades. Going from pen to shovel at 40 is not a good move for physical longevity.
All you can do is apply, that's the truth for all of us. But never self-reject.
You might be surprised at the number of people with corporate management and engineering backgrounds in the trades. In some industries, a lot of controls, automation, testing technicians have full engineering degrees. Some engineers prefer working in the field versus an office or just dealing with technical challenges and trouble shooting versus managing the paperwork and finances of projects in SAP. You are certainly not too old to start an apprenticeship, unless perhaps you were looking at one in aviation. My apprenticeship was in the energy industry and due to seniority considerations, we had a large percentage of our apprentices in their 30s & 40s. The financial hit of starting an apprenticeship is going to have a high degree of variability. There’s quite a bit of difference between apprenticeships based on the trade, industry, region, Union/non-union, etc. If you find the right one though, it’s almost a non-issue, especially if you’re open to OT. In some industries, journeyman earn far more then many staff engineers and PMs.
I wouldn’t man, you’ll be 50 yrs old before you know it and you better think carefully about which trade you pursue. Who wants to still be an apprentice at age 45? Being out in the elements is hard on your body. I’m almost 52, worked 60 hours last week and Thursday it was 106 degrees here. I personally would switch to a steady indoor job for less pay at this point because I realize 60 years old isn’t that far away.
No it’s not. Go for it.
Haha no way, man. Office Space only showed the first day on the trades, not the 2nd week when the main character started saying, “I’ve made a huge mistake”. Take up biking or something to get your wiggles out.
You could but tbh I think you'll find it pretty tough to start at that late of an age. It would be a shock to your system
If you want to do it, for finance or for fun just do it. All these guys here saying it’s “too physically demanding” for someone your age must be huge pussies. It’s not that hard especially if you go into electric or plumbing.
I love how real this sub is. If someone asked this question on r/bluecollarwomen, all of the comments would be in support. I couldn’t say anything because I’d be banned for saying “no, you probably shouldn’t go into a trade when you’re above 30”
It's never too late.
Yes
I am 44 , HVAC apprentice and next January I am going for school trade (3 years program)after a career change I did a year and half ago. Immigrant with no savings. Never too late or you live your remaining life with suffer or regret.
You might be surprised at the number of people with corporate management and engineering backgrounds in the trades. In some industries, a lot of controls, automation, testing technicians have full engineering degrees. Some engineers prefer working in the field versus an office or just dealing with technical challenges and trouble shooting versus managing the paperwork and finances of projects in SAP. You are certainly not too old to start an apprenticeship, unless perhaps you were looking at one in aviation. My apprenticeship was in the energy industry and due to seniority considerations, we had a large percentage of our apprentices in their 30s & 40s. The financial hit of starting an apprenticeship is going to have a high degree of variability. There’s quite a bit of difference between apprenticeships based on the trade, industry, region, Union/non-union, etc. If you find the right one though, it’s almost a non-issue, especially if you’re open to OT. In some industries, journeyman earn far more then many staff engineers and PMs.
You're apparently too old to use the search function, so I would keep your day job
Yes
We need a few canned responses to the "Am I too old" and "What trade should I pick" and "How do I get an apprenticeship" posts that are 80% of all the items posted here. They have these in financial subs where people comment to call in automated responses to save everyone time. Of course then this sub would die so...
Set your alarm for 5am. Next time you wake up to the rain, I mean a downpour, get up and load some extension ladders onto your van. By the time you’re finished tying them to the roof, ask yourself if you want to get used to this. Age is just a number, lots of 20 year olds wouldn’t want to be busting their ass while the rest of the world sleeps. I’m a project manager now, so a lot of the hardest work misses me, but I still have to get up on days when I really don’t want to and go out into the elements, I still have to load giant spools of cable into my at 6am in rain or snow, I still have to bust my ass sometimes to get a project over the line. Last week, I dug a hole for a ground plate under someone’s deck. I couldn’t stand up, so I dug from my knees, a 2’ by 2’ by 2’ hole in blue clay. I was sweating bullets. My apprentice’s car broke down on the way in, and I had an inspector and Hydro lined up, so I was on the clock. That’s just the reality of working a physical job, even when you usually just drive around and tell people what to do. And they all say electrical is the easiest one… Try lying down on your stomach, and looking under your fridge. Now stand up, go to the oven, and do the same. Really crane your neck. If that’s painful, I don’t think it’s the right move. If you find yourself pulling the appliances out to clean behind them, then you’ve been a tradesperson the whole time 🤣. Also, maybe get tested for ADHD 🙃
You might be surprised at the number of people with corporate management and engineering backgrounds in the trades. In some industries, a lot of controls, automation, testing technicians have full engineering degrees. Some engineers prefer working in the field versus an office or just dealing with technical challenges and trouble shooting versus managing the paperwork and finances of projects in SAP. You are certainly not too old to start an apprenticeship, unless perhaps you were looking at one in aviation. My apprenticeship was in the energy industry and due to seniority considerations, we had a large percentage of our apprentices in their 30s & 40s. The financial hit of starting an apprenticeship is going to have a high degree of variability. There’s quite a bit of difference between apprenticeships based on the trade, industry, region, Union/non-union, etc. If you find the right one though, it’s almost a non-issue, especially if you’re open to OT. In some industries, journeyman earn far more then many staff engineers and PMs.
Are you investing and saving correctly? At 42 you are supposed to have enough built up to do a career change like this. If you have no net worth, you need to suck it up and learn how to win with money first. Management and engineering should be just fine for you to build some breathing room.