There have been many times in my life when I wished I had become a plumber.
Since I was academically gifted and did very well in school, there was never any doubt in my mind that I was destined to go to college and become a successful (aka white collar) professional.
I remember taking career aptitude tests as far back as grade school. I was good at tests, so I always gamed the answers to ensure the results would conclude that I should become a Doctor or Lawyer.
I wish that I had spent time talking to more people about their work days before I entered college. Most of my exposure was through books, newspapers and TV.
I would have learned that I hate hospitals, administrative work and being around sick people.
I would have realized that I would have despised being a lawyer. I shudder just thinking about the hourly billing, risk avoidance, politicking, and legal minutiae involved.
I might have figured out that I wanted to work independently, be challenged to figure things out, meet different people regularly, and solve tangible problems.
I might have even considered a trade instead of college.
But when I was in high school, only the “dumb” kids considered blue collar careers.
Instead, based on my very limited understanding of the working world, I jumped right in college fully intending to become a neurosurgeon.
The only things I learned in college that were valuable were humility and how to teach myself. Those were good lessons, but I could have learned them on the job for free.
So How Does Being A Plumber Fit Into All This?
Before I was in sales, I spent 10 years bouncing from job to job. Those years would have been better spent in a plumbing apprenticeship and then working as plumber. I’d have built a career and made more money.
Every plumber I’ve met has always had work. Most had full schedules and rarely did any sales or advertising aside from having their name on their truck.
Many have their own successful small business.
Plus, I think plumbing is ingenious. Since I’ve been a homeowner for a few decades, I’ve replaced faucets, sinks and toilets. I’ve learned about clogs, septic systems, traps and sewage. The way plumbing works is simply amazing.
Had I embarked on a career in plumbing when I was fresh out of high school, I imagine I’d have a thriving small business today or already be retired.
So being a plumber is my fantasy job.
Reality Check
Whenever I say this to my wife, she says “Nope. You hate getting dirty and would be disgusted by sewage. You should have become an electrician.”
She might be right.
Either way, it’s too late for me to start over now. I’m too old to start at the bottom digging ditches and doing hard manual labor.
Why Am I Writing About This?
This is for my younger readers just getting started in their careers. It’s for my older readers who’s kids might be entering the workforce. It’s even for the entry level white collar workers who are finding their jobs aren’t quite measuring up to their expectations.
I’d encourage all of you not to dismiss the blue collar trades like I did. Instead, do some investigation.
If you want to read some well written takes on this from both philosophical and practical viewpoints, I recommend:
“Shop Class a Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work” by Michael B. Crawford
and
Mike Rowe’s articles, videos and podcasts on blue collar trades.
You might be surprised with what you discover.