Career change - Programmer to Plumber. Good idea?

Question

As a programmer with 10 yrs experience I make less than a plumber apprentice, I sit in front of a computer all day and I get to compete with people from China and India. Would it make sense for me to become a plumber? I like working with my hands, getting dirty, doing a variety of things (instead of sitting in one place).

Answer 1

Do what your heart tells you to do. its a small risk that might be worth taking. Pay might be different. But i assume you could always go back to your orginal field of work. if needed. Good luck be happy in what ever it is you do.

Answer 2

I´d say go for it. Changes are good, and if are not feeling satisfied with your current career then it is time to make a change, move on to new things. I can see a lot of benefits from changing from programmer to plumber. First of all, you´ll meet a lot of new people and you will be able to interact a lot more. You will also be moving more, and therefore exercising more, sitting all day in front of a computer is not good for your body and general health. You will get some fresh air, and OK.... some not that fresh air, but every job has its negative aspects.

Besides, if you have worked your numbers and concluded that you definitely are going to be earning a lot more, then don´t wait any longer.

Everybody needs a plumber at one point !!!!

Do what makes you feel better, cause that´s what life is all about, and don´t you get overwhelmed by other people´s opinion who might think you are going backwards professionally. If you are doing better, and feeling better... then you made the right choice.

Best wishes !!!

Answer 3

We spend most of our time working so that we can afford to do the things we want to do with what little time we have while we are not working. Since you spend so much time working, do something you enjoy doing. If you're tired of sitting behind a desk and watching all the programming jobs be sent to India and wondering when your job will be sent there ( I am a programmer to so I know its just a matter of time ) Then go do something else. Look at more than just the $$ that can be made though, look into things you enjoy doing and find a way to make good money at it. If that's being a plumber, then by all means get a good pair of jeans that will show off your crack and go be a plumber.

Answer 4

Go for it. There's nothing worse than rotting away behind a desk. Especially if your unhappy. Obviously you are or you wouldn't be asking this question. Life is to be enjoyed my friend and if your current job is a bummer, then quit. Become a plumber. Get dirty, bruised up but be happy. Do what you want to do.
Then later, if you find that plumbing wasn't the way to go and your not happy. You can always try sometthing else or go back to being a programmer.
The point is don't be afraid to make changes in your life if the result is your happiness.

Answer 5

It doesn't matter what you do as long as you are happy and content doing it. However, let me remind you that people will underestimate your intelligence, and generalize your mentality based on your job. So very sad, but true.
I work part time in retail to occupy a few of my "off hours" while my husband is at work. I have a degree, but feel no need to use it as we are rather comfortable. Not to mention, we live in a small town and my degree is (unfortunately) useless here - no jobs or demand for my field. I'm fine with that, and working the job keeps me busy while I'm there and gives me some extra pocket change. :)
I do have to deal with the general public...it is a part of my job I adore, I love people. There are some dimwitted customers who frequent the store and treat me like a servant, or an idiotic piece of crap. Karma's a *****, so I don't stress over it too much, but I'm just giving you a heads-up about how some people are, and if you don't think you can deal with that very well, then you may want to stick with programming.
What it all comes down to is being happy, though. If you want to go work as a street vendor or race car driver, have at! The world is yours and it's a free country. Do what slaps a smile on your face! :) Take care.

Answer 6

plumber if you live where i live you would be working on the spot just show up. plumber very good trade to get into if you dont mind working in cramped spots and can be very ugly at times when your on renovations instead of new built places not all that much heavy lifting good pay. no job is the same its got you moving all the time good occupation if that is what you want to do, go for it. this will give you an idea right know if i were to have aplumber come to my house right off the bat just to show up he wants a min of 50 bucks and he hasnt done anything yet. plumbers are getting about 50-60$ an hour here. mind you that is working for yuor self.

Answer 7

Being a plumber is hard work - but pays well and you have the union to back you up and will help you find a job. If you like working with your hands, go for it. Going from sitting all day to physical labor will also make you healthier in the long run.

Answer 8

Why not? You could try going to a trade school at night or around your current work schedule so you have some training, or apprentice with someone who would be willing to take you on without the specific experience or training. It's good to change things up every once in awhile, and it sounds like you may be burned out with your current profession. You can always go back to programming if it turns out you hate being a plumber. I say go for it!

Answer 9

I know what you mean, think of all the people your going to meet, I think that is awesome to be in a different place every day at work in stead of the same three walls, from what I hear there is no pressure as a plumber if you always have the right tool. Good luck and if you don't like it you could always go back and at least now you will have to good profession's

Answer 10

I don't think you can handle a plumber job. You have no skills in that field. Never think that you are a programmer with high education, and you can any dirty jobs.

As programmer, you need to learn new things every day. You job is not based on only experiences, it is also based on your willingness of learning.

China and India can send their people to steal your computer job, Mexico can also send people to get plumber jobs with very low salary.

Don't be a lazy American. Everyone need to work hard to get paid for what they work. Don't blame other countries.

Answer 11

Generally speaking, plumbers do make good money and if you truly dislike programming that much, then change jobs. I want to remind you, though, that plumbing is a very physical job that becomes increasingly more difficult as you age. Also, you are subjecting yourself to certain diseases when you expose yourself to fecal matter and other waste material. Your current job is clean, low risk and a job you can keep until you retire (outsourcing issues aside). Think long and hard before changing from a white collar job to blue collar career-it's a whole lot harder than you might think.