How old is 'too old' for career change?

[MarkG]

Hi guys (and gals),

I'm looking for opinions on something. As I've posted a while back, I took a 2 semester MIG welding program at a local college and got good grades as well as passed 3G and 4G bend tests.

Here's my dilemma: I'm not a kid anymore----I'm 48. I'm wondering if it's unrealistic to expect to find a decent MIG welding job and progress enough to get paid a decent wage at my age. Do you know anyone who's done this? I've never held a welding job to date.

I know it may not be 'legal' to discriminate based on age, but come on----what's going to stop the boss from tossing an old guys application in the trash---no one will likely find out why and they likely have many other applicants!

BTW----I do have another career and love it, as you'll see if you checked out my profile, but it's been very very slow and a steady paycheck and some benefits is starting to really sound appealing.

Thanks for your input!

 

[dynahoe]

follow your heart, money matters most to some, but if you like it fill out some apps.you don't have to jump if the money isn't there.you're never too old to start anew

 

[Smiliesafari]

You're only too old if you think you are too old. I've done it several times. As soon as I get proficient at a trade I get bored and move on. It's always worked for me.

 

[kd3pc]

I have to agree with Duck, I am almost 60 and have tried twice to "re-invent" my career. Neither worked as I was over 50 at the time.

We in America, need to get over the "useless" tag so many apply to any one over 50. Experience should count, but doesn't.

As Duck says, it comes down to money, and they can hire two kids, useful or not does not matter, for the price of one old guy.

All the best, no matter what you choose. It ***** to be 60 and un-employable at anything except a wal-mart greeter.

 

[zkling]

You'll be fine, but may be slightly limited as to what work to be hired for. That might actually be a blessing in disguise.

Welding is only part of the job, do you know blueprints, and other basic shop skills? What is your current career field? Does it parallel a welding profession at all? I'd try to talk to a local union rep.

One thing I think others are forgetting, is that there is a difference between 48 and 48. Are you the guy on the verge of a heart attack, struggling to get off the couch? or the guy that could jog a mile under 10min no problem tonight?

 

[Zeke]

Shop pay for MIG weldors *****. You can make considerably more waiting tables. Both are physical jobs but one is inside with heat and air.

OTOH, you can change careers at 48. In fact, you have time to have a 2nd and 3rd. Think of retiring career military. A lot of those folks end up with double or more pensions.

What are the choices? Well, they are limited a little bit. With more specialized education you can go into white collar. There's ALWAYS sales including real estate. And there are a gazillion cottage industries.

What are you looking for? Steady pay or a more secure retirement? You first set down your needs, then your wants and finally your desires.

 

[ducksface]

You're only too old if you think you are too old. I've done it several times. As soon as I get proficient at a trade I get bored and move on. It's always worked for me.

When the manager is hiring, and the plan is to make a profit;
You're only too old if the manager thinks you're too old.

It's nice, but unrealistic, to think otherwise.
Would you hire an eighty year old noob?
Where is your cut off line?
A managers cutoff is at profit.
If you're 48 and the only applicant, maybe, if you want to work at a place like that....

I know we all want to be viable.
That's not realistic.

 

[olytdi]

You're confusing the issue by combining two distinct questions: Am I too old to change careers, and, can I get a welding job at 48 YO?

I think you've gotten good advice with regard to the welding question.

As far as changing careers goes, you're not too old at all. Not always easy but completely do-able.

I was a Stone Mason and firefighter for years before going to college in my late 20's and getting my Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology. That gave me a great 15 year career in wildlife biology with the state and feds. When that became too political, I went back to school at 47 YO and got my Master of Science in Nursing and now practice as an ARNP.

Already looking to see what my "next" career might be!

If I can do it, anyone can.

I'd be trying to mesh something you find interesting, challenging, and that gives you a sense of making a difference with what is supportable in this economy.

 

[DekeT]

When you are dead. That is the only time you are "too old".

 

[Steevo]

I am 59+, and have had three distinct careers, and several in-between vocations.
I am currently retired and trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up.

It is never too late to change your life/health/career, but you may not have the opportunity to reach the higher paid ranges of the new profession, as some take many years to work up to, especially in trades.

Best of luck, and do what makes you happy.

 

[MatBirch]

I'm 45, working as a weldor in a shop of around 75 builder/fabricators. There are four or five of us over 30. As a group we constantly complain that the bosses will only pay a starting wage that only a middle schooler can survive on. I only made it because I started right before the economic downturn in 2008, and was grateful to have ANY JOB! I've put in enough time that my wage is finally back to decent. We struggle in our shop with QC, hours, attendance, work ethic, etc. all because they wont pay enough to get or keep anyone with experience. Doesn't seem to matter whether it's electricians, weldors, fitters... They feel they get more productivity out of paying little to inexperienced kids, training them for other companies, and then watching the now "experienced" kids go elsewhere for more money. As long as they're showing a profit, they believe their system works.
From what duck and others are saying, seems my company is different than any other...

 

[Bruce57]

I worked my way up from a maintenance mechanic to chief engineer in my previous career. I most enjoyed being a first line supervisor but I got caught up in the big paycheck. I spent about 20 years in positions I really didn't enjoy. I made some changes at age 53. I now am a lead service tech for a machinery manufacturer and enjoy work again. The job is a lot physically harder but I can keep up with the younger guys (mid to late 40's) and I'm now 57. My employer appreciates my experience and work ethic. Plus, now I have a legitimate excuse to buy more tools. This was a good move for me and my family despite a smaller paycheck. I believe God gives us interests, skills, and abilities and if you find a job where you can use these you will find the most satisfaction. Best wishes with your decision.

 

[ducksface]

Let me readdress a bit;
The question was specifically about being a welder, at a certain age, with EXTREMELY limited skills.

"I'm wondering if it's unrealistic to expect to find a decent MIG welding job and progress enough to get paid a decent wage at my age"

He even put it in bold AND italics so as not to confuse us/steer us off on personal tangents.

I can get a job in some professions until they kick out the plug, and then my family can sell the body.
Those do not involve welding.

 

[kf4zht]

If your not dead or given up on learning (pretty much dead) you have time to start a new career. It may take you a little longer to find the company you fit in with, but since you are older that would probably be true anyway. You are more familiar with work environments and probably wouldn't jump at the first job or the biggest paycheck like a recent grad.

You also probably have more capitol and business knowledge too. Going and doing shop welding may not be your gig, but you are in a position to do contract work starting at nights/weekends and move to a full time job guy.

BTW - You can be dead and still walking around earning a paycheck. I hired 2 guys, both older, one with more experience and one that was changing career.

Couple years later the guy who was changing careers is one of my best employees. He bust his ***, can learn just as fast as anyone else and his age makes clients more comfortable with him. He is typically 1st or 2nd for productivity month after month.

The other guy wanted to take off at 5 sharp everyday and only wanted to work on what he already knew, then complained when he didn't get regular promotions. Not sure where he is now but it isn't here.

So if you are willing to work hard and learn go ahead, there is nothing stopping you.

 

[Paul1956]

When I was your age I was in the process of a career change that
did not quite work out... but it was an experience.

I also experienced age discrimination and although I do not look
my age heard a lot of "you are not what we were expecting" which
was code for you are older than we expected.

Why not start with doing some work on the side and see how that
goes... if nothing else you pickup some experience.

 

[BillK]

Mark,
Not sure what area you are in but around here everyone that I know who owns a business that does any type of manual labor or hands on work is just crying the blues about not being able to find help. The biggest issue seems to be finding someone who will come to work every day and pass a drug test 48 is young in my opinion, I am 64 and would not be afraid of a change at all if I needed to. Its more in the attitude than anything.

 

[32krazy!]

are you able to fabricate? if yes then why not use your new education to start a small business of your own fabricating and welding say some high end car parts?
i own a turbo porsche. one thing i always see is the high prices for fabricated exhaust intake etc parts.
start small and work your way up. you can keep your present career to pay the bills and your new career to keep you young

 

[hackwelder]

I retired at 55 and looked for a part time job for about a year, turned down two that were not a good fit, but then got hired building machinery for a small manufacturing company...and part of what got me an interview was a photo of a MIG welding project I emailed along with my resume and cover letter. Liked the job a lot but the pay was about half what I made before retirement, eventually left due to an off the job accident that put my arm in a cast...
Anyway, was not hired as a welder and am only a self taught amateur, but it was gratifying that my project (a Locost/Lotus 7 frame built from scratch) got me an interview and helped me get hired...if you've built anything substantial it might help to mention it in your cover latter and attach a photo, worked for me.

 

[kbs2244]

Stay where you are at and use the welding knowledge as a serious hobby/sideline.
When your time comes, an it will, you will at least have some welding contacts for going it on your own, or even getting hired.

 

[Zeke]

I'm 45, working as a weldor in a shop of around 75 builder/fabricators. There are four or five of us over 30. As a group we constantly complain that the bosses will only pay a starting wage that only a middle schooler can survive on. I only made it because I started right before the economic downturn in 2008, and was grateful to have ANY JOB! I've put in enough time that my wage is finally back to decent. We struggle in our shop with QC, hours, attendance, work ethic, etc. all because they wont pay enough to get or keep anyone with experience. Doesn't seem to matter whether it's electricians, weldors, fitters... They feel they get more productivity out of paying little to inexperienced kids, training them for other companies, and then watching the now "experienced" kids go elsewhere for more money. As long as they're showing a profit, they believe their system works.
From what duck and others are saying, seems my company is different than any other...

That's an interesting point your bring up, about training people for other companies and believing that model works. It might, depending on what the 'training' is vs. the pay.

For example, the boss or supe says here, learn this and then make 100 of them. The cost is low enough to throw out the rejects all the while telling the kid that he isn't going to make it unless he does a better % of usable parts or work.

When the kid realizes he can make more money elsewhere, he's gone. Might not even realize he was used. On top of that, the first 90 days the kid worked there, he received no bennies as he was on probation.

As middle aged to seniors, we don't fall for that ****. But even if this idea is a hijack to the thread, I can see where I was used a few times when I was young. Nothing even led to much either. I had to go out on my own to really make a living.

One thing I can say emphatically is that if you start out doing something and stay with it, you will get a return for your investment of time. When I turned about 30 I was visiting an acquaintance and they remarked, "So you're still painting? That seems unusual for you." Meaning I had skipped around so much that they didn't believe that I could stay at one thing.

Well, in those days the money I earned painting was damn good money. Then came the immigrants. This is a problem with welding jobs too.

 

[4307]

I'm in the middle of a career change as well. I'm 43. Spent the last 20 years as an autoworker. When 2008 hit, manufacturing took a big hit here in Ontario.
I'm tired of manufacturing jobs. It seems layoff is just around the corner. If you land a job its usually contract for 3-5 years before you get full hire.

I like metal fabrication, was a production welder for years. I build bumpers and armor for 4x4 trucks in my spare time. I have happy customers that come back for more.

I have big problem! I suffer from Cluster Headaches which can be very debilitating, which reflects negatively on my attendance... I HATE IT!!!!
If I work during an attack, sometime I try to hide it for attendance sake, its a liability. Employers do not understand my condition at all.
Knowing this, the idea of being my own boss is appealing to me because I can shift my work hours to accommodate my medical needs. If I have an attack in the morning, I deal with it, If I'm good to go in the afternoon I'll work late to get a job done. I can't do that working with a company that has set hours.

Right now I'm on medical leave from work (big auto manufacturer) because of my headaches, as a contract worker. In order to go back to work, I need to prove I'm "cured". There is no cure for Cluster Headaches, so I'm screwed! Joys of a contract. Labor Laws dictate employers can not discriminate. They can bring me back, but at the end of a 3 month contract they may not renew.

My plan (still working on a strategy)...

I'm thinking about taking my severance form my 20 year job, going back to school to get my weld tickets (production welders are not ticketed), take a small business course, and hopefully build custom items: furniture to bumpers and anything in between. Wood, metal, fiberglass, plastic... whatever. Restore old items as a quick flip, just to get the ball rolling. I went to school years ago for graphic design, so I can promote myself. My graphic design education turned into a hobby that I kept up, designing logos for websites and such.

I have skills and talents, I need to harness this and make a go of it.

I build stuff....
I've had a lot of custom requests in the past, but turned them down because I didn't have the time (shift work) and the lack of a descent place to build stuff. Most of my cutting and fitting is done in my basement, welding and painting is done outside when the weather is nice.
If I make a go of this, I will need shop space.
My idea is daunting. My wife is supporting my ideas. We realize it takes time and effort and money. She would rather see me enjoy what I do then watch me kill myself doing repetitive factory work under contract, go through more hassles with employment/medical/attendance, or go through another closure situation only to retire to a life of physical pain these jobs bring. Sure, my idea for a business is physical but it's different.

If I'm crazy, tell me. I've been asking everyone I know what they think. I get mixed reaction and opinion. I'm still in research mode, but at some point I need a solid plan on my future direction.

To the OP, you are not alone.

 

[Rescue Wagon]

Making a living and following your dreams are not mutually exclusive. With proper planning they can happen together.

For example out here in Wyoming if you can get your pipe welding certification and have a truck with a welder in the back, there are tons of opportunities no matter your age. To give you an idea of the shortage out here the local community college is developing a program to take a non-welder to certification capable in a semester.

 

[fnieto]

Stay in your current career (you said you enjoyed), buy a mig welder and some basic tools and start doing side work. Then if you really like the new gig, do it full time. You'll be surprized how doing some side work will supplement your current income.

 

[C96]

Then came the immigrants.

Yep, and the trades have been suffering ever since. This is and has been especially true in the construction industry. Just the language barrier alone is problematic and can lead to safety issues.

 

[MarkG]

Thanks for all the interesting thoughts and experiences shared.

 

[bazzateer]

I'll be looking for a new career in 18 months when I'm 50. Wish me luck!

 

[DekeT]

Tanto, the white men are killing the buffalo.
Damn immigrants.

Tonto, the white men sold you blankets laced with smallpox. Damn immigrants

 

[getbent4x4]

not age, but what you have to lose.

 

[crewchief888]

Mark,
Not sure what area you are in but around here everyone that I know who owns a business that does any type of manual labor or hands on work is just crying the blues about not being able to find help. The biggest issue seems to be finding someone who will come to work every day and pass a drug test Its more in the attitude than anything.

most of the ones that can pass a drug test and show up to work every day,
aint worth the time it takes to "train" them to do even the simple things...

most feel they are too "entitled" to actually work, even when the majority of the work involves sitting on their *** most of the day, and answering the phone and speaking intelligently.

one refused to go into a storage closet, (15 feet away) and grab a few rolls of toilet paper, he couldnt be bothered with bullsh*t work.
the last guy we took on was fine as long as he was sitting down, problem was he couldnt do much of anything physically.

 

[IOWNJUNK]

Pretty much just described everyone under 30 where I work.

 

[Whitworth]

Does the school you attended have a placement program ? You could try that avenue or just try applying for jobs in your area. If, after a period of time, you gotten no job offers despite heart felt "atta-boys" and "you're never too old" platitudes you will have found your answer.

After a certain age you have to bring something of value to the table, whether it's experience, connections, expertise or something else.

Gary

 

[crewchief888]

Pretty much just described everyone under 30 where I work.

problem is there arent too many (mechanics/parts) over 30 in our entire operation.

of our 5 stores, i'm probably the oldest, at 56, in parts/service, couple guys in their 40's, and rest are all youngun's.

 

[crewchief888]

After a certain age you have to bring something of value to the table, whether it's experience, connections, expertise or something else.

Gary

this always helps, even when i was getting started wrenching, i had ZERO experience as a mechanic, but my backround as a machinist and welder played into getting my 1st job wrenching.

at all 5 dealerships i've worked at in the past 30 years, the ability to weld, read & understand blueprints, helped land the job...

 

[rsanter]

Look in the mirror and talk to your friends, how do you present yourself?
You may be 48 but do you come across as 38 or 58?
In previous jobs when I had people working for me I liked hiring the older guys, however you have to come across with the attitude of a younger guy in the respect that you are not a grumpy old man, you are not planning to retire in a few years, you are in good physical shape..etc.
Several guys I hired were in their second career or semi-retirement career.
To me if you present yourself in the right way I would have no problem hiring you.

Bob

 

[Tronyadorable]

Hi guys (and gals),

I'm looking for opinions on something. As I've posted a while back, I took a 2 semester MIG welding program at a local college and got good grades as well as passed 3G and 4G bend tests.

Here's my dilemma: I'm not a kid anymore----I'm 48. I'm wondering if it's unrealistic to expect to find a decent MIG welding job and progress enough to get paid a decent wage at my age. Do you know anyone who's done this? I've never held a welding job to date.

I know it may not be 'legal' to discriminate based on age, but come on----what's going to stop the boss from tossing an old guys application in the trash---no one will likely find out why and they likely have many other applicants!


BTW----I do have another career and love it, as you'll see if you checked out my profile, but it's been very very slow and a steady paycheck and some benefits is starting to really sound appealing.

Thanks for your input!

Grab a piece of paper and lay out a set of stairs with a landing in between the 2 flights going up 14 feet.
If you can handle that, I'd hire you. If not, I'll hire a carpenter and teach him how to weld.Welding is not "welding" in the real world. It's fabricating stuff out of steel.Cutting, fitting grinding, welding, painting and installing.

If you get real good with electrode you might do the union game. First you'll have to cut, grind, fit, paint and shovel **** for four years or so.
Think about making simple shelving, tables, work benches etc and selling them.It's more realistic if you really enjoy it.Columns and the like are pretty basic too for GC's and the like.The competition is stiff.
Go join weldingweb and look around at some of those projects.

 

[hotdogstand]

Depending where you live, the shipyards are always hiring, but I've heard it's 50/50 from the guys I have talked to down there. (Norfolk, Va)

 

[ArkTinkerer]

If you aren't dead, you can change careers. Whether it is the best choice is entirely another question. How much money do you need, how unhappy are you, and how happy would you be in the new field? Only you can say.

 

[Capt Chrysler]

One thing everyone forgot to ask. Are there mig welding jobs in your area? If so what are their requirements for hire? Can you work without your cell phone in your other hand? Or are you looking to relocate?

So invent yourself and sell yourself. Give proof why they should hire you. Are you in good shape? Can you handle that type of work? Will you be to work on time? I hired and fired 22 college kids one year. Seems most didn't want to work, just wanted a pay check. 2 were hired at 10:00, and never showed up at 1:00 to do the paper work.

I would hire a worker at age 48 that is able to do the job.

Hell, I will be 54 in two week, just doubled the size on my shop (more storage than a shop for the last 14.5 years ) added a hoist and have more work than I can do part time.

Capt. Chrysler

 

[Deltarat]

You are never too old. I have retired twice and gone back to work. I worked contract for the last 3 years and in June a company offered me a full time job, well full time pay, that I couldn't turn down. Paid good and benefits were great along with a truck and set my own hours. I will be 65 in 8 days. Granted it is not in the welding profession.

 

[4307]

Add poverty to that if your plan doesn't work out because if you do not work twice as hard at it than you do a 'payday' job, you'll fail by ANY probability ever calculated.

That goes without saying. Every business owner echos this statement.

These type of plans seldom do. Too many tv shows about building **** from other **** and making millions.

Nothing wrong with TV showcasing business, the shows you speak of are another form of reality TV, it's staged drama in real businesses. It's entertainment, not a business plan.

My buddy started a business refinishing furniture, did very well, sold the business to his brother and now owns a couple U-brew stores and plans to expand.

Many here will tell you to follow your dream. Your failure has no weight on them.

That might be true, here on forums.
Personal conversation with various people, not all of them say follow your dream. Most say land a corporate job with benefits. Other people say get a government job or go west to the oil sands.

I could get another factory job, but the rate of closer and layoff, I'll be staring over every couple years. Its a rut.

I worked in a big plant for 20 years. Everyone I started with back in 94 are either clinging on with the hope of call back working odd jobs, some found decent employment in other sectors. The people that started their own business are the ones doing the best overall. Yes they all struggle for the first few years as most small business startups do. Some of these people were really lazy working in the plant, but have completely different work ethic in their businesses.
My father in law has his own business, he's not rich, but he never regrets taking the plunge. He has a hard time trying to understand the rotating door of corporate manufacturing jobs and why anyone would want to stay the course.
If your business fails it does not mean your doomed to poverty. Some companies hire people that had businesses that failed because they started a business and are not afraid of risk. Just saying.
North America was built on small business.