ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Now What? Old Electrician

Mick,
I like the teaching idea. I actually did it for 6 months a few years ago at a private trade school. The pay wasn't that good ($12.50/hr.), but the work is easy. And in conjunction with Social Security or a pension, it would be something I would do again after I "retire from field work".
Give it a try.

The good news:

I've finally got a $30 per hour job at the Greenbrier Resort Housing Project...

The bad news:
I wrenched my back catching a slipping ladder as a lineman was getting off a roof the other day... It hurts worse than any "typical" back pain I've ever had, I can hardly walk, much less work...


The inspection thing is looking better to me too...

hmm,
such an increpit lot!
oh well....
shall we quote the ol'
(The older I get, the better I was)
line here??

Good for you Virgil!

Maybe the PoCo owes you some Dr. visits/Therapy?

I hope that it all works out for you.

Bill

Mick
Good to have a new member here on this forum.
I have a few years yet before I retire altogether (probably) or go into semi retirement, either going into teaching the code (if I can find a job), or inspections. At your age, you might consider those, as have been suggested, or you might consider going to school taking a CAD course such as Microstation or AutoCad. Being in the design end of the electrical business, I grew up with both and have never taken a formal training course on either. There are many others here at work who are very willing to help me when I get stuck. Don't know where you are, but getting a job with an electrical contractor, or one of the larger design firms may require you to move. And as you know, as we get older, we are less inclined to do that. I am sure you will make the right decision, because only you know what your interest are.
Good luck, and if we on this board can be of any other assistance, just let us know.

This is the same PoCo that wouldn't own up to having the bad splice at the drop that caused the TV, and a few other appliances to burn up. The customer is in possesion of the new compression fitting that solved the problem before I changed the service, but no paper work can be found on the repair!

Besides, I was the one who moved the ladder a few feet at the lineman's request, and I thought I had it on solid ground...

It was my own fault and I couldn't let him fall...

It feels a little better today, may get to work tomorrow (I hope)...

Yeah, Joe Musser of Musser Electric has his foot in the door at the Greenbrier and there's 10 to 15 years worth of work, and he's covered up and wants to team up on it.

Apparently it will be bid work, but he wants to base the labor figure at $30. That's about as good as it gets around here!

Virgil,
but ya didn't let the dude fall....your heart speaks volumes more than your words can

Hey Virgil!
By the time you're done with your next job, you'll be older than I am now!!!
Congrats

Mick,
Don't get to check in much anymore, gonna get better soon. Your story is pretty personal with me, a motorcycle wreck took my knees (20 years later, arthritis) Knee replacement they don't wanna do, yet, so what now ?? I became an electrical inspector with an engineering firm, been a real good way to make a living, and I was surprised how much it was worth, lotsa opportunities.

Also was self employed for 12 years,had up to 20 employees, but the "depression" of '90 made me just close up shop, people were taking work for the cost of my materials, I can go broke better fishing thanks. Also been teaching for 17 years, and always hold that out as an option.

Been working at Dulles airport for 2 1/2 years, just quit there to go to the Pentagon....hmmmm, doesn't seem all that smart. George

I'm only 35 years old...

I've got 1700' of 3" PVC to lay on Tuesday.
I'm a week behind on a rewire.
I've got a trimout before 11-1-01.
And a few other jobs popping up...
Plus the $30 per hour thing with Musser once I get "caught up"...

And (drum roll please) I have a possible herniated disc, if it isn't yet it will be if I continue working and will require surgery. I'm not supposed to drive or even sit down, much less work. (lying in bed and standing only... of course I'm sitting at the 'puter now...cold pack on for 20 minutes, off for 40 minutes... no lifting more than 10 pounds... etc.)

The only thing paying my bills is deposits for upcoming work!!!

I am so screwed... (Sorry if that ain't PG)

Moral: get really good health insurance...

I really can't pin the blame on AP... it was my own fault plain and simple.