Huge decisions to make.

dsb

dsb

dsb

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31 Jul 2006
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Well i think im coming to a turning point to my life, I am now in my 13th year in the Army earn about 34k a year. I have a good chance of promotion this year just have to wait and see.

The thing is i have been thinking of leaving and doing something completely different. Have been looking at becoming a plumber, eventually self employed. I know if im any good at it I can make it work as I have a good work ethic.

But where do I start, I've looked on the web and can do an intensive course which takes 6 weeks, but I will be far from ready for the big wide world of doing it myself. Do you think that there's much chance of employment with no experience?

Do you think i'm mental?
 
If it's something you really want to do and really thought through then go for it! You're not mental at all.

Where to start though... I have no advice on. :(
 
dsb said:
Do you think i'm mental?
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You're in a steady, relatively well paid job with good prospects and you're looking to give it up and go it alone in a trade that is completely new to you?

Not so much mental as 'completely insane' :p.

Can't help much on the advice front, but best of luck if you decide to go ahead and do it.
 
dsb said:
Well i think im coming to a turning point to my life, I am now in my 13th year in the Army earn about 34k a year. I have a good chance of promotion this year just have to wait and see.

The thing is i have been thinking of leaving and doing something completely different. Have been looking at becoming a plumber, eventually self employed. I know if im any good at it I can make it work as I have a good work ethic.

But where do I start, I've looked on the web and can do an intensive course which takes 6 weeks, but I will be far from ready for the big wide world of doing it myself. Do you think that there's much chance of employment with no experience?

Do you think i'm mental?
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I would wait a bit if I were you, at least until the economic uncertainty has settled somewhat.

Take the promotion and see where you are in a few years.
 
Joshy said:
You're in a steady, relatively well paid job with good prospects and you're looking to give it up and go it alone in a trade that is completely new to you?
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With a side order of getting shot at?

I'm guessing even with an intensive course you will struggle to find work without having gain a few years of on the job training. Good luck to you though :)
 
MofoKilla said:
Stay in the army mate , leaving after 13 years to learn to be a plumber which are ten a penny now seems stupid to me.
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This.
When the factory I worked at shut down at least 20 workmates went on these intensive courses and none of them came close to making a living out of it.
 
Instead of going into plumbing you could ask to transfer to the RE and be a combat engineer or tradesman, that way you will be doing something slightly more relevant if you do want to change, something different from what you're currently doing but most importantly stay in a stable job with your current employer.

From what I've gathered from the army, they'd be happy to see you taking initiative like this (wanting to improve yourself) and would offer you the opportunity to do so. It's in their interest too.
 
It's hugely risky but then I suppose doing another tour isn't without risks either. Don't most tradesmen make their money through word of mouth recommendations? I'd imagine that you would struggle to get custom as you don't have any experience.
 
If you've got a good chance of promotion then I'd suggest stay in. What are the rates of deployment like as a SNCO in your trade?
 
We deploy about every 18 months to 2 years, for 6 months a time, can come around a bit quicker as well. Have deployed with 2 days notice before, but was only away for 5 weeks. Still not nice.
 
I hate to say it, and of course you know it, but you joined up knowing that the job you're going to do will involve going away a lot. That's why you're in such a good position now, getting out will mean sacrificing that.
 
dmpoole said:
This.
When the factory I worked at shut down at least 20 workmates went on these intensive courses and none of them came close to making a living out of it.
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The people ive seen come out of these intensive plumbing courses know next to nothing about plumbing or anything related to plumbing.

That is the reason your workmates never came close to making a living out of it.

There is only one way to learn the trade or any trade in fact, and thats to get out there and work with experienced people for a few years. Unfortunatley this doesn't pay well which is why its best to go for it when you're young and dont rely on a good income.
 
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