More and more people are shifting to blue-collar jobs now that corporations rely on AI for various tasks. But all is not lost if you are thinking of a career change without crying for low pay. The answer? Skilled work.
Skilled work has always been a great fallback when you feel like you are in a slump in your corporate job. Here are some of the trade jobs you might consider delving into. You can even make it a lifelong career.
Plumbers fix those clogged toilets or sink drains, which all households have. Whether you live in a residential bungalow or in an apartment building, plumbers are essential, in demand, and often make bank.
According to Indeed, experienced plumbers can earn up to six figures without needing a four-year degree and student loans the size of a mortgage. Plus, every job is a new puzzle. If you like the challenge of knowing how to fix things, try being a plumber. The better your service, the more referrals will come your way.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) techs are the people who ensure our homes and workplaces are livable. No one appreciates HVAC pros until the AC dies during summer or the heater breaks in February.
The work is steady and well-paying and can’t be outsourced to any AI. Bonus points if you enjoy working with your hands and feeling like a modern-day climate wizard.
Mechanics are the reason we get to work, go on road trips, or just travel using our own cars. Modern vehicles are more complex than ever, which means skilled mechanics are more valuable and get higher pay.
These days, being a mechanic does not just mean oil changes and tire rotations; they also deal with car diagnostics, electronics, and other tech things inside your beloved car. So why not try being one and not only get higher pay, but also be able to fix your own car for free?
Another high-paying trade job, carpenters not only fix your ceilings, decks, and banisters, but they also do customized furniture and fixtures to fit the vision of your dream home.
People are always looking for carpenters to do everything that needs fixing, from partial installations to full-blown home renovations. There will always be calls, as clients would want to design their own space without suffering for quality work.
Hair stylists are perfect for a career change, especially if you love styling and grooming. Why not have fun beautifying clients while getting good pay and tips?
Hair stylists and hairdressers are not only called during special occasions such as weddings or anniversaries, but they are in demand every week for regular haircuts and hair fixes. Plus, teens and kids nowadays have their regular cosplay and costume parties that will need a hands-on hairstylist to complete their get-up.
Choosing a skilled trade isn’t settling or downgrading from your corporate job; it’s playing smart. These careers are hands-on, fulfilling, and immune to most of the AI-fueled upheaval in today’s job market. They let you build real things, help real people, and go home at the end of the day with the satisfying feeling that you actually did something.
So if you’re considering a career change, consider picking up a wrench, scissors, or hammer. The trades are calling, and they come with job security, real-world impact, and maybe even a better paycheck than your current gig.
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