Man this is like me talking in a mirror. You hit all of the points of why I’m thinking about being an electrician. I am a store manager in a different industry, but almost everything you said was spot on.
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
It's amazing to hear how many people can relate to how I was feeling and the things that I mentioned in this video. I remember being where you and how badly I wanted out and into the apprenticeship. I'd encourage you to do whatever it takes to make it happen, as for me and my family, it has been life changing and one of the best decisions that I've ever made. ⚡️
@SpenserRameo3 жыл бұрын
Bro I had the sneaking suspicion from when I first starting watching your videos that you were a believer. Awesome to hear this suspicion confirmed... thanks for these video, brother!
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
Haha, so awesome. Guilty as charged! I’m actually a total nerd when it comes to theology and apologetics. Glad to know that there are fellow believers watching my videos! It’s my absolute pleasure bro ⚡️
@SpenserRameo3 жыл бұрын
@@MadElectrician that’s awesome, man. I too am a theology nerd!
@russrockino-rr08643 жыл бұрын
Boy, things have sure changed. When I entered the Electrical Trade in 1995, There was no Construction labor shortage. I applied to the Union every year for 5 years and was never accepted. They had a different excuse every time. I had to apply to the Non-Union program. They were only accepting Limited Energy Apprentices at the time. Then it took me a couple months to find somebody to hire me. The only reason I got hired was because the owner's Dad knew my Dad. My experience as a limited Energy apprentice gave me high points when I applied for my Inside Electrical Apprenticeship in 1996. I had to go through 2 interviews. I was lucky that the Low Voltage EC I worked for was also a regular EC, so I continued working for that same company. I worked my first few years doing mostly Residential, but now most of my experience is Commercial/Industrial. I also came from a retail background. I wish I had had more apprentices like you. These are great videos you are putting out to promote our Trade. Thanks
@831smooth3 жыл бұрын
In wireless sales here too. I relate to pretty much everything you mentioned haha. I got my interview in a few weeks. I am excited for the challenge. I appreciate you sharing your videos, really helpful and somehow relieved seeing you go from sales to electrician as I am attempting to.
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
I’ll just have a quick moment of silence for you because I understand.. 😂 It’s definitely possible, and in my experience my overall quality of life completely changed. It was a night and day difference. Really glad that you’re finding the videos helpful! Keep me posted as you progress through the application process. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you 🤞🏼
@13mastermdt3 жыл бұрын
These videos are honestly the most genuinely helpful videos, especially this one. I've been working in restaurants and a few country clubs for the past 7 years or so. Like you said, you move up the longer you are there, but there are aspects of the job that are getting old and tired. A lot of the things you said in the video (being burnt out, overworked; making just enough money, but not enough to be independent; going through an increasingly stressful daily life, etc.) are the same things I have realized I am dealing with. I'm 24 and thought it might be too late to start a career as a journeyman and thought it might be too late! It's time to get my shit together. Thank you for everything you do and still continue to do. Much love from Philly suburbs, brother.
@spacecowboy8013 жыл бұрын
Get to it! In hopes of further persuasion, I applied when I was 28. 👍
@juliancrawford86343 жыл бұрын
Crazy you worked for ATT in phone sales too, I’m currently working for Verizon and looking to switch into an apprenticeship.
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
No kidding! It doesn’t seem like a logical next step and when I was making that transition people were asking me why I was making such a drastic career change 😂 I’m so glad that I did though and my overall quality of life has drastically improved. It feels pretty amazing to make great money without having to rely on commission. I’m really excited for you and I know how you’re probably feeling with wanting to get into the apprenticeship and get out of sales. I wish you the best of luck and I’m happy to help answer any questions you have or guide you along the way if needed. Thanks for watching my videos!
@CarlosDiaz-kn9tp3 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much your videos are so helpful, I jus started going to electrical training , and every time I I watch your videos Make me feel that I can I achieve be a journeymen
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
That’s so great to hear! I’m really happy that the videos motivating. Congrats on starting your training by the way!
@elijay37383 жыл бұрын
This is almost exactly my story... I spent 5 years in retail at a grocery store, underpaid and overworked, dealing with terrible people who treat you like garbage. Every day was dull, repetitive and draining. I just recently started an apprenticeship and it was like a weight being lifted off my shoulders. Now I'm actually excited thinking about the future!! Thanks for sharing your story, I could really relate. How old were you when you quit and started your apprenticeship?
@deriant63543 жыл бұрын
Did you get accepted on your first try or did you have to apply more than once ?
@zackjones60652 жыл бұрын
@@deriant6354 bro you need to apply everywhere you can and go above to stand out
@ericg72373 жыл бұрын
Hey man thanks so much for doing these videos! A ton of helpful information and every time I feel doubt about changing careers, your videos just give me more and more reasons to make the jump! I have been in retail for almost ten years now with the same supermarket chain. The last six years I have worked as a manager so I can really relate to this video and your experience. I started working there at 16, and am 26 now and have just been feeling it is time for a change for many of the reasons you mentioned. I am not highly mechanically inclined and have barely any tool experience (just minor repairs messing around with cars, changing oil, spark plugs etc.) and I have been hesitant in the past to pursue something like an apprenticeship with the IBEW as I have no related experience, so it is truly awesome to hear your story and success! I do enjoy problem solving and working with my hands, and definitely don't mind doing hard work so I am hoping that is enough to help me grasp this trade. I passed my aptitude test with the help of your videos and have my interview in 2 weeks with LU 269 in New Jersey. Still hesitant for sure but also hoping I score well enough to be offered an apprenticeship and begin this journey!
@Ian_R_Anderson3 жыл бұрын
Hits close to home former Rogers (Canadian ATT) telesales agent. They expect you to be a magician and solve all their problems and are FURIOUS at you for nothing that is your fault. Thanks for sharing keep up the good work :)
@gumerzambrano3 жыл бұрын
Loved hearing you talk about your Retail experience!
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I appreciate you watching! ⚡️
@tjblanchard3 жыл бұрын
I’m in management too brother. I work for a residential group home agency. That means we rely on very young and very immature staffing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and guess who gets to fill in for all of their call-ins and time off (this guy lol) Can’t wait to make the change into the electrical trade!
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
Man, such a headache. Makes me feel anxious just thinking about it 😂 You’ll be really happy once you’re finally in. I can’t even overstate how much happier I was/ still am.
@carnagemaximum29593 жыл бұрын
Damn you hit it right on the head when you talked about being the one who had all the answers at your previous job, having those roles reversed was the highest hurdle to get over because I was so used to knowing almost everything about my previous job. But I gotta say I love being an electrician way more than being a store manager lol
@_DeanHolt3 жыл бұрын
Big hello from NZ, I too am looking at moving from Retail (been the assistant manager for the last 8 years) to an electrical apprenticeship. Your story re: holidays, work/life balance really struck a chord with me, as this is exactly how I have been feeling. I do love my job and it’s great pay for the most part, however I find more and more that I am being taken advantage of. My boss, the store manager comes in late, leaves early, complains there isn’t enough time to do all the work that needs doing and then gets first option on all leave availability... and I’m the one left to carry that load, coming in early, leaving late, even attempting to do tasks I’m not really qualified for (I act as their IT support also), which I end up taking home as most can be done remotely. I’m 34, feared I was too late to the game to do an apprenticeship, but going to take the plunge and looking forward to having my final debt gone in the next few months so I can leave my job for a better career! Keep up the great videos!
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
Hey Josh! I really appreciate you sharing your experience. Man, I feel your pain as I was in your shoes. It sounds like we have shared a lot of similar experiences. In my experience when it comes to this, the grass really is greener on the other side. Funny you mention debt, my wife and I just recently became completely debt free. (Thanks Dave Ramsey). I can confidently say that you’re definitely not too old to start this career. I know apprentices who are in their 40’s and have heard of apprentices starting in the trade even in their 50’s. 34 is a great time get into the trade and I don’t think anyone would even bat an eye at your age. I’ll definitely keep making these videos and I’m happy to hear that you’re really considering this career! Feel free to keep in touch and ask any questions along the way. I’ll always do my best to respond, and hopefully in a timely manner. ⚡️
@_DeanHolt3 жыл бұрын
@@MadElectrician thanks for your reply Stephen, and well done to you & your wife getting debt free also! Thanks too for your words of support in starting out as an adult apprentice, it gives me additional confidence to know also there are guys older than me entering the trade as green as me. Thanks again man, all the best for your channel’s growth and looking forward to your future videos!
@tylerrenk95543 жыл бұрын
Man this hits so close to home. I’m a store manager for a corporate ATT store. I just passed my exam and am waiting on the interview. Your videos really do help
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
Hey Tyler! Wow, yeah, you can directly relate to what I was talking about. I was a store manger for an authorized retailer ATT (Spring Mobile). I’m sure you have even more on your plate with corporate. I honestly think that one of the reasons I appreciate being an electrician so much is because of everything I had to deal with at ATT. It’s almost a monthly conversation between my wife and I where we both agree how much better things are now. I’m really happy to hear that you’re jumping ship too and getting into this new career! I’m glad to hear that the videos are helping too. Feel free to reach out with any specific questions if you think of any. And best of luck to you on your upcoming interview!
@capostrength3908 Жыл бұрын
Did you make it?
@callieleblond5382 жыл бұрын
I'm currently working 2 jobs to make ends meet - even though I'm a licensed hairstylist, and I also work in retail (clothing store). I do not make enough for the amount of work and hours I put in. I'm doing my research about starting an electrician apprentice and super excited! I love working with my hands and have realized over my last few years that I hate working with clients. Thanks for sharing your experience!!
@capostrength3908 Жыл бұрын
I’m in the same boat. Working 2 jobs, 65 hours a week and my wife who works from home makes more than me working 40 hours a week
@mrfunkybritches55913 жыл бұрын
Former sprint service and repair manager here, I can relate to angry customers. It was one of the biggest reasons I left telecommunications. I'm currently researching so I can start my electrician career. Your videos have been tremendously helpful so far. Thank you! Edit: 8:21 Also this!
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
We are one in the same my friend! I know exactly how you feel right now. I can tell you that in the case the grass truly is greener on the other side (at least in my opinion). I really hope you decide to pursue this career or at least something else. I’m glad that you’re enjoying my videos! It’s my absolute pleasure to make them!
@robertivan3763 жыл бұрын
Greetings from Romania. You do a very good job.. 👍 I found myself in your story 😁
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
Mulțumesc! My wife is actually Romanian. I appreciate it and I’m glad you enjoyed the video!
@robertivan3763 жыл бұрын
@@MadElectrician I really am in a moment when I quit my job to become an electrician and your video motivated me again and tells me it was a good choice. Tomorrow will be the last day at the current job btw.. I'm glad to hear your wife is Romanian.. transmit her greetings from the country 😁
@JstPeachy20113 жыл бұрын
This was a fantastic video! I appreciate hearing your story and how you got to where you are
@nathankrettler Жыл бұрын
love this video! would love to hear more about your personal experiences about becoming an electrician!
@boondocks1able2 жыл бұрын
I've worked as baggage handler for major airlines, but feel like I'm not achieving much with my life and am thinking about going into the electrical field, as I will gain a life skill and see that its decent pay with good retirment
@keaveshiller3 жыл бұрын
Glad to see ur channel is growing fast
@MC-pz4fd3 жыл бұрын
I worked at Apple for 2 years and recently left my law enforcement job because I hated it. I’m looking into getting an apprenticeship at a IEC company near me and hopefully they put me through school. This is such a weird transition from my life experience to an electrician job.
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I’ve been there too. People thought it was so weird that I was transitioning from AT&T to electrical work. I knew that it’s what I really wanted to do though and that it was going to be a great thing for me and my family. I think you’ll be really happy that you made the switch!
@yeisonmejia599 Жыл бұрын
Did you end up joining the IEC?
@mydog74923 жыл бұрын
I work in a grocery store so I see where you are coming from. I went to a community college for electrical wish I wouldn’t have quit
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
It’s not too late! You can always still pursue this if it’s something that you really want to do! Maybe even look into the IBEW local in your area. You won’t even have to go back to school and you can just start earning/ learning at the same time.
@breed1873 жыл бұрын
Does Oregon not require schooling for your license?
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
They do but with the IBEW your schooling is just a part of your apprenticeship. Classes are at the IBEW training center with your local and you get your tuition paid for by the union. Technically that’s what part of the union dues go towards paying.
@breed1873 жыл бұрын
@@MadElectrician Yes in Colorado the IBEW has the same program. I understand that they require a set amount of schooling hours for their program to be completed. But there are also schools that are non union that have a four year program. In Colorado you only have to complete 2 years of schooling and 8000 hours for your J card. Vs the four years that the union requires. So when you said you don’t even have to go back to school to mydog I misunderstood. So does Oregon require all four years for their state license?
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
Ahh, I gotcha. Yeah, I was talking specifically about for the IBEW. Yes, Oregon still has the schooling requirement to get your license. The other option would be to continue with the schooling he already started if that’s possible and just go into the non-union. As long as those classes at the community college counted as hours towards his license. Here though it’s either 4-5 years of schooling. I’ll have to double check but I believe it’s technically 800 classroom hours that we need to obtain our license.
@blkadamalford40253 жыл бұрын
I'm so glad I came across your channel. It was an instant follow for me because when I was young my first love was electronics. I went to school and was fairly successful but I got a job had a kid and took a long break. My main question now is how realistic is it to get back into the trade in your mid 30's? I'm getting the itch to go back but in my age I don't know if it's the best answer for me
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
Hey, that's so great to hear! I appreciate the sub! I think that it's very realistic. The average age of a first year apprentice is actually 29 years old, so you're pretty much right there as far as your age in concerned. Check out my "Are You Too Old to Become An Apprentice Electrician?" I think that you'll find some comfort in that video. I obviously would highly recommend this career to anyone who thinks that they have what it takes to be successful in it. I have a video called, "20 Things I Love About Being an Electrician", so maybe watch that as well so you can see my take on the upsides of the job. Hope that helps! ⚡️
@blkadamalford40253 жыл бұрын
@@MadElectrician Thank you so much! That's exactly what I needed to hear. I've started the transition and hope to get started in the trade soon enough. You rock man and this was very much needed!
@zacharyfarrell9493 жыл бұрын
Let's see them conduit bending skillz!
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
Maybe you’ll have to join me in that video 😉
@hunterradcliffe30893 жыл бұрын
Great video! This sounds almost identical to my situation. I am 22 years old, held a salaried sales position in the Transportation industry for about 2.5 years now. I am never really “off” work, always taking calls, answering emails, etc even if I am home. Ready to get out, and have always thought about becoming an electrician. I am here in your area too, and Local 48 would be my union too. I am ready to get started!! Do you recommend I call the Neca/Ibew Training Center for info and when I can apply?
@dylansbaseball10152 жыл бұрын
I'm 18 working at lowes which means I work with bored retired people and 2 guys who were electricians for 40+ years I feed off of the knowledge they have for my future career
@psychakilla Жыл бұрын
Why did those ex electricians decide to work at lowes
@tonyanthonyfowler3 жыл бұрын
Working for the man every night and day
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
What do you do for a living?
@tonyanthonyfowler3 жыл бұрын
@@MadElectrician been a security guard for 10 years
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
Gotcha. One of the security guards at the hospital that I do electrical work at is actually transitioning into becoming an electrician. Are you thinking about switching careers?
@tonyanthonyfowler3 жыл бұрын
@@MadElectrician yes
@ValenceFlux2 жыл бұрын
I had some retail experience but it bored me so I went into landscaping and groundskeeping for a while. I pushed around half ton bailer carts for a newspaper yes newspaper haha. They asked about my hobby and I told them I played guitar and bass. One of them said 'Why would we need a guitar player?' I told them my fingers are probably faster than anyone's here. They found that answer funny. I really thought befriending other musicians in the apprenticeship was a good idea and it seemed like it was for a little while. Now I play video games on YT until my back heals but I don't think I belong here either lmao. Life can be funny like that, when it's not stressful. Some people are meant for it, I ended of so sick and full of inflammation well it is what it is.
@jonnyfox32883 жыл бұрын
Yo my friend, are we like the same person? I work retail at a mechanic shop as the service manager and I am switching careers and complaining customers is one of the main reasons. God I cant wait to get the hell out of here. Interview next month.
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
In this case I can really say that the grass is greener on the other side! It definitely has been for me! So happy for you. I’ve been there and know what it’s like. You, just like me, will probably have an extra level of appreciation for the job, coming from a former management position.
@paularious813 жыл бұрын
M.E. , i enjoy listening your vids -kinda nail on facts. What cabinet (or furniture) did u make for the ibew portfolio ? Can you elaborate
@youngman76553 жыл бұрын
Hey man it’s my 3rd week as an apprentice I work for a small company and we do every type work I like the job some days are hard some are easy yesterday we just did a solar job I’m looking to gain 2-3 years of experience and then Maby join a union.
@Zakaria11111 Жыл бұрын
how old were you when you started your electrical field and how long have you been in this field
@thomasthepianostudent80652 жыл бұрын
Wow! Awesome video! Would you say the amount one makes working as an apprentice electrician would be enough to get married and support a family in, say, Mississippi?
@eddy53863 жыл бұрын
I got a question hopefully you can give me an answer. I'm 15 and planning to become an electrician and i know all about the Union route but i don't know anything about what the non union route looks like or what it is, is there anyway you can maybe explain a little to me or link me to a video where you explained it.
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
Hey Edd y! Thanks for reaching out. I can’t speak from personal experience but I do have friends who work for the non-union and co-workers who have switched over from the non-union side to the IBEW. It’s really hard to make blanket statements about the differences because every company on the non-union side will be different. That means that sometimes you’ll make more working for the union, and other times you’ll make more working for a specific company. I’ll make some generalizations that a lot of people would agree are differences, but I’m not willing to say that this is how it is in ever case. Generally you’ll make more on the union side. You will have union dues but they are insignificant compared to how much more you usually make. You will have a great benefit package/ pension plan with IBEW, and a lot of times you won’t see that in the non-union side. Training with the IBEW is also really great pretty much across the board, and on the non-union side it’s kind of hit or miss. Also you are often given free books and sometimes even free tools when you start your apprenticeship with IBEW. Plus your schooling is free with IBEW. Those things can add up on the non-union side but it’s still worth it because regardless of whether or not you go with the IBEW or non-union, electricians make great money and it’s just a great career. One thing about the IBEW though is that it’s usually pretty difficult to get in because so many people apply and the list is so long. It’s definitely possible, even for people like me who have no prior construction/ electrical experience. Those are some general differences that I have learned by talking with Co-workers and friends. I definitely want to make a video on this topic. Probably a whole series actually because there is so much to talk about. Hopefully that helps answer some of your questions!
@anthonym2222 жыл бұрын
I could imagine being an att store manager paid pretty well compared to what you are paid as an apprentice (correct me if i am wrong). Were there any financial troubles that you ran into after taking the plunge? If so, how did you manage it? Im currently considering heavily to go into the trade from what im currently doing but my only fear is the affordability of my current living situations with apprentice pay (rent etc.)
@oldGnRrocks12 жыл бұрын
He did a video with his brother, where he was in the same boat. Working as a roofer for $29/hr. going to apprentice making $16/hr. Had a wife and children to support, but ultimately decided to go to the apprenticeship to take the paycut. Just lived less luxuriously. Not going out to eat as much, doing less, etc. Said it was worth it in the long run.
@tonyanthonyfowler3 жыл бұрын
I feel ya...
@albertsubia42643 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Genuinely, thank you
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
It's my absolute pleasure! Thanks for checking out my channel and watching my videos!
@routinedisc12 жыл бұрын
Ibew or private apprenticeship? I’ve been hearing the ibew is really competitive and low chance of being accepted.
@lajoytoney76413 жыл бұрын
When you switched from ATT to the trade did you know anything about electrical work? I want to switch careers. However I never really have worked with electricity before. Thoughts?
@sbman4363 жыл бұрын
Just do it bro. You'll learn.
@omegahelper14593 жыл бұрын
I’m tryna go from kfc to an apprenticeship hopefully but next winter BUT I’ve been smoking weed the past two years after high school any tips on how to get mentally ready for this journey and Ik you have to drug free
@MadElectrician3 жыл бұрын
Bro, now we’re setting goals! Love it. If you haven’t seen my “Applying for IBEW apprenticeship” video, I think that will help prepare you to become a really good applicant in the eyes of the training center. Lots of good advice in that video. Weed is something that at the moment the IBEW doesn’t allow, as I’m sure you’re aware and that’s probably why you’re asking. Until it’s legal at a federal level, I don’t think it will be deemed acceptable to the IBEW. I would suggest to just start thinking and dreaming about where you see yourself in a few years from now if you get accepted into the apprenticeship. Think about all of the things that will be significantly better (the pay, the fantastic career, your overall quality of life after finally being out of a retail type job, etc). Maybe even set your phone background to something that will remind you of your goal to get into the apprenticeship. I think that having a daily reminder like that will help encourage you and remind you of WHY you are going to quit will be really key. Also find videos or other types of content that get you excited and inspire you. You got this bro 👍🏼⚡️
@omegahelper14593 жыл бұрын
@@MadElectrician YOO thank you for those tips I didn’t think you were gonna see my comment . I’ll definitely watch more videos and try to set more goals. And I’m for sure changing my wallpaper that’s a great tip . Thanks bro keep it up! *notifications on* 🤝