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. ⚡️

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 ⚡️

@@MadElectrician that’s awesome, man. I too am a theology nerd!

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 🤞🏼

Get to it! In hopes of further persuasion, I applied when I was 28. 👍

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!

That’s so great to hear! I’m really happy that the videos motivating. Congrats on starting your training by the way!

Did you get accepted on your first try or did you have to apply more than once ?

@@deriant6354 bro you need to apply everywhere you can and go above to stand out

Thanks! I appreciate you watching! ⚡️

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.

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. ⚡️

@@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!

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!

Did you make it?

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

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!

Mulțumesc! My wife is actually Romanian. I appreciate it and I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

@@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 😁

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!

Did you end up joining the IEC?

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.

Does Oregon not require schooling for your license?

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.

@@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?

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.

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! ⚡️

@@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!

Maybe you’ll have to join me in that video 😉

Why did those ex electricians decide to work at lowes

What do you do for a living?

@@MadElectrician been a security guard for 10 years

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?

@@MadElectrician yes

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.

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!

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.

It's my absolute pleasure! Thanks for checking out my channel and watching my videos!

Just do it bro. You'll learn.

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 👍🏼⚡️

@@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* 🤝

I appreciate that 🙌🏼 Right on bro!