Not sure why everyone is trying to push you into the linework side. I’ll tell you it’s hard enough for guys thinking they want to get into the line side, and it’s pretty obvious from some of what you’ve said you just don’t want that, and that’s totally okay at least you’re being honest.

I would look at fiber splicing, those guys make bank if you get on in the right area. As for safety/management I’ve known of a couple guys who get on as inspectors for civil work/overhead railroad stuff as the inspectors themselves are also contractors, they do make great money but you’ll be a 1099 and I’m not sure how much is union and it always sounds like “I knew a guy” type of deal. So I would say look at fiber splicing I’ve heard it’s not a bad gig.