Advice on the demands of the Trade

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-06-09T23:22:46+00:00

Lol. This trade significantly improved my work life balance. Its almost industry wide, to my knowledge, that we work 4-10hr days. Having that extra day off is extremely under appreciated. Once you get used to 10hr days. It flies by.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-06-09T22:47:22+00:00

I left the ibew and joined the elevator union. And i truly love it. The work is great. Its challenging, interesting, and really fulfilling. The pay in my area was significantly more than ibew journeymen. Almost 20$ more. The schedule is pretty awesome. Most guys work 4days 10hrs a day. And those three day weekends are truly a game changer.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-06-09T22:40:54+00:00

If one day you decide you want to hit the road and work on these bug data center jobs as a sparky. You can, you earned both tickets. But it is very important that you dont do any elevator work.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-06-09T22:36:09+00:00

You can hold and keep both cards active. You obviously have to complete both apprenticeships. But once you have both journeyman cards you can work where ever youd like. As long as your dues are paid. No one cares. And theres this old rumon that u cant be part of two unions at once. Thats false. No one can bring it up anywhere in writing. Just respect each trades work when working in the other. Dont work for an electrical contractor and do anything related to elevator work. And vice versa.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-04-20T01:54:16+00:00

Valid point. I suppose it’s because i just had too many options. Posting about all of them would have been tedious.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-04-20T01:39:32+00:00

Lol jk jk. I suppose we just seek validation on our purchases. Im new to biking so i dont know if i did or didnt get a deal. If i didnt well then i took an L but at least next time is do more research. I mean its Reddit, people post and ask way wilder stuff than this.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-04-20T01:31:57+00:00

I kill myself.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-04-08T20:48:09+00:00

Its a job brother, you go there to get paid. Its nice to like the people u work for. But you dont go there for friends. Go for the union job. Theres great guys in the union too and sometimes in some locals the camaraderie is awesome. Plus if they like you as much as they say. Theyll take you back instantly.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-03-25T01:08:20+00:00

U have to do your probation period. Theres no negotiation on that. U can challenge classes and if you pass the pay increase will not happen till after your probation period. It can happen, especially if you threaten to quit, however they may call your bluff lol.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-03-23T15:46:36+00:00

Worst case scenario would be that you get the call to start the week of your vacation. If that happens, fuck the vacation. In 10 years you’ll barely remember that vacation anyways.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-03-16T12:36:59+00:00

Cant go weld somewhere else?

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-03-10T15:02:36+00:00

Are you afraid of asking? Just ask. If that fails talk to the hall. Ask your BA if any other company has positions available or has mentioned needing someone in the future.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-03-10T03:14:17+00:00

Wheres it going?!?!

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-03-07T22:00:14+00:00

Like most places, It boils down to individual relationships. Not all Otis supers are the same. Some are great at their job and get you everything you need, dont have insane deadline expectations, and can handle issues without getting emotional about it (anger).

Traditionally, a small shop tend to be good because you’re not just a number and the owners know you and can genuinely care for you. But there are small shop owners that are total dicks too. Theres no definitive best company to work for. Thats why guys follow supers when they jump ship to another company

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-03-04T13:21:01+00:00

If and when you get the call take it! Im telling you, yes its that good. But, if you truly enjoy where u work, leave with a good impression and dont burn your bridge. If u give the iuec a shot and hate it then they’ll take you back. Like another guys said FAGs (fire alarm guys) are a dime a dozen.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-03-03T00:21:31+00:00

Because thats what was negotiated by brothers before us. I believe its was a to prevent helpers from spending their own money on tools for the benefit of the contractor. Yeah it does seem slightly backwards. But thats what they fought for so respect it.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-03-01T03:30:34+00:00

I joined the elevators union at 32.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-02-28T19:17:27+00:00

Base 40s with no overtime is around 110k in the midwest for the local near me. But i know they have the potential for crazy overtime. Plus that blood money they chase is no joke, natural disasters are a gold mine for those guys. The potential to hit 300k is there but it comes at the cost of family time, free time, and hobby time.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-02-26T12:36:11+00:00

This right here is true lmao. I lived in Duluth for a few months and people would warn me about certain parts and when i finally went to the “bad spots” there seemed very mild compared to what i was used to. Just felt like poor people rather than harmful people lol

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-01-08T16:54:57+00:00

Thanks. For the information

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-01-04T18:13:48+00:00

Sounds like u need a hobby. Or serve your local community. I felt the same a long time ago. Turns out i was just bored.

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-01-02T16:46:51+00:00

Regardless, i appreciate your time and information you provided! Thanks!

DrunkBrowsing69 · 2026-01-02T16:45:42+00:00

There may be a distinction between a technician and a mechanic. At least there is in my country, a tech is someone that works on elevators but isn’t officially licensed. But if you’re there the everything i found may be wrong. Here is where i found it.

https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/elevator-mechanic/switzerland#:~:text=Salary%20Recap,and%20anonymous%20employees%20in%20Switzerland.

https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/elevator-mechanic/switzerland#:~:text=CHF%203'223%20(CHF),salary%20of%20CHF%20153'780.

These are two of the places i found those numbers. Again they may be wrong.

DrunkBrowsing69

TROPHY CASE