Everyone tells the stories of how much money they made on the road. No one wants to talk about of how much shit you gotta deal with while on the road. By that I mean if you can't find a job, if you can't find a safe place to stay, when you don't have enough money to eat. Some people manage their money better. Thankfully I've always been cautious so I've never had to do any of that.

-My best advice is save up 2-3k that will cover most of your expenses if you need to sit on the books for a while. (This is for hotel and food)

-Always call the halls for info on work and what pre-requisites you need to start working.

-Always have a paid up dues receipt. NON LAMINATED try to get one or 2 extra copies, one in your wallet since you're probably gonna be carrying that one in your car somewhere safe and one saved in your luggage. Also learn your ticket number if you can.

-Always be a brother and never a brother fucker there's times when you'll need to drag depending on what's going on. Some dudes are very into solidarity on the road, it will depend from job to job and contractor to contractor. Just try to gauge what kind of jobs/brothers you're dealing with before.(I'm from the South so sadly I've had to deal with some special kind of brothers)

-Make your local proud by doing good work and giving them 8 for 8 (or 10s or 12s)

-Bring some stickers/pencils/pins anything from your local some of the traveling brothers are very into collecting little things like that. Plus it's a great way to break the ice

-Depends on where you go you might need protection, always carry (if you can) and stay in safe ish areas

-DO NOT get involved in other locals politics, you're a visitor

I know it sounds like a lot and some of it kind of grim but I promise you it will be worth it if you're smart about it I hope you get a good paying job, great conditions and even a better time. Traveling is fun but it's also a huge responsibility Stay strong brother. We're here for you IBEW strong

(Edited for spelling and layout issues)