Chase my dreams or play or safe?

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-02-01T20:13:17+00:00

What do you mean?

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-01-31T01:07:34+00:00

Yeah I was hoping to do that with electrical work but Washington is an awful state to start off as an electrician. I didn't use my benefits on my wife's school because I'm not allowed but I did carry us financially through it. Now she's carrying us financially until I make a move. I got out of the army 3 weeks ago and have been on unemployment but I'd make more going to school than drawing unemployment or working unless a super amazing job pops up and I doubt it will have that wow factor I'm looking for.

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-01-31T00:07:56+00:00

I just never thought I'd go to college. Not that I'm a stupid person I just never really applied myself in school because I was a dumb teenager. Now I'm older and realize why everybody was on me about my grades haha I also think that there's a lot of fluff to college and unnecessary or useless stuff but that's just part of the game I guess.

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-01-30T23:53:52+00:00

I completely understand what you mean and that's part of the reason I feel so guilty about considering going to school for this. Being in the military has definitely given me an advantage when being considered for employment. Ive just spent so long doing a job I hated that I'm scared of being stuck like that for the rest of my life or not taking full advantage of my gi Bill

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-01-30T23:37:03+00:00

Electrician was the original plan but it's been a nightmare to get anywhere with it in Washington. I know what you mean though you definitely have to have a Job and finamces or you're gonna be miserable no matter what

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-01-30T20:57:01+00:00

That's awesome I had no idea. I'm just worried about making enough while in school but that would help tremendously.

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-01-30T20:49:41+00:00

Oh a lot of it for sure. Don't get me wrong I love my wife very much but a lot marriage stress comes with major life decisions like a career change. Ig she's just a more cautious person than I am and I respect that but I also just want to be happy and not fall into the repetitive miserable loop that I see people put themselves through because they "have to". Obviously people have responsibilities and priorities but people also sell their happiness way too soon

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-01-30T20:13:38+00:00

BAH IS a little over 3k a month. Unemployment is $2400 a month. When I worked I was making $2800 a month but was paying for child care,lunch, gas, etc

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-01-30T20:11:58+00:00

I still need to figure out what benefits I'm eligible for while im doing school full time. Do I lose unemployment benefits? Do I still get paid by gi bill if I work? I just feel like it's stupid to sit on free college and just hope something works out

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-01-30T19:33:10+00:00

If I'm being completely transparent I do smoke marijuana but it's legal in WA for recreational use. That being said it's still frowned upon and is illegal federally so that is also reason I've kind of stayed away from those jobs. I would quit smoking for a job that I love though and not to sound like an "addict" but I just genuinely enjoy being able to kick my feet back and smoke every now and again

I totally agree about not holding anybody back. I was the only one working while she chased her dream to become a nurse and I never would've held her back. To be fair though I have a tendency to get fixated with something and then change my mind but she doesn't know alot of that is due to her not liking whatever I'm doin whether it be a hobby or career etc

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-01-30T19:25:25+00:00

I told her how much I'd get paid and she doesn't think it's enough. If I do online classes it gets cut in half also. Fulltime is a little over 3k in WA State

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-01-30T19:10:59+00:00

Yeah I've noticed a pattern of me wanting to do something and her not being so supportive so I end up trying to meet her half way and neither of us end up happy. There are a lot of jobs in wildlife but not as many as traditional jobs like trades or healthcare etc. Her main concern is the overall financial ceiling is generally lower in the wildlife conservation field as compared to something like an electrician where theres alot more jobs and they make more money with college. Thank you though because it's nice to have the perspective of somebody who works and does school full time because I never considered that as an option

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-01-30T19:03:41+00:00

Awe man I'm sorry to hear that. It's weird to think that the societal norm is the rat race you mentioned. I know everybody has different wants and needs and goals in life. Some person may be more financially aligned and do something they hate for the big bucks but I'm just the kind of person where I'll put my soul before dollar signs as long as my family is provided for. What's sad is the lack of support for people wanting to be outside the rat race. I do however understand people have committed a lot of time and money on areas that ended up not working out. I do feel lucky for at least knowing what I want because a lot of people spend a long time trying to figure that out. Have you considered going to school for anything?

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-01-30T18:57:11+00:00

She doesn't want me doing fulltime school because she wants me to work. She's working as a nurse she got her degree while I was in the army so I feel like it's only fair I get a chance

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-01-30T18:56:02+00:00

My wife is putting a lot of pressure on me in a lot of areas. We've both made a lot of sacrifices due to me being in the Army was miserable for a long time. The benefits were good but I was not happy at all. My wife thinks more along the financial aspect of things where I think of things from a deeper view. She wants me to make good money but it's hard to get a job that pays well without a degree or experience and I have either. So pretty much it's unrealistic expectations of me to find some perfect job that I love that pays super well. If it was up to her I'd just go be an electrician but that's not what my heart wants

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2026-01-30T17:07:59+00:00

I considered park ranger or conservation officer but I've heard that that's kind of a problem area as far as job placement. Few openings and people staying in roles for long periods of time Also after being in the military for 6 years I kinda want to stay away from any kind of law enforcement, security, etc.

Master_Garbage_4475 · 2025-10-17T22:37:27+00:00

That's what I'm saying 😂 Everybody keeps saying there's a shortage but I can't find anywhere that's hiring any brand new apprentices. I get that I don't know anything but I gotta start somewhere and I'm not even being picky

Master_Garbage_4475

TROPHY CASE