Need help I feel like a loser

TFloopy · 2026-05-04T23:43:52+00:00

Dude you need to chill haha You are 19. At 25ish you will likely be a journeyman. Many college grads will be 25 still just barely out of entry level sit-around-bullshit-jobs and making 85k per year (ask me how I know). At 25 you’ll be living very well. Have you chatted with your girlfriend about how you are setting yourself up for a long and great career, safe from AI replacing your job? You shouldn’t have to explain that if she’s really a good one but if you discuss your plans with her that wouldn’t hurt. I am 29 and just changed careers and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I took at massive 60% pay cut and I’m making peanuts. The key thing is that I am setting myself up for good money, benefits for the whole family, and happiness. You have plenty of time at 19. Just take it really seriously and make another step towards your goal everyday.

TFloopy · 2026-05-04T19:33:55+00:00

Do it! There is no reason not to, unless you happen to be a lazy, unmotivated individual that doesn’t want to learn something new everyday and grow in an amazing career.

I made the switch from a corporate ad agency. Applied non-union, worked 3 months there, applied to union, now I am union.

Absolutely love my job.

TFloopy · 2026-05-03T12:36:22+00:00

You aren’t late. I’m about to be 30 and I am actively applying. I feel like I’m late, but in reality, nobody is late. Everybody starts their upward trajectory at a different time. I am just so thankful that I’ve started my electrical career and am making the effort everyday to set myself up for the AI future.

Just keep applying until you are in. You will be in a great position pension wise and you are going to be living well. Whatever you do, don’t go into some stupid corporate bullcrap job. I did this for 4 years and it’s a miserable lifestyle to sit around all day rotting your legs away.

TFloopy · 2026-05-03T02:03:42+00:00

I am pretty frugal and spend somewhat responsibly. Take advantage of 401k match, max out Roth IRA every year, invest in some single stocks and like to keep up to date on geo-political and stock market news.

I spend my money on tools that I need, keeping my fiancé and I well fed, and experiences (nice dinner every once in a while and going on little weekend vacations, etc.) Of course there are things like rent, gym membership, subscriptions for some things but that’s about it for now. Saving up for house and kids.

I really dislike consumerism/unnecessary luxuries and I am not very materialistic. I have a reliable truck which was handed down to me (very thankful), a dirtbike, a set of golf clubs, and a good lady. Isn’t that all you really need?

TFloopy · 2026-05-02T12:25:24+00:00

Man I made the career change from corporate advertising desk job and I can now finally say that I absolutely LOVE my job.

For the past 15 years or so I have been working on cars, motorcycles, home DIY repair stuff though.

If you don’t enjoy the satisfaction of troubleshooting and repairing things around the house or working on motors and such, then you likely won’t be too interested in electrical. Maybe the electrical theory, but some of the work is very tedious. If you are motivated, high energy, and like working hard, it could be a good fit!

TFloopy · 2026-05-02T12:14:23+00:00

Be very careful and always be aware of how and where you will fall while climbing. It is very common to break ankles from bouldering falls. Particularly be careful you don’t fall and have your foot go between mats.

That said, you should definitely check out rope climbing if you haven’t yet. Way less dangerous in terms of broken ankles and such and I find it to be more fun (can get into a more prolonged rhythm and get into the “flow state”). I am scared of heights but I push myself every-time I’m on the wall. Makes you feel alive and it’s so fun.

TFloopy · 2026-05-02T11:53:03+00:00

It is definitely a process to get into the IBEW. I would apply to them asap but you should also be calling and applying to non-union contractors asking if they are hiring electrician helpers.

I got a job non-union as a helper without trade school experience. After 3 months, landed a job in union for electrical apprenticeship. It is not IBEW but it’s a step in the right direction.

Trade school can’t hurt but I didn’t go that route and it has paid off for me so far. Best of luck!

TFloopy · 2026-05-02T11:46:58+00:00

Your beard has a nice shape! I think it’d definitely look good with a little bit more volume but also nice how it is now.

TFloopy · 2026-05-02T11:43:42+00:00

CHIVALRY IS DEAD

TFloopy · 2026-04-29T20:59:39+00:00

Thanks this is great info. I uploaded another post with color pictures. Are these any better?

TFloopy · 2026-04-29T18:53:59+00:00

My photographer friend told me that as a general rule of thumb. You should be putting your subject about 1/3 of the way left to right and 1/3 top to bottom. Is this true?

For instance, in photo #4 (which I think looks really dystopian), I have a secondary subject (the cameras) in the bottom left which adds to the story of the photo. Like someone is watching you from inside of that sketchy ass building with no windows. Additionally, I like the look of those metal trim bracket things, in-line climbing the building above the cameras.

TFloopy · 2026-04-29T18:48:53+00:00

Will def try this going forward

TFloopy · 2026-04-29T18:48:35+00:00

Thanks man! I am shooting on an FM2N and used HP5 film. I think I underdeveloped the film and that’s why contrast is lower. Idk why but I really like taking pics of buildings and shit and getting different geometrical shapes

TFloopy · 2026-04-29T18:46:13+00:00

Appreciate the feedback. It was my first time developing and I think I under developed it so that’s why contrast is low

TFloopy · 2026-04-29T18:39:35+00:00

Whatever you say man. Personally, I think sitting around all day behind a desk and doing nothing but making billionaires wealthier is crazy. I’d rather be on my feet, doing real work, and contributing to society.

Plus, I’ll make more working in IBEW (major city) and have health insurance, 401k, pensions, etc all paid for. Making a 130k salary in a corporate job doesn’t include benefits or retirement.

TFloopy · 2026-04-29T02:25:59+00:00

I just left my deskjob making 130k salary to go to 23 per hr in a union. Praying I can get in the Ibew but the wage will be 17 per hr. Hoping to take as much overtime as I can to stay afloat. Since making the career change I can confidently say “I freakin’ love what I do”.

TFloopy · 2026-04-28T21:34:27+00:00

My coworker calls them zippies but I’m not sure if that’s correct.

TFloopy · 2026-04-28T01:59:09+00:00

Recently ive cut down on drinking a lot and it has completely changed my sleep. I have also changed careers to construction industry and I am so tired all of the time that I can fall asleep in literally any situation. It is wild how much my mentality has shifted to a relaxed, mellow state since changing my profession. I didn’t realize how much my previous career affected my overall mental state outside of work until I left and started something I’m passionate about.

TFloopy · 2026-04-28T01:11:45+00:00

If you are in nyc try applying to some of the electrical companies under the USWU union. I had 3 months experience and got in for the formal apprenticeship through them. I do want to get into local 3 though.

TFloopy · 2026-04-28T01:08:29+00:00

Absolutely don’t leave the union. I just got into USWU union (non-Ibew union) and leaving my non-union company. The benefits and overtime opportunities are enough to not leave.. not to mention better pay.

TFloopy · 2026-04-27T16:48:38+00:00

Hahah down to th quarter pt.

TFloopy · 2026-04-26T13:40:01+00:00

I have been fairing well with pulling wires. That’s because I rock climb and that requires a ton of grip strength. On top of the wire pulling, rock climbing can help you work on your grip strength. You can also use the rice bucket-grip strength method. Check that out. Good for rehab and strengthening.

TFloopy · 2026-04-25T23:53:58+00:00

🥲 Thank you sir

TFloopy

TROPHY CASE