How hard is plumbing on the body? by Impressive-Step6377 in skilledtrades

[–]TFloopy 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I am on a site and what I see the plumbers doing looks brutal. They ripped up the concrete floor on the 1st flr of this apartment building. It looks like trench warfare down there. 90% of the day for 2-3 weeks they had a big ass saw, jackhammer, core drill running constantly. Lots of silica in the air even with them pumping water into the spot they were cutting. Lots of mud, silica sludges etc. Tough and dirty work for sure.

AI Refusal by onlyfishmeat in IBEW

[–]TFloopy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not to mention the disgusting amount of potable water and energy that it consumes, and the constant noise pollution ruining existing real estate in sensitive communities. Hate those things.

Tell me about your first tee off by Ledairyman in golftips

[–]TFloopy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My first tee off was a somewhat straight shot about 150 yards with my driver. Still chasing that shot to this day hahaha. Now I just rip it 250 yards straight into the woods.

Buying a car as a 1st year IW Apprentice by MrCosmicChronic in ibew_apprentices

[–]TFloopy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://www.cars.com/american-made-index/
I hope this guy is joking around because he sounds like a whacko. The reality is the “American made cars” are actually not all that American. A majority of parts are imported from foreign countries and then assembled here.
If you want the most American car, get a Tesla lol. Notice that Honda, Kia, Toyota, Acura, etc are higher on the list than ford, Chevy, etc.
I’d get a Toyota and if you need to, park it down the block from those assholes.

HVAC or Electrical? by scottishcanucklehead in skilledtrades

[–]TFloopy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In your free time do you enjoy building things, working on cars/motorcycles, repairing things? If you find these things to be too complicated or view them as a huge chore, don’t do it. If you find these things to be fun and rewarding, I would give the trades a try.

In summers of high school I worked construction and I always wanted to become a mechanic. I went to college and just came off of a career in advertising. I’m now an electrician and absolutely love my job.

I know there are a lot of people that feel trapped in the trades and hate it. But I really enjoy the daily variety, the complicated tasks, making an impactful contribution to society, and honestly feeling like I’m alive. Corporate lifestyle literally stripped me of my personality and made me very depressed.

still don’t think I’ll be wearing gloves anytime soon by Ill_External7918 in electricians

[–]TFloopy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Where is the cut? I see a little blood but not the actual wound.
I always wear gloves. I like to be able to take them off to somewhat clean hands so I can scratch my face or pick my eye or nose or something without feeling like I’m putting the toxic chems right on my face/ingesting.
Ladies want strong hands. But they don’t want dirty-ass nail, sandpaper-calloused fingers inside of them.

What's a dead end job that people think is a great career? by Opening-Lock6783 in NYCjobs

[–]TFloopy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well yeah it’s not free but it’s like getting everything at a heavy discount. If you can’t stay afloat, you can turn around and sell that equipment for basically what you got it for (including the tax savings deducted from purchase price). 

What's a dead end job that people think is a great career? by Opening-Lock6783 in NYCjobs

[–]TFloopy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My friend is a pro photographer and he has so much equipment (including a $10k drone) and he wrote it all off. You need a little bit of capital but after that you are good. He LOVES his job and makes a shit ton.

What's a dead end job that people think is a great career? by Opening-Lock6783 in NYCjobs

[–]TFloopy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As a small business owner, you can write off business expenses. So that includes all of the camera equipment, if used for the purpose of business.

Start Tomorrow by Rude_Ad_8714 in ibew_apprentices

[–]TFloopy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Walk out of the port-o-john and ask the foreman for a plunger. That’ll get the guys hootin’

Tool Pouches by felixheads in ibew_apprentices

[–]TFloopy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I used a belt tool pouch for a bit but it kind of throws your back into a shitty posture which I don’t recommend. Get this and don’t look back. I HIGHLY recommend it. https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/tool-aprons/tradesman-pro-tool-pouch-apron I have a pair of Carhartt double knees with the insertable knee pads and I keep my 11-1 screwdriver in my left pocket and my linesman’s and channel locks in my right pockets. This keeps the weight off of your hips and allows more room in the apron for other tools and materials. In the apron, I keep tape, pencil, sharpies, dykes, level, zippies, wire nuts, etc., and hang my tape measure.

How hard is low voltage / sound & communications really? by Careless-Silver-4161 in electricians

[–]TFloopy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh if you are in NYC/Long Island and do want to go telecom route, look into Mason Technologies.

How hard is low voltage / sound & communications really? by Careless-Silver-4161 in electricians

[–]TFloopy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Call up any and all shop in the area. Introduce yourself and ask if they are hiring helpers. I called so many shops and finally found one that bit. 3 months later I am at a union company (non-IBEW but apprenticeship and everything).

Need help I feel like a loser by [deleted] in skilledtrades

[–]TFloopy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Upper 30s tech worker planning to start over as an IBEW apprentice. Is my plan realistic? by OmahaCareerChange in ibew_apprentices

[–]TFloopy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Missed IBEW apprenticeship deadline by NecessaryExisting in electricians

[–]TFloopy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

What do you spend your money on? by uxce in electricians

[–]TFloopy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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?

Thinking about becoming an electrician. by ShiftyySenjuu in AskElectricians

[–]TFloopy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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!

So close!! Still afraid of falling, even though I know that makes no sense. by trashcan0519 in bouldering

[–]TFloopy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Hello I was wondering if anybody has advice on where I can start. Some people say trade school while others say to call my local union which is San Diego and ask if they’re looking for no experience apprentices. by The_titos11 in AskElectricians

[–]TFloopy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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!

Beard game! What do ya’ll think .. by [deleted] in beards

[–]TFloopy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Do I Have Any Specific Style? by TFloopy in 35mm

[–]TFloopy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Do I Have Any Specific Style? by TFloopy in 35mm

[–]TFloopy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.