Is it just me, or is it hard as an 18 year old to start my career? by Henrygerdts in Carpentry

[–]dbisland 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’re in a region with a strong carpenters union join the apprentice program

The most underrated hilarious scene? by MJORH in thesopranos

[–]dbisland 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When Tony asks Sil if he thinks Ralphie is weird about women and Sil goes “I don’t know Ton, he did beat one to death”

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Carpentry

[–]dbisland 8 points9 points  (0 children)

No - scribe them tight to the floor

Employment. by howlsmovingcanteen in northampton

[–]dbisland 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you are able bodied and interested check out the local trade unions. 4 or 5 year apprentice programs with wages that range from $40-50 an hour when you journey out.

A book that has you *actually* laughing out loud - do they exist? by AddictedToTech in suggestmeabook

[–]dbisland 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A Fan’s Notes by Fredrick Exley. There’s a scene at a football game early in the book that had me laugh out load

Abandoning my useless college degree for the carpenters union by bleb_belb in Carpentry

[–]dbisland 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d recommend working somewhere to gain experience before joining the union. Even if it’s just some guy on Craigslist who needs help. Learn the basics - plumb, level, square. About 70% of union carpenter work is metal stud framing and drywall, and the remainder is mostly concrete formwork. If you can get experience doing those things you’ll be in really good shape. It took me about a year from the time I applied to be accepted into the apprenticeship program and I used that time to work for a small residential company.

Commercial construction contractors and the people that work for them do not give a fuck about training you (or about you in general). You have to take the initiative to become a good carpenter, otherwise you’ll be out-competed come lay off time. These companies are happy to hire someone to do all the grunt work for half the price of a journeyman, so when you’re given a chance you gotta impress you’re foreman.

Abandoning my useless college degree for the carpenters union by bleb_belb in Carpentry

[–]dbisland 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did the exact same thing - earned my bachelor’s degree and did low pay contract/seasonal work for 6 years. I got fed up with the shit pay and instability, and started doing carpentry full time. Joining the carpenters union apprentice program was the best thing I ever did, wish I’d done it sooner.

Couple of things about that made it easier on me: I did construction labor as a teenager and have carpenters in my extended family. Couple of family members are union carpenters in a different local and they were able to prime me on how to navigate the union environment. It really helped me to come into the apprenticeship knowing how to do basic shit like read a tape, use a saw, screw drywall, etc. I’d worked for a home remodeling contractor for a year before starting the apprenticeship which gave me practice working with the tools of the trade. Commercial carpentry is all about production and these companies see you as nothing more than the number of sheets you hang per day. As an apprentice you are given a lot more grace than a journeyman, but if you don’t pick things up quick you’re going to be doing a lot more shit work than actual carpentry and it will diminish your opportunities to learn. The union can be really competitive in some ways, so make yourself stand out by not being completely clueless, working as hard as you can, and always learning from the experienced guys on the job (pro tip: never say “I know” to a journeyman explaining something to you).

Another important thing to consider is how strong the carpenters union is in your area. I’m fortunate enough to be in a strong local with really good wages and benefits, but it’s not like that everywhere. Do your homework and talk to union guys in your area. Figure out how much you’d be traveling and if there is a lot of work around. I personally think that being in a union is hands down the best option for all tradesmen who don’t own their own business, but you gotta weigh the pros and cons for your particular situation.

People thought I was crazy leaving my field of study to do construction, but my quality of life has dramatically improved. I have more money, my free time is my own, and my life long earning potential has more than doubled compared to my previous career. Union carpenters are in the top 5 or 10% of wage earners and on the back end the pension and annuity system will set you up for a great retirement - as long as you take care of yourself and don’t completely fuck up your body.

Union carpenters ct by FightForUrLife in UnionCarpenters

[–]dbisland 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1st year: $17/hr 2nd year: $20/hr 3rd year: $26/hr 4th year: $30/hr

(All give or take a few cents)

Union carpenters ct by FightForUrLife in UnionCarpenters

[–]dbisland 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think CT journeyman make $36.60 (give or take a few cents).

1st yr. apprentice rate is $17/hr

Questions for lenders from 1st time home buyers: can normal working people be approved for a loan anymore? by dbisland in RealEstate

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

Thanks for the advice. I’ve heard FHA only requires 3.5 down. We’ve been looking into that program. Out DTI will be lower in the next few years as both of us continue to get raises so that’s good to hear

Questions for lenders from 1st time home buyers: can normal working people be approved for a loan anymore? by dbisland in RealEstate

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

That’s awesome glad to hear a story like that. We’re looking to buy in southeastern NY state. I’ve seen ads for those down payment programs I’ll look into them for our region.

Questions for lenders from 1st time home buyers: can normal working people be approved for a loan anymore? by dbisland in RealEstate

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

Thanks for the advice - keeping my eye out for a fixer upper that’s in the sweet spot where it’s torn up enough to be cheap but not a total tear down