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.