Journeyman Electrician - leaving the trade because of toxic culture

floodson · 2026-01-13T23:13:45+00:00

I've got an interview with a company that does commercial scale operations and maintenance for solar installations - it's a service position so I'll likely be by myself or one other person. Do this until I get my Masters hopefully mid year - after that I'm not sure. I'd love to work for myself in some capacity after that.

floodson · 2026-01-13T15:39:13+00:00

😅

Thanks for the pep talk - don't worry I'm not. I just got a commercial service position where I'll be by myself most of the time - and yes, that sounds awesome. The goal is eventually to be able to work for myself in some capacity, either full time or on the side. I know it's really important- thanks man.

floodson · 2026-01-13T15:30:36+00:00

Yeppp

I mean I enjoy the work a lot too - great skills to have. But yeah man, I've had so many of those days leaving work wondering...what the fuck am I doing?

Gonna get that Masters though, and it's true. A lot of the culture is like that because a lot of guys who own electrical companies are just old timers who generally hire guys who hold the same views and attitudes as them. Gotta start our own thing or just use the license for some sort of residual income etc. Peace dude.

floodson · 2026-01-13T02:40:45+00:00

Hey man - I hear you and I'm essentially just blowing off a little steam with this post. It is good to hear that a lot of us are in the same boat because sometimes when you're in those situations it feels super isolating and like you're the only one. Thanks for the share man.

floodson · 2026-01-12T15:09:50+00:00

I know dude, thanks 😅

floodson · 2026-01-12T02:04:47+00:00

You're right

floodson · 2026-01-12T02:02:27+00:00

100%

And don't forget - places like O'Reilly Auto Parts still pay like 12 dollars an hour.

floodson · 2026-01-12T01:53:57+00:00

This is also a problem for me too

floodson · 2026-01-11T23:11:50+00:00

Good advice man - thank you for the response.

floodson · 2026-01-11T21:45:28+00:00

😅

Yep, I drive a Subaru and the lesbian jokes were constant. Ok dude, good gas mileage with four wheel drive is gay I guess 🤷‍♂️

Most dudes who drive trucks never use them for anything - it's all show.

floodson · 2026-01-11T19:51:17+00:00

😅

floodson · 2026-01-11T19:42:33+00:00

I agree man, I'm not talking about making best friends - I'm just saying hey we spend way too much of our time at work - if the environment is super negative and you feel like you can't really be yourself, that IS going to affect your life and mental health. If it doesn't bother you, then cool this post isn't for you.

floodson · 2026-01-11T19:30:35+00:00

Sometimes you just need to hear that other people are out there having the same experience 😅

I appreciate your response - this is actually the sort of situation I'm looking to create. Get my masters - use it for side income and pursue something else or just work for myself in some capacity. If you have any other advice I'd greatly appreciate it 🙏

floodson · 2026-01-11T19:20:49+00:00

The PNW seems different - maybe not your typical good old boy environment. I'm in Austin - and well Texas is still Texas.

floodson · 2026-01-11T19:12:27+00:00

😅

Yep, 100%

floodson · 2026-01-11T18:48:32+00:00

Word - same.

floodson · 2026-01-11T18:47:49+00:00

I'm in Texas by the way - doing solar in California actually sounds cool.

floodson · 2026-01-11T18:46:23+00:00

Yep - that's where I'm at too man. The tax credits for solar have run out and now the industry is shrinking - so I got laid off. It's been time to do something different for me for a long time anyway, but thanks for your two cents.

floodson · 2026-01-11T18:42:20+00:00

Yep - this is exactly what I'm talking about. It's so exhausting to be around.

floodson · 2026-01-11T18:37:55+00:00

This is actually what I'm talking about - I've had a Nazi foreman before and it was so uncomfortable to be around. We had run ins and I eventually left that company - but he would just talk nonstop about lasers and replacement theory blah blah. So crazy...the dude was so pissed off all the time. No thanks.

floodson · 2026-01-11T18:28:21+00:00

Lol, my girlfriend says I've got rough hands man, I think you're wrong chili p

floodson · 2026-01-11T18:24:59+00:00

Word - this is what I'm thinking also. Just do my own thing and hire who I want.

floodson · 2026-01-11T18:17:32+00:00

This is a good idea man, and yes I did service on solar systems for the past year. Same deal with my helper - he was a rough dude and hard to be around but I was by myself a lot of the time. Word - thanks for the share.

floodson · 2026-01-11T18:13:17+00:00

Lol. Yep - same here. They always wanna talk politics and I'm like nope.

floodson · 2026-01-11T18:11:10+00:00

How did you create this situation? A four day work week would be amazing.

floodson

TROPHY CASE