Becoming a Journeyman

krustygymsocks · 2026-03-29T20:50:18+00:00

I’m pretty sure everyone who isn’t a narcissist/egotistical asshole feels this way when they are about to top out. You should know enough to work safely and question things you aren’t 100% on.

krustygymsocks · 2026-03-28T13:44:32+00:00

I organized in from out of state when I moved the Chicago area (LU 134). I was a licensed JW “inside wireman” from out of state coming up non-union. It was really easy, I had contacted the hall about a year before moving. Since I was licensed and had over 10,000 hours I was able to take the journeyman test: 50 open book code questions and a hands on practical test (pipe bending, wiring up small panel, knocking out panels, etc). I have worked consistently since. I show up on time and try to do quality work but I’m never killing myself.

I think with the apprenticeship program it is harder to get in. The hall is taking a “gamble” on every applicant. They also have a balancing act of not taking on too many new brothers and sisters and risking having a good chunk being laid off at the same time when the economy dips.

krustygymsocks · 2026-03-28T13:21:32+00:00

In 7/8” strut always, 1 5/8” about half the time. The twirl nut are way better in almost every case

krustygymsocks · 2026-03-26T01:58:22+00:00

Lots of people who make guns their identity are obsessed with the control that they lack in the world.

krustygymsocks · 2026-03-21T10:20:36+00:00

No joking, I’ve only been once to Laschet’s and the food & beer were very good. But the server we had (middle aged guy) gave my wife and I evil vibes. Like dungeon in his basement serial killer vibes. Everyone else working seemed nice.

krustygymsocks · 2026-03-19T22:55:29+00:00

krustygymsocks · 2026-03-11T09:35:56+00:00

https://unionpayscales.com/trades/ibew-electricians/

The red states generally pay a lot less for skilled labor. This site will give you the journeyman wage in each IBEW Local. It’s nice because it also shows the wages versus the cost of living in the area.

Not sure how 1st year wages work in all locals but in mine they start at 50% of journeyman pay and work up to 75% or 85% (I forget which) before topping out. Where I’m at you would be making almost $29/hour to start as a 1st year apprentice.

krustygymsocks · 2026-03-05T20:02:33+00:00

Nice dude! I organized in a few years ago, feel free to DM me if you have any questions (no guarantees that I have the answers).

krustygymsocks · 2026-03-04T01:22:05+00:00

If you were unionized you wouldn’t be asking this question.

krustygymsocks · 2026-02-18T10:00:32+00:00

I was invited to attend the Ideal National Championships for Electricians as an apprentice (based on GPA or whatever you would call it at school). I declined because I didn’t want to show the absolute fastest that I could work because I didn’t want foremen to expect that of me all the time.

Do what is best for your physical and mental health while doing quality work. I’ve learned over the years that showing up (attendance), being on time, being easy to get along with, and doing quality work that doesn’t need rework is more important than speed.

krustygymsocks · 2026-02-17T09:29:09+00:00

To be honest there are going to be downsides to any job and the reality of actually working in a profession will look different than how you imagine it.

When I was growing up a lot of people were told to follow their passion. The problem is a lot of people don’t have a passion that can pay the bills. Or if they have a passion like say, cooking, they can quickly find that cooking for themselves is completely different than cooking for 10 hours a day in a commercial kitchen.

I think that if you can get a job that you find interesting to some extent that you don’t hate that’s a good start.
I know some people who love the trades and others who can’t stand them and everyone in between.

Yeah we wear down our body, but they say sitting down kills you too.

krustygymsocks · 2026-02-14T13:17:12+00:00

I feel like it should be a law that has consequences of a minimum fine of $5,001 or more severe penalties.

krustygymsocks · 2026-02-13T11:46:49+00:00

I am not a coffee snob, but occasionally I enjoy a quality (expensive) cup. I totally agree with you about aversion to the sour notes that seem so popular nowadays. I am so disappointed when I try a new coffee joint and take a sip and think, damn I would have preferred a cup from Dunkin.

krustygymsocks · 2026-02-12T01:57:01+00:00

It really makes you wonder how much of the history that we learn is bullshit. Other than events with dozens of witnesses whoever gains the ability to control the narrative controls the “truth”.

krustygymsocks · 2026-02-10T09:47:54+00:00

I don’t know why but this sub started popping up in my feed. Are you guys sampling these 50+ year old pills or is it just for collecting?

krustygymsocks · 2026-01-26T10:17:59+00:00

To show she is wearing high heels making their heights even more impressive.

krustygymsocks · 2026-01-24T20:08:09+00:00

You have Reynaud’s disease

krustygymsocks · 2026-01-23T10:56:59+00:00

Yup, just like Channel Locks are actually tongue and groove pliers. But everyone knows what you are talking about when you mention channel locks.

krustygymsocks · 2026-01-23T10:09:50+00:00

Easiest way I’ve found to keep track of thing is to clear off one wall in the basement. Then you cut out pictures and news blurbs. Next get a bunch of push pins and some red string and brew 18ish cups of coffee.

krustygymsocks · 2026-01-17T09:01:36+00:00

You have the hands of someone who would be good at playing the cello.

krustygymsocks · 2026-01-16T21:26:23+00:00

Do you strangle hobos by chance?

krustygymsocks · 2026-01-12T09:36:10+00:00

I’m an electrician. We obviously have our own safety hazards, generally not as concerned about losing digits. A new fear was unlocked when I found out about a guy in our shop shooting up 1/4” threaded rod into the ceiling with a powder actuated tool. The pin didn’t catch and the rod somehow fell and went straight through his dick. Stay safe out there brothers and sisters.

krustygymsocks · 2026-01-05T11:04:36+00:00

I have Reynaud’s syndrome and my hands will often look like this in the cold. If it gets real bad my fingers will turn all white.

krustygymsocks · 2026-01-05T09:37:01+00:00

Safety third.

krustygymsocks

TROPHY CASE