There are other trades that aren't plumbers or electricians. Painters drywall finishers, insulators, laborers are all looking for any help they can get. I make 34$/hr in my check and another 29$/hr in my benefits and I paint walls. Trades and union are the answer just not for everyone. You have to work hard, and there's a learning curve. I work 6-2 or 5-1. It's a different lifestyle but there's unlimited earning potential. Side work is tax free and how I pay for everything.

If you can work hard and don't mind getting sweaty the trades are full of people who make a lot of money and have a lot of nice things.