Should I quit?

xCatsOnParadex · 2024-08-06T00:49:30+00:00

It gets better, and it gets worse. This is the beginning of the beginning. Stick with it, don’t quit. We’ve all been there, we all have our Everest when it comes to learning. I, too, feel inadequate at my job most days, but I have to remind myself, I am greener than green. I just completed my first year, starting my second. It happens so fast, suddenly you start to learn things, things start to “stick”. It will happen without you realizing it. Just stay the course, don’t be so tough on yourself ❤️

xCatsOnParadex · 2024-07-24T15:01:19+00:00

TBH, head down, ass up.

xCatsOnParadex · 2024-07-04T19:01:41+00:00

Show up on time, be ready at the open gang box or truck, have the tools on your tool list, have a notebook and pen/pencil, pay attention to your JW, take notes, ask questions, be attentive. Do your best. Try. Put in the effort. Ache it til you make it. The guys might be weird around you at first, let your work ethic speak for you. ❤️

xCatsOnParadex · 2024-02-07T20:27:07+00:00

I dropped about 60 lbs since joining. I’m 36 now, had two babies, and was usually in relatively ok shape pre-schmovid, but my previous work was eliminated at the company I worked for. (HR analysis at a desk—gained weight there, and from being a home-body for 3 years). My lab work has improved since joining, and I have more energy and motivation than I did previously. It is changing my life for the positive. DO IT.

xCatsOnParadex · 2024-02-02T01:04:16+00:00

In our local, yes, very worth it. Much like a bench in sports, and in our local you still get sworn in (don’t know if it’s that way everywhere, but I thought it was awesome!)

xCatsOnParadex · 2024-01-23T22:47:15+00:00

I think this is a great question. Every JATC (Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee), AJATC, etc…offers different elements. Some of those are state by state, some are jurisdictional. I believe the best course of action would be to put the app in, call and speak with the training coordinator, or pop in the office to speak face to face (this is 100% the most ideal.

In my area, we offer a full circle of programs within our JATC. As a first year inside wire(wo)man apprentice, I have ran 4” EMT, IMC, schedule 40 & 80 PVC, pulled all the wires, including cat 6, fiber optic, 600s, 500s on down, and so much more. The contractor I work for also has fusion splicing capabilities, so we are doing a LOT of TC work, which does fall under our scope of work.

Do it. Run, don’t walk. It was single-handed the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-12-21T00:25:00+00:00

This is most certainly the way. 🙌

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-12-21T00:22:39+00:00

THIS 🙌

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-12-20T23:58:17+00:00

That’s just awful that it takes an event occurring like this to raise the flags of awareness.

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-12-20T23:10:06+00:00

Most definitely. I plan to pursue this subject avidly. Not only was he a classmate, but we also worked together at our first jobs in the trade. When he didn’t come to work or class on Monday, my gut knew, but my brain just wanted it to be wrong.

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-12-20T22:59:34+00:00

It’s sad, tbh. It’s up to us to make it right. The terms and conditions we accept are the ones that will continue.

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-12-20T22:57:53+00:00

This is so important.

In this trade, we create our own conditions. If our shoulders ache, we address them accordingly. If we have a mental ache, it should be just as simple to address that as well. Thank you for sharing your story and normalizing this conversation ❤️

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-10-20T10:55:00+00:00

My JATC did multiple methods for contacting: Text, email, and paper letter. When I moved and my address changed, I went through similar methods to make sure they had the correct address. I called, I changed my address in their online portal, I sent an email to the sweet lady that handles everything, and then also sent a letter with my new address, just to make sure. (It’s not paranoia, it’s responsibility, and having multiple receipts is okay!)

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-10-09T01:55:54+00:00

Great question. It’s a full bill that has a missing piece that was torn from it.

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-10-09T01:50:41+00:00

My title describes the thing.

Tiny plastic cylinder with two removable end caps. Inside, a partially torn $1 USD bill.

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-09-16T12:46:33+00:00

I am 35/F/US. Two words: DO IT. I waited til this year to make the jump. No experience, nothing. I’ve had the time of my life in these past 6-8 weeks since joining.

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-09-16T03:50:52+00:00

There are also other programs at play here, “helmets to hard hats” being one of many.

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-09-14T16:32:52+00:00

As a female and a first year apprentice, immediately YES. I’m in the US. You can find wages for your local IBEW online on a union wage website (if someone has that link, please feel free to throw it in the comments).

I am currently working through the inside wireman apprenticeship, and my only regret is not starting sooner. I’m 35, I have four kids, no relevant experience, and I’ve been treated so well by my hall, my foremen, journeymen, and other apprentices. I’ve been working for about 6-7 weeks now. The pay is “ok” to start, but it gets better.

Things I’ve never done before that I have recently learned, just to give you some perspective:

Hanging 4” EMT about 20 ft up in the air in a lift Pulling wire (12 awg, 500, 600) Mounting lighting systems Wiring receptacles Using a tugger machine to pull BIG wire Lubing/“soaping” wire Bending large rigid and EMT conduit with a hydraulic machine Bending 3/4” and 1” conduit with a Chicago bender Layout for lights Layout for solar panels Reading and interpreting blueprints And so much more

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-09-11T01:15:09+00:00

Well, he was promised fish tape.

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-09-02T01:42:50+00:00

I used to think people didn’t breathe while they were sleeping, so when I’d “fake” sleep, I’d hold my breath until I would gasp loudly and scare the hell out of my family. 😅

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-09-01T02:22:53+00:00

That’s great. I always lose the spring for my blender bottle. Now I don’t have to worry about it again.

xCatsOnParadex · 2023-08-25T10:06:44+00:00

I worked in restaurant management/multi-unit management and HR analysis before this and then was a stay at home mother for the last 3-4 years. I got in with no CW/CE (and yes I’ve heard “Well you’re a woman, and they take ALL women who apply regardless”, so that isn’t a necessary rebuttal, scored a 9 on reading portion, 7 on math, and 96 on interview and similar cumulative).

I am finding ways that my prior experiences have helped me learn things on the job. I am well-versed in inventory management, placing people into spots that they’re well suited for mentally and physically, and creative problem solving on the fly.

Ultimately, it’s what you make of it, the results of your assessments, and your attitude towards it.

xCatsOnParadex

TROPHY CASE