The 5 Reasons Being An Electrician Sucks

The worst things about being in the trades. Why not to become an electrician. The bad side of electrical work. It really isn't that bad.
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[@americanelectrician]

Check out the updated version of this video here: 3 Things You NEED To Know BEFORE Becoming An Electrician Apprentice kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6CVc5Vul7N1l9E

[@jonathanburks7291]

I’m a self employed residential electrician with no employees. Very little headache. I only accept profitable jobs and low stress jobs. I make great money while going on vacation whenever I want. I’m living the dream! No complaints for me!

[@robbie__lifts]

How do i do this

[@johnnyutah537]

I want to be you

[@2phonesjones899]

& how do you acquire your clientele?

[@jonathanburks7291]

@@robbie__lifts I worked for a small electric company and did the apprenticeship program. I got a lot of experience in residential service work and I enjoyed it. After about 7 years, I decided to take the leap and work on my own and get my state license. I charged the same as the big companies, but I have very little overhead. So I get to keep most of what I make.

[@jonathanburks7291]

@@2phonesjones899 I started on Angie Leads, and I have a website, but 99% is referrals and repeat customers.

[@jgbecker24]

I'll take every one of these cons over wasting away in a cubicle.

[@ultralyrics1]

Agreed!

[@coopertruett2571]

Preach brother

[@purplerider2362]

I was an electrician. But I retired. Now I’m delivering for UPS

[@teees554]

@@purplerider2362why?

[@ryanrice4681]

Electrician here in California, 5am start time, get off at 1pm, pretty much perfect weather 10 months out of the year. The worst part is the commute by far. California traffic is the worst.

[@sk00lhater2]

I’m looking into getting in a trade school to be one in California, how did you start?

[@ETS210]

Man this the dream, I’m tryna get out a warehouse and learn this trade so I can become a electrician and move to California for the good weather. I live in Texas

[@WestHaddnin]

Hey bro shot in the dark but does your company do prevailing wage? I’m certified and I’m trying to chase government jobs to save up for a house

[@Ribsandwich9797]

Are you union? I know cost of living is high there I was thinking of moving there but didn’t know if it was worth it

[@ryanrice4681]

@@Ribsandwich9797 cost of living is absurd, to live comfortably you have to commute at least an hour each way to afford rent that is reasonable, homeless and crime is out of control, police are to backed up to help anyone unless it’s a violent offense and even then they won’t come for a long time.!so to answer your question, no it sucks, you get paid good but it evens out with rent and daily expenses, California turned to shit

[@erichovatt]

Uncomfortable work trucks, heat, freezing cold, dangerous work conditions, unreasonable expectations, working late, stress, being an apprentice and being demoralized, getting injured, working around or with people that constantly make your job harder… I’ve been through all of that. With that being said it’s still a good job and made me a better person. Definitely not for everyone and it will take a toll on your body and mind.

[@Spiid1000]

I’m an apprentice and I’m glad I haven’t experienced the demoralizing. I experienced it 10 x more as a junior sailor.

[@andoriannationalist3738]

Awe, does your p hurt? Poor baby! Ima male RN who wishes he had gone into electrical work, any job that has the three Ds.. Dirty, Dangerous, Difficult. The three D’s keep lazy people, Marxists, anti-Whites, and women from your work. Do you have any idea how bad it sucks to work with women? Even women hate to work with women. And you are bitching about dirty dangerous and difficult? I like it, I love it, give me more of it, as it keeps soy riddled Betas away.

[@charlieXmaster]

No one respects apprentices but you have to show you can handle shit an slowly but surely you’ll earn respect

[@andoriannationalist3738]

@@charlieXmaster this is fine when it’s men. Women do this in hospital, there’s an expression, nursing eats their young. These women are so awful. Nothing close to getting shit from a male boss.

[@nickchristian1590]

I joined a construction company where we are the only 3 people. We are one crew, and we go from a slab to framing to sheathing to electrical to plumbing to insulation to roofing. Then comes the finish work from carpet to tile and interior trim. Can't forget the cabinetry. I joined this crew with zero experience and never once led them to believe I know more than I do. We bust each other's balls, but never have I felt anything other than support. I had one of them say, "If we didn't want you here, you wouldn't be." When I've felt doubt about myself, I hear,"You've been with us for less than 2 years. We change jobs every other week. How could you learn everything when we change work so frequently? " If people are there to shit on you for not knowing something, they aren't worth learning from.

[@siggitiggi]

My least favourite things about being an electrician are painters, plumbers, AC installers, weather and traffic.

[@DevJB]

That's why I also do demo, framing, insulating, rock, plumbing, hvac and painting.. So I can hate myself the most. And landscaping.. fml.

[@ishy2raw972]

@@DevJB 😂

[@Flip11111]

@@DevJB at least you have more control over the mud not going inside of the outlets

[@Flip11111]

@@DevJB I gotcha😂

[@BruceLeanTrades]

same, and anything that has to do with conduit

[@Jeff-xy7fv]

I do strictly residential work, and my three biggest gripes are: 1) Lack of help (pulling wires, lugging tools/materials where needed, etc.) 2) Parts shortages 3) Cluttered workspaces (especially basements and garages)

[@senorjalapeno3937]

Do commercial. More money.

[@Jeff-xy7fv]

@@senorjalapeno3937 I've never worked commercial before. I don't know the first thing about it. And I would have no clue how much to charge. Like I said, I don't have any help.

[@cecilmitchell9159]

Hire me

[@joesysol3827]

@@senorjalapeno3937 more dangerous though, your life is on the line in commercial, residential not so much

[@senorjalapeno3937]

@Joe Sysol not really. You're life is on the line at any point in life. When you wake up to go to work, when you clock in for work. Even when you sit down to take a shit.

[@WalkHard1]

I think the hardest part of becoming electrician is showing up to school after work for 5 years

[@kennethfrazee2540]

and being forced to learn worthless bullshit like fire alarm and PLCs. Half of the terms are absolute bullshit, then you get to work with idiots who can't even run pipe just because they scraped by with 75% on the code test. It's a joke.

[@ashellis9504]

In the UK you can be qualified in 2 year's then do your exams

[@CCMan34]

@@ashellis9504 that sounds amazing

[@Saixjacket]

As somebody who has had their journeyman card for about four years now, I actually kind of miss those days only because your brain is actively involved and you’re probably in a lot of ways a better worker during those times than any other time. Being “the student” has weird benefits that seem to only become apparent after you’re kind of expected to be a teacher who always has to relearn things in the trade.

[@js5791]

@@Saixjacket interesting view I’ll make note of that when I start my apprenticeship

[@itzkong]

There’s a downside for everything, but being an electrician is quite nice in my opinion especially when you’re in a state with nice weather.

[@ManiacMayhem7256]

So don't be in Texas where im at right lol

[@itzkong]

@@ManiacMayhem7256 I'm also in Texas. SATX to be specific. The weather hasn't been too nice.

[@vsteele1672]

Try Arizona

[@pithyt5369]

In canada and the cold absolutely decimates me mentally

[@Flip11111]

@@vsteele1672 pretty much Ecuador

[@adimensionalhunter]

I do it all: residential, industrial, and construction. Yes, depending on many factors, there are a lot of difficult things about the job, but I love my work. I choose my clients, my rules, and my time. It took a lot of effort to achieve this, but self-love made me atypical for most clients. First and foremost is me, then the rest of the world. Electricity is one of the most powerful forces in the entire universe, and I love to dance with it.

[@americanelectrician]

Sometimes the opposition is what makes it fun!

[@BreathEmpowerment]

For those just starting out, take note 👆🏼 If you work hard, have a good attitude, are willing to learn and grow, and can prove responsibility, and GOOD company will reward you for it. If you reflect these traits and are working for a company that doesn't value you, then leave. Find one with good management and code of ethics. I worked with some real shit people before this discovery. The last company I worked for gave me tons of different opportunities and rewarded my work ethic. You'll always hear guys bitching about this and that- don't get sucked into that energy. Also don't let anyone treat you like shit just because you're an apprentice. If you're a good worker then that's what you should be judged by, not lack of experience. Sure, you might have to do some of the more "dirty work"- I usually didn't mind that so much. But to truly disrespect me? Well we can exchange some words after work, or put me with a crew with a better attitude :)

[@bigazi8935]

hey im a recent graduate who is thinking of undertaking an apprenticeship. I would love to talk to you about the industry and your career if you would be down?

[@safiul1930]

​@@BreathEmpowerment I am 45 and thinking to get degree in electric. 2 years degree. Am I too old to get in?

[@BreathEmpowerment]

​@@safiul1930if you have a job that isn't paying well or lacks stability then I say go for it. It's definitely one of the more stable jobs you could get. But are you saying a 2 year college degree? No need for that unless you actually want to become an engineer. If you just want to be an electrician then join a company with good benefits as they will pay for your schooling to become a journeyman.

[@annquach6613]

1. Last ones allowed to install, so coordination with duct guys are a must. 2. First ones to move their pipe given a conflict 3. So many different form and materials which requires expertise and ends up creating 3x more trash compared to other trades 4. High wages means always undermanned or rushed projects 5. Working high up and in extremely tight spaces

[@xtc9700]

this is mostly for commercial I’m assuming

[@carolinaanthony4142]

@@xtc9700 yes I’m commercial and I hate it. I’m leaving soon

[@villian99918]

@@carolinaanthony4142 if you're willing to sacrifice a little money id switch to resi

[@BreathEmpowerment]

​@@carolinaanthony4142don't switch to rezzy 😂 it's so boring. Find a better company. But I never minded heights or tight spaces much (within reason) as long as I felt safe

[@markwhite8332]

Don't forget, working elevated is dangerous and service calls to factories with power on is extremely dangerous. While my friends and family work easy jobs and make more money

[@txpitmaster6127]

Hang in there! I started at my company as a green Jouneyman now I run the whole show. 25 employees. I don't wear tools anymore! That part is what I miss the most. Enjoy it while you can young man!

[@Shrampion]

How long did it take you to get there? Congrats

[@txpitmaster6127]

@@Shrampion I started in 1990 and took over in 2012. You have to play the long game my friend!

[@floridaboy91]

A green journeyman? You mean a green apprentice? Green and journeyman aren’t even synonymous…

[@1HKNG]

@@floridaboy91a new journeyman… I know it’s the weekend but keep that thinking cap on

[@floridaboy91]

@@1HKNG always on bud…speak clearly. Never know who’s listening…but yea green and journeyman aren’t synonymous:)

[@MrCodyFults]

Living in misery (Missouri) as an electrician, I completely get where you’re coming from when you say you get like 2 months a year where it actually feels good outside.. I guess Mother Nature will weed out the ones who can’t make it

[@Ju5tin808]

I am an electrical helper looking to join the apprenticeship this year! We are lucky out here

[@ryanthepianoman27]

@@Ju5tin808 what state

[@bluntskicast4561]

Ya Nebraskas weather sucks dick too 😂

[@simpleletronics]

I made a video about the essential tools for electrician!

[@The360Electrician]

Lol my brick and mortar is in Los Angles, but my channel is in Montana so I guess I have the best and worst of both worlds. Cold 6 months in MT and Taxed 13 months in LA..=)

[@Michaelbrian777]

Im a welder and work got slow a few years back. My neighbor was a master electrician. He put me to work changing plugs and switches in an Apartment complex. I loved it. Thought it was way nicer than being in a hot fab shop 12 hrs a day 7 days a week. Clean work. I picked it up pretty fast. We did the whole complex. 5 days a week, 8hrs a day.

[@bigbandz4036]

Love it. Any advice? Im 20 yrs old tryna make it into ibew48 union. Hoping to eventually make 6figures a year. Retire with a nice pension.

[@joecool4656]

I have questions about that. Did you wear knee pads or go on a kneeling pad?

[@Michaelbrian777]

@@joecool4656 Knee pads.

[@joecool4656]

@@Michaelbrian777 Ok good to know

[@Drod11z]

12 hrs a day 7 days a week is crazy

[@skytrooper506]

Master Electrian here. To me it's working on hack work done by other electricians, or facilities guys. Drives me nuts. Oh yea fiberglass insulation sucks!

[@TremendoT]

Do you suit up when working around insulation? Or do u just man it out and get infested by it?

[@joekillah3002]

The issue is that Electrical work or trade work in general is not a get rich quick scheme. People talk about it like everyone needs to drop out of school and join the trades. Im in it 7 years and have been a journeyman for two years. I was a very proactive apprentice and forced myself to learn a lot. While i worked in commercial, light industrial, and new construction I worked residential for a friend on the weekends. I eventually helped him full time run a business. I realized that even though I learned a lot and know how to do a lot, the things i can't stand are irreconcilable. The job is also not aligneed with my goals and aspirations outside of work. I have yet to meet anyone similar to me in the trade. Yeah ive learned an important skill, but that means nothing if its a something that I loathe doing. I don't want to shit on my profession but give warning that you should do what you want to do. Dont let anyone push or con you into doing something that you don't. The only people that should become electricians are the people who always wanted to become electricians. If theres a shortage, then the industry should change to make it more bearable. The same goes vis versa if you're a blue collar trapped in a white collar job. Do what you want. Screw trends and advice.

[@dac8939]

This is why i went back to college to get a degree in electrical engineering then Masters in Finance. Now work as an energy trader making over $300k a year. No more nasty body aches

[@jacobtaylor8205]

How you pay for school tho?

[@Benderboy35]

I have a degree in finance but the union is offering associates in electrical engineering? Would this be a benefit to me where I can bargain for better pay?

[@shepardlatham2518]

20 years old. 2 year apprentice in my first year of school. Done residential work, including multiple "HGTV Hometown" remodels, NRG contracts, and Commercial construction. Worked in georgia, texas, oklahoma, tennessee, and mississippi where i live. Get up at 3:30 every day. My biggest gripes have to be other apprentices who dont listen, and THAT DAMN FIBERGLASS

[@brienjefferson4882]

Everything sucks, there are a few things that don’t! I have friends that run there own business, they still have to work eighty hour weeks at times. As some say, embrace the suck! Out of all the trades, I would not want to be laying the grey mud…aka concrete. Electrician here, joined the union I.B.E.W., wanted to see the country and did. That got old after twenty years, now phasing into maintenance. Life is hard at times, life is beautiful at times. Be lucky and happy for what’s going on in your life in America. Tried running my own electrical business, the headache from all the angles was not worth the money. At least we’re not having to run for our lives from bombs, missiles, gun fire and tanks.

[@leekman4833]

That facts you made my day I agree

[@ReginaldPennysworth]

Amen

[@JAYY_JAYY]

I am IBEW as well 23 years in . I work in Bay Area foreman wage is in 332 is 92$ an hour . I have recently thought about doing my own gig . I always am asked to do side work and I feel I could easily stay busy , be my own boss . I believe in Unions and am greatful for the career it has given me . It’s just times you think I just want to do my own thing

[@user-jh4gk8fm6b]

@@JAYY_JAYY late reply but how do you get to that position?

[@JAYY_JAYY]

@@user-jh4gk8fm6b foreman ?

[@jamesarrendell9517]

As a resi electrician, we don’t deal with this nearly as much. Of course we still deal with the heat and cold and crawl spaces are something else, but it’s usually pretty nice. A lot of times you’re in an air conditioned space. We don’t work insane hours because no home owner wants you in their house at 2 am. Idk I like being a resi guy. Running conduit is pretty cool tho

[@societl]

I really needed this homie, i’m 18 trying to figure out what I want to do still and have for a while been interested in being a residential electrician. My local college just opened a course that allows me to get certified in less then 3 months and become an apprentice. I really hoped I made a good decision and you solidified that for me😅

[@jamesarrendell9517]

@@societl I’m excited for you man. It really is a pretty sweet job. Learning and doing research is always good, and I’ve been able to do jobs better because of a youtube video I saw hahaha. However, most of the skill in the trade comes from just getting out there and creating effective systems with the tools you have to achieve your tasks. It’s something that will keep changing, and you wont learn it until you get out there. Unless the cirt is needed to start an apprenticeship, I’d just get applying to places and binge watch Electrician U

[@jamesarrendell9517]

@Thawne1338 for me it wasn’t some crazy job search. A friend of mine who worked at a small company just thought I’d be good at it, put in a good word and got me hired. I had an interview and got hired. Small companies are a great place to start I think. More individual learning when you’re starting out too

[@MrJypsye]

Just like how I ran some conduit on your sister last night, it was wild.

[@jaredyuhas2037]

Money in residential is weak though

[@masonparish1637]

Hey man wish you luck, currently active duty from Indiana striving for my journeyman's license as an electrician but pairing that with my electrical engineering license. Only 21 but praying to do residential maybe union one day.

[@americanelectrician]

That’s awesome man. I’m an Indiana resident as well. Stay safe man. Thank you for your service!

[@josephwebster2909]

Thanks for your service and that's cool you're from Indiana, I'm from Indianapolis. Live in Vegas now but Indiana people are really good people. I worked on a fishing boat on the bearing sea lol I'd rather be a electrician

[@BdDaBOMB]

Why Electrical Engineering & Electrician? (I am at an early step in this same decision path)

[@kalebott9883]

Can’t believe you didn’t mention porta pots. Those things are inhumane

[@EbonySaints]

That's why a proper diet and regular bowel movements before and after work are the most important parts of the job, so you don't have to go. You don't want to have to go in a place where up to 200+ others went and where some have a poor opinion on basic decency.

[@PrestigeWorldWide777]

Blue Sauna

[@three-phase562]

All jobs have their good points and bad points. I don't now what it is like in your area, around mine, you know that a rough job will come to an end and you can move on to something better for a while.

[@pronewun5832]

Worst part about being an electrician no one talks about is apprentice pay. You make dog shit for 4-5 years no matter how much you bust your ass.

[@cubp6370]

Worst part of being an electrician is other electrician. They argue all day and are never wrong and will set other electricians up for failure

[@americanelectrician]

I’ve seen it!

[@hsLeftist4]

That’s what my brother says is the worst part about the job. He complains about the other workers (who are older than him and should be more mature, my brothers only 19) getting into arguments about stupid things and them being in their phones

[@unfoldingcactus33]

Only thing I don’t like so far is working around fiberglass insulation

[@Red24DryBones]

The wild card of the commute is a concern of mine. The training center is 80+ minutes away depending on the time of day. Work is probably going to send me on hour long commutes often, which means I hope I earn enough to move into "civilization". I've lived a decade of two-hour long commutes,(round trip) and I'm done with that mess. It really wears a person out.

[@vq_kadin1846]

danm. i just started and it's 2hr 30 min round trip for me

[@Cartman2437]

@@vq_kadin1846 Holy fuck 2 1/2 hours commuting a day? Bro that's 50 hours a month. That's a part-time job right there. There's gotta be work closer to you

[@ElJefeSan]

Damn i did it for almost 4 years and was becoming miserable.

[@globalprofits101]

Bro an hour at least is extremely common each way in the trades. It is what it is. Keep pushing boys.

[@squidwitawig1607]

I am currently in the navy as a gas turbine electrician GSE and cant wait to go back into the civilian sector. These hours you describe are light work.

[@americanelectrician]

Point proven 😂

[@eb3872]

Anything is easy after the navy

[@GauseyYT]

Yeah just got outta the air force and im stoked to only be working 1/2 the hours i usually work lmao

[@KnobleSloth]

As an EN that got out 10 years ago, I feel like I haven't worked a day since the Navy, even working construction as an electrician. Life is gravy if you survive the Navy.

[@travalicious128]

Our small company just finished wiring a whole house within 3 days with 3 guys, all of us, to meet the deadline Friday for inspection in this Toronto home lol. Good experience, but can be a lot ...especially for a guy like me being less than a year in the trade. The pressure can be exhausting at the start, but I don't treat it as a deterrent at the end of the day. Not every day is sunshine and rainbows. I just do my best :)

[@jays6553]

Fellow torontonian here. Im 24 and trying my best to start my apprenticeship with no experience in electrical but I have been working with my hands and power tools for years. Seems like everyone hiring wants atleast a couple years experience in the trade already. Any tips on getting in?

[@travalicious128]

@@jays6553 Go to a pre apprenticeship school before just jumping in. It's safer that way you know what you're stepping into...somewhat. Also people will want to hire you after graduation. Highly recommend Herzing College..that's where I went.

[@theworldbegoinup3289]

do electricians make good money in Toronto?

[@travalicious128]

@@theworldbegoinup3289 Depends on your work ethic and outside life. Also can depend on what company you work for.

[@theworldbegoinup3289]

@@travalicious128 like can an electrician earn six figures I rlly wanna be one but ppl say its hard to become one but I've always had a passion in this trade

[@baronvonjo1929]

Here I was thinking of being a electrician. Guy today says he can't find anyone and is willing to pay 30 an hour. I have no direction in life so decided to look into it. Seems like a shifty job just like my last trades job

[@thatgameingchanel]

Same

[@ElJefeSan]

What state are you located in?

[@user-ss1ot1xu2p]

wow, 30 an hour is very good.

[@andrewk7745]

If I was ask a few years ago when I was a foreman running numerous job and a service truck too I would say massive stress! The lack of help, lack of time I could be on a particular job, phone ringing off the hook, emails all times of the day including evenings and weekends sometimes, keeping material on all the jobs for people I don’t even have time to be on, hiring subs, doing estimates, calling customers about service calls and scheduling them, dealing with all the contractors, clients, building engineers, property managers, constant deadlines for inspections on multiple jobs, keeping track of everyone’s hours on my jobs. I could of just ran my own company! Now that I left I would say 1 lack of work sometimes, 2 waking up early, 3 weather.

[@robbydash545]

Sounds like you were a superintendent. If you didn't have foreman under you than the contractor was screwing you as a foreman. Because a foreman just runs the crew and coordinates with the other trades, that's it!

[@andrewk7745]

@@robbydash545 the union considers a foreman as part of management. To my knowledge there is no limit to the number of jobs you can run or limitation on job duties. There are limitations on the number of manpower which is 10. I never ran more than 10 even though I had multiple jobs at a time, they were smaller jobs.

[@Rambleon444]

6) To be a journeyman it takes over 4 years. You need at least 720 hours of classroom instruction in an approved electrical program or apprenticeship and 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience. 7) Working on tall ladders up to 40 feet.

[@User-zl9pj]

Is that just for the union ? The 4 years bullshit , non union , if u know u know

[@drunkspartan711]

Im in trucking and my thing is i cant be away from home for too long. Is this just as profitable? I like working with my hands more so than just sitting and driving plus i love being with a team

[@ponchoslappatv5358]

I did a little side job with a private contractor when I was 18 I had a hell of a rough time dealing with those goose necks but at the end of the day they accepted me for my work ethic and dedication to be at work every day

[@eduardoig17]

An hour and a half to go from one side of the city to the other and that’s worst-case scenario? Dude that is good. Try living in Houston where it takes you an hour just to drive 10 to 15 miles during rush hour

[@lancebailey7359]

All I work in is steel and aluminum mills and it gets old once the building is up and we have to do extra add ons

[@jester6909]

Been in the trade for 5 years! Over it just enrolled in school to better my life but can always go back to it since i have maxed out my pay as a journeyman

[@abel7800]

What’s your pay? And are you union?

[@jester6909]

@@abel7800 I was making $27 as jw in phoenix but now $33 as assistant superintendent

[@abel7800]

@@jester6909 I’m starting soon with no experience but my pay starts at 16.50 but that’s good to know thank you

[@ieatmonkeys9543]

@@abel7800 which state?

[@abel7800]

@@ieatmonkeys9543 in the dmv but im actually not in the apprenticeship program just working but will apply to get in next year. They’re starting pay is $23 and maxes out at $53-$55

[@1poinucantdothat955]

I hate every job is not prevailing wages for all of US

[@patriciap1214]

I’m a female electrician in a power plant and I get up at three in the morning every day and I’m in work by five vixen cranes, tending to the turbines and generators and walking down the switchgear room so yes it has it good points and Dave points with a good pointers is that I make $91 an hour and I double time it’s even better

[@HMPRODIGY]

Damn 91 per hour is crazy 😂 congrats

[@patriciap1214]

Thank you very much but the reason I make such a high rate like that is as I’m the only one in the company that knows how to work on the big machines or turbine generators I’m the only one, so they leave me alone isn’t that wonderful?

[@HMPRODIGY]

@@patriciap1214 A positive and also a negative, huh? Lol Must be a toll on u physically some days

[@patriciap1214]

Yes, is the negative some days when the machine goes down like a 250 MW machine goes down I have to stay and get it back online. Usually they just leave me alone. I’ll tell you a funny story I was at a bar one night with a friend of mine and I had a little bit too much to drink and the plant manager called me and they brought me in like half shot in the ass and I still fix the thing so I imagine that.

[@HMPRODIGY]

@@patriciap1214 😂 some boss lady shxt right there lol

[@ValenceFlux]

I experienced a few doozies but the worst part of being an electricians apprentice was shouldering rmc up to a roof and that moment you turn the corner and your back pops several times from your neck to your tailbone until your legs go numb... that was the worst experience for me. Only a few real electricians know what I'm talking about. But I did more shouldering materials around and coring concrete than I got to wire anything. If I was lucky I got to wire some things up.

[@TylerDurden-yt6pv]

I hate working in dirty ass factories, laying in insulation in people's attics that are also covered with rat shit and getting hit head with nails that are poking through the roof, or crawl spaces covered in spider webs, and especially the times its like 10 degrees or colder outside and that's where you work all day

[@ebikingfungi5082]

The worst is after spending 20+ years and working up bs ladder just for both ankles to go and now need triple fusions in both ankles and be years befor I’m back in field if ever and really sucks I started working at 15 and now a year from 40 and faced with looking down barrel disability atleast for number years and I would give just about anything to be back at work ,I love my kids but I miss working sooooo much and going from 70k year to 20k bc only relying on my wife witch dosent have a carrier so say just saying take care your feet and ankles ,thay can be taken out from under you befor u know it much love and keep safe

[@tonyhollis3385]

The downside for me so far, is being out of work cause lack of work. I’ve been on standby over a month now because no projects are opening up because of the snow

[@chopupyourwife6193]

What state ??

[@tonyhollis3385]

@@chopupyourwife6193 eastern Washington, but I live in Idaho

[@americanelectrician]

That's insane! I am in Indiana and we can't find anyone to work!

[@xeevang1023]

Crazy because construction don't even stop for below zero degree here in Minnesota

[@tonyhollis3385]

@@xeevang1023 ya there’s a lot of construction being built where I’m at too. But with my union, no big projects are opening til warmer weather

[@tomsmith3045]

I did a lot of low voltage work when I was younger. In the commercial world, worst thing? Fiberglass in the ceilings, if I had to wade through it. In some old buildings that were retrofit I've seen as much as 36" deep, crazy and beyond annoying.

[@684avatar]

It’s a good side job to have but as far as a career unless you get a really good union job or work for some huge corporation I don’t think it’s for you.

[@edwardmcdermott9948]

You didn't mention the Porta John's how filthy they are ,with shit pilled up past the seat!!!! And the union says well look for a clean one!!!but contractors threaten the men for walking off the job !!!! And you have to stand on the seat and squat down to go!!!! In brutally cold weather or heat!!!! And all the while paying 5% dues or about $5,000 per year !!!! Do this at least once a day for 40 yrs!!!!

[@LiyaFevunet]

Yea I had to do that my first week as a non union electrician and I really became adamant on doing something else with my life

[@madeleinerobinson9435]

Thank you for being honest, man!

[@alexcrowder1673]

Ive been an AC guy and an electrician and both jobs suck lol. I'd way rather just do some framing tbh. It seems like there's less that can to wrong (ussually). Plus customers can SEE what's getting done and dont try to lowball you as much. Nothing more annoying then cutting someone a deal and then having them waste your time trying to haggle even cheaper for another 30 minutes. Especially since the company I worked for was always more than twice as cheap as ANYONE else to begin with. If you included the unpaid time at homedepot i literally made LESS than mimimum wage in both jobs. So glad i quit. I literally make more just cleaning city buses than i ever made as an electrician or AC guy. Its nice because its the same every day. No nasty surprises like trade jobs. Plus they pay absurd bonuses if anyone vomits or makes a "biological" mess of any kind. So even if the bus is nasty, it just means i get paid a bunch more for a few extra minutes of cleaning. Still glad i learned the trades though. Definitely saves me monry if nothing else.

[@Benderboy35]

Sorry to hear about the bad experiences during your AC and electrician jobs I can say I did the apprenticeship route for electrician and was getting paid 16$ an hour to start and by the end was making $35 an hour 40 hour work weeks. Trade jobs also depend on location unless you are maintenance. I work in an area with an industrial boom and a lot of companies moving in, we get amazing pay and only work 40hr a week OT is not pushed. We are unionized.

[@kana8200]

​@@Benderboy35where are you located??

[@fdrsassbitch1557]

So, you don’t like getting up early, you don’t like being hot or cold, you don’t like getting dirty, you don’t like working long hours, and you don’t like traveling. Kinda sounds like you don’t like working 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@rodolfosantana9015]

When your tired everything sucks

[@fdrsassbitch1557]

@@rodolfosantana9015you’re*

[@novell80]

I understand you. On the other hand, you can be unlucky in every other profession. Either you should ask yourself: "What can I chance to get out of my situation?" The area of the Electrical Profession is very wide.

[@rodolfosantana9015]

Yep I'm a low voltage installer and might switch up to vehicle electrician.

[@hylianknight3]

Im also in indiana, thinking about trying to get into an electrician apprenticeship, hows the pay starting as an apprentice? Is the schedule relatively consistent monday through friday, or do you work weekends?

[@americanelectrician]

The pay depends on union or not and if not then the company that’s hiring. Hours can be consistent or non stop with weekend work and long hours if the job demands it

[@keithknechg3217]

As a retired electrician ,3 places that were really bad .a giant industial pipe and steel blasting for cleaning prior to treatment,black dust everywhere.a scrap meat and bone rendering facility,smell was horrifying least liked place refinerey in bum f nowhere wyoming,.they cleaned sulfur infused gas to make it usable.if you felt a gust of breeze from a bad weld or leaky joint hold your breath back away mark where mentally to report later.one wiff would turn your lungs to jelly and destroy your brain.not to mention the elevation on some spots.installing sensors on a flair stack 8 stories tall on a 3 story building.you could see the grand tetons from there.gruesome stuff.

[@zachbrewster6828]

The trades aren’t paying shit in the south. Companies are trying to hire licensed electricians for $20-$25/hr. In Georgia anyway. IBEW pays a little better but it’s still not worth the 16 hour days and everything you mention in the video.

[@18394hjk]

Damn that’s some straight BS

[@wyattbreymeyer4033]

washington state, dakota,indiana,illinois, oregon, are probably the best state, my hometown in washington is one of the best cities in the country for electricians

[@Saixjacket]

@@wyattbreymeyer4033 where you at Wyatt? I’m all over king and Snohomish, but interested in what’s going on with places in other cities/counties

[@antonioulloa4045]

I’m in Texas 30+ for journeymen

[@bossatron1109]

As a service electrician I don’t have have to get up very early and am in nice houses most of the time but sometimes in the snow sun rain wind and it sucks

[@crackedrocks5274]

hey yall, im a highschool student exploring my career options. As an electrician is it a must for you to travel far away, or is that only for certain types of electricians?

[@ChrissGriffin2000]

I’m in a community college electrician program and no, you can pretty much go anywhere. From residential to industrial to construction the possibilities are endless and the pay is great. I say go give it a try!

[@crackedrocks5274]

@@ChrissGriffin2000 thanks man!

[@CAMMEDcivic]

Get into the apprenticeship program

[@erichovatt]

Some electricians have it pretty good. Others have an absolute hell of a time their entire career. My advice is if you have the desire and money, time etc to pursue something else do it. I love what I do because I was born to work hard. I however have made my life a whole lot harder pursuing this path. Up to you man. This trade is by far the best of all and the most highly skilled without a shadow of a doubt. If you’re up for a challenge and want to learn give it a try. Just be mentally prepared for what is ahead. It can be a great job some days. Other days you will be testing your patients and motivation. But at the end of every day I guarantee you will be proud of what you do.

[@MitchJohnson0110]

Make sure you gen into a Union. They have the best benefits and pay by far

[@christianmartinez-ox9qh]

Thank god I work for a good company with awesome guys. What get's me, however, is digging. Trying so hard to pass my J-test to be inside more.

[@safiul1930]

Need advice I am 45 and thinking to get degree in electric to be a electric technician/engineer. 2 years degree. Am I too old to get in?

[@johnii2100]

Seems like electrician is better than Hvac

[@JJones-cl4dm]

The main thing that has kicked my ass in 25 yrs of being an electrician is this damn god forsaken Texas heat. Fck me

[@yepperdeedooda]

Most people are shocked when they find out how bad I am as an electrician.

[@americanelectrician]

So bad it hurtz

[@johnbutler1279]

As I recall when I did resi work, we were never going fast enough. When we did catch up the other trades had not completed there end. So for me I would say you are never ahead of schedule.

[@charliemusto6983]

all of these things really come with any trade

[@thomaskleven8314]

15yrs in cabling. I don't like mice droppings. I can live with the cold and heat but mice yuck.

[@memphistenn710]

I hate being a electrician it sucks ass I got all my tools stolen out the gam box and the company didn't reimburse me SMH and 5 months later they laid me off I hate being a electrician

[@Acatlike_]

Are you part of a union?

[@James-sc6hq]

@@Acatlike_ crybaby union 247#

[@Acanofalconpunch]

@@James-sc6hq and the Giant Peach!

[@Kudeghraw]

Its a good thing you didn't get into plumbing. All the plights of electricians, but you have to deal with other people's feces. Imagine waking up early to show up on site at 5 AM to deal with feces?

[@jasonjason6265]

Hey pal, I am Barbender and fixer by trade. What it is called in USA? I have searched in Google but could not find out about it.I want to take courses related to Barbending in USA or skills acknowledging course so that I can transfer my 7+ experiences , do you have any suggestions? And how much they make in USA on an average?

[@MitchJohnson0110]

Barbending isn't really a job in the US all that is usually done in factories by machines. You will have to bend pipe in many jobs though. If you know how to weld becoming an Ironworker is probably your best bet

[@stephenanderson5630]

Don’t think you can talk about it unless you been in the trade for like 10-15 years. And been with multiple different companies and fields of electrical.

[@skyemac8]

Paramedic then an electrician. Back to a paramedic again. It’s still a good trade to learn.

[@18394hjk]

Why you change your mind

[@DJgoon12]

Did you become a journeyman before going back to EMS?

[@mrmacias4217]

I still wanna be this when I grow up

[@albertrodriguez5598]

Having to take over a job where the guys before you mess up all of the labeling in the panel. Currently in that predicament 😢

[@sensorylimb5235]

I am currently in college majoring in electrical engineering but I failed my first semester and I don’t wanna keep paying money if I know I’m not gonna pass I’ve never been the best in school my mind isn’t really in school I wanna be out there making money I’m still debating weather I should get my CDL and Work for my dads trucking company or become an electrician my dad makes good money a week driving his own truck he makes like 7k a week and it’s great money but also it’s stressful ik engineering is 2 but idk

[@ok-tl7qj]

Where’d ya end up at bubba? Just got out of highschool so im curious

[@Binbounty09]

Ive been working as a sparky since 2010 . I had a terrible time as an apprentice, pretty much moved every 6 months from either lack of work or terrible jobs. If i knew what i know now i prob would not have become a tradesperson. From my experience working in the GTA if your not a buisness owner or working in a large union your going to work for pennies on the dollar. You will have to provide all your own hand and power tools that will not be replaced when they break, insane commutes and terrible working conditions. I would not recomend younger people to get into the trades atm. Wages are stagnating and expectations are continuing to rise every year. Also you have to take into account you will never be able to WFH so you will always be required to live within driveable distance of your jobsites. Then you have to add the constant danger of heights, crushing accidents, inhaltion of debris from concrete and metal all while the expectations of working live is just common practice for most people ive spoken to in my time. It is just simply becoming less and less viable to do the job when certain retail stores are paying 28/h to stock shelves.

[@timeforce80]

I've been thinking about switching to electrician because of pay seems really good right now I'm studying computer maintenance and computer networking starting out I can make 20-25 an hour computer networking and entry level job I just wanted to take it I just want to start getting paid pretty well now cuz I'm about to turn 30 and I want to start I don't want to start making decent money in my late 30s I want to hopefully retire about my early mid-50s what's your opinion on it you say it's not good to get on it now is that because it's a union thing or non-union thing????

[@Binbounty09]

@@timeforce80 depending on where you live you will have to go through a 4-5 year apprenticeship. Where you will most likely make much less until you are fully licensed. One of the biggest issues I've seen is after you get licensed it becomes almost impossible to continue to increase earnings year over year. The 2 careers in question are vastly different and I don't currently see you achieving your goal by traditional means. My advice is if your going to enter the trades, you have to plan a very specific plan and path with some sort of exit strategy to a job with a saleable salary. You will simply never make a decent living working hourly nless you work 80 hours a week. I don't know about you but my job is not my life, it is a means by which I live the life I want and you can't do alot when your body is broken and your working 80h a week. Please do extensive research.

[@timeforce80]

@@Binbounty09 I greatly appreciate it I will do more research on it right now I'm in school for computer networking and maintenance and I can start off at least 20-25 an hour which isn't too bad I have a friend of mine doing HVAC I believe and he says he'll make some money doing that that's what it got me interested cuz unfortunately I should have been doing this stuff at least five or six years ago but life got in the way but thank you I look a lot more into it and see what happens I'll ask a friend of mine who's electrician and see what he thinks

[@johomi9925]

wow so true

[@MitchJohnson0110]

I always figured becoming a Union electrician was the only one that made sense. Fully benny's always and $35 an hour scale. Can't rope you into 80 hour weeks unless its in the contract, etc

[@anthonyrubio1001]

Hey guys, I barely started as an apprentice electrician and I am so demoralized. Can you guys give any tips to feel bette and more motivated to work and learn?

[@anthonyrubio1001]

By the way I work commercial, getting into industrial..

[@Isaiahkool1671]

@@anthonyrubio1001why you feel that way?

[@nickmulvey830]

Very true brother. All in all worth it

[@americanelectrician]

Thank you! Very true!

[@BestDanTheMan80]

As a UK sparkie my least favorite part of my job, is everyone els who isn't a sparkie.

[@anthonyesparsen7776]

The electrical trade is probably The cleanest lightest trade of the trades , everyone I know in the trades other then electrical have told me they wanted to be an electrician first but did not have the choice so that is why they are now plumbers, mechanical, have techs

[@alxlr328]

I see all this things about how it takes a toll on your body to the point it’s back breaking. Are they exaggerating or is it not that bad?

[@the_original_bug_god]

They're exaggerating.

[@jdizzle22396]

I’m debating on this or getting a cdl, I really don’t like how it takes 5 years just to make 70k as a journeyman electrician

[@DevJB]

"Dealing with homeowner lady; where do you want your can-lights?"

[@bakedfish3200]

Seems like you're holding back a little bit about what u really want to say but I get that. Thanks for the video tho. Keep it up

[@americanelectrician]

Those are pretty much all the points. They just tend to weigh on you pretty heavily if one is too extreme for too long

[@rolando3853]

Try being a Iron Worker Rod Buster for a week on a bridge deck than youll love sparking the wires.

[@i_maiko_i]

Do you think that doing electrical work can me learned on the fly while working ? :D I got an offer to go do outlets / lights and stuff in freshly built building but i've never done a single electrical thing in my life but it pays extremely well and the guy said he'd teach me :D It's an amazing offer moneywise but I'm scared to fuck up something and make some fatal mistake or that i won't understand anything ... but id have like 26€/h which is crazy compared to the average of maybe 8€/h in my country.... mhhm its kinda just like advanced lego .... maybe i should try it

[@cartierjayy9502]

1 year in as an apprentice and the only thing I don’t like about being an electrician is having to accommodate to every other trade and move runs we’ve already installed because the hvac foreman forgot to mention he had a damn duct that would be right where one of our runs is🫤

[@jonanderson5137]

Wired to print. Please submit a change order and pay me twice. Next job with him, you get to start breaking balls.

[@ranbandz7566]

Hello I’m from Indiana too. Any school you recommend?

[@brandonhall4631]

I know this is a late comment, but I think you're in the right trade, but the wrong field.. I absolutely hated commercial, but residential service work, is far better. it's easier to install, most customers are easygoing, you work by yourself, you can do things the way you want to( As Long as You Follow code of course) and the hours are way less grueling. You don't have to worry about all that ppe stuff, or the meetings. Or all the other crap that goes with commercial work, that we all hate. Imagine pulling up to a house that's already finished and they just want you to add to flood light, or swap out the receptacles, in the kitchen or maybe put a fluorescent light. I mean it's simple, it's easy and it's low stress. I'm studying for my electrical license now in North Carolina and that's what I'm going to continue to do but I'm going to do it for myself. I hope this helps you man best of luck to you buddy I've been where you are.

[@sigmacentauri6191]

Fiber glass insulation exposure is the worse part.... that and dealing with competitive jerks.

[@moop111]

don’t listen to this guy, the problems he listed are with just about every single trade. not only that, electricians are really needed and a lot of young ppl my age(23) tend to take the easy way out and choose welding. you won’t make as much money doing that and your job will be pretty much the same thing every day after a year or two bc it’s not that much to learn. i know guys who are 70+ years old and they’re still learning electrical. it’s really fun

[@americanelectrician]

I’m not telling people not to do it. I’m informing them. My channel is dedicated to helping inform people about the electrical trade. I think it’s a great opportunity and I try to push people towards it.

[@frank1015]

im thinking of becoming one any good companies in the midwest you know of that are good

[@anthonyesparsen7776]

No hate here brother but everywhere I've worked in my state it's always been regular working hours

[@ImperfectFilmsHD]

I'm in service so I wake up at 9am lol

[@woodsinthewoods5337]

Night shifts are pretty common in the industrial electrician jobs.

[@Greggg57]

I thought you would mention hours spent pulling wires through conduit.

[@EbonySaints]

It's one of two pulls: done in ten minutes and makes us look like geniuses, or it takes two hours and we look like losers. There's no in between.

[@kellyshea92]

Falon NV starting pay is around $100k/y I'll just wear a oilskin duster with hoddie underneath.

[@aiko_here.0_0]

yeah travel is sucks and get up early too (((( I hope it is not forever i guess it depends of location

[@RichardPieper-ni5oi]

I work at Allison’s in Indiana, I’m hesitant about going into Electrician but I think I should go for it!

[@americanelectrician]

Bro go for it!

[@civicb5357]

Time away from my family, drive time 1.5 thier, 2 hours back you can break even working a simple job anywhere else.The wear no tear on your car, No stability, some places don’t pay for insurance, most places want to buy thousands of dollars of tools. Working for someone you only make a living wage, never get rich and it takes years to be making money like a contractor. Better go to school get a 4 year degree and move fast in life up.

[@Deltathegoldenretriever]

I was in IBEW for the last 8 years worst part about it was the pay finally pushed us up from 22 to 26 but with an hour plus commute your still gonna be broke compared to the janitors at a public school

[@Astrus67]

What local? Here in 48 jw pay is almost $58 an hour

[@Kamrin.]

@@Astrus67damn, I can’t wait for that.

[@ElJefeSan]

Local 26 paying $53/hr rn but there's been a decline in work recently so big lay offs happened. Not sure when it'll pick back up.

[@Kamrin.]

@@ElJefeSan all I know is I graduate school soon, and I’m gonna try to get my Journeyman license asap. I’ve already got 3 company offers. I’d like to get my license before 25.

[@Tates206]

If you’re interested in the trades; Getting up should be a no hassle thing for anyone who wants to take the challenge.

[@atiamadiha1079]

I’m a woman and i have epilepsy I been doing roofing Demo clean outs for the past 7 years off and on now I’m in school to be an electrician/ plumber so is this safe for me with the electrical work and plumbing I mean it’s kinda too late I already am in training I just would like some feed back

[@_telnex]

Wage is high for electric