3 Things I Don’t Like About Being an Electrician
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- While I absolutely love being an electrician, these are three things about the job that I don’t like.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as an electrician then I hope I can be a resource for you. Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments and I’ll make sure to get back to you in a timely manner.
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First thing I teach my apprentices is never, and I mean NEVER, trust anyone that a circuit is dead. If they ask me, I’ll tell them on or off, but I’ll remind them to check for themselves, and not to trust my word on that. It’s a good way to teach them personal responsibility for their own safety.
god forbid I become a gay mans apprentice
when he went over that part the first thing that went through my head was "I would rather check myself" and vice versa with whoever I'd be working with.
Where I worked they required us to work on electrical stuff without even being electricians (So you know... super safe xD). It only took one time (with no electrical experience) of me getting bit by around 24 or so volts that I was like, "You said this was dead." "It should be." "Well it's *****ing NOT!" for me to make sure I had my meter and I don't even ask. If I have to work with someone I just go, "Good?" "Yeah!" then check it. Then shout back either good or not good and we'll put our locks on it. I was working with stuff all the way from 12v up to 480v. Just sucks that after almost 5 years they all still treated me like I was an idiot. I had to get out of that place and thankfully I did.
OMG I learned that the long way when I was installing a washer machine 😭
Hotstick and Meter
Honestly man even when I'm beat up I really, really enjoy the physicality. I did come into the trade with a leg up on most in that department but I get excited about stuff like running 4" rigid, pulling/terminating 600's, running 1600A busway, etc. In my first year I was able to lose 60lbs just from working hard and cleaning up my diet. You can use the physicality of the job to your advantage if you so choose.
Lmao your a clown good try though
@@fedfreds832 why?
@@fedfreds832 the fuck are you talking about? im the same way. im a pretty built guy and most people i work with give me funny nick names like captain america or arnold when we pull wire or whatever. i worked for a company that always sent me out to wire pulls because i was by far the strongest guy. what the OP said was very true. you can get jacked from this trade if youre in commercial work and do it right
@@erich1380 lmao yeah buddy keep telling yourself your the strongest guy and how you love pullin wire. It’s different from the UA-cam comment section compared to on site. If your really about it then hell yeah but I love my commercial electrician job but the last thing I wanna do is run 4 inch emt or pull wire no doubt I’ll do it that’s no problem but it’s not as fun as running half inch emt or trimming out lights and plugs
@@fedfreds832 who said anything about it being fun? Lol I'm just saying it gets you in shape. Nothing more nothing less
I’m a retired IBEW electrician and this video is spot on. Everything he said is absolutely true and needs to be considered. I loved the trade but it’s not for the weak.
If you do IBEW what routes can you go? I don’t wanna be working in houses anymore doing pest control
I’d rather work on Powerlines or commercial or something
As an electrician I feel that some of the things you've brought up as concerns are concerns in most if not all construction jobs. For example, cuts scrapes bruises. Completing a circuit shouldn't happen 99% of the time, between voltage testers, lock out tag out etc.
But I'm definitely thumbs upping. I think it's great you're getting people to check out the trades, especially the younger crowd. 👏👏
Hey Joseph!
That’s definitely true. This video pretty much applies to all construction/ trades in general.
Thanks! I really appreciate that. I think it’s important for people to know the upsides and downsides to being an electrician/ in the trades. Happy to hear that you are enjoying the content! ⚡️
@@MadElectrician Mad Electrician I am a retired union electrician 51 years. I have to say if one is doing this job for the money forget it. Expect to be traveling end up getting a bad back by the time your fifty years. I had better then average grades in high school. If one is going to get into this he cannot quite be overweight or very short. You have to working outside in all types of conditions and travel long distance and come in on weekends and at early morning hours. If you think you are going to the bathroom and talk on your cell phone do not take this job or think you can come to the job with liquor on your breathe job. You might have to go out after you have become a journey electrician and live out of motels this will cause problems in your marriage. If you have lived a shelter life forget this job. our if you have had mental problems forget this job. If you think your willing to take orders take abuse from foremen and love the job come on down. We need people in the IBEW willing to do the job. Hard drinkers and people taking drugs forget this job. Big companies on a lot of jobs make you take a drug test.
@@davidellison492 are you trolling?
@@papilol141 what makes you think he's trolling
@@davidellison492 damn man you make it sound awful
As a licensed electrician of over 40 years (and a brother -I.B.E.W) I must say I love your videos. I find them informative and enjoy your perspective on the trade. I sincerely hope it encourages young people to join the trade or any other trade for that matter. I have never regretted my decision to become an electrician even on the bad days that my hands, back and knees are suffering. That all being said, keep up the good work young man.
Hey , I’m currently a 4th apprentice with the local 52 union. Do you mind me asking how much you made per year ? After taxes..And do you recommend any tips for keeping your body in shape? I stretch daily because I already notice pains in my body and I’m not even licensed. I do enjoy what I do but often times i think about switching careers to something less dangerous and tolling on the body
As stated in the video, I absolutely love being an electrician and I would recommend this career to just about anyone. My hope is this video wouldn’t come across as a list of complaints, but rather as a list of things to consider before you choose to pursue this career. I hope that you find this info to be useful and insightful and that you ultimately decide to pursue this fantastic career despite the downsides ⚡️
100%. Every job has its pros and cons/costs and benefits. It just comes down to the individual and whether or not they think the balance is favorable and whether or not they are prepared to commit to that exchange. If it weren't worth it, though, I'd wager it wouldn't be such a competitive field. Your channel is blowing up, because people are swiftly discovering that trades are where it's at, and college is, in my humble opinion, a less and less sensible course, especially for men with an old-school work ethic.
"I can actually cut a pizza now"
Me: OH THANK GOD
Your comment wins 😂
You get a slice of pizza sliced by me 🍕
@@MadElectrician do you have to be good at math?
@@MadElectrician measurements scare me😟
Thanks for your videos! I’m an old-timer and retired // just watching UA-cam videos for entertainment.
I sure wish I had these resources before I entered the trade.
I used to be an electrical contractor with an emphasis on fire alarm / automation systems / standby power.
I was also a volunteer firefighter/ EMT before I entered the work arena and stuck with it throughout my career,
so was able to see the results of poor quality installs.
The tools available now are amazing! Stay safe and learn everything you can about EVERYTHING you can.
Always always wear proper PPE whenever risks are present.
Good luck and thanks again.!
Thanks for the encouragement and advice! I really appreciate it! It’s pretty amazing where things are at these days and the recourses that are available to people.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 NKJV
I’m not necessarily looking into becoming an electrician, but I love the idea of learning a trade. Great video.
Thanks Shawn! I appreciate you watching! ⚡️
Spot on! I’ve been an electrician in the IBEW for just short of 36 years and I endorse this!
✊🏿
How much did you make annually around your 5th year or so
@@Ken-zh2brdepends where you live here in ca you would make around 80-100 but could be more or less depending on hours and OT and your title or rank that you earn through the 5 years
Thanks for being so informative I was debating about being an electrician but I don’t think I can handle this job. Props to you bro for being an electrician it definitely doesn’t sound like a job for everybody.
What's your doubts on it?
Hey, Steven. Thank you so much for your knowledge and experience on being an electrician. I’m a veteran and served with the infantry so much of what you mentioned doesn’t bother me at all. I will be going to school to be an electrician soon and debating on a degree on electrical engineering on the side. I have an associates and went more than half way through school to be an accountant just to realize I couldn’t stand sitting still in an office all day because it drives me crazy. I’m glad to hear you enjoy the career. Thanks again for your input. I look forward to more of your videos.
Hey man, thank you for your service!
I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying the videos.
Yeah, honestly even the things I listed in this video don’t bother me too much. Most days they are not an issue. I think that either way would be fantastic. Electrical engineering is great, and so is doing the actual electrical work. I can’t speak from personal experience, but you might find that electrical engineering is also potentially a lot of sitting in an office too. That being said, you office might be at home and the stuff you could be designing could be really cool. It guess it depends what direction you decide to go with your degree.
Also, if you do decide to apply for the IBEW, just know that we have a huge amount of respect for our veterans and for that reason, you’ll probably have a very easy time getting accepted into the program.
Keep in touch and reach out for any more questions! ⚡️
Being only 125lbs it's a bit worrisome, looking into this as a career change at 29yrs old.
My cousin also died from this job (was resuscitated). But at the same time I really want to provide for my family I'm a better way, and I know this would be a profitable career path. Feeling a bit stuck
maybe be a plumber its harder on your body tho
Plumbing u deal with bio waste 😢@@Bluemann023
Gain some weight
40y/o 1st year apprentice. Somewhat worried about repetitive stress injuries in my hands. maybe I'll have some hand ice baths after work
U get used to it I’m a fisherman and I used to get them bad
1. 1:40 2. 4:52 3. 7:35
Top man
Thanks man!
You the goat. 3 predictable things that can really apply to every trade. You saved me some time.
These do definitely apply to just about every trade. ⚡️
If you begin working for an electrical contractor, politely ask for their written Lockout/Tagout policy and during your employment, hold them to it. It's 2021 and the proof that we can still "get it done" while responsibly de-energizing is in the fact that the companies that are most strict about this are often the bigger, more profitable ones.
What is a lockout/tagout policy
Several big oil plants in northern Alberta are now doing psyc tests to weed out the “git er done” people as they are the ones bypassing safety rules and causing accidents and plant outages.
@@viibesvk lockout/ragout is a process we’re you go through everything that is powering a source of something your working on and turning off the equipment you need to work on instead of working on it hot, correct term would be live. I’m an apprentice in local 613
1.Danger: arc flash, live circuit.
2. Physically demanding: repetitive tasks, carpal tunnel, raising, lifting, digging.
3. Conditions: hot, cold, silica, fiberglass, asbestos, chemicals.
The real MVP ⚡️
Great video. Helped to remind me that there are other things to consider than just the pay when looking for a job. I'm in college right now finishing my second semester and I've been looking into the trades because I'm not sure college is something I wish to continue. Thanks for posting this video.
Thanks!
It’s my absolute pleasure.
Happy to hear that you enjoyed the video!
What did you end up doing?
@@dillonmaher6265 I'm working as an electrician's apprentice making pretty good money. Getting into the trades was the best decision I've ever made.
@@just_ethanj02 nice to hear bro 😎
@@just_ethanj02 did you have to have any prior experience beforehand?
Brother I used to be a concrete finisher,
Pouring and finishing. I did not expect this job to kick my butt like it did. So many awkward positions and overhead work. I love every second of it
I’ve never ever been good in school, my grades have always been sub par, never been able to complete homework ever at least never had the discipline too, but I know being an electrician is such a good career option and I’ve been doing extensive research, what’s the workload like if u take a college course
This video is really great. You pointed out some key factors. I am actually leaving my current job to become an electrician BECAUSE of the heat. Standing/walking in the heat really sucks in my opinion. Cold weather is also not very enjoyable. I dont enjoy working above my head either but i figure I will build muscle and it will be okay. I'm personally not concerned about the manual labor if it, but that doesn't mean I enjoy it. I have more research to do, but it appears to be a great career choice.
Thanks man!! I'm thinking about becoming an apprentice. Your content is super helpful!
It’s my absolute pleasure! Happy to hear you’re enjoying it! ⚡️
As an ibew member for 26+ years. Being an electrician has been a great part of my working life. With the training that is available and worker safety that is enforced for workmen this is a great trade
local 24 checking in, i’m a 5th year apprentice and i love it, definitely best decision i’ve ever made, i’m currently doing big 500 pulls going home super tired but it’s all worth it and i say im used to it by now, great videos keep it up man!
Hey, shout outs. I'm applying to local 24 right now. First time I've seen someone from my local in someone's comments. Hope you're doing well.
hey man how is local 24 I plan on applying real soon. I am currently a junior in high school living in the maryland area. Is it possible to make 6 figs in that union and do you enjoy it
All good points ,I would add ,,double ! triple ! check the circuit you are working on is off , never trust anyone to tell you the circuit is off … mistakes do happen and you don’t want to be the recipient of some else’s mistake especially electricity . Being a business owner and Master Electrician for over 40 years it’s a great trade to be in .. There is Good and bad in all fields …
only thing im afraid of is getting electrocuted
Good keep that fear itll keep you alive, im already a Electrician idk why im watching this lmao 🤣
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Real talk! Great vids man
100%!
Thanks, Jakob! ⚡️
to whom watch this video
This is for the people who tend to start from the very beginning. 3 things will be pointless if you keep working and watch other trade workers like plumber working
However there is a useful piece of advice on this video. Safety safety safety
thank you I really appreciate this video have a good weekend
Thanks for the comment!
I’m glad that you’re enjoying the videos. Safety is definitely something to be stressed to I’m glad that you agree that that’s a good piece of advice. ⚡️
Having just topped out I can agree with these points. My first jobsite had me on a wire pulling crew, pulling massive cables. I almost quit lmao, I was a softie coming from working at a call center prior for 2 yrs.
Also working in FL sucks! It's so hot and humid, but you do get used to it, still not super enjoyable weather.
Agreed. The thing I dislike most is doing really repetitive work. Putting in 1000's of receptacles or lights as an apprentice sucked... But it's gotta get done. Also, sometimes you gotta work in unheated buildings in the winter, or worse, out in the elements during winter, that's shitty and I try not to get in a bad mood, but I don't look forward to those days. Especially if it's < -30 outside.
1. Is dangerous and can be not your fault if you get hurt.
2. Physically demanding- on feet looking up all day, repetitive movements hard on body.
3. Work environment can be challenging (too cold hot or disgusting)
I know this was a video about things you don't like about being an electrician but strangely enough it further solidified my decision to apply to my local next month. I love your videos and I've been taking notes. Thank you very much! I'm definitely following a lot of your advice.
This man speaks 100% truth.
Is it worth it?
You flatter me bro @dailyelectrician.
@@theseedoflife5825 10,000% Trades are where it's at and being a sparky is the best thing to be
@@theseedoflife5825 that feeling you get when you are looking at a clean and square run of EMT that all bends nicely to land into a nicely made-up panel that you made up makes all the aches+pains+cuts+bruises worth it.
Being able to grab a couple sticks of conduit whether it’s 1/2” EMT or 4” rigid and using your hands and imagination to make the material sing is an indescribable thing to admire if the end result is not only up to code/functional but aesthetically pleasing.
Thanks Steven, everything has a a sweet and sour. You are keeping it real. Literally. Cheers
Absolutely! You’re very welcome. Glad to hear that you are annoying the videos! ⚡️
I was in the IBEW Apprenticeship , but didn't finish it. I think over the years the IBEW let to many people into the program and it's easy to get pushed aside if you don't already have experience or some background in it coming out of high school. So, I would recommend that new people work at least 1 year non-union or take a first year non-union electrical course before joining the IBEW if you didn't go to tech or trade school.
Your videos are great. I’ve been sending them to my nephew to try and convince him that it is a great career. Also a Local 26 electrician that specializes in fire alarm like you did. Keep making these videos. They speak the truth.
Worst shit about it for me
1.) Hands: hands are constantly getting beat to death like flathead bludgeons ya palm, sharp metal etc
2.) Attics/Crawlspaces: hot or cold af, and insulation and pests and rat shit are not fun places to be, nor on your hands and knees on studs where’s if u raise up just slightly too high, might catch a nail/screw in the cranium cap
3.) Flood lights and areas up high you can’t get to very easily, ground might not be level, might be bushes, very shitty
But at the end of the day it’s better than being a plumber HVAC or any other trade really the job when done safely can be really chill work
having only been an apprentice five months now my arms are already well aquainted with freakin insulation
Welcome to the trade my friend 😂
Despite the downsides I mentioned in the video, this is an awesome career and I really love it. ⚡️
Yeah, insulation sucks. I’ve recently heard that covering your arms in corn starch helps filling in your pores and prevents fiber glass from stick to your skin.
@@josephflanagan2527 that sounds worhh a try, thanks!
I posted that comment after an afternoon spending hours in a hot attic without long sleeves so I was a little salty about the situation lmao
Try buying a side sleeper pillow it helped my neck pain and now i wake up and my neck is a lot better
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll definitely look into it!
Working at a chicken plant is about as raw of a nasty environment as you can be in. I mean, just the pink foul smelling ooze that creeps out the wall after hammer drilling an anchor hole was enough for some of the guys/gals to "drag-up". Paper mills can be pretty gnarly as well. Different types of "liquor soaps" will straight up cause your work boots to smoke in the process of chemically eating your boots away! Conversely you could be working in an ultrasanitary environment like certain "clean rooms" needed for scientific work and ite server equipment rooms as well. Started in this trade in 2002 with the JATC, topped out top of my class in 2007, now here it is already 2021! yet I still really enjoy and appreciate this trade. Probably hands down the smartest decision I ever made. There is a lot of opportunity in different directions this trade could take you that you wouldn't possibly imagine was out there when you first started. Keep up the great work. IBEW Local 80 member here. Look forward to watching your channel grow brother! ✊
I think the worst thing for me is crawling around hot attics in 100 degree temperatures, plowing through loose fiberglass insulation, while maneuvering through tight ranch house attic!
Pffft residential noob
My aptitude test is on Saturday and I'm nervous af! I hope I get the chance to rep the IBEW local 241!
Hey man! Right on! I’m sure you’ve already seen my aptitude test video, but if you haven’t be sure to check that one out. Where is Local 241 located? I’m sure you’ll kill it man. Wishing you the best of luck and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you 🤞🏼⚡️
@@MadElectrician 241 is located in and around Ithaca, NY. Way less populated than Portland for sure but I'm not taking anything for granted.
I poured over your test video but ill probably watch it daily until Saturday lol. I haven't been in school since 2009 so the math has me spooked but I've been studying best I can using Kahn Academy.
Oh wow, nice. A less populated areas sounds nice 😂
Haha, awesome! Yeah, Khan academy is really a life saver when it comes to preparing for the aptitude test.
How'd it go
I've been a master electrician for 25 years half my life. I'm self employed and have the privilege of not working around people who are mentally inclined to understand our job . You say about getting hurt could be cus of someone else fault just don't put yourself in that situation . Always know what the environment around you consist of . Just saying be aware of the task at hand and you will be ok. I actually insisted my son not to become an electrician. You guys stay safe and always alert.
Damn so it’s that dangerous of being an electrician?
@unknownman1035 it is if you’re stupid
I love your videos and I’m getting myself psyched up to get into the apprenticeship. Now that it’s raining, how do you guys stay safe when you’re working outside?
Thanks man! Glad to hear that!
Aside from that first project I was on, I’ve been working inside. Most of the time we work inside and weather isn’t an issue. For the electricians that are unfortunately working outside during this time, it would probably come down to just bundling up, wearing rain gear, and making it happen. I think that if was pouring down rain then contractors might not want or allow people to work outside. Depending on the contractor of course.
I live the Salt Lake City area, and started my career in Denver, and if you live in an area that gets cold all winter long, I hate to tell you there’s not much getting out of it. You may a few times in your career get snowed or rained out of a job site, but its not common. My advice, invest in some thermals, bibs or flannel lined pants, and good gloves (I use polar penguins). Embrace the suck. The longer you do it, the less it will phase you. My first two winters were brutal, but after that I got used to it. Bitching about it only makes the time go slower, and it only makes you feel colder. Put a smile on your face and power through.
Proudly retired from IBEW #3 after 30+ years. You are %100 correct it is a physically demanding job and it can be dangerous. Your Local should pay attention to physical conditioning the members for the job. I have watched to many brothers who were not physically fit and put both themselves and other brothers at risk. This is something the IBEW needs to pay attention to. This would help reduce the job injury rate and lower the disabilty rates for the contractors. One more comment it is a lot easier being an electrician than humping a M-16 in Vietnam!
Do you think it’s possible to be an electrician and not have physical issues when older
@@r3251Try being a millwright once.
Me a roofer switching to electrician because it’s safer, “being an electrician is dangerous” 😂
It’s definitely relative. Being a roofer is much more dangerous, no question.
After 4.5 years of doing electrical work, what I dislike the most is the general conditions we have to work in.
You'll be working on the 3rd floor running an EMT rack. Your foreman approaches you and says you need to run the conduits from point A in the air to point B into a 24x24 junction box. There's a sense of urgency in his voice.
He leaves and as you try to move your scissor lift into the area, you see the framers have 2 huge piles of 20 ft metal studs blocking the work area. Also, the drywallers have 2 pallets of joint compound blocking the other path. There's trash, chicken bones, styrofoam food containers, and spit stains on the concrete floor.
You get off your lift to go find a pallet jack and come back in 15 minutes to see that a drywaller has stolen your lift to go finish a wall. Your foreman comes back in an hour and is unhappy that nothing has gotten accomplished yet.
Lmaoooo, this hit close to him.
I had similar happen all the time in retail in the backroom. People would block lanes, leave garbage behind, steal your tubs and carts when you went to open a path. Pallets were the worst. Not even fire exits were safe. If there was a fire, people would die without a doubt in my mind. That's how disorganized it was. I should have reported it.
This was a good video. Gave more insight... Not just focused on the great things but real life hurdles. 👍🏾
Thanks!
That’s really the goal with this video. Some people see it as a list of complaints but that’s not the point at all. I just want people to be well informed and know the potential downsides. Love this trade and I would highly recommend it. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
Glad you enjoyed the video ⚡️
@@MadElectrician I am at the interviewing stage. I hope to have soaked up the tips you have displayed in the other video lol following on instagram as well. 🤓
What advice do you have for female electricians or apprenticeship members?
Disabled from your last example. Backfed, not labeled, and I wasn't even working on the box I was getting up to it. Got hung up on 277 full load, ladder saved my life.. the broken back and plethora of other things like a TBI and Narcolepsy however was alternate.
On a side note..
Seen Arc Flashes from faulty breakers, dust, and tools. People want to believe they will be safe their entire career, and expect people around them to as well.. complacency and stress can be a killer.
15 years in the trade (IBEW and non). Did commercial, residential, generator/gentech, data facility, industrial, and some tele/fire back in the day.
Stay safe everyone!
something my boss told me is to not be afraid of the electricity but respect it. also keep a 2x4 handy incase you gotta push someone off lmao
I’m starting my eltricle apprenticeship out of high school soon, and for the last three years I’ve worked In carpentry and framing, along with tile and many others, and no job is ever 100% safe and no matter how much gloves etc you were, will always end up with scratches, bruises etc. lifting and carrying heavy stuff happens more often than many people think. The trades can be for just about anyone, and they offer so many advantages over other careers, but you pay for your advantages in ways like these. And this isn’t to try and deter anyone, it’s just to help better prepare you for whatever your choice is. I personally think the rewards outweigh the risk is eltricle or carpentry or plumbing simply because of the community that you can be a part of and juts because these are the best jobs ever in my opinion.
Everything I don’t like about being an electrician will be solved when I finish my apprenticeship
I definitely wouldn’t go into it with that mentality. This video is meant to be informative for people wanting to know the potential downsides. The few things I could think of for this video I think would still be downsides even after turning out; however, in my opinion these aren’t big enough downsides to not pursue this as a career, as every job has downsides. I really love my job as an electrician and I think this is a fantastic career, both as an apprentice and as a journeyman ⚡️
@@MadElectrician oh my bad man, I wasn’t saying your reasons will be resolved after I finish, I was saying my own personal reasons would be resolved. Cool of you to reply! Cheers
Ah, gotcha! You’re good man! I wasn’t exactly sure how you were saying that either. I see now though. I appreciate you commenting and watching! ⚡️
From an electrician to an electrician.
Pro tip - start your own business, you won't have to do all the things you don't like.
Did 13 years in Calif as,a commercial electrician. But that was enough. Pros Good work good pay. Cons. Dangerous. Shady contractors. Waits between jobs. Working on top of other trades.
Was an automotive apprentice/technican for 6 years. I've had enough of the trade, just not for me. I've been considering going this route as currently I'm working as an advisor for the technicians and I miss working with my hands
Why? What's wrong with the industry?
i wanna be just like u when i grow up
Be careful what you wish for 😉
I used to do construction, using steel wire to hang metal grates for concrete molds.... but for almost the past year I’ve been getting paid to sit in an office, chill with my dog and smoke weed 💀
Get in shape before you get into the TRADES. Learn how to lift heavy shit properly and KNOW your physical limits.
God nothing makes me more mad than when someone turns a circuit on without calling it out over the radio, especially when you’re at the phase of a job where you have guys energizing equipment and guys also working on circuits and equipment. Lock your shit out, I’ve learned that the hard way. I’m a very calm person by nature but I’ve just about leveled a couple of guys for doing that shit, especially because I call everything out over the radio if I have it turned off, (again this was before I started locking everything out). I agree with most of the stuff you’ve brought up, and to anyone who reads this and is looking to get into the trade, it will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. The first couple years are hard, and you WILL have days or even weeks that it just doesn’t pay to show up and you’ll want to quit. Don’t quit. This can be a very lucrative career both financially and in you own life outside of finances. You will get out what you put in. Show up on time, work hard, and do everything with a smile. Hard as that can be sometimes, faking a smile has gotten me through many a tough day, and I’ll never regret faking a smile. What I do regret is letting minor issues ruin my day, week, or month. And as I touched on before, safety is everything and there is nothing anywhere on any job site worth putting your safety or your life at risk. If you don’t feel safe, find someone who can help you do it safely or provide you with the equipment to do it safely. The old timers might hassle you for your safety glasses or gloves, but at the end of the day, it’s your life on the line, not theirs. And you’re gonna look a lot worse with a glass eye than you will wearing safety glasses with two working eyes.
Drilling into the concrete ceiling. Safety Glasses!
My favorite. Good times ⚡️
The danger of electricity is a fucking scary thing. I used what, we atleast in denmark refer to as a pair of technics scissors, wich works really well cutting zipties. i was cutting them off a 5*20 cable and pushed to hard and ended up cutting into the wire and that welded the scissor blades together. thank fucking god i went hospital afterwards
Great videos. I would add that in terms of the physical strain on the body, that tradespeople should seek the therapy they need to recover their bodies. I see many tradesmen even in the union sector that don't use their medical benefits. Just like professional athletes that have the best physio and massage therapists, we are so blessed in the union to have these benefits and I think all should use them to avoid pain at work and in their personal life. Find a good team of therapists and stick with them through out your career!
What benefits? In southern California our hospitals are so damn expensive you can get $8,000 worth of treatment and still have to pay around $3,000. And turns out the "treatment" was 5 mins with a doctor and an ibuprofen!
@@vgrepairs they mean physical therapy and massage, which is not stuff you'd typically get at a hospital. medical benefits can be used to pay for a physical therapist and/or a massage therapist, it's not just for hospitals and seeing a medical doctor.
@@picksey4736 WHAT Healthcare do you have. I don't get any of that and my coworkers rave about how good our insurance is.
@@duncangale945 noone uses pronouns bro thats some 0.00000001% of the population sh't.
The hard work is worth the pay what reallllllyyyyy sucks is driving to the job sites. I have to drive 1 to 2 hours for work everyday
That would be rough.
I’m fortunate to work only about 45 minutes on average away from home. I have helped out on some other jobs that were a couple of hours away, but that was just for optional overtime.
I got out of the construction side of electrical work and into maintenance at a facility close to home for that reason, was tired of the long drives, the traffic and out of pocket expenses for gas and wear and tear on my personal truck that I bought new (and not the first one either) which had over 200K miles on it while still making payments. I could have been a foreman or even a general foreman with a company truck and avoided that part but didn't want the headaches of running a crew or dealing with the pressure of the general contractor pushing ridiculous deadlines to complete a large job.
Been hung up doing 277v lighting in a warehouse renovation on the neutral. My wrist was tingling the rest of the day.
I wanna be an electrician. Sounds safer than my job
It’s a great career. I love it! Despite what I mentioned in the video, it’s really not too bad. If you’re being smart and take things seriously then you can really mitigate the risk.
You should go for it ⚡️
Facts I do logging rightnow lol
Logging makes electrical work look cute 😂
Spot on with everything you pointed out . And like you even tho these are a factor I still choose to be an electrician today and love it! Don’t see myself making 6 figures a year any other way! Thanks for the video
How much work would you say is outdoors?
Gotta love life huh. Living the Dream, righT
You’re darn right ⚡️
like everyone has been saying you experience these things in every trade, but electrical work is one of the least labor intensive trades. Some specialty work might be exempt from this but in general its light work. No pun intended.
4th year apprentice IBEW Local 134 Chicago IL. Great video for newbies covers alot of very real topics that everyone in this line of work will experience sooner rather than later. Despite all this I still love what I do and look forward to a long career and a great retirement.
Unions are communist
@@The_Ladder_Perspective then communism pay me 150k a year. plus pay my PPO BCBS healthcare and 2 pension plans plus and annuity worth well over a Mil when I retire then fuck yah for communism!
How has it been since being topped put as a Journeyman and working in Chicagoland area
@@sumidk7674 I love it dude! It was a lot of hard work to get to this point but it is very rewarding and I have become a skilled tradesman. Just got done with United Airlines build out at Willis Tower now I’m doing another build out for Core Industrial at 110N Wacker Dr. We need more people in the trades and I’ve been trying to encourage more people to join but the work is not for everyone.
hey man , i am really interested in becoming an electrician & really appreciate the information you are putting on youtube! maybe in the longrun it is good to get one of those expensive massage armchairs , i mean not the cheap ones, but realy the expensive , they can do wonders when it comes to stiffness after a hard day of work
Also just to let you know just bc someone has a electrical license it doesn’t mean there good bc the test is just looking things up in a code book
I’m considering this job. I actually wanted to go into the navy as an EM. Thanks for the vid it gave me some things to consider
I was an AT, (aviation electronics technician). It helped me get a job as an electronics technician. I do component level repair. If you want to be an electrician, try to become an EM
@@rachael564 yeah my dad spoke with me about that. It sounds interesting, what things do ATs do?
@@liamjensen7775 they work on aircraft electronics.
Thank you for the video
Thanks for watching it!
What sucks about being a licensed electrician is almost any job only starts out at $15 an hour sometimes lower
Do you have to travel a lot? I am worried about traveling straining personal relationships.
I don’t travel all that far, as an apprentice myself I’ve only traveled out of state a few times out of the three years on the job.
For me it is no indoor plumbing and no air conditioning in the summer!
Thank you for your channel. I’ve been binge watching and have gotten a lot of good information. I just had my interview with IBEW. Looking forward to joining the brotherhood.
Hey John!
You're very welcome! That's really cool to hear. How to you feel like your interview went?
Honestly, any of those risks don't sound as bad to me personally as selling my soul to the corporate machine or military.. both options I seriously considered.. not to say those aren't valid complaints. But as a plumber apprentice, im used to most of these risks, except for being electrocuted to death😅.
People don't realize how much side money there is in electrical work. Hardly a week goes by that someone calls and needs my help.
what state are you in and how'd you get in the trade?also whats the starting pay?
@@planettiktok3258 Philadelphia Pennsylvania. I started a trade in 11th grade in HS. Unions start at 16 to 20 an hour. After 5 years in Philly the rate is around $60 per hour.
I appreciate this video. Mainly since I realize this may not be the profession for me.
Thanks for watching! Like I said in the video, these are just the main downsides that I want people to be aware of, but to me these aren't a list of complaints or a deal breaker for me. Just some of the realities of the trade. That being said, this kind of work definitely isn't for everyone and there isn't anything wrong with that.
Really nice video. I've learned as I have gotten older that if conditions are not so great I make my own conditions. Meaning I do everything in my power to improve my conditions for myself and others.
Hey thanks man I'm really looking forward too my carrear as an Electrician did my research of the dangers and this was helpful the Laborers Said ysll work in AC mostly but I knew yall work in different elements
working outside in the winter. i a ditch along the side of the road in the winter.. the top of a 50 story building in the winter
Those don't sound like ideal scenarios to me. I'm not a huge fan of working in the freezing cold. That being said, sometimes the job requires it and I'm happy to do whatever needs to be done ⚡️
I've been an electrician for 42 years and still get a charge ( no pun intended) from running a light circuit, flipping the switch on and it works! Kinda silly, but true.
How would you say this work is on your back? I’m 22 and have arthritis in my back, and considered joining the union, but have been kind of skeptical about because I’m not sure how the work is. Any feed back would be awesome, thanks.
Same age as you brotha, never been in the the union, but took the test and it was relatively hard. So study hard for it, if you’re serious. And I heard they have a lot of repetitive tasks when you work in the union so keep that in mind
I think it will depend on the company that your work for more than whether or not you work for the union or not. It will also really depend on the type of work that you are doing. Like Edward said, when I first started out I was doing a lot of repetitive work at my companies prefab shop. It wasn’t hard on my back but I definitely felt it in other places.
The work I’be been doing for the past few years now isn’t very repetitive at all, but there are times when it can be daily physically demanding.
I would say that generally as an electrician you won’t be putting much strain on your back. That’s relative to floor guys, drywallers, roofers, etc, who put a lot of strain in their backs.
I think if you’re worried about your back then becoming an electrician is a good trade to get into. You can also just be straight up with your employer when you get in. They should be understanding.
All trade work is tough on your whole body, bud.
Great 👍 3 main reasons for sure!
Thanks! I appreciate you watching! ⚡️
Thanks, good to know!
You’re very welcome!
At what age did you start your apprenticeship?
Hey Moises! I was 22 when I first started my apprenticeship.
@@MadElectrician cool i was supposed to start my apprenticeship at 19 but because of covid im starting at age 20
That’s still so young to be starting this! Good for you! You’ll potentially be a journeyman by the time you’re 25 which is just insane 🤯
@@MadElectrician just turn 18 started my first year at my vocational school
Test before touch
Exactly! ⚡️
Bro you gotta start doing pour-over coffee. Tastes better and looks awesome on video!
I really should, especially since my wife is a barista. 😂
Dust would be my biggest concern, surely working in PPE includes wearing masks/respirators, right?
Is being an electrician super hard on your knees
My biggest apprehension is hours; what times of day do you work usually, and what length of shifts do you normally have? Thank u !!
Hey Lana!
It definitely depends on the company that you end up working for, what job you're on, and what hours they choose to work.
My schedule is from 6am-2:30. I get home from work just after 3:00 so I feel like I still have most of the day to spend with my family. It's much better than my previous job at AT&T where I would often times work from 9am-6pm.
There's not really any way of knowing for sure what your schedule will be like before you get in, but the trades in general start early and get off early.
Hope that helps!
how old is too old to become an electrician?
50. I’m 27 and hope to be a decent electrician by 34 and a master at 40 retire around 65. But those are my (uninformed) opinions.
I didn’t know how much I’d have to run pipe and pull wires. Lol. I’m doing electrical testing now 😂
Honestly i regret every day i chose to be electrician. Now, i do not know what to do next.
Why? I’m thinking about it but I don’t want physical problems when I’m older.
@@r3251 he dissed his job and never came back💀
You have a point but every job has it’s ups and downs.
Absolutely! This video is just pointing out the downsides specific to electrical work, though in my opinion they aren’t big enough reasons not to become one. Just trying to help inform people who are interested in the trade and curious about it. ⚡️
been a electrician since 83 it not a easy life but its not a bad job you don t go to the same place all the time and you can travel if you like but what he said is right its not for ever body and your hands will look rough after a couple decades and you will get shocked no way around it if you stay in it long but most people that do it are good people
Would you say that salaries for electricians will rise in the future since it is in high demand?
Hey Daniel!
I would definitely say so. Electrical work isn’t going anywhere, and as technology continues to advance we will need electricians to install it. Also with people retiring and not as many young people interested in the trades these days the demand for electricians will only go up.
Here at Local 48, we just found out that starting in January we are getting a raise and will be making at least $50/ hour. A few years ago our hourly rate was only $42. Of course this will all depends on where you live, but in general I think we will continue to see wages increase.
@@MadElectrician Oh awesome! I live in WA, neighbors with Oregon and I've been thinking about it much more. Thanks for the info!
Nice! PNW for the win ⚡️
Anytime bro!
Hey Daniel. I too live in Washington, and my local unions in snohomish and king county pay journeyman something like 55 and 65 dollars an hour. When including their benefits packages you're making like 100 an hour (insurance for your family, 401k, pension)
@@Ironsack91 Holy Cow! That's an insane income. Do you know how long it'll take to become a Journeyman?