Advice on major career change

[27 sailfish]

Need advice/opinions on changing careers. I own a small business that insulates piping and ductwork in commercial buildings. Been in the trade since I was 18 ( 27 yrs ) and have had my own business for almost 15 years.

The job provides a nice income but I really do not enjoy my job anymore. Never really liked it but the pay has always been good. Now I dread going to work. Everything is paid off and fair amount in the bank. Right now I'm down to a few part time workers and not a lot of future work is on the books. Seems the right time to change careers. I really do not see the construction sector picking up for some time.

I love diving - without a doubt it is one of the coolest things I have done. Right off the bat - the first time I went underwater in a pool with scuba gear - I was hooked. I enjoy diving in the bay and have no trouble in zero viz or currents.

There is a school in NJ that trains divers to be commercial divers. Intense class - takes almost 5 months to complete. I'm going to drive up next week to see the school and talk more in depth to the instructors.

Now for my question. Anyone out there ever shift gears and do something like this ? My wife hates seeing me unhappy with work and knows I belong on or under the water. It's a huge step to take but feels right.

[B-Faithful]

Look into underwater welding... I am told there is a big demand for them from the gulf coast to any major port city. I remember in college meeting one who was making what he claimed to be great money.

[rocksteady]

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/05_02/tunanetDM2805_800x536.jpg :D

[deep blue]

Sounds like the decision has already been made. Go for the dream. Best wishes.

[hackeyfly]

I feel your pain, Skip- I've been laid off for some months now from my career as a construction materials testing/inspection manager. Not sure what to do, have many skills but they all seem to involve building of some sort, and that ain't too good these days. Don't want to turn wrenches, I love it as a hobby and I'm damn good, but I don't want my tools sitting in someone elses building, and I can't afford to duplicate the stuff. Management is management, logistics is logistics, but times are damn lean, and there's a hundred applications for every vacancy. The network of connections I've built over the last 20 years, well, they're all holding on by the skin of their teeth themselves. I'd look into the diving angle, they say if you do something you love, you won't work a day in your life. Now who needs someone to fly their corporate plane, or take tourists for rides at the beach in a Waco or Stearman?:D Towing banners for $12/hr ain't gonna cut it ...
Good luck
Pat in Joppa

[SommerTime]

Hey Skip: I just turned 70 a few months ago. I don't blame you for thinking about changing your career. My advice is be careful to choose a career that doesn't get to be too much for your body as you get older, i.e. pro-sportsmen don't last to a very late age. Look at the field your are planning to go into and what are the age of the people in that field. Also, remember what is fun as a hobby is no longer fun when it is a job.

You could always be a Parker Captain!

[Chumbucket]

Hey Skip: I just turned 70 a few months ago. I don't blame you for thinking about changing your career. My advice is be careful to choose a career that doesn't get to be too much for your body as you get older, i.e. pro-sportsmen don't last to a very late age. Look at the field your are planning to go into and what are the age of the people in that field. Also, remember what is fun as a hobby is no longer fun when it is a job.

You could always be a Parker Captain!

No truer words were ever spoken, every last one of 'em...

[RiverCat09]

Skip,

Have you ever considered getting your captain's license and being a guide? You could guide both fishing and diving trips on the bay, off Ocean City, and in the various flooded rock quarries, etc.

I’ve had a pipe dream of being a guide myself, but never really acted on it. I’ve been told that I am getting to the point where I could pull it off, and in my opinion, I don’t hold a candle to you. Imagine what you could do? You would have clients galore.

I’ve grown sick and tired myself of the rat race that is the construction industry to the point where I consider myself a highly compensated slave. I feel for you Skip. Good luck in whatever you do.

[philk999]

Skip I got this email from Ed M the other day and I thought it fits your question perfectly and adds a little humor.

Rob is a commercial saturation diver for Global Divers in Louisiana He performs underwater repairs on offshore drilling rigs. Below is an E-mail he sent to his sister. She then sent it to radio station 103.2 FM in Ft. Wayne , Indiana , who was sponsoring a worst job experience contest. Needless to say, she won.

Hi Sue,
Just another note from your bottom-dwelling brother.

Last week I had a bad day at the office. I know you've been feeling down lately at work, so I thought I would share my dilemma with you to make you realize it's not so bad after all. Before I can tell you what happened to me, I first must bore you with a few technicalities of my job.

As you know, my office lies at the bottom of the sea. I wear a suit to the office. It's a wet suit. This time of year the water is quite cool. So what we do to keep warm is this: We have a diesel powered industrial water heater. This $20,000 piece of equipment sucks the water out of the sea. It heats it to a delightful temperature. It then pumps it down to the diver through a garden hose, which is taped to the air hose.

Now this sounds like a darn good plan, and I've used it several times with no complaints.
What I do, when I get to the bottom and start working, is take the hose and stuff it down the back of my wet suit. This floods my whole suit with warm water. It's like working in a Jacuzzi.

Everything was going well until all of a sudden, my butt started to itch.. So, of course, I scratched it. This only made things worse. With in a few seconds my butt started to burn.. I pulled the hose out from my back, but the damage was done. In agony I realized what had happened.

The hot water machine had sucked up a jellyfish and pumped it into my suit. Now, since I don't have any hair on my back, the jellyfish couldn't stick to it.. However, the crack of my butt was not as fortunate.

When I scratched what I thought was an itch, I was actually grinding the jellyfish into the crack of my butt.

I informed the dive supervisor of my dilemma over the communicator. His instructions were unclear due to the fact that he, along with five other divers, were all laughing hysterically.

Needless to say I aborted the dive. I was instructed to make three agonizing in-water decompression stops totaling thirty-five minutes before I could reach the surface to begin my chamber dry decompression.

When I arrived at the surface, I was wearing nothing but my brass helmet. As I climbed out of the water, the medic, with tears of laughter running down his face, handed me a tube of cream and told me to rub it on my butt as soon as I got in the chamber.

The cream put the fire out, but I couldn't poop for two days because my butt was swollen shut. So, next time you're having a bad day at work, think about how much worse it would be if you had a jellyfish shoved up your butt.

Now repeat to yourself, 'I love my job, I love my job, I love my job.'

Now whenever you have a bad day, ask yourself, is this a jellyfish bad day?

May you NEVER have a jellyfish bad day!!!!!
Pass this on to all your friends, just in case they're having a bad day!!!


But seriously, if you hate your job, it really is not worth staying at it. Life is just to damn short to do something you hate. Find something else you may like doing, just make sure it gives you the time to do the things you want to do.

[kidz]

Skip do not know you personally, but read your posts and hear about your fishing abilities and kindness. It is a no brainer, fishing guide and diving business. Your reputation will help you to succeed. Your background with Wish a Fish and doing similar things with othe groups like Inner city kids and military vets could give you a new career possibilty.The diving could be part time. Wish you luck with what ever you decide to do. I feel for you, I been pouring concrete for over 30 years and it has become too physical for me. Too many aches and pains the day after. Also with work non-existent, I have had to get by with only two days a week of work. Last winter was brutal, no work at all.

[bring_em_on]

Hi Skip,

There's an old man that's given me some great advice over the years. Probably the best he ever gave me was saying "The only thing in life I EVER worked for was money". Since he told me that, I've had a whole different view of work. Personally, I don't think that it matters what we do...we're just not going to be thrilled with HAVING to do it.

Now, with that said, you brought up some good points about the future in your industry. Sounds pretty skimpy for the near future so it's hard to even just work for the money.

So why not look into something else? If it's something that interests you and something your capable of doing..go for it. Not sure how much of a market there is around here for you so you may be looking at other life changes, too. Maybe you can get on with an underwater pipeline crew off the coast of FL. Wouldn't that just suck having to move there? :D

Best of luck to you. I'm in a similar situation that you're in. I'm trying to get a business of the ground so I can roll in $$$.

Keith

[goose70]

Hey Skip: I just turned 70 a few months ago. I don't blame you for thinking about changing your career. My advice is be careful to choose a career that doesn't get to be too much for your body as you get older, i.e. pro-sportsmen don't last to a very late age. Look at the field your are planning to go into and what are the age of the people in that field. Also, remember what is fun as a hobby is no longer fun when it is a job.

You could always be a Parker Captain!


Here, here! Skip, sounds like you owe it to yourself to continue to seriously look into this, including looking into what the job market is like (esp. for older...ehem..."more mature" entrants:D). I would not rely on any school to explain the job market, though...you'll need to talk to people in the field. Another consideration is relocation and travel. The market may be booming in Mobile or Dubai, but saturated in Maryland.

I guess what I'm saying is, don't simply chase your dream. Instead, carefully evaluate what about the job you think makes it your dream job, then evaluate which of those things your current profession does not permit you to do.

As it stands now, your job currently allows you to fish and dive in a year more than most of us will do in a lifetime. I would not be surprised if a diving job actually causes you to have to cut down significantly on those two hobbies. You also have the economics to consider, as you are obviously doing. At any rate, those are the types of things that I would think through very carefully. Good luck either way.

[Capt. John Deering]

skip, i think age will play a major role in your future diving career. might be worth talking about when you visit the school.

i think the idea of chartering/guiding is a worthwhile avenue for you to pursue, perhaps in conjunction with diving. most small boat charters/guides guys are not doing bad, even in this economy. key is the overhead which is much lower than a larger more traditional charterboat.

you need to be good with people and can never have a bad day. the thing i don't like about it is the phone calls, emails and keeping up with various changes, lets not forget weather days, and the re-scheduling or cancellations that follow.

i was watching tv the other night and a news guy sourced a study of recession proof jobs, can't remember all but medical areas are good and yes, small boat owner/ operators of charter/guides businesses. darn near fell of the chair. wife said, boy your lucky doing what you want. she is right although the years are catching up.


don't get me wrong i have other income as do other guides i know, or they still have working spouses. but i still like the hunt.

[old bird]

Skip,
I have to agree with Capt. John.

But maybe thats cause I'm gettin Old

[gscaton1]

Underwater welding. I know a person who does this makes very good money. You are still young and if you can search for your dream and be happy. You have to long to go to not be happy. PS Could you wait until after live lineing is over, thanks

[Scurvy Dog]

Skip-

I have a recent job change I thought I would share. Back in April 2008, I left a decent paying federal job after 27 years of service. I was not happy with the way the job was going, mostly due to upper management visions not being in line with mine. I was also very tired of the routine nature of the work without the ability to move forward (not $$ wise but sense of accomplishment wise). Like you I wanted to do more with my life and feel good about what I was doing.

In April 2008, I took a similar type of job, but this time having management responsibilty, with a State University. I took a moderate pay cut and a cut in benefits (turns out that the pay cut was more than expected because of the State budget problems and no salary increases-not even cost of living). I'm not complaining here ... the job changed my energy level and outlook...it was a refreshing change. It was a very tough decision to make but I did it and had to tell myself many times, not to look back at my decision, but to move forward. This is my advice to you. If you can honestly tell yourself not to look back. that will help you with such a change. I've HO'd twice with you and have read probably 5,000 of your 10,000 plus posts and its obvious you are a very driven person. Be sure your change allows for that drive of yours to go free.

Now the ironic part. Life takes many strange turns and your job change could set you up for more unexpected change later in life. Long story short for me in this regard is that I just started another new job last week. I'm back in the federal service and now the supervisor of my former boss (who recommended me for the position).

Talk things through with yourself and family...it helped me.

Best to you

Tom

[bebopper]

There's alot of difference between ho's and clients. Don't depend on this board to support you enough to be a full time guide on the waters of the Chesapeake. As others have said, doing something as a hobby is totally different then doing it for a living. You do have the advantage of knowing what it is like to be self employed so most of the pitfalls of this you are already aware of. You posted recently about the slaughter going on down the bay by hook and line commercials live lining and we all know the recs are taking their fair share. Can we depend on DNR to protect these fish in the long term to provide a decent living for the charter business. What if we need another 5 yr. moritorium and there are no decent blues this time to take up the slack. I'd think really hard and long before I made the Chesapeake Bay my living.

Diiving on the other hand may be a wide open field. I know there are guys who clean boat bottoms in marinas, remove and replace props and all kinds of underwater work on pleasure boats. May not sound fancy but I bet they do all right. You know how people will spend tons on their boats to keep them shipshape.

It may, or may not be, the right time to make a career change due to the times but it sounds like the field you are currently in would not be hard to return to if things did not work out. Go for it. No use to sit around 20 yrs from regretting that you didn't try.

[WHACKMASTER]

Skip,
Your body will be your own worst enemy. As you know mine is breaking down rapidly. Due to my misspent youth of football , rugby , and violent car wrecks it hurts me to even walk despite four surgeries last year. Not to rain on your parade or dreams you might think of something less labor intensive. Maybe a divemaster or instructor.
Construction has been great for a long time but I think we are in for a LONG lull. Lots are looking at other careers.
We have a large commercial job at Reagan National and I think every minute of flying again. Sadly no money there either and gone 3 weeks out of the month.

Best of luck.

Jeff

[TEAM BILL ME]

Celabrating the life of Branch Kreppel,, Id say theres a market skip.
Good luck, follow your heart.

[AIK68J]

Skip Here is something not many people know about it is not quite the diving in the bay thing with water all around but it has some longevity for more mature entrants
Hyperbaric medical technology. National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (http://www.nbdhmt.org/) National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (http://www.nbdhmt.org/dmt.html) work in a nice safe hospital with chamber get to work with people. Hosptials ain't closing depending on the amount of work might be able to swing 10 hr shifts work 4 days a week gives you 3 days a week off regular (some places I know don't have holiday and weekends shift so off for all) check plus a speciality certification that not many people have. Chambers can be aboard off-shore drilling rigs, on oil and gas production platform support vessels, on research vessels and at shore-based island marine science facilities
Hyperbaric chamber treatment on rise in Maryland hospitals | Daily Record, The (Baltimore) | Find Articles at BNET (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4183/is_20060413/ai_n16170464/)

[Abter1]

Skip:
Good news: Snopes has a piece on the diver and the jellyfish story.
snopes.com: Jellyfish in Wetsuit (http://www.snopes.com/humor/letters/diver.asp)

"This snippet of e-lore began its life on the Internet in October 1998. Whether it's an honest account or not is more difficult to determine than its date of origin, though. A number of the details provided argue against its being anything other than an inventive piece of fiction, so the textual claim of "true story" should be taken with a grain of sea salt.

A diving outfit by the name of <A HREF="http://www.globalind.com/" onMouseOver="window.status='Global Industries';return true" onMouseOut="window.status='';return true" TARGET=global>Global Industries</A> does operate out of Louisiana. They specialize in deepwater diving, underwater welding technology, and subsea completions. However, those knowledgeable about diving have pointed out that technical divers working in deep water wear dry suits (or even hot water suits for very deep dives), not wetsuits. (A wetsuit is open and allows water to circulate between it and the diver's body. A dry suit seals at the wrist and neck and prevents water from entering.) "Brian's" claim to have been wearing a wetsuit while engaged in a dive so deep that it required three "water stops" (slang for <NOBR>"in-water</NOBR> decompression stops") on the way back up to prevent the bends is therefore suspect."

Bad news: even if that was a true story, it still sounds better than than a lot of days at my office job, and may be better than life at a job you dread that isn't keeping you busy enough to stay out of trouble.

We only live once. Life is truly too short to drink bad wine or do what your heart isn't into. Coulda/woulda/shoulda will catch up with you sooner or later.

[Charlie S]

Skip, I think you know for yourself that trying to make a living Chartering FT is a pipe dream these days. Just ask any of them! They are dying out there! The vast majority of those Hook & Liners at the Gas Docks are Charter Guys trying to make a living!!!
That being said, I still think that a career change is a good thing and you should go for it! The diving thing sounds great and I'm sure that once you investigate the opportunities up at that school, you will be in a better position to make a decision.
Whatever you do, you MUST be happy at your job, there is no way around that. I think your wife is your best source of advice, she knows you better than any of us here on TF. She will steer you in the right direction.
Good luck and God bless!
Capt Charlie

[garlien]

I think its simple...You only live once...You have worked hard all your life...take a chance, more often than not things work out for the best !

BTW - Knew an underwater welder when I was younger, might not be the safest job, but there is always a need, and the money and time off are great !

[TEAM BILL ME]

why cant you, guide-charter, dive,survey,,,,etc lots of opportunity,,did i spell that right???
no denying you have water, talent,, in your blood.
maybe build a 72 plank on frame custom sportfish,, ill help!!! my dream. do all, thats what a waterman does.

[gimmeshelter]

With all of your Bay adventures I think a Discovery Channel show should be looked into. Become even more of a star and get paid to keep
doing what you are already doing. Lots of potential guest stars from this board. Sixty minute comedy-10 episodes. $100,000 per episode.:thumbup:
Sound good?

Good Luck

[27 sailfish]

To all - thank you for the advice/kind words.

To fill you in on a few things I left out. First off, when I was 30 or so - I really looked into being a charter captain. It is a very tough way to make a living. Just paying the health insurance for the family would eat the profits. The other reason I decided against it is selfish but true - I like to reel in fish too much. True somedays I let the people with me reel them all in but I still have the option to take a turn.

The other thing was a stroke of fate. We bought property in Costa Rica about 7 years ago. Plan was to cash out up here and move there and build a home - then run a charter boat/dive operation. Well , we got an offer we could not refuse on the land and as much as I hated selling - turned out for the best. Right now there is little tourism in Costa Rica so we would not have any income :eek:.

From what I've read - the underwater diving is fine until I'm about 55 or so - 10 years. Then hopefully I can advance to training or another above water job. I do know rec. divers in their 80's.

It's funny at my regular job. When it is blazing hot in the boiler room - I just tell myself. Get the job over with and you can fish 2-3 days :yes:.

The idea of buying a Dunkin' Donuts was funny :D but I'd eat the profits.

Thanks again for the advice. I'll see how the school is next week - that will help a lot in my decision.

[JERRY NORRIS]

Hackeyfly check your pmail.

Jerry

[2 Jims]

Here, here! Skip, sounds like you owe it to yourself to continue to seriously look into this, including looking into what the job market is like (esp. for older...ehem..."more mature" entrants:D). I would not rely on any school to explain the job market, though...you'll need to talk to people in the field. Another consideration is relocation and travel. The market may be booming in Mobile or Dubai, but saturated in Maryland.

I guess what I'm saying is, don't simply chase your dream. Instead, carefully evaluate what about the job you think makes it your dream job, then evaluate which of those things your current profession does not permit you to do.

As it stands now, your job currently allows you to fish and dive in a year more than most of us will do in a lifetime. I would not be surprised if a diving job actually causes you to have to cut down significantly on those two hobbies. You also have the economics to consider, as you are obviously doing. At any rate, those are the types of things that I would think through very carefully. Good luck either way.

Skip,
I think Goose and Capt. John said it the best.

You stated you are OK money wise. You have a million options. You are in a situation that many people aren't.

You have drive. You will be sucessful in anything you do.

Test the waters, as you said you will talk to them folks at the diving school.

Life is too short to hate work, wife, etc. If it Sux...get rid of it. (I know Mrs. 27 Sailfishfish is a great woman....a keeper).

I have a lot of friends, we all have them. They hate getting up for work, they hate the drive to work, hate their boss, hate their co-workers, hate the drive home, and Bit$%#h to their spouse about it every day.

I didn't know what I wanted to do until I was 44 years old, I'll be 47 this year. I think you are younger than me. I won't be a millionaire. But, I love getting up, I love going to work,, I love talking to my customers, I love fishing, Liz loves working the store...even though she has a "real job" 5 days a week.

Quality of life when you are happy is priceless. Figger out what it is...your dream..than go after it like you do with Trophy Rock. You love it, you are the the Best...it will show in your future endevours.

I have a few ideas that I am working on.....we need to have a beer soon. Something we might be able to do together.

Best of Luck,
Jim

[smellslikefish]

I feel your pain Skip....... I started working in garages at 15....... Used to go to school all day then go to work until closing time. At age 37, I am about done turning wrenches. I'ts not the working on cars that bothers me, its having to deal with knucklehead parts people, and people that just dont want to spend any money on there cars...... Most people are trending towards buying a new car rather than put 2 car payments worth of work into there vehicle. Plus the fact that cars really are bein built alot better these days, buissness seems to dwindle every year........Lately, it seems like I do more charrity work on my immediate families cars than paying customers.

In 2000, my wife and I did invest in a few rental houses, and they are working out pretty good for us....... Although cash flows are small now, when these homes are becoming paid of, hopefully we will have some nice passive income coming in from them. But I would love to just dive into something comepletly different, and fresh........ but with no college education, what? Now that I work from the home, it would be tough giving up all that freedom to fish during the week. What a dillema:wacko:

[goinsfishin]

Skip,
I've made 2 career changes at the ripe old age of 47 and am trying to decide what I want to do when I grow up..........have an idea to run by you......I'll call you in the next couple days....

[Sparky]

Diving on privately owned sail and power boats is an area that may have potential. Areas with lots of competative sail boat racing have people diving every week and power boaters trying to increase fuel savings also are hiring divers more frquently. Short time in water and on to next job in your boat or truck. Write off both. Once a customer base is built and marina contacts made a sustainable income might be possible. And as always your'e on or in the water and fishing when not on a job. Wait, never mind...I will retire from the firefighting and do this myself.

Greg

[Flyguy]

Skip...I think you should open a donut shop. Then teach others to fish. I like donuts as well.


Skip do not know you personally, but read your posts and hear about your fishing abilities and kindness. It is a no brainer, fishing guide and diving business. Your reputation will help you to succeed. Your background with Wish a Fish and doing similar things with othe groups like Inner city kids and military vets could give you a new career possibilty.The diving could be part time. Wish you luck with what ever you decide to do. I feel for you, I been pouring concrete for over 30 years and it has become too physical for me. Too many aches and pains the day after. Also with work non-existent, I have had to get by with only two days a week of work. Last winter was brutal, no work at all.

[Jerry Grimes]

Hey Skip: I just turned 70 a few months ago. I don't blame you for thinking about changing your career. My advice is be careful to choose a career that doesn't get to be too much for your body as you get older, i.e. pro-sportsmen don't last to a very late age. Look at the field your are planning to go into and what are the age of the people in that field. Also, remember what is fun as a hobby is no longer fun when it is a job.

You could always be a Parker Captain!

Skip as you know Sommer Time and I are just about the same age and I agree with him 100% even though I`m lucky still in pretty good health /physical shape I couldn`t do what I did for a living now.As other advised look before ya leap.,but then again you can always head up to Duch Harbour and greenhorn on a crab boat:D:D

[wino]

OK here is the bottom line, the grass always looks greener when it comes to our jobs, that is why they call it work not play. Most people hate their jobs because of the boredom. I think it would be a major adjustment trying to work for someone once you have been a business owner. I tried it once in my lifetime for 4 years, it was a great job had almost 500 people under me, something just wasn't right and I quit to buy another business. The underwater field although it is expanding the bulk of the jobs are low pay and usually the workers are much younger. I don't think it is a field for people over 40 except at management or ownership level.
Charter and fishing guides are having tough times now, the bay is dead and in places like Florida where there are way to many guides for the amou nt of business it is hard times. Working for someone else is going to limit your fun time and your hobbies like fishing and diving are going to be limited to weekends only, then you have to pray to the weather gods. I say suck it up before you have to move you family and start over, retirement is not easy either, sit back take a deep breadth and give it a very hard thought.

[stuffer]

Skip I thought I was reading part of my biography,when i read your post. I was an engineer with a fortune 500 company. Salary was good, and I stayed with them for 20 years. From the time I was a kid I had a hobby. It was Taxidermy. I was good at it and loved working at it. After putting three kids through colledge, and paying off my mortgage, I decided to give up my security and go into taxidermy full time. A stupid decision? Perhaps. But my wife agreed that I should go for it. That was some 25 years ago. My taxidermy hobby grew into a prosperous business. My son who was a school teacher, joined me in the business. We now employ 4 people, and specialize in custom mounts from all over the world. I have never regretted my decision, and have loved every minute of my second career. GO FOR IT!

[Who Cares]

I hope that everyone is having a great weekend... I was reading the first page of this thread and seems some of you guys are having issues finding work right now... I am a recruiter for Aerotek and might be able to help some of you guys that are having problems finding work. If you of you would like me to keep an eye out for you let me know.. my work e-mail is robbates@aerotek.com

Later

[Chumbucket]

Skip I thought I was reading part of my biography,when i read your post. I was an engineer with a fortune 500 company. Salary was good, and I stayed with them for 20 years. From the time I was a kid I had a hobby. It was Taxidermy. I was good at it and loved working at it. After putting three kids through colledge, and paying off my mortgage, I decided to give up my security and go into taxidermy full time. A stupid decision? Perhaps. But my wife agreed that I should go for it. That was some 25 years ago. My taxidermy hobby grew into a prosperous business. My son who was a school teacher, joined me in the business. We now employ 4 people, and specialize in custom mounts from all over the world. I have never regretted my decision, and have loved every minute of my second career. GO FOR IT!

That's one heck of an inspiring testimonial right there, but what Wino had to say makes a lot of sense too...The fella that spoke earlier about being real careful about making your love/hobby your job was on target, it becomes work. Pretty soon you'll find it to be work, and you won't do it unless you can bill for it. Now Stuffer here, he managed to find something he loves and he can combine into a profitable profession, and that's outstanding, but taxidermy shares a lot more with pursuits like writing, or painting, or decoy carving, or almost anything but diving...

If you have to rely upon your body to do your job, or for that matter, stay alive, age matters, Skip...Give it a realistic assessment and set milestones in such a way that leaves you an out if you need it financially. The class is a good start, getting smarter and learning from those who have been there and done that is always a good idea. One question: Can you take a stab at this, assuming the class goes well, and get a feel for if it will work without bailing on your current situation entirely? Part time? I dunno...

[Deep 6]

That's one heck of an inspiring testimonial right there, but what Wino had to say makes a lot of sense too...The fella that spoke earlier about being real careful about making your love/hobby your job was on target, it becomes work. Pretty soon you'll find it to be work, and you won't do it unless you can bill for it. Now Stuffer here, he managed to find something he loves and he can combine into a profitable profession, and that's outstanding, but taxidermy shares a lot more with pursuits like writing, or painting, or decoy carving, or almost anything but diving...

If you have to rely upon your body to do your job, or for that matter, stay alive, age matters, Skip...Give it a realistic assessment and set milestones in such a way that leaves you an out if you need it financially. The class is a good start, getting smarter and learning from those who have been there and done that is always a good idea. One question: Can you take a stab at this, assuming the class goes well, and get a feel for if it will work without bailing on your current situation entirely? Part time? I dunno...


A diving carreer is Feast or Famine, don't forget the competition of ROV's. As one who had this career early in life, it's tough, dirty and usually for a young carefree person with no family. It takes long periods of time to break into the field. The employers that use these people skills want known results from divers. Your not going to get work without proven history, it's also not without risk.

HM2/DV

[BigWillJ]

Ditto what most have said on all sides.

Allow me to offer up a little bit more on the tough love side - sometimes all it takes when you get to a breaking away point in your life is simply an attitude change. Surprising how it can bring you back to a realization that "things" ain't all that bad.

That said, much luck with the training class. For sure, it'll help one way or the other.

And much success with whatever your decision turns into, whether it be status quo, or a change.

[Chumbucket]

A diving carreer is Feast or Famine, don't forget the competition of ROV's. As one who had this career early in life, it's tough, dirty and usually for a young carefree person with no family. It takes long periods of time to break into the field. The employers that use these people skills want known results from divers. Your not going to get work without proven history, it's also not without risk.

HM2/DV

This is true. I knew an underwater welder once upon a time, he was a bull, nothing could beat him, but he wasn't underwater welding when I knew him, he had moved on. Skip? The worst feeling in the world is getting beaten, and getting beaten by your own body, so you can't perform what you can do in your sleep...

Every click of that clock is against you. Use that brain God gave you, entropy isn't kind.

[stevej00]

Skip, The good thing is your making the considerations with your family..even your extended family's input. I have a friend who dropped a great job for a change...somewhat surprised his family w/o having shared "transitional plans"...It seemed so stressful.

You have a ton of talents....soudns like to me you should think about staying local...start scrubbing boat bottoms...get a hook and line license. If what you do for every day employment is a tolerable thing and simple for you is there a way for you to get hooked up with someone you can sub for to get more business ?

We've talked about a few things in the past that sounded pretty good that were around the water that you seemed real interested in...If that's where your love is.

Give me a call if you want to snag a beer if you need a non-biased sounding board with little input.

I agree on the Dunkin Donuts thing...at least you know we'd all come and get our coffee and donuts from you.

BTW...I think the list method is great and input from those who do what you want to do and checking out the age limitations that everyone mentioned so far is very smart. Your a caring guy who seems to pride yourself on integrety, honesty, and quality...


I think about a relocation and career change everyday...or at least every other day.

[Chesapeake TJAM]

Skip-I'll be sending you a PM.

[Maralba]

Read "New Passages" by Gail Sheehy.

[Echo]

OK here is the bottom line, the grass always looks greener when it comes to our jobs, that is why they call it work not play. Most people hate their jobs because of the boredom. I think it would be a major adjustment trying to work for someone once you have been a business owner. I tried it once in my lifetime for 4 years, it was a great job had almost 500 people under me, something just wasn't right and I quit to buy another business. The underwater field although it is expanding the bulk of the jobs are low pay and usually the workers are much younger. I don't think it is a field for people over 40 except at management or ownership level.
Charter and fishing guides are having tough times now, the bay is dead and in places like Florida where there are way to many guides for the amou nt of business it is hard times. Working for someone else is going to limit your fun time and your hobbies like fishing and diving are going to be limited to weekends only, then you have to pray to the weather gods. I say suck it up before you have to move you family and start over, retirement is not easy either, sit back take a deep breadth and give it a very hard thought.

Truer words have never been spoken. Steve's age, wisdom and experience should be carefully considered.

Skip I'm going through the same god damn thing right now. Questioning 30 years of a stressful, but enjoyable career. Its never ever been this bad.

We are in uncharted waters. Seek the advice of elders, not fellow 50,40 and 30 somethings.

[Chumbucket]

Truer words have never been spoken. Steve's age, wisdom and experience should be carefully considered.

Skip I'm going through the same god damn thing right now. Questioning 30 years of a stressful, but enjoyable career. Its never ever been this bad.

We are in uncharted waters. Seek the advice of elders, not fellow 50,40 and 30 somethings.

....That's right, Skip, so you should set forth tonight, don't waste a moment....You need to find an 8,000 year old man, and we'll all keep our fingers crossed he's not a moron...

[Bay Bob]

One thought - - - you will be amazed at how fast your body can "go south" when you get a bit older. Arthritis can nearly cripple you in just a couple of years, especially if you had a very physically demanding job or hobbies.

Hope for the best but prepare for the worst - - -

[JimRockfish]

Skip - Here's another line of thought. The treasure hunting business has gotten pretty big. People are investing big money in ships, crews, divers and technology aimed at finding sunken treasure. It requires long timeframes away from home and braving some tough sea conditions but I would think you are in a position to offer your services. You could also incorporate, buy or lease a ship and strike out on your own. Then in 25 years, sell the business, get a metal detector and some baggy shorts ..... Jim

Treasure hunting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treasure_hunting)

[JoshKaptur]

I don't know what I'd do if I saw a report from you in the winter and you weren't wearing an arundel insulation sweatshirt!!!!

[Muireadach]

I b-mailed you.

[Aches n Pains]

Skip,

Met a guy the other day that might know something about diving opportunities in the Solomons/bay area.

Harry Langley
MCS Machine Shop
950 Costner Rd.
Lusby, Md. 20657
410-326-2001

Langley is a major family name in Calvert County. Really fascinating guy. Does a lot of design work for pier fittings, etc. Might know how that type of stuff gets erected. If you're in the area it's worth the time just to talk with Harry and see his machine shop.

Good luck.

Doug

[blodg]

You know those surveys you get with a gagillion choices for things?

If'n ya get one for future job choices, don't check the one for garage door repairman:D

[Navig8r]

Skip,
I'm a little late to the party, but I suspect you won't see many seasoned citizens at the diving school. I grew up in south Florida and considered a diving job when I was growing up. I learned that there are relatively few commercial divers over the age of 40 still working. It is physically demanding and a young man's job. Most of the management rose through the ranks, so not an easy entry there, either.

You know anything about computers? Some good options there if you can get the MS and network tickets.

[bring_em_on]

There's always the career as a garage door repairman! :D

[Tom Hughes]

Skip: Go for it. Especially if you have your woman behind you.
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Keep the business you have built up for 15 years also. Hire someone to run your small business while you get started in another.
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It’s always good to have something to fall back on if things don’t work out.

[Tombass123]

Skip-
after diving yesterday scraping barnacles off the a sailboat keel, I have have alot of respect for your diving bravery! i got nervous just being around a dock in 9 feet of water! sure is dark down there...
Go for it!

[jeffrey.bean]

Hey Skip, I did the comm diving thing in the early 90's, had a blast. Havent been in the business for years, but there should be plenty of work around the bay. I did alot of concrete work.

Good luck with what ever path you choose

[Long Range]

If the dive thing doesnt work out you always have your charter business to keep you afloat. Thank God for early season C&R!!

[CJacobs2]

If the dive thing doesnt work out you always have your charter business to keep you afloat. Thank God for early season C&R!!

:eek2:

[throwback]

Makes sense to keep your business and let someone else run it for you while you explore diving as a career. You may be able to do both and when the economy recovers you would be able to choose where you want to go. I'm a contractor too although in the high end area of airports, museums and university buildings. The downturn can really get you to question whether you have the will to stay with it.
Now what I'm about to say will get some of our unevolved members on this board to react negatively but you are a good dude and from what I can tell pretty self aware, so I'll lay it out there... Allow me to suggest that you look into some psychological counceling (with a real doctor and not a doctor Phil type). Many people are unhappy for reasons that aren't really related to the thing they think it is. Before you dump your business and chase a dream take the time to know your own mind. In my case, I had to learn to be happy in the place I was rather than blame it on other circumstances. There's a lot in life that we don't control. The way we respond to adversity is something we can control though. Good luck and God's speed.

[27 sailfish]

Throwback - funny but I just had a very thorough check up. Blood work , heart , whole 9 yards. I wanted to rule out Lyme disease/other ailments as to why I'm feeling this way. Been going on for a long time.

I hear you on the head doctor - that actually my next stop. I'm thinking my job just has no challenge for me anymore and that I'm bored with it. My doctor explained I'm not 21 anymore but 45 is too young to slow down - at least in my book.

It may end up being a case of " the grass is greener on the other side ".

I'm leaning toward part time diving -others point out how working for someone else might be tough to get used to again.

[Striper In]

I'm leaning toward part time diving -others point out how working for someone else might be tough to get used to again.

Hey Skip

I'm in the same field I have always been in, been a manager for years,Had my own business, but 9/11 wiped me out in the International freight forwarding field and I could never recover, I closed up and went and worked for large company,

I made a switch in July 4 years ago when I was 45 from that company with 200 + employee's to a company with 4 and I have never been happier, we now have 7 and still the best place I have worked for....they take care of the employee's, it may be hard to find but working for someone else is not all that bad if you can find the right company.
Just more food for thought.

Good luck!